Age and distress of women–results of a representative population-based study

Little research has been carried out on prevalence rates of distress (e.g. depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), hopelessness, and burnout) of women in different age groups. The aims of this study were to measure the prevalence rate of depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, hopelessness, and burnout among women and to clarify the associations between age groups and distress. Cross sectional epidemiological study on women in Sweden (n = 6,000, aged 18–64 years, response rate 64.1%). Measures were questionnaires on socio-economic and work-related characteristics and on depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, hopelessness, and burnout. Depression was measured with the “General Health Questionnaire” (GHQ), PTSS with the “Posttraumatic Symptom Scale”, hopelessness with the “Hopelessness Scale” and burnout with the “Shiron-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire” (SMBQ). The prevalence rate of depression varied from 12.5% to 14.1%; of posttraumatic stress symptoms from 23.5% to 33.3%; of hopelessness from 11.5% to 16%; and of burnout from 22.9% to 17.1%. Depression was not associated with age group. Hopelessness was associated with age group in univariate analysis bur not in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5–1.0). PTSS and burnout were associated with age group. Both symptoms were higher in the youngest age group, compared to the eldest age group (posttraumatic stress symptoms: OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.1; burnout: OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.1). Younger women show higher prevalence rates of PTSS and burnout compared to elder women. The higher prevalence rates of PTSS and burnout among younger women may be associated with job strain and/or with violent life events.     

Effects of protein synthesis inhibitors during reactivation of associative memory in the common snail induces reversible and irreversible amnesia

The effects of protein synthesis inhibitors on the reactivation of an associative skill consisting of refusing a particular food by common snails were studied. Animals were given single injections of a protein synthesis inhibitor (cycloheximide at 0.6 mg/snail or anisomycin at 0.4 mg) 24 h after three days of training, and were then presented with a “reminding” stimulus (the “conditioned reflex” food-banana) and tested for retention of the skill. Observations revealed an impairment of reproduction of the acquired skill 2.5 h after the “reminder, ” with spontaneous restoration at 4.5–5.5 h. Other snails were given single 1.8-mg doses of cycloheximide or three 0.6-mg doses with intervals of 2 h. “Reminders” were presented after each injection. In these conditions, impairment of reproduction of the conditioned reflex also appeared 2.5 h after the first “reminder, ” though amnesia lasted at least 30 days and repeat training of the animals produced only partial recovery of the skill. Thus, we have provided the first demonstration that recovery of a long-term memory “trace” on exposure to relatively low doses of protein synthesis inhibitors produces transient and short-lived amnesia, lasting 2–3 h, while long-term, irreversible amnesia occurrs after longer-lasting or more profound suppression of protein synthesis. These results suggest that the “reminding” process induces reconsolidation of the “ initial” memory, suppression of which by protein synthesis inhibitors leads to “erasure” of the memory “trace” and impairs consolidation on repeat training. __________ Translated from Rossiiskii Fiziologicheskii Zhurnal imeni I. M. Sechenova, Vol. 92, No. 9, 1058–1068. September, 2006.     

The Course and Outcomes of Episodic Endogenous Psychoses with Juvenile Onset (a follow-up study)

A clinical follow-up study (mean follow-up period 16.8 ± 6.4 years) of 278 patients with juvenile-onset endogenous episodic psychosis (Endogenous Psychosis Episodic Type, EPET – ICD-10 F20.03, F20.23, F25) with first episodes in 1984–1995 was performed. The period of the most intense occurrence of repeated episodes occurred during the first five years from the initial episode (almost all repeat episodes in the patients occurred during this period). At the time of the follow-up study, “good” outcomes were seen in 18.7% of patients, “relatively good” in 33.8%, “relatively poor” in 30.2%, and “poor” in 17.2%. Analysis of correlations between disease course and outcome and types of manifest episode and a number of clinicalpathogenetic parameters yielded several statistically significant criteria for clinical and social prognosis. Nosological evaluation at the time of the follow-up study showed that 76.2% of patients had schizophrenia (episodic progressive in 61.1%, recurrent in 15.1%) and 28.3% had schizoaffective psychosis. Comparison of the data with results from previous analogous studies led to the conclusion that the contemporary pathomorphosis of EPET is more favorable, with trends to improvements in disease course and outcome, decreases in progression, and significant reductions in cases of transition to a chronic course.     

