[Incidence of eating problems and related factors in children aged 1-6 years]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of eating problems and risk factors in children aged 1-6 years, and provide evidence for formulating relevant prevention and control strategies. Methods: From June to December 2019, two community health service centers and two kindergartens were randomly selected in Shunyi district of Beijing by using stratified random cluster sampling method. Self-designed questionnaires were used to collect data on individual information, family information, and the incidence of eating problems and related factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify related factors. Results: A total of 2 391 valid questionnaires were returned, the analysis result indicated that 1 432 children had at least one eating behavior problem, the incidence rate was 59.9%. The most common eating problem was inattention while eating (48.8%), followed by irregular eating position (14.0%), picky eaters (13.0%), excessive eating time (11.2%), excessive snacks intake (9.0%), and soup with rice (4.6%). The mother's education level, family income level, main caregivers and family members' attitudes toward child's eating were related factors for eating behavior problems in children. Mothers with high education level (OR=0.528, 95%CI: 0.431-0.647) and family with high income level (OR=0.656, 95%CI: 0.473- 0.909) were the protective factors for child's poor eating behaviors. Grandparent caring (OR=1.366, 95%CI: 1.151-1.622), coaxing or forcing child to eat (OR=1.581, 95%CI: 1.284-1.947) were the risk factors for child's poor eating behavior. Conclusion: The incidence of eating problems was high in children aged 1-6 years. It is necessary to strengthen the intervention in families with low-income and low-education levels and children raised by grandparents to reduce the incidence of poor eating behaviors in children.

[Current status of depression among workers in a petrochemical enterprise in Liaoning Province, China and related influencing factors]

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for depression among workers in a petrochemical enterprise and the association of occupational stress and occupational environment with depression, and to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of mental health and the prevention and treatment of depression among workers in petrochemical enterprises. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in March 2018, and cluster sampling was used to select 1888 workers from a petrochemical enterprise in Liaoning Province, China for a questionnaire survey. A total of 1888 questionnaires were collected, among which there were 1521 usable questionnaires, with an effective recovery rate of 80.56%. The general status of the workers in this petrochemical enterprise was investigated, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) , Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) , and Perceived Work Environment (PWE) were used to evaluate depression, occupational stress, and occupational environment. Constituent ratio was used to describe the distribution of different demographic features, work conditions, and lifestyles among the workers in this petrochemical enterprise. One-way analysis of variance and the t-test were used to compare the scores of depressive tendency between the workers with different features. Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of occupational stress and occupational environment with depression. Multivariate hierarchical regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for depression. Results: The score of depression tendency was 18.94±9.21 in the workers in this petrochemical enterprise, and the incidence rate of depression symptoms was 59.8% (909/1521) . The workers who were aged <35 years, lived alone or in widowhood, or had an income of ≤4000 yuan tended to have a high score of depression tendency. And ordinary workers, oil-refining workers, workers with night shift and non-fixed shift, and workers with a lack of physical exercise and low sleep quality tended to have a high score of depression tendency (P<0.05) . The dimensions of extrinsic and intrinsic efforts of occupational stress and severity of occupational environment were positively correlated with depression (r=0.254, 0.242, 0.274, P<0.01) . And the dimension of reward was negatively correlated with depression (r=-0.348, P<0.01) . The multivariate hierarchical regression analysis showed that occupational stress and occupational environment had a marked predictive effects on depression, with an explained variance of 18.4% and 12.1%, respectively. Conclusion: There is a high level of depression tendency among workers in petrochemical enterprises, and demographic features, work conditions, lifestyle, occupational stressors, and occupational environment factors are influencing factors for depression.

[Analysis of the HIV antibody screening results among the preoperative examination patients in Beijing Tongren Hospital from 2008 to 2018]

