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Background: Pipamperone is prescribed to prevent impulsive aggressive behaviour in patients with intermittent explosive disorder, personality disorders or mental retardation., Aim: To investigate the scientific basis of this treatment., Method: Various databases were searched using the terms 'pipamperon', 'pipamperone' and 'Dipiperon'. Located articles were reviewed in order to discover whether they dealt with the relationship between the drug and impulsiveness and aggression. results Six publications were found, all dating from before 1979., Conclusion: In view of the limited amount of research on the subject and the adverse side effects it is concluded that pipamperone is not the drug of first choice considering the treatment of impulsive aggressive behaviour.

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum from the [4Fe-4S](3+) cluster in several high-potential iron-sulfur proteins (HiPIPs) is complex: it is not the pattern of a single, isolated S=1/2 system. Multifrequency EPR from 9 to 130 GHz reveals that the apparent peak positions (g values) are frequency-independent: the spectrum is dominated by the Zeeman interaction plus g-strain broadening. The spectra taken at frequencies above the X-band are increasingly sensitive to rapid-passage effects; therefore, the X-band data, which are slightly additionally broadened by dipolar interaction, were used for quantitative spectral analysis. For a single geometrical [4Fe-4S](3+) structure the (Fe-Fe)(5+) mixed-valence dimer can be assigned in six different ways to a pair of iron ions, and this defines six valence isomers. Systematic multicomponent g-strain simulation shows that the [4Fe-4S](3+) paramagnets in seven HiPIPs from different bacteria each consist of three to four discernible species, and these are assigned to valence isomers of the clusters. This interpretation builds on previous EPR analyzes of [4Fe-4S](3+) model compounds, and it constitutes a high-resolution extension of the current literature model, proposed from paramagnetic NMR studies.

The levodopa (LD) dose-antiparkinsonian response relationship becomes progressively steeper with advancing Parkinson's disease (PD). To establish the dose-response profile for the dyskinesiogenic effect of LD, we administered intravenous LD over a wide dose range to 25 patients with advanced PD. As expected in these patients with nonexistent therapeutic windows, the threshold doses (TD) for both motor effects were similar. Just around the TD, the relationship between LD dose and the magnitude of antiparkinsonian and dyskinesiogenic responses inclined steeply, reaching a plateau above 1.5 x TD. Response duration, however, continued to increase. The findings suggest that attempts to ameliorate dyskinesias in advanced PD patients by giving smaller, more frequent LD doses may be counter-productive due to shorter motor responses, more "off" time, and dose failures, while some may, in fact, benefit from higher LD doses to assure a full response and prolong its duration.

Loess soils have always been among the most problematic soils, according to engineers. Due to the sensitivity and vulnerability of this soil type, researchers are constantly looking for different solutions to improve and stabilize this soil using different methods. In the present study, a mixture of lime and rice husk ash (LRHA) was used to modify the loess soil of the Golestan province, Iran. Lime and RHA were mixed in a ratio of 2:4 and with different contents of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% of the dry weight of the soil. To study the effect of curing on the strength properties, the samples were cured and tested for 7, 18 and 28 days. Atterberg limits, modified Proctor, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and scanning electron microscope tests (SEM) were performed. It was found that increasing LRHA content increased the value of UCS at different curing times, such that UCS increased about five times by the addition of 5% LRHA to the loess at the end of 28 days. As the curing time increased, the optimum amount of the additive also decreased. The results showed that combining the soil with LRHA is an effective method for improving and stabilizing loess soil. According to the results of the study, the optimum value of 5% additive is economically and technically recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete is one of the building industry's most used construction materials. Reducing natural resources, enormous production costs, and environmental issues in cement production have encouraged researchers to partially explore suitable options to substitute Portland cement and the built environment. This article provides a thorough review of the research on the prudent utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a Portland cement replacement in the production of concrete. The methods used to produce SCBA, the effect of calcining temperature on bagasse ash, its physical and chemical characteristics and the strength development phenomenon are discussed. The impact of SCBA on the properties of concrete under the fresh state is also discussed. The physical and durability properties of concrete manufactured with SCBA are reviewed in-depth to understand its impending use for commercial applications. Finally, SCBA-related issues and challenges are described. A few of the outcomes are: (i) An organized incineration method is required for producing good quality SCBA, (ii) the optimum replacement level of cement by SCBA for mechanical and durability properties are 20%, (iii) improved