Use of the new levodopa agent Stalevo (levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease in out-patient clinical practice (the START-M open trial)

Despite the significant symptomatic effects of levodopa, stable 24-h treatment responses are in the vast majority of patients replaced 2–3 years from the start of treatment by oscillations in motor symptoms (fluctuation, dyskinesia), amelioration of which requires addition of constant (physiological) stimulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptors. To some extent this is provided by Stalevo, which contains levodopa and two enzyme inhibitors: the DDC inhibitor carbidopa and the COMT inhibitor entacapone. The results obtained in the present study demonstrated the advantages of Stalevo over traditional agents in patients with the “wearing off” and “on-off” phenomena. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S. S. Korsakova, Vol. 107, No. 12, pp. 21–24, December, 2007.     

Depressive and anxiety disorders in the postpartum period: how prevalent are they and can we improve their detection?

The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) period prevalence and comorbidity for depression and anxiety disorder in a cohort of women assessed during the first 6–8 months postpartum and (2) to examine the benefits of combining the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with a simple “interval symptom” question to optimize screening postpartum. Women aged over 18 (N = 1,549) were assessed during late pregnancy and reviewed at approximately 2, 4, and 6–8 months postpartum using the EPDS and an “interval symptom” question. The latter asked about any depressive symptoms in the interval since the last EPDS. Women who scored >12 on the EPDS and/or positive on the “interval symptom” question were then administered the CIDI. A further 65 randomly selected women that screened negative were also administered the CIDI. Loss to postnatal follow-up was very significant, and returns rates were inconsistent across the three postnatal time points. Almost 25% of those who screened positive did not complete a CIDI. For screen-positive status, a total of 314 (24.4%) of those that returned questionnaires (N = 1,289) screened positive at least once across the 6- to 8-month interval. Of these, 79 were lost to follow-up; thus, 235 (74.8%) completed a CIDI. In this group, 34.7% had been positive both on the EPDS and the “interval” question, 15.9% on the EPDS alone, and 49.4% on the “interval” question alone. For the CIDI diagnosis and estimated 6- to 8-month period CIDI prevalence, among those 235 women who screened positive and completed a CIDI, 67.2% met the criteria for a CIDI diagnosis, as did 16.9% of those who screened negative. The breakdown in CIDI diagnoses in the 235 women was 32.8% major depression (± anxiety disorder); 26.4% minor depression alone; and 8.1% with a primary anxiety disorder (approximately half with minor depression). Put another way, 20.4% of these women had an anxiety disorder (approximately two thirds with comorbid depression) and 37.7% of women with a major depressive episode (MDE) had a comorbid anxiety disorder. The estimated 6- to 8-month prevalence rate for a CIDI diagnosis of anxiety or depression (major or minor) was 29.2% (95% CI 26.7%–31.7%). The use of the “interval symptom” question alone was 1.7 times more likely to identify positive CIDI cases than the EPDS alone. Almost 40% of postnatal women with a diagnosis of MDE have a comorbid diagnosis of anxiety disorder. The estimated 6- to 8-month period prevalence for CIDI cases of anxiety and depression was 29.2%. Screening for anxiety and depression using the EPDS alone was associated with a lesser capacity to identify CIDI caseness than a simple “interval symptom” question (for the 2 months prior) which almost doubled the yield. This paper demonstrates that combining the EPDS with the “interval symptom” question improves detection of CIDI caseness.     

