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The paper is devoted to the differential diagnosis of epilepsy. The author reviews one of the most common diagnostic errors--a situation when pseudoepileptic seizures are considered as epileptic ones. The causes of development of pseudoepileptic seizures, their classification and clinical presentations are presented. The clinical differences between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures are highlighted. The tactics of management of patients with pseudoepileptic seizures in neurologic in-patient clinics is suggested.

To search for association between the 163G>A polymorphism of the fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2) gene and intracellular transport of the valproic acid in the small intestines, 168 patients with different forms of epilepsy, aged from 1 to 89 years, and different illness duration have been studied. The patients received valproates (127 patients) and topiramate (41 patients) as a monotherapy. It has been shown that the 163G>A (Ala54Thr) polymorphism exerts an influence on effective dose of the valproic acid but not of topiramate.

In present research the action of coenzyme Q10 on energetic metabolism and antioxidant system at different temperature conditions has been studied. It was established that the addition of coenzyme Q10 caused inadequate stimulation of main metabolic systems that could lead to running out of functional reserves of cardiomyocytes. The use of coenzyme Q10 helped to optimize intracellular compensating mechanisms supplying the defense of myocardium. Introduction in a diet coenzyme Q10 in conditions of a temperature's comfort threshold excess and development of a histic hypoxia can promote the decrease of gravity of hypoxic myocardium's lesions and to glycogenolysis' amplification that promotes maintenance of an energy homeostasis of a myocardium in posthypoxia term. It is possible to assume, that the augmentation of duration of reception coenzyme Q10 or its dosages can render more expressed protective effect.

Background: The proportion of asthma in adults that is due to occupational exposures is not known., Aim: To examine the contribution of workplace exposures to the development of asthma in adults in New South Wales (NSW) in a cross sectional, population-based study., Methods: A randomly selected population of 5,331 18- to 49-year olds completed and returned a mailed questionnaire (response rate 37%). In adult-onset asthmatics we examined the association of asthma with reported exposure, within 1 year of asthma onset, to a list of occupations and exposures known to be at risk for occupational asthma (high-risk jobs and exposures)., Results: Among 910 subjects (18%) with asthma, 383 (7%) subjects reported adult-onset disease. After adjusting for sex, age and smoking, working in any high-risk job or exposure at the time of asthma onset was significantly associated with adult-onset asthma (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.19-1.92). The population attributable risk (PAR) of adult-onset asthma for either a high-risk job or an exposure was 9.5%. Sudden onset, irritant or reactive airways dysfunction syndrome type exposures were associated with adult-onset asthma (OR 4.65, 95% CI 1.64-13.2). The PAR of adult-onset asthma for these exposures was 0.2%., Conclusion: Reported adult onset of asthma is common and occupational exposures may be associated with 9.5% of prevalent cases of adult-onset asthma in NSW.

Background: Airway hyperresponsiveness to hypertonic saline (HS) is associated with airway inflammation. We investigated if responsiveness to HS was predicted by asthma symptoms in the last 3 months., Objectives: To investigate if responsiveness to HS can be estimated by questionnaire items investigating asthma symptoms of the last 3 months., Methods: Six hundred and four patients with physician-diagnosed asthma being assessed for asthma severity were studied. Bronchial provocation with 4.5% saline was performed, and a questionnaire was administered. The response to 4.5% saline was reported as the provoking dose to cause a 15% fall in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s FEV(1) (PD(15)) and the response-dose ratio (RDR)., Results: Based on the GINA guidelines, asthma severity was intermittent in 497 patients, mild in 107 patients, moderate in 3 patients and severe in 1 patient. A PD(15) to 4.5% saline was recorded in 234 of the 604. Questions on self-recognition of asthma, dust as a trigger, food as a trigger, and frequency of bronchodilator use were significant predictors for a PD(15), and currently taking steroids decreased the likelihood of a positive response to 4.5% saline. Using a multiple-linear regression model, a difference in the RDR could be calculated between those who answered positively compared with the reference group, who answered negatively. This difference could be used as a guide for predicting abnormal reactivity. An increase in RDR in response to 4.5% saline, compared with the reference group, was demonstrated in the presence of self-recognition of asthma severity, dust and cats as a trigger or use of bronchodilator during sleep hours., Conclusions: Because of the high positive predictive value of HS for identifying patients with asthma it might be that the need for bronchodilator use at night not only predicts airway hyperresponsiveness to HS, it also could reflect the severity of asthma., (Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Authors presented the data on the efficacy and tolerability of the new anticonvulsant drug topiramate (topamax) in the treatment of 110 children aged from 6 months to 16 years with pharmacoresistant types of epilepsy including 42 patients with tuberous sclerosis. The medication dosage varied from 1 to 20 mg/kg daily. As a monotherapy the drug was used in 28 children, in the other cases it was combined with different anticonvulsant medications. Topiramate was effective in 78% patients; complete remission has been achieved in 35% cases. Side-effects were observed in 17% patients but they were transient and did not result in the drug withdrawal. The results of the study allowed to recommend the drug as an add-on and monotherapy in the treatment of resistant epilepsy.

