bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Comorbid Depression on Seizure Severity
Authors: Cramer Joyce A. , Blum David , Reed Michael , Fanning Kristina ,   Epilepsy Impact Project Group
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the relation between depressive symptoms and seizure severity among people with epilepsy. Methods: A postal questionnaire was used to survey a nationwide community sample about seizures and depression. The Seizure Severity Questionnaire (SSQ) assessed the severity and bothersomeness of seizure components. The Centers for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression scale categorized levels of depression. Results: Respondents categorized as having current severe (SEV, n = 166), mild–moderate (MOD, n = 74), or no depression (NO, n = 443) differed significantly in SSQ scores (all p < 0.0001). People with SEV or MOD reported significantly worse problems than did those with NO depression for overall seizure recovery (mean, 5.3, 4.9, 4.5, respectively); overall severity (5.0, 4.5, 4.2); and overall seizure bother (5.3, 4.8, 4.4) (all p < 0.005). Cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of seizure recovery also were rated worse among people with SEV than with NO depression (all p < 0.05). Symptoms of depression were significantly correlated with higher levels of all components of generalized tonic–clonic seizure severity (r = 0.33–0.48; all p < 0.0001), and partial seizures (r = 0.31–0.38; all p < 0.01). Conclusions: Clinically depressed people with epilepsy reported higher levels of perceived severity and bother from seizures, as well as greater problems with overall seizure recovery than did nondepressed people experiencing similar types of seizures. The pervasive influence of depressive symptoms on reports of seizure activity suggests that people with epilepsy should be screened for depression. These data highlight the importance of detecting and treating depression among people with epilepsy.
The Significance of Ear Plugging in Localization‐related Epilepsy
Authors: Clarke Dave F. , Otsubo Hiroshi , Weiss Shelly K. , Chitoku Shiro , Chuang Sylvester H. , Logan William J. , Smith Mary‐Lou , Elliot Irene , Elizabeth W. Pang , Rutka James T. , Snead O. Carter 
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: The localizing value of ear plugging in the treatment of auditory onset partial seizures, to our knowledge, has not been previously described. We propose that ear plugging is a clinical response to a sensory seizure manifested as an auditory hallucination and a tool for identifying the seizure focus in the auditory cortex on the superior temporal gyrus. Methods: We report on three children who had prior epilepsy surgery for recurrent symptomatic localization‐related epilepsy and who, subsequent to their surgery, displayed stereotyped unilateral or bilateral ear plugging at the onset of partial seizures. We studied scalp video electroencephalography (VEEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in all three. Additionally, we used electrocorticography (ECoG) in two patients, intracranial VEEG monitoring in one patient, and functional MRI language mapping in two patients. Results: All three patients plugged their ears with their hands during auditory auras that localized to the superior temporal gyrus and were followed by partial seizures that spread to a wider field, as shown on scalp and intracranial VEEG. All three patients had MEG interictal discharges in the superior temporal gyrus. One patient who was nonverbal and unable to describe an auditory phenomenon plugged the ear contralateral to where temporal lobe–onset seizures and MEG interictal discharges occurred. Conclusions: Ear‐plugging seizures indicate an auditory aura and may also lateralize seizure onset to the contralateral temporal lobe auditory cortex. Stereotyped behaviors accompanied by epileptic seizures in children who have poor communication skills are important in the seizure semiology of localization‐related epilepsy.
Hyperexcitability of CA3 Pyramidal Cells in Mice Lacking the Potassium Channel Subunit Kv1.1
Authors: Lopantsev Valeri , Tempel Bruce L , Schwartzkroin Philip A. 