Objective: To understand the HIV antibody screening results among the preoperative examination patients in Beijing Tongren Hospital from 2008 to 2018. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the HIV antibody screening data of thepreoperative examination patients from 2008 to 2018 in Beijing Tongren Hospital was performed with software SPSS19.0. Trend chi-square was used to analyze the positive rate, age, marital status, household registration and so on. Results: Among the 750 013 clinical patients, 428 (0.057%) cases were screened anti-HIV positive and 370(0.049%) cases were confirmed anti-HIV positive when detected with western blotting.Most of the HIV-infectedindividuals were non-Beijing nationality, accounting for 60.27%.Among the 370 HIV-infected patients, there were 334 males (90.27%) and 36 females (9.73%). The age was distributed mainly between 20-40 years old (62.43%), secondly between 40-60 years old (28.65%).361 (97.57%)HIV-infected cases were transmitted by the sex and the MSM men increased from 2008 to 2018 (trend χ²=7.307, P=0.007). There were 22 cases (5.95%) with HBsAg positive, 11 cases (2.97%) with anti-HCV positive. Among the 159 HIV-positive patients (42.97%) companied with syphilis specific antibody positive, there were 64 cases (17.30%) with TRUST tests positive. Additionally, 178 (48.11%) HIV-infected patientsfirst visited doctors because of ocular disease in the hospital; secondly, 71 (19.19%) HIV-infected patientsfirst visited the dermatology. Conclusions: The number of HIV-infected patientsmarkedly increased from 2008 to 2018. The sexual transmission is still the main pathway for HIV infection, particularly homosexual transmission. Moreover, the results indicate that it is necessary to detect HIV antibody for the ocular disease patients.

PINK1 in normal human melanocytes: first identification and its effects on H2 O2 -induced oxidative damage

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress plays an important role in initiating the destruction of melanocytes, which could be one possible mechanism of vitiligo. PINK1 is an outer membrane protein of mitochondria, which protects many cells from oxidative stress through regulating mitochondrial function. However, the role of PINK1 and its effects on oxidative damage in melanocytes have not been elucidated.

AIM

To investigate the expression and effects of PINK1 on oxidative stress in human melanocytes.

METHODS

Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analysis were used to analyse the expression of PINK1 in PIG1 melanocyte and gene downregulation models. Levels of cell viability, cell apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening were measured in PIG1 models transfected with PINK1 small interfering RNA with or without hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ).

RESULTS

We first observed the expression of PINK1 in human PIG1 melanocytes and found that downregulation of PINK1 made melanocytes more sensitive to oxidative stress induced by H₂ O₂ , with more cell apoptosis and increased intracellular ROS. Meanwhile, downregulation of PINK1 caused morphological changes in mitochondria, decreased the MMP and increased MPTP opening.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found PINK1 plays an essential role in protecting human melanocytes from oxidative stress.

Isolation of a Bacillus cereus strain HBL-AI and its application for production of Trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline

A new trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline (trans-Hyp) producing Bacillus cereus HBL-AI, was isolated from the air, which was screened just using l-proline as carbon and energy sources. This strain exhibited 73·4% bioconversion rate from initial l-proline (3 g l^-1 ) to trans-Hyp. By sequencing the genome of this bacterium, 6244 coding sequences were obtained. Genome annotation analysis and functional expression were used to identify the proline-4-hydroxylase (BP4H) in HBL-AI. This enzyme belonged to a family of 2-oxoglutarate-related dioxygenases, which required 2-oxoglutarate and O₂ as co-substrates for the reaction. Homologous modelling indicated that the enzyme had two monomers and contained conserved motifs, which included a distorted 'jelly roll' β strand core and the residues (HXDXnH and RXS). The engineering Escherichia coli 3 Δ W3110/pTrc99a-proba-bp4h was constructed using BP4H, which transformed glucose to trans-Hyp in one step with high concentration of 46·2 g l^-1 . This strategy provides a green and efficient method for synthesis of trans-Hyp and thus has a great potential in industrial application.

MicroRNA-449b-5p promotes the progression of osteoporosis by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via targeting Satb2

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the role of microRNA-449b-5p in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used to detect the expression levels of microRNA-449b-5p and osteogenic markers including RUNX2, OCN during BMSCs differentiation. The microRNA-449b-5p mimic and microRNA-449b-5p inhibitors were transfected into BMSCs to achieve microRNA-449b-5p overexpression and knockdown, then the expressions of osteogenic markers were detected by qRT-PCR. The ALP activity staining and the alizarin red staining were used to detect the activity of ALP and the mineralization ability of cells after overexpression and knockdown of microRNA-449b-5p. Binding sites for microRNA-449b-5p and Satb2 were predicted by TargetScan, the PicTar and microRNAanda programs, and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The relationship between microRNA-449b-5p and Satb2 was analyzed by QRT-PCR and Western blot. The microRNA-449b-5p inhibitor and shSATB2 lentivirus were simultaneously transfected in BMSCs, and the expression levels of RUNX2, OCN and ALP were detected by qRT-PCR and ALP activity assays.