Underlying mechanisms of improving physical activity behavior after rehabilitation

Background: Regular physical activity is beneficial for the health and functioning of people with a disability. Effective components of successful physical activity promotion interventions should be identified and disseminated. Purpose: To study the underlying mechanisms of the combined sport stimulation program “Rehabilitation & Sports” (R&S) and daily physical activity promotion program “Active after Rehabilitation” (AaR). Method: Subjects in four rehabilitation centers received R&S + AaR (n = 284). Subjects in six control centers (n = 603) received usual care. Physical activity and its determinants were assessed with questionnaires at seven weeks before and nine weeks and one year after rehabilitation. Results: Variables that were determinants of the intervention-induced improvement in physical activity behavior at both follow-up measurements were attitude, the perceived benefits “improved health and reduced risk of disease,” “better feeling about oneself,” and “ improved fitness,” and the barrier “limited environmental possibilities.” The percentage change in the intervention coefficient caused by these determinants ranged from –35.3% to –16.3% and from –28.4% to –11.3% at nine weeks and one year after rehabilitation, respectively. Conclusion: Personalized tailored counseling interventions can improve physical activity behavior in people with a disability by targeting both personal and environmental determinants of physical activity behavior.     

Violence as a risk factor for postpartum depression in mothers: a meta-analysis

The objective of this paper is to examine the association between violence and postpartum depression (PPD). The data sources of this study are: Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Springer Link were examined from their start date through July1, 2011. “Violence”, “domestic violence”, “physical violence”, “sexual violence”, “domestic violence”, “postpartum depression”, “postnatal depression”, and “puerperal depression” were some of the terms included in the purview of MeSH terms. Relevant studies from reference lists were also scanned. Studies examining the association between violence and postpartum depression have been included. A total of 679 studies were included in this screening. Essential information of these included studies was independently extracted by two raters. Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess the clinical data of these research studies. Random-effects model was chosen in this meta-analysis for maintaining significant heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated with the help of a funnel plot. Six studies involving 3,950 participants were included in this clinical study. Violence was one of the factors responsible for PPD [OR = 3.47; 95% confidence interval (CI; 2.13–5.64)]. Significant heterogenity was found in this meta-analysis (P < 0.00001; I ² = 79%)and publication bias was detected through a funnel plot. A sensitivity analysis of 3.00, 95%CI (2.44–3.68), p < 0.00001 indicated that our findings were robust and reliable. Our meta-analysis indicated a positive correlation between violence and PPD. In women of reproductive age, PPD induced through violence can be prevented through early identification. In addition, due to heterogeneity and wide CIs in this meta-analysis, further research is evidently required.     

Effects of Factors Inducing Diffuse Damage to Brain Tissue on Sleep Structure in Laboratory Rats

Chronic experiments on laboratory rats with implanted electrodes for recording neocortical and hippocampal EEG and cervical muscle electromyogram traces were performed to study the effects of strong treatments inducing diffuse damage to brain tissue on subsequent sleep. Four different experimental models were used: one “chronic” (generalized cerebral ischemia induced by permanent occlusion of one of the common carotid arteries) and three “acute” (hypoxic hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and “penicillin” epilepsy). Sleep recordings were made in freely moving animals either day-round (in the “chronic” model) or daily for 3 h (“acute” models). In all models, traces showed significant increases in the mean total duration of paradoxical sleep, reaching a peak 1–3 days after treatment. The subsequent dynamics depended on the treatment used: in the “acute” models, the duration of paradoxical sleep returned to control levels in 5–6 days, while in the “chronic” model, this occurred at 40–45 days after the beginning of treatment. The sharp increases in the durations of paradoxical sleep after use of strong treatments inducing damage to brain tissue can be regarded as supporting the suggestion that there is an increase in neuronal recovery processes during paradoxical sleep.     

