Maladaptive personality traits in patients with epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics associated with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in patients with epilepsy, with particular emphasis on the personality profile assessed from a dimensional perspective. METHODS: The cohort study included 77 consecutive inpatients with active epilepsy aged 36-55 years; 52 (67.5%) were female. The presence of PNES was confirmed by video-EEG monitoring. All patients underwent the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to diagnose psychiatric disorders. All participants completed the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory in Epilepsy, the Epilepsy Anxiety Survey Instrument - brief version, and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 and ICD-11 Brief Form Plus Modified. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical variables, and the Brunner-Munzel test was used for quantitative variables. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (31.2%) had both epilepsy and PNES. There were no significant differences in social, demographic or clinical characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses or depression severity. Compared to patients with epilepsy alone, patients with epilepsy and PNES had higher anxiety scores and more pronounced maladaptive personality traits such as disinhibition and psychoticism. SIGNIFICANCE: The main novelty of our study is that using the recently proposed dimensional approach to personality disorders and an appropriate instrument we assessed all personality domains listed in two of the most widely used classifications of mental disorders (DSM-5 and ICD-11) in PWE with and without PNES. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the association of the maladaptive traits of psychoticism and disinhibition with the development of PNES in PWE.

Dual-wavelength UV degradation of bisphenol A and bezafibrate in aqueous solution using excilamps (222, 282 nm) and LED (365 nm): yes or no synergy?

Dual-wavelength ultraviolet (DWUV) irradiation can lead to a synergistic effect in terms of accelerated degradation of emerging organic contaminants in aqueous media. This study compared the kinetics of single-wavelength and DWUV degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) and bezafibrate (BZF) in model aqueous solution using KrCl (222 nm), XeBr (282 nm) excilamps and LED (365 nm). Three novel dual combinations (222 + 282, 222 + 365 and 282 + 365 nm) were examined toward the potential synergy in direct photolysis and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using potassium persulfate and hydrogen peroxide. Kinetic comparison showed that the time- and fluence-based synergy did not occur in the dual combinations selected. Meanwhile, the single-wavelength UV treatment using KrCl excilamp was found to be highly efficient for degradation of target contaminants. At a given dosage of oxidants, the UV/S2O82- process exhibited higher performance than the UV/H2O2 one, attaining higher degradation rates and requiring lower UV fluences for 90% removal. This study demonstrates that the catalyst-free UV/S2O82- process using KrCl excilamp has a high potential for efficient removal of such organic contaminants from real waters with low turbidity.

Inhibition of Histone Deacetylases 4 and 5 Reduces Titin Proteolysis and Prevents Reduction of TTN Gene Expression in Atrophied Rat Soleus Muscle after Seven-Day Hindlimb Unloading.

The effect of HDACs 4 and 5 on the level of atrophy, calpain-1 and titin content, and TTN gene expression in rat soleus after 7-day gravitational unloading (hindlimb suspension model) was studied. The development of atrophic changes induced by gravitational unloading in rat soleus was accompanied by an increase in the calpain-1 content, an increase in titin proteolysis, and a decrease in the mRNA content of the protein. Inhibition of HDACs 4 and 5 did not eliminate the development of unloading-induced atrophy but significantly prevented proteolysis of titin and the decrease in the TTN gene expression.

Seasonal changes in proteolytic activity of calpains in striated muscles of long-tailed ground squirrel Spermophilus undulatus.

Seasonal changes in proteolytic activity and content of calpains in striated muscles of the longtailed ground squirrel Spermophilus undulatus were studied by casein zymography and Western blotting analysis. The results testify to hyperactivation of calpain proteases in the skeletal muscles of awakened animals during the "winter" activity. The observed changes are discussed in the context of adaptation of skeletal muscles of long-tailed ground squirrels to hibernation.

Alcohol use and self-perceived mental health status among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Canada: a secondary data analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding in Canada from 2003 to 2010, and to test the relation between self-perceived mental health status and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of four cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Canada. SAMPLE: A total of 18 612 pregnant and 15 836 breastfeeding women. METHODS: The prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by province and territory, and cycle. The relation between self-perceived mental health status and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding was explored using quasi-Poisson regression models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and self-perceived mental health status. RESULTS: In Canada, between 2003 and 2010, approximately one in every ten pregnant women (9.9%; 95%CI 9.2-10.5%) and two in every ten breastfeeding women (20.3%; 95%CI 19.4-21.2%) women consumed alcohol. Women with a lower self-perceived mental health status (i.e. 'good') were 1.40 (95%CI 1.18-1.67, P < 0.001) times more likely to have consumed alcohol during pregnancy, compared with women with an 'excellent' self-perceived mental health. There were no notable differences between the categories of mental health status in regard to alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Despite public health efforts in Canada, a significant proportion of pregnant and breastfeeding women consume alcohol. It is imperative that a standard screening protocol be initiated among pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially in high-risk populations (e.g. women utilising substance abuse treatment programs). TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: In Canada in 2003-2010, approximately 10% of pregnant and 20% of breastfeeding women consumed alcohol.

