bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attentional bias predicts heroin relapse following treatment
Authors: Marissen Marlies A. E. , Franken Ingmar H. A. , Waters Andrew J. , Blanken Peter , Van Den Brink Wim , Hendriks Vincent M.
Published: June 2006

Aims  Previous studies have shown that abstinent heroin addicts exhibit an attentional bias to heroin‐related stimuli. It has been suggested that attentional bias may represent a vulnerability to relapse into drug use. In the present study, the predictive value of pre‐treatment attentional bias on relapse was examined in a population of abstinent heroin addicts. Further, the effect of cue exposure therapy (CET) on attentional bias was studied.

Design  Participants were assigned randomly to receive nine sessions of CET or placebo psychotherapy.

Setting  An in‐patient drug abuse treatment setting.

Participants  Abstinent heroin‐dependent patients.

Measurements  Participants completed the emotional Stroop task both before and after completing treatment.

Findings  Pre‐treatment attentional bias predicted relapse at 3‐month follow‐up, even when controlling for self‐reported cravings at the test session. Further, attentional bias was reduced in both groups after therapy, independent of treatment condition.

Conclusions  Attentional bias may tap an important component of drug dependence as it is a predictor of opiate relapse. However, CET does not specifically reduce attentional bias.
Impaired vasoreactivity in bodybuilders using androgenic anabolic steroids
Authors: Lane H. A. , Grace F. , Smith J. C. , Morris K. , Cockcroft J. , Scanlon M. F. , Davies J. S.
Published: June 2006

Background  Anabolic androgenic steroids are used by some bodybuilders to enhance performance. While the cardiovascular implications of supraphysiological androgen levels requires further clarification, use is associated with sudden death, left ventricular hypertrophy, thrombo‐embolism and cerebro‐vascular events.

Materials and methods  To further understand the effect of androgenic anabolic steroid abuse on vascular function, this study assessed vascular stiffness (pulse‐wave analysis) and cardiovascular risk factors in 28 male, bodybuilding subjects, of whom ten were actively receiving anabolic agents (group A; 26·4 ± 7·2 years) and eight had undergone a 3‐month ‘wash‐out’ period (group B; 32·1 ± 7·1 years). The remaining ten bodybuilding subjects (group C; 24·4 ± 4·4 years) denied any past use of anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. Comparisons were made with ten sedentary male controls (group D, 29·3 ± 4·7 years).

Results  Endothelial independent dilatation in response to glycerol trinitrate was significantly impaired in the group currently using anabolic steroids (group A) compared with the other three groups [A (5·63 ± 3·24%) versus; B (11·10 ± 4·91%), C (17·88 ± 9·2%) and D (14·46 ± 3·9%), P < 0·0005, respectively], whereas no significant differences in endothelial‐dependant dilatation were detected between the groups [A (5·0 ± 3·0%), B (7·4 ± 3·4%), C (9·6 ± 4·5%) and D (8·2 ± 3·3%), P < 0·059, respectively].

Conclusions  Previous studies described a decline in vascular reactivity occurring in bodybuilding subjects which is independent of anabolic steroid use and may result from smooth muscle hypertrophy with increased vascular stiffness. This study revealed impaired vascular reactivity associated with anabolic agents and that improvement in vascular function may occur following their discontinuation.
The association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with febrile non‐hemolytic transfusion reaction in multitransfused patients
Authors: Addas‐Carvalho M. , Salles T. S. I. , Saad S. T. O.
Published: June 2006

summary.  Cytokines are associated with inflammatory responses including febrile non‐hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR). Moreover, there are some polymorphisms of these cytokine genes associated with different levels of gene expression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms with the occurrence of FNHTR in multitransfused patients. We studied two groups of transfused patients: one presenting FNHTR before 20 transfusions of red blood cells concentrates and the other which never presented FNHTR even after 20 transfusions. The gene polymorphisms studied were IL1B−511C/T and +3953C/T, IL1RN (intron 2, variable number tandem repeat), IL6–174G/C, IL10−1082G/A and −819C/T, TNF‐308G/A and LTA+253G/A using polymerase chain reaction and restriction digestion or sequencing methods. An association of IL1RN*2·2 genotype with the occurrence of precocious FNHTR (P < 0·025) was detected. This allele and this genotype have been related with higher serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐1βin vivo and higher promoter activity. No other association was demonstrated. The association of gene polymorphisms related with the increase of inflammatory cytokine gene expression may be a relevant factor in FNHTR and requires confirmation.
Orthotopic ovarian transplant – review and three surgical techniques
Authors: Mhatre Pravin , Mhatre Jyoti
Published: June 2006

Abstract:  Transplantation of organs is a rapidly expanding faculty of medicine. While the solid organ transplantation has grown by leaps and bounds, ovarian transplantation is still in its infancy. Although recent interest has been generated for preservation of fertility in cancer therapy patients, other indications have emerged. Ovarian dysgenesis with missing normal ovarian complement and premature ovarian failure has come in the forefront. Three cases of orthotopic ovarian transplant with different surgical techniques have been described along with a brief overview.
Iron
Authors: Roger Simon
Published: June 2006

Date written: May 2005

Final submission: August 2005
Pathological study of Fitz–Hugh–Curtis syndrome evaluated from fallopian tube damage
Authors: Kobayashi Yuko , Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Kitade Mari , Kikuchi Iwaho , Sato Yuichi , Kinoshita Katsuyuki
Published: June 2006

Aim:  To analyze the causative pathogen, surgical indication and fallopian tube damages in Fitz–Hugh–Curtis syndrome (FHCS) cases diagnosed by laparoscopy.