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To investigate further the membrane properties and postsynaptic potentials of the CA3 pyramidal cells in mice that display spontaneous seizures because of a targeted deletion of the Kcna1 potassium channel gene (encoding the Kv1.1 protein subunit). Methods: Intracellular recordings were obtained from CA3 pyramidal cells in hippocampal slices prepared from Kcna1‐null and control littermates. CA3 pyramidal cells were activated: orthodromically, by stimulating mossy fibers; antidromically, by activating Schaffer collaterals; and by injecting intracellular pulses of current. Responses evoked under these conditions were compared in both genotypes in normal extracellular medium (containing 3 mM potassium) and in medium containing 6 mM potassium. Results: Recordings from CA3 pyramidal cells in Kcna1‐null and littermate control slices showed similar membrane and action‐potential properties. However, in 33% of cells studied in Kcna1‐null slices bathed in normal extracellular medium, orthodromic stimulation evoked synaptically driven bursts of action potentials that followed a short‐latency excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)‐inhibitory PSP (IPSP) sequence. Such bursts were not seen in cells from control slices. The short‐latency γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A‐mediated IPSP event appeared similar in null and control slices. When extracellular potassium was elevated and excitatory synaptic transmission was blocked, antidromic activation or short pulses of intracellular depolarizing current evoked voltage‐dependent bursts of action potentials in the majority of cells recorded in Kcna1 null slices, but only single spikes in control slices. Conclusions: Lack of Kv1.1 potassium channel subunits in CA3 pyramidal cells leads to synaptic hyperexcitability, as reflected in the propensity of these cells to generate multiple action potentials. The action‐potential burst did not appear to result from loss of GABAA receptor–mediated inhibition. This property of CA3 neurons, seen particularly when tissue conditions become abnormal (e.g., elevated extracellular potassium), helps to explain the high seizure susceptibility of Kcna1‐null mice.
The Anticonvulsant Effects of Progesterone and 5α‐dihydroprogesterone on Amygdala‐kindled Seizures in Rats
Authors: Lonsdale and Deborah , Burnham W. McIntyre 
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Progesterone has been shown to be anticonvulsant in several animal seizure models. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anticonvulsant actions of progesterone and its primary metabolite 5α‐dihydroprogesterone in the amygdala kindling model. Methods: Female Wistar rats were implanted in the right basolateral amygdala with a long‐term, bipolar electrode. The subjects were kindled to 30 stage 5 seizures and stability tested. Multiple doses of progesterone and 5α‐dihydroprogesterone were then tested for anticonvulsant activity against focal electrographic and generalized convulsive kindled seizures. The time course of progesterone's anticonvulsant action also was examined. Results: Progesterone had a median effective dose (ED50) of 103 mg/kg against generalized convulsions at 15 min after injection. Subjects were not sedated at the time of seizure testing, although sedation developed later (40–60 min after injection). In time‐course experiments, it was found that 120 mg/kg of progesterone caused complete suppression of the generalized convulsion from 20 to 160 min after injection. Suppression of the focal discharge also was seen in some animals between 20 and 160 min. 5α‐dihydroprogesterone had an ED50 of 2.9 mg/kg against generalized kindled convulsions and an ED50 of 4.3 mg/kg against focal afterdischarge 15 min after injection. 5α‐dihydroprogesterone did not produce sedation 15 min after injection, or at any later time interval. Conclusions: Progesterone is anticonvulsant only at high doses when tested against amygdala kindled seizures. 5α‐dihydroprogesterone is considerably more potent than progesterone. At low, nonsedative doses, it was effective against both the kindled amygdala focal afterdischarge and the generalized convulsion.
Fiscal Transparency: Concepts, Measurement and UK Practice
Authors: Heald David 
Published: November 2003

Greater fiscal transparency is seen by its advocates as a means of improving economic governance arrangements in ways which, by promoting fiscal stability, will in turn improve the functioning of the government sector and facilitate improvements in the economic environment for the private sector. ‘Fiscal transparency’ is much acclaimed by policy‐makers, not only in the UK Treasury but also by the IMF and OECD. Fiscal transparency can have substance or can just be voguish incantation. This article explores the meaning of fiscal transparency, by examining its structure and evaluating criteria for assessing the degree of fiscal transparency attached to particular sets of circumstances. It explores the link between transparency and accountability, developing the distinction between event and process transparency. Consideration is given to the trade‐off between the value of sunlight (to employ an analogy) and the danger of over‐exposure. The performance of the United Kingdom against emerging international best practice is examined, with regard to both public expenditure and taxation. By international standards, UK fiscal transparency is high. Nevertheless, there is a major gap between UK rhetoric and practice, indicating a divergence between nominal and effective transparency. This is evidenced by: frequent changes in public expenditure definitions; the non‐publication of important analyses; the location of certain liabilities ‘off‐balance sheet’; and a lack of candour about tax policy.