[Effects of weak magnetic fields on different phases of planarian regeneration].

We analyzed the effects of weak combined magnetic fields, tuned to the cyclotron resonance condition for calcium ions, obtained in different phases of planarian regeneration. We showed that the result of regeneration in 72 hours after decapitation depends on the length of exposure, and the time between decapitation and initiation of a half-hour exposure. The experimental dependence can be explained by a multiplicity of enzymatic targets activated in different phases of the regeneration process.

Magnetoresistance of the high-pressure ferromagnetic phases (GaSb)2M (M=Cr,Mn).

For the first time magnetoresistance of the ferromagnetic high-pressure phases (GaSb)2M (M=Cr,Mn) has been measured in a wide range of temperature and magnetic field. It was found that the magnetic field dependencies of resistivity of both systems contain several contributions, including relatively smaller s-d exchange (Yosida-type) components in low fields and a quadratic positive term (PMR) in the low temperature region. The magnitude of the predominated negative term (NMR), which can be attributed to the quantum corrections effects, demonstrates a peak in the vicinity of Curie temperature.

[The effectiveness of rinorin introduced in the combined treatment of chronic adenoiditis in the children].

This study was designed to analyse the effectiveness of combined treatment of chronic adenoiditis in the children with the use of rinorin (Orion, Finland) in comparison with the traditional methods for the management of this condition either combined with irrigation therapy or without it. The results of the study indicate that the application of rinorin enhance the effectiveness of the treatment due to the substantial reduction of the manifestation of clinical symptoms and the frequency of relapses. The patients describe rinorin as a modern convenient-to-use preparation superior to the traditional medicines for the treatment of adenoiditis which improved medication compliance.

Divergent clinical and neuropathological phenotype in a Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker P102L family.

OBJECTIVES: Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome belongs to the genetic prion diseases being associated with mutations in the prion protein gene (PRNP). The most common is the point mutation at codon 102, leading to the substitution of proline to leucine (P102L). Previous reports have indicated a phenotypic heterogeneity among individuals with this mutation. Here, we describe the clinical and pathological phenotype in members of the first Finnish kindred with the P102L mutation in the PNRP gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genetic and clinical information was available in five members of a family, while a systematic histologic and immunohistochemical assessment of the post-mortem brain was carried out in three. RESULTS: Clinical presentation, disease duration and the clinical phenotype (ataxia vs dementia) varied between patients. There was a significant correlation between clinical symptoms and the neuroanatomical distribution of prion protein-immunoreactive aggregates, i.e. subtentorial predominance in ataxia vs cortical predominance in dementia. A significant concomitant Alzheimer is disease-related pathology was observed in the brain of one patient with dementia as onset symptom. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Scandinavian family carrying the P102L mutation in the PRNP gene. Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis when handling with patients with ataxia and/or dementia of unclear aetiology.

[The role of risk subcortical brain regions in the formation alalie].

Complex children examination with alalia was based the analysis by the role of subcortical brain structures for the formation of speech was investigated. Alalia is systemic speech underdevelopment in children, which violated all the components of speech. Evaluation of the functional state of brain structures on the EEG has allowed to distinguish the two groups, which depend on the nature of changes in bioelectric activity (BEA). The first group is one with the changes of alpha rhythm and/or local changes in BEA predominantly in the left hemisphere, the second group with violations ofbrainstem origin, mainly generalized EEG changes. A comprehensive analysis of clinical data has allowed to suggest the basis of the formation alalia lies subcortical structures lesion of the left hemisphere of the brain and stem departments of one. The analysis of perinatal risk factors has allowed to hypothesize about the connection of subcortical structures lesion with antenatal complications in the first half of pregnancy.

Electrotransport and magnetic properties of Cr-GaSb phases synthesized under high pressure.

The electrotransport and magnetic properties of new phases in the Cr-GaSb system were studied. The samples were prepared by high-pressure (P=6-8 GPa), high-temperature treatment and identified by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. One of the CrGa(2)Sb(2) phases with an orthorhombic structure Iba2 has a combination of ferromagnetic and semiconductor properties and is potentially promising for spintronic applications. Another high-temperature phase is paramagnetic and identified as tetragonal I4/mcm.