Methods:  Laparoscopic findings in 3568 cases at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, 108 cases were diagnosed to have FHCS and examined for causative pathogens. Chlamydial infection was determined by both Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) antigens in the cervix and serum anti‐CT antibodies. One hundred and four cases with chronic FHCS were divided into hydrosalpinx (H) and normal (N) groups based on the fallopian tube conditions, and were compared for patient profiles, tubal functions and perihepatic adhesion.

Results:  Among surgical indications, tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancy were more often associated with FHCS than any other diseases. The primary causative pathogen of FHCS was CT. In 104 cases with chronic FHCS, there was no difference in CT antigen positivity between the H and N groups. The serum anti‐CT IgG titer also did not differ between the two groups, although anti‐CT IgA was slightly higher in the H group. The peritubal adhesion score was significantly higher in the H group, but it was not correlated with the degree of perihepatic adhesion.

Conclusion:  While some FHCS patients had severe fallopian tube dysfunctions, such as hydrosalpinx and tubal occlusion, 30% of FHCS cases did not show any abnormalities in the fallopian tube. Our study indicated that the severity of tubal dysfunctions associated with FHCS is determined by the host’s reactivity to CT.
Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in southern Asian women
Authors: Senanayake Hemantha , Seneviratne Sanjeewa , Ariyaratne Hemal , Wijeratne Sumeda
Published: June 2006

Aim:  To compare fasting plasma glucose (FPG) against 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG), following a carbohydrate meal, for screening of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in southern Asian women with one or more risk factors.

Methods:  A comparative study was conducted at a university obstetric unit in Sri Lanka. Two hundred and seventy one women undergoing oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to the WHO criteria of 1999 had a 2‐h PPPG performed within the following week. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and correlation coefficients for predicting a diagnosis of GDM and areas under receiver–operator curves (ROC) were calculated for FPG and PPPG. The ability to predict GDM and to reduce the need for OGTT were the main outcome measures.

Results:  The mean period of gestation was 26.43 weeks (SD = 5.4) Seventy‐five (27.7%) women were diagnosed with GDM. The optimal threshold for FPG was 4.4 mmol/L and for PPPG 4.7 mmol/L. At these, sensitivity was 92.0% and 90.7%, specificity 48.7% and 25.4% and the areas under the ROC 0.82 and 0.73 for FPG and PPPG, respectively. Nine (12%) women could be diagnosed as having GDM on the basis of the FPG being above the threshold.

Conclusions:  FPG is superior to 2‐h PPPG for screening high‐risk women for GDM. Nine women were diagnosed as having GDM on the basis of having an FPG above 7 mmol/L. FPG could reduce the number of OGTT needed by 40.9%, compared to 20.6% by PPPG. FPG is a less cumbersome and cost‐effective screening test.
Effects of hormone replacement therapy regimens on mammographic breast density: The role of progestins
Authors: Topal Naile Bolca , Ayhan Serdal , Topal Ugur , Bilgin Tufan
Published: June 2006

Aim:  To evaluate the effects of different regimens of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on mammographic breast density.

Methods:  Mammograms of 113 healthy postmenopausal women who were on different HRT regimens were evaluated retrospectively. All women had a baseline mammography and at least one mammogram after at least 12 months of HRT. Four parenchymal patterns were considered mammographically. Quantification of density changes that occurred on follow‐up mammograms was done qualitatively and with reference to densities on baseline mammograms.

Results:  Sixty women were treated with a continuous estrogen‐progestin combination; 16 with a cyclic estrogen‐progestin combination and 37 were with estrogen only. Twenty‐six women had increased mammographic density after HRT. Mammographic density increase was detected in 23 women (38.3%) of the continuous estrogen‐progestin combination group, two women (12.5%) of the cyclic estrogen‐progestin combination group and one woman (2.7%) of the estrogen‐only group. Mammographic density increase was more common among women in the continuous estrogen‐progestin combination group than the other groups and this difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Breast density increase was observed in 18 of 30 women (60%) with higher doses of progestin compared to 5 of 30 women (16.7%) with lower dose (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Postmenopausal HRT may increase mammographic breast density. Breast density appears to be mostly affected by higher doses and continuous administration of progestin.
Two‐stage totally minimally invasive approach for acute complicated diverticulitis
Authors: Mutter D. , Bouras G. , Forgione A. , Vix M. , Leroy J. , Marescaux J.
Published: June 2006

Objectives  Surgical options for acute diverticulitis with peritonitis include Hartmann's procedure or resection and primary anastomosis with or without a stoma. Initial laparoscopic lavage and drainage can control the acute intra‐abdominal sepsis to allow for a delayed definitive procedure in nonemergency conditions. Potential advantages include the avoidance of a laparotomy, stoma and local infections at the origin of dehiscence and incisional hernias. We evaluated this approach in a selected group of patients.