Public Scrutiny, Standards and the Planning System: Assessing Professional Values within a Modernized Local Government
Authors: Allmendinger Philip , Tewdwr‐Jones Mark , Morphet Janice 
Published: November 2003

Since the 1990s there has been a long‐standing concern in government towards public sector accountability, management, efficiency and service delivery. A number of studies have attempted to analyse the multitude of individual changes and their manifestations through analyses based on a variety of institutional, policy and governmental distinctions. This paper attempts to specify the changes with particular reference to planning, and to consider the evolution of the public service ethic in planning towards more openness, scrutiny, transparency and efficiency with particular reference to the changing ethos of the professional employee. We first explore the main impacts upon local government, the public service ethic and professional planning as a consequence of the Modernization agenda and freedoms and flexibilities initiative. We then look at how such changes have impacted upon the ethos and values in public service and planning. We draw on some evidence of Ombudsman cases to highlight issues of professional values in planning practice over the past decade before finally drawing these strands together in some conclusions. Our principal findings indicate that the much‐trumpeted decline of services and standards may not have been as apparent as is sometimes portrayed and that internal professional attitudes and values towards the external changes may not have significantly altered over the same period.
Some implications for monetary policy of uncertain exchange rate pass‐through
Authors: Hunt Benjamin , Isard Peter 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe paper uses MULTIMOD to examine the implications of uncertain exchange rate pass‐through for the conduct of monetary policy. From the policymaker's perspective, uncertainty about exchange rate pass‐through implies uncertainty about policy multipliers and the impact of state variables on stabilization objectives. When faced with uncertainty about the strength of exchange rate pass‐through, policymakers will make less costly errors by overestimating the strength of pass‐through rather than underestimating it. The analysis suggests that pass‐through uncertainty of the magnitude considered does not result in efficient policy response coefficients that are smaller than those under certainty.
The Exchange Rate and Inflation in the UK
Authors: Kara Amit , Nelson Edward 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe United Kingdom is a highly open economy, and has a monetary policy strategy of targeting inflation in consumer prices. In this paper, we look at the evidence from the UK on inflation behaviour, and examine the propositions from several theoretical models about inflation dynamics in an open economy, focusing in particular on the hypothesized connections between the exchange rate and consumer price inflation. Theoretical open‐economy macroeconomic models ‘cover the waterfront’ on this issue, ranging from ‘exchange rate disconnect’ to a rigid link between nominal exchange rate changes and inflation. We estimate on UK data the open‐economy Phillips curves implied by the alternative explanations. We argue that, of the alternatives considered, only a model where imports are modelled as an intermediate good, as in McCallum and Nelson (1999), provides a reasonable match with the data. Unlike the standard model, in which imports are treated as a final consumer good, the intermediate‐goods specification provides support for a policy of CPI inflation targeting.
Persistence, The Transmission Mechanism And Robust Monetary Policy
Authors: Angeloni Ignazio , Coenen Günter , Smets Frank 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn this paper we first explore the impact of nominal and real persistence on the transmission process of various shocks in an estimated DSGE model of the euro area. We then analyse its impact on optimal monetary policy and investigate the performance of various monetary policies when the policy maker is uncertain about the degree of nominal and real persistence.
