bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Zealand Community Attitudes toward People with Epilepsy
Authors: Hills Michael D. , MacKenzie Hamish C. 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: International surveys on knowledge and attitudes toward people with epilepsy suggest that public opinion is improving in many countries. This study aimed to discover how New Zealand compared with other countries, and how subgroups within the New Zealand population compared with each other, by conducting a survey of community knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy.Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted on a random sample of 400 persons older than 17 years, drawn from a mid‐sized provincial town and its hinterland.Results: Ninety‐five percent of respondents had heard or read about epilepsy; 73% knew someone with epilepsy; and 67% had seen an epileptic seizure. Somewhat less knowledgeable were young people, the less educated, lower socioeconomic status (SES), and those of Maori or non‐European ethnicity. Attitudes toward people with epilepsy were favorable, with only 5% objecting to their child marrying a person who sometimes had seizures. Less‐positive attitudes were found among some older people.Conclusions: Compared with those in other Western countries, New Zealanders are well informed about epilepsy, and their attitudes toward it are mainly positive. Continuing public education about epilepsy is still necessary, especially among the young, the non‐European, and older people.
Detection and Localization of Focal Cortical Dysplasia by Voxel‐based 3‐D MRI Analysis
Authors: Kassubek Jan , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Spreer Joachim , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a frequent cause of partial epilepsy. Its diagnosis by visual evaluation of magnetic resonance images (MRIs) remains difficult. The purpose of this study was to apply a novel automated and observer‐independent voxel‐based technique for the analysis of 3‐dimensional (3‐D) MRI to detect and localize FCD.Methods: The technique was based on algorithms of the SPM99 software and included the spatial normalization of 3‐D MRI data sets to a common stereotaxic space and the segmentation of cortical grey matter. The resulting data sets represented grey‐matter density maps where each voxel encoded the grey‐matter concentration at the corresponding position in the original MRI. A normal database was set up by calculating and averaging the grey‐matter density maps of 30 healthy volunteers. The MRI data sets of seven epilepsy patients with FCD were evaluated retrospectively for dysplastic lesions by voxelwise subtraction of the mean grey‐matter density map of the normal database and searching automatically for local and global maxima in the resulting data set.Results: In all patients, the results of voxel‐based 3‐D MRI analysis corresponded both to the location of the dysplastic lesions in conventional MRI and to seizure semiology and EEG findings. In one case, surgery was performed, and the diagnosis FCD was supported by histology.Conclusions: The technique of voxel‐based 3‐D MRI analysis and comparison with a normal database seems to provide a valuable additional screening tool for the detection of FCD.
The Experience of Earthquakes by Patients with Epileptic and Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures
Authors: Watson Nathaniel F. , Doherty Michael J. , Dodrill Carl B. , Farrell Don , Miller John W. 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: We sought to understand better the experience of seizures by studying differences in the subjective experience of being in an earthquake between patients with epileptic (EP) and nonepileptic (NES) seizures.Methods: Forty‐eight patients with CCTV/EEG‐documented EP or NES who were in the Seattle metropolitan area during the February 28, 2001 Nisqually earthquake were randomly selected for telephone interviews on their earthquake experiences, including whether they thought they were having a seizure during the event.Results: Twenty‐three percent of EP patients spontaneously volunteered that they initially thought they were having a seizure during the earthquake as compared with none of the NES individuals (p = 0.03). However, 35% of EP and 23% of NES patients thought they were having a seizure during it when asked directly (p = 0.37). The most common reasons given, regardless of seizure type, were shaking and feelings of losing control. Of those responding negatively, 100% of EP and 47% of NES patients said that movement of their environment indicated that it was not a seizure (p = 0.001). EP patients took an average of 42 s to realize that the earthquake was not a seizure compared with 105 s for the NES group (p = 0.06). The earthquake precipitated seizures in both groups (11.5% EP, 9.1% NES).Conclusions: EP patients were more likely to mistake the earthquake spontaneously for a seizure. This indicates these two experiences are similar and provides a glimpse into the subjective experience of a seizure for those who have never had one but have experienced an earthquake.
