bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of kappa/dynorphin system in the development of tolerance to nicotine‐induced antinociception
Authors: Galeote Lola , Maldonado Rafael , Berrendero Fernando 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to explore the possible role of kappa/dynorphin system in the development of tolerance to nicotine antinociception in mice. First, we observed that kappa‐opioid receptor (KOP‐r) participates in the acute spinal antinociception produced by nicotine (3 and 5 mg/kg, s.c.) since the pre‐treatment with the selective kappa antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated this response in the tail‐immersion test but not in the hot‐plate test nor in locomotor responses. Possible changes in the expression of KOP‐r were investigated in tolerant mice to nicotine antinociception by using autoradiography of [3H]CI‐977 binding. The density of KOP‐r decreased in the spinal cord of tolerant mice. In addition, bi‐directional cross‐tolerance between nicotine (3 and 5 mg/kg, s.c.) and the selective kappa agonist U50,488H (10 mg/kg, s.c.) was found in the tail‐immersion test. Recent evidences indicate that an up‐regulation of dynorphin levels in the spinal cord and subsequent activation of NMDA receptors participate in the development of tolerance to opioid and cannabinoid antinociception. In this study, dynorphin content in the lumbar spinal cord was similar in control and nicotine tolerant mice. Furthermore, the administration of the NMDA antagonist MK‐801 (0.03 and 0.01 mg/kg, i.p.) before each daily nicotine injection did not modify the development of nicotine tolerance. In summary, these data indicate that KOP‐r is directly involved in the development of tolerance to nicotine antinociception by a mechanism independent from dynorphin and NMDA receptors.
Calcineurin is involved in the early activation of NMDA‐mediated cell death in mutant huntingtin knock‐in striatal cells
Authors: Xifró Xavier , García‐Martínez Juan Manuel , Del Toro Daniel , Alberch Jordi , Pérez‐Navarro Esther 
Published: February 2008

AbstractExcitotoxicity has been proposed as one of the mechanisms involved in the specific loss of striatal neurons that occurs in Huntington’s disease. Here, we studied the role of calcineurin in the vulnerability of striatal neurons expressing mutant huntingtin to excitotoxicity. To this end, we induced excitotoxicity by adding NMDA to a striatal precursor cell line expressing full‐length wild‐type (STHdhQ7/Q7) or mutant (STHdhQ111/Q111) huntingtin. We observed that cell death appeared earlier in STHdhQ111/Q111 cells than in STHdhQ7/Q7 cells. Interestingly, these former cells expressed higher levels of calcineurin A that resulted in a greater increase of its activity after NMDA receptor stimulation. Moreover, transfection of full‐length mutant huntingtin in different striatal‐derived cells (STHdhQ7/Q7, M213 and primary cultures) increased calcineurin A protein levels. To determine whether high levels of calcineurin A might account for the earlier activation of cell death in mutant huntingtin knock‐in cells, wild‐type cells were transfected with calcineurin A. Calcineurin A‐transfected STHdhQ7/Q7 cells displayed a significant increase in cell death compared with that recorded in green fluorescent protein‐transfected cells after NMDA treatment. Notably, addition of the calcineurin inhibitor FK‐506 produced a more robust reduction in cell death in mutant huntingtin knock‐in cells than it did in wild‐type cells. These results suggest that high levels of calcineurin A could account for the increased vulnerability of striatal cells expressing mutant huntingtin to excitotoxicity.
Effect of Postnatal Home Visits on Maternal/Infant Outcomes in Syria: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bashour Hyam N. , Kharouf Mayada H. , AbdulSalam Asma A. , El Asmar Khalil , Tabbaa Mohammed A. , Cheikha Salah A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT Objective:Early postpartum home visiting is universal in many Western countries. Studies from developing countries on the effects of home visits are rare. In Syria, where the postpartum period is rather ignored, this study aimed to assess whether a community‐based intervention of postnatal home visits has an effect on maternal postpartum morbidities; infant morbidity; uptake of postpartum care; use of contraceptive methods; and on selected neonatal health practices.Design: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in Damascus. Three groups of new mothers were randomly allocated to receive either 4 postnatal home visits (A), one visit (B), or no visit (C).Sample: A total of 876 women were allocated and followed up.Intervention: Registered midwives with special training made a one or a series of home visits providing information, educating, and supporting women.Results: A significantly higher proportion of mothers in Groups A and B reported exclusively breastfeeding their infants (28.5% and 30%, respectively) as compared with Group C (20%), who received no visits. There were no reported differences between groups in other outcomes.Conclusions: While postpartum home visits significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding, other outcomes did not change. Further studies framed in a nonbiomedical context are needed. Other innovative approaches to improve postnatal care in Syria are needed.
Enhancing Resource Utilization Among Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Flynn Linda , Budd Marilyn , Modelski Julie 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the impact of a home visitation intervention on resource utilization and birth outcomes among pregnant adolescents.Design: This study used a quasiexperimental design that included repeated measures and a comparison group to evaluate the intervention.Sample: The intervention sample consisted of 83 low‐income, pregnant adolescents. The comparison sample was constructed from 216 deidentified electronic birth certificate records.Measurement and Intervention: Each month, during their prenatal period, participating teens received 1 home visit by a public health‐registered nurse and 1 home visit by a medical social worker for the purpose of assisting teens to access community resources, select a prenatal care provider, and make and schedule appointments. Health education and transportation to medical appointments were also provided.Results: There were significant increases in resource utilization, including prenatal care appointments, among intervention teens during program participation. Intervention teens made significantly more visits to their prenatal care providers than did comparison group teens. There were no significant differences, however, in mean infant birth weight between the 2 groups.Conclusions: The findings indicate that the intervention may be effective in enhancing resource utilization among pregnant adolescents.
The Application of the Reflex Theory in the Interpretation of the Clinical Picture, Genesis, and Treatment of Epilepsy
Authors: SERVÍT Z. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe role of reflex mechanisms in the genesis of epilepsy is classified into the following groups:

Reflex provocation of an epileptic attack by a constant, more or less defined stimulus.
Reflex elevation of paroxysmal susceptibility.
Reflex arrest of the development of the crisis.
Reflex diminution of the paroxysmal susceptibility and limitation of activity of the focus.
Reflex modification of the symptomatology, duration and sequelae of epileptic seizures.

Most of these questions are recommended to the attention of the symposium.RÉSUMÉLe rô1e des mécanismes réflexes dans la génèse de l'carépilepsie a été classe de la manière suivante:

Provocation réflexe d'une crise épileptique par un stimulus constant plus ou moins défini.
Elévation réflexe de la susceptibilité paroxystique.
Inhibition réflexe du développement de la crise.
Diminution réflexe de la susceptibilité paroxystique et limitation de l'caractivité du foyer épileptogène.
Modification réflexe de la symptomatologie, de la durée et des séquelles de crises épileptiques.

La plupart de ces questions sont recommandées a l'caràttention du symposium.
Reflex Epileptic Mechanisms Conceptions and Experiences of a Clinical Neurologist
Authors: HENNER K. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYFrom the clinical experience it is clear that reflex mechanisms play a role in every epileptic attack. However, the term “reflex epilepsy” should be reserved to the rare cases where the epileptic seizures are always provoked by one specific stimulus and never occur without this stimulus. Precautions should be taken not to fix the pathological reflex association by repeated medical examinations.RÉSUMÉL'CARexpérience clinique démontre clairement que des mécanismes réflexes jouent un rôle dans toute attaque épileptique. Toutefois, le terftie “épilepsie réflexe” doit être réservé aux cas rares dans lesquels les crises épileptiques sont toujours provoquées par un stimulus spécifique et ne se produisent jamais en dehors de lui. Il faut avoir soin de ne pas fixer l'carassociation du réflexe pathologique par des examens médicaux répétés.
The Influence of Sleep and the Waking State on the Epileptic Activity of Different Cerebral Structures
Authors: KAJTOR F. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe incidence of seizures was analyzed in three hundred epileptics. Possible structural and functional factors responsible are discussed.RÉSUMÉL'CARincidence des attaques a été analysée chez 300 épileptiques. Discussion des facteurs structuraux et fonctionnels susceptibles de responsibilité.
Time Sense and Epileptic EEG Activity
Authors: Holubář J. , Machek J. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYDisturbances of the time sense were found in epileptics during routine EEG examinations only as long as there were episodes of slow rhythms or of spikes and waves or longer lasting epileptic patterns in their EEG.RÉSUMÉUn trouble dans la sensation du temps n'a été constaté par des examens d'E.E.G. de routine chez les épileptiques, que pendant laperiode ou se produisent des episodes de rythme lent ou des pointes et ondes, ou des ‘patterns’ epileptiques de plus longue duree dans leur E.E.G.
Some Problems of Postparoxysmal Inhibition
Authors: NOVÁKOVÁ V. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYFollowing the audiogenic seizure in rats the mesencephalic and cortical postural reflexes as well as the conditioned alimentary reflexes were abolished. The duration of this postparoxysmal inhibition was dependent on the symptomatology of the seizure. It was lengthened by deafferentation of the olfactory or trigeminus nerve or by stimulation of the gastric interoceptors; no changes were found after optic deafferentation. During the inhibition the arousal reaction was elicited only by nociceptive stimulation.Later, after the audiogenic seizure, when conditioned reflexes were restored, it was possible to establish positive and negative alimentary conditioned reflexes.Respiratory frequency decreased after the seizure for about 20 minutes. During this period the respiratory centre was inexcitable by olfactory stimuli.The postparoxysmal inhibition after an audiogenic seizure as well as after an electro‐shock has many symptoms in common with decerebrate rigidity.RÉSUMÉA la suite de la crise audiogénique chez les rats, les réflexes posturaux mésencéphaliques et corticaux disparaissent, tout aussi bien que les réflexes alimentaires conditionés. La durée de cette inhibition postparoxysmal dépend de la symptomatologie de la crise. Elle était prolongée par la déafférentation des nerfs olfactif et trijumeau ou par la stimulation des interocepteurs gastriques; on n'a pas observé de changements après la déafférentation optique. Pendant Finhibition, la réaction du réveil ne s'est produite que par suite d'une stimulation nociceptive.Plus tard, après la crise audiogénique, quand se manifestent les réflexes conditionés, il est possible d'obtenir des réflexes conditionés alimentaires positifs et négatifs.La fréquence respiratoire diminue 20 minutes à peu près après la crise. Pendant cette période, le centre respiratoire n'est pas excitable par des stimuli olfactifs.L'inhibition postparoxysmale, qu'elle suive une crise audiogénique ou un électrochoc, comprend plusieurs symptômes de rigidité décérebrée.
Epileptic Attacks and Adaptation
Authors: Chocholová L. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYAfter repeated stimulation with acoustic epileptogenic stimuli, the duration of which was shorter than the latency period of the seizure, the frequency of seizures decreased significantly both in naturally sensitive rats and in rats which became sensitive after the production of an epileptogenic cortical focus.Similarly, the sensitivity to seizures decreased when as conditioned alimentary reflex was elicited by the shortened acoustic stimulus, i.e. after changing the signal significance of the epileptogenic stimulus into a conditioned nutritional one.Both these adaptation phenomena were of long duration and resistant, even in conflict situation.RÉSUMÉAprès stimulation réitérée par des stimuli épileptogéniques acoustiques dont la durée est plus courte que celle de la période latente de la crise, la fréquence des attaques a sensiblement diminué chez des rats naturellement sensibles, ou bien chez des rats devenus sensibles après la production d'un focus cortical épileptogenique.De même, la sensibilité aux crises diminue quand un réflexe alimentaire conditioné a été provoqué“par le stimulus acoustique écourté, c'est‐à‐dire après que la signification du signal du stimulus épileptogénique ait été changé en une signification de nutrition conditionnee.Ces deux phénomènes d'adaptation se sont montrés résistants et de longue durée même lors d'un état de conflit.
Reading Epilepsy
Authors: Critchley Macdonald 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYUp to date 18 cases of reading epilepsy were described, two of them are briefly reported. The possible etiologic factors are discussed.RÉSUMÉDix‐huit cas d'carépilepsie provoquée par la lecture ont été décrits; bréve communication de deux d'entre eux. Discussion des facteurs étiologiques possibles.
Reflex Mechanisms of Exteromotor and Interomotor Disturbances and Alterations of Consciousness in Epilepsies
Authors: Hrbek J. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe author's concept based on Pavlov's reflex theory of higher nervous‐activity is outlined.