Methods  Patients with intra‐abdominal pus secondary to diverticular perforation requiring surgery were included in the study. Patients with localized pus amenable to computerized tomography (CT)‐guided drainage, faecal peritonitis, severe generalized peritonitis, and those in which the perforation was spontaneously visible were excluded. Standard demographic data, CT findings, intra‐operative findings and postoperative outcomes were analysed.

Results  Ten patients were suitable for the approach. Mean patient age was 60.2 years. Mean body mass index was 28.2 m2/kg. Mean postoperative stay was 8.5 days and uneventful in all patients. One patient re‐presented after 3 weeks with acute peritonitis requiring open sigmoidectomy. Six patients successfully underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis 2–3 months later. Two patients were not re‐operated because of comorbidity and one refused surgery.

Conclusions  A two‐stage totally minimally invasive approach may be a safe alternative strategy for selected cases of acute complicated diverticulitis.
A chemically inducible cucumber mosaic virus amplicon system for expression of heterologous proteins in plant tissues
Authors: Sudarshana Mysore R. , Plesha Michael A. , Uratsu Sandra L. , Falk Bryce W. , Dandekar Abhaya M. , Huang Ting‐Kuo , McDonald Karen A.
Published: June 2006

A novel cucumber mosaic virus inducible viral amplicon (CMViva) expression system has been developed that allows for tightly regulated chemically inducible expression of heterologous genes in plant hosts. Transient production of recombinant α1‐antitrypsin (rAAT), a human blood protein, was demonstrated in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The highest production levels were obtained by co‐infiltrating leaves with Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells containing CMViva carrying the AAT gene and A. tumefaciens cells carrying a binary vector constitutively expressing the gene silencing suppressor p19. Accumulation of up to thirty‐fold more rAAT was observed in leaves (24 mg per 100 g leaf tissue) when compared with the expression levels observed using the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Significantly, 70% of the rAAT produced using the CMViva expression system was found to be biologically active, a 170‐fold increase in functional protein compared with the CaMV 35S expression system.
Expression of CP4 EPSPS in microspores and tapetum cells of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is critical for male reproductive development in response to late‐stage glyphosate applications
Authors: Chen Yun‐Chia Sophia , Hubmeier Christopher , Tran Minhtien , Martens Amy , Cerny R. Eric , Sammons R. Doug , CaJacob Claire
Published: June 2006

Plants expressing Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (CP4 EPSPS) are known to be resistant to glyphosate, a potent herbicide that inhibits the activity of the endogenous plant EPSPS. The RR1445 transgenic cotton line (current commercial line for Roundup Ready® Cotton) was generated using the figwort mosaic virus (FMV) 35S promoter to drive the expression of the CP4 EPSPS gene, and has excellent vegetative tolerance to glyphosate. However, with high glyphosate application rates at developmental stages later than the four‐leaf stage (late‐stage applications: applications that are inconsistent with the Roundup® labels), RR1445 shows male sterility. Another transgenic cotton line, RR60, was generated using the FMV 35S promoter and the Arabidopsis elongation factor‐1α promoter (AtEF1α) for the expression of CP4 EPSPS. RR60 has excellent vegetative and reproductive tolerance to applications of glyphosate at all developmental stages. Histochemical analyses were conducted to examine the male reproductive development at the cellular level of these cotton lines in response to glyphosate applications, and to investigate the correlation between glyphosate injury and the expression of CP4 EPSPS in male reproductive tissues. The expression of CP4 EPSPS in RR60 was found to be strong in all male reproductive cell types. Conversely, CP4 EPSPS expression in RR1445 was low in pollen mother cells, male gametophytes and tapetum, three crucial male reproductive cell types. Our results indicate that the FMV 35S promoter, although expressing strongly in most vegetative tissues in plants, has extremely low activity in these cell types.
‘Lines of credit, debts of obligation’: migrant remittances to Britain, c.1875–19131
Authors: MAGEE GARY B. , THOMPSON ANDREW S.
Published: June 2006

Britain of the nineteenth century was a net recipient of migrant remittances. Surprisingly little, however, is known about the flow of such funds to the UK. This article addresses this hiatus in several ways. First, it provides an account of the main mechanisms by which remittances were transferred in this period. Second, it presents new estimates of the volume of remittances flowing to Britain between 1875 and 1913, and, in doing so, offers a comparison of remittance patterns between different Anglophone societies. Third, it assesses the significance of remittances for their recipients in the UK. The article ends by considering the implications of all of the above for the way in which historians are currently trying to formulate the concept of a ‘British world’.
The concept of the unemployable
Authors: WELSHMAN JOHN
Published: June 2006

Current government policy documents have been concerned with reforming welfare policy, with matching rights with responsibilities, and especially with reducing the numbers of incapacity benefit claimants. This article places these debates in historical perspective, and revises the existing historiography on poverty and unemployment, by exploring the concept of the ‘unemployable’ in the period 1880–1940. Up to 1914, unemployability embraced those unable and those unwilling to work, and in the 1920s, similar anxieties were reconstructed in the concept of the ‘social problem group’. However, interwar social surveys were concerned more with the effects of long‐term unemployment in creating unemployability. There are thus both changes and continuities between historical concerns with unemployability, and contemporary anxieties about incapacity benefit and worklessness.
Exploring the Meaning of Trauma with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Mitchell Anna , Clegg Jennifer , Furniss Frederick
Published: June 2006