Dissociative and Associated Psychopathological Symptoms in Patients with Epilepsy, Pseudoseizures, and Both Seizure Forms
Authors: Prueter Christian , Schultz‐Venrath Ulrich , Rimpau Wilhelm 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: A controversy currently exists regarding the significance of dissociation and conversion in the pathogenesis of pseudoepileptic seizures. After the abolition of the term “hysterical neurosis” from the current diagnostic systems, these seizures were diagnosed as either Dissociative Disorders (ICD‐10) or in the DSM IV as Somatoform disorder, most often of conversion type. Recent studies of patients with Dissociative Disorders found that most patients also had conversion symptoms.Methods: In the present study, 60 patients of an outpatient clinic for epilepsy were assessed for the presence of dissociative symptoms and general psychopathologic symptoms by using the German version of the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES) and the Symptom Check List (SCL‐90‐R).Results: The patients with pseudoepileptic seizures showed a significantly higher incidence of dissociation (p < 0.0098) and general psychopathologic symptoms (p < 0.0083). Depression, anxiety, and obsession were dominating psychopathologic symptoms in all patients.Conclusions: The significantly higher incidence of dissociation in the patients with pseudoepileptic seizures suggests dissociation in the pathogenesis of these seizures.
Topiramate in Patients with Learning Disability and Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Kelly Kevin , Stephen Linda J. , Sills Graeme J. , Brodie Martin J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Management of seizures in learning disabled people is challenging. This prospective study explored the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive topiramate (TPM) in patients with learning disability and refractory epilepsy attending a single centre.Methods: Sixty‐four patients (36 men, 28 women, aged 16–65 years) were begun on adjunctive TPM after a 3‐month prospective baseline on unchanged medication. Efficacy end points were reached when a consistent response was achieved over a 6‐month period at optimal TPM dosing. These were seizure freedom or ≥50% seizure reduction (responder). Appetite, behaviour, alertness, and sleep were assessed by caregivers throughout the study.Results: Sixteen (25%) patients became seizure free with adjunctive TPM. There were 29 (45%) responders. A further 10 (16%) patients experiencing a more modest improvement in seizure control continued on treatment at the behest of their family and/or caregivers. TPM was discontinued in the remaining nine (14%) patients, mainly because of side effects. Final TPM doses and plasma concentrations varied widely among the efficacy outcome groups. Many patients responding well to adjunctive TPM did so on ≤200 mg daily. Mean carer scores did not worsen with TPM therapy.Conclusions: TPM was effective as add‐on therapy in learning‐disabled people with difficult‐to‐control epilepsy. Seizure freedom is a realistic goal in this population.
Role of the Superior Colliculus and the Intercollicular Nucleus in the Brainstem Seizure Circuitry of the Genetically Epilepsy‐prone Rat
Authors: Merrill Michelle A. , Clough Richard W. , Jobe Phillip C. , Browning Ronald A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: The neuronal network responsible for the convulsive behavior associated with sound‐induced seizures in genetically epilepsy‐prone rats (GEPRs) is believed to include the inferior colliculus and other brainstem structures such as the deep layers of the superior colliculus (DLSC), periaqueductal gray, and pontine reticular formation. However, previous studies also suggested that the DLSC and the nearby intercollicular nucleus (ICN) are part of a midbrain anticonvulsant zone capable of suppressing tonic convulsions when activated with bicuculline. Our aim in this study was to investigate the role of the superior colliculus (SC) and the ICN in generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs).Methods: Bilateral lesions of the SC and the ICN as well as bicuculline infusions into the ICN were used to assess the role of this dorsal midbrain region in brainstem seizures induced by sound stimulation in GEPR‐9s and GEPR‐3s.Results: Lesions of the SC markedly attenuated audiogenic seizure (AGS) severity by abolishing all behavioral components except the wild running. Lesions of the ICN significantly reduced seizure severity in GEPR‐9s, but were somewhat less effective than SC lesions. Bicuculline infusion into the deep layers of the SC and/or the ICN produced audiogenic‐like seizures in GEPR‐9s.Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that the SC and ICN are important components of the brainstem seizure network, but suggest they are not necessary for the wild‐running component of the seizure. The results further indicate that stimulation of the tectum facilitates GTCSs. Thus these findings suggest that the dorsal midbrain, when stimulated, is proconvulsant rather than anticonvulsant regarding brainstem seizures in GEPRs.
