bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Intracarotid Amobarbital Procedure in Evaluation of Patients for Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Spencer David C. , Morrell Martha J. , Risinger Michael W. 
Published: August 2005

Summary Purpose: To examine the role of the intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP) in the presurgical evaluation of patients with medically refractory localization‐related epilepsy. Methods: We retrospectively studied 111 patients who underwent cortical resective surgery at our center between 1991 and 1996. In patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), a presurgical determination of the epileptogenic zone was compared with localization based on IAP memory asymmetry scores, and with ultimate localization after resective surgery. In patients with neocortical or mesial frontal epilepsy, the IAP was evaluated for evidence of unilateral or bilateral poor memory performance. Results: Of 68 patients with mTLE localized by noninvasive tests, 60 had concordant lateralized memory deficits on IAP. Eight patients had lateralized memory deficits on IAP that were discordant with noninvasive tests and with localization as determined by surgical outcome. All 11 mTLE patients requiring invasive EEG monitoring were correctly lateralized by IAP, including one patient in whom the noninvasive evaluation otherwise provided false lateralization. Of 32 patients with neocortical or mesial frontal lobe epilepsy, 21 displayed memory deficits on IAP. Of 10 patients with bilateral deficits, five had mesial frontal lobe epilepsy. In 13 patients with lateralized memory deficits, seven underwent electrode implantation in the mesial temporal lobe, and four ultimately underwent resection of an epileptogenic mesial temporal lobe in addition to a neocortical resection. Conclusions: In patients with mTLE, lateralized memory deficits on IAP usually confirm localization provided by non‐invasive tests. However, in mTLE not well lateralized by the noninvasive evaluation, and in neocortical or mesial frontal epilepsy, the IAP may provide information regarding localization that ultimately alters surgical management.
Role of Nitric Oxide in Pentylenetetrazol‐Induced Seizures: Age‐Dependent Effects in the Immature Rat
Authors: de Vasconcelos Anne Pereira , Gizard Florence , Marescaux Christian , Nehlig Astrid 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: Seizure susceptibility and consequences are highly age dependent. To understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in seizures and their consequences during development, we investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in severe pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐induced seizures in immature rats. Methods: Four cortical electrodes were implanted in 10‐day‐old (P10) and 21‐day‐old (P21) rats, and seizures were induced on the following day by repetitive injections of subconvulsive doses of PTZ. The effects of NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 10 mg/kg) and 7‐nitroindazole (7NI; 40 mg/kg), two NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors, and l‐arginine (l‐arg; 300 mg/kg), the NOS substrate, were evaluated regarding the mean PTZ dose, seizure type and duration, and mortality rate. Results: At P10, the postseizure mortality rate increased from 18–29% for the rats receiving PTZ only to 100% and 89% for the rats receiving l‐NAME and 7NI, respectively; whereas l‐arg had no effect. Conversely, at P21, NOS inhibitors did not affect the 82–89% mortality rate induced by PTZ alone, whereas l‐arg decreased the mortality rate to 29%. In addition, all NO‐related drugs increased the duration of ictal activity at P10, whereas at P21, L‐arg and L‐NAME affected the first seizure type, producing clonic seizures with L‐arg and tonic seizures with L‐NAME. Conclusions: The relative natural protection of very immature rats (P10) against PTZ‐induced deaths could be linked to a high availability of L‐arg and, hence, endogenous NO. At P21, the modulation of seizure type by NO‐related compounds may be related to the maturation of the brain circuitry, in particular the forebrain, which is involved in the expression of clonic seizures.