Post-traumatic stress disorder in different types of stress (clinical features and treatment)

Two types of stress situation were compared: involvement in combat actions and working in the post-Chernobyl atomic energy station clean-up. A total of 30 subjects involved in combat actions (combatants) and 33 clean-up workers were observed for 5–6 years and 15–17 years after involvement in stress situations. Mean ages in the two groups were 27.0 ± 2.8 and 43.7 ± 4.5 years respectively. Clinical features were analyzed in terms of the major criteria of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — “immersion” in the experience, “avoidance,” “hyperexcitability,” and “social functioning.” There were both common features in the two groups of subjects as well as individual characteristics dependent on the nature of the stress. Patients were treated with Coaxil at a dose of 37.5 mg/day for four weeks. In both groups of patients, Coaxil had the most favorable effects on immersion and hyperexcitability, which improved social adaptation. The “avoidance” symptom was more resistant. These studies lead to the conclusion that Coaxil is an effective agent for the treatment of different types of PTSD. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S. S. Korsakova, Vol. 106, No. 12, pp. 4–10, December, 2006.     

A possible mechanism for the effect of modifiable lateral inhibition in the striatum on the selection of conditioned reflex motor responses

A mechanism is proposed for the effects of striatal dopamine-modifiable lateral inhibition on the selection of conditioned reflex motor responses. According to this mechanism, activation of dopamine D1 (D2) receptors on strionigral (striopallidal) neurons facilitates long-term depression (potentiation) of the inhibitory inputs simultaneously with potentiation (depression) of the excitatory inputs, of sufficient strength to open NMDA channels. For “ weak” excitation, insufficient to open NMDA channels, the modification rules were of the opposite sign. Activation of presynaptic D2 (D1) receptors leads to decreases (increases) in GABA release from strionigral (striopallidal) axon terminals innervating strionigral (striopallidal) cells. As a result, dopamine-modifiable lateral inhibition simultaneously increases both the potentiation (depression) of the excitatory inputs to “strongly” activated strionigral (striopallidal) neurons, increasing (decreasing) their activity, and increases the depression (potentiation) of the excitatory inputs to the “weakly” activated strionigral (striopallidal) neurons, decreasing (increasing) their activity. Subsequent reorganization of neuron activity in the cortex-basal ganglia-thalamus-cortex circuit facilitates selection of conditioned reflex motor responses by further increasing (decreasing) the activity of those motor cortex neurons which were “strongly” (“weakly”) excited by the striatum in conditions of dopamine release in response to the conditioned stimulus. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deyatel’nosti imeni I. P. Pavlova, Vol. 55, No. 4, pp. 444–458, July–August, 2005.     

Mutations in the S gene region of hepatitis B virus genotype D in Golestan Province-Iran

Mutations of HBsAg especially within the “a” determinant could alter the antigenicity of the protein causing failure of HBsAg neutralization and escaping from the host’s immune system, resulting in active viral replication and liver disease. This project aimed to investigate mutation in the S gene region of HBV infected patients in Golestan Province-Iran. HBV-DNA extractions from plasma and PCR of 100 patients were performed. Direct sequencing and alignment of S gene were applied using reference sequence from Gene Bank database. All isolates were belonged to genotype D, subgenotype D1, subtype ayw2. Overall 92 point mutations occurred. Of them, 40 (43.47%) were missense and 52 (56.52%) were silent. Mutations were detected in 95 cases (95%). Five of 40 mutations (12.5%) occurred in “a” determinant and 13 (32.5%), 17 (42.5%), and 2 (5%) were seen in antigenic epitope regions of B cell, CD₄ ⁺ and CTL, respectively. Frame shift mutations were seen in 22 cases (22%). 14% of mutations occurred at Major Hydrophilic Region(MHR) area which P120T/S and R122K/T substitutions were the most frequent ones (4%). Mutation in G145R of the S gene was observed in one case. A large number of MHR mutants are in association with failure of HBsAg detection, vaccine, and immunotherapy escape. This study showed “a” determinant S gene mutations in HBV infected people with HBsAg positivity in Golestan Province-Iran. The rate of mutation in our study was 95%. Collectively, the results of this project exhibited that most of mutations were clustered in CD₄ ⁺ antigenic epitopes.     