A Study of 43 Patients with Panayiotopoulos Syndrome, a Common and Benign Childhood Seizure Susceptibility
Authors: Lada Christina , Skiadas Konstantinos , Theodorou Virginia , Loli Nomiki , Covanis Athanasios 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To determine prevalence, clinical, EEG features, and prognosis of Panayiotopoulos syndrome and to examine the proposition that clinical manifestations are more important than EEG findings.Methods: We analyzed retrospectively the clinical and EEG records of 1,340 children with one or more focal seizures seen in the last 18 years, supplemented with a prospective study from 1998. Panayiotopoulos syndrome was defined by clinical criteria, mainly ictal emesis, irrespective of EEG findings.Results: We analyzed 43 of 90 patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome who were seizure free >2 years. Girls predominated. Mean age at first seizure was 5 years. Seizures consisted mainly of autonomic manifestations; ictal emesis was often the first symptom, culminating in vomiting in 86%. Of nonautonomic manifestations, lateral eye deviation was the most common; visual symptoms were exceptional. Impairment of consciousness ensued in all seizures, half of which ended with hemi or generalized convulsions. Nearly 46.5% of cases had at least one seizure >30 min, constituting autonomic status epilepticus. Seizures during sleep (84%) were more common than those in wakefulness. EEG showed occipital spikes in 29 patients. Of the other 14 cases, five had extraoccipital abnormalities or brief generalized discharges, and nine had normal awake and sleep EEG. Prognosis was excellent. All 43 children have been free of seizures for ≥2 years, 53% having a single seizure, and 47%, an average two to three seizures.Conclusions: Panayiotopoulos syndrome is common and needs wider recognition. EEG shows occipital or extraoccipital abnormalities, is normal in one third of patients, and does not determine clinical manifestations or prognosis, which is excellent despite the high prevalence of lengthy seizures.
Pharmacodynamic Analysis of the Interaction between Tiagabine and Midazolam with an Allosteric Model That Incorporates Signal Transduction
Authors: Jonker Daniël M. , Vermeij Dick A. C. , Edelbroek Peter M. , Voskuyl Rob A. , Piotrovsky Vladimir K. , Danhof Meindert 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: The objective of this study was to characterize quantitatively the pharmacodynamic interaction between midazolam (MDL), an allosteric modulator of the γ‐aminobutyric acid subtype A (GABAA) receptor, and tiagabine (TGB), an inhibitor of synaptic GABA uptake.Methods: The in vivo concentration–response relation of TGB was determined through pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling. Rats received a single intravenous dose of 10 mg/kg TGB in the absence and the presence of a steady‐state plasma concentration of MDL. The EEG response in the 11.5‐ to 30‐Hz frequency band was used as the pharmacodynamic end point.Results: Infusion of MDL resulted in a mean steady‐state plasma concentration of 66 ± 3 ng/ml. A significant pharmacokinetic interaction with TGB was observed. MDL inhibited TGB clearance by 20 ± 7 ml/min/kg from the original value of 89 ± 6 ml/min/kg. However, no changes in plasma protein binding of both drugs were observed. The concentration–EEG relation of TGB was described by the sigmoid‐Emax model. The pharmacodynamic parameter estimates of TGB were: Emax = 327 ± 10 μV, EC50 = 392 ± 20 ng/ml, and nH = 3.1 ± 0.3. These values were not significantly different in the presence of MDL. Factors that may explain the lack of synergism were identified by a mechanism‐based interaction model that separates the receptor activation from the signal‐transduction process. High efficiency of signal transduction and the presence of a baseline response were shown to diminish the degree of synergism.Conclusions: We conclude that the in vivo pharmacodynamic interaction between MDL and TGB is additive rather than synergistic. This strongly suggests that allosteric modulation of the antiseizure activity of a GAT‐1 inhibitor by a benzodiazepine does not offer a therapeutic advantage.
