bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative EEG analysis of depth electrode recordings from several brain regions of mutant hamsters with paroxysmal dystonia discloses frequency changes in the basal ganglia
Authors: Gernert Manuela , Richter Angelika , Rundfeldt Chris , Löscher Wolfgang 
Published: May 2005

AbstractComputerized EEG spectral analyses of depth electrode recordings from striatum (caudate/putamen; CPu), globus pallidus (GP), and parietal cortex (pCtx) were performed before and after dystonic attacks in freely moving mutant dtsz hamsters with paroxysmal dystonia. In these hamsters, sustained attacks of abnormal movements and postures can be reproducibly induced by stress, such as placing the animals in a new environment. Data recorded from mutant hamsters were compared with recordings from age‐matched nondystonic control hamsters. The predominant EEG changes in CPu and GP of dystonic hamsters were significant decreases in the highfrequency β2 range and there was a tendency to increase in delta and theta activities. These changes were seen both before and after onset of dystonic attacks, indicating a permanent disturbance of neural activities in the basal ganglia of dystonic animals. No such changes were seen in the pCtx. Furthermore, no epileptic or epileptiform activity was seen in any of the recordings, substantiating a previous notion from cortical and hippocampal recordings that paroxysmal dystonia in these mutant hamsters has no epileptogenic basis. The present finding of abnormal synchronization of neural activity in the CPu and GP of dystonic hamsters adds to the belief that the striatopallidalthalamocortical circuit is the most likely site in which to search for the unknown defect in primary (idiopathic) dystonia. As suggested by this study, quantitative EEG analysis can increase the likelihood of detecting subtle EEG abnormalities in different types of idiopathic dystonia and thereby improves our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of this movement disorder.
Cortical myoclonus in levodopa‐responsive parkinsonism
Authors: Caviness John N. , Adler Charles H. , Newman Stephanie , Caselli Richard J. , Muenter Manfred D. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractWe observed myoclonic movements of the fingers and wrists in two patients with a levodopa‐responsive parkinsonian syndrome most consistent with Parkinson's disease. These patients were studied with electrophysiological techniques. Brief (< 50 ms) myoclonic electromyographic discharges showed a time‐locked relationship to a focal premovement electroencephalographic potential. Somatosensoryevoked potentials were not enlarged and long‐latency reflexes were not grossly exaggerated. This pattern of electrophysiological findings can be distinguished from those previously found in other parkinsonian syndromes. These results provide evidence for a cortical origin of the myoclonus seen in these patients.
Treatment of restless leg syndrome with pergolide—an open clinical trial
Authors: Winkelmann Juliane , Wetter Thomas C. , Stiasny Karen , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Trenkwalder Claudia 
Published: May 2005

AbstractDopaminergic treatment with levodopa (L‐dopa) has been proven as the treatment of first choice in patients with restless leg syndrome (RLS). Augmentation of symptoms and end‐of‐dose rebound phenomena under L‐dopa/decarboxylase inhibitor treatment present major problems in some patients. To evaluate the efficacy of pergolide in RLS, we treated 15 patients suffering from severe RLS, who had previously experienced an augmentation of symptoms under long‐term treatment with L‐dopa, in an open clinical trial with pergolide. All patients reported an improvement of their RLS symptoms. Our study shows that pergolide, if administered at a mean dose of 0.4 mg in combination with domperidone, is a very effective drug in the treatment of sleep disturbances and daytime symptoms associated with RLS, and does not cause any serious side effects during the observation period of 6 months.