[Emergence of tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsiosis in Moscow].

AIM: Analysis of clinical cases of tick-borne spotted fever (TSF) group rickettsiosis in 2005 - 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: General clinical, biochemical and serological parameters were determined in 10 tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsiosis patients who had visited various geographical regions of the World. RESULTS: TSF group rickettsiosis diagnostic criteria, optimal serological diagnostics timing were determined. Possible diagnostic errors, features of serological diagnostics and antibacterial therapy of this nosologic form are discussed. CONCLUSION: Indication for TSF examination are primarily epidemiologic including tick attachment indication and clinical data. Serological studies are positive only in 3 - 4 weeks after the onset of the infection and thus can not be used for early diagnostics.

The alpha11beta1 integrin has a mechanistic role in control of interstitial fluid pressure and edema formation in inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Collagen-binding integrins may be involved in controlling interstitial fluid pressure (Pif), transcapillary fluid flux, and tissue fluid volume. Our aim was to explore whether the newly discovered collagen binding alpha11beta1 integrin has a mechanistic role in inflammatory edema formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In collagen matrices seeded with a mixture of mast cells and fibroblasts, fibroblasts lacking the alpha11 integrin subunit (alpha11(-/-)) contracted collagen gels less efficiently than control fibroblasts, suggesting that the alpha11beta1 integrin is able to mediate tensile force in connective tissues. In alpha11(-/-) mice, control Pif in skin did not differ from the pressure found in wild-type mice. Whereas a reduction in Pif was found in control mice after inducing inflammation, thereby contributing to fluid extravasation and edema formation, such a reduction was not seen in alpha11(-/-) mice. That this effect is mediated through the extracellular compartment is suggested by a similar plasma protein extravasation ratio in alpha11(-/-) and wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that alpha11beta1 integrins on dermal fibroblasts mediate collagen lattice remodeling and have a mechanistic role in controlling Pif in inflammation and thereby fluid extravasation and edema formation in vivo.

Compressibility and polymorphism of α-As(4)S(4) realgar under high pressure.

The energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction technique has been employed to study the structure and equation of state of realgar As(4)S(4) under pressures up to 8 GPa at room temperature. We have obtained pressure dependences of the unit cell parameters and volume for the monoclinic structure of realgar. An approximation of the equation of state through the Murnaghan equation gives the bulk modulus and its derivative, B(0) = 8.1 ± 0.5 GPa and B(0)(') = 9.0 ± 0.5, respectively. A comparison of the obtained values with the corresponding values for other molecular crystals is drawn and discussed. At a pressure of around 7 GPa, realgar showed a polymorph transition to a new molecular phase with a supposedly orthorhombic structure. Such identification is evidenced by the presence of geometrical correlations between the parameters of the parent monoclinic phase and those of the new phase, and the phase transition is likely to be associated with the removal of a monoclinic distortion in the unit cell.

[Age specific disorders in the lymphatic system functions during exogenic intoxication and the ways of their correction].

In mice-experiments the age increase of intoxication hematologic criterium, malonic dialdehyde level in blood serum and progressive inhibition of interstitial humoral transport and tissue lymphatic drainage are shown. Exogenic intoxication enhances these disorders. The medical preparations mexidol, emoxipinum, cytochrom C, chophitol, succinic acid and selen-active, besides inhibiting the process of lipid peroxidation, all exert lymphostimulating effect but of different degree, which is not directly dependent on their antioxidant properties. The possibility to decrease the intensity of lipid peroxide oxidation and other components of intoxication syndrome using interstitial humoral transport and tissue lymphatic drainage stimulation combined with mexidol and chophitol is shown, but in old mice as compared to mature ones medicaments correction of intoxication signs is less effective.

Physiology and pathology of collagen receptors.

Just before the transition from pre-genomic to the post-genomic era, the two latest members of the mammalian integrin family were identified. These integrins, which were named alpha10beta1 and alpha11beta1, are both collagen receptors and are related. Rather than being twins, they can be regarded as close cousins. They both belong to the subfamily of integrins that contain an I-domain in the alpha subunit. This domain is also the part that endows these integrins with the capacity to bind the GFOGER sequence in collagens. In the current review, we summarize and update the current knowledge about the in vitro and in vivo functions of these integrins.

Molecular-network-ionic structure transitions in liquid AlCl(3) and ZnCl(2) halogenides under pressure.