A new photoreactive oligonucleotide derivative was synthesized with a perfluoroarylazido group attached to the 2'-position of the ribose fragment of the 5'-terminal nucleotide. Using this conjugate, photoreactive DNA duplexes were produced which contained single-stranded regions of different length, single-stranded breaks (nicks), and also ds duplex with a photoreactive group inside one of the chains. These structures imitate DNA intermediates generated at different stages of DNA replication and repair. The interaction of replication protein A (RPA) with the resulting DNA structures was studied using photoaffinity modification and gel retardation assay. Independently of the DNA structure, only the large subunit of RPA (p70) was crosslinked to photoreactive DNAs, and the intensity of its labeling increased with decrease in the size of the single-stranded region and was maximal in the case of the nick-containing DNA structure. By gel retardation, the most effective binding of RPA to this structure was shown, whereas the complexing of RPA with DNA containing the unmodified nick and also with the full duplex containing the photoreactive group inside the chain was significantly less effective. The data suggest that RPA should be sensitive to such damages in the double-stranded DNA structure.

There was an analysis of the results of a 5-year observation over 226 patients with the most prevailing digestive apparatus diseases: stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer (SU and DU), chronic pancreatitis (CP), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in an outpatient clinic. Patients were supervised by gastroenterologists (168 patients) and therapeutists (58 patients). It was noted that supervision of the patients by gastroenterologists authentically reduces the frequency of hospitalizations and duration of their stay on the sick-list as compared with the patients being observed by therapeutists and results in higher indices of life quality (LQ) among the patients.

Nicks and flaps are intermediates in various processes of DNA metabolism, including replication and repair. Photoaffinity modification was employed in studying the interaction of the replication protein A (RPA) and flap endonuclease 1 (FEN-1) with DNA duplexes similar to structures arising during long-patch base excision repair. The proteins were also tested for effect on DNA polymerase beta (Pol beta) interaction with DNA. Using Pol beta, a photoreactive dTTP analog was added to the 3' end of an oligonucleotide flanking a nick or a flap in DNA intermediates. The character and intensity of protein labeling depended on the type of intermediates and on the presence of the phosphate or tetrahydrofuran at the 5' end of a nick or a flap. Photoaffinity labeling of Pol beta substantially (up to three times) increased in the presence of RPA or FEN-1. Various DNA substrates were used to study the effects of RPA and FEN-1 on Pol beta-mediated DNA synthesis with displacement of a downstream primer. In contrast to FEN-1, RPA had no effect on DNA repair synthesis by Pol beta during long-patch base excision repair.

40 patients with irritable colon syndrome were treated outpatiently: 26 patients by gastroenterologist and 14 ones by therapist. Management of such patients by gastroenterologist significantly lowered frequency of their hospitalizations and sick leave duration as compared to those treated by therapist.

