Spent hops extract (Humulus Lupulus L.) attenuates inflammation and angiogenesis of the retina via the nuclear factor-kappaB and protein kinase B/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways.

Spent hops extract (SHE) is a plant extract containing compounds with proven anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities. However, extract may exert synergic effects compared to its individual polyphenol components. Inflammatory diseases of the retina may lead to visual impairment, a reduction of the comfort of life, and even blindness due to the formation of new pathological blood vessels. More effective therapeutic options are being sought. The goal of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic potentials of SHE on human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The SHE (250 µg/mL) was found to downregulate the gene expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) to 33% in LPS-triggered cells; it also reduced both matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) mRNA expression to 13% and 43% respectively, and their activity to 82% (MMP-2) and 57% (MMP-9), compared to TNF-α-stimulated cells. Also, SHE modulated the TNF-α-induced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). It is possible that SHE inhibited retinal inflammation and angiogenesis by suppressing the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. Our results demonstrate that SHE has anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic potential against retinal diseases. This is the first such study to report on the efficacy of SHE on retinal inflammatory diseases.

Chemopreventive properties of spent hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) extract against angiogenesis, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells.

There is a great deal of interest in identifying new chemopreventive agents for colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. One promising group of candidates is the polyphenols; being natural compounds with high structural diversity, they have a very wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. The present study reports for the first time that spent hops extract (SHE) inhibits the angiogenesis, invasion and migration of SW-480 and HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells; after incubation with 200 µg/mL SHE, SW-480 and HT-29 cell invasion fell by 98.5% and 89% vs. controls, and migration was inhibited by 99% and 88% vs. controls. These changes were accompanied by a decline of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression and activity. In addition, SHE reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α for both cell lines, indicating that the tested extract has anti-angiogenic potential. In conclusion, our data shows that SHE may be an effective chemopreventive agent acting via the inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells.

Evaluation of phenolic composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of aronia melanocarpa leaf extracts.

The objective of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of aronia leaf crude phenolic-extract (ACE) and purified phenolic-rich extract (APE) on human intestinal cells (CCD 841 CoN) and colon cancer cells (SW-480 and HT-29). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis confirmed that aronia leaves are rich in structurally diverse polyphenols (25 and 42 compounds for ACE and APE, respectively). Chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-rutinoside were most abundant in both aronia extracts. The sum of detected polyphenols varied significantly between extracts ranging from 32.8 mg/g (ACE) to 436.3 mg/g (APE). The biological potential of aronia extracts was confirmed by applying in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic assays. The results of antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP) indicate that APE showed 2-fold stronger antioxidant properties compared to ACE. APE revealed a stronger cytotoxic effect on SW-480 and HT-29 cells than ACE (MTT test). After 48 -hours of incubation, APE was found to inhibit SW-480 cell growth by 50% vs. control at 194.35 µg/mL, while for HT-29 cells it was observed at 552.02 µg/mL. In the case of ACE, IC50 has not been reached for SW-480 cells after 48 -hours of treatment, but for HT-29 it was 794.84 µg/mL. Moreover, the viability was significantly decreased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner for both cancer cell lines. Examined extracts showed selective inhibitory potential against colon cancer cells. However, after 72 h incubation with CCD 841 CoN cells, the obtained IC50 values for APE and ACE were 594 µg/mL and 709 µg/mL respectively. This suggests that aronia leaves are valuable natural-based products that may support the treatment as chemopreventive agents in colorectal cancer.

Chemoprotective effects of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) phenol leaf extract on colon cancer cells through the modulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases/AKT signaling pathway.