We present the in situ high-pressure-high-temperature x-ray diffraction study of the liquid AlCl(3) and ZnCl(2) halogenides having a quasi-molecular network structure in liquid state at normal pressure. These liquids are intermediate between pure covalent and ionic melts. Structural study of these liquid halogenides is indicative of a rapid and strong breakdown of an intermediate-range order in a tetrahedral network of melts for the initial pressure range, 0-2.5 GPa for AlCl(3) and 0-1.8 GPa for ZnCl(2), and points to rather sharp transitions in liquids with the formation of a short-range order structure similar to ionic melt structures around 4 GPa for AlCl(3) and 3 GPa for ZnCl(2). Thus, pseudo-covalent liquid halogenides like AlCl(3) and ZnCl(2) provide testimony to two phenomena under high pressures, namely, a gradual decay of structural correlations in the tetrahedral network of the melt and a sharp transition from molecular-network to ionic structure in liquid on further compression. Such a two-stage structural transformation under pressure is the general feature for a wide class of simple melts, including most of the pseudo-covalent halogenides.

An overview of illegal opioid use and health services utilization in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Systematic research on health and treatment services availability for and utilization by illegal opioid users in Canada are very limited. Comparative data across provinces and territories is almost entirely absent. This study was designed to provide an overview of illegal opioid use and health services utilization among illegal opioid users across Canada. METHODS: A combination of statistical data and key informant data was used. Surveys were sent to key informants in all provinces and territories of Canada. Survey questions covered the number of illegal opioid users in each province, the number of opioid users receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), the number of physicians authorized to prescribe methadone, and the number of opioid users receiving other outpatient and inpatient treatment. In addition, relevant data were collected from several statistical sources, both provincial and federal. The number of substance-use-related overdose deaths was obtained from the provincial coroners' offices. RESULTS: It is estimated that there were more than 80,000 regular illegal opioid users in Canada in 2003. The most prevalent treatment utilized was MMT; about one-quarter (26%) of the estimated opioid users received this type of treatment in 2003. Other forms of outpatient and inpatient treatment were of only minor importance compared with MMT. The number of illegal drug-related overdose deaths in Canada was 958 in 2002. Rates of drug use, health services utilization and overdose deaths showed considerable variation by province. CONCLUSIONS: Although the opioid use treatment system in Canada has expanded in recent years, especially with respect to the availability of MMT, the treatment utilization rates are still lower than in most countries in Western Europe. Rates of current treatment utilization as well as the relatively high number of overdose deaths suggest that there is still room for improvement in the Canadian health and social care system with respect to opioid use.

[Effects of ACE inhibitor fosinopril on a 24-h profile of arterial pressure in hypertensive patients with obesity and hypercholesterolemia].

AIM: To study effects of fosinopril on a 24-h profile of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients with obesity and hypercholesterolemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized comparative trial enrolled 96 patients aged 30-50 years with arterial hypertension (AH) of the first and second degree. The patients were randomized into 2 groups by age, gender, AH duration, office AP, body mass index, cholesterol level. The patients of group 1 received fosinopril (monopril) in a single daily dose 10 mg with further rise to 20 mg. The patients of group 2 were given metoprolol twice a day in a dose 25 mg with further rise to 75 mg. Examination of the patients was made before the treatment and after 16 weeks of therapy with fosinopril and metoprolol. RESULTS: A 16-week therapy with fosinopril resulted in lowering of office BP, mean day systolic, diastolic, pulse BP. The profile of SBP improved: the number of "dippers" with an adequate day profile of BP rose. Fosinopril significantly reduced left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) and myocardial mass index. Metoprolol had the same hypotensive action but had no effect on mean 24-h pulse and mean BP, LVMM, LVMM index. CONCLUSION: Fosinopril is more effective than metoprolol in relation to a 24-h profile of BP and LVMM reduction.

Induction of differentiation in leukemic cell strains with myelopeptide-4.

We studied the capacity of myelopeptide-4 (regulatory peptide of the bone marrow origin) to induce terminal differentiation of HL-60 and K-562 leukemic cells. Myelopeptide-4 increased the expression of CD14 and CD38 differentiation antigens on the surface of HL-60 cells and of CD44 antigen on K-562 cells, induced the appearance of mature monocyte/macrophages in HL-60 culture and hemoglobin-producing cells in K-562 cell culture, and stimulated phagocytic activity of THP-1 leukemic cells. Myelopeptide-4 is an endogenous factor of cell differentiation, a prospective agent for antileukemic therapy.