bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of manic and depressive symptoms between children and adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders
Authors: Birmaher Boris , Axelson David , Strober Michael , Gill Mary Kay , Yang Mei , Ryan Neal , Goldstein Benjamin , Hunt Jeffrey , Esposito‐Smythers Christianne , Iyengar Satish , Goldstein Tina , Chiapetta Laurel , Keller Martin , Leonard Henrietta 
Published: January 2009

Objective:  To compare the most severe lifetime (current or past) mood symptoms, duration of illness, and rates of lifetime comorbid disorders among youth with bipolar spectrum disorders [BP (bipolar‐I, bipolar‐II and bipolar–not otherwise specified)].Methods:  A total of 173 children (<12 years) with BP, 101 adolescents with childhood‐onset BP, and 90 adolescents with adolescent‐onset BP were evaluated with standardized instruments.Results:  Depression was the most common initial and frequent episode for both adolescent groups, followed by mania/hypomania. Adolescents with childhood‐onset BP had the longest illness, followed by children and then adolescents with adolescent‐onset BP. Adjusting for sex, socioeconomic status, and duration of illness, while manic, both adolescent groups showed more ‘typical’ and severe manic symptoms. Mood lability was more frequent in childhood‐onset and adolescents with early‐onset BP. While depressed, both adolescent groups showed more severe depressive symptoms, higher rates of melancholic and atypical symptoms, and suicide attempts than children. Depressed children had more severe irritability than depressed adolescents. Early BP onset was associated with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, whereas later BP onset was associated with panic, conduct, and substance use disorders. Above‐noted results were similar when each BP subtype was analyzed separately.Conclusions:  Older age was associated with more severe and typical mood symptomatology. However, there were differences and similarities in type, intensity, and frequency of BP symptoms and comorbid disorders related to age of onset and duration of BP and level of psychosocial development. These factors and the normal difficulties youth have expressing and modulating their emotions may explain existing complexities in diagnosing and treating BP in youth, particular in young children, and suggest the need for developmentally sensitive treatments.
FUNDING EXTERNALITIES, ASSET PRICES AND INVESTORS' ‘SEARCH FOR YIELD’
Authors: Gai Prasanna , Trivedi Kamakshya 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThis note presents a simple model that nests the ‘excess liquidity’ and ‘savings glut’ hypotheses of the debate on the recent asset price boom. It clarifies the notion of investors' ‘search for yield’ and shows how financial frictions influence asset price dynamics.
BUSINESS FAILURES AND MACROECONOMIC FACTORS IN THE UK
Authors: Liu Jia 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTWe examine the interactions between business failures and macroeconomic aggregates, and specifically the accounts of policy‐induced changes in the macroeconomy for the observed fluctuations of UK business failures in the period 1966–2003 using the vector error‐correction model (VECM). The results demonstrate that macroeconomic aggregates, i.e., interest rate, credit, profits, inflation and business births, exert differential impacts on business failures both in the short run and in the long run. The study reveals that structural changes in the financial and real sectors during the examined period have made an impact on the way in which the macroeconomy affects business failures. In particular, business failures are increasingly reacting to monetary policy changes in the post‐1980 period. Furthermore, the shocks to business failures can generate large fluctuations in macroeconomic aggregates, suggesting the importance of corporate balance sheets in financial stability and economic growth. The paper's findings carry policy implications that are related to the survival of firms in distress and finance‐driven business cycles.
