bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term use of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of epilepsy
Authors: Groesbeck Darcy K , Bluml Renee M , Kossoff Eric H
Published: July 2010

Long‐term outcomes of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of epilepsy have not previously been reported. A retrospective chart review of children treated with the ketogenic diet for more than 6 years at the Johns Hopkins Hospital was performed. The response was documented at clinic visits and by telephone contacts; laboratory studies were obtained approximately every 6 to 12 months. Satisfaction and tolerability were assessed by means of a brief parental telephone questionnaire. In all, 28 patients (15 males, 13 females), currently aged 7 to 23 years, were identified. The median baseline seizure frequency per week at diet onset was 630 (range 1–1400). Diet duration ranged from 6 to 12 years; 19 remain on the diet currently. After 6 years or more, 24 children experienced a more than 90% decrease in seizures, and 22 parents reported satisfaction with the diet's efficacy. Ten children were at less than the 10th centile for height at diet initiation; this number increased to 23 at the most recent follow‐up (p=0.001). Kidney stones occurred in seven children and skeletal fractures in six. After 6 years or more the mean cholesterol level was 201mg/dl, high‐density lipoprotein was 54mg/dl, low‐density lipoprotein was 129mg/dl, and triglycerides were 97mg/dl. Efficacy and overall tolerability for children are maintained after prolonged use of the ketogenic diet. However, side effects, such as slowed growth, kidney stones, and fractures, should be monitored closely.
Recurrent hemiplegia associated with cerebral vasculopathy following third trimester maternal herpes zoster infection
Authors: West Siobhan L , Newton Richard W , Baildam Eileen M , Turner Andrew J , Arkwright Peter D
Published: July 2010

The chickenpox virus (varicella zoster virus; VZV) is known to cause large and small vessel central nervous system vasculopathies that may be associated with strokes in both adults and children. We present the case of a female aged 2 years 6 months who developed a chronic progressive small‐vessel vasculopathy with radiological features of moyamoya disease as a manifestation of congenital varicella syndrome. Clinically, the condition was characterized by recurrent ischaemic strokes, which were brought under control using intravenous acyclovir. The case is unique in that it is the first report of congenital varicella syndrome to occur after a maternal herpes zoster infection. Furthermore, it is the first case of symptomatic VZV infection in a child to occur after a maternal infection occurring in the third trimester of pregnancy.
An approach to children with chronic daily headache
Authors: Mack Kenneth J
Published: July 2010

Chronic daily headache is a condition that affects 2 to 4% of adolescent females and 0.8 to 2% of adolescent males. It is manifested by severe intermittent headaches, as well as a chronic baseline headache. Chronic daily headache is diagnosed when headaches occur for greater than or equal to 15 headache days per month, over a period of 3 consecutive months, and with no underlying pathology. The headaches last for more than 4 hours a day. Patients with chronic daily headache will frequently have sleep disturbance, pain at other sites, dizziness, worsening anxiety and mood, and school absence. Successful approaches to treatment include education, use of preventative medication, avoidance of analgesics, and helping the children work their way back into a functional daily routine.
Alpers syndrome: progressive neuronal degeneration of children with liver disease
Authors: Gordon Neil
Published: July 2010

Alpers syndrome was not clearly defined until the link between brain and liver disease was described. Alpers syndrome can now be clearly established as a disorder of oxidative metabolism related to mitochondrial dysfunction, and in most instances with an autosomal mode of inheritance. The symptoms and signs are discussed. The illness occurs in the first years of life with the sudden onset of intractable seizures associated with developmental delay, hypotonia, ataxia, cortical blindness, and hepatic failure, and death occurs within a short time. Treating the seizures with valproic acid can cause the rapid onset of liver failure and must be avoided. To establish a definite diagnosis, liver and muscle biopsies may be needed. The former shows bile duct proliferation with the evidence of cirrhosis, and the latter may support the involvement of the mitochondrial respiratory chain if there are ragged‐red fibres. Genetic studies can show an association with mitochondrial DNA depletion and mutations in the polymerase gene. Cytochrome c oxidase deficiency has been demonstrated in some patients. Useful diagnostic tests include liver function tests, lactic acid levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, electroencephalograms, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The differential diagnosis will be from other forms of neuronal degeneration and disorders of mitochondrial function. There is no specific treatment, which must await further research into causes.
Level of purposeful hand function as a marker of clinical severity in Rett syndrome
Authors: DOWNS JENNY , BEBBINGTON AMI , JACOBY PETER , WILLIAMS ANNE‐MARIE , GHOSH SOUMYA , KAUFMANN WALTER E , LEONARD HELEN
Published: July 2010

Aim  We investigated relationships between hand function and genotype and aspects of phenotype in Rett syndrome.

Method  Video assessment in naturalistic settings was supplemented by parent‐reported data in a cross‐sectional study of 144 females with a mean age of 14 years 10 months (SD 7y 10mo; range 2y–31y 10mo), 110 of whom had a mutation of the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess relationships between hand function and MECP2 mutation, age, a modified Kerr score, Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), ambulation level, and frequency of hand stereotypies.