Pre-dive normobaric oxygen reduces bubble formation in scuba divers

Oxygen pre-breathing is routinely employed as a protective measure to reduce the incidence of altitude decompression sickness in aviators and astronauts, but the effectiveness of normobaric oxygen before hyperbaric exposure has not been well explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 30-min normobaric oxygen (O₂) breathing before diving upon bubble formation in recreational divers. Twenty-one subjects (13 men and 8 women, mean age (SD) 33 ± 8 years) performed random repetitive open-sea dives (surface interval of 100 min) to 30 msw for 30 min with a 6-min stop at 3 msw under four experimental protocols: “air–air” (control), “O₂–O₂”, “O₂–air” and “air–O₂” where “O₂” corresponds to a dive with oxygen pre-breathing and “air” a dive without oxygen administration. Post-dive venous gas emboli were examined by means of a precordial Doppler ultrasound. The results showed decreased bubble scores in all dives where preoxygenation had taken place (p < 0.01). Oxygen pre-breathing before each dive (“O₂–O₂” condition) resulted in the highest reduction in bubble scores measured after the second dive compared to the control condition (–66%, p < 0.05). The “O₂–air” and “air–O₂ “conditions produced fewer circulating bubbles after the second dive than “air–air” condition (–47.3% and –52.2%, respectively, p < 0.05) but less bubbles were detected in “air–O₂ “condition compared to “O₂–air” (p < 0.05). Our findings provide evidence that normobaric oxygen pre-breathing decreases venous gas emboli formation with a prolonged protective effect over time. This procedure could therefore be beneficial for multi-day repetitive diving.     

“Brain music” in the treatment of patients with insomnia

The effects of a new nonpharmacological method of treating insomnia—“brain music”—were studied. The method is based on the transformation of the EEG into music using a special algorithm developed by the authors. Sleep polygrams were recorded and analyzed, and EEG segments corresponding to different sleep phases were identified using standard criteria, and were transformed into music. Patients listened to the resulting audio cassettes before going to sleep. Clinical, questionnaire, psychological, and electrophysiological (polysomonographic, electroencephalographic) methods were used before and after 15-day treatment courses in 58 patients with insomnia, who were divided into two groups: group 1 (44 patients) formed the experimental group, and group 2 (14 patients) formed the “placebo” group (in whom the “brain music” of a different patient was used). “Brain music” was found to have positive effects in more than 80% of the insomniac patients both from the point of view of subjective sensations and in terms of objective studies, i.e. neuropsychological and neurophysiological investigations. The high efficacy of “brain music” in patients with insomnia was combined with an absence of side effects and complications. The material in this paper has been presented previously, at the Second International Meeting on Psychiatry and the Central Nervous System, November 2, 1994, Paris. Department of Nervous Diseases, Faculty of Postgraduate Professional Education and Center for Sleep Studies, I. M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy, Moscow City Sleep Center. Committee of Health of the Moscow City Council at A. A. Ostroumov City Clinical Hospital No. 33. Translated from Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S. S. Korsakova, Vol. 97, No. 4, pp. 39–43, April, 1997.     

Sensitivity of HCN channel deactivation to cAMP is amplified by an S4 mutation combined with activation mode shift