Absence Seizures with Evolution into Generalized Tonic–Clonic Activity: Clinical and EEG Features
Authors: Mayville Christina , Fakhoury Toufic , Abou‐Khalil Bassel 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: To report the clinical and electrographic features of absence seizures evolving into generalized tonic‐clonic (GTC) activity in six patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Methods: All patients were referred for evaluation of refractory seizures and underwent video‐EEG monitoring after discontinuation of their antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We analyzed the video‐EEG recordings for seizure semiology as well as ictal and interictal activity. We also reviewed the initial clinical data in all patients. Results: All patients were women, with a mean age of 27 years (range, 14–43 years). The mean age at seizure onset was 12 years (range, 5–15 years). Family history was positive for epilepsy in four patients. All patients had recorded seizures with an onset that was characteristic of generalized absence clinically and electrographically, with evolution into GTC activity. The EEG onset was with generalized 2.5‐ to 5‐Hz spike‐and‐wave discharges, with evolution into faster rhythmic activity. Interictal EEG recordings showed generalized 2‐ to 5‐Hz spike‐and‐wave discharges. All had normal background activity. All patients were treated with divalproex monotherapy. Five patients have been seizure free, and one had a single breakthrough GTC seizure during a follow‐up period of 12–36 months. Conclusions: GTC activity may evolve from typical absence seizures. This seizure type should be included in the International Classification of Seizures. Its recognition and distinction from complex partial seizures with secondary generalization are important for appropriate therapy.
Changes in Benzodiazepine Binding in a Subkindling Situation
Authors: Rössler Anne‐Sophie , Launay Jean‐Marie , Venault Patrice , Dodd Robert H. , Chapouthier Georges 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: A low dose of the benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist methyl β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylate (β‐CCM) (1 mg/kg) was used to assess [3H]‐flumazenil binding in a subkindling situation in Swiss mice. Methods: The brains were removed, and benzodiazepine receptor binding was studied every second day over 14 days of administration. Results: With each successive trial, Bmax values showed a steady and significant decrease, whereas Kd values showed a steady and significant increase. Behavioral data showed that at this low dose, actual kindling (seizuring) was not reached at the behavioral level. Conclusions: The findings suggest that decreased γ‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA) inhibition may occur even if behavioral effects of kindling are not observed.
Effect of Levetiracetam on Epilepsy‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Cramer Joyce A. , Arrigo Celestina , Van Hammée Geneviève , Gauer Laura J. , Cereghino James J. ,   for the N132 Study Group
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: To evaluate the short‐term effect of levetiracetam (LEV; UCB L059) as add‐on therapy on health‐related quality of life in the treatment of refractory partial‐onset seizures. Methods: Patients were enrolled in protocol UCB N132 if they had 12 partial‐onset seizures with or without secondary generalization during the 12‐week baseline period with a minimum of two seizures every 4 weeks. Randomization was made to placebo, LEV 1,000 mg, or LEV 3,000 mg, with sample size based on seizure frequency reduction. The 31‐item Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE‐31) questionnaire was completed by 246 patients at the end of baseline and at 18‐week follow‐up, or earlier if withdrawn. Results: Significant differences were found among the three treatment groups for Seizure Worry (p = 0.0003), Overall Quality of Life (p = 0.04), and Cognitive Functioning domains (p = 0.01), as well as the Total Score (p = 0.009). Responders (50% partial onset seizure reduction) had significant improvements in all areas, except Medication Effect, compared with nonresponders (all p > 0.006). Clinically noticeable improvement (10% change from baseline to follow‐up) was perceived by LEV 3,000 mg responders in all areas, except Emotional Well‐Being, by LEV 1,000 mg responders in 5 of 9 areas, and by placebo responders in 2 of 9 areas. Conclusions: Addition of LEV to standard medication seems to have a positive impact on health‐related quality of life, particularly among responders in this short‐term study. These exploratory analyses require additional studies to evaluate long‐term changes in a larger population.
Simultaneous Kindling of the Bilateral Hippocampi: An Advanced Model for Epilepsy Research
Authors: Kogure Shinichi , Kitayama Masaomi , Matsuda Yoshiki 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: To examine whether simultaneous kindling of bilateral hippocampi [bilateral kindling (BK)] could accelerate the achievement of seizures by the breakdown of kindling antagonism or decelerate the achievement of seizures by its enhancement. Methods: The hippocampi of 17 adult rabbits were simultaneously kindled bilaterally according to Goddard's method. Results: All animals developed stage 5 convulsions after a mean of 28 stimulations. Six animals showed spontaneous seizure discharges. Afterdischarge duration increased abruptly during the early period of kindling, but thereafter it gradually progressed. Chronological analyses of interictal discharges (HDs) demonstrated that simple as well as complex types of IIDs increased their frequencies during BK. Conclusions: Compared with unilaterally kindled animals, the BK procedure significantly increased the percentage of animals that successfully kindled (100% vs. 59%; p < 0.01), whereas it significantly decelerated the kindling progression (28 days vs. 19 days; p < 0.02). We conclude that the BK procedure represents potentiation of both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. Although the reason why such an antagonistic relationship between them breaks down is still unknown, the BK provides an advanced animal model to study the pathogenic mechanisms of kindling and to screen anticonvulsants.
