bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practitioner Review: Approaches to assessment and treatment of children with DCD: an evaluative review
Authors: Wilson Peter H. 
Published: July 2005

Background:  Movement clumsiness (or Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD) has gained increasing recognition as a significant condition of childhood. However, some uncertainty still exists about diagnosis. Accordingly, approaches to assessment and treatment are varied, each drawing on distinct theoretical assumptions about the aetiology of the condition and its developmental course.Method:  This review evaluates the current status of different approaches to motor assessment and treatment for children with DCD. These approaches are divided according to their broad conceptual origin (or explanatory framework): Normative Functional Skill Approach, General Abilities Approach, Neurodevelopmental Theory, Dynamical Systems Theory, and the Cognitive Neuroscientific Approach.Conclusions:  Each conceptual framework is shown to support assessment and treatment methods with varying degrees of conceptual and psychometric integrity. The normative functional skill approach supports the major screening devices for DCD and cognitive (or top‐down) approaches to intervention. The general abilities approach and traditional neurodevelopmental theory are not well supported by recent research. The dynamical systems approach supports promising trends in biomechanical or kinematic analysis of movement, ecological task analysis, and task‐specific intervention. Finally, and more recently, the cognitive neuroscientific approach has generated some examples of process‐oriented assessment and treatment based on validated (brain–behaviour) models of motor control and learning. A multi‐level approach to movement assessment and treatment is recommended for DCD, providing a more complete representation of motor development at different levels of function – behavioural, neurocognitive, and emotional.
Show me the child at seven II: childhood intelligence and later outcomes in adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Fergusson David M. , John Horwood L. , Ridder Elizabeth M. 
Published: July 2005

Background:  There has been ongoing interest in the role of intelligence in longer‐term educational and occupational achievement and social adjustment. The aims of this study were to examine the extent to which IQ in middle childhood (8–9 years) was prognostic of future outcomes when due allowance was made for confounding personal and social factors.Methods:  Data were gathered on (WISC‐R) IQ at ages 8–9 years and a range of educational and social adjustment measures over the course of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 25‐year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1,265 New Zealand children.Results:  IQ assessed at ages 8–9 years was related to a range of outcomes: later crime (offending, arrest/conviction); substance use disorders (nicotine dependence, illicit drug dependence); mental health (anxiety, suicidality); sexual adjustment (number of sexual partners, pregnancy); educational achievement (school leaving qualifications, tertiary qualifications); and occupational outcomes (unemployment, income). However, intelligence was largely unrelated to many of these outcomes: crime, mental health, sexual behaviours, and illicit substance dependence after statistical adjustment for early behaviour problems and family background. Strong relationships remained between childhood intelligence and later educational and occupational outcomes.Conclusions:  Much of the association between early intelligence and later social adjustment is mediated by childhood conduct problems and family social circumstances. However, strong relationships exist between early intelligence and later academic achievement and income independently of these factors.
Techniques for solving subset sum problems within a given tolerance
Authors: James R. J. W. , Storer R. H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe subset sum problem is a simple and fundamental NP‐hard problem that is found in many real world applications. For the particular application motivating this paper (combination weighers) a solution is required to the subset sum problem that is within a small tolerance level, and can be computed quickly. We propose four techniques for solving this problem. The first two techniques are based on an efficient number partitioning algorithm. These techniques can solve small problems very efficiently when the solution uses approximately half the available items. The next technique is an enumeration technique that is capable of solving small problems very efficiently. The last technique is a modified enumeration technique that improves a good solution in a structured manner. These techniques were found to perform efficiently on large and small problems and can outperform other techniques currently proposed in the literature under certain conditions.
Exploring financial strategies: a multiobjective visual reference point approach
Authors: Costa João Paulo , Godinho Pedro Cortesão , Clímaco João Carlos 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThis paper presents a multiobjective financial planning model and a technique for characterizing its solutions through the visual exploration of the reference point space. The financial planning model includes two objectives: (1) to maximize the company's value and (2) to stabilize the company's capital structure. The model also considers other planning issues like the balance of funds, the stabilization of dividend payout over the years and some limitations on debt. A technique of visual exploration of the reference point space is proposed in order to characterize the non‐dominated (efficient) model solutions. The underlying idea is not simply to choose a plan or a strategy, but to learn, explore and classify different decision strategies, gaining insight into them according to the preferred model of the decision makers.
Insular Seizures: Have We Been Missing the Boat?
Authors: Schwartz Theodore H. 
Published: July 2005