Results  Approximately two‐thirds of participants demonstrated purposeful hand function, ranging from simple grasping skills to picking up and manipulating small objects. In participants with a confirmed MECP2 mutation, those with the p.R168X mutation had the poorest hand function on multivariate analysis with C‐terminal deletion as the baseline (odds ratio [OR] 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04–0.95), whereas those with the p.R133C or p.R294X mutation had better hand function. Participants aged 19 years or older had lower hand function than those aged less than 8 years (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.14–0.92). Factors that were associated with better hand function were lower Kerr scores for a 1‐point increase in score (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.69–0.86), higher WeeFIM scores for a 1‐point increase in score (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.12), and greater ambulation than those completely dependent on carers for mobility (OR 22.64; 95% CI 7.02–73.08). The results for participants with a confirmed pathogenic mutation were similar to results obtained when participants without a mutation were also included.

Interpretation  Our novel assessment of hand function in Rett syndrome correlated well with known profiles of common MECP2 mutations and overall clinical severity. This promising assessment could measure clinical responses to therapy.
ADJUST: An automatic EEG artifact detector based on the joint use of spatial and temporal features
Authors: Mognon Andrea , Jovicich Jorge , Bruzzone Lorenzo , Buiatti Marco
Published: July 2010

A successful method for removing artifacts from electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings is Independent Component Analysis (ICA), but its implementation remains largely user‐dependent. Here, we propose a completely automatic algorithm (ADJUST) that identifies artifacted independent components by combining stereotyped artifact‐specific spatial and temporal features. Features were optimized to capture blinks, eye movements, and generic discontinuities on a feature selection dataset. Validation on a totally different EEG dataset shows that (1) ADJUST's classification of independent components largely matches a manual one by experts (agreement on 95.2% of the data variance), and (2) Removal of the artifacted components detected by ADJUST leads to neat reconstruction of visual and auditory event‐related potentials from heavily artifacted data. These results demonstrate that ADJUST provides a fast, efficient, and automatic way to use ICA for artifact removal.
Peripheral responses to attended and unattended angry prosody: A dichotic listening paradigm
Authors: Aue Tatjana , Cuny Caroline , Sander David , Grandjean Didier
Published: July 2010

We investigated the effects of angry prosody, varying focus of attention, and laterality of presentation of angry prosody on peripheral nervous system activity. Participants paid attention to either their left or their right ear while performing a sex discrimination task on dichotically presented pseudo‐words. These pseudo‐words were characterized by either angry or neutral prosody and presented stereophonically (anger/neutral, neutral/anger, or neutral/neutral, for the left/right ear, respectively). Reaction times and physiological responses (heart period, skin conductance, finger and forehead temperature) in this study were differentially sensitive to the effects of anger versus neutral prosody, varying focus of attention, and laterality of presentation of angry prosody.
Feedback processing in hypothesis testing: A Laplacian ERP study
Authors: Carbonnell Laurence , Caverni Jean‐Paul , Vidal Franck
Published: July 2010

The capacity to adjust behavior and evaluate performance in a changing environment is highly related to taking feedback into account. Using feedback is, hence, crucial for different cognitive capacities. The present study focused on feedback processing in hypothetico‐deductive reasoning. Electroencephalographical (EEG) activity was recorded while participants performed a hypothesis‐testing task in which a feedback signal allowing the evaluation of performance was delivered at each trial. To ameliorate the spatial resolution of EEG signals, the surface Laplacian was estimated. Results showed three distinct patterns of activation. At central and centro‐parietal electrodes, the activity was sensitive to participants' expectancies in a binary and a gradual way, respectively. At the parieto‐occipital electrode, the activity was sensitive to the evaluation of performance itself: correct versus false. In conclusion, the processing of feedback signal depends on at least three separate processes.
The effects of EEG data transformations on the solution accuracy of principal component analysis
Authors: Arruda James E. , McGee Heather A. , Zhang Hongmei , Stanny Claudia J.
Published: July 2010

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a commonly used multivariate procedure that reduces the dimensionality of a data set. When applied to quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) data, PCA produces components that may represent functional systems within the brain. Unfortunately, qEEG, like many other physiological measures, produce distributions that are positively skewed. In response, researchers often transform qEEG data prior to conducting a PCA, which does not require univariate or multivariate normality. Despite this, researchers continue to transform qEEG data with limited knowledge of how such transformations will affect the accuracy (precision) of their component solutions. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of several commonly used data transformation procedures on PCA solution accuracy.
Pitch and loudness information encoded in auditory imagery as revealed by event‐related potentials
Authors: Wu Jianhui , Yu Zulin , Mai Xiaoqin , Wei Jinghan , Luo Yuejia
Published: July 2010

Two experiments using the ERP method and a task that involved comparing an imagined‐S1 (the first stimulus) with a perceived‐S2 (the second stimulus) were conducted to investigate whether imagined auditory representations encode pitch and loudness information. It was found that the amplitude of the imagery‐related late positive complex (LPC) decreased with pitch but increased with loudness of the imagined sound, which was consistent with amplitude modulations of the auditory perception‐related N1 component, thereby providing the first neural evidence that auditory imagery encodes perceptual attributes of auditory experiences.
Electrophysiological evidence for the hierarchical organization of auditory change detection in the human brain
Authors: Grimm Sabine , Escera Carles , Slabu Lavinia , Costa‐Faidella Jordi
Published: July 2010

