bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity in Children/Teens with Epilepsy Compared with That in Their Siblings without Epilepsy
Authors: Wong Judy , Wirrell Elaine 
Published: March 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine (a) whether children and teens with epilepsy participate in less physical activity and have higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age than do their siblings without epilepsy; and (b) what epilepsy‐specific factors limit their participation. Methods: Patients 5–17 years, with a ≥3 month history of epilepsy, a development quotient ≥80, no major motor or sensory impairments, and at least one sibling without epilepsy in a similar age range, were identified from the Neurology Clinic database or at the time of clinic visit. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding sedentary activities and group, individual, and total sports activities. Children aged 11–15 years also completed the physical activity portion of the Health Behavior in School Aged Children questionnaire. Clinic charts were reviewed for seizure type, etiology, frequency, duration of epilepsy, and number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) ever taken. Results: Teens with epilepsy participated in fewer group and total sports activities than did controls and were more likely to be potentially overweight or overweight. Receiving three or more AEDs in the past showed a significant negative correlation with sports participation. Although a trend was noted for those with higher seizure frequency to be less active, no other epilepsy‐specific factors or prior seizures or seizure‐related injury during a sports event correlated with participation in physical activity. Conclusions: Programs that promote exercise in adolescents with epilepsy should be encouraged to improve their physical, psychological, and social well‐being.
Clinical and Genetic Findings in 26 Italian Patients with Lafora Disease
Authors: Franceschetti Silvana , Gambardella Antonio , Canafoglia Laura , Striano Pasquale , Lohi Hannes , Gennaro Elena , Ianzano Leonarda , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Sofia Vito , Biondi Roberto , Striano Salvatore , Gellera Cinzia , Annesi Grazia , Madia Francesca , Civitelli Donata , Rocca Francesca E. , Quattrone Aldo , Avanzini Giuliano , Minassian Berge , Zara Federico 
Published: March 2006

Summary:  Purpose:
EPM2B mutations have been found in a variable proportion of patients with Lafora disease (LD). Genotype–phenotype correlations suggested that EPM2B patients show a slower course of the disease, with delayed age at death, compared with EPM2A patients. We herein report clinical and genetic findings of 26 Italian LD patients. Methods: Disease progression was evaluated by means of a disability scale based on residual motor and cognitive functions and daily living and social abilities, at 4 years from the onset. Mutational analysis was performed by sequencing the coding regions of the EPM2A and EPM2B genes. Results: Age at onset ranged from 8.5 to 18.5 years (mean, 13.7 ± 2.6). The mean duration of follow‐up was 7.1 ± 3.9 years. Daily living activities and social interactions were preserved in five of 24 patients. The remaining patients showed moderate to extremely severe limitations of daily living and social abilities. Sixteen (72%) of 22 families showed mutations in the EPM2B gene, and five (22%), in the EPM2A gene. One family showed no mutations. A novel EPM2B mutation also was identified. Conclusions: In our series, EPM2B mutations occurred in 72% of families, thus indicating that EPM2B is the major gene for LD in the Italian population. Moreover, we found that six of 17 EPM2B patients preserved daily living activities and social interactions at 4 years from onset, suggesting a slow disease progression. Additional clinical and functional studies will clarify whether specific mutations may influence the course of the disease in LD patients.
Socrates and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A Pathographic Diagnosis 2,400 Years Later
Authors: Muramoto Osamu , Englert Walter G. 
Published: March 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Some enigmatic remarks and behaviors of Socrates have been a subject of debate among scholars. We investigated the possibility of underlying epilepsy in Socrates by analyzing pathographic evidence in ancient literature from the viewpoint of the current understanding of seizure semiology. Methods: We performed a case study from a literature survey. Results: In 399 BCE, Socrates was tried and executed in Athens on the charge of “impiety.” His charges included the “introduction of new deities” and “not believing in the gods of the state,” because he publicly claimed that he was periodically and personally receiving a “divine sign,” or daimonion, that directed him in various actions. We found textual evidence that his daimonion was probably a simple partial seizure (SPS) of temporal lobe origin. It was a brief voice that usually prohibited Socrates from initiating certain actions. It started when he was a child, and it visited Socrates unpredictably. Moreover, we found at least two descriptions of Socrates' unique behavior that are consistent with complex partial seizures (CPSs). The fact that Socrates had been experiencing both SPSs and CPSs periodically since childhood makes the diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) likely. Conclusions: We hypothesize that Socrates had a mild case of TLE without secondary generalization. This is the first report in 2,400 years to present a pathographic diagnosis of TLE in Socrates based on specific diagnostic features in the ancient textual evidence. Our study demonstrates that the knowledge of modern epileptology could help understand certain behaviors of historic figures.
The Public Pension Reform Debate in the United States and International Experience
Authors: Diamond Peter A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis article describes the recent debate on Social Security in the United States. To provide some perspectives on the U.S. system, comparisons with public pension systems in other countries are made throughout the article. The article is organized as follows. The first section discusses financing problems in the U.S. Social Security system. Following this, the U.S. Social Security system is described. Options for fixing public pension systems are discussed next. The topic of individual accounts appears in its own section.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and amygdala‐hippocampectomy
Authors: Adami P. , König P. , Vetter Z. , Hausmann A. , Conca A. 
Published: March 2006