Case ascertainment uncertainties in prevalence surveys of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Anderson Dallas W. , Rocca Walter A. , De Rijk Maarten C. , Grigoletto Francesco , Melcon Mario O. , Breteler Monique M. B. , Maraganore Demetrius M. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractUsing unpublished data from five completed prevalence surveys of Parkinson's disease (PD), we investigated case ascertainment uncertainties that potentially have a direct effect on prevalence. These uncertainties arise from the choice of diagnostic criteria, the choice of screening method, and the amount of information lost because of nonresponse. The surveys were conducted in Argentina, India, China, Italy, and the Netherlands. Our analyses consisted of simple comparisons of prevalence results, positive predictive values (a screening measure), and nonresponse percentages. We found that (a) prevalence comparisons between surveys have diminished value if the surveys used different diagnostic criteria for PD; (b) screening performance may be affected adversely if symptom questions are answered by one family member for the entire family living together rather than by each family member individually; and (c) nonresponse from refusal or unavailability does not necessarily lead to bias, but special caution may be appropriate with prevalence results pertaining to elderly women.
A pilot evaluation of the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of tolcapone alone and in combination with oral selegiline in untreated Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Hauser Robert A. , Molho Eric , Shale Heidi , Pedder Simon , Dorflinger Ernest E. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractTolcapone is a potent, reversible catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor with both peripheral and central activity. It has been demonstrated to improve motor function and allow levodopa dose reductions in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who are experiencing either a stable response or motor fluctuations while on levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor therapy. Because striatal dopamine is metabolized by COMT and monoamine oxidase (MAO), central COMT inhibition alone or in combination with MAO inhibition might provide symptomatic benefit for patients not receiving levodopa. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of tolcapone alone and in combination with oral selegiline in early untreated PD patients. Patients were randomized to receive 200 mg tolcapone three times a day or placebo for the 8 weeks of the study. Open‐label oral selegiline (5 mg in the morning and midday) was administered to all patients during the second 4 weeks of the study. There was no difference between treatment groups according to the investigator's assessment of tolerability at week 4. Ninety‐five percent of tolcapone‐treated patients and 98% of placebo‐treated patients experienced excellent or good tolerability during the first 4 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI]: −10.3, 5.7; p = 0.57). A decrease in tolerability occurred in the tolcapone group during the second 4 weeks of the study following the addition of selegiline. The most commonly reported side effects were diarrhea (31% tolcapone, 7% placebo), nausea (21% tolcapone, 2% placebo), urine discoloration (12% tolcapone, 0% placebo), dizziness (12% tolcapone, 5% placebo), headaches (12% tolcapone, 10% placebo), and abdominal pain (10% tolcapone, 5% placebo). We did not identify symptomatic benefit associated with tolcapone alone or in combination with oral selegiline in this group of otherwise untreated PD patients.
Improvements in daily functioning after deep brain stimulation of the thalamus for intractable tremor
Authors: Lyons Kelly E. , Pahwa Rajesh , Busenbark Karen L. , Tröster Alexander I. , Wilkinson Steve , Koller William C. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamus reduces tremor in patients with essential tremor (ET). However, few studies have determined the degree of improvement in daily functioning associated with DBS. We developed a selfreport Tremor Activities of Daily Living Scale (TADLS) to compare daily functioning with the stimulator turned on and off. Patients rated their performance on the 30 items of the TADLS with the stimulator turned off and then on. They also performed 10 activities under the supervision of a clinician who rated their functional ability with stimulation off and then on. There was a 58% improvement in self‐rated TADLS scores in patients with DBS with the stimulator on compared with stimulation off. When activities were rated by the clinicain, the average improvement in functioning with the stimulator on was 54%. There were reasonably high correlations between patient and clinician ratings of functioning. ET patients have a marked improvement in daily functioning with thalamic DBS.