Background  Previous research investigating post‐traumatic stress disorder assumed that adults with intellectual disabilities would react to trauma in the same way as those in the non‐disabled population. This study explored the personal experience of trauma in a small group of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Methods  Semi‐structured interviews, developed from a pilot study involving focus groups, were used to interview six adults with mild intellectual disabilities from a clinical population, about their experiences of trauma. The transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). A quantitative measure, the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale [PDS; Foa et al. (1997) Psychological Assessment vol. 9, pp. 445–451] was used in conjunction with the individual interviews.

Results  One theme, whether individuals perceived the world to be a dangerous or a safe place, connected the five themes that emerged from the data. The themes were identified as: (i) how the trauma affected me, (ii) I avoid things that remind me of the trauma, (iii) I am prepared for danger in the future, (iv) the tension of talking or not talking and (v) the struggle of who to blame.

Conclusions  The results were related to previous theoretical frameworks and the methodological limitations of the research acknowledged. The clinical implications of the findings for disclosure, assessment and therapeutic intervention were discussed.
Effects of surface pre‐presentation on symmetry detection on a 3‐D bumpy surface
Authors: IKEDA MASAMI , ISHIGUCHI AKIRA
Published: June 2006

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to investigate the visual detection mechanism of mirror symmetrical dot patterns drawn on a 3‐D bumpy surface (i.e., 3‐D noisy curved surface). The focus of this investigation was whether symmetry detection on the bumpy surface is associated with structure recovery of the surface. In Experiment 1, we confirmed that the human visual system can distinguish the bumpy surface from a distorted dot pattern on a transparent bumpy surface. In Experiment 2, we required participants to discriminate between a symmetrical pattern on a transparent (non‐visible) bumpy surface and an opaque (visible) bumpy surface for the same stimuli as in Experiment 1. Finally, in Experiment 3, we examined the effect of pre‐presentation of the opaque bumpy surface on pattern discrimination. The results showed that pre‐presentation of the opaque surface facilitated the detection of a diagonal symmetry, but not in the case of the detection of a cardinal symmetry. These results suggested that diagonal symmetry involves the process of surface recovery, whereas cardinal symmetry does not.
Cross‐cultural study on adult age‐group differences in the recall of the literal and interpretive meanings of narrative text1
Authors: HOSOKAWA AYA , HOSOKAWA TORU
Published: June 2006

Abstract:  This study examined cultural and age differences in the recall of the literal and interpretive meanings of narrative text. Twenty Japanese younger adults (age: M = 21.05, SD = 1.02), 20 Japanese older adults (age: M = 66.95, SD = 1.71), 20 American younger adults (age M = 21.7, SD = 1.76), and 16 American older adults (age M = 69.56, SD = 3.43) participated in this study. One story rich in both literal and interpretive content was used as a stimulus text for two recall tasks, to retell and interpret the story. The response task order was counterbalanced across the participants for each group. When asked to retell a story as close to the original as possible, the younger adults in both of the two cultural groups recalled more of the literal propositions than did the older adults. Both older and younger adults in the two cultural groups recalled more of the main ideas relative to the details; however, when asked to interpret the same story, more older than younger adults represented deep and synthetic representations of the story's interpretive meanings in the Japanese group. The interpretive responses by both the older and younger adults were almost to the same extent on depth; however, the younger adults’ responses were slightly higher on synthesis in the American group. These interpretive patterns stem from cultural background.
Cryptogenic Late‐onset Epileptic Spasms: An Overlooked Syndrome of Early Childhood?
Authors: Eisermann Monika M. , Ville Dorothée , Soufflet Christine , Plouin Perrine , Chiron Catherine , Dulac Olivier , Kaminska Anna
Published: June 2006

Summary: Purpose:Few reports detailing late‐onset epileptic spasms have been published. To determine whether this condition merely represents a late variant of classic West syndrome or exhibits specific features distinct from the latter and related to a later stage of brain maturation, we analyzed the whole population with this specific seizure type, excluding symptomatic cases to avoid the effect of brain lesion.

Methods:We reviewed the files of the 56 children evaluated for epileptic spasms in clusters having begun at age 12 months or later and analyzed clinical and video‐EEG data of the 22 patients (4–17 years; mean, 8.5 years) without obvious cause.

Results:Interictal EEG did not show classic hypsarrhythmia. A temporal or temporofrontal slow wave and/or spike focus could be identified in all cases. Twelve children showed spasms with a tonic component. Ictal EEG revealed generalized high‐voltage slow wave followed by diffuse voltage attenuation with superimposed fast activity. All children also exhibited other types of recorded seizures consisting of bursts of spike–waves with temporofrontal predominance, reminiscent of “atypical absences.” In contrast with the occurrence of tonic components within a cluster of spasms, no tonic seizurestrictosensuwas recorded or reported by the caregivers. In 10 children, treatment (two vigabatrin, seven hydrocortisone, one adrenocorticotropic hormone) achieved complete cessation of seizures and disappearance of focal EEG anomalies, but spasms persisted in 12 children.