RESULTS

microRNA-449b-5p expression gradually decreased during osteogenic differentiation. Overexpression of microRNA-449b-5p inhibited BMSCs differentiation by down-regulating ALP activity, RUNX2, and OCN expression, while the opposite result was observed after knockdown of microRNA-449b-5p. MicroRNA-449b-5p can bind to the 3'UTR end of Satb2, which was involved in the osteogenic differentiation of microRNA-449b-5p-regulated BMSCs, and silencing of Satb2 can abolish the positive effect of the microRNA-449b-5p inhibitor on osteoblasts differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

microRNA-449b-5p could aggravate osteoporosis by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through targeting Satb2.

MiR-296-5p inhibits cell invasion and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by downregulating STAT3 signaling

OBJECTIVE

Many studies have emphasized the function of microRNA-296 (miR-296) that inhibits tumor formation. To some extent, the role of miR-296 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains misleading. Therefore, the current research was designed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of miR-296 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in ESCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The mRNA expression of miR-296-5p and STAT3 in ESCC tissues or cell lines was measured via quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein level of STAT3 was measured by Western blotting assay. The Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the binding sites between miR-296-5p and STAT3. The transwell assay was employed to identify cell migration and invasion.

RESULTS

Down-regulation of miR-296-5p was detected in ESCC tissues and cell lines (p<0.01). Additionally, miR-296-5p was found to target STAT3 directly. Functionally, up-regulation of miR-296-5p or down-regulation of STAT3 significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in ESCC.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-296-5p inhibited cell invasion and migration in ESCC by downregulating STAT3. The overexpression of miR-296-5p by targeting STAT3 suppressed tumorigenesis of ESCC cells.

Inhibition effect of exosomes-mediated Let-7a on the development and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer by down-regulating the expression of c-Myc

OBJECTIVE

Triple negative breast cancer is typically characterized by high malignancy, easy recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis. However, effective treatment for triple negative breast cancer has not yet been identified. Our research explores the underlying mechanisms of exosomes in transporting Let-7a and regulating c-Myc gene and their roles in the development of triple negative breast cancer, and to provide new ideas for targeted therapy of triple negative breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Based on previous studies that focused on the roles of c-Myc and Let-7a in the development of triple negative breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer cell lines have been constructed by c-Myc knockout and overexpression of Let-7a, respectively, to evaluate the effects of c-Myc, and Let-7a, as well as exosomes transmitting Let-7a on the development of triple negative breast cancer.

RESULTS

Let-7a, which is mediated by exosomes, inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells by binding on the 3'UTR region of the c-Myc gene and silencing of the c-Myc expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed the role of c-Myc, Let-7a, and exosomes in the development of triple negative breast cancer, which lay the theoretical foundation for further usage of exosomes to construct tumor killing vectors and for exploring specific targets for triple negative breast cancer.

Long noncoding RNA LUCAT1 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by upregulating MTA1

OBJECTIVE

Recent researches have revealed the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of tumors. In this study, lncRNA LUCAT1 was explored to identify how it affected the progression of cervical cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect LUCAT1 expression in both cervical cancer cells and tissue samples. Moreover, the associations between LUCAT1 expression level and patients' overall survival rate were explored, respectively. In addition, cell proliferation assay and transwell assay were conducted. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was explored via performing qRT-PCR and Western blot assay.

RESULTS

By comparing with the expression level in corresponding ones, the LUCAT1 expression level in cervical cancer samples was significantly higher. Moreover, expression level of LUCAT1 was negatively correlated with patients' overall survival time. In addition, after LUCAT1 was overexpressed, cell proliferation, cell invasion and migration capacities were promoted in vitro. In addition, the mRNA and protein expressions of MTA1 were upregulated after LUCAT1 was overexpressed. Furthermore, it was found that the expression level of MTA1 was positively related to LUCAT1 expression level in cervical cancer tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that LUCAT1 could enhance proliferation, invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells through upregulating MTA1, which might offer a potential therapeutic choice for patients with cervical cancer.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through regulating lactate signaling cascade in mice