Japanese quince leaf phenol-rich extract (PRE) represents a good source of phenolic compounds, among which chlorogenic acid and naringenin hexoside are the main constituents. The aim of this research was to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of PRE in human colon cancer (SW-480 and HT-29) and human normal colon cell line (CCD 841 CoN). All cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of the extract (150-500 κg/mL for SW-480 and CCD 841 CoN; and 250-750 κg/mL for HT-29) to investigate migration and invasion, as well as the activity and secretion of metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) involved in these mechanisms. Moreover, the influence of PRE on the activity of ERK and AKT pathways, which are strongly involved in colon cancer development (CRC), were measured. Our results demonstrated that PRE significantly inhibited migration and invasion in SW-480, HT-29 and CCD 841 CoN cells through MMP-2 and MMP-9-dependent mechanisms. We also proved that PRE can effectively downregulate both the activity and protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in these cell lines. The exception was the higher concentration of PRE, which up-regulated the protein expression of MMP-9 in SW-480. Additionally, we showed that significant inhibition of p-ERK/p-AKT expression in SW-480 after treatment with PRE is involved in chemopreventive effects of this extract. In case of exposure of HT-29 cells to PRE, we observed a significant upregulation of p-ERK protein expression, and suppression of p-AKT mechanism. This research of Japanese quince phenol leaf extract suggests its application in colon cancer prevention and treatment due to its ability to inhibit migration and invasion in MMP-9 and MMP-2-dependent mechanisms via most likely the modulation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways in colon cancer cells. Overall, our results provide an experimental foundation for further research on its potential activities and effects in vivo.

Comparison of phenolic compounds, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of extracts prepared from Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) leaves.

Phenolic compounds are very important in the prevention and treatment of many civilization diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study we investigated and compared the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) leaves crude phenolic extract (CPE) and purified phenolic-rich extracts (PRE). The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that both extracts contain diversified phenolics compounds (33 - 36 compounds in the PRE and CPE, respectively), among which chlorogenic acid and naringenin hexoside turned out to be the main constituents. Both FRAP and ABTS tests showed that PRE had 2-fold higher antioxidant activity compared to CPE. Furthermore, PRE exhibited a higher cytotoxic activity towards colon cancer cells (SW-480 and HT-29) than CPE. After 24-hours incubation with PRE the IC50 value for SW-480 cell line was obtained at the concentration of 239 µg/mL, while CPE treatment caused the same decrease only after 72h at 277 µg/mL. In addition, PRE had a stronger cytotoxic effect on the colon cancer cell lines (SW-480 and HT-29) than on normal intestinal cells (CCD-18Co and CCD 841 CoN). These results provide the first evidence that extracts from Japanese quince leaves (especially phenolic-rich extract, PRE) strongly decrease the viability of both SW-480 and HT-29 lines, which may suggest their cytotoxic activity towards colon cancer cells.

Spent hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) extract as modulator of the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Macrophages play important roles in acute and chronic inflammation. Upon their activation, they secrete a variety of mediators, including eicosanoids, nitric oxide and cytokines, which play different roles in the stimulation and resolution of inflammatory processes. There is a continuous search for selective modulators of these processes. Natural polyphenols and polyphenol-rich extracts have been found to possess preventive and therapeutic potential, including by their anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the inhibition of the formation of inflammatory mediators by the spent hops extract (SHE), a polyphenol-rich extract from Humulus Lupulus L., was examined using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- activated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The SHE suppressed inter alia the interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expression to 32% in LPS-activated macrophages and to 61% at a protein level (at 25 µg/mL). SHE reduced both the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression to 47% and their protein expression to 32%. Not only did SHE inhibit the IL-6 and COX-2 levels but also decreased both inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression to 2% at 25 µg/mL and nitric oxide (NO) production for all tested concentrations. The inhibited expression of these inflammatory molecules was likely caused by the reduced activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Both mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB was decreased to 38% and 42%, respectively. These results provide the first evidence that SHE decreases the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators, which merits further studies to investigate the potential of SHE as anti-inflammatory preparation.

Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) leaf phenol extract as modulator of the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-triggered murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

In the present study we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of Japanese quince leaf polyphenol-rich extract (JQLPE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The Q-PCR analysis revealed that JQLPE decreased Nfkb1, Ptgs2, and Il1b expression at the mRNA level by 80%, 50% and 48%, respectively. Similarly, JQLPE significantly attenuated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (by 60%, 50%, 67%, 37% and 36%, respectively) at the protein level and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7. Western blot also showed that the expression of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) p65 and p-NF-κB p65 was down-regulated after JQLPE treatment. These results provide the first evidence that JQLPE decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α), inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS) and both NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, which may suggest its anti-inflammatory activity.