Conclusions:The cryptogenic group in our series without recognized cause and temporal or temporofrontal EEG anomalies seems to represent a type of epileptic encephalopathy intermediary between West and Lennox–Gastaut syndromes, in terms of seizure types and interictal EEG, and could correspond to dysfunction of the maturation process of the temporal lobe, possibly due to an undisclosed lesion.
Benign Partial Epilepsy in Infancy: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Kaleyias Joseph , Khurana Divya S. , Valencia Ignacio , Legido Agustin , Kothare Sanjeev V.
Published: June 2006

Summary: Purpose:Benign partial epilepsy in infancy (BPEI) was first described by Watanabe in 1987. The aim of this study is to describe a series of infants from the United States to characterize this entity further.

Methods:Among patients with the diagnosis of epilepsy followed up at our institution between 2002 and 2004, those satisfying the criteria for BPEI were included in a retrospective study.

Results:Sixteen (10.2%) of 150 patients with new onset of epilepsy younger than 2 years were identified. The mean age at seizure onset was 8 months. Four (25%) infants had a family history of benign seizures. All infants were neurologically and developmentally normal at the onset of seizures. The seizures occurred in clusters in 75% of patients, predominantly in wakefulness. The initial manifestation was behavioral arrest with staring (69%) and apnea with cyanosis or pallor (37.5%). These symptoms were followed by deviation of eyes or head or both (56%), mild clonic movements (31%), or increased limb tone (35%). Secondary generalization was noticed in 37.5% of patients. All infants had normal interictal EEGs and brain MRIs. Ictal EEGs disclosed electrographic seizures in 50% of patients (temporal origin in 62% and central in 38%). Fifteen (94%) patients were treated with AEDs with good response. The mean duration of treatment was 12.4 months. The final developmental assessment of all patients was normal.

Conclusions:We believe that BPEI exists as a unique entity and should be included in the differential diagnosis of epilepsies in infancy with partial origin.
Linkage Analysis and Disease Models in Benign Familial Infantile Seizures: A Study of 16 Families
Authors: Striano Pasquale , Lispi Maria Luisa , Gennaro Elena , Madia Francesca , Traverso Monica , Bordo Laura , Aridon Paolo , Boneschi Filippo Martinelli , Barone Baldassare , Bernardina Bernardo dalla , Bianchi Amedeo , Capovilla Giuseppe , De Marco Pasquale , Dulac Olivier , Gaggero Roberto , Gambardella Antonio , Nabbout Rima , Prud'homme Jean‐François , Day Ruth , Vanadia Francesca , Vecchi Marilena , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Vigevano Federico , Viri Maurizio , Minetti Carlo , Zara Federico
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Benign familial infantile seizures (BFIS) is a genetically heterogeneous condition characterized by partial seizures, onset age from 3 to 9 months, and favorable outcome. BFIS loci were identified on chromosomes 19q12‐13.1 and 16p12‐q12, allelic to infantile convulsions and choreathetosis. The identification of SCN2A mutations in families with only infantile seizures indicated that BFNIS and BFIS may show overlapping clinical features. Infantile seizures also were in a family with familial hemiplegic migraine and mutations in the ATP1A2 gene. We have examined the heterogeneous genetics of BFIS by means of linkage analysis.

Methods: Sixteen families were examined. Probands underwent neurologic examination, at least one EEG recording, and, when possible, brain CT and MRI. Clinical information about relatives was collected. Families with SCN2A or ATP1A2 mutations were excluded from the study. Chromosome 16p and 19q loci were examined by linkage analysis using two models that differed in penetrance rate. Genetic heterogeneity was evaluated with both models.

Results: Clinical information was available for 124 members of affected families. BFIS was diagnosed in 69 subjects. One patient without BFIS had a single febrile seizure, and another had rare episodes of paroxysmal dystonia. Evidence of linkage was obtained only for chromosome 16. Moreover, the high penetrance allowed the identification of genetic heterogeneity.

Conclusions: Our data confirm the relevance of the chromosome 16 locus in BFIS and suggest the presence of an additional locus. This study shows that the genetic model used affects the outcome of linkage analysis.
Dual Inversion Recovery MRI Helps Identifying Cortical Tubers in Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Cotton Francois , Rambaud Loic , Hermier Marc
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Dual inversion‐recovery imaging (DIR) has been advocated for the diagnosis of cortical lesions in epileptic patients. The role of this sequence, however, is not established in tuberous sclerosis patients.

Methods: We studied prospectively the interest of DIR sequence in four well‐documented consecutive tuberous sclerosis patients with focal epilepsy.

Results: In all patients, the cortical tubers appeared very bright on this sequence and were well outlined compared with high resolution T2 or FLAIR imaging. In two patients, one cortical tuber was missed on T2 weighted images due to signal intensity close to the CSF. These lesions were better depicted on DIR than on FLAIR. Three cortical lesions from two patients were visualized only on DIR.