Clinical Manifestations of Insular Lobe Seizures: A Stereo-electroencephalographic Study Isnard J, Guenot M, Sindou M, Mauguiere F Epilepsia 2004;45:1079–1090 Purpose In this study, we report the clinical features of insular lobe seizures based on data from video and stereoelectroencephalographic ictal recordings and direct electric insular stimulation of the insular cortex performed in patients referred for presurgical evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Methods Since our first recordings of insular seizures, the insular cortex has been included as one of the targets of stereoelectroencephalographic electrode implantation in 50 consecutive patients with TLE whose seizures were suspected to originate from, or rapidly to propagate to, the perisylvian cortex. In six, a stereotyped sequence of ictal symptoms associated with intrainsular discharges could be identified. Results This ictal sequence occurred in full consciousness, beginning with a sensation of laryngeal constriction and paresthesiae, often unpleasant, affecting large cutaneous territories, most often at the onset of a complex partial seizure (five of the six patients). It was eventually followed by dysarthric speech and focal motor convulsive symptoms. The insular origin of these symptoms was supported by the data from functional cortical mapping of the insula by using direct cortical stimulations. Conclusions This sequence of ictal symptoms looks reliable enough to characterize insular lobe epileptic seizures. Observation of this clinical sequence at the onset of seizures on video-EEG recordings in TLE patients strongly suggests that the seizure-onset zone is located not in the temporal but in the insular lobe; recording directly from the insular cortex should occur before making any decision regarding epilepsy surgery.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator, Neuroserpin, and Seizures
Authors: Vezzani Annamaria 
Published: July 2005

Ethanol-withdrawal Seizures Are Controlled by Tissue Plasminogen Activator via Modulation of NR2B-containing NMDA Receptors Pawlak R, Melchor JP, Matys T, Skrzypiec AE, Strickland S Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2005;102:443–448 Chronic ethanol abuse causes upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which underlies seizures and brain damage on ethanol withdrawal (EW). Here we show that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a protease implicated in neuronal plasticity and seizures, is induced in the limbic system by chronic ethanol consumption, temporally coinciding with upregulation of NMDA receptors. tPA interacts with NR2B-containing NMDA receptors and is required for upregulation of the NR2B subunit in response to ethanol. As a consequence, tPA-deficient mice have reduced NR2B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, and seizures after EW. tPA-mediated facilitation of EW seizures is abolished by NR2B-specific NMDA antagonist ifenprodil. These results indicate that tPA mediates the development of physical dependence on ethanol by regulating NR2B-containing NMDA receptors. Neuroserpin Portland (Ser52Arg) Is Trapped as an Inactive Intermediate That Rapidly Forms Polymers: Implications for the Epilepsy Seen in the Dementia FENIB Belorgey D, Sharp LK, Crowther DC, Onda M, Johansson J, Lomas DA Eur J Biochem 2004;271:3360–3367 The dementia, familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB), is caused by point mutations in the neuroserpin gene. We have shown a correlation between the predicted effect of the mutation and the number of intracerebral inclusions, and an inverse relation with the age at onset of disease. Our previous work has shown that the intraneuronal inclusions in FENIB result from the sequential interaction between the reactive center loop of one neuroserpin molecule with β-sheet A of the next. We show here that neuroserpin Portland (Ser52Arg), which causes a severe form of FENIB, also forms loop-sheet polymers but at a faster rate, in keeping with the more severe clinical phenotype. The Portland mutant has a normal unfolding transition in urea and a normal melting temperature but is inactive as a proteinase inhibitor. This results in part from the reactive loop being in a less accessible conformation to bind to the target enzyme, tissue plasminogen activator. These results, with those of the CD analysis, are in keeping with the reactive center loop of neuroserpin Portland being partially inserted into β-sheet A to adopt a conformation similar to an intermediate on the polymerization pathway. Our data provide an explanation for the number of inclusions and the severity of dementia in FENIB associated with neuroserpin Portland. Moreover, the inactivity of the mutant may result in uncontrolled activity of tissue plasminogen activator, and so explain the epileptic seizures seen in individuals with more severe forms of the disease.
Food for Thought: The Ketogenic Diet and Adverse Effects in Children
Authors: Duchowny Michael S. 
Published: July 2005