durability due to an impervious microstructure of SCBA-concrete to harmful agents that cause degradation. Even though there is some disagreement among researchers, the majority continue to agree that using SCBA in cementitious composites is advantageous. However, researchers do not consider its usage in reinforced concrete elements such as slabs and beams; thus, further research is recommended. Finally, the formulation of codal recommendations on technical and environmental factors calls for additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper reports the results of experimental investigations on the influence of the addition of silica nanoparticles extracted from rice husk (an agricultural waste) on the major physicochemical properties of biodiesel derived from Adansonia digitata. Methods: The physicochemical properties of the base fuel and the modified fuel formed by dispersing the nanoparticles by ultrasonic agitation were measured using ASTM and EN standard testing methods. The effects of manufactured silica nanoparticles on the fuel properties of Adansonia digitata methyl esters (ADME) that were produced by the transesterification process were investigated. Silica nanoparticles which were produced by the extraction process from rice husk were doped at the dosing levels of 400–1000 ppm. The produced silica was characterized by Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), Barrett Emmett Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) methods. Results: The silica was found to have BET specific surface area, Barret-Joyner Halenda (BJH) pore diameter, and pore volume of 502.24 m2/g, 19.3 nm, and 0.761 cm3/g respectively. At 400 ppm and 800 ppm silica dosages, the oxidation induction period increased significantly from 5.2 h to a high of 10.3 h. These findings showed that ADME's oxidation stability had improved significantly to satisfy the ASTM D6751 and EN 14,214 standard limits of > 3 h and > 8 h, respectively. The kinematic viscosity of ADME dropped as the additive content increased, from 4.62 mm2/s for pure biodiesel to 2.21 mm2/s for 400 ppm. Furthermore, it was discovered that the largest increase in viscosity occurs at high doses of 600–1000 ppm. The flash point increased linearly as the amount of nanoparticle addition was increased. Higher flash point temperatures are desirable for improving engine performance and for safety issues. Also, results showed that cetane number (CN) increases from 60 to 64 simultaneously at the dosing level between 400 and 800 ppm and dropped to 63 at dosing levels beyond 800 ppm. The blending of Silica/Alumina showed the best improvement of CN of ADME about 33.6%. Commercial additive (Al2O3) showed an improvement of oxidation stability up to a dosing level of 800 ppm. Fuel blending of (B100 + SiO2), (B20 + SiO2), and (B20 + Al2O3) was also performed and the results showed that the oxidation induction period (OIP) increases from 3.8 to 10.3 h for (B100 + SiO2) blending up to dosing level of 800 ppm but decreases at 1000 ppm. However, blending (B20 + SiO2) showed significant improvement on OIP from 47.2% to 64.16% at 0 to 1000 ppm respectively but blending of B20 and Al2O3 showed the best improvement about 71.7% at 1000 ppm but slightly decreased at 600 ppm (15.7 h). Kinematic viscosity showed slight improvement (decrease by 32.6%) at 400 ppm, but increases at 600 ppm (4.16 mm2/s) for B20 + SiO2 fuel blending. However, at higher dosing level decreases by 3.85% up to 1000 ppm. Dosing of Al2O3 additive on B20 fuel blend displayed the improvement decreasing by 36.9% at 600 ppm but at higher dosage (1000 ppm) increases to 5.2 mm2/s for Al2O3. Conclusion: Generally, from this study it has been observed that rice husk nano-particle is considered as a potential fuel-borne catalyst than the commercial one to improve the fuel properties, owing to their enhanced surface area to volume ratio probably due to its 3-dimensional tetrahedral coordination and covalent nature of silicon atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervious concrete (PC) provides multiple benefits, including reducing stormwater runoff, purifying water, recharging groundwater, and reducing the heat island effect. This study aims to determine an effective way to reuse municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash (FA), MSWI bottom ash (BA), and rice husk ash (RHA) as single or binary partial replacements for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in PC. The ashes and PC specimens were characterized via X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The compressive strength, water permeability, and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP)-released metals were investigated to evaluate the PC quality. The main components of the ashes were similar to those of OPC, suggesting that the ashes could be reused as cement materials; however, the cementitious activity of the ashes, especially MSWI FA, was relatively low. All ashes except 1100 °C MSWI FA met the standard requirements and can be applied as pozzolanic materials. The three PC specimens with binary replacements containing RHA (550, 700, and 900 °C) and MSWI BA (1100 °C) showed a synergistic effect and exhibited a higher 90-day compressive strength than the other specimens with single and binary ash replacements containing RHA (550 and 900 °C). The water permeability ranged between 0.106 and 0.391 cm/s, and the TCLP-released metal concentrations from all specimens met the regulatory standards of Taiwan. The results indicated that replacement with MSWI BA and RHA in cement materials provides an acceptable compressive