Efficacy of fixed low‐dose isotretinoin (20 mg, alternate days) with topical clindamycin gel in moderately severe acne vulgaris
Authors: Sardana K , Garg VK , Sehgal VN , Mahajan S , Bhushan P 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  In view of the potentially serious side‐effects of standard isotretinoin (0.5–1.0 mg/kg per day) therapy for acne, we studied the safety and efficacy of low‐fixed dose isotretinoin plus topical 1%clindamycin gel in the treatment of moderate grade of acne.Methods  In this prospective, non‐comparative study, 320 adult patients, with moderately severe acne were enrolled and treated with fixed‐dose isotretinoin at 20 mg every alternate day (approximately 0.15 mg/kg/day to 0.28 mg/kg/day) for 6 months along with topical clindamycin gel. All female patients were assessed for polycystic ovarian disease. Patients were followed up for 6 months.Results  A total of 305 patients completed the study. Overall, patients received a mean of 38.4 mg/kg cumulative dose of isotretinoin, and very good results were observed in 208 (68.20%), while good response was seen in 59 (19.34%) of patients. Failure of the treatment occurred in 38 (12.46%), while relapses occurred in 50 (16.39%) of patients. Relapses were commoner in females, and 37 of 43 (86.04%) patients had polycystic ovarian disease. Though mild chelitis (91%) and xerosis (43%) were common, laboratory abnormalities in the form of elevated hepatic enzymes (5%) and elevated serum lipids (6%) were rare.Conclusion  Six months of treatment with fixed‐dose, alternate‐day isotretinoin (20 mg) plus topical 1%clindamycin gel was found to be effective in the treatment of moderate acne in adult patients, with a low incidence of side‐effects.Conflicts of interestNone declared
Recommendations for the management of “febrile seizures” Ad hoc Task Force of LICE Guidelines Commission
Authors: Capovilla Giuseppe , Mastrangelo Massimo , Romeo Antonino , Vigevano Federico 
Published: January 2009

SummaryFebrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in childhood, affecting 2–5% of children. Simple febrile seizure is defined as a short (<15 min) generalized seizure, not recurring within 24 h, that occurs during a febrile illness not resulting from an acute disease of the nervous system in a child aged between 6 months and 5 years, with no neurologic deficits and no previous afebrile seizures. These recommendations address the instructions for management of the first febrile seizures, giving criteria for hospital admission, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of a prolonged seizure. The authors stressed the benign prognosis of the majority of cases and the risk factors for recurrence of febrile seizures and appearance of epilepsy later on. Both continuous and intermittent anticonvulsant therapy are efficacious in preventing single febrile seizures, but side effects may be so important to overcome the benefits. These treatments are indicated in very selected patients.
Italian Consensus Conference on Epilepsy and Pregnancy, Labor and Puerperium
Authors: Aguglia Umberto , Barboni Giancarlo , Battino Dina , Battista Cavazzuti Giovan , Citernesi Angela , Corosu Roberto , Maria Guzzetta Francesco , Iannetti Paola , Mamoli Daniela , Patella Alfredo , Pavone Lorenzo , Perucca Emilio , Primiero Francesco , Pruna Dario , Savasta Salvatore , Specchio Luigi Maria , Verrotti Alberto 
Published: January 2009

SummaryTo facilitate an integrated and rational approach to the care of women with epilepsy of childbearing potential, a group of experts appointed by Italian scientific societies in the fields of epileptology, neonatology, pediatrics, neuropediatrics, child neuropsychiatry, obstetrics, and gynecology held a joint meeting in Santa Trada di Cannitello, Reggio Calabria, Italy, on October 15–16, 2004, with the aim of reaching consensus on the optimal management of these women. An ad hoc system for the classification of available published evidence and the opinions of experts was developed and used to grade recommendations on different aspects related to counseling, diagnostic, and treatment issues. The present document summarizes available evidence on the reciprocal interactions between epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and the offspring. Recommendations are made concerning the information and counseling that should be provided to women with epilepsy with respect to issues related to contraception, conception, pregnancy, labour, and puerperium. More detailed recommendations on the same issues are provided to physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of these women, with special reference to choice of effective contraception, optimization of antiepileptic drug therapy, use of prenatal diagnostic tests and other monitoring procedures, and appropriate management practices in relation to childbirth, puerperium, and the care of the child.