Christianity and epilepsy.

Epileptic seizures have been known from time immemorial. Throughout the ages, however, ideas concerning the aetiology and treatment of epilepsy have changed considerably. Epilepsy is mentioned many times in the Pentateuch, where it is portrayed as a mysterious condition, whose symptoms, course and contingencies evade rational laws and explanations. In the Middle Ages, the accepted view which prevailed in social consciousness was that patients with epilepsy were possessed by Satan and other impure spirits. One common method of treatment of epileptic seizures was to submit the patient to cruel exorcisms. Patients were frequently injured in the process and some of them even died. Our understanding of epilepsy and its social consequences has improved considerably within the last century. The most significant progress as far as diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy is concerned took place in the last four decades of the twentieth century. Although we now know much more about epilepsy than we used to, this knowledge is still insufficiently popularized.

[Social and economic aspects of administration of new antiepileptic drugs]. / Stosowanie nowych leków przeciwpadaczkowych w aspekcie ekonomiczno-spolecznym.

The necessity of analysis of the cost of treatment of patients with epilepsy becomes of primary importance in Poland as a consequence of recent economic transformations affecting the efficiency of health service. The reasons are: high number of patients with epilepsy (approaching 400,000 in a population of about 40 mln) and long time course of illness, taking into account steady, gradual rise of the cost of treatment, even if we accept greater efficiency of the new antiepileptic drugs. However, the analysis of questionnaires provided by patients with epilepsy indicates that optimation of their treatment with introduction of new antiepileptic drugs may be a procedure leading to diminution of the global expenses associated with care of epileptic patients. Identification of factors influencing cost of antiepileptic treatment before and after introduction of new antiepileptic drugs. A group of 150 people chosen at random from a population of persons taking new antiepileptic drugs (vigabatrin, lamotrygin, topiramate, gabapentin, tiagabine) received anonymous questionnaires concerning the time course of their illness. 80 questionnaires were returned. The questions concerned the situation before and after treatment. Statistical analysis included t test for dependent samples-including items such as: number of epileptic seizures and number and days of hospitalization, etc. per year of observation. Significant decrease of the number of epileptic seizures (p < 0.05), number of hospitalizations (p < 0.001), days of hospitalizations (p < 0.001) and neurological consultations (p < 0.001) occurred after optimalization of treatment. Results of our research illustrate significant reduction of direct costs of treatment associated with introduction of new antiepileptic drugs.

[Economic aspects of drug-resistant epilepsy]. / Ekonomiczne aspekty padaczek opornych na leczenie.

Drug-resistant epilepsy is a serious source of indirect and direct public expenses. American studies have shown that the total cost per patient of treating drug-resistant epilepsy is 138,600 USD a year whereas the annual cost of treating effectively-treated epilepsy is 4,272 USD. Although the proportion of drug-resistant cases does not exceed 20% of all registered cases of epilepsy these cases are responsible for 48% of the total direct costs and 90% of indirect costs of treatment. Frequent hospitalizations and introduction of more and more complicated polytherapies contribute to the increase in direct costs whereas the main factor responsible for indirect costs is the incapacity to work. Open clinical studies on the optimization of antiepileptic treatment have shown that a considerable number of patients are still diagnosed as apparently drug-resistant. In the case of these patients frequent modification of the methods of treatment are associated with patients' justified or unjustified fear of the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs. This leads to mood deterioration in the patients themselves and, as a consequence, to poorer quality of life of the patients and their families. Another serious economic problem is the presence of psychogenic pseudo-epileptic seizures. The factors discussed in this article increase the measurable and immeasurable psycho-social costs of epileptic seizures.

Patients with coexistent psychogenic pseudoepileptic and epileptic seizures: a psychological profile.