The fungus Alternaria is known to be allergenic and is one of the most common fungi worldwide. We investigated the extent to which exposure to Alternaria increases the severity of asthma. We undertook a prospective cohort study in Australia of 399 school children who had positive skin tests to one or more aeroallergens. Airway responsiveness to histamine, wheeze, and bronchodilator use in 1 mo was measured five times between 1997 and 1999. Airway hyperresponsiveness was defined as PD(20)FEV(1) = 3.9 micromol histamine. Airborne concentrations of Alternaria spores were measured throughout the study, and mean daily concentrations over 1 mo ranged from 2.2 to 307.7 spores/m(3) of ambient air. Using generalized estimating equations, we found that airway responsiveness, wheeze, and bronchodilator use increased significantly in association with increased spore concentrations and that the increase in airway responsiveness was greater in children sensitized to Alternaria than in other children (p = 0.01). The odds ratio for airway hyperresponsiveness in children sensitized to Alternaria was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.39) after an increase in mean exposure of 100 spore/m(3)/d over 1 mo. These results suggest that Alternaria allergens contribute to severe asthma in regions where exposure to the fungus is high.

To introduce photoreactive dNTP residues to the 3'-end of a mononucleotide gap, base-substituted photoreactive deoxynucleoside triphosphate derivatives, (5-[N-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-azidobenzoyl)-trans-3-aminopropenyl-1]- and 5-(N-[N-(4-azido-2,5-difluoro-3-chloropyridine-6-yl)-3-aminopropionyl]- trans-3-aminopropenyl-1)-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphates, were used as substrates in the DNA polymerase beta-catalyzed reaction. The resulting nick, containing a modified base at the 3'-end, was sealed by T4 phage DNA ligase. This approach enables the preparation of DNA duplexes bearing photoreactive groups at predetermined position(s) of the nucleotide chain. Using the generated photoreactive DNA duplexes, the photoaffinity modifications of DNA polymerase beta and human replicative protein A (hRPA) were carried out. It was shown that DNA polymerase beta and hRPA subunits were modified with the photoreactive double-stranded DNA considerably less effectively than by the nicked DNA. In the case of double-stranded DNA, the hRPA p70 subunit was preferentially labeled, implying a crucial role of this subunit in the protein-DNA interaction.

Background: The patterns of inheritance of asthma have largely been explored using data of symptom history collected by questionnaires which are subject to bias and which may therefore distort the measured relationship., Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine family patterns of allergic disease using objective measurements of atopy and of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR)., Methods: A large random sample of children aged 8-11 years was studied and 3 months later, their parents were also invited for study. Of the sample of 1655 children, both parents of 661 children were studied. In all subjects, respiratory illness history was measured by questionnaire, atopy by skin tests and AHR by responsiveness to histamine., Results: The odds ratio for a child to have AHR if either parent had the same condition was approximately 2. 0, which was the same as the odds ratio for wheeze or diagnosed asthma in the presence of the same condition in either parent. The odds ratio for atopy was smaller (approximately 1.4, NS) but the risk of a nonatopic child having AHR if the parent had AHR was 3.0 (P = 0.01). The correlation between weal size in the child and parent was poor and the severity of AHR in the child was only modestly correlated with the severity of AHR in the parent (R = 0.51, P = 0.04)., Conclusion: The use of objective measurements did not strengthen the association between atopic or asthmatic conditions in the parent and child, but did suggest that atopy and AHR are inherited independently.

