bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered white matter integrity in temporal lobe epilepsy: Association with cognitive and clinical profiles
Authors: Riley Jeffrey D. , Franklin David L. , Choi Vicky , Kim Ronald C. , Binder Devin K. , Cramer Steven C. , Lin Jack J. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have reported substantial white matter abnormalities in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, limited data exist regarding the extent of white matter tract abnormalities, cognitive effects of these abnormalities, and relationship to clinical factors. The current study examined these issues in subjects with chronic TLE.Methods:  DTI data were obtained in 12 TLE subjects and 10 age‐matched healthy controls. Voxel‐wise statistical analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) was carried out using tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS). White matter integrity was correlated with cognitive performance and epilepsy‐related clinical parameters.Results:  Subjects with TLE, as compared to healthy controls, demonstrated four clusters of reduced FA, in anterior temporal lobe, mesial temporal lobe, and cerebellum ipsilateral, as well as frontoparietal lobe contralateral to the side of seizure onset. Mean FA was positively correlated with delayed memory, in anterior temporal lobe; and immediate memory, in mesial temporal lobe. Lower FA values in the posterior region of corpus callosum were related to earlier age of seizure onset.Conclusion:  TLE is associated with widespread disturbances in white matter tracts and these changes have important cognitive and clinical consequences.
Impaired gist memory in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Chiu Ming‐Jang , Lin Ching‐Wei , Chen Chih‐Chuan , Chen Ta‐Fu , Chen Ya‐Fang , Liu Hon‐Man , Chu Chih‐Pang , Liou Horng‐Huei , Hua Mau‐Sun 
Published: February 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common focal epilepsy and frequently causes memory problems. It is often associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and is useful in exploring memory functions. We aimed to examine the effect of restricted hippocampal lesions on gist memory function in patients with TLE.Methods:  Forty‐five patients with TLE and HS (16 left, 15 right, and 14 bilateral lesions) and 22 control subjects were recruited. Patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electroencephalography (EEG) evidence of extratemporal lesions were excluded. All participants performed a gist‐based recognition task following the Deese‐Roediger‐McDermott paradigm and were tested for verbal IQ and memory functions. We conducted hippocampal volumetry on MRI of all the participants.Results:  Patients showed multidomain memory impairments. Gist memory was impaired in patients with bilateral HS and probably in patients with right HS. Hippocampal volumetry supported such findings that total volume of hippocampi and volume of right hippocampus correlated positively with gist memory function.Discussion:  HS has a dose effect and a probable right dominance effect on gist memory; good item memory supports gist memory performance; and a disproportionate deficit was noted in tasks with high relational demand but not in tasks with simple association. We should develop memory skills for patients with TLE by enhancing performance of gist memory related to simple association task.
WAG/Rij rats show a reduced expression of CB1 receptors in thalamic nuclei and respond to the CB1 receptor agonist, R(+)WIN55,212‐2, with a reduced incidence of spike‐wave discharges
Authors: Van Rijn Clementina M. , Gaetani Silvana , Santolini Ines , Badura Aleksandra , Gabova Aleksandra , Fu Jin , Watanabe Masashiko , Cuomo Vincenzo , Van Luijtelaar Gilles , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Ngomba Richard T. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Genetically epileptic WAG/Rij rats develop spontaneous absence‐like seizures after 3 months of age. We used WAG/Rij rats to examine whether absence seizures are associated with changes in the expression of type‐1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors.Methods:  Receptor expression was examined by in situ hybridization and western blot analysis in various brain regions of “presymptomatic” 2‐month old and “symptomatic” 8‐month‐old WAG/Rij rats relative to age‐matched nonepileptic control rats. Furthermore, we examined whether pharmacologic activation of CB1 receptor affects absence seizures. We recorded spontaneous spike‐wave discharges (SWDs) in 8‐month old WAG/Rij rats systemically injected with the potent CB1 receptor agonist, R(+)WIN55,212‐2 (3–12 mg/kg, s.c.), given alone or combined with the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251 (12 mg/kg, s.c.).Results:  Data showed a reduction of CB1 receptor mRNA and protein levels in the reticular thalamic nucleus, and a reduction in CB1 receptor protein levels in ventral basal thalamic nuclei of 8‐month‐old WAG/Rij rats, as compared with age‐matched ACI control rats. In vivo, R(+)WIN55,212‐2 caused a dose‐dependent reduction in the frequency of SWDs in the first 3 h after the injection. This was followed by a late increase in the mean SWD duration, which suggests a biphasic modulation of SWDs by CB1 receptor agonists. Both effects were reversed or attenuated when R(+)WIN55,212‐2 was combined with AM251.Discussion:  These data indicate that the development of absence seizures is associated with plastic modifications of CB1 receptors within the thalamic‐cortical‐thalamic network, and raise the interesting possibility that CB1 receptors are targeted by novel antiabsence drugs.