Predictive Value of MRI‐Identified Mesial Temporal Sclerosis for Surgical Outcome in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Intent‐to‐Treat Analysis
Authors: Gilliam F. , Faught E. , Martin R. , Bowling S. , Bilir E. , Thomas J. , Morawetz R. , Kuzniecky R. 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately identifies mesial temporal selerosis (MTS), but prediction of successful surgical outcome ranges from 62% to 96% in published studies. Prior investigations only used patients who had received anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL), potentially overestimating the predictive value of MRI‐identified MTS (MRI‐MTS). Methods: The authors performed an intent‐to‐treat analysis of 90 consecutive patients assessed for possible ATL, including 13 who did not undergo ATL because of inconclusive intracranial ictal EEG. Four (31%) of these 13 patients had unilateral mesial temporal abnormalities on their MRIs. Results: The positive predictive value of MRI‐MTS for seizure cessation decreased from 0.69 to 0.63 after adjustment for these additional false positive results. Four previous studies had revealed a positive predictive value of 0.75 (0.72 after similar adjustment). Conclusions: The authors conclude that the predictive value of MRI‐MTS for outcome from ATL may be overestimated by small retrospective studies of highly selected postoperative patients.
Prolactin Levels in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Authors: Opeskin K. , Clarke Iain , Berkovic Samuel F. 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: To assess serum prolactin levels in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and control groups to test the hypothesis that if seizures occur routinely as a terminal event in SUDEP, then raised prolactin levels may be an indicator of terminal seizure. Methods: Blood was taken for measurement of prolactin levels from subjects with SUDEP and three control groups. The control groups were those with epilepsy dying from causes other than epilepsy (e.g., ischemic heart disease or injuries), physiologically stressed individuals without epilepsy (they were admitted to the hospital after an acute illness and died after several hours to 3 days), and nonepileptic rapid deaths (these people collapsed suddenly and died at the scene). In the SUDEP group, evidence for terminal seizure was considered to be at least one of the following: body found half on, half off the bed, or urinary incontinence at the scene, or bitten lips or tongue at autopsy. Results: There was evidence for terminal seizure at the scene or at autopsy in four of the 10 SUDEP cases. Serum prolactin levels were not significantly increased in the SUDEP group compared with the controls. None of the SUDEP subjects, including those with clinical evidence of a terminal seizure, had high prolactin levels characteristic of those observed after seizures in living subjects. Conclusions: Prolactin levels are not raised in SUDEP, even if there is evidence of terminal seizure. As prolactin takes 15–20 min to peak after a seizure in life, there may be insufficient time for a prolactin increase to occur in SUDEP. Thus prolactin levels cannot be used to determine if a deceased individual with epilepsy had a seizure or to answer the broad question whether SUDEP is always associated with a terminal seizure.
Gorham's disease of the mandible mimicking periodontal disease on radiograph
Authors: Mignogna Michele Davide , Fedele Stefano , Lo Russo Lucio , Lanza Alessandro , Marenzi Gaetano , Sammartino Gilberto 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground: Gorham's disease is a rare disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis of one or more skeletal bones. The radiographic findings associated with Gorham's disease are particularly dramatic, as in some cases a complete resorption of the involved bone can occur, leading to the definition of phantom bone, vanishing bone, or disappearing bone disease.Material and methods: A 24‐year‐old female patient with a previous diagnosis of periodontal disease and progressive mandibular alveolar bone loss was referred to our Oral Medicine section. The initial radiographic picture showed infrabony defects and horizontal bone loss.Results: After further extensive local and systemic evaluation, including histopathological, laboratory and imagine techniques investigations, the patient was diagnosed to be affected by Gorham's diease. Meanwhile the progression of the osteolytic process had caused the loosening of all the left mandibular teeth and a pathologic fracture. Appropriate medical therapy was successful in stabilizating the resorptive process, with no evidence of further progressive disease.Conclusions: When Gorham's disease involves the mandible, the role of the periodontologist is extremely important in diagnosing promptly the disorder and preventing the functional and aesthetic consequences of advanced and extensive bone loss. Gorham's disease should be included among the pathologic entities mimicking periodontal disease on radiograph, such as inflammatory disease (e.g. osteomyelitis), endocrine disease (e.g. hyperparathyroidism), intra‐osseous malignancies or metastases, lymphoma, histiocytosis X, mainly eosinophilic granuloma, infective process (e.g. tuberculosis and actinomycosis), odontogenic tumours.