An Examination of Calcium Current Function on Heterotopic Neurons in Hippocampal Slices from Rats Exposed to Methylazoxymethanol
Authors: Calcagnotto Maria Elisa , Baraban Scott C. 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To study voltage‐dependent calcium currents (VDCCs) on hippocampal heterotopic neurons by using whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques in brain slices prepared from methylaxozymethanol (MAM)‐exposed rats.Methods: Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings were obtained from visually identified neurons in acute brain slices by using an infrared differential interference contrast (IR‐DIC) video microscopy system. Heterotopic neurons were compared with normotopic pyramidal cells in hippocampal slices from MAM‐exposed rats or CA1 pyramidal neurons in slices from controls.Results: Heterotopic neurons expressed a prominent VDCC, which exhibited a peak current maximum around –30 mV (holding potential, –60 mV) and an inactivation time constant of 48.2 ± 2.4 ms (n = 91). VDCC peak current and inactivation time constants were similar for normotopic (n = 92) and CA1 pyramidal cells (n = 40). Pharmacologic analysis of VDCC, on heterotopic, normotopic, and CA1 pyramidal cells, revealed an ∼70% blockade of peak Ca2+ current with nifedipine and amiloride (L‐ and T‐type channel blockers, respectively). Inhibition of VDCC, for all three cell types, also was similar when more specific Ca2+ channel antagonists were used [e.g., ω‐conotoxin GVIA (N‐type), ω−agatoxin KT (P/Q‐type), and sFTX‐3.3 (P‐type)]. VDCC modulation by norepinephrine (NE) or adrenergic receptor–specific agonists [clonidine (α2), isoproterenol (β), and phenylephrine (α1)] was similar for heterotopic and CA1 pyramidal cells.Conclusions: Heterotopic neurons do not appear to exhibit Ca2+ channel abnormalities that could contribute to the reported hyperexcitability associated with MAM‐exposed rats.
Exploration of a Putative Susceptibility Locus for Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy on Chromosome 8p12
Authors: Sander Thomas , Windemuth Christine , Schulz Herbert , Saar Kathrin , Gennaro Elena , Riggio Concetta , Bianchi Amedeo , Zara Federico , Rudolf Gabrielle , Picard Fabienne , Bulteau Christine , Kaminska Anna , Cieuta Cécile , Prud'homme Jean‐François , Dulac Olivier , Bate Louise , Robinson Robert , Gardiner R. Mark , Covanis Athanasios , De Haan Gerrit‐Jan , Janssen Guus A. M. A. J. , Van Erp M. Gerard , Boezeman Eduard H. J. F. , Lindhout Dick , Heils Armin , Nürnberg Peter , Janz Diéter 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: A recent genome‐wide scan revealed a major susceptibility locus for idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) in the chromosomal region 8p12 in 32 IGE families without members with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). This study explored the presence of an IGE locus in the chromosomal region 8p12.Methods: Our study included 176 multiplex families of probands with common IGE syndromes. Parametric and nonparametric multipoint linkage analyses were carried out between the IGE trait and six microsatellite polymorphisms encompassing the putative susceptibility locus. To explore the associated phenotype–genotype relation, two distinct subgroups of families were selected by the presence (n = 64) or absence (n = 112) of a family member with JME. To adjust the phenotypic spectrum toward adolescent‐onset IGEs, a third subgroup of 28 families without JME was chosen through an IGE proband with seizure onset at age 10–20 years.Results: Parametric and nonparametric multipoint linkage analyses provided no evidence for linkage between IGE and markers encompassing the putative IGE locus in the chromosomal region 8p12. Furthermore, we found no hint of linkage along the candidate region in any of the three family subgroups.Conclusions: We failed to provide evidence for a major IGE locus in the chromosomal region 8p12. On the contrary, these parametric linkage results provide strong evidence against linkage across the candidate region under a broad range of genetic models. If there is a susceptibility locus for IGE in the chromosomal region 8p12, then the size of the effect or the proportion of linked families is too small to detect linkage in the investigated family sample.
