bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Long‐term Effects of Epilepsy Surgery with Three Different Reference Groups
Authors: Bien Christian G. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Soeder Bettina M. , Schramm Johannes , Elger Christian E. , Tiemeier Henning 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: It is difficult to validly assess the long‐term effect of epilepsy surgery. Here, this is attempted by comparing the outcome of surgically treated pharmacoresistant epilepsy patients to three different nonoperated comparison groups regarding seizure control, antiepilepsy drug (AED) usage, and health related quality of life (QOL). Methods: One hundred thirty‐one operated patients (group 1, mean follow‐up since presurgical assessment 6.9 years), 105 patients awaiting presurgical assessment (group 2, mean follow‐up after assignment to waiting list 0.8 years), 99 patients considered to be presurgical candidates who chose to withdraw from waiting for presurgical assessment (group 3, mean follow‐up after assignment to waiting list 5.5 years), and 49 patients who were not deemed to be eligible for surgery after comprehensive assessment (group 4, mean follow‐up since presurgical assessment 6.5 years) were studied. The patients completed a questionnaire on seizures, AED usage, and QOL (ESI‐55). Results: The surgical patients had a better outcome than all three comparison groups regarding seizure frequency, seizure freedom rate, and number of AEDs used. They scored higher than groups 2, 3, and 4 on 7/11, 6/11, and 3/11 ESI‐55 domains, respectively. Conclusions: The superior long‐term outcome of the operated patients was most marked if compared to the patients awaiting surgery. This is compatible with the assumption that patients present for presurgical candidacy selection and assessment at a “nadir” of their disease course. After several years, a regression to the mean occurs which reduces (but does not abolish) the differences between nonoperated and operated patients.
Patient Awareness of Complex Partial Seizures
Authors: Heo Kyoung , Han Sang‐Don , Lim Sung Ryoung , Kim Mi Ae , Lee Byung In 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To assess self‐awareness of complex partial seizures (CPSs) in unselected epilepsy patients through a thorough interview. Methods: The study comprised 134 patients at our epilepsy clinic, whose CPSs had been documented by the patient's family members. We investigated the proportion and characteristics of patients unaware of their CPSs compared to those who were, and we monitored the evolution of unawareness of CPSs during the follow‐up. Results: Thirty‐one (23%) patients were assigned to the unawareness group (complete, 23; incomplete, 8) and 103 (67%) patients to the awareness group. Patients in the unawareness group were older and had a later age of onset than patients in the awareness group. Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) localized primarily to the temporal region and were more frequently detected in the unawareness group (94%) than the awareness group (55%). Bilateral independent IEDs were found more frequently in the unawareness group than in the awareness group (48% vs. 13%). The bilateral presence of lesions was also more frequent in the unawareness group than the awareness group (16.1% vs. 4.9%). Six (26%) of 23 patients with complete unawareness of their CPSs had experienced awareness of CPSs during the follow‐up. Two of these patients even experienced the emergence of de novo aura. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a significant number of epilepsy patients are not aware of their CPSs. Unawareness of CPSs may be related to bitemporal dysfunction and a rapid and complete loss of consciousness caused by rapid spread of ictal discharges to the contralateral hemisphere in association with bilateral independent IEDs and bilateral presence of lesions.
Lack of Efficacy and Potential Aggravation of Myoclonus with Lamotrigine in Unverricht‐Lundborg Disease
Authors: Genton Pierre , Gelisse Philippe , Crespel Arielle 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Unverricht‐Lundborg disease (ULD) is a progressive myoclonus epilepsy with tonic–clonic seizures, action myoclonus, mild ataxia, without dementia. Persistence of invalidating action myoclonus is a major problem. Drugs like phenytoin can aggravate ULD. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the effect of add‐on lamotrigine (LTG) in the five patients under our care who received LTG. Method: Three men and two women, aged 20–50 years who had ULD confirmed by molecular biology, followed in two epilepsy centers, received add‐on LTG at 50–300 mg/d. All of them had valproate. The other drugs used in cotherapy were high‐dose piracetam, benzodiazepines phenobarbital, topiramate, and primidone. The assessment of LTG was based on detailed interview and clinical examination. Aggravation was diagnosed when myoclonic jerks (MJ) increased without irregular intake of medication, inappropriate lifestyle, encephalopathic or metabolic complications, or overdosage. Results: In two patients, LTG exacerbated MJ in a dose‐dependent manner. In one patient, a delayed, severe exacerbation of myoclonus occurred that only ceased after LTG withdrawal and introduction of levetiracetam. These three patients had minor forms of ULD. In two patients with moderate to severe forms of ULD, LTG had no effect. Conclusion: Although symptoms may fluctuate in ULD, it was possible to pinpoint lack of improvement (2/5), dose‐related exacerbation of myoclonus (2/5), and putative late‐onset aggravation (1/5) in five patients treated with adjunctive LTG. LTG does not appear to be a sensible treatment option in ULD.
A New Measure of Binge Drinking: Prevalence and Correlates in a Probability Sample of Undergraduates
Authors: Cranford James A. , McCabe Sean Esteban , Boyd Carol J. 
Published: October 2006