Conclusion: DIR helped to depict cortical tubers and may have a complementary role in the MRI evaluation of tuberous sclerosis patients. There is a need to compare sensitivity of T2, FLAIR and DIR with a larger population of patients with focal epilepsies.
Topiramate Loading for Refractory Status Epilepticus in Children
Authors: Perry M. Scott , Holt Philip J. , Sladky John T.
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To describe three cases of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in children responsive to topiramate (TPM).

Methods: Patients with SE refractory to therapeutic doses of at least two antiepileptic medications were given TPM, 10 mg/kg/d, for 2 consecutive days, followed by maintenance doses of 5 mg/kg/d.

Results: This protocol has been used in three cases of RSE at our institution. In each case, SE was aborted within 21 h of the initial dose of TPM. Two patients avoided pharmacologic coma, and one was rapidly weaned from continuous benzodiazepine infusion.

Conclusions: Our experience indicates that TPM loading can be effective in the treatment of RSE in children.
Validation of Two Prognostic Models Predicting Outcome at Two Years after Diagnosis in a New Cohort of Children with Epilepsy: The Dutch Study of Epilepsy in Childhood
Authors: Geerts Ada T. , Arts Willem F. M. , Brouwer Oebele F. , Peters A. C. Boudewijn , Peeters Els A. J. , Stroink Hans , Van Donselaar Cees A.
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To validate two prognostic models for childhood‐onset epilepsy designed to predict a terminal remission of <6 months at 2 years after diagnosis in children referred to the hospital.

Methods: A hospital‐based cohort of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy was recruited and followed up for 2 years to validate previously developed models. One model was based on variables collected at intake, and the other was based on intake variables plus variables collected during the first 6 months of follow‐up. The accuracy of both models was estimated by measuring the area under the receiver‐operant‐characteristic curves (ROC area).

Results: The ROC area of the model developed with intake variables was 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.74] for the original cohort and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.55–0.69) for the validation cohort. The best combination of sensitivity and specificity for the original cohort was 61.6% and 69.1%, whereas it was 60.0% and 61.4% for the validation cohort. For the model with intake and 6‐month variables combined, the ROC area was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.73–0.82) for the original cohort and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.64–0.78) for the validation cohort. The sensitivity and specificity were 72.6% and 73.1%, respectively, for the original cohort and 67.4% and 60.2%, respectively, for the validation cohort.

Conclusions: Although both models predict outcome better than chance, they are insufficiently accurate to be of practical value. Both models performed marginally less well with the validation cohort than with the original cohort, but in both instances, the model based on intake and 6‐month variables was more accurate.
The Functional Significance of Gap Junction Channels in the Epileptogenicity and Seizure Susceptibility of Juvenile Rats
Authors: Gajda Zita , Hermesz Edit , Gyengési Erika , Szupera Zoltán , Szente Magdolna
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The functional significance of gap‐junction (GJ) channels in seizure susceptibility and induction and maintenance of seizures in the developing rat brain was investigated on the 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) in vivo epilepsy model.

Methods: In electrophysiological experiments, GJs were manipulated with a blocker or opener before induction or at the active epileptic foci between postnatal days 9 and 28 (P9–28). Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) amplification was used to measure the levels of connexin (Cx) 26, 32, 36, and 43 mRNAs at the untreated cortex or epileptic foci.

Results: The basic electrocorticogram (ECoG) and Cx messenger RNA (mRNA) expression patterns exhibited characteristic maturation; the 4‐AP–induced epileptiform activity correlated well with these changes. Cx mRNA expressions were significantly upregulated around P16 (except for Cx26). The Cx26, 36, and 43 gene inducibility was highest around P16 and then declined significantly. In the youngest animals, the GJ opener induced rhythmic synchronous cortical activity. On maturation, the seizures became focalized and periodic; the discharges accelerated their amplitude and frequency increase. A transient decrease (P13–14) and then increase (P15–16) in seizure susceptibility were followed by a tendency to periodicity and focalization.

Conclusions: The study suggests that GJ communication is involved in rhythm genesis and synchronization of cortical activity and may enhance the epileptogenicity of the developing brain.
Architectural (Type IA) Focal Cortical Dysplasia and Parvalbumin Immunostaining in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Garbelli Rita , Meroni Alessandra , Magnaghi Giuseppina , Beolchi Maria Sana , Ferrario Arianna , Tassi Laura , Bramerio Manuela , Spreafico Roberto
Published: June 2006

Summary: Purpose:We analyzed 26 surgically treated patients operated on for intractable epilepsy associated with type IA (architectural) cortical dysplasia, to investigate neuropathologic and immunocytochemical features, particularly of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system, and to compare the findings with those observed in normal cortex.

Methods:. Routinely stained slides and serial sections immunostained for neurofilaments (SMI 311), microtubule‐associated protein‐2 (MAP‐2), neuron‐specific nuclear protein (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR) were processed. Some sections were processed by using single‐immunoperoxidase procedures; others were processed for double immunofluorescence labelling and observed by confocal microscopy. The density of inhibitory PV‐immunoreactive interneurons was quantitatively assessed in all patients and control cases by using a two‐dimensional cell‐counting technique on PV immunostained sections.

Results:The density of PV‐immunoreactive interneurons was significantly reduced in this group of patients, whereas CB‐ and CR‐ positivity appeared similar to those in normal cortex. In five cases, architectural abnormalities, in addition to those that defined type 1A dysplasia, were present and characterized by abnormal clusters of neurons and laminar cellular loss in superficial cortical laminate.