Auditory change detection has been associated with mismatch negativity (MMN), an event‐related potential (ERP) occurring at 100–250 ms after the onset of an acoustic change. Yet, single‐unit recordings in animals suggest much faster novelty‐specific responses in the auditory system. To investigate change detection in a corresponding early time range in humans, we measured the Middle Latency Response (MLR) and MMN during a controlled frequency oddball paradigm. In addition to MMN, an early effect of change detection was observed at about 40 ms after change onset reflected in an enhancement of the Nb component of the MLR. Both MMN and the Nb effect were shown to be free from confounding influences such as differences in refractoriness. This finding implies that early change detection processes exist in humans upstream of MMN generation, which supports the emerging view of a hierarchical organization of change detection expanding along multiple levels of the auditory pathway.
Abnormal mechanisms of antisaccade generation in schizophrenia patients and unaffected biological relatives of schizophrenia patients
Authors: Kang Seung Suk , Dionisio Daphne P. , Sponheim Scott R.
Published: July 2010

Although errant saccadic eye movements may mark genetic factors in schizophrenia, little is known about abnormal brain activity that precedes saccades in individuals with genetic liability for schizophrenia. We investigated electrophysiological activity preceding prosaccades and antisaccades in schizophrenia patients, first‐degree biological relatives of schizophrenia patients, and control subjects. Prior to antisaccades, patients had reduced potentials over lateral prefrontal cortex. Smaller potentials were associated with worse antisaccade performance. Relatives also exhibited reduced pre‐saccadic potentials over lateral frontal cortex but additionally had reduced potentials over parietal cortex. Both patients and relatives tended toward increased activity over orbital frontal cortex prior to saccades. Results are consistent with lateral prefrontal dysfunction marking genetic liability for schizophrenia and underlying deficient saccadic control.
Altered cholesterol homeostasis contributes to enhanced excitotoxicity in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Del Toro Daniel , Xifró Xavier , Pol Albert , Humbert Sandrine , Saudou Frédéric , Canals Josep M. , Alberch Jordi
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 153–167.

Recent findings suggest that altered cholesterol homeostasis may contribute to the pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease (HD). To understand the underlying mechanisms, here we used a combination of two‐photon microscopy, epifluorescence, and biochemical methods to visualize and quantify lipid distribution in cell cultures expressing mutant huntingtin. Such expression promotes lipid imbalance, and cholesterol accumulation in cellular and murine models and in HD‐affected human brains. Interestingly, cells expressing mutant huntingtin also showed higher content of ordered domains in their plasma membranes. These findings correlated with high levels of caveolin‐1 and glycosphingolipid GM1, two well‐defined markers of cholesterol‐enriched domains, at the cell surface. In addition, cells expressing mutant huntingtin showed increased localization of NMDA receptors with cholesterol‐enriched domains, contributing to increased NMDA receptor susceptibility to excitotoxic insults. Treatment with simvastatin or β‐cyclodextrin, two cholesterol‐lowering drugs, reduced the content of ordered domains at the cell surface, which in turn, protected cells against NMDA‐mediated excitotoxicity. Taken together, our results indicate that mutant huntingtin produces accumulation of cholesterol and alters its cellular distribution that contributes to NMDA‐mediated excitotoxicity. Administration of drugs that recover this effect, such as simvastatin could be beneficial for the treatment of HD.
Involvement of ceramide in ethanol‐induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in the neonatal mouse brain
Authors: Saito Mariko , Chakraborty Goutam , Hegde Medha , Ohsie Jason , Paik Sun‐Mee , Vadasz Csaba , Saito Mitsuo
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 168–177.

Acute administration of ethanol to 7‐day‐old mice is known to cause robust apoptotic neurodegeneration in the brain. Our previous studies have shown that such ethanol‐induced neurodegeneration is accompanied by increases in lipids, including ceramide, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol ester (ChE), and N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) in the brain. In this study, the effects of ethanol on lipid profiles as well as caspase 3 activation were examined in the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and inferior colliculus of the postnatal day 7 mouse brain. We found that the cortex, hippocampus, and inferior colliculus, which showed substantial caspase 3 activation by ethanol, manifested significant elevations in ceramide, TG, and NAPE. In contrast, the cerebellum, with the least caspase 3 activation, failed to show significant changes in ceramide and TG, and exhibits much smaller increases in NAPE than other brain regions. Ethanol‐induced increases in ChE were observed in all brain regions tested. Inhibitors of serine palmitoyltransferase effectively blocked ethanol‐induced caspase 3 activation as well as elevations in ceramide, ChE, and NAPE. Immunohistochemical studies indicated that the expression of serine palmitoyltransferase was mainly localized in neurons and was enhanced in activated caspase 3‐positive neurons generated by ethanol. These results indicate that de novo ceramide synthesis has a vital role in ethanol‐induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing brain.
Semantic analysis according to Peep Koort – a substance‐oriented research methodology
Authors: Sivonen Kerstin , Kasén Anne , Eriksson Katie
Published: July 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 12–20
 