Young‐onset Parkinson's disease revisited—clinical features, natural history, and mortality
Authors: Schrag Anette , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Brown Richard , David Marsden C. , Quinn Niall 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe authors report on clinical features and mortality rates in a group of 149 patients with apparent idiopathic parkinsonism starting before the age of 40 years. Ten had juvenile parkinsonism (JP; onset before age 21 years) and 139 had young‐onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD; onset at age 21 to 40 years). Included were 60 patients originally reported 10 years ago. Fifty percent of the JP group had a positive family history of parkinsonism in a first‐degree relative, and clinical presentation was heterogeneous. Mortality risk was threefold that of the normal population. In the YOPD group, the mortality risk was double that of the normal population. Poor initial response to L‐dopa was a risk factor for early death. In two previously reported patients, the diagnosis had been changed to multiple system atrophy and Machado‐Joseph disease. After a median disease duration of 18 years, cognitive impairment was found in only 19% of YOPD patients (13% of those younger than 60 years and 43% of those 60 years or older). Age was the most important factor for development of dementia, but female sex and positive family history of parkinsonism also had more modest predictive value. After a disease duration of 10 years or less, only 5% of patients were experiencing falls and 30% freezing, but all patients had developed L‐dopa‐related fluctuations and dyskinesias. The authors conclude that the mortality rate in parkinsonism starting before the age of 40 is increased in comparison to the normal population and is similar to the general Parkinson's disease population. Intellectual function and postural reflexes are usually well preserved for many years despite a long history of parkinsonism and the early and frequent occurrence of treatment complications, provided the patients remain biologically and chronologically young.
A community‐based study of sleep disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tandberg Elise , Larsen Jan P. , Karlsen Karen 
Published: May 2005

AbstractSleep disorders are common and well documented in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, most data on sleep in patients with PD are derived from selected patient populations. This community‐based survey evaluated the prevalence of and risk factors for sleep disturbances in an unselected group of 245 patients with PD and two control groups of similar age and sex distribution: 100 patients with another chronic disease (diabetes mellitus) and 100 healthy elderly persons. Nearly two thirds of the patients with PD reported sleep disorders, significantly more than among patients with diabetes (46%) and healthy control subjects (33%). About a third of the patients with PD rated their overall nighttime problem as moderate to severe. The most common sleep disorders reported by the patients with PD were frequent awakening (sleep fragmentation) and early awakening. Sleep initiation showed no significant difference compared with the control groups. Pain and cramps were not more prevalent among the patients with PD, but they were more likely to report sleep disturbed by myoclonic jerks. Use of sedatives was common in all three groups but significantly higher in the PD group than in the healthy elderly. Symptoms of depression and duration of levodopa treatment showed a significant correlation with sleep disorders in the PD group. This community‐based study confirms that sleep disorders are common and distressing in patients with PD. The strong correlation between depression and sleep disorders in patients with PD underlines the importance of identifying and treating both conditions in these patients.
Unified Huntington's disease rating scale: A follow up
Authors: Siesling Sabine , van Vugt Jeroen P. P. , Zwinderman Koos A. H. , Kieburtz Karl , Roos Raymund A. C. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAn objective assessment of the clinical findings in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) is necessary for an evaluation of the longitudinal progression of the disease features. The Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) is a scale to assess clinical performance and functional capacity. The authors examined the 1‐year change in UHDRS scores in 78 patients with HD examined either in Leiden, the Netherlands (24 men, 25 women), or in Rochester, New York, United States (12 men, 17 women). A significant decline was seen in motor function, measured with the total motor scale. The total dystonia score increased significantly; the total chorea score did not. The frequency of behavioral disorders tended to increase. The scores on independence scale, functional assessment, total functional capacity, and symbol digit decreased significantly. No relation was observed between the UHDRS items and the age at onset or duration of illness. Thirteen patients with 2‐year follow up showed a clear increase in score on the total motor scale and a decline on the independence scale and in total functional capacity. The UHDRS may also be used as a tool for determining therapeutic intervention. Annual evaluation of the total motor scale in every patient gives a clear description of the motor progression of the disease. The authors suggest performing a total UHDRS evaluation every second year for every HD patient as part of the routine longitudinal evaluation.