A new map of cortical areas of analyzors and neuro‐effectors is presented.
Four main activity circuits of effectors of feed‐back character are suggested.
Pathophysiological mechanisms of the formation of conditioned connections are discussed.
A general theory of brain electrogenesis is given.

On the basis of these four points the pathophysiological interpretation and classification of epilepsies as well as the mechanisms of disturbances of consciousness in epilepsy are discussed.RÉSUMÉL'auteur explique le concept qu'il base sur la réflexe théorie de Pavlov d'une activité nerveuse supërieure:

II présente une nouvelle répartition des champs corticaux d'analyseurs et neuro‐effecteurs.
II suggère l'idëe de l'existence de quatre principaux circuits d'activité effecteur de caractère feed‐back.
Discussion de mécanisnies pathophysiologiques de la formation de connections conditionnées.
Théorie générale d'électrogénèse cérébrale.

Discussion sur la base de ces quatre points de l'interprétation pathophysiologique et la classification des épilepsies aussi bien que des mécanisnies des troubles de la conscience dans l'épilepsie.
Attacks Provoked by Television, and their Mechanism
Authors: GASTAUT H. , REGIS H. , BOSTEM F. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThirty five cases of patients are reported in which epileptic seizures occurred when watching television programmes. The mechanisms by which attacks may be provoked are discussed and some preventive measures are suggested.RÉSUMÉCommunication de trente‐cinq cas de patients chez lesquels les crises épileptiques se produisent pendant qu'ils regardent des programmes de télévision. Discussion des mécanismes susceptibles de provoquer des attaques, et proposition de quelques mesures préventives.
The Physiologist George Prochaska (1749 ‐ 1820) and the Reflex Theory
Authors: KRUTA VLADISLAV 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe history of the idea of reflex activity in neurophysiology is outlined and the important place in this history of the Czech physiologist G. Procháska is stressed. Procháska was the first who, in 1784, formulated a consistent modern concept of reflex activity.RÉSUMÉL'histoire du concept activité réflexe en neurophysiologie est rapportée à grands traits et la part importante prise dans cette histoire par le physiologiste tchèque G. Procháska est mise en évidence. Procháska est le premier qui a formulé, dès 1784, un solide concept moderne de l'activité réflexe.
Compliance with Drug Therapy by Epileptic Patients
Authors: Pryse‐Phillips William , Jardine Fred , Bursey Ford 
Published: February 2008

Summary: Fifty patients with epilepsy were randomly divided into three groups and given, respectively, oral information about the nature, purpose, appearances, functions, and unwanted effects of their medications at an initial interview; the same information supplemented by its presentation in written form for the patient to take home; and the same information by telephone contact only. Compliance with anticonvulsant therapy was assessed by interview and by drug levels. The amount of knowledge retained and the drug levels were measured again 4 weeks later. While no increase in serum levels could be detected over the mean values in the first interview, no reduction in levels could be documented either, although the drug information sheets had listed both the minor and the more serious unwanted effects of the drugs. The patients' information scores improved significantly in all three groups, but the combination of data presented at interview both orally and in written form was markedly superior to the other methods.RÉSUMÉ50 Patients épileptiques ont éteA divisés arbitrairement en 3 groupes à qui on a donné les informations suivantes: dans le ler groupe, une information orale sur la nature, le but, les aspects, les fonctions et les effets indésirables de leurs médicaments lors d'un en‐tretien initial; dans le 2ème groupe la méme information orale et une information écrite à emporter chez eux; dans le 3éme groupe l'information a %eAté donnée seulement par téléphone. L'adésion au traitement anticonvulsivant a été testée par un entretien et par une mesure du taux des médicaments dans le sang. La quantité d'informations retenues par les patients et les taux des médicaments ont étéévalués de nouveau 4 semaines plus tard. Bien qu'aucune augmentation des taux sériques n'ait pu être détectée par rapport aux valeurs moyennes obtenues lors du premier entretien, aucune diminution des taux sériques n'a pu être mise en évidence non plus, alors que les feuilles d'information mentionnaient aussi bien les effets indésirables mineurs que les plus sérieux des drogues. Les scores d'information des patients s'ameélioraient de façon significative dans les 3 groupes mais la combinaison de l'information donnée oralement et de l'information éc‐rite était nettement supérieure aux autres méhodes.
Mechanical Behavior and Failure Analysis of Prosthetic Retaining Screws after Long‐Term Use In Vivo. Part 2: Metallurgical and Microhardness Analysis
Authors: Al Jabbari Youssef , Fournelle Raymond , Ziebert Gerald , Toth Jeffrey , Iacopino Anthony 
Published: February 2008