Characteristics of a large population of patients with refractory epilepsy attending tertiary referral centers in Italy
Authors: Alexandre Veriano , Capovilla Giuseppe , Fattore Cinzia , Franco Valentina , Gambardella Antonio , Guerrini Renzo , La Briola Francesca , Ladogana Marianna , Rosati Eleonora , Specchio Luigi Maria , Striano Salvatore , Perucca Emilio ,   on behalf of the SOPHIE Study Group
Published: February 2010

SummaryThe characteristics of 1,124 consecutive adults and children with refractory epilepsy attending 11 tertiary referral centers in Italy were investigated at enrollment into a prospective observational study. Among 933 adults (age 16–86 years), the most common syndromes were symptomatic (43.7%) and cryptogenic (39.0%) focal epilepsies, followed by idiopathic (8.1%) and cryptogenic/symptomatic generalized (6.2%) epilepsies. The most common syndrome among 191 children was symptomatic focal epilepsy (35.1%), followed by cryptogenic focal (18.8%), cryptogenic/symptomatic generalized (18.3%), undetermined whether focal or generalized (16.8%), and idiopathic generalized (7.3%). Primarily and secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures were reported in 27.8% of adults and 16.8% of children. The most commonly reported etiologies were mesial temporal sclerosis (8.0%) and disorders of cortical development (6.2%) in adults, and disorders of cortical development (14.7%) and nonprogressive encephalopathies (6.8%) in children. More than three‐fourths of subjects in both age groups were on antiepileptic drug (AED) polytherapy.
Ictal hypoventilation contributes to cardiac arrhythmia and SUDEP: Report on two deaths in video‐EEG–monitored patients
Authors: Bateman Lisa M. , Spitz Mark , Seyal Masud 
Published: February 2010

SummarySudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common cause of death in patients with epilepsy, with cardiorespiratory dysfunction and a primary cessation of cerebral function proposed as causes. We report two cases of SUDEP in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy undergoing video‐EEG (electroencephalography) telemetry at two centers. Both had secondarily generalized convulsions. EEG, electrocardiography (ECG), and respiratory changes in these two patients are reported herein. Ictal/postictal hypoventilation may contribute to SUDEP with the resulting hypoxemia and acidosis leading to failure of recovery of cortical function and eventual cardiac failure.
