bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Troubling biographical disruption: narratives of unconcern about hepatitis C diagnosis
Authors: Harris Magdalena 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of hepatitis C diagnosis among participants of a recent qualitative study based in New Zealand and Australia. The findings of this research were unique with regard to the small amount of existing literature on the topic. Whilst most social research indicates that diagnosis with hepatitis C is a disruptive or distressing experience, study participants were almost evenly divided between those who reported being distressed by diagnosis and those who described contracting hepatitis C as ‘no big deal’. The varied nature of participants’ narratives about their hepatitis C diagnosis indicates that the experience of biographical disruption is contextual: dependent upon previous experiences of illness, marginalisation or hardship, and the extent to which hepatitis C is an unknown entity or normalised within community networks. This paper draws on the theoretical frameworks of biographical disruption, normalisation and dys‐appearance to illuminate these and other contextual issues informing participants’ narratives of unconcern about hepatitis C diagnosis.
Minimum Distance Estimation and Testing of DSGE Models from Structural VARs*
Authors: Fève Patrick , Matheron Julien , Sahuc Jean‐Guillaume 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to complement the minimum distance estimation–structural vector autoregression approach when the weighting matrix is not optimal. In empirical studies, this choice is motivated by stochastic singularity or collinearity problems associated with the covariance matrix of impulse response functions. Consequently, the asymptotic distribution cannot be used to test the economic model's fit. To circumvent this difficulty, we propose a simple simulation method to construct critical values for the test statistics. An empirical application with US data illustrates the proposed method.
Revascularization in acute ischaemic stroke using the penumbra system: the first single center experience
Authors: Grunwald I. Q. , Walter S. , Papanagiotou P. , Krick C. , Hartmann K. , Dautermann A. , Faßbender K. , Haass A. , Bolar L. J. , Reith W. , Roth C. 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  This is the first single center experience illustrating the effectiveness of the penumbra system (PS) in the treatment of large vessel occlusive disease in the arena of acute ischaemic stroke. The PS is an innovative mechanical thrombectomy device, employed in the revascularization of large cerebral vessel occlusions in patients via the utilization of an aspiration platform.Methods:  This is a prospective, non‐randomized controlled trial evaluating the clinical and functional outcome in 29 patients with acute intra‐cranial occlusions consequent to mechanical thrombectomy by the PS either as mono‐therapy or as an adjunct to current standard of care. Patients were evaluated by a neurologist and treated by our in house interventional neuro‐radiologists. Primary end‐points were revascularization of the occluded target vessel to TIMI grade 2 or 3 and neurological outcome as measured by an improvement in the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score after the procedure.Results:  Complete revascularization (TIMI 3) was achieved in 21/29 (72.4%) of patients. Partial revascularization (TIMI 2) was established in 4/29 (13.8%) of patients. Revascularization failed in four (13.8%) patients. Nineteen (19) patients (65.5%) had at least a four‐point improvement in NIHSS scores. Modified Rankin scale scores of ≤2 were seen in 37.9% of patients. There were no device‐related adverse events. Symptomatic intra‐cranial hemorrhage occurred in 7% of patients.Conclusions:  The PS has the potential of exercising a significant impact in the interventional treatment of ischaemic stroke in the future.
Elevated cerebrospinal fluid and plasma homocysteine levels in ALS
Authors: Valentino F. , Bivona G. , Butera D. , Paladino P. , Fazzari M. , Piccoli T. , Ciaccio M. , La Bella V. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  High cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma levels of homocysteine (HC) have been reported in certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s diseases and, recently, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Objectives:  To assay the CSF and plasma levels of HC in ALS patients and controls, and to evaluate the relationship between HC levels and clinical variables of the disease.Methods:  Cerebrospinal fluid from sixty‐nine (M/F 1.87) and plasma from sixty‐five ALS patients (M/F 1.83) were taken and stored at −80°C until use. Controls (CSF = 55; plasma = 67) were patients admitted to our hospital for neurological disorders with no known relationship to HC changes. CSF and plasma from ALS patients and controls were obtained as a necessary step of the diagnostic workup. HC levels in CSF and plasma were assayed using a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and a fluorimeter detector.Results:  The median level of total HC in the CSF of ALS patients was 0.46 μM, significantly higher than that of the controls (0.24 μM, +91.6%, P < 0.001). A similar trend was observed when HC was assayed in plasma (ALS, 12.4 μM vs. controls, 7.26 μM, +70.8%, P < 0.001). The CSF and plasma HC levels showed no relationship with the disease progression, age at onset, and the site of onset.Conclusions:  Homocysteine is a biochemical marker in ALS, and it might be related to the pathophysiology of the disease.