Objective: The case report suggests the indispensability of preoperative accurate psychiatric checkups especially in temporal resections.Method: A single case was reported.Results: We report the case of a 20‐year‐old woman suffering for 12 years from primary generalized epilepsy, attributed to left‐sided hippocampal sclerosis. Because seizures were resistant to drug therapy, she underwent amygdala‐hippocampectomy at the age of 18. Furthermore, she had previously been victim of childhood sexual abuse. Two weeks after epilepsy surgery, she manifested symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Conclusion: There is evidence that the amygdala‐hippocampal region is both functionally and morphologically involved in the aetiology of PTSD. The removal of this marked neuroanatomical region and the resulting disconnection and asymmetry between right and left amygdala‐hippocampal region might be seen as an evidence for this region aetiologically being involved in the patient's PTSD symptoms.
Alcohol abuse partly mediates the association between coronary heart disease and affective or psychotic disorders: a follow‐up study in Sweden
Authors: Sundquist K. , Li X. 
Published: March 2006

Objective:  To analyse whether hospitalization for affective or psychotic disorders predicts coronary heart disease (CHD) after accounting for occupation, region and alcohol‐related disorders.Method:  National registers were used to identify all individuals in Sweden aged 25–64 years at first hospitalization for affective or psychotic disorders and aged 25–79 years at first hospitalization for CHD between 1987 and 2001. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated.Results:  The association between CHD and affective or psychotic disorders was strongest in the youngest age groups. The overall SIRs varied between 1.39 and 1.68. They were strongly attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for hospitalization because of alcohol‐related disorders, especially among women.Conclusion:  Hospitalization because of affective or psychotic disorders predicts CHD. These associations are partly mediated by alcohol abuse. Clinicians and decision makers should be aware of the increased risk of CHD in these patient groups.
Tissue alterations at implant‐supported single‐tooth replacements: a 1‐year prospective clinical study
Authors: Cardaropoli Giuseppe , Lekholm Ulf , Wennström Jan L. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate dimensional alterations of the peri‐implant tissues at single‐tooth restorations from the time of implant placement to 1‐year post‐loading.Material and methods: Eleven patients, aged 18–36 years, subjected to single‐tooth replacements with implant‐supported restorations (Brånemark implant® system) in the maxillary anterior region were included in the analysis. The implant installation was performed as a two‐stage procedure with a 6‐month healing interval. Bone dimensions were determined by direct assessments immediately following implant placement and at abutment connection. The prosthetic restoration was placed approximately 1 month after abutment surgery. Radiographic and clinical examinations were performed at crown placement and at 1‐year post‐loading. Assessments of the soft tissues at the implant site and at the neighboring teeth were performed before and during implant placement, before abutment connection, after crown placement and at the 1‐year follow‐up examination. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated for each variable and interval, with the subject as the statistical unit.Results: At the time of abutment connection, a mean loss of bone height at the facial and lingual aspect of the implant amounting to 0.7–1.3 mm (P<0.05) was recorded, whereas no significant change was noted at proximal sites. A mean reduction of 0.4 mm of the labial bone thickness was observed between implant placement and the second‐stage surgery. The radiographic bone‐to‐implant level showed a mean loss of 0.9 mm between abutment connection and crown placement (P<0.05) and a further 0.7 mm loss at 1 year (P<0.05). The