Interleukin‐6 gene polymorphism in renal transplant patients with and without gingival overgrowth
Authors: Drozdzik M. , Kurzawski M. , Drozdzik A. , Kotrych K. , Banach J. , Pawlik A. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective: To determine whether there is an association between genotypes of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and gingival overgrowth in kidney transplant patients.Methods: Sixty‐three unrelated kidney transplant patients suffering from gingival overgrowth as well 125 control transplant patients without overgrowth were enrolled into the study. Gingival overgrowth was assessed by two independent periodontal specialists at 6 months after transplantation. During the post‐transplant period, all patients were given medication, which included cyclosporin A, diltiazem or verapamil, prednisone, and azathioprine. IL‐6 polymorphism was determined using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.Results: In kidney transplant patients suffering from gingival overgrowth mean score of gingival overgrowth was 1.41±0.64, whereas in control subjects it was 0.0. Patients with gingival overgrowth induced by immunosuppressive medication were characterized by genotypes similar to the controls distribution of IL‐6. There were no significant differences of analyzed genotypes' distribution, i.e. −174G/G, −174G/C and −174C/C between patients with gingival overgrowth 33.3%, 39.7%, 27.0% and without gingival overgrowth 30.4%, 49.6% and 20.0%, respectively. The risk of gingival overgrowth was the highest among patients carrying −174C/C genotype (OR 1.48), but did not differ markedly from the other genotypes, i.e. −174G/G (OR 1.15) and −74G/C (OR 0.67). Similar to genotypes, the distribution of alleles was similar in patients with gingival overgrowth and healthy gingiva. The −174G allele was found in 53.2% and 46.8% of subjects whereas −174C allele was revealed in 46.8% and 44.8% of patients with and without gingival overgrowth, respectively. The evaluated risk of gingival overgrowth in patients with −174G allele was 1.09 versus those with healthy gingiva. The medication regimen administered in both groups of the study was comparable.Conclusion: No association between the IL‐6 gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth was revealed in kidney transplant patients administered cyclosporin A as a principal immunosuppressive agent.
REHYDRATION OF FREEZE‐DRIED STRAWBERRIES AT VARYING TEMPERATURES
Authors: MEDA LAETITIA , RATTI CRISTINA 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT Strawberries (var. Seascape), cut in halves or 5‐mm slices, were freeze‐dried at a heating plate temperature of 55C for 28 h. Freeze‐dried products were then rehydrated at 0, 20, 40 and 80C in distilled water. The progression of the rehydration coefficient (RC) was followed as a function of time (up to 25 min). Less than 2 min were necessary to fully rehydrate the slices and less than 5 min for half strawberries. The results showed that halved and sliced freeze‐dried strawberries had higher RCs when rehydrated at a temperature near 0C. A simple diffusive‐type equation was used to represent water uptake during rehydration. Effective diffusion coefficients were modeled as a function of temperature using an Arrhenius‐type relationship.