Epilepsy and postpartum depression
Authors: Turner Katherine , Piazzini Ada , Franza Albertina , Marconi Anna Maria , Canger Raffaele , Canevini Maria Paola 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Postpartum depression occurs in 10–20% of women who have recently given birth, but less than half of cases are recognized. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there was a difference in the rate of postpartum depression between patients with epilepsy and healthy controls, and to determine the relationship between epilepsy and postpartum depression.Methods:  The sample consisted of 55 patients with epilepsy and 55 patients without epilepsy. All patients were recruited at the Regional Epilepsy Center and at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milan, St. Paolo Hospital (Italy). Every woman was assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a clinical interview to screen for postpartum depression.Results:  We found a statistically significant higher rate of postpartum depression in patients with epilepsy compared with controls (p < 0.05).Discussion:  These findings highlight the importance of screening for postpartum depression; it can improve the recognition of the disorder and can provide adequate treatment and follow‐up.
Changes in sex steroid levels in women with epilepsy on treatment: Relationship with antiepileptic therapies and seizure frequency
Authors: Galimberti Carlo Andrea , Magri Flavia , Copello Francesco , Arbasino Carla , Chytiris Spyridon , Casu Massimo , Ameri Pietro , Perucca Piero , Murialdo Giovanni 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Reproductive dysfunction in epilepsy is attributed to the seizures themselves and also to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), which affect steroid production, binding, and metabolism. In turn, neuroactive steroids may influence neuronal excitability. A previous study in this cohort of consecutive women with epilepsy showed that patients with more frequent seizures had higher cortisol and lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels than those with rare or absent seizures. The present study was aimed at evaluating, in these same women, the possible relationship between some clinical parameters, seizure frequency, AED therapies, and sex hormone levels.Methods:  Estradiol (E2), progesterone (Pg), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), and free estrogen index (FEI) were measured during the luteal phase in 113 consecutive females, 16–47 years old, with different epilepsy syndromes on enzyme‐inducing AED (EIAED) and/or non–enzyme‐inducing AED (NEIAED) treatments, and in 30 age‐matched healthy women. Hormonal data were correlated with clinical parameters (age, epilepsy syndrome, disease onset, and duration), seizure frequency assessed on the basis of a seizure frequency score (SFS), and AED therapies.Results:  E2, Pg, and FEI were lower, whereas SHBG levels were higher in the epilepsy patients than in the controls. However, sex steroid and SHBG levels were not different between groups of patients categorized according to SFS. Therapies with EIAEDs accounted for changes in E2 levels and FEI.Conclusions:  Despite globally decreased sex steroid levels in serum, actual hormone titers were not significantly correlated with SFS in consecutive epilepsy women; rather, these hormonal changes were explained by AED treatments, mainly when EIAED polytherapies were given.
Incidence of epilepsy in extremely low‐birthweight infants (<1,000 g): A population study of central and southern Sardinia
Authors: Falchi Melania , Palmas Giuliana , Pisano Tiziana , Meloni Marta , Gaspa Giorgio , Puddu Melania , De Martinis Mattia , Fanos Vassilios , Cianchetti Carlo , Pruna Dario 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  With the development of intensive care, the survival of extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants (<1,000 g) has greatly improved. The aim of our study was to report the incidence of epilepsy after a follow‐up of >7 years in a population of ELBW children, born in central and southern Sardinia between 1991 and 2000.Methods:  We analyzed data of 104 children. All infants had had serial cranial ultrasound echography (CUE) in the neonatal period and some also had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At last follow‐up we evaluated the occurrence of epilepsy through a review of clinical charts and a structured telephone interview.Results:  In 11 (10.6%) of 104 of children we observed febrile seizures (FS). Epilepsy occurred in 9 (8.6%) of 104 ELBW children, and in these patients a frequent positive family history for epilepsy and/or FS was present. In four epilepsy patients CUE was highly pathologic, showing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of grade IV and in two mildly abnormal (IVH of grade I–II). In three additional children with normal neonatal ultrasound scan, a later magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study revealed lesions related to neonatal insult.Discussion:  In our ELBW population, epilepsy had an incidence clearly superior to that expected in infancy (8.6% vs. 0.6–0.8%). A frequent positive familiar history for epilepsy and/or FS suggests that a genetic predisposition may also play a role. Subjects with highly abnormal CUE are a subgroup with high risk for seizures; however, epilepsy can occur even with normal CUE.