Semantic analysis according to Peep Koort – a substance‐oriented research methodology

The aim of this article is to describe the hermeneutic semantic analysis created by professor Peep Koort (1920–1977) and to discuss it as a methodology for research within caring science. The methodology is developed with a hermeneutic approach that differs from the traditions of semantic analysis in philosophy or linguistics. The research objects are core concepts and theoretical constructs (originally within the academic discipline of education science, later on within the academic discipline of caring science), focusing deeper understanding of essential meaning content when developing a discipline. The qualitative methodology of hermeneutic semantic analysis is described step by step as created by Koort, interpreted and developed by the authors. An etymological investigation and an analysis of synonymy between related concepts within a conceptual family guides the researcher to understand and discriminate conceptual dimensions of meaning content connected to the word studied, thus giving opportunities to summarise it in a theoretical definition, a discovery that can be tested in varying contexts. From a caring science perspective, we find the hermeneutic methodology of semantic analysis fruitful and suitable for researchers developing their understanding of core concepts and theoretical constructs connected to the development of the academic discipline.
Polycystic liver: clinical characteristics of patients with isolated polycystic liver disease compared with patients with polycystic liver and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Hoevenaren Inge A. , Wester Ruth , Schrier Robert W. , McFann Kim , Doctor R. Brian , Drenth Joost P. H. , Everson Gregory T.
Published: July 2010

Aim: The goal of this study was to compare the clinical features of patients with isolated polycystic liver disease (PCLD) with those of patients with polycystic liver and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Methods: Cases were identified from clinical records at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver (USA) and at the Radboud University Hospital in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) by ICD‐10 codes. To be included in this analysis, patients had to have an initial diagnosis of PCLD within six years of presentation to our clinics. Medical records were reviewed for demographic information, medical history, physical examination, symptoms, complications, laboratory and imaging results, therapy and outcomes.

Results: Out of a total of 94, 53 patients met our criteria for entering this study, 19 with PCLD and 34 with ADPKD. The mean time interval from diagnosis of PCLD to presentation in our clinics was 1.21 years for PCLD and 2.76 years for ADPKD (P=NS). PCLD was associated with female gender in both PCLD and ADPKD. Patients with PCLD had greater numbers (P=0.031), and larger sizes of liver cysts (P=0.0051), but had less associated morbidities than patients with ADPKD. Liver cyst decompressions were performed more frequently in PCLD patients (57.9 vs. 23.5%, P=0.012). However, serious hepatic complications, sufficient to require consideration of liver transplantation, were more frequent in patients with ADPKD (0/19 vs. 6/34, P<0.0001).

Conclusions: Although PCLD in patients with PCLD is characterized by larger and greater number of hepatic cysts, the clinical course is relatively benign compared with ADPKD.
Role of Mucin Lewis Status in Resistance to Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Lindén Sara , Semino‐Mora Cristina , Liu Hui , Rick James , Dubois Andre
Published: July 2010

Background:  Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis, peptic ulcer and is a risk factor for adenocarcinoma and lymphoma of the stomach. Gastric mucins, carrying highly diverse carbohydrate structures, present functional binding sites for H. pylori and may play a role in pathogenesis. However, little information is available regarding gastric mucin in children with and without stomach diseases.

Materials and Methods:  Expression of mucins and glycosylation was studied by immunohistochemistry on gastric biopsies from 51 children with and without H. pylori infection and/or peptic ulcer disease.

Results:  In all children, MUC5AC was present in the surface epithelium and MUC6 in the glands. No MUC6 in the surface epithelium or MUC2 was detected in any section. The Leb and Lea blood group antigens were present in the surface epithelium of 80% and 29% of children, respectively. H. pylori load was higher in Leb negative children than in Leb positive individuals (mean ± SEM 17.8 ± 3.5 vs 10.8 ± 1.5; p < 0.05), but there was no correlation between Lea or Leb status and gastritis, nodularity, and gastric or duodenal ulcer (DU). Expression of sialyl‐Lex was associated with H. pylori infection, and DU.

Conclusions:  Mucin expression and glycosylation is similar in children and adults. However, in contrast to adults, pediatric H. pylori infection is not accompanied by aberrant expression of MUC6 or MUC2. Furthermore, the lower H. pylori density in Leb positive children indicates that H. pylori is suppressed in the presence of gastric mucins decorated with Leb, the binding site of the H. pylori BabA adhesin.
Zeolites in fissures of granites and gneisses of the Central Alps
Authors: WEISENBERGER T. , BUCHER K.
Published: July 2010