Hyperpolarisation–activation of HCN ion channels relies on the movement of a charged S4 transmembrane helix, preferentially stabilising the open conformation of the ion pore gate. The open state is additionally stabilised, (a) when cyclic AMP (cAMP) is bound to a cytoplasmic C-terminal domain or (b) when the “mode I” open state formed initially by gate opening undergoes a “mode shift” into a “mode II” open state with a new S4 conformation. We isolated a mutation (lysine 381 to glutamate) in S4 of mouse HCN4; patch-clamp of homomeric channels in excised inside-out membranes revealed a conditional phenotype. When cAMP-liganded K381E channels are previously activated by hyperpolarisation, tens of seconds are required for complete deactivation at a weakly depolarised potential; this “ultra-sustained activation” is not observed without cAMP. Whilst cAMP slows deactivation of wild-type channels, the K381E mutation amplifies this effect to enable extraordinary kinetic stabilisation of the open state. K381E channels retain S4-gate coupling, with strong voltage dependence of the rate-limiting step for deactivation of mode II channels near −40 mV. At these voltages, the mode I deactivation pathway shows a different rate-limiting step, lacking strong voltage or cAMP dependence. Ultra-sustained activation thus reflects stabilisation of the mode II open state by the K381E mutation in synergistic combination with cAMP binding. Thus, the voltage-sensing domain is subject to strong functional coupling not only to the pore domain but also to the cytoplasmic cAMP-sensing domain in a manner specific to the voltage sensor conformation.     

Motor learning in the “podokinetic” system and its role in spatial orientation during locomotion

The present study characterizes a previously reported adaptive phenomenon in a somatosensory-motor system involved in directional control of locomotor trajectory through foot contact with the floor. We call this the “podokinetic” (PK) system. Podokinetic adaptation was induced in six subjects by stepping in-place over the axis of a horizontally rotating disc over a range of disc angular velocities (11.25–90°/s) and durations (7.5–60 min). After adaptation, subjects were blindfolded and attempted to step in-place on the floor without turning. Instead they all rotated relative to space. The rate of the “podokinetic afterrotation” (PKAR) was linearly related to stimulus amplitude up to 45°/s, and the ratio of initial PKAR velocity to that of the adaptive stimulus was approximately 1:3. PKAR exhibited exponential decay, which was composed of “short-” and “long-term” components with “discharging” time constants on the order of 6–12 min and 1–2 h, respectively. The effect of stimulus duration on PKAR revealed a “charging” time constant that approximated that of the short-term component. A significant suppression of PKAR occurred during the 1st min of the postadaptive response, suggesting functional interaction between the PK and vestibular systems during the period of vestibular stimulation. During PKAR subjects perceived no self-rotation, indicating that perception as well as locomotor control of spatial orientation were remodeled by adaptation of the PK system. Received: 4 August 1997 / Accepted: 19 November 1997     

Safety and tolerability of clarithromycin administered to children at higher-than-recommended doses

A tendency among pediatricians in Greece to use higher-than-recommended doses of clarithromycin was noted over several years, prompting this study of the safety and tolerability of this macrolide in 343 children over a period of 9 months. The study group comprised nonhospitalized patients of 29 pediatricians practicing in Athens. All were prescribed clarithromycin for upper respiratory (n = 257) or lower respiratory tract infection (n = 78). Overall, 77.8% were treated with doses that exceeded the recommended dose of 15 mg/kg/day, and 26% received doses of ≥30 mg/kg/day (median dose, 20 mg/kg/day). The tolerability of clarithromycin was judged as “very good” in 75% of the children, as “good” in 16%, and as “moderate” in 5%, whereas intolerability was observed in 4% of the cases. Adverse reactions, mainly gastrointestinal in nature, were reported in 17.5% of the cases. With regard to both tolerability and adverse events recorded, there were no statistically significant differences between the group of patients who received the recommended dose and the group who received higher doses. Clarithromycin continues to present a safe and well-tolerated profile for the treatment of common pediatric infections, even when administered at higher-than-recommended doses. Whether it is more efficacious in this setting is a matter for further study.     