thickness of the labial mucosa was increased at crown placement followed by a slight remission at 1 year. During the corresponding interval, a mean apical displacement of the labial soft tissue margin of 0.6 mm had taken place (P<0.05). A papilla fill of ≥50% was observed at a frequency of 32% at crown placement and 86% at 1 year.Conclusions: The results demonstrated that following implant surgery remodeling takes place, which is manifested in diminished bone dimensions, both horizontally and vertically, at the facial aspect of the implant. The observed soft tissue alterations after the crown placement may affect the esthetic appeal of the restorative therapy.
The molecular regulation of organelle transport in mammalian retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Futter Clare E. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryRetinal pigment epithelial cells contain large numbers of melanosomes that can enter the apical processes extending between the outer segments of the overlying photoreceptors. Every day the distal portion of the photoreceptor outer segment is shed and phagocytosed by the retinal pigment epithelial cell. The phagosome is then transported into the cell body and the contents degraded by lysosomal enzymes. This review focuses on recent progress made in the identification of molecules that regulate the transport of melanosomes into the apical processes and the transport of phagosomes into the cell body. Myosin VIIa is a key player in both processes and, at least in the case of melanosome movement, myosin VIIa is recruited to the melanosome via the GTPase, Rab27a. The possible role played by defects in the transport of melanosomes and phagosomes in the development of retinal degenerative diseases is discussed.
NF‐κB activation in melanoma
Authors: Ueda Yukiko , Richmond Ann 
Published: March 2006

SummaryMetastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that is notoriously resistant to current cancer therapies. In human melanoma, nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) is upregulated, leading to the deregulation of gene transcription. In this review, we discuss (i) the relationship between gene alteration in melanoma and upregulation of NF‐κB, (ii) mechanisms by which activated NF‐κB switch from pro‐apoptotic to anti‐apoptotic functions in melanoma and (iii) autocrine mechanisms that promote constitutive activation of NF‐κB in metastatic melanoma.
Effects of the Common 677C>T Mutation of the 5,10‐Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene on Ovarian Responsiveness to Recombinant Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone
Authors: Thaler Christian J. , Budiman Helen , Ruebsamen Heike , Nagel Dorothea , Lohse Peter 
Published: March 2006

Problem  The common 677C>T mutation of the 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is less prevalent in mothers of spontaneously conceived dichorionic twins than in those with singleton pregnancies. (Hasbargen U, Lohse P, Thaler CJ: Hum Reprod 2000; 15:2659–2662). As polyovulation is a pre‐requisite for dichorionic pregnancies, we investigated whether the T allele is associated with reduced ovarian responsiveness to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH).Materials and methods  We studied 105 infertility patients undergoing a total of 269 A.R.T cycles stimulated with recombinant (r)‐FSH. The MTHFR 677C>T genotype was analyzed by digestion of polymerase chain reaction–amplified DNA fragments.Results  Homozygous 677C patients older than 35, required significantly (P <0.02) less r‐FSH and produced significantly more oocytes (P < 0.04) and higher maximal serum estradiol concentrations (P < 0.002) than heterozygous or homozygous carriers of the 677T allele.Conclusion  Our results suggest that, in patients of advanced reproductive age, the MTHFR 677C>T mutation affects ovarian responsiveness.
The Interleukin‐1β +3953 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism: Cervical Protein Concentration and Preterm Delivery Risk
Authors: Edwards Rodney K. , Ferguson Ronald J. , Duff Patrick 
Published: March 2006