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in lactate signaling cascade and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The left anterior descending of the coronary artery was ligatured for 30 min and then reperfused for 6 h to induce myocardial I/R injury in mice. Heart samples were collected and the levels of lactate, SOD and MDA were measured. Infarct size and myocardium were stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and TUNEL, respectively. In addition, the expression levels of MCT1, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The myocardial infarct size, lactate and MDA levels of the I/R group were significantly increased, whereas the SOD activity was decreased. However, Dex significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size, as well as lactate and MDA levels in contrast to the I/R group. Meanwhile, the SOD activity was remarkably increased. The expression levels of MCT1, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 were significantly increased in the I/R group. In addition, Dex administration further increased the expression of MCT1, whereas decreased the expressions of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 in contrast to the I/R group.

CONCLUSIONS

Dex elevated the expression of mitochondrial MCT1 and inhibited oxidative stress and the activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in mice. This indicated that Dex attenuated myocardial I/R injury by regulating lactate signaling cascade.

Predictive factors of contralateral occult carcinoma in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The surgical approach toward unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been in controversy. One of the concerns is the existence of contralateral occult carcinoma, which could cause relapse and even lead to re-operation if not dealt with. This study aims to find out risk factors related to contralateral occult PTC, in order to facilitate in surgical approach decision for PTC.

METHODS

A total of 921 PTC patients who underwent total/near-total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection (CND) with/without lateral lymph node dissection (LND) from January 2014 to Sept 2017 in Guangdong General Hospital were assessed retrospectively. The relations between contralateral occult PTC and clinicopathologic characteristics of PTC were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The incidence of contralateral occult carcinoma in patients with PTC was 16.7% (154 of 921 cases). Univariate analysis showed that multifocality of the primary carcinoma (P=0.000), lymph node metastasis (P=0.001), pathologic tumor size (P=0.014) and contralateral benign nodule (P=0.000) were significantly associated with the increased incidence of contralateral occult PTC. No significant correlations were found between contralateral carcinoma and other variables such as gender (P=0.338), age (P=0.283), BRAF mutation (P=0.187) or extrathyroidal extension (P=0.423). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that contralateral benign nodule (P=0.000), multifocality (P=0.000) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.009) were independent predictors of bilateral PTC of patients whose pre-operation ultrasound (US) show a unilateral carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymph node metastasis, contralateral benign nodule and multifocality are independent predictors of contralateral occult PTC. For unilateral PTC patients with one or more of these factors, total/near-total thyroidectomy should be considered when making surgical approach decisions.

Microbial Distribution and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Patients From Pediatric Ward, Adult Respiratory Ward, and Respiratory Intensive Care Unit

Introduction

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) account for significant morbidity and mortality in patients admitted to hospitals worldwide, especially in children and elderly. The prevalent microorganisms and antibiotic susceptibility were investigated among LRTI patients from the pediatric ward, adult respiratory ward, and respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) in order to achieve more efficient treatment protocols and better recovery.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study (January 2016 to December 2019), 4,161 positive culture samples out of 18,798 different specimens (9,645 respiratory tract samples and 9,153 blood samples) from LRTI patients were analyzed for pathogen incidence and antibiotic sensitivity.

Results

Among the respiratory tract cultures, the frequency of Gram-negative bacterial strains was higher than Gram-positive bacterial strains. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the dominant pathogen in both the adult respiratory ward (n = 156, 21.49%) and RICU (n = 975, 35.67%), whereas Staphylococcus aureus (n = 66, 19.19%) was the most common bacterium in the pediatric ward. Among the blood cultures, Gram-positive bacteria remained the major microorganisms involved in LRTIs, and the most frequent pathogen was Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 59, 47.20%) in the pediatric ward and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 10, 21.8%) in adult respiratory ward. However, Gram-negative bacteria were the main pathogens in the RICU, of which Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 51, 27.57%) is the most prevalent. Pseudomonas aeruginosa of LRTI patients remained highly susceptible (>70%) to routine antibiotics in pediatric ward. However, it only had high susceptibility to amikacin, tobramycin, gentamicin in both the adult respiratory ward and RICU and its antibiotic sensitivity to meropenem and imipenem was moderate in the adult respiratory ward and mild (<30%) in the RICU. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from LRTI patients was highly susceptible to linezolid, daptomycin, teicoplanin, vancomycin, tigecycline, rifampicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in all three wards, moderately susceptible to gentamicin in both the adult respiratory ward and RICU and to clindamycin, oxacillin, moxifloxacin only in the adult respiratory ward.