Abstract Purpose: This study involved testing and analyzing multiple retrieved prosthetic retaining screws after long‐term use in vivo to: (1) detect manufacturing defects that could affect in‐service behavior; (2) characterize the microstructure and alloy composition; and (3) further characterize the wear mechanism of the screw threads. Materials and Methods: Two new (control) screws from Nobel Biocare (NB) and 18 used (in service 18–120 months) retaining screws [12 from NB and 6 from Sterngold (SG)] were: (1) metallographically examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the microstructure; (2) analyzed by energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) microanalysis to determine the qualitative and semiquantitative average alloy and individual phase compositions; and (3) tested for Vickers microhardness. Results: Examination of polished longitudinal sections of the screws using light microscopy revealed a significant defect in only one Group 4 screw. No significant defects in any other screws were observed. The defect was considered a “seam” originating as a “hot tear” during original casting solidification of the alloy. Additionally, the examination of longitudinal sections of the screws revealed a uniform homogeneous microstructure in some groups, while in other groups the sections exhibited rows of second phase particles. The screws for some groups demonstrated severe deformation of the lower threads and the bottom part of the screw leading to the formation of crevices and grooves. Some NB screws were comprised of Au‐based alloy with Pt, Cu, and Ag as alloy elements, while others (Groups 4 and 19) were Pd‐based with Ga, Cu, and Au alloy elements. The microstructure was homogeneous with fine or equiaxed grains for all groups except Group 4, which appeared inhomogeneous with anomalous grains. SG screws demonstrated a typical dendritic structure and were Au‐based alloy with Cu and Ag alloy elements. There were differences in the microhardness of gold alloy screws from NB and SG as well as palladium alloy screws from NB. Conclusions: Significant differences within NB retaining screws and between NB and SG screws were found for microstructure, major alloy constituents, and microhardness.
A Simple Method of Positioning the Iris Disk on a Custom‐Made Ocular Prosthesis. A Clinical Report
Authors: Guttal Satyabodh S. , Patil Narendra P. , Vernekar Naina , Porwal Amit 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe report two cases of ocular prosthesis fabrication that make use of a transparent graph grid for positioning the iris disk. The custom‐made ocular prostheses achieved intimate contact with the tissue bed enabling ideal fit. As asymmetry may result in a squint‐eyed appearance, proper positioning of the iris disk in the scleral wax pattern is vital to fabricating the custom‐made artificial eye. The position of the iris disk in the custom‐made ocular prosthesis was in symmetry with that of the natural eye, restoring esthetics of the patient.
Early blood thyroxine concentration and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants
Authors: Kuint Jacob , Sack Joseph , Maayan‐Metzger Ayala 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives: To determine the association between the first thyroxine blood concentration and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among preterm infants.Study design: The study group included a cohort of 34 preterm infants with NEC developed at least 48 h after thyroid function screening was obtained. The control group was consisted of 102 preterm infants (3 infants for each infant with NEC, born at the same gestational age) without NEC. Clinical data and first filter paper of total blood thyroxine concentration taken in the first 2 weeks of life were recorded retrospectively and compared between the study and control groups.Results: Mean filter paper total thyroxine concentration was slightly lower in the study group compared to the control group (86.2 nmol/L and 97.8 nmol/L, respectively) but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.14). Nine infants (26.5%) in the study group were small for gestational age (SGA) in comparison to 11 infants (10.8%) in the control group (p = 0.07).Conclusions: It seems that the first thyroxin serum concentration is not a significant predisposing risk factor for NEC in preterm infants.