Effect of iron sucrose on human peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Brȩborowicz M. , Polubinska A. , Tam P. , Wu G. , Brȩborowicz A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  Iron supplementation is often required in uraemic patients with anaemia. Peritoneal cavity was proposed as an alternative intravenous route for iron infusion in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. We studied the effect of iron sucrose (Venofer®) on the function of human peritoneal mesothelial cells maintained in in vitro culture.Materials and methods  In in vitro experiments on human peritoneal, the mesothelial effect of elemental iron (in conc. 0·0001–1 mg mL−1) present in Venofer® on their viability, growth and synthesis of IL‐6 was studied. Additionally we evaluated with a fluorescent probe (2′,7′‐dichlorodihydro‐fluorescein diacatate) generation of reactive oxygen species in cells exposed to iron sucrose. We also measured accumulation of iron in the cytoplasm of mesothelial cells after their in vitro exposure to Venofer®.Results  In in vitro conditions iron induces a dose‐dependent inhibition of viability of the mesothelial cells as reflected by inhibition of the cells growth by 34% at Fe 0·1 mg mL−1 vs. control (P < 0·05) increased release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from the cytosol: 67·1 ± 30·3 mU mL−1 at Fe 1 mg mL−1 vs. 7·9 ± 6·4 in control group (P < 0·001), and reduced synthesis of IL‐6: 209 ± 378 pg mg−1 cell protein at Fe 1 mg mL−1 vs. 38674 ± 4146 pg mg−1 cell protein in controls (P < 0·001). Cytotoxicity of iron towards mesothelial cells was enhanced in vitro when it was tested in presence of the dialysis fluid. Iron used in vitro at concentration 0·0001 mg mL−1 and greater induces generation of oxygen‐derived free radicals in mesothelial cells. Furthermore, iron is taken by these cells and stored in their cytosol, resulting in stimulation of the intracellular generation of free radicals.Conclusions  We conclude that iron used in the form of iron sucrose is cytotoxic to human peritoneal mesothelial cells. Accumulation of iron sucrose within cytoplasm of these cells may lead to induction of its chronic cytotoxic effect.
A Functional variant of the iNOS gene flanking region is associated with LAD coronary artery disease: an autopsy study
Authors: Kunnas T. A. , Mikkelsson J. , Ilveskoski E. , Tanner M. M. , Laippala P. , Penttilä A. , Perola M. , Nikkari S. T. , Karhunen P. J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  Recent studies using reporter gene constructs have indicated significant differences in the promoter activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene variants. Although the exact role of iNOS in atherogenesis is unclear, it is possible that this variation site may influence the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods  We amplified these (AAAT) repeat variants from the NOS2A gene (denoted iNOS R4 and iNOS R5) from 325 Finnish men included in the Helsinki Sudden Death Study, and studied their association with indices of stenosis and atherosclerosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA) and left circumflex artery (LCX). In order to understand the effect of iNOS genotype on different stages of CAD, our study population was divided into age groups.Results  In the LAD, the progression of atherosclerosis seemed to be more pronounced in the 4/5 genotype carriers than in those with the 4/4 genotype when the different age groups were compared. More specifically, statistically significant differences between the genotypes were found in the subgroup of men aged > 55 years. In this group, men carrying the rare R4/5 genotype presented higher mean values of stenosis percentages (55% vs. 42%, P = 0·008), larger areas of fatty streaks (10·4% vs. 5·9%; P = 0·01) and complicated lesions (3·5% vs. 1·3%; P = 0·001) compared with the R4/4 carriers. No significant association of iNOS genotypes with stenosis and atherosclerosis of RCA and LCX was found.Conclusions  It appears unlikely the R4/5 genotype plays a major role in the pathogenesis of CAD, as it was not associated with stenosis and atherosclerosis in RCA and LCX. However this genotype may have some role in more pronounced CAD, as seen in the LAD.
Bilateral buccal radicular groove in maxillary incisors: case report
Authors: Kerezoudis N. P. , Siskos G. J. , Tsatsas V. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAim  To present the rare localization of a radicular groove on the buccal aspect of a tooth and to discuss the pathology and management of the concomitant endo‐periodontal defect.Summary  Bilateral buccal radicular grooves were found on the maxillary central incisors of a 60‐year‐old female Caucasian. One groove was associated with deep local pocketing resulting in pulp necrosis and the formation of a periodontal–endodontic lesion. After endodontic treatment of the affected tooth, periodontal surgery was performed during which an apicoectomy was carried out on the root‐filled tooth. Both the buccal grooves were removed by grinding, the roots were planed with curettes and a guided‐tissue regeneration technique applied using amelogenin (Emdogain, Biora, Sweden). Following a period of 2 years, re‐examination showed excellent healing with the complete elimination of the periodontal pocket on both incisors and significant radiographic evidence of bone regeneration.Key learning points

Deep radicular grooves can predispose to pulp necrosis and the establishment of combined periodontal–endodontic lesions.