Assessment of traumatic injuries to primary teeth in general practise and specialized paediatric dentistry
Authors: Rasmusson Carl Gösta , Koch Göran 
Published: February 2010

Abstract –  Aim:  The aim of this prospective study was to compare diagnosis, severity of trauma and treatment of traumatic injuries to the primary dentition in two groups of children, the first recommended for treatment by general practitioners and the second referred for treatment by a specialist paediatric dentist.Materials and methods:  A total of 323 children with traumatic injuries, 184 boys and 139 girls aged 7–83 months, participated in the study. All the children had first presented at a Public Dental Service clinic where they were examined by general dentists who decided, based on the severity of the trauma, to assign each child to one of the following two groups: Group A – recommended for treatment at the general practise (166 children with 257 traumatized incisor teeth). Group B – recommended for referral to a specialist in paediatric dentistry (157 children with 261 traumatized incisor teeth). Even in Group A, the specialist controlled the treatment decisions. The clinical diagnose and follow‐up followed the recommendations presented by Andreasen & Andreasen.Results:  The distribution of trauma by age was similar in both groups, with about 60% occurring between 1 and 3 years. More injured teeth were extracted in children in Group B (n = 111) than in Group A (n = 33). A higher percentage of intruded primary incisors were recorded in Group B (24%) compared with Group A (16%). Similarly, the percentage of concussions/subluxations, lateral luxations and complicated crown fractures was higher in Group B than in Group A.Conclusions:  The group referred for specialist treatment had more severe injuries and needed more complicated treatment than the group recommended for care by general dentists. However, the rate of sequelae in permanent successors was the same in both.
Does low birthweight influence the nutritional status of children at school age? A cohort study in northeast Brazil
Authors: de Jesus Machado Amorim Rosemary , de Carvalho Lima Marilia , Cabral de Lira Pedro Israel , Emond Alan Martin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBirthweight is recognized to be a determinant of a full term infant's early growth pattern; however, few studies have explored whether this effect is sustained into school age, especially in developing countries. We have used a cohort study from North East Brazil to investigate factors determining the anthropometric status of eight‐year‐old children born at full‐term with low or appropriate weight. A cohort of 375 full‐term infants was recruited at birth in six maternity hospitals between 1993 and 1994, in a poor region of the interior of the State of Pernambuco. At the age of 8 years, 86 born with low birthweight and 127 with appropriate birthweight were traced. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify the net effect of socioeconomic conditions, maternal nutritional status and child factors on weight‐for‐age and height‐for‐age. An enter approach was used to estimate the contribution of different factors on child anthropometry. Birthweight had little influence on child nutritional status at school age. Maternal BMI and height together were the biggest contributors to variation in child weight‐for‐age (12.3%) and height‐for‐age (13.2%), followed by family socioeconomic conditions. Maternal height as a proxy of maternal constraint was the single factor that best explained the variation in both indices (6.2% for weight‐for‐age and 11.1% for height‐for‐age). Haemoglobin level measured at eight years made a small but significant contribution to variation in height‐for‐age (5.6%) and weight for age (1.4%). Maternal nutritional status, reflecting genetic inheritance and the poor socioeconomic conditions of this population, was the most important determinant of the nutritional status of children at school age, rather than birthweight.
The Effect of Statin Therapy on Testosterone Levels in Subjects Consulting for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Boddi Valentina , Balercia Giancarlo , Rastrelli Giulia , De Vita Giulia , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionPrevious clinical studies on effect of statins treatment on testosterone (T) levels have produced mixed results.AimThe aim of the present study is to evaluate the association between statin therapy and hormonal parameters in a large series of subjects seeking medical care at our unit for erectile dysfunction (ED).MethodsA consecutive series of 3,484 (mean age 51.6 ± 13.1 years) patients with ED was studied.Main Outcome MeasuresSeveral hormonal and biochemical parameters were investigated, along with ANDROTEST structured interview measuring hypogonadism-related symptoms.ResultsAmong the patients studied, 244 (7%) patients were being treated with statins. After adjustment for confounding factors (including body mass index and Progetto Cuore cardiovascular (CV) risk engine score), both total and calculated free testosterone levels were significantly lower in subjects taking statins, when compared to the rest of the sample (hazard ratio [HR]=0.93 [0.90; 0.96] and 0.26 [0.01; 0.18] for each decrement of total T and calculated free T, respectively; both P &lt;0.0001). The use of statins was also associated with a reduced testis volume and a higher prevalence of hypogonadism-related symptoms and signs, as assessed by higher ANDROTEST score (HR=1.12 [1.03; 1.21]; P &lt;0.01 after adjustment for confounders). Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in subjects treated with statins when compared to the rest of the sample, while there was a trend toward higher luteinizing hormone levels, but this did not reach statistical significance. The lower levels of total and calculated free T observed in subjects treated with statins were also confirmed comparing them with age-waist circumference and CV risk score matched controls. Finally, subjects being treated with statins showed lower prolactin levels when compared to the rest of the sample.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that statin therapy might induce an overt primary hypogonadism and should be considered as a possible confounding factor for the evaluation of testosterone levels in patients with ED.