Despite significant advances in epileptology, the differential diagnosis of epileptic and pseudoepileptic seizures continues to be a considerable challenge. The problem becomes even more complicated when epileptic and psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures coexist in the same patient. Appropriate psychological measures may be helpful in the diagnosis and may improve knowledge about aetiological factors which can provoke psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures. The purpose of this paper is to present the psychological profile of patients with mixed seizures (epileptic and psychogenic pseudoepileptic) developed on the basis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and to discuss the personality differences between patients with psychogenic epileptic seizures and epileptic patients. In patients with diagnosed epilepsy and/or suspected psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures long-term video-monitoring was performed. On the basis of the gathered data the patients were divided into three groups: group I (N= 32 : 25 F and 7 M) had coexistent psychogenic pseudoepileptic and epileptic seizures, group II (N= 38 : 30 F and 8 M) had psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures only and group III (N= 36 : 18 F and 8 M) had epileptic seizures only and was treated as the control group. All three groups were given the MMPI. Comparison of the averaged personality profiles of the three groups revealed significant differences (P< 0.0001) in hypochondriasis (Hs) and hysteria (Hy), similarity of the profiles of groups I and II, and significantly higher Hs and Hy scores than D (Depression) scores (P< 0.001). Unlike groups I and II, group III (the epileptic group) had significantly higher D scores than Hs and Hy scores (P< 0.01). Our findings suggest that conversion, manifested in the typically elevated Hs and Hy scores as compared to D scores, is present in both groups of patients demonstrating pseudoepileptic seizures but absent in the patients with epilepsy where the Hs and Hy to D ratio is reversed. Patients with mixed seizures and patients with psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures only have similarly shaped profiles.

[Clinical analysis of the effectiveness and safety of vigabatrin]. / Analiza kliniczna skutecznosci i bezpieczenstwa stosowania wigabatryny.

The efficacy and safety of vigabatrin (VGB) has been extensively evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies but level of effectiveness in different type of seizures has yet to be established. The aim of our study is the prospective evaluation of anticonvulsant efficacy and toxicity of VGB. This long-term observation mainly focusing on efficacy of VGB in partial vs. secondarily generalized seizures were considered separately. In our study the criterion of drug resistance is occurrence per month of at least 1 tonic-clonic seizure or at least 2 complex partial seizures in 3 following months. The studies are based on 73 patients (39 F and 34 M), with average age of 26 years. After two weeks of treatment with sabril the drug was withdrawn in 5 patients because of side effects. The period of observation was 12 months. In group I--from total of 73 patients with partial seizures (including secondarily generalized)--31 (42%) of patients suffered only from partial seizures. Complex partial seizures occurred in 18 of patients; in this group were also 13 patients with simple partial seizures. Group II consisted of 42 patients (58%) who suffered from secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Number of seizures in group of patients with tonic-clonic seizures was from 1 to 16 per month (average 3.4) and in group of patients with complex partial seizures was from 1 to 70 per month (average 13.29). After titration period, Vigabatrin was given in doses of 500 to 3500 mg daily. Mean monthly fit frequency was calculated for over 3 months prior to the addition of vigabatrin and 12 months of therapy at the patient's maximum dose. Monthly fit frequency expressed as mean +/- standard error of the mean, and this statistical significance was determined using MANOVA for repeated measurement. Average monthly fit frequency of partial seizures has been reduced from 13.29 to 6.96 (p < 0.0001) and of generalized seizures from 3.38 to 1.38 (p < 0.0001). The percentage of patients achieving an increase of at least 75%--(Ratio < -0.6)--of seizures was greater in generalized seizures (27.3) than in partial ones (21.3). VGB is effective and well tolerated in refractory patients requiring add-on antiepileptic treatment and it has shown efficacy both in therapy of refractory partial seizures as well of secondarily generalized ones.

Effect of vigabatrin addition on carbamazepine blood serum levels in patients with epilepsy.

Because vigabatrin (VGB) is not metabolized by liver enzymes and does not bind with serum proteins, there is little theoretical chance of it interacting with other antiepileptic drugs. However, our observations have shown that if VGB is added to carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy, some patients respond with adverse, toxic symptoms suggesting possible carbamazepine-vigabatrin interaction. This article presents the results of a study of 66 epileptic patients (27 women and 39 men), age 10-66 years (mean, 28.2 years), with focal seizure onset with or without secondary generalization. In these patients, in addition to CBZ therapy with an average dose of 16.7 mg/kg per day (8.6-26.8), VGB, average dose 31.1 mg/kg per day (7.1-57.9), was added. CBZ concentration was measured twice: prior to VGB introduction and 5-12 weeks after the final dose of VGB was reached. In our study 69.7% of patients responded to VGB addition with a significant increase (by at least 10%) in CBZ concentration. A correlation between the value of the increase and the initial level of CBZ prior to VGB addition was found also. Correlational analysis (Pearson's r) revealed a negative correlation between CBZ concentration and increased concentration after VGB addition (r = -0.47, df = 64, P < 0.001). This negative correlation means that if the initial CBZ level is lower, its concentration value after VGB addition is higher.