The aim of the study was to assess effects of H2-blocker of the IIId generation famotidine (quamatel) on the progression of acute and chronic pancreatitis and intensity of pain in patients with pancreatitis. 46 patients received standard therapy plus intravenous quamatel. Control patients received only standard treatment. It was found that intravenous quamatel relieves pain primarily within the first treatment week. Quamatel shortens duration of analgetics use, narcotic, in particular. It is thought valid to include quamatel in combined treatment of patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Study Objective: To classify abnormal lung function in epidemiologic studies, we first calculated "normal" values using data from Australian white adults. We then examined the effects of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), respiratory symptoms, current and past asthma, and current smoking on spirometric function., Methods: A large random sample of 1,527 adults aged 18 to 73 years was studied. We measured respiratory symptoms and smoking history by questionnaire and AHR by histamine inhalation test., Results: Data from 729 "normal" subjects (asymptomatic nonsmokers without AHR) were used to obtain regression models for FVC, FEV1, peak expiratory flow rate, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC. The R2 values were 0.76, 0.74, 0.58, and 0.29, respectively. The presence of AHR reduced FVC by 0.1 L and FEV1 by 0.2 L, on average. Subjects with asthma-related symptoms had a mean reduction in FVC of 0.1 L for both genders and in FEV1 of 0.08 L for women and 0.2 L for men. Current asthma reduced FVC by 0.3 L, on average, and FEV1 by 0.5 L for women and 0.6 L for men. The FEV1 was reduced by 0.002 L per cigarette smoked daily., Conclusion: Recent symptoms, AHR, and current smoking were all important predictors of reduced lung function.

An endothelium-dependent effect of the parathyroid hormone on the vessels was revealed. The hormone was shown to exert an opposite effect on the pacemaker smooth muscle cell of the V. portalis [correction of cava] in direct action and when mediated through endothelium.

Objective: To compare the prevalence and severity of asthma and of allergic sensitisation in children in different regions. We hypothesised that regions with different standardised hospital admission rates would have different prevalences of childhood asthma and that diverse climates would result in a range of sensitisations to different allergens., Design and Setting: We studied large random population samples of children in seven regions in New South Wales (NSW) in 1991-1993. Hospitalisation rates were obtained from NSW Department of Health data., Participants: 6394 children aged 8-11 years., Outcome Measures: History of respiratory symptoms by self-administered questionnaire; airway hyperresponsiveness by histamine inhalation test; and sensitisation to allergens by skin-prick tests., Results: Children in all regions had a high prevalence of recent wheeze (22%-27%), of diagnosed asthma (24%-38%) and of use of asthma medications (22%-30%), but no region was consistently higher or lower for all measurements. The prevalence of current asthma in children living in three coastal regions (where sensitisation to house-dust mites was high) and in the far west (where sensitisation to alternaria was high) was 12%-13%, which was significantly higher than the prevalence of 7%-10% in children living in three inland regions (where sensitisation to these allergens was lower) (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: We found significant variations in the prevalence and severity of childhood asthma in NSW. The prevalence of hospitalisations, diagnosed asthma, recent symptoms and medication use may relate to different regional diagnostic patterns, whereas current asthma prevalence may relate to different levels of allergic sensitisation.

Antidiarrheal action of sandostatin (octreotide) was studied in dumping syndrome, diabetic enteropathy, short-bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Sandostatin proved effective in diarrhea of secretory, motor and osmotic origin. Dumping syndrome, diabetic enteropathy, Crohn's disease and short-bowel syndrome responded completely. In ulcerative colitis the effect was paradoxical: intensive diarrhea discontinued, but moderate diarrhea became more intensive. Sandostatin indications in ulcerative colitis should receive further investigations.

Computed tomography (CT) morphometry of the brain in preschool children in the critical period reflects the dynamic process of the brain formation, multidirectional laterality of the hemispheres. Close relationships between neuropsychological and CT results demonstrate general tendency of the neuro-ontogenetic process comprising reciprocal interaction of functional activity and structural arrangement of the brain compartments.

The authors consider different mechanisms participating in progression of diarrhea in ulcerative colitis. The involvement of osmotic component was suggested in view of incomplete hydrolysis of carbohydrates by small intestinal glucoamylase under mono- and bisubstrate digestion, whereas diarrhea secretory component develops in participation of cyclic nucleotides. Motor mechanism is also present in diarrhea as evidenced by high concentrations of blood motilin and changes in intestinal evacuation and motility. Polycomponent dysbioses detected in ulcerative colitis patients may also be essential for pathogenesis of diarrhea. Determination of the leading component in each diarrhea case is thought helpful in valid choice of individual therapeutic policy.