Prognostic factors in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Pittau Francesca , Bisulli Francesca , Mai Roberto , Fares Jean Elia , Vignatelli Luca , Labate Angelo , Naldi Ilaria , Avoni Patrizia , Parmeggiani Antonia , Santucci Margherita , Capannelli Diana , Di Vito Lidia , Gambardella Antonio , Baruzzi Agostino , Tinuper Paolo 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To disclose clinical, electrophysiologic, and neuroradiologic factors correlated to prognosis in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).Methods:  One hundred thirty‐six MTLE patients were studied for family history, clinical characteristics, instrumental data [electroencephalography (EEG), video‐EEG, neuroimaging], and outcome. The population was divided into drug‐resistant (DR: 108 patients, 79.4%) and non–drug‐resistant (NDR: 28 patients, 20.6%) groups; all variables were analyzed in the two groups.Results:  The comparison between the two groups shows a relation between resistance to therapy and febrile seizures (FS) (DR 43.5% vs. NDR 17.8%, p = 0.008), mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) (DR 64.8% vs. NDR 32.1%, p = 0.0025), early age at seizure onset (DR 23.1% vs. NDR 3.6% p = 0.0160), and epileptiform interictal abnormalities (DR 89.7% vs. NDR 68%, p = 0.010). FS were more frequent in patients with MTS than in patients without (46.28% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.0199). Sixty‐nine patients underwent surgery and 85.3% of them had a good outcome.Conclusion:  MTLE is a heterogeneous syndrome. Establishing the factors responsible for and associated with drug resistance is important for therapeutic purposes, as prompt diagnosis of drug resistance must lead to early surgical management. This study shows that FS, MTS, early age at seizure onset, and epileptiform interictal abnormalities are negative prognostic factors and that FS are related to MTS.
Neurosteroids and epileptogenesis in the pilocarpine model: Evidence for a relationship between P450scc induction and length of the latent period
Authors: Biagini Giuseppe , Longo Daniela , Baldelli Enrica , Zoli Michele , Rogawski Michael A. , Bertazzoni Giuliano , Avoli Massimo 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Cytochrome P450 cholesterol side‐chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) catalyzes the initial step in the biosynthesis of neurosteroids within the brain. We sought to determine which cells express P450cc and whether neurosteroids play a role in the regulation of epileptogenesis following pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE).Methods:  Rats experienced uninterrupted SE or SE terminated with diazepam at 60, 120, and 180 min. P450scc induction in CA3 hippocampus was determined by double immunolabeling with P450scc antiserum and monoclonal antibodies against GFAP (astrocytes), RIP (oligodendrocytes), or heme oxygenase‐1 (microglia).Results:  SE was associated with P450scc induction in many astrocytes and a small number of microglia and oligodendrocytes in the hippocampal CA3 strata radiatum and lacunosum‐moleculare. The extent of P450scc induction increased with increasing SE duration. Paradoxically, increased P450scc induction in rats experiencing SE for 180 min or more was associated with the delayed onset of spontaneous recurrent seizures. Treatment with the 5α‐reductase inhibitor finasteride (100 mg/kg/day for 25 days), which inhibits the synthesis of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor modulating neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone, was associated with a significant reduction in time to the onset of spontaneous seizures in rats exposed to 180‐min but not 90‐min SE.Discussion:  P450scc is induced by SE in a diverse population of hippocampal glia. Induction of P450scc is associated with the delayed onset of spontaneous seizures. Conversely, inhibition of neurosteroid synthesis accelerated the onset of spontaneous seizures, but only in animals exhibiting significant increases in P450scc. These findings suggest that induction of neurosteroid synthesis in reactive glial cells is associated with delayed onset of spontaneously recurrent seizures.