Background: A standard measure defines binge drinking as the consumption of 5 or more drinks in a row for men (4 or more drinks for women) on at least 1 occasion during the past 2 weeks. A revised operational definition of binge drinking was developed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in 2004 and incorporated the duration of the drinking episode in addition to the quantity of alcohol consumed. This study compares the standard and new binge measures for overall and subgroup prevalence rates; associations with gender, race/ethnicity, and age of drinking onset; and associations with negative drinking consequences.Methods: A probability sample of 4,580 randomly selected college students (50.3% female, M age=19.9, SD=2.0) at a large Midwestern university in the United States completed a Web‐based survey of alcohol and other drug use. Participants reported on past 2‐week binge drinking using the standard measure and past‐year binge drinking using the new measure.Results: The longer past‐year time frame of the new measure yielded a higher prevalence estimate of binge drinking (63.6%) compared with the 2‐week standard measure (53.2%). Approximately 9.9% of those who were classified as binge drinkers using the 2‐week standard measure were classified as non–binge drinkers using the new measure specification of a 2‐hour duration for the drinking episode. The past‐year new binge measure was positively associated with negative drinking consequences even when the 2‐week measure was statistically controlled.Conclusions: Using a longer time frame and incorporating the duration of the drinking episode, the new measure of binge drinking appears to capture an important element of risky alcohol involvement in college students that is not fully assessed by the standard measure.
Ethanol‐Induced Apoptosis in Polarized Hepatic Cells Possibly Through Regulation of the Fas Pathway
Authors: McVicker Benita L. , Tuma Dean J. , Kubik Jacy L. , Tuma Pamela L. , Casey Carol A. 
Published: October 2006

Background: It has been noted that alcohol‐related liver diseases can be associated with an increase in apoptotic hepatocellular death. Moreover, the promotion of hepatocyte apoptosis may be linked to signals emanating from death receptors, particularly Fas [CD95/apoptosis‐inducing protein 1 (APO‐1)]. In the present study, we utilized an in vitro hepatic culture model [hybrid of human fibroblast (WI 38) and rat hepatoma (Fao) cells, WIF‐B cells] to study potential contributing mechanisms involved in hepatocellular apoptosis following ethanol administration.Methods: WIF‐B cultures (differentiated hepatic cells that efficiently metabolize alcohol) were treated with or without ethanol and specific inhibitors of alcohol metabolism and cysteine protease activity, followed by morphological and biochemical examination of proapoptotic parameters.Results: The results of this work demonstrated that ethanol administration leads to an increase (45%–60%) in caspase‐3 activity and that the induction of apoptosis was found to be linked to the metabolism of alcohol. Additionally, increases were observed in the activity of upstream initiator caspases (caspase‐2 and caspase‐8) that are directly related to membrane signaling events of death receptors such as Fas. Moreover, it was determined that the activation of caspase‐3 could be blocked by the presence of a specific caspase‐8 inhibitor, again linking death receptor‐associated proteases to downstream effector caspase activity in alcohol‐related death. Finally, ethanol administration was found to result in an increase in the amount of Fas protein present in the membrane fraction of the cell. The increase in membrane Fas protein indicates ligand‐independent membrane targeting of Fas in the alcohol‐treated cells that could potentially be a key signaling event in the induction of the proapoptotic caspase cascade.Conclusions: The data presented here indicate that alcohol metabolism induces apoptosis in WIF‐B cells that occurs, in part, by mechanisms involving signals emanating from death receptors.
BHT Blocks NF‐κB activation and Ethanol‐Induced Brain Damage
Authors: Crews Fulton , Nixon Kimberly , Kim Daniel , Joseph James , Shukitt‐Hale Barbara , Qin Liya , Zou Jian 
Published: October 2006