Problem  To determine the associations between preterm delivery <37 weeks (PTD), cervical fluid interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) concentration, and its +3953 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).Method of Study  Cervical fluid, peripheral blood, and cord blood samples were obtained from a cohort of women 23–32 weeks gestation with preterm labor symptoms and intact membranes.Results  Increased cervical fluid concentrations of IL‐1β were associated with PTD (P = 0.017) and spontaneous PTD (P = 0.001). Maternal IL‐1β +3953 SNP genotype was associated neither with PTD (P = 0.43) nor with cervical fluid IL‐1β concentrations (P = 0.35). Neonatal IL‐1β +3953 SNP genotype was associated neither with PTD nor cervical IL‐1β concentrations.Conclusions  Cervical fluid concentrations of IL‐1β were elevated in symptomatic women destined to have a spontaneous PTD. The gene dosage of maternal IL‐1β +3953 allele 2 was associated neither with increased cervical fluid concentrations of IL‐1β nor with risk of PTD.
Cervicitis and Genitourinary Symptoms in Women Culture Positive for Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Korte Jeffrey E. , Baseman Joel B. , Cagle Marianna P. , Herrera Caleb , Piper Jeanna M. , Holden Alan E. C. , Perdue Sondra T. , Champion Jane D. , Shain Rochelle N. 
Published: March 2006

Problem  Mycoplasma genitalium has been associated with male urethritis. We sought to relate M. genitalium to genitourinary signs and symptoms in women.Method of study  We compared 26 culture‐positive women (group 1), 257 additional polymerase chain reaction‐positive women (group 2), and 107 negative control women. We used logistic regression to evaluate signs and symptoms, controlling for co‐infections, pregnancy, age, and intervention group assignment.Results  Comparing group 1 with controls, we found significantly elevated odds ratios (ORs) for intermediate vaginal discharge (OR = 5.4; 95% confidence interval 1.01, 29.2) and action in response to discharge [3.9 (1.1, 13.5)]. Non‐significant increases were observed for pathologic vaginal discharge [3.8 (0.78, 18.2)], pathologic dyspareunia [1.5 (0.25, 9.0)], vaginal odor [2.1 (0.75, 5.7)], and cervical mucopus [4.1 (0.74, 22.4)]. Group 2 results were similar, but showed no increase in cervical mucopus relative to controls.Conclusion  Infection with M. genitalium in women is independently related to increased genitourinary symptomatology.
Aberrant Expression of CD95 and CD69 Molecules among CD56+ Cells in Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Eidukaite Audrone , Siaurys Almantas , Tamosiunas Vytas 
Published: March 2006

Problem  Activated lymphocytes can be eliminated by Fas/Fas ligand (FasL)‐induced cell death. Endometrial cells express FasL. The aim of our study was to determine the expression of CD56+ cells (natural killer and natural killer T cells) Fas antigen CD95 and the early activation molecule CD69 in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.Method  Two‐colour flow cytometry was used.Results  In the early stages of endometriosis, more CD56+ cells expressed CD69 and CD95 molecules when compared with the control group. However, in case of severe endometriosis the percentage of CD95+CD56+ cells in peritoneal fluid was similar to that of the control group, but the expression of CD69 molecules remained high.Conclusion  Because of Fas/FasL mechanisms, in the initial stages of endometriosis the activated peritoneal fluid CD56+ cells can be intensively eliminated, thus providing conditions for the survival of ectopic endometrial cells and the development of the disease.
The Effect of Interleukin‐17 on the Proliferation and Invasion of JEG‐3 Human Choriocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Pongcharoen Sutatip , Niumsup Pannika , Sanguansermsri Donruedee , Supalap Kwansuda , Butkhamchot Puntharee 
Published: March 2006