Evaluation of clinical signs and appropriate diagnostic tests are of paramount importance in order to prevent incorrect diagnosis and treatment.
Endodontists must be capable of performing advanced periodontal regeneration techniques during endodontic surgery.
Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L‐NAME) on substance P‐induced vasodilatation in the dental pulp
Authors: Hsu Y.‐Y. , Jou Y.‐T. , Wong R. , Karabucak B. , Simchon S. , Kim S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAim  To investigate the vasodilator mechanisms of pulpal vessels, especially the involvement of nitric oxide (NO), during pulpal inflammation.Methodology  Eleven cats were prepared for intra‐arterial administration of test agents through a lingual artery. The pulpal blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry from ipsilateral mandibular canine teeth. By using the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG‐nitro l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), the effects of L‐NAME on various vasodilators, such as Substance P (SP)‐, calcitonin‐gene related peptide (CGRP)‐, and papaverine‐induced vasodilatation, were compared in vivo in 11 feline dental pulps.Results  L‐NAME pretreatment potentiates SP‐induced vasodilatation for a duration of approximately 5 h. The increase of pulpal blood flow ranged from 91.47 to 109.91%, which was significantly different from SP injection alone (48.79%, P < 0.05). Other vasodilators such as CGRP and papaverine did not respond to L‐NAME pretreatment.Conclusions  This study demonstrates that NOS inhibitor L‐NAME administration alone has insignificant effects on pulpal blood flow, although L‐NAME pretreatment can potentiate SP‐induced vasodilatation, probably via increased activity in the enzyme guanylate cyclase. CGRP and papaverine did not respond to L‐NAME pretreatment, indicating that they are not mediated via an endothelium‐dependent mechanism.
The influence of organic load on the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of NaOCl and chlorhexidine in vitro
Authors: Sassone L. M. , Fidel R. , Fidel S. , Vieira M. , Hirata R. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAim  To evaluate bacterial growth after contact with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl; 1 and 5%) and chlorhexidine (CHX; 0.12, 0.5 and 1%) in vitro with or without the addition of organic material (bovine serum albumin (BSA) 0.5%).Methodology  Bacterial samples (American Type Culture Collection® (ATCC)) of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum were kept in contact with each irrigating solution for varying intervals of time: immediately (t0), 5 min (t5), 15 min (t15) and 30 min (t30). Each test was repeated 10 times. In half of the specimens, 0.5% BSA was added as organic material in an attempt to simulate the organic tissue present in the root canal system. Bacterial growth under appropriate condition of incubation was evaluated and compared for each microorganism at all time intervals.Results  A 0.12% CHX solution did not eliminate E. faecalis at any time interval. One percent CHX eliminated all strains, as did both NaOCl concentrations. BSA did not interfere substantially with the antimicrobial activity of any of the irrigating solutions.Conclusions  Under the condition of this study, a 0.12% CHX solution was ineffective at killing E. faecalis.
Lymphangiogenesis in human dental pulp
Authors: Pimenta F. J. G. S. , Sá A. R. , Gomez R. S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAim  To investigate the impact of inflammation on lymphangiogenesis in human dental pulp.Methodology  Eleven samples of dental pulp without inflammation and 11 dental pulps with moderate to intense mononuclear cell inflammatory infiltrate associated with dentine caries were selected. The streptavidin–biotin complex stain was used to detect CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3 (VEGFR‐3) and α‐smooth muscle actin. The number of lymphatic vessels was obtained by counting the number of vessels positive for CD31 and VEGFR‐3 and negative for α‐smooth muscle actin.Results  The results demonstrated that the mean number (±SD) of vessels positive for CD31 and VEGFR‐3 (lymphatic vessels) in the group with inflammation (6.09 ± 1.81) was statistically higher (P = 0.0123) than the mean number in the group without inflammation (3.73 ± 2.20).Conclusion  Increased co‐immunostaining of CD31 and VEGF‐3 in vessels associated with human dental pulp inflammation occurred, which suggests lymphangiogenesis.