Background: Binge ethanol administration causes corticolimbic brain damage that models alcoholic neurodegeneration. The mechanism of binge ethanol‐induced degeneration is unknown, but is not simple glutamate–N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) excitotoxicity. To test the hypothesis that oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanisms of binge ethanol‐induced brain damage, we administered 4 antioxidants, e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ebselen (Eb), vitamin E (VE), and blueberry (BB) extract, during binge ethanol treatment and assessed various measures of neurodegeneration.Methods: Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with intragastric ethanol 3 times per day (8–12 g/kg/d) alone or in combination with antioxidants or isocaloric diet for 4 days. Animals were killed, and brains were perfused and extracted for histochemical silver stain determination of brain damage, markers of neurogenesis, or other immunohistochemistry. Some animals were used for determination of nuclear factor κ B (NF‐κB)–DNA binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) or for reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2).Results: Binge ethanol induced corticolimbic brain damage and reduced neurogenesis. Treatment with BHT reversed binge induced brain damage and blocked ethanol inhibition of neurogenesis in all regions studied. Interestingly, the other antioxidants studied, e.g., Eb, VE, and BB, did not protect against binge‐induced brain damage. Binge ethanol treatment also caused microglia activation, increased NF‐κB–DNA binding and COX2 expression. Butylated hydroxytoluene reduced binge‐induced NF‐κB–DNA binding and COX2 expression.Conclusions: Binge‐induced brain damage and activation of NF‐κB–DNA binding are blocked by BHT. These studies support a neuroinflammatory mechanism of binge ethanol‐induced brain damage.
Customs, Culture, and Tradition—What Role Do They Play in a Woman’s Sexuality?
Authors: Fourcroy Jean L. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual health is an assumed right for every individual, but we know little regarding customs, culture, or tradition and the role they play on the sexual experiences for a woman. A woman’s sexuality must be considered in the context of the environment in which she and her partner live. Culture, social customs of the community, and religion often determine the acceptance and achievement of sexual health for both men and women.

Aim
This is a review of the available literature on the impact of culture on a woman’s sexual satisfaction, with emphasis placed on information from cultures practicing female genital circumcision (FGC).

Results
FGC provides a spectrum of surgical excisions and outcomes. The spectrum of FGC surgical excisions can alter well-being, obstetrical outcomes, and sexual responses. The psychologic aspects of a painful procedure in a young child may also impact her future sexual responsiveness.

Conclusion
There is a paucity of information on which to base conclusions and the effect of culture on a woman’s sexual satisfaction. Preliminary data suggest the need for further research using markers specific to the culture and her satisfaction.
Vardenafil Improves Sexual Function and Treatment Satisfaction in Couples Affected by Erectile Dysfunction (ED): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in PDE5 Inhibitor-Naïve Men with ED and Their Partners
Authors: Edwards David , Hackett Geoff , Collins Owen , Curram John 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition with diverse sequelae affecting men and their women partners.

Aim
The FINDER study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, vardenafil, in a broad population of PDE5-naïve men with ED of different etiologies and severity and included their partners’ assessments of treatment with vardenafil.

Methods
Men with ED (N = 260) were randomized to receive either vardenafil or placebo in a multicenter, flexible-dose study.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary efficacy variables were patients’ responses to the Global Assessment Question (GAQ), and Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP2 and SEP3).