Effect of dystonia and botulinum toxin treatment on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Gudex Claire M. , Hawthorne Maurice R. , Butler Anthony G. , Duffey Philip 
Published: May 2005

AbstractIn view of the steadily rising demand for treatment of dystonia with botulinum toxin (BT), a relatively expensive neurologic paralytic agent, an exploratory study was undertaken to assess the extent to which dystonia and BT treatment affect the quality of people's lives. One hundred thirty adults with a current diagnosis of dystonia completed two generic measures of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) at regular intervals over a minimum of 6 months. One hundred two participants were receiving regular injections of BT; 28 were not taking BT. The HRQoL instruments used were the EuroQol and the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF‐36). Compared with general population samples, study participants reported greater impairment on all EuroQol and SF‐36 dimensions and gave a lower rating to their own health status. Participants with nonfocal dystonia had significantly more problems with usual activities than participants with focal dystonia, and a higher number had problems with mobility and self‐care. The groups reported similar levels of pain and emotional well‐being. Small improvements in HRQoL were seen after the administration of BT, although few of these were statistically significant. The study results offer further psychometric evidence for the discriminant and construct validity of both the EuroQol and the SF‐36.
Unilateral painful legs and moving toes syndrome with moving fingers—evidence for distinct oscillators
Authors: Ebersbach Georg , Schelosky Ludwig , Schenkel Andreas , Scholz Udo , Poewe Werner 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThis case report presents a patient with painful legs and moving toes on the right side followed by the development of involuntary movements in his right hand. The frequencies of the semirhythmic muscle activities in both extremities were different. This finding excludes one central pacemaker for both and supports the notion that separate oscillators in the segmental interneuron pool of different spinal areas may drive the individual movements in this case.
Dipole moments of styrene/4‐vinylpyridine copolymers—I: Relation to the fraction of polar component
Authors: Yilmaz Elvan , Küçükyavuz Zühal 
Published: May 2005

AbstractMean‐square dipole moments for styrene/4‐vinylpyridine (S4VP) random copolymers were determined at five different temperatures, 25–60°C, in 1,4‐dioxane solution. The dipole moment behaviour was examined with respect to the increase in mole fraction of the polar monomer, 4‐vinylpyridine (4VP), in the copolymer. The behaviour observed was different from the general behaviour of similar copolymers.The temperature coefficient of the dipole moment ratio was found to be zero, within experimental error, in the temperature interval 25–60°C.
Flammability of polyacrylonitrile and its copolymers II. Thermal behaviour and mechanism of degradation
Authors: Horrocks A. Richard , Zhang Jun , Hall Michael E. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractHomopolymeric polyacrylonitrile and fibre‐forming copolymers containing either vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate comonomer have been studied by thermal analysis (DSC, TGA and DTG) at various heating rates (10–100 K min−1) and under air and nitrogen. Three well‐defined pyrolysis stages have been observed which occur over the temperature ranges 250–350°C, 350–550°C and above 550°C. Each stage involves a competition between volatilisation and cyclisation or char‐forming reactions which depends on heating rate and the presence or absence of oxygen.The well‐established dominance of cyclisation in the 250–350°C temperature range obtained during carbon fibre production from acrylic precursors occurs only at low heating rates. At high heating rates, volatilisation dominates and this explains why acrylic polymers have high flammabilities when heating rapidly.The full pyrolysis mechanism has been semi‐quantitatively analysed and the role that comonomers play discussed. This has enabled a fuller understanding of the potential burning behaviour of these polymers to be developed.
Phase equilibria of quasi‐binary systems consisting of multicomponent polymers 1 and 2. IV: Poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) systems
Authors: Shirataki Hironobu , Kamide Kenji 
Published: May 2005

AbstractTo confirm the reliability of the theory of phase equibria of multicomponent polymer 1/multicomponent polymer 2 systems (i.e. quasi‐binary systems) and the method of computer experiment based on this theory (Brit. Polym. J., 23(1990)285; 23(1990)299; Polym. Int., 29(1992)219), could point curves (CPC), two‐phase volume ratios (R) and critical solution points (CSP) have been determined experimentally for the quasi‐binary mixtures of poly(ethylene oxide) (M¯w = 647, M¯w/M¯n = 1.15; M¯w and M¯n, the weight‐average and numberaverage molecular weights, respectively) and poly(propylene oxide) (M¯w = 2028, M¯w/M¯n = 1.08; and Mw = 2987, Mw/Mn = 1.13). The hydroxyl end groups of both polymers were methoxylated in advance by the Cooper & Booth method (Polymer, 18(1977)164). The thermodynamic interaction parameter between both polymers, χ12, and the concentration dependence parameters for the above quasi‐binary systems were determined by the method proposed in a previous paper (Brit. Polym. J., 23(1990)299). CPC, R and CSP values calculated on the basis of the theory are in good agreement with the values determined experimentally.
