bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cysticercosis as a Major Risk Factor for Epilepsy in Burundi, East Africa
Authors: Nsengiyumva Georges , Druet‐Cabanac Michel , Ramanankandrasana Bienvenue , Bouteille Bernard , Nsizabira Léopold , Preux Pierre‐Marie 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Human cysticercosis is a direct consequence of infection by Taenia solium larvae (Cysticercus cellulosae). Results of studies on the impact of neurocysticercosis on epilepsy in Africa are inconsistent. The objective was to evaluate the role of cysticercosis in epilepsy in Burundi. Methods: A prevalent matched case–control design was used in the Kiremba area, Burundi, between March and April 2001. One case with epilepsy was matched to two control subjects, according to their age. Cases were subjects who had shown at least two unprovoked epileptic seizures within a 24‐h time range and who lived in the Kiremba area. The control subjects also lived in Kiremba and had neither neurologic illness nor kinship with the people with epilepsy. Seropositivity for cysticercosis was the exposure variable. Three hundred twenty‐four prevalent cases, with onset of epilepsy between 1950 and 2000, and 648 age‐matched controls were included. Results: This study found a link between cysticercosis infestation and the occurrence of epilepsy (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.5–5.1). Conclusions: The study highlighted the importance of cysticercosis in the area of Kiremba, as 31.5% of the control subjects screened positive for this parasite. The attributable risk for cysticercosis was 50% (95% confidence interval, 42–57) in this population.
Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Sleep‐related Breathing in Epilepsy Patients
Authors: Marzec Mary , Edwards Jonathan , Sagher Oren , Fromes Gail , Malow Beth A. 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To describe the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on sleep‐related breathing in a sample of 16 epilepsy patients. Methods: Sixteen adults with medically refractory epilepsy (nine men, seven women, ages 21–58 years) underwent baseline polysomnograms (PSGs). Three months after VNS therapy was initiated, PSGs were repeated. In addition, patient 7 had a study with esophageal pressure monitoring, and patient 1 had a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) trial. Results: Baseline PSGs: One of 16 patients had an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) >5 (6.8). Treatment PSGs: Five of 16 patients had treatment AHIs >5. Respiratory events were more frequent during periods with VNS activation (on‐time) than without VNS activation (off‐time; p = 0.016). Follow‐up studies: Esophageal pressure monitoring in patient 7 showed crescendos in esophageal pressure during VNS activation, supporting an obstructive pattern. The CPAP trial of patient 1 showed that all respiratory events were associated with VNS stimulation at low CPAP levels. They were resolved at higher CPAP levels. Conclusions: Treatment with VNS affects respiration during sleep and should be used with care, particularly in patients with preexisting obstructive sleep apnea. The AHI after VNS treatment remained <5 in the majority of patients and was only mildly elevated (<12) in five patients. In one patient, CPAP resolved VNS‐related respiratory events.
Demographic Impact of Epilepsy in Africa: Results of a 10‐year Cohort Study in a Rural Area of Cameroon
Authors: Kamgno Joseph , Pion Sébastien D. S. , Boussinesq Michel 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate the demographic impact of epilepsy a rural area of Africa. Methods: A cohort study was conducted between 1991 and 2001 in the Mbam Valley (Cameroon) on two groups of subjects (one of persons with epilepsy, and the other of control individuals matched for sex, age, and village of residence). At the end of the follow‐up, information on mortality, marital status, and numbers of offspring was obtained from 128 pairs of subjects. Results: Thirty‐seven (28.9%) persons with epilepsy and six (4.7%) controls died between 1991 and 2001. The relative risk of dying during the follow‐up among the group of people with epilepsy, compared with the controls, was 6.2 (95% CI, 2.7–14.1). The most frequent causes of death in the persons with epilepsy were status epilepticus, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and drowning. Of the 90 pairs, of which both members were still alive in 2001, 15 (16.7%) persons with epilepsy were married as compared with 53 (58.9%) controls. The mean number of children was 0.9 in the subjects with epilepsy, and 1.7 in the controls (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Health personnel should be trained and sensitized about the devastating effect of this neglected disease in developing countries. In those areas where onchocerciasis control programs are organized by using the community‐directed‐treatment approach, the possibility that the ivermectin distributors could also be responsible for distributing antiepileptic drugs should be considered.
A New Chrna4 Mutation with Low Penetrance in Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Leniger Tobias , Kananura Colette , Hufnagel Andreas , Bertrand Sonia , Bertrand Daniel , Steinlein Ortrud K. 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To identify and characterize the mutation(s) causing nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy in a German extended family. Methods: Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes were screened by direct sequencing. Once a CHRNA4 mutation was identified, its biophysical and pharmacologic properties were characterized by expression experiments in Xenopus oocytes. Results: We report a new CHRNA4 mutation, causing a α4‐T265I amino acid exchange at the extracellular end of the second transmembrane domain (TM). Functional studies of α4‐T265I revealed an increased ACh sensitivity of the mutated receptors. α4‐T265I is associated with an unusual low penetrance of the epilepsy phenotype. Sequencing of the TM1‐TM3 parts of the 1 known nAChR subunits did not support a two‐locus model involving a second nAChR sequence variation. Conclusions: nAChR mutations found in familial epilepsy are not always associated with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. α4‐T265I is the first nAChR allele showing a markedly reduced penetrance consistent with a major gene effect. The low penetrance of the mutation is probably caused by unknown genetic or environmental factors or both.
Long‐term Pregabalin Treatment Protects Basal Cortices and Delays the Occurrence of Spontaneous Seizures in the Lithium‐Pilocarpine Model in the Rat
Authors: André Véronique , Rigoulot Marie‐Aude , Koning Estelle , Ferrandon Arielle , Nehlig Astrid 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To determine whether a pharmacologic treatment could delay or prevent the epileptogenesis induced by status epilepticus (SE) through the protection of some brain areas, we studied the effects of the long‐term exposure to pregabalin (PGB) on neuronal damage and epileptogenesis induced by lithium‐pilocarpine SE. Methods: SE was induced in adult and 21‐day‐old (P21) rats. At 20 min after pilocarpine, rats received 50 mg/kg PGB (pilo‐preg) or saline (pilo‐saline). PGB treatment was given daily at the dose of 50 mg/kg for 7 days after SE and at 10 mg/kg from day 8 until killing. Neuronal damage was assessed in hippocampus and piriform and entorhinal cortices in brain sections stained with thionine and obtained from adult and P21 animals killed 6 days after SE. The number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐reactive astrocytes was tested by immunohistochemistry in sections adjacent to those used for cell counting. The latency to spontaneous seizures was controlled by visual observation and EEG recording. Results: PGB induced neuroprotection in layer II of piriform cortex and layers III–IV of ventral entorhinal cortex of adult rats, whereas no hippocampal region was protected. In P21 rats, damage was limited to the hilus and similar in pilo‐preg and pilo‐saline animals. The number of GFAP‐positive astrocytes was higher in pilocarpine‐ than in saline‐treated rats. It was decreased in pilo‐preg compared with pilo‐saline rats in layer II of the piriform cortex. Adult pilo‐preg rats became epileptic after a longer latency (39 days) than did pilo‐saline rats (22 days). Conclusions: These data underline the antiepileptogenic consequences of long‐term PGB treatment, possibly mediated by the protection of piriform and entorhinal cortices in the lithium‐pilocarpine model of epilepsy.
Serum Carbamazepine Concentrations in Elderly Patients: A Case‐matched Pharmacokinetic Evaluation Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Data
Authors: Battino Dina , Croci Danilo , Rossini Alessandro , Messina Sara , Mamoli Daniela , Perucca Emilio 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To assess the influence of aging on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine (CBZ) in a large population of patients evaluated in a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) setting. Methods: The database of a large TDM service was used to identify retrospectively steady‐state serum CBZ concentrations in 157 elderly patients with epilepsy (65 years and older) treated with CBZ alone or in combination with phenobarbital (PB). CBZ apparent oral clearance (CL/F) values were calculated and compared with those determined in an equal number of controls aged 20 to 50 years, and matched for gender, body weight, and comedication. Results: Compared with corresponding controls, mean CBZ CL/F values were 23% and 24% lower, respectively, in the groups of elderly patients receiving monotherapy (57.1 ± 20.6 vs. 74.6 ± 28.3 ml/h/kg; p < 0.0001) and PB comedication (74.7 ± 25.5 vs. 98.7 ± 34.9 ml/h/kg; p < 0.01). Within each age group, patients comedicated with PB showed significantly higher CBZ CL/F values than those on monotherapy. A negative correlation between CL/F and age was found both within the monotherapy and the PB comedicated groups. In addition, CL/F values showed a positive relation with the administered daily dosage, which persisted within subgroups homogeneous for age and comedication. The independent influence of age, CBZ dosage, and comedication on CBZ CL/F was confirmed by multiple regression analysis. Conclusions: CBZ CL/F is decreased in an age‐dependent manner in elderly patients compared with younger subjects, presumably because a reduction in the rate of CYP3A4‐mediated drug metabolism. Elderly patients retain their sensitivity to dose‐dependent autoinduction and to heteroinduction by enzyme‐inducing AEDs, but their metabolic rates remain considerably below those observed in matched controls. As a result of this, patients in old age will require lower CBZ dosages to achieve serum concentrations comparable with those found in nonelderly adults.
Incidence and Short‐term Prognosis of Status Epilepticus in Adults in Bologna, Italy
Authors: Vignatelli Luca , Tonon Caterina , D'Alessandro Roberto ,   Bologna Group for the Study of Status Epilepticus
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the incidence and the 30‐day case fatality of status epilepticus (SE) in the adult resident population of the city of Bologna, Italy. Methods: Over a 1‐year period (March 1, 1999 to February 29, 2000), all patients older than 20 years with SE were included. The case‐finding method was based on (a) a prospective surveillance of all public general hospitals in the city by neurologic units, and (b) a review of all discharge codes concerning epilepsy. Results: The crude and standardized annual incidence rate of SE was 13.1 per 100,000 [95% confidence interval (CI), 9.5–17.5] and 10.7 (95% CI, 7.5–13.8). It was higher in the elderly (older than 60 years) than in young adults (26.2 vs. 5.2) and in women than in men (14.9 vs. 11.0). Acute symptomatic SE accounted for 48%, and a cerebrovascular pathology was the most frequently associated etiologic condition (41%). A history of seizures was reported in 39% of patients. The 30‐day case fatality was 39% (33% excluding postanoxic patients). Conclusions: This study reports the first data on the epidemiology of SE in Italy. The incidence rate found in the population of Bologna is in the same range as that of the other European countries. The 30‐day case fatality is higher than all the other population studies (both European and American), despite the broadly similar clinical features of patients. Indirect evidence suggests that some inaccurate patient management could have negatively influenced the outcome of SE.
Topiramate and Lamotrigine Pharmacokinetics during Repetitive Monotherapy and Combination Therapy in Epilepsy Patients
Authors: Doose Dennis R. , Brodie Martin J. , Wilson Elaine A. , Chadwick David , Oxbury John , Berry David J. , Schwabe Stefan , Bialer Meir 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To determine at steady state (in the same group of patients): (a) the pharmacokinetics (PK) of lamotrigine (LTG) with LTG monotherapy, (b) the PK of LTG concomitantly administered with topiramate (TPM) at three escalating TPM doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/day), (c) the PK of TPM at three escalating TPM doses while receiving fixed‐dose LTG therapy, and (d) the PK of TPM with TPM monotherapy. Methods: This was an open‐label, sequential, single‐group, dose‐escalating PK study in which 13 patients with epilepsy not optimally controlled with LTG received stable‐dose LTG monotherapy for 2 weeks, followed by stable‐dose LTG therapy combined with escalating doses of TPM for ≤16 weeks, stable‐dose TPM therapy combined with tapered‐dose LTG therapy for 4 weeks, and stable‐dose TPM monotherapy for 2 weeks. Serial blood and urine samples were collected before and during TPM dosing, and safety data were collected throughout the study. Results: The exposure, or area under the plasma LTG concentration–time curve within a dosing interval at steady state (AUCss), did not change in the presence of TPM, with mean AUCss values ranging at each TPM dose level between 66 and 81 mg×h/L with concomitant LTG/TPM therapy compared with 77 mg×h/L with LTG monotherapy. No significant change was found in the steady‐state peak (Cmax) and trough (Cmin) plasma levels of LTG in the presence and absence of TPM. The mean (±SD) oral clearance (CL/F) of TPM (400 mg/day) was 2.6 ± 1.1 L/h when given alone and 2.7 ± 0.7 L/h when given with LTG. The similarity of CL/F values also was reflected by the similar exposure (AUCss), Cmax, and Cmin values of TPM in the absence, and presence of LTG. Conclusions: The results of this study show that no PK interaction between TPM and LTGwas observed at the doses used in this study.
Capitalizing Non‐cancelable Operating Leases
Authors: Bennett Bruce K. , Bradbury Michael E. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThere have been recent international moves to require the capitalization of non‐cancelable operating leases. Most prior research on the constructive capitalization of leases has been undertaken on US data. The results from US studies may not apply to international firms because non‐US operating lease contracts may differ in lease term, discount rates, and renewal options. This study presents the financial statement impact of constructive capitalization for 38 firms listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. New Zealand is an appropriate institutional setting because the required footnote disclosures for operating leases are similar to the International Accounting Standard. The method of constructive capitalization follows the general approach developed by Imhoff, et al. (1991). The results show that constructive capitalization has a material impact on reported liabilities and financial ratios. The results suggest that, relative to present value procedures of constructive lease capitalization, heuristics used by analysts lead to the overstatement of lease liabilities and lease assets. However, the use of single cross‐sectional parameters (e.g., discount rates, lease life) results in constructed lease assets and liabilities that are similar to more elaborate firm‐specific procedures.
Choice of Accounting Method for Valuation of Investment Securities: Evidence from Hong Kong Firms
Authors: Jaggi Bikki , Leung Sidney 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThis study examines whether Hong Kong managers choose “benchmark” or “alternative” valuation method for investment securities, after the Hong Kong SSAP 24 became effective starting with fiscal‐year ending December 31, 1999. Tests are conducted on a sample of 292 firms, out of which 155 Hong Kong firms reported unrealized gains and losses and 128 firms that did not report holding gains/losses, but reported investment securities.The findings indicate that firms with strong relative performance, i.e. current year's EPS higher than that of the last year, chose the alternative valuation method when the investment securities had holding gains and recognized the unrealized holding gains in the equity section of the balance sheet. This finding is consistent with the Cookie Jar hypothesis because these holding gains would be used in the income statement in future periods, when needed. With regard to firms with strong relative performance and holding losses, the findings indicate that the benchmark valuation was used. The losses were reported in the income statement to the extent that they did not reduce the EPS below that of the last year. This finding is consistent with the Income Smoothing Hypothesis, because the use of benchmark valuation reduced EPS of the current year to bring it in line with that of the last year. Evidence on firms with weak economic performance and holding gains or losses provided weak support to the Income Smoothing Hypothesis and Big Bath Hypothesis. Additionally, the results indicate that the firms with high debt‐equity ratio preferred the benchmark method and recorded securities at cost. This treatment provided managers with an opportunity to liquidate or reclassify the securities in future periods and use the accrued gains, when needed. The findings are inconclusive with regard to the impact of bonus plan on the choice of valuation method.
On the Performance of Naïve, Analyst and Composite Earnings Forecasts: Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Joseph W. , Fan Dennis K. , So Raymond W. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractIn this paper, we compare the information content and performance of naïve, analyst and composite forecasts in Hong Kong. Empirical evidence shows that superior performance can be obtained by a composite measure combining both analyst and naïve forecasts. In addition, analyst forecasts become more conditionally efficient over the naïve model as the actual announcement approaches. The superiority and timing advantage of analyst forecasts suggest that more emphasis should be placed on the services of analysts for predicting future earnings figures, particularly when the announcement is approaching.
The Role of Planning and Workplace Support in Returning to Work after Maternity Leave
Authors: Houston Diane M. , Marks Gillian 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe paper reports a longitudinal study of the post‐pregnancy work outcomes for full‐time working women who were pregnant with their first baby. Regression analyses revealed that women who did not return to work as intended were differentiated from those who did return to work by the amount of planning they had done in pregnancy, as well as having lower pre‐natal income and less anti‐cipated support within the workplace. Almost one third of those who returned to work part‐time reported reduced job status. The study shows the importance of workplace planning and support in return to work after maternity leave.
Managerial Control of Employees Working at Home
Authors: Felstead Alan , Jewson Nick , Walters Sally 
Published: June 2003

AbstractPlaces of work constitute processes of management by facilitating ‘visibility’ (the possibility for supervisors and others to observe workers) and ‘presence’ (the ability for workers to participate in relations with co‐workers and others). Working at home creates problems for both these aspects of managerial control. We suggest that managers seek to compensate for the relative lack of visibility and presence of home‐located workers by generating a range of devices and social disciplines that together comprise loose networks of control. However, these responses are only partially successful since they are founded on contradictory assumptions and practices.
Human Resource Management and Corporate Performance in the UK
Authors: Guest David E. , Michie Jonathan , Conway Neil , Sheehan Maura 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe relationship between HRM and performance was explored in 366 UK companies using objective and subjective performance measures and cross‐sectional and longitudinal data. Using objective measures of performance, greater use of HRM is associated with lower labour turnover and higher profit per employee but not higher productivity. After controlling for previous years’ performance, the association ceases to be significant. Using subjective performance estimates, there is a strong association between HRM and both productivity and financial performance. The study therefore confirms the association between HRM and performance but fails to show that HRM causes higher performance.
Initial Responses to the Statutory Recognition Provisions of the Employment Relations Act 1999
Authors: Oxenbridge Sarah , Brown William , Deakin Simon , Pratten Cliff 
Published: June 2003

AbstractWe report how trade unions and employers initially reacted to the introduction of the statutory recognition procedure in the Employment Relations Act 1999 (ERA). Interview data indicate that the ERA and the drift of EU influence have acted to shift employer attitudes towards greater approval of unions and have accelerated the rate at which employers are redesigning their relationships with unions. Although they are restricting unions’ influence over traditional issues such as pay‐setting, employers are increasingly seeking their assistance in implementing organizational changes. We explore the impact of these developments on union activity and on collective representation more broadly.
A Test of Alternative Measures of Disconfirmation*
Authors: Spreng Richard A. , Page Thomas J. 
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACTDisconfirmation has been widely used in a number of research traditions, however there are many different operationalizations of this construct. Little research has investigated the relative effectiveness of these various methods. The research reported here examines five operationalizations of disconfirmation and their effect on satisfaction. These tests are carried out using two different comparison standards in two different settings. The results indicate some methods are better in certain situations and are inappropriate in others. Implications for both practical and theoretical research are discussed.
Project‐Level Reuse Factors: Drivers for Variation within Software Development Environments*
Authors: Rothenberger Marcus A. 
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACTSystematic reuse can dramatically improve software development productivity and quality even though a software reuse methodology may require substantial investments. Some projects may fail to achieve the targeted amounts of reuse within organizations that are overall successful in employing reuse. To explain such variation, this research explores the effects of project‐level factors in the success of software reuse. A model that relates project factors to project reuse success is developed using an information‐rich case study approach. The results are based on the insights obtained in a nominal group technique session, triangulated with structured interviews and comparative case studies. Success factors identified by the study relate to client influence, project culture, project attributes, and developer reuse experience. An organization that can successfully identify the factors affecting potential software reuse will be able to better target investments for the improvement of its reuse methodology and thus positively affect its software development productivity and quality.