Early- and Late-Onset Complications of the Ketogenic Diet for Intractable Epilepsy Kang HC, Chung da E, Kim DW, Kim HD Epilepsia 2004;45:1116–1123 Purpose This study was undertaken to evaluate the exact limitations of the ketogenic diet (KD) and to collect data on the prevention and management of its risks. Methods Patients (129) who were on the KD from July 1995 to October 2001 at our epilepsy center were assessed in the study. Early-onset (within 4 weeks of the commencement of the KD until stabilization) and late-onset complications (occurring after 4 weeks) were reviewed. Results The most common early-onset complication was dehydration, especially in patients who started the KD with initial fasting. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, also were frequently noted, sometimes associated with gastritis and fat intolerance. Other early-onset complications, in order of frequency, were hypertriglyceridemia, transient hyperuricemia, hypercholesterolemia, various infectious diseases, symptomatic hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia, hypomagnesemia, repetitive hyponatremia, low concentrations of high-density lipoprotein, lipoid pneumonia due to aspiration, hepatitis, acute pancreatitis, and persistent metabolic acidosis. Late-onset complications also included osteopenia, renal stones, cardiomyopathy, secondary hypocarnitinemia, and iron-deficiency anemia. Most early- and late-onset complications were transient and successfully managed by careful follow-up and conservative strategies. However, 22 (17.1%) patients ceased the KD because of various kinds of serious complications, and 4 (3.1%) patients died during the KD, two of sepsis, one of cardiomyopathy, and one of lipoid pneumonia. Conclusions Most complications of the KD are transient and can be managed easily with various conservative treatments. However, life-threatening complications should be monitored closely during follow-up.
Will My Child Grow up and be Normal?
Authors: Vining Eileen P.G. 
Published: July 2005

Physical Growth and Endocrinal Disorders during Pubertal Maturation in Girls with Epilepsy El-Khayat HA, Abd El-Basset FZ, Tomoum HY, Tohamy SM, Zaky AA, Mohamed MS, Hakky SM, Barbary NS, Nassef NM Epilepsia 2004;45:1106–1115 Purpose This study investigated the effect of epilepsy or antiepileptic drugs or both on the physical growth, pubertal development, and androgenic status of girls with epilepsy between ages 8 and 18 years. Methods Sixty-six female patients with epilepsy, their mean ages 13.47 ± 3.5 years, were included. Anthropometric measurements, staging of pubertal maturation, and clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism were assessed, as well as measurement of serum levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone–binding globulin, and free androgen index. Of the included patients, 44 had transabdominal ultrasonic examination of the ovaries, and fasting serum insulin levels were measured. Forty healthy age-matched girls served as a control group. Results Patients showed reduced mean height percentile compared with controls ( z = 2.07; p = 0.04), which was negatively correlated with the duration of their epilepsy. Patients showed increased frequency of obesity, especially postpubertal girls taking valproate (67%), who also showed higher insulin levels ( t = 8.01; p = 0.0003). Patients showed increased frequency of clinical hyperandrogenemia in the different stages of puberty. High levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were found in girls with epilepsy, especially pubertal and postpubertal girls. Hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or laboratory) was most affected by the types of antiepileptic drugs, with higher incidence in patients taking valproic acid compared with those taking enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs ( χ2 = 9.16; p = 0.01). Eighteen percent of the patients were diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome. No difference was found in the types of seizures, degree of seizure control, types of antiepileptic drugs, or insulin levels between patients with and those without polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusions Longer duration of the disease has a negative impact on the stature of girls with epilepsy. Postpubertal girls taking valproic acid are more liable to obesity, which is associated with increased incidence of hyperinsulinemia. Clinical or laboratory evidence or both of hyperandrogenism is seen at a high frequency in patients, especially with the use of valproic acid. Furthermore, girls with epilepsy especially in the postpubertal stage of sexual maturation, have a high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome, independent of the type of antiepileptic drug or the characteristics of the epilepsy disorder.
Infantile Spasms and Epilepsy Currents
Authors: Ben-Menachem Elinor 
Published: July 2005

The United Kingdom Infantile Spasms Study Comparing Vigabatrin with Prednisolone or Tetracosactide at 14 Days: A Multicentre, Randomised Controlled Trial Lux AL, Edwards SW, Hancock E, Johnson AL, Kennedy CR, Newton RW, O'Callaghan FJ, Verity CM, Osborne JP Lancet 2004;364:1773–1778 Purpose Infantile spasms, a severe infantile seizure disorder, have a high morbidity and are difficult to treat. Hormonal treatments (adrenocorticotropic hormone and prednisolone) have been the main therapy for decades, although little evidence supports their use. Vigabatrin has been recorded to have a beneficial effect in this disorder. We aimed to compare the effects of vigabatrin with those of prednisolone and tetracosactide in the treatment of infantile spasms. Methods The United Kingdom Infantile Spasms Study assessed these treatments in a multicenter, randomized controlled trial in 150 hospitals in the United Kingdom. The primary outcome was cessation of spasms on days 13 and 14. Minimum doses were vigabatrin, 100 mg/kg/day; oral prednisolone, 40 mg/day; or intramuscular tetracosactide depot, 0.5 mg (40 IU) on alternate days. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results Of 208 infants screened and assessed, 107 were randomly assigned to vigabatrin ( n = 52) or hormonal treatments (prednisolone, n = 30; tetracosactide, n = 25). None was lost to follow-up. Proportions with no spasms on days 13 and 14 were 40 (73%) of 55 infants assigned hormonal treatments (prednisolone, 21 of 30 [70%]; tetracosactide, 19 of 25 [76%]) and 28 (54%) of 52 infants assigned vigabatrin (difference, 19%; 95% CI, 1%–36%, p = 0.043). Two infants allocated tetracosactide and one allocated vigabatrin received prednisolone. Adverse events were reported in 30 (55%) of 55 infants receiving hormonal treatments and 28 (54%) of 52 infants receiving vigabatrin. No deaths were recorded. Conclusions Cessation of spasms was more likely in infants given hormonal treatments than in those given vigabatrin. Adverse events were common with both treatments.
ATP-dependent Potassium Channels: A Converging Target for Endogenous Anticonvulsant Factors
Authors: Mazarati Andrey 
Published: July 2005

Zinc Inhibits Glutamate Release via Activation of Presynaptic K Channels and Reduces Ischaemic Damage in Rat Hippocampus Bancila V, Nikonenko I, Dunant Y, Bloc A J Neurochem 2004;90:1243–1250 Purpose Zinc is concentrated in certain CNS excitatory tracts, especially in hippocampal mossy fibers, where it has been suggested to modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. Methods By using rat mossy fiber synaptosomes depolarized by 4-aminopyridine, we show here that low zinc concentrations restore the membrane potential and reduce glutamate release. Both effects arose from activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP), because they were mimicked by the KATP-opener diazoxide and antagonized by the KATP-blocker tolbutamide. By using recombinant channels expressed in COS-7 cells, we confirmed that micromolar zinc did activate KATP of the type found in hippocampus. We tested the hypothesis that this action of zinc could be beneficial during an ischemic challenge by using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Results When zinc was applied at micromolar concentrations during a brief anoxic–hypoglycemic episode, it significantly attenuated the ensuing neuronal death, whereas chelation of endogenous zinc markedly aggravated cell damage. Protective effect of zinc was mediated through KATP, as was shown by using the opener diazoxide and the blocker tolbutamide. Conclusions Thus, by activating presynaptic KATP channels, zinc protects neurons from hyperexcitation, excessive transmitter release, and exitotoxicity, and may thus act as an endogenous neuroprotector in conditions such as epilepsy or stroke.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with End‐Stage Heart Failure
Authors: MOLHOEK SANDER G. , BAX JEROEN J. , BLEEKER GABE B. , HOLMAN EDUARD R. , VAN ERVEN LIESELOT , BOOTSMA MARIANNE , BOERSMA ERIC , STEENDIJK PAUL , VAN DER WALL ERNST E. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. 
Published: July 2005

Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been introduced to treat patients with end‐stage heart failure, and results of this technique are promising. The aim of our study was to assess the sustained benefit of CRT in a large patient cohort with end‐stage heart failure at long‐term follow‐up. In addition, the prognosis of responders and nonresponders was evaluated. Methods and Results: 125 patients with end‐stage heart failure, NYHA class III or IV, LVEF <35%, QRS duration >120 msec and left bundle branch block morphology received a biventricular device. At baseline and 6 months after implantation the following parameters were evaluated: NYHA class, Minnesota Quality of life score, QRS duration on surface ECG, 6‐minute walking distance and LVEF. Follow‐up was obtained up to 3 years. After 6 months, patients were divided in clinical responders and nonresponders according to improvement in NYHA class. All clinical parameters improved significantly at 6‐month follow‐up. Hospitalization for heart failure was 3.8 ± 4.9 days/year before and 0.7 ± 1.6 days/year after CRT. Survival at 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year follow‐up was 93%, 88%, and 85%, respectively. Responders (78%) showed a significantly better survival than nonresponders at 2‐ and 3‐year follow‐up (96% and 93% for responders versus 81% and 73% for nonresponders, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The improvement in functional status and symptoms after CRT is maintained at long‐term follow‐up (up to 3 years). The clinical improvement was associated with a significant reduction in hospitalization rate which was also maintained over the years. Preimplantation selection of responders may result in even better long‐term survival.
Anticipation of Radiation Dose to the Conceptus from Occupational Exposure of Pregnant Staff During Fluoroscopically Guided Electrophysiological Procedures
Authors: DAMILAKIS JOHN , PERISINAKIS KOSTAS , THEOCHAROPOULOS NICHOLAS , TZEDAKIS ANTONIOS , MANIOS EMMANOUEL , VARDAS PANAYIOTIS , GOURTSOYIANNIS NICHOLAS 
Published: July 2005

Introduction: A female employee working in the electrophysiology suite has the right to know potential radiation hazards to the unborn child before she is pregnant or before she decides to formally declare her pregnancy. Moreover, the employer of a declared pregnant worker must evaluate the work situation and ensure that the conceptus dose is kept below the maximum permissible level during the remaining gestation period. The aim of this study was to develop a method for conceptus dose anticipation and determination of maximum workload allowed for the pregnant employee who participates in fluoroscopically guided electrophysiological procedures. Methods and Results: A C‐arm fluoroscopy system, an anthropomorphic phantom, and a radiation meter were used to obtain scattered air kerma dose rates separately for each of the three fluoroscopic projections typically used in the electrophysiology suite. Air kerma to conceptus dose conversion factors for all trimesters of gestation were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. A formula is presented for the anticipation of the conceptus dose from occupational exposure of pregnant staff during fluoroscopically guided electrophysiological procedures. Normalized data are provided for conceptus dose estimation from occupational exposure of pregnant staff working in any electrophysiology laboratory. A methodology for estimation of maximum workload allowed for each month of the remaining gestation period of a worker who declared her pregnancy is proposed, which ensures that the regulatory dose limits are not exceeded. Conclusion: Data presented may be used for the implementation of a radiation protection program designed for pregnant staff working in an electrophysiological suite.