Transcriptional Control by A-Factor ofstrR, the Pathway-Specific Transcriptional Activator for Streptomycin Biosynthesis inStreptomyces griseus
Authors: Tomono Ayami , Tsai Yisan , Yamazaki Haruka , Ohnishi Yasuo , Horinouchi Sueharu 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTA-factor (2-isocapryloyl-3R-hydroxymethyl-γ-butyrolactone) triggers streptomycin production by inducing the transcription ofstrR, encoding the pathway-specific transcriptional activator, through signal transduction in the A-factor regulatory cascade inStreptomyces griseus. AdpA, one of the key transcriptional activators in the cascade, bound two upstream activation sites, approximately at nucleotide positions −270 and −50 with respect to the transcriptional start point ofstrR, as determined by gel mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting. Transcriptional analysis of thestrRpromoter with mutated AdpA-binding sites showed that both sites were required for full transcriptional activation ofstrRby AdpA. Potassium permanganate footprinting showed that AdpA assisted RNA polymerase in forming an open complex at an appropriate position for transcriptional initiation ofstrR. Nine transcriptional units within the streptomycin biosynthesis gene cluster, including thestrR-aphDoperon, depended on StrR, indicating that StrR is the pathway-specific transcriptional activator for the whole gene cluster. Consistent with this, expression ofstrRunder the control of a constitutively expressed promoter in anadpAnull mutant caused the host to produce streptomycin.
An epidemiological survey of the health needs of disabled people in a rural community
Authors: Kent Ruth M , Chandler Barbara J , Barnes Michael P 
Published: August 2005

Objective:To describe service use and unmet needs of disabled people in a rural environment, given well-recognized difficulties in providing equitable services to a widely-spread population, availability of transport and the presence of discrepancies in wealth. Participants: Disabled people registered with a single rural general practice, identified by postal questionnaire. Method: All 3462 households were screened using the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) disability screening questionnaire. An 86% response rate was achieved. Seventy-four people aged 16–65 and 69 people aged 66–75 were interviewed by a rehabilitation physician. Fifty-five people aged 76+ were interviewed. Disability was assessed using the OPCS scales of disability, Barthel Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Thirty per cent (43) of those aged 16–75 received assistance for their personal activities of daily living (ADLs), and 98% (140) required assistance for extended ADLs (taken from the OPCS surveys criteria). There was no difference in either disability or dependency by age group. Fifty-three per cent of this group had domestic adaptations, 75% had disability aids. Those aged 16–75 had significantly fewer aids and adaptations, less home care, care management, respite, district nursing and chiropody services than people over 75. Equipment was provided by statutory services less frequently and fewer carers were salaried. The rehabilitation physician assessed them as needing more occupational therapy, physiotherapy and chiropody. Thirty per cent saw their GP monthly and 45% attended hospital. Conclusion: Unmet need was assessed as greater in the younger group. Elderly people are possibly more visible to service providers with better recognition of need. There is no evidence of a relationship between medical surveillance and identification of rehabilitation needs. Those with greater degrees of disability require more interlinked and organized services.
The Footwear Assessment Form: a reliable clinical tool to assess footwear characteristics of relevance to postural stability in older adults
Authors: Menz Hylton B , Sherrington Catherine 
Published: August 2005

Objective: Falls in older adults are common and may result in serious injury. Inappropriate footwear has been suggested to be a contributing factor to many falls. However no studies have been undertaken to determine whether clinicians can reliably assess footwear variables thought to influence postural stability in older adults. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a simple clinical footwear assessment form and assess its reliability, both between examiners and with repeated assessments over time. Design: Two examiners assessed seven footwear variables (shoe type, heel height, heel counter stiffness, longitudinal sole rigidity, sole flexion point, tread pattern and sole hardness) in 12 different shoes, and repeated the measurements three weeks later. The examiners were blinded to each other's and their own previous results. Results: Analysis using the kappa (and percentage agreement statistics revealed the examiners' footwear assessments to be generally highly reliable (= 0.47–1.00 for inter-tester comparisons, = 0.40–1.00 for intra-tester comparisons), with the exception of inter-tester assessment of sole hardness (= 0.03–0.48). Conclusion: The Footwear Assessment Form is a reliable clinical tool for the assessment of shoe type, heel height, heel counter stiffness, longitudinal sole rigidity and tread pattern; however, a more objective protocol may be required to improve the reliability of sole hardness evaluation. The Footwear Assessment Form can now be used with confidence in the clinical setting and in future investigations to determine the contribution of footwear characteristics to instability and falls in older adults.