Use of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in diagnosis of dementia across Europe
Authors: Hort J. , Bartos A. , Pirttilä T. , Scheltens P. 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have been reported to be useful in dementia diagnosis. Not much is known about their use in clinical practice in Europe.Methods:  We analyzed data from a survey on the use of CSF biomarkers in the diagnosis of dementia across Europe using a questionnaire which was filled out by representatives of the 25 member countries of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS).Results:  Cerebrospinal fluid beta‐amyloid, total tau, and phosphorylated tau proteins are frequently evaluated in the majority of the countries (in 18 out of 23 countries). No major technical or ethical issues were found that would hamper the procedure’s ability to become routine in early and differential diagnostics of Alzheimer’s disease. Cut‐off values for beta‐amyloid (median 500, range 300–849 pg/ml), total tau (367; 195–450 pg/ml) and phosphorylated tau (60; 40–85 pg/ml) varied considerably amongst countries and even within every country.Conclusions:  Cerebrospinal fluid analysis of beta‐amyloid, tau, and phosphorylated tau is frequently used in Europe. However, the use of various cut off values seriously hampers comparability and yields a potential threat to an interpretation and balanced use in clinical practice. We recommend that each laboratory establishes normative data and that multi‐centered studies should be organized to explore the reasons for any differences.
A study of F‐waves in patients with unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy
Authors: Pastore‐Olmedo C. , González O. , Geijo‐Barrientos E. 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  The F wave, a late response of low amplitude, is widely used in the study of peripheral nerve lesions, and its persistence and latencies are the main parameters that are usually considered. The analysis of repeater F‐waves, which are commonly observed in association with focal or generalized motor neuropathy, is not always performed as a standard electrodiagnostic protocol.Methods:  We recorded and quantified the F waves from 13 healthy subjects and 22 patients with unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy (ULSR) affecting the L5 or S1 roots.Results:  We found differences between the injured and normal sides of patients with ULSR in several F‐wave parameters. Taking into consideration the normalized and pooled values of tibial and peroneal nerves in the injured side of patients with ULSR, the minimum and mean latencies were higher (1.05 and 1.04 with respect to 1.00; P < 0.01), the relative amplitude of the F waves was higher (1.95 with respect to 1.00; P < 0.001), and the percentage of repeater F‐waves was also higher (4.19 with respect to 1.00; P < 0.001). This latter parameter was the most sensitive to detect lateral differences as indicated by the percentage of change and its high z score.Conclusions:  Our results show that the use of F‐waves may improve the electrodiagnosis of the ULSR if the number of repeater waves is evaluated given the clear and consistent increase of this variable in patients with lumbosacral root injury.
The Reduced Folate Carrier (SLC19A1) c.80G>A Polymorphism is Associated with Red Cell Folate Concentrations Among Women
Authors: Stanisławska‐Sachadyn Anna , Mitchell Laura E. , Woodside Jayne V. , Buckley Peter T. , Kealey Carmel , Young Ian S. , Scott John M. , Murray Liam , Boreham Colin A. , McNulty Helene , Strain J. J. , Whitehead Alexander S. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryLow folate status may be a consequence of suboptimal intake, transport or cellular utilization of folate and, together with elevated homocysteine, is a recognized risk factor or marker for several human pathologies. As folate transport across cell membranes is mediated in part by the reduced folate carrier (RFC1), variants within SLC19A1, the gene that encodes RFC1, may influence disease risk via an effect on folate and/or homocysteine levels. The present study was undertaken to assess the association between the SLC19A1 c.80G>A polymorphism and folate/homocysteine concentrations in healthy young adults from Northern Ireland.The SLC19A1 c.80G>A polymorphism was not strongly associated with either serum folate or homocysteine concentrations in either men or women. However, in women, but not in men, this polymorphism explained 5% of the variation in red blood cell (RBC) folate levels (P= 0.02). Relative to women with the SLC19A1 c.80GG genotype, women with the GA and AA genotypes had higher RBC folate concentrations. Consequently, compared to women with the SLC19A1 c.80GA and AA genotypes, women who are homozygous for the 80G allele may be at increased risk of having a child affected with a neural tube defect and of developing pathologies that have been associated with folate insufficiency, such as cardiovascular disease.
Stimulus‐hand correspondence and direct response activation: An electromyographic analysis
Authors: Hasbroucq Thierry , Burle Boris , Vidal Franck , PossamaÏ Camille‐Aime 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn a common version of the Simon task, the subjects respond by a left‐ or a right‐hand key press to the color of a stimulus (S) presented to the left or right of a fixation point. Albeit S location is irrelevant, the incorrect response is more often activated when the required response is contralateral to the S (incongruent) than when it is ipsilateral to the S (congruent). The aim of the present study was to decipher the respective contributions of S‐response key location correspondence and S‐hand correspondence to such incorrect activations (IAs). The subjects were required to perform a Simon task with the arms not crossing and crossing the median plane. Present for both arm placements, the difference in the frequency of IAs between incongruent and congruent responses was smaller when the arms were crossed. IAs are (i) essentially due to S‐key location correspondence and (ii) less influenced by S‐hand correspondence. Latency analyses further suggest that intra‐hemispheric processing mediates the influence of S‐hand correspondence.
Peroxisomal and mitochondrial status of two murine oligodendrocytic cell lines (158N, 158JP): potential models for the study of peroxisomal disorders associated with dysmyelination processes
Authors: Baarine Mauhamad , Ragot Kevin , Genin Emmanuelle C. , El Hajj Hammam , Trompier Doriane , Andreoletti Pierre , Ghandour M. Said , Menetrier Franck , Cherkaoui‐Malki Mustapha , Savary Stephane , Lizard Gerard 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn some neurodegenerative disorders (leukodystrophies) characterized by myelin alterations, the defect of peroxisomal functions on myelin‐producing cells (oligodendrocytes) are poorly understood. The development of in vitro models is fundamental to understanding the physiopathogenesis of these diseases. We characterized two immortalized murine oligodendrocyte cell lines: a normal (158N) and a jimpy (158JP) cell line mutated for the proteolipid protein PLP/DM20. Fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting analysis allow to identify major myelin proteins (PLP colocalizing with mitochondria; myelin basic protein), oligodendrocyte (CNPase and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein), and peroxisomal markers [adrenoleukodystrophy protein, PMP70, acyl‐CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), l‐peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme, and catalase]. Using electron microscopy, peroxisomes were identified in the two cell lines. Gene expression (ATP‐binding cassette, Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3, and Acox1) involved in peroxisomal transport or β‐oxidation of fatty acids was evaluated using quantitative PCR. 4‐phenylbutyrate treatment increases expression of ACOX1, l‐peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme, PLP, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, and CNPase, mainly in 158N cells. In both cell lines, 4‐phenylbutyrate‐induced ACOX1 and catalase activities while only Abcd2 gene was up‐regulated in 158JP. Moreover, the higher mitochondrial activity and content observed in 158JP were associated with higher glutathione content and increased basal production of reactive oxygen species revealing different redox statuses. Altogether, 158N and 158JP cells will permit studying the relationships between peroxisomal defects, mitochondrial activity, and oligodendrocyte functions.
Retinoid X receptor‐α mediates (R )‐flurbiprofen’s effect on the levels of Alzheimer’s β‐amyloid
Authors: You Xiaoqing , Zhang Yun‐wu , Chen Yaomin , Huang Xiumei , Xu Raymond , Cao Xihua , Chen Jiebo , Liu Yun , Zhang Xiaokun , Xu Huaxi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the formation of extracellular senile plaques in the brain, whose major component is a small peptide called β‐amyloid (Aβ). Long‐term use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been found beneficial for AD and several reports suggest that NSAIDs reduce the generation of Aβ, especially the more amyloidogenic form Aβ42. However, the exact mechanism underlying NSAIDs’ effect on AD risk remains largely inconclusive and all clinical trials using NSAIDs for AD treatment show negative results so far. Recent studies have shown that some NSAIDs can bind to certain nuclear receptors, suggesting that nuclear receptors may be involved in NSAID’s effect on AD risk. Here we find that (R)‐flurbiprofen, the R‐enantiomer of the racemate NSAID flurbiprofen, can significantly reduce Aβ secretion, but at the same time, increases the level of intracellular Aβ. In addition, we find that a nuclear receptor, retinoid X receptor α (RXRα), can regulate Aβ generation and that down‐regulation of RXRα significantly increases Aβ secretion. We also show that (R)‐flurbiprofen can interfere with the interaction between RXRα and 9‐cis‐retinoid acid, and that 9‐cis‐retinoid acid decreases (R)‐flurbiprofen’s reduction of Aβ secretion. Moreover, the modulation effect of (R)‐flurbiprofen on Aβ is abolished upon RXRα down‐regulation. Together, these results suggest that RXRα can regulate Aβ generation and is also required for (R)‐flurbiprofen‐mediated Aβ generation.
Pharmacokinetics of rituximab associated with CHOP chemotherapy in B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Blasco Hélène , Chatelut Etienne , De Bretagne Isabelle Benz , Congy‐Jolivet Nicolas , Le Guellec Chantal 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe pharmacokinetics of rituximab administered alone at a dose of 375 mg/m2 once a week have been widely studied but few data are available for the administration of rituximab in combination with other agents. We carried out a pilot pharmacokinetic study in 10 patients with B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma treated with rituximab associated with chemotherapy on a three‐weekly basis. Patients received four courses of rituximab (375 mg/m2) associated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone) at 21‐day intervals. Blood samples were collected from each patient at selected times throughout the treatment period and analysed using a validated enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The nonmem software was used to obtain population and post hoc estimates of rituximab pharmacokinetic parameters and to study possible time‐dependent variation during treatment. Pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from 10 patients were similar to those described for studies in the absence of chemotherapy. We did not observe any intra‐subject variation in pharmacokinetic parameters over the treatment period. Our results suggest that rituximab pharmacokinetics is not affected by combination with CHOP chemotherapy. Nevertheless, the substantial intersubject variability observed in this small sample size highlights the need for further study of the determinants of rituximab pharmacokinetic variability.