Six different Ca‐zeolite minerals are widespread in various assemblages in late fissures and fractures in granites and gneisses of the Swiss Alps. The zeolites formed as a result of water–rock interaction at relatively low temperatures (<250 °C) in the continental upper crust. The zeolites typically overgrow earlier minerals of the fissure assemblages, but zeolites also occur as monomineralic fissure fillings. They represent the youngest fissure minerals formed during uplift and exhumation of the Alpine orogen. A systematic study of zeolite samples showed that the majority of finds originate from three regions particularity rich in zeolite‐bearing fissures: (i) in the central and eastern part of the Aar‐ and Gotthard Massifs; (2) Gibelsbach/Fiesch, in a fissure breccia located at the boundary of Aar Massif and Permian sedimentary rocks; and (3) in Penninic gneisses of the Simano nappe at Arvigo (Val Calanca). Rail and road tunnel construction across the Aar‐ and Gotthard Massif provided excellent data on zeolite frequency in Alpine fissures. It was found that 32% (Gotthard NEAT rail base tunnel, Amsteg section) and 18% (Gotthard road tunnel) of all studied fissures are filled with zeolites. The number of different zeolites is limited to six species: laumontite, stilbite and scolecite are abundant and common, whereas heulandite, chabazite and epistilbite occur occasionally. Calcium is the dominant extra‐framework cation, with minor K and Na. Heulandite and chabazite contain Sr up to 29 and 10 mol.% extra‐framework cations respectively. Na and K contents in zeolites tend to increase during growth as a result of changes in fluid composition and/or temperature. The K enrichment of stilbite found in surface outcrops compared to subsurface samples may indicate late stage cation exchange with surface water. Texture data, relative age sequences derived from fissure assemblages and equilibrium calculations show that the Ca‐dominated zeolites precipitated from fluid with decreasing temperature in the order (old to young = hot to cold): scolecite, laumontite, heulandite, chabazite and stilbite. The necessary components for zeolite formation are derived from dissolving primary granite and gneiss minerals. The nature of these minerals depends, among other factors, on the metamorphic history of the host rock. Zeolites in the Aar Massif derived from the dissolution of epidote, secondary calcite and albite that were originally formed during Alpine greenschist metamorphism from primary granite and gneiss assemblages. Zeolite fissures occur in areas of H2O‐dominated fluids. This is consistent with equilibrium calculations that predict a low CO2 tolerance of zeolite assemblages, particularly at low temperature.
Guanfacine and Guanfacine Extended Release: Treatment for ADHD and Related Disorders
Authors: Posey David J. , McDougle Christopher J.
Published: July 2010

Guanfacine, an α2A adrenoceptor agonist, is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved for the treatment of hypertension in adolescents and adults. It also has been used "off‐label" for several years in children as a possible treatment for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Small placebo‐controlled trials support the use of guanfacine for the treatment of ADHD. There is more limited research on the use of guanfacine in treating hyperactivity occurring in children diagnosed with PDD. Recently, guanfacine extended release (GXR), a once‐daily formulation has been manufactured and studied in phase III clinical trials. Based on preliminary scientific presentations, it also appears to be efficacious in improving ADHD in children. The most common adverse effects associated with guanfacine and GXR treatment is sedation. Adverse cardiovascular effects are uncommon, although modest reductions in blood pressure and heart rate are common. If GXR is FDA‐approved, it would be the first α2A adrenoceptor agonist marketed for ADHD.
Do older adults have equitable access to specialist epilepsy services?
Authors: Reuber Markus , Torane Pravin , Mack Carina
Published: July 2010

The number of older patients with epilepsy has been increasing steadily. We assessed whether older adults with epilepsy have equitable access to our regional specialist service, designed to serve all patients regardless of age or their ability to pay. We examined the records of 846 adults under the current care of our epilepsy service and used data from a previous epidemiologic study to estimate the proportion of local patients accessing our service in different age groups. Whereas 43.7% of adults younger than age 20 were using the specialist service, only 2.3% of people with epilepsy who were 85 and older had been referred. The results raise the possibility of inadvertent age discrimination, putting older adults with seizures at greater risk for misdiagnoses and suboptimal management.
Bilateral akinetic seizures: A clinical and electroencephalographic description
Authors: Toledano Rafael , García‐Morales Irene , Kurtis Mónica M. , Pérez‐Sempere Ángel , Ciordia Roberto , Gil‐Nagel Antonio
Published: July 2010

Purpose:  The main feature of akinetic seizures is the inhibition of voluntary movements without impairment of awareness. Most clinical information about akinetic seizures has been obtained from cortical electrical stimulation studies, whereas clinical and video–electroen‐cephalography (EEG) features have not been described thoroughly. We aimed to analyze clinical and EEG characteristics of bilateral akinetic seizures (BAS).

Methods:  Patients with BAS were retrospectively identified from 1,858 consecutive video‐EEG studies. All patients had ictal video‐EEG, comprehensive clinical evaluation, neuropsychological testing, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:  Ten patients (nine men) were identified; mean age was 22.5 years (range 0.3–71 years) at the time of epilepsy onset and 34.9 years (range 5–73 years) at the time of evaluation. BAS was the only seizure type in four patients. BAS consisted of sudden speech and motor arrest in eight patients, whereas in two patients seizures were characterized by abrupt freezing precipitated by gait initiation. Startle precipitated BAS in four patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed mesial frontal lobe lesions in six patients. Epileptiform activity was restricted to the frontal midline electrodes in all patients, with variable extension to frontal regions. In five patients, BAS were initially misdiagnosed as generalized seizures or nonepileptic events.