Evaluation of Opioid Peptide and Muscarinic Receptors in Human Epileptogenic Neocortex: An Autoradiography Study
Authors: Ondarza Rodolfo , Trejo‐Martínez David , Corona‐Amézcua Rodrigo , Briones Magdalena , Rocha Luisa 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: The main goal of the present study was to evaluate possible alterations in opioid peptide and muscarinic receptors in human neocortical epileptic focus and the surrounding area removed from patients with pharmacologically resistant epilepsy and epilepsy secondary to cerebral lesion by tumor or other causes.Methods: In vitro quantitative autoradiography experiments were carried out to label μ, δ, and muscarinic receptors of neocortical epileptic focus and surrounding area obtained from patients with pharmacologically resistant primary epilepsy and epilepsy caused by tumors and angioma cavernosa, and compared with neocortex obtained from patients with dementia and tumors without epilepsy.Results: The μ receptor levels were lower in surrounding areas (–46%). The δ receptor binding was reduced in epileptic focus obtained from patients with epilepsy secondary to cerebral lesion (–25%) and surrounding areas (–31%). In contrast, muscarinic receptor levels were higher in the focus from patients with primary epilepsy (layers I–II, 52%; layers III–IV, 44%; layers V–VI, 36%).Conclusions: It is suggested that the increased muscarinic receptors in the epileptic focus and the decreased μ and δ receptors in the surrounding area are associated with the initiation and propagation of seizure activity in human epileptogenic neocortex.
Characterization of Reactive Astrocytes in the Chronic Phase of the Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Garzillo Cibele L. , Mello Luiz E. A. M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Astrogliosis is a prominent finding in human temporal lobe epilepsy. Work in animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy, however, have mostly concentrated on the acute phases of the studied models or have failed to demonstrate reactive gliosis during the chronic phases of such models.Methods: Here we used the pilocarpine model of chronic seizures and Cajal's gold sublimate technique for the staining reactive astrocytes to study this issue.Results: For half of the animals (nine of 17) subject to pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE), when assessed 60 days later, variable levels of reactive astrocytes were seen in many thalamic, hippocampal, amygdalar, and neocortical areas. For the remaining half of the animals, however (eight of 17), despite a similar SE induction, as well as for controls, we could not detect stained reactive astrocytes.Conclusions: We hypothesize that these results might underlie possible differences in the frequency of recurrent spontaneous seizures.
Der Einfluß von Condrosulf® (Natriumchondroitinsulfat) auf die Proteoglykansynthese und Zellproliferation osteoarthrotischer humaner und juveniler boviner Gelenksknorpelzellen – eine In‐vitro‐Untersuchung
Authors: Bobacz K. , Erlacher L. , Graninger W. B. 
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Grundlagen: Natriumchondroitinsulfat, Condrosulf®, kommt in der Arthrosetherapie zur Anwendung und wird zur Gruppe der „symptomatic slow‐acting drugs for osteoarthritis” gezählt. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, den Einfluß von Natriumchondroitinsulfat auf die Proteoglykansynthese und die Zellproliferation osteoarthrotischer humaner und juveniler boviner Chondrozyten ohne arthrotische Läsionen in einem In‐vitro‐Modell zu untersuchen.

Methodik: Die Knorpelzellen wurden als Monolayerkulturen für sieben (humaner Knorpel), bzw. 4, 8 und 12 Tage (boviner Knorpel) mit Condrosulf® unterschiedlicher Konzentrationen (100 µg/ml, 500 µg/ml, 1000 µg/ml, 2500 µg/ml und 5000 µg/ml) stimuliert. Die Proteoglykansyntheserate wurde unter Anwendung der [35S]Sulfat‐Inkorporationmethode gemessen. Zur Bestimmung der Zellproliferation wurde ein [3H]Thymidin Assay angewandt. Die Expression der Knorpelmarker Aggrecan und Collagen Typ II wurde mittels Northern Blot erhoben.

Ergebnisse: Wir konnten zeigen, daß unter den vorherrschenden Kulturbedingungen die Stimulation mit Condrosulf® zu keiner Erhöhung der Proteoglykansyntheserate, weder in osteoarthrotischen, noch in gesundem Knorpel führte. Die Zellproliferation wurde durch Zugabe von Condrosulf® ebenfalls nicht gesteigert. Die Auswertung der Northern Blots ergab eine konzentrationsabhängige Verminderung des mRNA‐Signals, bezogen auf die Aggrecan Expression.

Schlußfolgerungen: Diese Daten weisen darauf hin, daß Condrosulf® keinen anabolen Einfluß auf die biosynthetische Aktivität von kultivierten Knorpelzellen hat. Die bekannten Effekte der Condrosulf®‐Medikation in vivo (Linderung von Schmerzen und Rückgang von Schwellungen) könnte auf eine Interaktion mit pro‐inflammatorischen Zytokinen zurückgeführt werden.