Conclusions:The reduction of PV expression in type IA cortical dysplasia suggests an impairment of the GABAergic system as a possible mechanism for the epileptogenicity; in addition, PV immunoreactivity can be helpful in the neuropathologic characterization of this form of cortical dysplasia.
Occurrence of a Prolonged Nonepileptic Motor Status after a Febrile Seizure
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Cusmai Raffaella , Volkov Josiv , Montaldo Paolo , Vigevano Federico
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Febrile seizures are very common events in the pediatric population, and this disorder could be inherited. A previous article on nonepileptic status after a febrile seizure was published by Japanese authors. They described convulsive manifestations after a febrile seizure with an EEG counterpart characterized by delta activity and rhythmic theta discharges. We report two cases of nonepileptic prolonged motor status occurring after a simple febrile seizure, erroneously diagnosed as an epileptic status.

Methods: An EEG was obtained during the episode in both of the children; for one of them, we performed a video‐EEG recording.

Results: In both children, this state was characterized by tonic, vibratory posture, and fluctuation of consciousness. The face was not involved, eyes were closed, and the children were not cyanotic. Ictal EEG showed alternating and mixed theta–delta activity. This activity appeared to be rhythmic in some periods. Clinical and EEG features did not change after administration of benzodiazepine.

Conclusions: We believe this uncommon condition to be a nonepileptic phenomenon, occurring after a simple febrile seizure, with favorable prognosis.
Vairimorpha disparis n. comb. (Microsporidia: Burenellidae): A Redescription and Taxonomic Revision of Thelohania disparis Timofejeva 1956, a Microsporidian Parasite of the Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)
Authors: VAVRA JIRI , HYLIS MIROSLAV , VOSSBRINCK CHARLES R. , PILARSKA DANIELA K. , LINDE ANDREAS , WEISER JAROSLAV , MCMANUS MICHAEL L. , HOCH GERNOT , SOLTER LEELLEN F.
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT. Investigation of pathogens of populations of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) in Central and Eastern Europe revealed the existence of a microsporidium (Fungi: Microsporidia) of the genus Vairimorpha. The parasite produced three spore morphotypes. Internally infective spores are formed in the gut and adjacent muscle and connective tissue; single diplokaryotic spores and monokaryotic spores grouped by eight in sporophorous vesicles develop in the fat body tissues. The small subunit rDNA gene sequences of various isolates of the Vairimorpha microsporidia, obtained from L. dispar in various habitats in the investigated region, revealed their mutual identity. In phylogenetic analyses, the organism clustered with other L. dispar microsporidia that form only diplokaryotic spores in the sporogony cycle. The octospores of certain microsporidia infecting Lepidoptera that were previously described as Thelohania spp., have recently been shown to be one of the several spore morphotypes produced by species in the genus Vairimorpha. Because the description and drawings of a parasite described as Thelohania disparis by Timofejeva fit the characteristics of Vairimorpha, and all octospore‐producing microsporidia collected from L. dispar since 1985 are genetically identical Vairimorpha species, it is believed that the parasite characterized here is identical to T. disparis Timofejeva 1956, and is herein redescribed, characterized, and transferred to the genus Vairimorpha as the new combination Vairimorpha disparis n. comb.
The zebrafish mutant vps18 as a model for vesicle‐traffic related hypopigmentation diseases
Authors: Maldonado Ernesto , Hernandez Fabiola , Lozano Carlos , Castro Marta E. , Navarro Rosa E.
Published: June 2006

Hypopigmentation is a characteristic of several diseases associated with vesicle traffic defects, like the Hermansky–Pudlak, Chediak–Higashi, and Griscelli syndromes. Hypopigmentation is also a characteristic of the zebrafish mutant vps18hi2499A, which is affected in the gene vps18, a component of the homotypic fusion and protein sorting complex that is involved in tethering during vesicular traffic. Vps18, as part of this complex, participates in the formation of early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes. Here, we show that Vps18 is also involved in the formation of melanosomes. In the zebrafish mutant vps18hi2499A the retroviral insertion located at exon 4 of vps18, leads to the formation of two abnormal splicing variants lacking the coding sequence for the clathrin repeat and the RING finger conserved domains. A deficiency of Vps18 in zebrafish larvae results in hepatomegaly and skin hypopigmentation. We also observed a drastic reduction in the number of melanosomes in the eye's retinal pigmented epithelium along with the accumulation of immature melanosomes. A significant reduction in the vps18hi2499A larvae visual system capacity was found using the optokinetic response assay. We propose that the insertional mutant vps18hi2499A can be used as a model for studying hypopigmentation diseases in which vesicle traffic problems exist.
Periodontal pathogens in atheromatous plaques isolated from patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Padilla C. , Lobos O. , Hubert E. , González C. , Matus S. , Pereira M. , Hasbun S. , Descouvieres C.
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  It has been suggested that chronic infections may predispose to cardiovascular disease. The relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease has been a subject of increasing research in recent years. The isolation and identification of periodontal bacteria from atheromatous plaque can contribute to our knowledge of this vascular disease. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify periodontal bactera from the periodontal pockets of different patients and to compare them with the microorganisms detected in the atheromatous plaques obtained from the same patients.

Material and Methods:  Clinical isolates were obtained from 12 patients with periodontal wounds and atheromathous plaques. These samples were cultured in the appropriate bacteriological culture media and incubated in an anaerobic system. Periodontal bacteria were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.

Results:  From the 12 patients studied, nine presented different periodontopathic bacterial species. In two, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was present in the periodontal pockets and the respective atheromatous plaques.

Conclusion:  The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in atheromatous plaques and the periodontal pockets of the same patients could indicate a role for periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the atherosclerosis disease process.
Platelet‐rich plasma/osteoblasts complex induces bone formation via osteoblastic differentiation following subcutaneous transplantation
Authors: Goto H. , Matsuyama T. , Miyamoto M. , Yonamine Y. , Izumi Y.
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to enhance the maturation of bone grafts following local application and to have biological effects on osteoblasts in vitro. However, PRP is not applied by itself clinically as a result of its poor benefits in large bone defects. The present study was undertaken to develop a clinical alternative to autologous bone, by investigating the application of PRP in combination with osteoblastic cells and evaluating its effects after transplantation.

Material and Methods:  PRP and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) were prepared from blood, obtained from ddY mice, by two centrifugation steps. MC3T3‐E1 cells were labeled with fluorescent carbocyanine just before transplantation. The combination of labeled cells and PRP gel was subcutaneously transplanted into the back of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, and the transplants were evaluated radiographically and immunohistologically after 4 wk. The effects of PRP were assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and von Kossa staining, and the expression of bone‐related markers was analyzed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction before transplantation.

Results:  Before transplantation, PRP enhanced the expression of Osterix and bone sialoprotein mRNAs compared with PPP. Furthermore, PRP elevated ALP activity and induced the formation of mineralized nodules. After transplantation, the combination of labeled cells and PRP gel formed mineralized tissue, and the transplanted cells visualized in the tissue using fluorescence microscopy expressed osteocalcin and type I collagen.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that the application of a PRP/osteoblasts complex has beneficial effects for transplanting engineered cells into bone defects through the promotion of osteoblastic differentiation.
The role for ‘reminders’ in dental traumatology: 4. The use of a computer database for recording dento‐alveolar trauma in comparison to unstructured and structured paper‐based methods
Authors: Day Peter F. , Duggal Monty S. , Kiefte Barbera , Balmer Richard C. , Roberts Graham J
Published: June 2006

Abstract –  The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of a computer database (CD) developed for this study, a plain paper unstructured history (USH) and structured histories (SH) for the recording of important prognostic factors for simulated dento‐alveolar trauma. Twelve vocational trainees, seven postgraduates in paediatric dentistry and 24 general dental practioners were randomly assigned to using USH, SH or CD. Each dentist visited a series of simulated trauma cases (with models, photos, radiographs and actors) and was asked to record important prognostic factors for each injury and make a diagnosis. There were a total of 243 dentist contacts with the trauma stations. The average percentage of important prognostic factors recorded per station was: USH 53%, SH 75.3% and CD 58.6%. SH was significantly better than the other two methods (P < 0.001, anova). Interestingly, those general dental practitioners (GDPs) who qualified prior to 1990 were significantly poorer at recording important prognostic information using CD. This effect was not obvious when using USH and SH. It was also seen that USH and SH were significantly better at helping clinicians reach a correct diagnosis as compared with CD (P < 0.001, chi‐squared). A paper‐based SH was the most effective method for collecting essential prognostic information for simulated trauma cases used in this study. At present, the introduction of our CD for recording of trauma is not justified without significant modification.
Distinctive activities of DNA polymerases during human DNA replication
Authors: Rytkönen Anna K. , Vaara Markku , Nethanel Tamar , Kaufmann Gabriel , Sormunen Raija , Läärä Esa , Nasheuer Heinz‐Peter , Rahmeh Amal , Lee Marietta Y. W. T. , Syväoja Juhani E. , Pospiech Helmut
Published: June 2006

The contributions of human DNA polymerases (pols) α, δ and ε during S‐phase progression were studied in order to elaborate how these enzymes co‐ordinate their functions during nuclear DNA replication. Pol δ was three to four times more intensely UV cross‐linked to nascent DNA in late compared with early S phase, whereas the cross‐linking of pols α and ε remained nearly constant throughout the S phase. Consistently, the chromatin‐bound fraction of pol δ, unlike pols α and ε, increased in the late S phase. Moreover, pol δ neutralizing antibodies inhibited replicative DNA synthesis most efficiently in late S‐phase nuclei, whereas antibodies against pol ε were most potent in early S phase. Ultrastructural localization of the pols by immuno‐electron microscopy revealed pol ε to localize predominantly to ring‐shaped clusters at electron‐dense regions of the nucleus, whereas pol δ was mainly dispersed on fibrous structures. Pol α and proliferating cell nuclear antigen displayed partial colocalization with pol δ and ε, despite the very limited colocalization of the latter two pols. These data are consistent with models where pols δ and ε pursue their functions at least partly independently during DNA replication.