Results
Compared with placebo, vardenafil significantly improved rates of successful “Yes” responses to SEP3 (“Did your erection last long enough for you to have successful intercourse?”) (49% placebo vs. 78% vardenafil at last period carried forward [LPCF]; P &lt; 0.0001), SEP2 (“Were you able to insert your penis into your partner’s vagina?”) (65% placebo vs. 85% vardenafil at LPCF; P &lt; 0.0001), and GAQ (36% placebo vs. 83% vardenafil at last observation carried forward; P &lt; 0.0001). In addition, patients’ and their partners’ Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) scores were statistically significantly improved across each of the TSS domains (satisfaction with orgasm, ease with erection, confidence, pleasure, erectile function satisfaction, and satisfaction with medication) in the vardenafil group compared with the placebo group.

Conclusions
Vardenafil improved sexual function to the extent that both patients and their partners expressed a considerable and agreed level of satisfaction with treatment.
Health promotion for women with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Abel Elizabeth , Hopson Laura , Delville Carol 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this pilot study was twofold: first, to modify Stuifbergen’s health promotion intervention initially developed for women with multiple sclerosis for use among women with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and to evaluate the feasibility of the newly modified health promotion intervention named “Put Health Into Living” (PHIL). The pilot study was completed in two phases.Data sources: In phase I, data were derived from a literature review, a focus group of women with HIV/AIDS (n= 7), a panel of experts who reviewed the intervention for content, and three female community workers who evaluated the intervention for the context of living with HIV/AIDS, cultural relevancy, and literacy. During phase II, a pretest/posttest one‐group design was used to determine the feasibility of the study methods, content, and format of the health promotion intervention among 10 women with HIV/AIDS.Conclusions: The pilot study demonstrated the importance of a health promotion intervention for a vulnerable population. Participants verbalized the benefits of attending a health promotion program to gain knowledge and skills to promote their health. One woman said, “I have been positive for 20 years now and no one has talked to me just about my overall health.” Participants indicated the PHIL intervention offered a supportive group environment, an overall health focus, and an acceptable format.Implications for practice: Health promotion is a desirable goal for persons living with a chronic disease, and the PHIL intervention has the potential to benefit persons living with HIV/AIDS if subsequent evidence is found in further testing of the intervention.
Computed tomography study of implantation corridors in canine vertebrae
Authors: Watine S. , Cabassu J. P. , Catheland S. , Brochier L. , Ivanoff S. 
Published: October 2006

Objectives: To define the characteristics of optimum implantation corridors in vertebral bodies C2 to C7 and T10 to S1, using computed tomography examination. Methods: Measurements were taken from 207 vertebrae from 35 different adult dogs. Results: Implantation corridors of the cervical vertebrae are narrow. The width preserving the transverse hole is less than 2·5 mm in 68·6 per cent of the 86 vertebrae C2 to C6. Dorsal implantation corridors of the last four thoracic vertebrae are narrow, and major anatomical structures are very close to their emergence point. In 63 per cent of the 40 thoracic vertebrae, the right azygos vein is at a distance less than or equal to 1 mm from the vertebral body. The first six lumbar vertebrae have broader corridors. Furthermore, vascular structures are far from the emergence point. The last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum have a broad pedicle, which provides an alternative site for implant placement. Clinical Significance: For the vertebrae L1 to S1, the dorsal implantation can be performed. For the cervical vertebrae, the risk of laceration of the vertebral artery is high. For the last four thoracic vertebrae, the dorsal implantation should not be used.
Perioperative management of oral anticoagulation
Authors: ICKX BRIGITTE E. , MOTTE SERGE 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYMany patients receiving regular oral anticoagulation will need to undergo surgery at some point. However, the optimal management of such patients is uncertain. Various approaches have been suggested, but the strategy adopted must take into account each patient’s risk factors for thromboembolism as well as the type and likely duration of the surgical procedure. The objective of this review is to summarize the possible approaches to the management of orally anticoagulated patients requiring surgery and, in so doing, to provide a practical perioperative anticoagulation management scheme that can be used in daily practice.
Tibolone and breast cancer
Authors: Erel C Tamer , Senturk Levent M , Kaleli Semih 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Tibolone is a relatively new drug for postmenopausal women, which is structurally related to 19-nortestosterone derivatives and exhibits weak oestrogenic, progestogenic and androgenic activities. The effect of tibolone on breast tissue is still obscure. In vitro studies have shown conflicting results regarding the effects of tibolone on breast cells. On the other hand, although epidemiological studies show an increase in the risk of breast cancer among women treated with tibolone, accumulation of data obtained from radiological studies presents promising results. However, the safety of tibolone with regard to breast tissue needs to be investigated further, especially through well-designed, large-scale, randomised-controlled trials.
Prevalence of hypogonadism in male patients with renal failure
Authors: Albaaj F , Sivalingham M , Haynes P , McKinnon G , Foley R N , Waldek S , O'Donoghue D J , Kalra P A 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Hypogonadism in men may be secondary to renal failure and is well recognised in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is thought to contribute to the sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis experienced by these patients. However, the association between hypogonadism and lesser degrees of renal dysfunction is not well characterised.