Discussion:  BAS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients reporting paroxysmal inability to move with preservation of awareness, bearing in mind that these seizures can occur spontaneously or be precipitated by startle. The diagnosis can be achieved with video‐EEG monitoring, showing stereotyped semiology and distinctive EEG abnormalities, and is often supported by the presence of lesions involving the frontal lobes.
Intractable occipital lobe epilepsy: Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment
Authors: Jobst Barbara C. , Williamson Peter D. , Thadani Vijay M. , Gilbert Karen L. , Holmes Gregory L. , Morse Richard P. , Darcey Terrance M. , Duhaime Ann‐Christine , Bujarski Krysztof A. , Roberts David W.
Published: July 2010

Intractable occipital lobe epilepsy remains a surgical challenge. Clinical characteristics of 14 patients were analyzed. Twelve patients had surgery, seven patients had visual auras (50%) and only eight patients (57%) had posterior scalp EEG changes. Ictal single‐proton emission computed tomography (SPECT) incorrectly localized in 7 of 10 patients. Six patients (50%) had Engel’s class I outcome. Patients with inferior occipital seizure onset appeared to fare better (three of four class I) than patients with lateral or medial occipital seizure onset (three of eight class I). Patients who had all three occipital surfaces covered with electrodes had a better outcome (four of five class I) than patients who had limited electroencephalography (EEG) coverage (two of seven class I). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions did not guarantee a seizure free outcome. In conclusion, visual auras, scalp EEG, and imaging findings are not reliable for correct identification of occipital onset. Occipital seizure onset can be easily missed in nonlesional epilepsy. Comprehensive intracranial EEG coverage of all three occipital surfaces leads to better outcomes.
Penetration enhancement of two topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid formulations for photodynamic therapy by erbium:YAG laser ablation of the stratum corneum: continuous versus fractional ablation
Authors: Forster Bernadette , Klein Annette , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Maisch Tim
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Penetration enhancement of two topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid formulations for photodynamic therapy by erbium:YAG laser ablation of the stratum corneum: continuous versus fractional ablation. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 806–812.

Abstract:  5‐Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) is used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Response rates of PDT vary widely, which may be because of the limited uptake of topically applied photosensitisers. We investigated skin penetration and fluorescence induction of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) after applying either 20% ALA cream or 20% aminolaevulinic acid solution on laser‐stripped stratum corneum (SC) in an ex vivo full‐thickness porcine skin model. Both formulations are used in clinical practice. To enhance the skin penetration of ALA, we used two different 2940‐nm erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Er:YAG) laser systems to partially ablate the SC: continuous and fractional ablation. Different fluences were applied ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 J/cm2 (continuous ablation) and from 4 to 24 J/cm2 (fractional ablation). Fluorescence microscopy was used for detecting PpIX‐induced fluorescence. Compared to skin without laser pretreatment, mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of PpIX was enhanced 13.8‐fold after continuous ablation with 1.0 J/cm2 and 7.3‐fold after fractional ablation with 4 J/cm2; each laser procedure was followed by 4‐h incubation with lipophilic ALA cream. Optimal parameters for continuous ablation without damage to the epidermis were 1 J/cm2 for both formulations, fractional ablation was best with 4 J/cm2. Histological evaluations of laser‐treated skin showed necrosis and apoptosis, depending on light dose. In laser‐stripped skin, PpIX fluorescence was detected earlier and reached deeper epidermal layers than in untreated skin. Continuous laser ablation induced higher PpIX fluorescence levels than fractional ablation. This method offers a promising new tool for enhancing ALA penetration in PDT without damaging the underlying tissue.
Topical application of TRPM8 agonists accelerates skin permeability barrier recovery and reduces epidermal proliferation induced by barrier insult: role of cold‐sensitive TRP receptors in epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis
Authors: Denda Mitsuhiro , Tsutsumi Moe , Denda Sumiko
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Topical application of TRPM8 agonists accelerates skin permeability barrier recovery and reduces epidermal proliferation induced by barrier insult: role of cold‐sensitive TRP receptors in epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 791–795.

Abstract:  TRPA1 and TRPM8 receptors are activated at low temperature (A1: below 17°C and M8: below 22°C). Recently, we observed that low temperature (below 22°C) induced elevation of intracellular calcium in keratinocytes. Moreover, we demonstrated that topical application of TRPA1 agonists accelerated the recovery of epidermal permeability barrier function after disruption. In this study, we examined the effect of topical application of TRPM8 modulators on epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis. Immunohistochemical study and RT‐PCR confirmed the expression of TRPM8 or TRPM8‐like protein in epidermal keratinocytes. Topical application of TRPM8 agonists, menthol and WS 12 accelerated barrier recovery after tape stripping. The effect of WS12 was blocked by a non‐selective TRP antagonist, Ruthenium Red, and a TRPM8‐specific antagonist, BTCT. Topical application of WS12 also reduced epidermal proliferation associated with barrier disruption under low humidity, and this effect was blocked by BTCT. Our results indicate that TRPM8 or a closely related protein in epidermal keratinocytes plays a role in epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis and epidermal proliferation after barrier insult.
Fish diversity as a determinant of ecosystem properties across multiple trophic levels
Authors: Carey Michael P. , Wahl David H.
Published: July 2010

Biodiversity has been established as a potential determinant of function in many ecosystems; however, previous research has mostly focused on primary producers and effects at a single trophic level. A broader perspective that considers multiple components of food webs is necessary to understand natural systems. In particular, consumer diversity needs to be more thoroughly examined as trophic interactions and indirect effects can alter ecosystem properties. We test the potential for consumer diversity (fish richness and composition) to govern food web dynamics at two levels of environmental complexity (mesocosms and experimental ponds) and explore the consequences of removing individual species of fish on lower trophic levels. In mesocosms, both the richness and density of zooplankton were reduced when more fish species were present. No effects from the fish treatments were found on phytoplankton, but phosphorus levels increased with higher fish richness. Removing either generalist or specialist fish species increased the richness and density of zooplankton and the amount of phytoplankton, whereas all fish species had redundant effects on nutrients. In ponds, a dominant fish species (specialist shiner) determined the richness and density of zooplankton. In contrast, phytoplankton and nutrients were reduced by higher fish richness in the fall and spring. Overall, the specialist shiner had unique effects on the pond food web suggesting the key to understanding function is the presence of a dominant species and their biological interactions. Differences between mesocosms and ponds are likely due to increased heterogeneity of resources in the ponds allowing species to specialize on different prey. Our study links the biodiversity ecosystem function paradigm with food web concepts to improve predictions for conservation and management actions in response to changes in biodiversity.
Relationship of stimulated whole saliva cortisol level with the severity of a feeling of dry mouth in menopausal women
Authors: Agha‐Hosseini Farzaneh , Mirzaii‐Dizgah Iraj , Mirjalili Narges
Published: July 2010

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00403.x

Relationship of stimulated whole saliva cortisol level with the severity of a feeling of dry mouth in menopausal women

Objectives:  To evaluate the relationship of stimulated whole saliva cortisol level with the severity of a feeling of dry mouth (DM) in menopausal women.

Background:  A feel of DM is a major complaint for many elderly individuals and strongly associated with the menopause. The exact mechanisms that mediate sensation of DM in menopausal women have not been firmly established.

Methods:  A case–control study was carried out on 104 selected menopausal women with/without a feeling of DM, conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Xerostomia Inventory (XI) score was used as an index of DM severity. Stimulated whole saliva cortisol concentration (stimulated by chewing standard‐sized paraffin for 60 s) was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis by Student’s t‐test and Spearman correlation was used.

Results:  The mean cortisol concentration of saliva, but not saliva cortisol output, was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls. There was significant positive correlation between XI score and concentration (r = 0.357, p = 0.000) or output (r = 0.223, p = 0.017) of stimulated whole saliva cortisol.

Conclusions:  It appears that stimulated whole saliva cortisol is high in menopausal women with a feeling of DM.
Emergency clinician performed ultrasound: Availability, uses and credentialing in Australian emergency departments
Authors: Nagaraj Guruprasad , Chu Matthew , Dinh Michael
Published: July 2010

Objective:  To determine the current availability, uses and credentialing processes of emergency clinician performed ultrasound (EDUS) in Australian ED.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional survey of Australian ED that are accredited for advanced training.

Results:  Ninety‐four per cent of respondents (67/71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 86–98%) reported availability of EDUS. Availability was similar in both major referral and non‐major referral ED. The most common uses for EDUS were focused abdominal sonography for trauma in 93% (62/67, 95% CI 83–97%), vascular access procedures in 90% (60/67, 95% CI 80–95%) and abdominal aortic aneurysm assessment in 88% of respondents (59/67, 95% CI 78–94%). Of the 67 departments with EDUS availability, 60% (40/67, 95% CI 48–71%) had a credentialing process. Of the major referral group 80% (20/25, 95% CI 61–91%) had a credentialing process compared with 52% (20/42, 95% CI 33–62%) in the non‐major referral group.

Conclusion:  Emergency department ultrasound is widely available in Australia. Only 60% of surveyed ED had a credentialing process in place for EDUS. This may be of concern given the current Australasian College for Emergency Medicine policy regarding EDUS.
On the interpretation of the apparent existence of a preferred magnetic polarity in extragalactic jet sources
Authors: Königl Arieh
Published: July 2010

Contopoulos et al. recently argued that there is observational evidence for a preferred sense of the Faraday rotation-measure gradients across jets from active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Such behaviour could arise if there were a deterministic relationship between the polarity of the poloidal magnetic field that threads the outflow and the sense of rotation of the outflow's source. Based on this interpretation, Countopoulos et al. suggested that their finding supports a model for the origin of cosmic magnetic fields in a Poynting–Robertson process operating in AGN accretion discs. Here I point out that an alternative explanation of such a relationship could be that the Hall current plays a key role in the magnetohydrodynamics of the underlying disc. In this picture, the measured Faraday rotation is dominated by the contribution of a centrifugally driven wind that is launched from the weakly ionized outer region of the disc. Additional observations are, however, needed to verify the claimed behaviour.
ANALYSIS OF INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY TEXTURE ATTRIBUTES OF MICROWAVE–CONVECTIVE DRIED APPLES
Authors: MARZEC AGATA , KOWALSKA HANNA , ZADROŻNA MONIKA
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was investigation of the influence of microwave‐convective drying parameters, like microwave power on quality of dried apple slices. Experiments were carried out under different microwave power levels (100–300 W) at temperature of 30 and 40C. The scope of the study comprised measurement of instrumental features and sensory attributes of the texture of dried.