strength and water permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As Parkinson's disease progresses, levodopa treatment loses efficacy, partly through the loss of the endogenous dopamine-synthesizing enzyme L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). In the phase I PD-1101 study, putaminal administration of VY-AADC01, an investigational adeno-associated virus serotype-2 vector for delivery of the AADC gene in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, was well tolerated, improved motor function, and reduced antiparkinsonian medication requirements.Objectives: This substudy aimed to determine whether the timing and magnitude of motor response to intravenous levodopa changed in PD-1101 patients after VY-AADC01 administration.Methods: Participants received 2-hour threshold (0.6 mg/kg/h) and suprathreshold (1.2 mg/kg/h) levodopa infusions on each of 2 days, both before and approximately 6 months after VY-AADC01. Infusion order was randomized and double blinded. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores, finger-tapping speeds, and dyskinesia rating scores were assessed every 30 minutes for 1 hour before and ≥3 hours after start of levodopa infusion.Results: Of 15 PD-1101 patients, 13 participated in the substudy. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score area under the curve responses to threshold and suprathreshold levodopa infusions increased by 168% and 67%, respectively, after VY-AADC01; finger-tapping speeds improved by 162% and 113%, and dyskinesia scores increased by 208% and 72%, respectively, after VY-AADC01. Adverse events (mild/moderate severity) were reported in 5 participants during levodopa infusions pre-VY-AADC01 and 2 participants post-VY-AADC01 administration.Conclusions: VY-AADC01 improved motor responses to intravenous levodopa given under controlled conditions. These data and findings from the parent study support further clinical development of AADC gene therapy for people with Parkinson's disease. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The dyskinesia of Parkinson's Disease is most likely due to excess levels of dopamine in the striatum. The mechanism may be due to aberrant synthesis but also, a deficiency or absence of the Dopamine Transporter. In this study we have examined the proposition that reinstating Dopamine Transporter expression in the striatum would reduce dyskinesia. We transplanted c17.2 cells that stably expressed the Dopamine Transporter into dyskinetic rats. There was a reduction in dyskinesia in rats that received grafts expressing the Dopamine Transporter. Strategies designed to increase Dopamine Transporter in the striatum may be useful in treating the dyskinesia associated with human Parkinson's Disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic use of medication for treating Parkinson's disease (PD) can give rise to peak-dose dyskinesia. Adjustments in medication often sacrifice control of motor symptoms, and thus balancing this trade-off poses a significant challenge for disease management. Objective: To determine whether a wrist-worn motion sensor unit could be used to ascertain global dyskinesia severity over a levodopa dose cycle and to develop a severity scoring algorithm highly correlated with clinician ratings. Methods: Fifteen individuals with PD were instrumented with a wrist-worn motion sensor unit, and data were collected with arms in resting and extended positions once every hour for three hours after taking a levodopa dose. Two neurologists blinded to treatment status viewed subject videos and rated global and upper extremity dyskinesia severity based on the modified Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (mAIMS). Linear regression models were developed using kinematic features extracted from motion sensor data and extremity, global, or combined (average of extremity and global) mAIMS scores. Results: Dyskinesia occurring during a levodopa dose cycle was successfully measured using a wrist-worn sensor. The logarithm of the power spectrum area between 0.3-3 Hz and the combined clinician scores resulted in the best model performance, with a correlation coefficient between clinician and model scores of 0.81 and root mean square error of 0.55, both averaged across the arms resting and extended postures. Conclusions: One sensor unit worn on either hand can effectively predict global dyskinesia severity during the arms resting or extended positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features and rationale for managing dyskinesias associated with Parkinson’s disease. These are a common clinical problem occurring in up to 90% of patients and more frequently affect those with early-onset. Dyskinesias have a negative impact on quality of life and are an important cause of disability. Their precise etiology is still poorly understood, although it is recognized that dopaminergic pre-synaptic and post-synaptic mechanisms are involved together with extra-dopaminergic factors. The phenomenology of dyskinesias encompasses a variable mixture of two prevalent features: dystonia and chorea. We have studied their time course following a single acute levodopa challenge and have found that dystonia occurs throughout the duration of the on period, whereas choreiform movements occur only at the peak of therapeutic dopaminergic motor responses. This allows a schematic relationship to be drawn between a short duration motor response and the occurrence of dystonia and chorea. There is currently no satisfactory treatment for dyskinesias Managing the therapeutic window does not provide an adequate solution due