Spectral and complexity features of the EEG changed by visual input in a case of subcortical stroke compared to healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: To compare spectral and complexity characteristics of the EEG in a unique case of subcortical infarct to those seen in healthy controls. METHODS: Absolute and relative frequency spectra, theta/beta ratio, the brain symmetry index (BSI), Omega-complexity and synchronization likelihood were calculated of the EEG recorded in eyes closed and eyes open conditions. RESULTS: Increased absolute delta, theta, and Omega-complexity in these frequency bands, higher theta/beta ratios, and decreased relative beta activity were found in the side of the infarct. The BSI localized the excess of slow, and decrease of fast frequency activity to the area of ischemia. Following eyes opening the increase of fast and decrease of slow frequencies, the increase of Omega-complexity in the alpha and beta bands, and the decrease of synchronization likelihood for the fast frequency bands were reduced in the side of the infarct. CONCLUSIONS: The subcortical infarct caused ipsilaterally increased slow, and decreased fast frequency activity accompanied by decreased synchronization of slow, increased synchronization of fast frequencies. Reduced reactivity in the ischemic side was particularly apparent for complexity measures. SIGNIFICANCE: Complexity indices of the EEG are sensitive complementary measures of electrophysiological changes caused by local lesions such as subcortical stroke.     

Modulation of human lymphocyte proliferative response with aging.

Previously, we have demonstrated age-associated alterations in transmembrane signaling. One of the most reproducible alterations found in the immune response with aging is the decrease of lymphocyte proliferation on stimulation with various different mitogens. Here, we confirm that proliferative responses to stimulation with phytohaemagglutin (PHA), recombinant human IL-2, or anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody are all greater in the young (20-25 years) than old (60-87 years) population. We attempted to modulate the proliferative response using various agents acting at different levels of transmembrane signaling (pertussis toxin, cholera toxin, isoproterenol, PMA, Ca ionophore A23187), as well as at the level of the lymphocyte plasma membrane (methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, MBCD), or by using antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin E or C). None of these agents was able to restore effectively the proliferative response of lymphocytes from the aged to the level of young subjects. Even the combination of A23187 and PMA acting directly on calcium metabolism and protein kinase C activity was insufficient to restore the decreased mitogenic capacity of T cells from elderly subjects. Cyclodextrin, which decreases the cholesterol content of the membrane, increased the proliferative response of lymphocytes of elderly subjects, but not to the level of the young. Vitamin E had a very strong inhibitory effect on lymphocyte stimulation in both the age groups, except in combination with MBCD in T cells of the elderly, while Vitamin C had no significant modulatory effect. MAPK ERK and p38 activation was found to be decreased with aging in T cells after anti-CD3 mAb stimulation. Vitamin E but not Vitamin C strongly inhibited MAPK ERK or p38 activation. The direct activation of certain molecules or the modulation of the cholesterol content of the membrane seems to be effective immunomodulatory interventions with aging.     

Nocturnal blood pressure and intraocular pressure measurement in glaucoma patients and healthy controls

Daytime and nocturnal intraocular pressure (IOP) values and systemic blood pressure (BP) values were compared in 60 non-glaucomatous controls, 54 glaucoma patients with normal visual field, and 46 glaucoma patients with visual field loss. The daytime IOP was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer and the nocturnal IOP with a Bio-Rad-Tono-Pen 2 . The BP was measured with either a mercury manometer or with a Meditech ABPM-02 Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor, which took BP readings at 60 minute intervals. A tendency towards increasing IOP and decreasing BP was detected in the non-glaucomatous controls, within normal limits, and pathological changes of IOP and BP were observed with a significantly high occurrence (5% > P > 2%; Pearson's ²-test) in the glaucoma group with visual field loss.     

Novel genes in Human Asthma Based on a Mouse Model of Allergic Airway Inflammation and Human Investigations

Purpose

Based on a previous gene expression study in a mouse model of asthma, we selected 60 candidate genes and investigated their possible roles in human asthma.

Methods

In these candidate genes, 90 SNPs were genotyped using MassARRAY technology from 311 asthmatic children and 360 healthy controls of the Hungarian (Caucasian) population. Moreover, gene expression levels were measured by RT PCR in the induced sputum of 13 asthmatics and 10 control individuals. t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were carried out in order to assess associations of SNP frequency and expression level with asthma. Permutation tests were performed to account for multiple hypothesis testing.

Results

The frequency of 4 SNPs in 2 genes differed significantly between asthmatic and control subjects: SNPs rs2240572, rs2240571, rs3735222 in gene SCIN, and rs32588 in gene PPARGC1B. Carriers of the minor alleles had reduced risk of asthma with an odds ratio of 0.64 (0.51-0.80; P=7×10^-5) in SCIN and 0.56 (0.42-0.76; P=1.2×10^-4) in PPARGC1B. The expression levels of SCIN, PPARGC1B and ITLN1 genes were significantly lower in the sputum of asthmatics.

Conclusions

Three potentially novel asthma-associated genes were identified based on mouse experiments and human studies.     

Current problems in the quality control of pharmaceutical preparations manufactured in pharmacies III. Investigation of theophilline containing suppositories

In the present part of our series of papers a study on theophilline containing suppositories prepared in pharmacies is described. From the possible methods for assay of theophilline two nonaqueous titrations are compared. In first, theophilline is measured as a very weak base in a mixture of glacial acetic acid and acetic anhydride with perchloric acid using Sudan-III indicator, in second, the compound is measured as medium strong acid in dimethylformamide solvent with sodium-hydroxide titrant using phenolphtalein indicator. These methods were validated and the first was found more appropriate for regulatory control. We investigated suppositories prepared in our laboratory and in different pharmacies. The study revealed the poor quality of the preparations due to the difficulties in the technology and the importance of the applied vehicle. A guideline for the good preparation practice and an alternative technology are proposed.     

Molecular epidemiology of VIM-4 metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas sp. isolates in Hungary

VIM metallo-beta-lactamase-producing serotype O11 or O12 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates infecting or colonizing 19 patients from seven hospitals in Hungary were characterized between October 2003 and November 2005. Macrorestriction analysis revealed the involvement of hospitals from three different towns in northwest Hungary in an outbreak caused by VIM-4-producing P. aeruginosa.