The results showed that the values of instrumental texture properties of dried apple slices depend on the parameters of the drying process. At both of the analyzed apple drying temperatures along with an increase of microwave power there was also an increase in the value of acoustic emission events and the partition power spectrum slope. Sensory analysis of texture characteristics showed that along with an increase in the microwave power the dehydrated apple had darker color and its hardness increased. High correlations between the instrumental and sensory parameters of dried apple were observed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

New technologies are being sought – technologies that would be more effective and would provide a high quality product. The microwave drying of apples is an alternative method that might bring many benefits, including improvement in dehydrated apple quality. Microwave drying requires a choice of adequate drying parameters for apple varieties. Texture is one of the most important quality attributes of food products. Analysis of mechanical and acoustic properties will make it possible to for on objective opinion on the quality of the final product, witch along with sensory analysis of texture assures acceptance by consumers.
NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LINSEED/FLAXSEED (LINUM USITATISSIMUM) AND ITS APPLICATION IN MUFFIN MAKING
Authors: CHETANA  , SUDHA M.L. , BEGUM KHYRUNNISA , RAMASARMA P.R.
Published: July 2010

Flaxseed, one of the underutilized oilseeds, is a rich source of dietary fiber,ω‐3 fatty acid and protein. Flaxseed powder contained 21.8% protein and 42.7% total dietary fiber, which upon roasting reduced to 20.3 and 40.50%, respectively. Addition of flaxseed powder weakened the dough. Peak viscosity and cold paste viscosity also decreased. The volume of the muffins gradually decreased from 150 to 145 and 120 cc. Muffins prepared from 20% of raw and roasted flaxseed powder had 10.2 and 9.9% of protein and 12.8 and 11.7% of dietary fiber, respectively.ω‐3 fatty acid contents in raw and roasted flaxseed powder were 55.41 and 50.76%, and the muffins prepared with 20% raw and roasted flaxseed powder had 12.85 and 11.14%, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic pattern and gel filtration studies showed that high‐ and low‐molecular weight protein bands were identified in raw and roasted flaxseed powder and in the product.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Flaxseed is rich in ω‐3 fatty acid and also in fiber and protein. Also, bakery products are ready‐to‐eat products available to all people. Among the bakery products, muffins usually attract children. Hence, incorporation of flaxseed in muffins would enable to enrich the muffin with nutrients and reach the required segment of people.
Atomic Property Fields: Generalized 3D Pharmacophoric Potential for Automated Ligand Superposition, Pharmacophore Elucidation and 3D QSAR
Authors: Totrov Maxim
Published: July 2010

The atomic property fields (APF) concept is introduced as a continuous, multi‐component 3D potential that reflects preferences for various atomic properties at each point in space. Atomic property field‐based approaches to several key problems in the field of ligand structure‐based rational drug discovery and design are investigated. The superposition of ligands on one or multiple molecular templates is performed by Monte‐Carlo minimization in the atomic property fields potentials combined with standard force‐field energy. The approach is extended to multiple flexible ligand alignments using an iterative procedure, Self‐Consistent atomic Property Fields by Optimization (SCAPFOld). The application of atomic property fields and SCAPFOld for virtual ligand screening and 3D Quantitive Structure‐Activity Relationship (QSAR) is tested on published benchmarks. The new methods are shown to perform competitively in comparison to current state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Cutaneous sterile granulomas/pyogranulomas, leishmaniasis and mycobacterial infections
Authors: Santoro D. , Prisco M. , Ciaramella P.
Published: July 2010

Cutaneous “sterile” granulomas represent a group of uncommon skin disorders of unknown aetiopathogenesis. Many diseases are included in this group (for example, sterile granuloma/pyogranuloma syndrome and reactive histiocytosis). The definition of sterile is based on the exclusion of other possible aetiological agents (for example, microorganisms or foreign body). Many techniques are used to rule out a microbial aetiology including cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry and culture. However, some organisms are “fastidious” and difficult to culture or to identify with routine methods, and molecular studies are necessary. This is particularly true for mycobacteria (for example, canine leproid granuloma syndrome) andLeishmania. Recently, studies in human and veterinary medicine have proved the presence of microorganisms (mycobacteria andLeishmania) using a polymerase chain reaction technique in specimens previously diagnosed as sterile. Therefore, it is very important, with the development of new technologies, to use a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach to definitively rule out any microorganism before declaring a disease sterile.