[Psychological profile of patients with psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures]. / Psychologiczny profil pacjentów z psychogennymi napadami rzekomopadaczkowymi.

Depending on the accepted definition of the nature of psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures various values of their prevalence are reported in the literature from 5% to over 33% of cases referred to epilepsy treatment centres. According to our knowledge, in Poland these seizures occur in several thousand young individuals (mean age 25 years). The psychological determinants of these psychogenic seizures remain not clear. The purpose of the reported study was a psychological analysis of personality profiles of patients with psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures and epileptic seizures using the results of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test for the assessment of conversion as a possible mechanism of the occurrence of psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures. Using long-term video-EEG monitoring the studied subjects were divided into two groups: group I of 30 subjects (25 women and 5 men) with exclusively psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures, and group II of 27 subjects (23 women and 4 men) with exclusively epileptic seizures. Both groups were subjected to MMPI test. The averaged profiles of these groups differed in the level of hypochondria (Hs--p < or = 0.001) and hysteria (Hy--p < or = 0.005) statistically significantly, and were much higher in patients with psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures than the depression parameter (D) statistically significantly (p < or = 0.001). Patients with epilepsy had the highest values of depression parameter (D), while Hs and Hy were statistically significantly lower (p 0.01). The analysis in subscales additionally confirmed the role of conversion in pseudoepileptic seizures.

[Etiologic and diagnostic factors of psychogenic pseudo-epileptic seizures]. / Czynniki etiologiczne i diagnostyczne psychogennych napadów rzekomopadaczkowych.

The term psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures (or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures-NES) generally refers to episodes of psychological origin that resemble epilepsy but without underlying epilepsy. The diagnosis of pseudo-epileptic seizures is confirmed in 5-33% of patients that are considered to suffer from refractory epilepsies. Making a correct diagnosis in patients presenting with attack disorders is sometimes very difficult. However, the best way to establish differential diagnosis of epileptic and pseudoepileptic seizures is to apply long-term video EEG monitoring. Triggering a seizure by means of placebo administration or suggestion to start or stop seizure can be also a helpful method in differential diagnosis. Over the last decade epileptologist have been paying increasing attention to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales in describing or distinguishing real epileptic seizures vs. non-epileptic attacks. The results of the study may have practical implications for neurological and epilepsy centres, and for improving clinical knowledge and allow to establish aetiological classification of psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures.

Psychological approach of non-epileptic to epileptic patients: the dynamics of attitude changes during hospitalization.

Measures of interpersonal relations of non-epileptic patients to epileptic patients were studied in search of answers to two questions: what is the initial attitude of non-epileptic patients to epileptic patients; and, do any changes in attitude occur during time spent together in hospital? In order to study these personal relations, a formal analysis of preferences was carried out. Twenty-two non-epileptic patients admitted to the Neurology and Epileptology Department, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, Warsaw were studied. Subjects were asked to rank-order (from 1 to 9 points) suggested ways of distributing the profits of a hypothetical joint (e.g., with a room-mate) money-earning venture. The experimental procedure for each patient was repeated for all three room-mates. Preferences were assessed three times - the day after admission to hospital, after 11 days and after 21 days in hospital. Following this procedure, it was possible to trace the dynamics of the patients' interpersonal relations. The data were correlated (Spearman's r(s)) and submitted to analysis of variance (MANOVA) with repeated measures. Analysis of the attitudes of patients with non-epileptic neurological disorders towards epileptic patients revealed a dynamic tendency - from negative (measures one and partly two) to positive attitudes after three weeks spent together in hospital (measure three).

Psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures: clinical and electroencephalogram (EEG) video-tape recordings.

This paper presents a clinical and electrophysiological analysis of type and duration of seizures recorded by means of long-term video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, a method which enables accurate diagnosis of psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures occurring with or without epileptic seizures. Analysis is based on 1083 patients, hospitalized at our department between 1990 and 1997, with a preliminary diagnosis of epilepsy. Psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures were diagnosed in 85 patients (7.8%). In 48 patients, pseudoepileptic seizures alone were diagnosed (group 1), whereas 37 patients had a mixed condition in which pseudoepileptic seizures were accompanied by epileptic seizures (group 2). For comparison of duration of pseudo- and epileptic seizures a control group (group 3), consisting of 55 patients randomly selected from the population of patients suffering from epileptic seizures alone, was parceled out. Long-term video EEG monitoring was performed in 70 patients. In 55 (79%) of these patients 230 seizures (221 pseudoepileptic and nine epileptic) were recorded. In 30 patients (32%), the diagnosis was based on clinical observation of the seizures and on the number of EEG recordings, including activating procedures such as sleep deprivation, photostimulation, hyperventilation and anti-epileptic drug withdrawal. We found that the duration of epileptic seizures was significantly shorter than the duration of psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures. Our study has exposed the difficulties involved in the diagnosis of psychogenic pseudoepileptic seizures and the negligible value of neuroimaging techniques and interictal EEG recordings in the differential diagnosis of epileptic versus nonepileptic seizures. In this study, psychogenic seizures were significantly more frequent in women than in men; patient history analysis did not confirm the hypothesis that sexual abuse may cause psychogenic seizures.

[The effect of anterior lesions to the medial forebrain bundle on the motor activity evoked by a sensory deficit (sensory drive) in rats]. / Vliianie perednikh povrezhdenii medial'noi sviazki konechnogo mozga na dvigatel'nuiu aktivnost', vyzvannuiu sensornym defitsitom (sensornym draivom) u krys.

The orbito-frontal cortex and postcommissural MFB lesions evoked two major effects. The first one consisted in an increased need for light stimulation while the second one concerned changes in anxiety level with different results depending on the lesion location (cortical ot subcortical). The second effect is in agreement with P. Simonov's hypothesis concerning the different configurations of the CNS structures. Upon destruction of the orbito-frontal area, the dominant role in behaviour regulation is taken over by the "emotional part" of the brain, whereas the destruction of the postcommissural MFB (reduction of the amygdalar influence on the hypothalamus) creates conditions for functional prevalence of the "informational brain".

[Hospitalization of patients with central nervous system neoplasms in 1979-1981 and 1986-1988]. / Hospitalizacja z powodu nowotworów ukladu nerwowego w Polsce w latach.

The hospitalizations and hospital deaths due to nervous system tumours were analysed on the basis of statistical cards filled in hospitals in a random sample of 10% of patients hospitalized in all Polish hospitals in the years 1979-1981 and 1986-1988. An evident rise was observed in the frequency of these hospitalizations and a less evident rise in the number of hospital deaths with a decrease of the hospital deaths caused by nervous system tumours. In the analysed time periods the greatest number of hospitalizations was in the age group 40-59 years, and deaths in the age group over 60 years. Hospitalization and hospital deaths indices were higher for urban population and males.

[Hospitalization of patients with cerebrovascular diseases in Poland in 1979-1981 and 1986-88]. / Hospitalizacja z powodu chorób naczyn mózgowych w Polsce w latach 1979-1981 i 1986-1988.

Hospitalization and death indices of patients admitted with cerebrovascular diseases were analysed on the basis of statistical cards filled by hospitals in a sample of 10% in patients in all Polish hospitals in the years 1979-1981 and 1986-1988. In these years a 40% rise was noted of the hospitalization indices and a 22% rise in the death rated caused by these diseases. On the other hand, the hospital death rate decreased from 32.2% to 27.9%. Higher hospitalization indices were found for males and for the urban population. The death rates and intrahospital mortality were higher for women but the standardized death rates, with the exception of oldest age group, were higher for men. A cause for concern is the rise of hospitalization indices for men and women and death rates in men aged 40-59 years which may indicate lowering of the age of threatening stroke.