Methods
The gonadal status of 214 male patients (mean age 56 (SD 18) years) attending a renal centre was studied; 62 of them were receiving haemodialysis and 22 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease, whereas 34 patients had functioning renal transplants and 96 patients were in the low-clearance phase. Non-fasting plasma was analysed for testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin, parathyroid hormone and haemoglobin. Creatinine clearance was estimated in patients not on dialysis, and Kt/V and urea reduction ratio were assessed in patients on dialysis. Testosterone concentrations were classified as normal (&gt;14 nmol/l), low-normal (10–14 nmol/l) or low (&lt;10 nmol/l).

Results
56 (26.2%) patients had significantly low testosterone levels and another 65 (30.3%) had low-normal levels. No significant changes were seen in sex hormone-binding globulin or gonadotrophin levels. Gonadal status was not correlated with haemoglobin level, parathyroid hormone level, creatinine clearance, or dialysis duration or adequacy.

Conclusion
Over half of patients with renal failure, even in the pre-dialysis phase, have low or low-normal levels of testosterone, which may be a potentially reversible risk factor for osteoporosis and sexual dysfunction. These patients may be candidates for testosterone-replacement therapy, which has been shown to improve bone mineral-density and libido in men with low and low-normal testosterone levels.
Leishmaniasis
Authors: Piscopo T V , Mallia A C 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Epidemiology, disease patterns, immunology, diagnosis, treatment and control measures of leishmaniasis are described. Various issues relating to leishmaniasis are highlighted: the relative lack of importance given to this disease is compared with other infections, climate change and its possible effect on extension of endemicity of this infection, and new diagnostic tests that are helping better diagnosis, especially in resource-poor areas. Other important aspects discussed include the potential for newer oral treatment to change the way this disease is managed; leishmania–HIV coinfection and groups at risk; and the development of an effective vaccine.
What is the origin of ulcerative colitis? Still more questions than answers
Authors: Lukas Milan , Bortlik Martin , Maratka Zdenek 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Despite more than a century of existence as a clinical entity, the true origin of ulcerative colitis still remains elusive. Several factors probably contribute to the development of this condition. Recently discovered technologies have clarified the role of bacterial species, which may account for intestinal dysbiosis, as a factor triggering ulcerative colitis. Genetic susceptibility together with abnormal innate immunoreactivity probably comprise the essential prerequisites for the initiation and perpetuation of ulcerative colitis. Although the genetic background has been more clearly recognised in patients with Crohn's disease than in those with ulcerative colitis, some candidate loci associated with ulcerative colitis have also been intensively studied. Additionally, environmental factors may interfere with inherent predispositions to ulcerative colitis, and either suppress or reinforce them. Whatever the origin, the search for the aetiology of ulcerative colitis must have the same goal: the improvement of treatment and the quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis.