bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of endolithic cyanobacteria inhabiting exposed dolomite in central Switzerland
Authors: Sigler William V. , Bachofen Reinhard , Zeyer Josef 
Published: June 2003

SummaryThe phototrophic microbial community inhabiting exposed dolomite in the alpine Piora Valley (Switzerland) forms a distinct endolithic bilayer that features adjacent red dolomite (exterior) and green dolomite (interior) layers that are c. 0.5–1 mm below the rock surface. Characterization of the community, with an emphasis on cyanobacteria, was conducted with culture‐dependent and ‐independent approaches. Direct microscopy of green dolomite revealed four distinct morphotypes consistent with Chlorophyta genera Chlorella and Stichococcus and the Cyanobacterial genera Nostoc and Calothrix, whereas only Stichococcus and Nostoc were observed in the red dolomite. Enrichment in BG‐11 media resulted in the growth of Chlorella and Stichococcus. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of DNA extracted from the enrichment revealed two dominant phylotypes with sequence similarity to Chlorella osrokiniana chloroplast and the cyanobacteria genus Leptolyngbya. 16S rRNA gene‐based DGGE analysis of DNA extracted directly from both layers indicated that although both layers harboured phylotypes most similar to the Cyanobacterial genera Nostoc, Chroococcidiopsis, and Microcoleus, and the Chlorophyte Stichococcus bacillaris, the two layers also harboured unique genera such as Scytonema, and Symploca (red, external layer of dolomite) and Chlorella (green, internal layer of dolomite). The unique community structure of each layer suggests a selection process directed by the pressures of the endolithic environment. We conclude that the overall composition of the phototrophic community closely resembles that of endolithic communities located in extreme habitats, suggesting that a cosmopolitan community inhabits this defined niche.
Peri‐operative radiotherapy for rectal cancer: the case for a selective pre‐operative approach – the third way
Authors: Crawshaw A. , Hennigan T. , Smedley F. H. , Leslie M. D. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractPeri‐operative radiotherapy has been used widely in addition to surgery in an attempt to reduce local recurrence (LR) following surgical resection of rectal cancer. Currently different groups follow different approaches with some routinely administering one weeks pre‐operative radiotherapy to all cases of operable mobile cancer with others favouring postoperative chemoradiotherapy for selected high risk groups. In this review we bring together the changes in surgery, pathology and imaging that have occurred in recent years and together with the data from recent randomized pre‐operative radiotherapy trials propose a logical and optimal way of managing rectal cancer. This third way is selective and pre‐operative and should ensure a low rate of LR with radiotherapy reserved for those cases that need it.
The quality of acute stroke units on a nation‐wide level: the Austrian Stroke Registry for acute stroke units
Authors: Steiner M. M. , Brainin M. ,   for the participants in the Austrian Stroke Registry for Acute Stroke Units
Published: June 2003

Concepts for stroke units that cover the acute phase vary. Therefore, the network of acute stroke units that is being set up in Austria in a uniform way is of general interest. This nationwide network has been established in accordance to evidence‐based recommendations and prespecified criteria for available resources. The location for such a unit follows a maximum of 90‐min isochrones (transport time) to the hospital. The quality of the network is currently documented and the results are reported.A nationwide stroke registry was prospectively performed on 15 stroke units that were already functional in this network. The aim was to document the quality performance of Austrian stroke units, focusing on rapid admissions, ready availability of investigations and therapies performed. Outcome measures were Barthel scale, Rankin score and percentages of complications.Between August 1998 and December 2000, 2313 patients with ischemic stroke or with primary intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to an Austrian stroke unit within 24 h after onset of symptoms were prospectively included. Forty‐three percent of the patients had a moderate or severe stroke. Fifty‐seven percent of all patients were admitted to the stroke unit within 3 h after the onset of symptoms. Twenty‐seven percent of these patients were brought in by ambulance accompanied by an emergency physician. Two percent of patients were admitted by helicopter. Fifty‐four percent of patients had their first brain imaging within 30 min after admission, another 26% within 3 h. Intravenous thrombolysis was performed in 4.1% of patients. The overall stroke‐unit mortality was about 6.8% and mortality at 3 months was 12.9%. The outcome at 3 months showed a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 or 1 in 47% of patients, denoting none or mild impairment.This network of acute stroke units is highly efficient in terms of rapid admissions, short intrahospital delays, as well as rapid use of readily available investigations. Stroke units seem to be well accepted by the general public and the medical community because our data show that all types of strokes are treated in Austrian stroke units, including severe strokes. The total number of concurrently treated acute strokes in other institutions across Austria is not known and no formal comparison with other systems of hospitalized care was undertaken, therefore further research is necessary.
Pramipexole and pergolide in the treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease: a national multicentre prospective randomized study
Authors: Rektorová I. , Rektor I. , Bareš M. , Dostál V. , Ehler E. , Fanfrdlová Z. , Fiedler J. , Klajblová H. , Kulišt’ák P. , Ressner P. , Svátová J. , Urbánek K. , Velísková J. 
Published: June 2003

An 8‐month multicentre prospective randomized study aimed at comparing the effects of dopamine receptor agonists pramipexole (PPX; Mirapexin®) and pergolide (PRG; Permax®) as add‐on to L‐dopa therapy on depression [Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] in 41 non‐demented patients (25 men, 16 women) suffering from both mild or moderate depression and advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The assessment was performed by a blinded independent observer. Motor symptoms (UPDRS III), motor complications (UPDRS IV), activities of daily living (UPDRS II and VI) and depressive symptoms as measured by Self – Rating Depression Scale by Zung were evaluated in an open‐label design.The average value of Zung scores decreased significantly in both groups with no statistical difference between both groups. A significant decrease in the average value of MADRS scores was present only in the PPX group. The average UPDRS scores decreased significantly with no statistical difference between both groups at the comparable average total daily dose of both preparations. In both cases, the total daily dose of L‐dopa decreased significantly but the decrease was statistically more pronounced in the PRG group.Our results demonstrate the antidepressant effect of PPX in patients with PD while we can't make any conclusions with regard to antidepressant effect of PRG.
Post‐polio syndrome and total health status in a prospective hospital study
Authors: Farbu E , Rekand T , Gilhus N. E. 
Published: June 2003

New loss of function among patients with previous polio is frequently reported and has several causes. All patients referred to the Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, for 13 months during 2000–2001 with diagnosis late effects of polio were examined prospectively to identify their symptoms and loss of function. Eighty‐five patients aged 47–91 years with mean of 61 years were included. The most common complaints were pain (44%), muscular weakness (27%), and fatigue (16%). Muscular weakness occurred in lower limbs in 75%, in respiratory muscles in only 5%. Walking in stairs was impaired in 72% and outdoor walking in 65%. Seventeen patients (19%) reported no loss of function.Post‐polio syndrome was diagnosed in 26% of the patients. Polio‐related loss of function including cervical and lumbosacral radiculopathies, mononeuropathies and degenerative joint disease were found in an additional 53%. Eleven patients (13%) had distinct non‐polio‐related disorders that caused new loss of function. The remaining 8% had a stable condition. In conclusion, the majority of polio patients who seek hospital, experience a new loss of function because of polio‐related disorders. A careful neurological examination is necessary to identify the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Seizure Suppression by Adenosine A1 Receptor Activation in a Mouse Model of Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy
Authors: Gouder Nicolette , Fritschy Jean‐Marc , Boison Detlev 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Because of the high incidence of pharmacoresistance in the treatment of epilepsy (20–30%), alternative treatment strategies are needed. Recently a proof‐of‐principle for a new therapeutic approach was established by the intraventricular delivery of adenosine released from implants of engineered cells. Adenosine‐releasing implants were found to be effective in seizure suppression in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. In the present study, activation of the adenosine system was applied as a possible treatment for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Methods: A mouse model for drug‐resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy was used, in which recurrent spontaneous seizure activity was induced by a single intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid (KA; 200 ng in 50 nl). Results: After injection of the selective adenosine A1‐receptor agonist, 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; either 1.5 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.), epileptic discharges determined in EEG recordings were completely suppressed for a period of ≤3.5 h after the injections. Seizure suppression was maintained when 8‐sulfophenyltheophylline (8‐SPT), a non–brain‐permeable adenosine‐receptor antagonist, was coinjected systemically with CCPA. In contrast, systemic injection of carbamazepine or vehicle alone did not alter the seizure pattern. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that activation of central adenosine A1 receptors leads to the suppression of seizure activity in a mouse model of drug‐resistant epilepsy. We conclude that the local delivery of adenosine into the brain is likely to be effective in the control of intractable seizures.
Vigabatrin, but not Gabapentin or Topiramate, Produces Concentration‐related Effects on Enzymes and Intermediates of the GABA Shunt in Rat Brain and Retina
Authors: Sills Graeme J. , Butler Elaine , Forrest Gerard , Ratnaraj Neville , Patsalos Philip N. , Brodie Martin J. 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: The antiepileptic drug (AED) vigabatrin (VGB), which exerts its pharmacologic effects on the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, causes concentric visual field constriction in >40% of exposed adults. This may be a class effect of all agents with GABA‐related mechanisms of action. We compared the concentration‐related effects of VGB in rat brain and eye with those of gabapentin (GBP) and topiramate (TPM), both of which have been reported to elevate brain GABA concentrations in humans. Methods: Adult male rats (n = 10) were administered 0.9% saline (control), VGB (250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg), GBP (50, 100, 200 mg/kg), or TPM (12.5, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg). At 2 h after dosing, animals were killed, a blood sample obtained, the brain dissected into eight distinct regions, and the retina and vitreous humor isolated from each eye. Samples were analyzed for several GABA‐related neurochemical parameters, and serum and tissue drug concentrations determined. Results: VGB treatment produced a significant (p < 0.05) dose‐related increase in GABA concentrations and decrease in GABA‐transaminase activity in all tissues investigated. This effect was most pronounced in the retina, where VGB concentrations were 18.5‐fold higher than those in brain. In contrast, GBP and TPM were without effect on any of the neurochemical parameters investigated and did not accumulate appreciably in the retina. Conclusions: These findings corroborate a previously reported accumulation of VGB in the retina, which may be responsible for the visual field constriction observed clinically. This phenomenon does not appear to extend to other GABAergic drugs, suggesting that these agents might not cause visual field defects.
Wada Memory Performance Predicts Seizure Outcome after Epilepsy Surgery in Children
Authors: Lee Gregory P. , Park Yong D. , Westerveld Michael , Hempel Ann , Blackburn Lynn B. , Loring David W. 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Wada memory asymmetries were examined in children from four comprehensive epilepsy surgery centers who subsequently underwent epilepsy surgery to determine whether Wada memory performance could predict degree of seizure relief in children. Methods: One hundred fifty‐six children (between ages 5 and 16 years) with intractable epilepsy underwent Wada testing before resective epilepsy surgery (93 within the left hemisphere, and 63 within the right hemisphere). Memory stimuli were presented soon after intracarotid amobarbital injection, and recognition memory for the items was assessed after return to neurologic baseline. Eighty‐eight children underwent unilateral temporal lobe resection, and 68 had extratemporal lobe resections. One hundred four (67%) children were seizure free (Engel class I), and 52 (33%) were not seizure free (Engel classes II–IV) at follow‐up (mean follow‐up interval, 2.3 years). Results: Seizure‐free children recalled 19.3% more Wada memory items after ipsilateral injection than did non–seizure‐free children (p = 0.008). If analysis was restricted to youngsters with temporal lobectomies (TLs), seizure‐free children recalled 27.7% more items after ipsilateral injection than did non–seizure‐free TL children (p = 0.004). With regard to individual patient prediction, 75% of children who had memory score asymmetries consistent with the seizure focus were seizure free. In contrast, only 56% of children whose memory score asymmetries were inconsistent with the seizure focus were seizure free (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Results suggest that Wada memory performance asymmetries are related to the degree of seizure relief after epilepsy surgery in children and adolescents.
TsTx Toxin Isolated from Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom Induces Spontaneous Recurrent Seizures and Mossy Fiber Sprouting
Authors: Regina Maria , Sandoval Lopes , Lebrun Ivo 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To characterize the long‐term behavioral, electroencephalographic (EEG) and histopathologic features after a single TsTx microinjection into the hippocampus of rats. Methods: TsTx, 2 μg, or 1 μl of 0.1 M phosphate buffer was injected into the right dorsal hippocampus of the rat. EEG records and behavioral observations were made over a period of 10 h after injection. For a period of 4 months, the animals were observed for the occurrence of convulsive seizures. At the end of the experiment, the brains were processed by the neo‐Timm and Nissl methods. Results: After intrahippocampal TsTx injection, three distinct phases were observed: (a) an immediate period that lasted 1 day, during which the motor and electrographic seizures characteristic of status epilepticus (SE) were seen; (b) a silent period (31–49 days), characterized by normal EEG and behavior; and (c) a period of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs). The seizure frequency was one to two per week. Four months after TsTx injection, hippocampal neuronal loss and mossy fiber sprouting in the supragranular layer of the dentate gyrus were observed. Conclusions: The SRSs observed in this study may be associated with the TsTx‐induced SE and brain damage. All animals injected with the toxin showed massive pyramidal neuronal loss in the dorsal hippocampus as well as intense gliosis and atrophy. Mossy fiber sprouting in the supragranular layer of the dentate gyrus was observed in those animals that had SRSs. The effects observed may be due, at least in part, to TsTx‐enhanced release of glutamate in hippocampal pathways.
Transient Hypohidrosis Induced by Topiramate
Authors: De Carolis Piero , Magnifico Fabiola , Pierangeli Giulia , Rinaldi Rita , Galeotti Massimo , Cevoli *Sabina , Cortelli Pietro 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Hypohidrosis during topiramate (TPM) treatment was recently reported in children. We describe an adult epilepsy patient who developed inability to sweat as well as heat intolerance while undergoing treatment with TPM. Methods: To detect the site of the sweat block, patient underwent examination of sweat gland function, cardiovascular autonomic test, and body temperature rhythm determination. Results: During TPM treatment, cardiovascular autonomic function and circadian rhythm of body core temperature were normal, whereas thermoregulatory sweat test (TST) showed anhydrosis. This adverse drug effect was quickly resolved after drug discontinuation. Conclusions: Because of normal cardiovascular autonomic function and central and peripheral thermoregulatory mechanisms, we hypothesize that hypohidrosis during TPM treatment could be due to a carbonic anhydrases (CA) block at the level of sweat gland.
Effects of Seizure Repetition on Postictal and Interictal Neurocardiac Regulation in the Rat
Authors: Naritoku Dean K. , Casebeer Doris J. , Darbin Olivier 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Human epilepsy is associated with abnormalities in cardiac regulation, as measured by reductions of heart rate variability (HRV) and approximate entropy (ApEn), but it is not known how these abnormalities are related to seizure experience. Methods: Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded from seizure‐naive rats. They were subjected daily to maximal electroshock (MES), which induced tonic seizures with hindlimb extension, for a total of 10 days. ECG was obtained for 30 min before and after the first and last seizure. R‐R variability, spectral variability, and ApEn were calculated to determine changes in pre‐ and postictal cardiac regulation. Before the last seizure, interictal parameters were compared with baseline values to determine changes in interictal HRV as a consequence of seizure repetition. Postictal values obtained after the last seizure were compared with the initial postictal data to look for changes in postictal cardiac regulation. Results: During the postictal state, a mild, but significant, loss of ApEn was present after either the first or last seizure. Seizure repetition induced loss of R‐R variability and high‐frequency spectral band, which was present both interictally and postictally. Conclusions: The results suggest that convulsive seizures are associated with an immediate reduction of the complexity of cardiac rhythm regulation, as reflected by reductions of ApEn. Seizure repetition may induce long‐term neural abnormalities in neurocardiac regulatory systems, especially parasympathetic, which limit appropriate autonomic responses. These acquired abnormalities may, in turn, predispose individuals to cardiac arrhythmia and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Spectroscopic Metabolic Abnormalities in mTLE with and without MRI Evidence for Mesial Temporal Sclerosis Using Hippocampal Short‐TE MRSI
Authors: Mueller Susanne G. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Suhy Joyce , Lopez Ria C. , Flenniken Derek L. , Weiner Michael W. 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Long echo time (TE) spectroscopy reliably identifies the epileptogenic hippocampus in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Short‐TE spectroscopy gives additional metabolic information but may have more artifacts. The aim of this study was to test (a) lateralization of the seizure focus by short‐TE spectroscopy, and (b) value of myoinositol (MI) in the identification of the epileptogenic hippocampus. Methods: Twenty‐four patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: 16 with mesial temporal sclerosis (TLE‐MTS), eight patients with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; TLE‐No), and 16 controls were studied with hippocampal 2D short‐TE magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). Results: In TLE‐MTS, the ipsilateral N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) was decreased compared with contralateral (p = 0.03) or controls (p = 0.007). Additionally, the ipsilateral MI was decreased compared with controls (p = 0.012). TLE‐No values showed no side differences and were not different from controls. Abnormalities in the anterior hippocampus correctly lateralized the epileptogenic hippocampus in ≤82% of TLE‐MTS and in ≤80% of the TLE‐No. Conclusions: The accuracy of short‐TE MRSI at 1.5 T for focus lateralization in mTLE is comparable to that of long‐TE MRSI. MI might be helpful for focus lateralization, but more information about the factors influencing the MI concentration is needed.
Absence Epilepsy with Onset before Age Three Years: A Heterogeneous and Often Severe Condition
Authors: Chaix Yves , Daquin Géraldine , Monteiro Franklin , Villeneuve Nathalie , Laguitton Virginie , Genton Pierre 
Published: June 2003

Summary:  Purpose: The classification of epilepsies and epileptic syndromes recognizes three syndromes with typical absences [TA, i.e., childhood and juvenile absence epilepsies (CAE and JAE), and epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA), none of which is characterized by onset in early childhood]. Although several other forms of absence epilepsies have been described recently, none concerns infants and very young children, and little is known about the nosology and prognosis of early‐onset absences. Methods: We retrospectively selected all cases with onset of absences as the only or major seizure type before age 3 years and ≥2 years of follow‐up among cases newly referred between 1986 and 2002. Neurospychological assessments (generally IQ measure), behavior patterns, and schooling situations were reviewed for each child. Results: We found 10 patients (7 F, 3 M). No child had sensory or motor deficits: neuroimaging was performed in nine and was normal in eight, with aspecfic findings in one. Only two could be characterized as CAE and EMA, respectively, both with seizure control and a good cognitive outcome. Among the remaining eight cases, four had a fairly homogeneous presentation with predominantly brief absences and clearly asymmetric interictal EEGs. All eight had neuropsychological and/or behavioral difficulties. Three had full seizure control, and five, persisting absences, with a follow‐up ranging beetween 2 years 8 months to 9 years 4 months; only one child was older than 12 years. Conclusions: Great heterogeneity exists among absence epilepsies of early onset, which are rare conditions. Only a few patients can be categorized into well‐known syndromes. The overall prognosis is poor. Early onset of absences is uncommon, and multicenter studies should help clarify the nosology and prognosis.