Effect of percolation on free‐radical polymerization of acrylamide in inverse microemulsion
Authors: Bartoň Jaroslav , Tiňo Jozef , Hloušková Zuzana , Stillhammerová Martina 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe kinetics of free‐radical polymerization of acrylamide initiated by dibenzoyl peroxide in non‐percolating and percolating inverse microemulsions (toluene/sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate/water/acrylamide) and the properties of polyacrylamide particles formed from these inverse microemulsions were investigated. The acrylamide polymerization rate and polyacrylamide number‐average molecular mass depend on the acrylamide concentration in the dispersed phase of the inverse microemulsion. For non‐percolating inverse microemulsions these dependecies are described by the equation

where x and y have the values of 1.8 and 1.4 respectively, while for percolating inverse microemulsions the respective values of x and y are 1.1 and 0.4.Data on polymer particle size and number‐average molecular mass of polyacrylamide in polymer particles were used for calculation of the average number of polymer chains in polymer particles for non‐percolating (approximately one chain per particle) and for percolating (more than two chains per particle) inverse microemulsions.The spin probe (potassium nitrosodisulfonate, Fremy's salt) correlation time τc expressing the spin probe mobility in water‐swollen polymer particles and in polyacrylamide water solution pointed to the ‘collapsed’ state of polyacrylamide chains in polymer particles in both kinds of inverse microemulsions.Besides the dependencies of polyacrylamide polymerization rate and of number‐average molecular mass of polyacrylamide on the acrylamide concentration in inverse microemulsions, the dependence of T50G values, characterizing the spin probe mobility in polymer particles of inverse microemulsions as a function of polyacrylamide concentration in the polymer particles, is different for nonpercolating and percolating inverse microemulsions.
Formation of interpolymer complexes between poly(monoethyl itaconate) and poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone)
Authors: Cesteros Luis C. , Meaurio Emilio , Katime Issa 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThis paper reports on the interpolymer complex formation and polymer blends between poly(monoethyl itaconate) (PMEI) and poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) (PVP). The formation of the interpolymer complex was found to depend upon the solvent medium. Stoichiometry of the complexes prepared from methanol solutions, as calculated from elemental analysis, is close to 1 : 1. Specific interactions of PMEI/PVP complexes and blends of these polymers have been characterized by FTIR. Strong hydrogen bonding for complexes and blends has been found. A calorimetric study of the complexes and blends has been performed over a wide temperature range.
Inter‐ and intra‐molecular ionic interactions of polyampholyte: Carboxymethyl‐2‐diethylaminoethylcellulose
Authors: Zheng Guo‐zhen , Meshitsuka Gyosuke , Ishizu Atsushi 
Published: May 2005

AbstractCarboxymethyl‐2‐diethylaminoethylcellulose (CM‐DEAE cellulose) was prepared by etherification of carboxymethylcellulose with diethylaminoethyl chloride in a NaOH solution. The behaviour of CM‐DEAE cellulose in aqueous solution was studied by viscosity and GPC measurements. The degree of substitution (DS) and existing states of DEAE substituents were examined by the use of proton NMR, and those of the CM substituents were observed with FT‐IR. The results reveal that the reduced viscosity and apparent molecular size of CM‐DEAE cellulose vary with the concentration of sodium chloride and changes in pH and DS. These phenomena can be explained in terms of inter‐ and intra‐molecular ionic interactions.