to the appearance of a dyskinesia threshold dose that narrows the therapeutic margin. High frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus probably has some specific anti-dyskinetic action, but is limited by the small number of patients who are candidates for this treatment. Research efforts are currently focused on the development of specific anti-dyskinetic medications. Their availability will certainly change the current clinical practice and will widen again the therapeutic window of dopaminergic medications that has now become too narrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) develop dyskinesia and other motor complications after prolonged L-dopa use. We now report on the relationship between L-dopa dose and the duration and severity of dyskinesia in L-dopa-primed MPTP-treated primates with marked nigral degeneration mimicking late stage PD. With increasing doses of L-dopa, locomotor activity increased and motor disability declined. The duration of dyskinesia following L-dopa administration increased dose-dependently, and showed a linear correlation with total locomotor activity. In addition, the time-course of dyskinesia paralleled closely that of locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, severity of dyskinesia showed a non-linear correlation with total locomotor activity, low doses of L-dopa eliciting severe dyskinesia for short periods of time. The threshold for dyskinesia induction and the antiparkinsonian effects of L-dopa appear very similar in primed MPTP primates mimicking late stage PD. Reducing individual doses of L-dopa to avoid severe dyskinesia can markedly compromise the antiparkinsonian response. Our results extend the relevance of the dyskinetic MPTP-treated primate in studying the genesis of involuntary movements occurring in L-dopa treated patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to assess the intra-rater reliability of the motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The secondary objective was to assess the intra-rater reliability of standard timed motor tests and dyskinesia scales to determine the necessity of multiple baseline core evaluations before surgery for PD. We carried out two standardized preoperative core evaluations of patients with advanced PD scheduled to undergo deep brain stimulation. Patients were examined in the defined off and on conditions by the same rater. UPDRS-III, timed tests, and dyskinesia scores from the two evaluations were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Differences in UPDRS-III scores for the two visits were clinically and statistically nonsignificant, and the ICC was 0.9. Similarly, there were no significant differences in timed motor tests or dyskinesia scores, with a median ICC of 0.8. The results indicate that previous findings of high test-retest reliability of UPDRS-III in early untreated PD patients can now be extended to those with advanced disease complicated by motor fluctuations. In addition, test-retest reliability of dyskinesia scales and timed motor tests was high. Taken together, these findings challenge the need for multiple baseline assessments as currently stipulated in core assessment protocols for surgical intervention in PD. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and Tourette's syndrome (TS) share some common features, including the phenomenology of sensations relieved by movements, but few studies have examined the links between RLS and TS. We examined RLS and other TS comorbidities in 144 probands with TS or chronic tics and their parents. RLS was present in 10% of probands and 23% of parents with no gender differences. RLS in probands was linked significantly to maternal RLS but not paternal RLS, suggesting that a maternal RLS factor may contribute to the variable expression of TS. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failed storage capacity, leading to pulsatile delivery of dopamine (DA) in the striatum, is used to explain the emergence of ‘wearing off’ and dyskinaesia in Parkinsons disease. In this study, we show that surviving DA neurons in 6-OHDA lesioned rats sprout to re-innervate the striatum, and maintain terminal density until ∼60% of neurons are lost. We demonstrate that DA terminal density correlates with baseline striatal DA concentration ([DA]). Electrochemical and synaptosome studies in 6-OHDA lesioned rats and primates suggest that impaired striatal DA re-uptake and increased DA release from medial forebrain bundle fibres contribute to maintaining striatal DA levels. In lesioned rats where terminal density fell by 60% or more, l-DOPA administration increased striatal DA levels markedly. The striatal [DA] produced by l-DOPA directly correlated with the extent of dyskinaesia, suggesting that dyskinaesia was related to high striatal [DA]. While sprouting and decreased dopamine uptake transporter function would be expected to contribute to the marked increase in l-DOPA induced [DA], the increased [DA] was most marked when DAergic fibres were >60% denervated, suggesting that other release sites, such as serotonergic fibres might be contributing. In conclusion, the extent of dyskinaesia was directly proportional to the extent of DA terminal denervation and levels of extra-synaptic striatal DA. We propose that sprouting of DA terminals and decreased dopamine uptake transporter function prevent the appearance of Parkinsonian symptoms until about 60% loss of nigral neurons, but also contribute to dysregulated striatal DA release that is responsible for the emergence of dyskinaesia and ‘wearing off’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]