Lack of α1b‐adrenergic receptor protects against epileptic seizures
Authors: Pizzanelli Chiara , Lazzeri Gloria , Fulceri Federica , Giorgi Filippo S. , Pasquali Livia , Cifelli Giuseppe , Murri Luigi , Fornai Francesco 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  The role of α1b‐adrenergic receptor (α1b‐AR) in relation with neuronal degeneration, drug addiction, and seizure susceptibility has recently emerged. In particular, mice that overexpress α1b‐AR undergo spontaneous epileptic seizures and progressive neuronal loss in a variety of brain areas. Therefore, one should expect that the blockade of α1b‐AR leads to anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects. However, the lack of α1b‐AR antagonists does not allow testing of this hypothesis.Methods:  The development of α1b‐AR knockout (KO) mice led us to measure seizure susceptibility and neurodegeneration following systemic excitotoxins in these mice.Results:  We found that α1b‐AR KO mice are markedly resistant to kainate‐ and pilocarpine‐induced seizures. Moreover, when marked seizure duration and severity are obtained by doubling the dose of chemoconvulsants in α1b‐AR KO, neuronal degeneration never occurs.Conclusions:  These data indicate that α1b‐AR per se plays a fundamental role in the mechanisms responsible for seizure onset, severity, and duration, whereas the brain damage observed in α1b‐AR–overexpressing mice is likely to be a secondary phenomenon. In fact, the absence of α1b‐AR confers resistance to neurotoxicity induced by seizures/chemoconvulsants. These data, although confirming a pivotal role of α1b‐AR in modulating seizure threshold and neuronal death, offer a novel target, which may be used to develop novel anticonvulsants and neuroprotective agents.
Autologous platelet concentrates for bone graft enhancement in sinus lift procedure
Authors: Bettega Georges , Brun Jean‐Pierre , Boutonnat Jean , Cracowski Jean‐Luc , Quesada Jean‐Louis , Hegelhofer Harald , Drillat Philippe , Richard Marie Jeanne 
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Autologous platelet (PLT)‐rich plasma has been reported in some studies to promote osteogenesis. The goal of this study was to demonstrate that osteogenesis gained by mixing autologous PLT concentrates (APCs) with a small quantity of autologous bone graft could give a sufficient quality to lead to dental implant placement. The second goal was to compare this osteogenesis with that obtained by a traditional method (iliac bone graft), through clinical, radiologic, and histologic methods.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighteen patients needing bilateral sinus floor augmentation were enrolled. One sinus was grafted with iliac crest bone alone, and the other sinus with a small quantity of bone and APC. Panoramic view, computed tomography scan, and biopsies were performed 6 months after the initial surgery to compare ossification.RESULTS: The adjunction of APCs permitted a 60 percent reduction of bone graft required for sinus floor elevation. The bone obtained with APCs had the same histologic and mechanical characteristics as the bone obtained by traditional graft.CONCLUSION: Topical use of APCs might be helpful in bone reconstruction. No clinical, radiologic, or histologic osteogenesis inhibition of high PLT concentration was observed. The resulting osteogenesis was adapted to dental implant placements.
Reassessment of deferrals for tattooing and piercing
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Xi Guoliang , Yi Qi‐Long , Fan Wenli , O'Brien Sheila F. 
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: In August 2005, the Canadian Blood Services decreased the deferral period for tattooing and ear or body piercing from 12 to 6 months. This study assessed the impact of this change on blood safety and availability.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The prevalence of these activities was assessed on an anonymous mail‐out survey of 40,000 recent donors. Transmissible disease (TD) marker rates were calculated using the National Epidemiology Donor Database. A case‐control study was performed comparing risk factors in TD‐positive donors with matched controls. Donor deferral rates were assessed before and after the change in deferral period.RESULTS: The prevalence rates of tattoo, ear piercing, and body piercing were 13.7, 53.6, and 10.4 percent in survey respondents, respectively, with up to 0.7 percent of activity likely to represent deferrable risk. TD marker rate was low and stable at 21.6 per 100,000 donations before and 19.2 per 100,000 donations after the change in deferral length. Remote tattoo was associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk (odds ratio, 5.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.82‐16.2), but neither recent tattoo nor piercing was a risk factor for HCV or hepatitis B virus. Shortening of the deferral period reduced deferrals by 20 percent for tattoo and 32 percent for piercing.CONCLUSION: There was no measurable adverse effect on safety and a positive but less than expected effect on blood availability after shortening the deferral period for tattoo and piercing. The length of other temporary deferrals should be reassessed, since their current contribution to blood safety may be negligible.