Preclinical evaluation of a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor as a radioimmunodiagnostic and radioimmunotherapeutic agent
Authors: Ray GL , Baidoo KE , Wong KJ , Williams M , Garmestani K , Brechbiel MW , Milenic DE 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  The studies described here are the first to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo properties of 111In‐CHX‐A″‐panitumumab for radioimmunotherapy (α‐ and β‐‐emitters) and radioimmunoimaging (single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography).Experimental approach:  Twenty‐seven human carcinoma cell lines were analysed for expression of epidermal growth factor receptors by flow cytometry. Panitumumab was conjugated with CHX‐A″‐DTPA (diethylenetriamine‐pentaacetic acid) and radiolabelled with 111In. Immunoreactivity of the CHX‐A″‐DTPA‐panitumumab and 111In‐CHX‐A″‐DTPA‐panitumumab was evaluated by radioimmunoassays. Tumour targeting was determined in vivo by direct quantitation of tumour and normal tissues and by γ‐scintigraphy.Key results:  For 26 of 27 human tumour cell lines, 95% of the cells expressed epidermal growth factor receptors over a range of intensity. Immunoreactivity of panitumumab was retained after modification with CHX‐A″‐DTPA. Radiolabelling of the immunoconjugate with 111In was efficient with a specific activity of 19.5 ± 8.9 mCi·mg−1 obtained. Immunoreactivity and specificity of binding of the 111In‐panitumumab was shown with A431 cells. Tumour targeting by 111In‐panitumumab was demonstrated in athymic mice bearing A431, HT‐29, LS‐174T, SHAW or SKOV‐3 s.c. xenografts with little uptake observed in normal tissues. The 111In‐panitumumab was also evaluated in non‐tumour‐bearing mice. Pharmacokinetic studies compared the plasma retention time of the 111In‐panitumumab in both non‐tumour‐bearing and A431 tumour‐bearing mice. Tumour targeting was also visualized by γ‐scintigraphy.Conclusions and implications:  Panitumumab can be efficiently radiolabelled with 111In with high labelling yields. Based on the efficiency in tumour targeting and low normal tissue uptake, panitumumab may be an effective targeting component for radioimmunodiagnostic and radioimmunotherapeutic applications.
Guidelines for EEG in encephalopathy related to ESES/CSWS in children
Authors: Scheltens‐de Boer Marjan 
Published: July 2009

SummaryElectrical status epilepticus during slow sleep (ESES) or continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS) is a phenomenon characterized by strong activation of epileptiform activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG) during sleep. The literature contains several small series of patients and many case reports. Large prospective studies are lacking. Definitions of the syndromes and EEG criteria and methods vary, as does their classification. The fluctuating clinical course and EEG findings complicate the diagnostic process and evaluation of effect of therapy. Studies describing quantitative aspects of the epileptiform abnormalities in EEG are overrepresented in literature, whereas qualitative aspects are relatively undervalued. Guidelines for evaluation of the EEG in these syndromes, which focus on both aspects, are presented.
Corticosteroids as treatment of epileptic syndromes with continuous spike‐waves during slow‐wave sleep
Authors: Buzatu Marga , Bulteau Christine , Altuzarra Cécilia , Dulac Olivier , Van Bogaert Patrick 
Published: July 2009

SummaryTo assess the efficacy and tolerability of steroids in epileptic syndromes with continuous spike‐waves during slow‐wave sleep (CSWS), charts of 44 children (25 boys) who received corticosteroids for cognitive and/or behavioral deterioration associated with CSWS were retrospectively reviewed. Awake and sleep electroencephalography (EEG) records, clinical and neuropsychological assessments were available before, during, and after corticosteroid therapy. Evaluation focused on effects on EEG, behavior, and cognition. All but two patients received hydrocortisone (initial dose of 5 mg/kg/day). The treatment was slowly tapered with a total duration of 21 months. There were 18 symptomatic and 26 cryptogenic cases. Mean age was 7 years and mean intelligence quotient/developmental quotient (IQ/DQ) was 65. Mean CSWS duration before corticosteroid treatment was 1.7 years. Twenty patients had tried more than two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) before steroids. Positive response to steroids was found during the first 3 months of treatment in 34 of 44 patients (77.2%), with normalization of the EEG in 21 patients. Relapse occurred in 14 of them. Hence, 20 patients (45.4%) were long‐term responders after a single but prolonged trial of steroids, including all four cases of Landau‐Kleffner syndrome. Positive response to steroids was highly significantly associated with higher IQ/DQ. Shorter CSWS duration, but not age, etiology, or previous AED trials, was associated with positive response to steroids. Early discontinuation of the treatment for side effects was encountered in seven patients. We conclude that corticosteroids are safe and efficient for treatment of epilepsy with CSWS. Poor responders are patients with very low IQ and long duration of CSWS.