PROCESS‐MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE AND HUMIDITY PARAMETERS FOR HIGH‐QUALITY SLICED MUSHROOMS (AGARICUS BISPORUS L.)
Authors: CLIFFE‐BYRNES VALERIE , O'BEIRNE DAVID 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT Mushrooms received one of the following four treatments: washed with water, sliced with a blunt blade and stored in air (AIR) at 4 and 8C, or were treated with H2O2/isoascorbate, then gently sliced with a razor blade, followed by storage in controlled humidity and modified atmosphere (HMA) chambers (96% relative humidity, and 3% O2, 3% CO2 bal N2) at 4 or 8C. Sensory analysis showed that more severe processing with water washing and air storage resulted in an overall poor sensory quality with a greater loss of appearance, increased mushroom maturity, surface browning with tissue softening and a loss of aroma acceptability. Microbial loads were greater, particularly at 8C. By contrast, mild slicing and an antibacterial/anti‐browning treatment combined with high HMA storage had beneficial effects on quality. These conditions resulted in better sensory scores, less cap development and lower microbial loads. Increasing storage temperature from 4 to 8C resulted in a shorter shelf life under both storage atmospheres. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study highlights the effects of different preparation and storage practices on the quality of sliced mushrooms to determine processing and storage conditions that improved quality. The results support the use of low impact slicing combined with an H2O2/isoascorbate treatment, followed by humidity and modified atmosphere storage at 4C as an effective strategy for extending the shelf life of sliced mushrooms. These data from chamber experiments illustrate the challenges faced in supplying packaging materials, which provide ideal storage environments. This work can be relevant for producers and processors who want a mushrom product with maximum quality, safe and has an extended shelf life.
TRAF6 knockdown promotes survival and inhibits inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharides in rat primary renal proximal tubule cells
Authors: Liu S. , Lutz J. , Chang J. , Liu D. , Heemann U. , Baumann M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim: TRAF6 is a unique adaptor protein of the tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor family that mediates both tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and interleukin‐1 receptor/Toll‐like receptor (IL‐1R/TLR) signalling. Activation of IL‐1R/TLR and TNFR pathways in renal tubular cells contributes to renal injury. This study aimed to investigate if blockade of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐triggered TLR4 signalling by small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TRAF6 protects survival and inhibits inflammatory response in isolated rat renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs).Methods: PTCs isolated from F344 rat kidneys were transfected with chemically synthesized siRNA targeting TRAF6 mRNA. Real‐time quantitative PCR was applied to measure mRNA level of TRAF6, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Protein levels of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 3 were evaluated by Western blotting. Cell viability was analysed with XTT reagents.Results: We found that the TRAF6 gene was effectively silenced in PTCs using siRNA. TRAF6 knockdown resulted in reduced TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA expression upon LPS challenge. LPS‐induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was attenuated in TRAF6 siRNA‐transfected cells while the change in the phosphorylation of ERK was not remarkable. TRAF6 knockdown was associated with increased cell viability and reduced protein level of cleaved caspase‐3, both, in the absence and presence of LPS.Conclusion: Our studies suggest that TRAF6 knockdown may inhibit inflammatory response and promote cell survival upon LPS challenge in primary rat proximal renal tubular cells.
Perceptions of older people on disaster response and preparedness
Authors: Duggan Seana , Deeny Pat , Spelman Ruth , Vitale Catherine T. 