Problem  As there has been a study in mice showing the expression of IL‐17 by decidual cells and the status of IL‐17 receptor expression in human pregnancy is not known, we hypothesized that IL‐17 may regulate human trophoblast proliferation and invasion.Method of study  JEG‐3 cell line was used as a model for human trophoblast. Immunohistochemitry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction techniques were used to identify IL‐17 receptor protein and mRNA, respectively. The effects of IL‐17 on JEG‐3 cell proliferation and invasion were tested using the BrdU incorporation and the Matrigel invasion assays, respectively.Results  IL‐17 increased the invasive capacity of JEG‐3 cells but had no effect on the proliferation and multinucleated formation of JEG‐3 cells.Conclusion  In this JEG‐3 cell model of human trophoblast, the IL‐17R and IL‐17 may have a regulatory role in trophoblast invasion.
Studies on the Human Leukocyte Antigens in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Japanese Population – Possible Susceptibility of HLA‐A11 and ‐DRB1*0403 to Patient Population with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Kaibe Mamiko , Takakuwa Koichi , Murakawa Haruo , Ishii Keisuke , Tamura Masaki , Tanaka Kenichi 
Published: March 2006

Problem  The objective of this study was to identify the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles that confer susceptibility or resistance to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the Japanese population.Method of study  HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C antigens were determined in 56 patients with PCOS using conventional serological method. HLA‐DRB1 genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method in 68 patients with PCOS. As a control population, 237 healthy individuals (males and females) were examined concerning HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C antigens, and 292 individuals were examined concerning HLA‐DRB1 genotypes. The rate of possession of each antigen was compared between the two populations.Results  The rate of possession of the HLA‐A11 and HLA‐DRB1*0403 in the patients with PCOS was significantly higher compared with that in the control group. The rate of possession of HLA‐B39 in the patients with PCOS was significantly lower compared with that in the general population group.Conclusion  Human leukocyte antigen systems appear to be linked to PCOS.
Hormone Allergy
Authors: Roby Russell R. , Richardson Richard H. , Vojdani Aristo 
Published: March 2006

Background  Estrogen and progesterone have been associated in women with symptoms that include asthma, migraine, dermatitis and pain.Objective  We suggest a connection between symptoms associated with hormone changes to a hormone antibody response.Methods  For IgG, IgM and IgE antibodies to progesterone, blood samples were obtained from 288 healthy control subjects by a commercial lab in California. Blood from 270 patients in Texas with changes in symptoms associated with menstrual cycles was examined. For IgE antibodies to both progesterone and estrogen, blood samples were obtained from an additional 32 healthy control subjects who had no symptoms related to menses and from 98 patients with symptoms associated with menstrual cycles. The symptoms were asthma, migraines and joint pain.Results  At 2 S.D. above the mean values of control subjects, a significant number of patients show high levels of IgG, IgM and IgE antibodies to progesterone and estrogen.Conclusions  This paper describes evidence of antibodies to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone, estrogen and their metabolites, after binding to human tissue proteins, such as albumin or globulin, may act as antigens and promote Type 2 helper cell development, thereby regulating antibody synthesis and allergy. This leads to the possibility of treating a wide variety of disorders by determining hormone allergy and initiating desensitization. Two obvious applications for determination and treatment of hormone allergies are pre‐menstrual asthma and menstrual migraines.
Conventional and Combined Pump‐and‐Treat Systems Under Nonuniform Background Flow
Authors: Bayer Peter , Finkel Michael 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe investigate the performance of vertical hydraulic barriers in combination with extraction wells for the partial hydraulic isolation of contaminated aquifer areas. The potential advantage of such combinations compared to a conventional pump‐and‐treat system has already been demonstrated in a previous study. Here we extend the scope of the performance analysis to the impact of uncertainty in the regional flow direction as well as to highly heterogeneous aquifer transmissivity distributions. In addition, two new well‐barrier scenarios are proposed and analyzed. The hydraulic efficiency of the scenarios is rated based on the expected (mean) reduction of the pumping rate that is required to achieve downgradient contaminant capture. The uncertain spatial distribution of aquifer transmissivity is considered by means of unconditioned Monte Carlo simulations. The significance of uncertain background flow conditions is incorporated by computing minimized pumping rates for deviations of the regional flow direction up to 30° from a normative base case. The results give an answer on how pumping rates have to be changed for each barrier‐well combination in order to achieve robust systems. It is exposed that in comparison to installing exclusively wells, the barrier‐supported approach generally yields savings in the (average) pumping rate. The particular efficiency is shown to be highly dependent on the interaction of variance and integral scale of transmissivity distribution, well and barrier position, as well as direction of background flow.