Distribution, Infections, Treatments and Molecular Analysis in a Large Cohort of Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDs) in Taiwan

One hundred and twenty-four patients (from 120 families) diagnosed as primary immunodeficiency diseases were enrolled from five tertiary medical centers. The distribution by an update eight categories showed 45 patients (13 females/32 males; 36.3%) with “predominant antibody deficiencies,” 27 patients (6/21; 21.8%) with “T- and B-cell immunodeficiency,” 25 patients (9/16; 20.2%) with “congenital defects of phagocyte,” 25 patients (4/21; 20.2%) with “other well-defined immunodeficiency syndromes,” one boy (0.8%) with “disease in immune deregulation” (Chediak-Higashi syndrome) and another with “complement 3 deficiency.” None had “defects in innate immunity” or “auto inflammatory disorders.” Pseudomonas and Salmonella spp. were the two most identified microorganisms in septicemia (39.7%; 27/68 episodes). Twenty-three patients (18.5%) had mortality. Stem cell transplantation succeeded in 7 of 12 patients. In addition to nine patients with DiGerge syndrome recognized by FISH, direct sequencing identified 12 unique mutations from 20 families, reflecting distinct Taiwan geography, although a selection bias may exist.     

Basis for a method of dynamic proprioceptive correction in the restorative treatment of patients with residual-stage infantile cerebral palsy

A new method for the restorative treatment of patients with residual-stage infantile cerebral palsy is described; the method is based on proprioceptive correction using an “Adeli-92” device, which is a modified space suit used in weightless conditions. The “Adeli-92” allows intensification and some extent of normalization of afferent proprioceptive mobility-controlling input. Positive clinical effects were obtained in 70% of patients, with improvements in walking and self-care ability. The positive effects of this method were demonstrated objectively using electroencephalography, electroneuromyography, studies of somatosensory evoked potentials, and studies of the vestibular system. Science Research Institute of Pediatrics, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Pediatric Clinical Psychoneurological Hospital No. 18, Moscow. Translated from Zhurnal Nevropatologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S. S. Korsakova, Vol. 96, No. 3, pp. 47–50, May–June, 1996.     

Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis during pregnancy and lactation

Upper airway congestive symptoms during pregnancy have been recognized since the late 19th century (1). Among randomly selected pregnancies, as many as 18–30% of patients will report substantial symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis, and this figure may be higher among patients with pre-existing atopic disease (2–4). “Rhinitis of pregnancy” can take many forms. In another chapter in this review, Dr. Elergard discusses a form of rhinitis in pregnancy that occurs as a result of physiologic changes specific to pregnancy. This is to be distinguished from other forms of rhinitis coincident sometimes aggravated by pregnancy such as allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The incidence of allergic conditions is 20–30% among women of childbearing years (5). Of those pregnant women with known allergies, some studies suggest that as many as 10–30% will experience increasing allergic symptoms during their pregnancy returning to their normal pre-pregnancy state after delivery (5–7). Postulated causes include those responsible for “rhinitis of pregnancy” such as increased circulating blood volume giving rise to nasal vascular engorgement and hormonal influences on nasal mucosal secretions and have been discussed in another chapter of this review (8, 9).     

Comparative study of the gamma rhythm in normal conditions,during examination stress,and in patients with first depressive episode

We report here a comparative analysis of measures of spectral power and synchronization of the gamma rhythm (30–40 Hz) in healthy subjects in normal conditions and before examinations (a stress situation) and in patients with major depression (first episode), both without cognitive loading and during performance of tests (arithmetic counting and spatial imagination). The results showed that the power of the gamma rhythm in the frontal and temporal areas of the cortex was significantly greater in patients with depression than in normal subjects. In the stress situation, healthy subjects showed a reduction in the number of differences in this measure as compared with depression patients, both at rest and during performance of the arithmetic counting test. the spatial imagination test resulted in a smaller number of significant differences between patients with depression and healthy subjects, regardless of whether the latter were in normal conditions or in the stress situation. The levels of gamma rhythm synchronization between cortical areas at rest and during cognitive loading were not different in healthy subjects, though synchronization increased in healthy subjects during stress and in patients with depression. Thus, the stress situation in healthy subjects leads to decreases in the differences in EEG measures from those in depression both at rest (power) and during cognitive loading (both measures). This may be evidence that stress is a “trigger mechanism” for depression. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deyatel’nosti imeni I. P. Pavlova, Vol. 56, No. 2, pp. 219–227, March–April, 2006.