Published: February 2010

Duggan S., Deeny P., Spelman R. & Vitale C.T. (2010) Perceptions of older people on disaster response and preparedness. International Journal of Older People Nursing5, 71–76 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2009.00203.xMost disasters occur in developing countries but in the last decade due to the increasing threat of floods, air disasters and terrorist threat, disaster response and preparedness is a growing global concern. Due to an ageing population across the world, older people now constitute a significant proportion of those at risk from disasters. This paper reports on a qualitative study carried out in Sri Lanka and in the United States where a group of older people were asked about aspects of disaster response and preparedness. The group from Sri Lanka (n = 9) who had direct experience of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami were asked how they perceived international aid relief and a group of white Caucasians from East Coast USA (n = 8) were asked about disaster preparedness. Findings indicate that both groups had similar issues albeit that they were looking at different phases of the disaster cycle and from different cultural perspectives. Both groups identified issues related to, protecting the rights of the older person and preventing loss of independence in responding and preparing for a disaster, mistrust of government and access to resources and all expressed strong feelings of self‐responsibility.
The Elephant in the Corner? Reviewing India‐Africa Relations in the New Millennium
Authors: Mawdsley Emma , McCann Gerard 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAs countries of the ‘global South’ seek to challenge existing uneven architectures of economic, political and institutional power, now under different circumstances to those prevailing during the Cold War, relations between African countries and various ‘Rising Powers’ have drawn a great deal of academic and public attention. This scrutiny has been heavily tilted towards analysis of China’s African activities. This paper aims to partially redress this balance with an introductory review of India’s contemporary relations with sub‐Saharan Africa. A number of analysts suggest that in the longer term, India may well achieve a more prosperous and stable economy than China, while in the shorter term, its economic and political profile may result in a more productive relationship for many different African countries, sectors and constituencies. But India will also bring its own challenges in its African commercial interactions, bilateral relations and through its part in shaping the multilateral polity and global economy. This paper therefore aims to critically review contemporary India‐Africa relations on four broad thematic points.

Changing geographies of Indo‐African relations;
Trade and foreign direct investment;
Development cooperation; and
Geopolitics and diplomacy. India’s confidence as a global political and economic actor is apparent in its African diplomacy and economic engagements, but claims to exceptionalism (relative both to Chinese and Western actors) in such relations are not as self‐evident as some have asserted. Whether recent shifts in relations between African nations and India will work in the interests of less privileged citizens, workers and consumers in Africa and in India also remain unclear.
Effects of Olive Maturation and Stoning on Quality Indices and Antioxidant Content of Extra Virgin Oils (cv. Coratina) during Storage
Authors: Gambacorta G. , Faccia M. , Previtali M.A. , Pati S. , Notte E. La , Baiano A. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  Quality indices, antioxidant compounds, and antioxidant activities of extra‐virgin oils from Coratina olives were evaluated during a 12‐mo storage. Whole and stoned olives, picked at 2 different maturation index (MI), were submitted to malaxation for 45 min and extracted by a 3‐phase continuous system. A 90‐min malaxation trial was also performed for the stoned olives. The following parameters were monitored: free acidity, peroxide value, K232 and K270 indices, sensory profile, total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic profiles, tocopherol compounds, and antioxidant activity (AA). The highest TPC, AA, and sensory score were found for the oils obtained by olives picked at low MI and by stoned olives. After 12 mo, all the oils were still included into the “extra‐virgin” category, and those deriving from whole olives picked at the lowest MI showed the best sensory characteristics due to high fruity and well‐balanced pungent and bitter tastes.Practical Application: This study could represent a helpful tool for oil‐makers to improve the marketing of extra‐virgin olive oils produced from cultivars with very high phenolic contents, such as Coratina, generally not adequately appreciated by consumers because of their excessive bitterness and pungent taste. These oils, when extracted from whole olives, are generally consumed after a certain period of time (at least 6 mo) during which a decrease in the phenolic content occurs. The results of the present work demonstrate that oils extracted from olives picked at low maturation index can be marketed immediately after production if subjected to stoning and malaxed for a short time. This procedure allows to adjust the phenolic content and to obtain a high flavor and a well‐balanced taste.