Conclusions

Microbial distribution and their patterns of antibiotic susceptibility revealed a high divergence among LRTI patients admitted to different wards in this hospital. Thus, different antibiotic therapies should be considered for distinct age groups.

[Clinical features of intracranial vessel involvement in Takayasu's arteritis]

Objective: To analyze clinical characteristics of intracranial vessel involvement in Takayasu's arteritis (TA). Methods: Retrospectively analyzed 135 hospitalized TA patients' clinical data in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from November 2012 to November 2018. Based on intracranial artery (IA) complicated or not, TA patients were divided into two groups:32 patients within involvement and 103 patients without involvement. The difference in comparison of imaging types, basic data and laboratory test were analyzed. Results: The proportion of TA patients with intracranial vascular involvement was 23.7% (32/135) and the most common site was internal carotid artery (intracranial segment) (59.4%, 19/32). The incidences of hypertension and coronary heart disease were significantly higher in TA patients with intracranial vascular involvement compared with the patients without intracranial involvement (46.9% vs 26.2%, 21.9% vs 6.8%, χ(2)=4.863, 4.460, all P<0.05). The rate of tocilizumab treatment in the intracranial vascular involved group was higher than that in the group without intracranial vascular involvement (40.6% vs 19.4%, χ(2)=5.945, P<0.05). The platelet count in patients with intracranial involvement group was significantly lower than that in patients without intracranial involvement group [(218±55)×10(9)/L vs (272±71)×10(9)/L, t=-3.570, P<0.01], while the hemoglobin [(130±17) vs (121±18) g/L, t=2.363, P<0.05] and triglyceride [1.22(0.75, 1.64) vs 0.92(0.63, 1.21) mmol/L, U=1 017.000, P<0.01] were significantly higher than those without intracranial vascular involvement. Moreover, coronary artery involvement presented more frequently in the intracranial vascular involved group than the group without intracranial vascular involvement (43.8% vs 14.6%, χ(2)=12.331, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of intracranial vascular disease in TA patients with coronary artery involvement was 4 times higher than that in patients without coronary artery lesions (OR=3.965, 95%CI:1.584-9.926, P=0.003). Conclusion: The proportion of intracranial vascular involvement in TA is not rare, TA patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be considered to strengthen imaging examination of intracranial vessels.

[Comparative study on three implantation approaches of the totally implantable venous access ports using dual-guided technique]

Objective: To compare the clinical application effect of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP) via the internal jugular vein,the subclavian vein and the brachiocephalic veins under the guidance of ultrasound combined with DSA. Methods: The clinical materials of 346 patients (162 males and 184 females) who implanted TIVAP in intervention Department of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital between August 2018 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and the average age was (57±12) years (17 to 83 years). The patients were divided into three groups according to the different implantation approaches. One hundred and twenty-six patients (67 males and 59 females) were group A who implanted from the internal jugular vein and the average age was (52±11) years,114 patients (52 males and 62 females) were group B who implanted from the subclavian vein and the average age was (58±10) years,106 patients (43 males and 63 females) were group C who implanted from the brachiocephalic vein and the average age was (60±9) years.The first-puncture success rate,operating time,implanting length,intraoperative pain score, one month comfort rating after surgery, unscheduled decannulation rates, early and late complication rates were compared among three groups. Results: All the patients implanted the TIVAP successfully.There were no significant differences about the first-puncture success rate (χ(2)=1.375,P=0.503),operating time (F=0.968, P=0.624), unscheduled decannulation rates (χ(2)=1.570, P=0.456), and the total pipe length among the three groups (F=0.821, P=0.441),while the catheter length inside the blood vessel were the shortest in group C (F= 263.618, P=0.000), and the one month comfort rating after surgery of group C were higher compared with group A and B (F=52.248,P=0.000).Pitch-off syndrome was a unique complication of group B (χ(2)=6.159,P=0.046) and other complications were no significant differences (P>0.05). Conclusion: There are high accuracy and safety among three implantation approaches,and the approach via brachiocephalic vein under the guidance of ultrasound combined with DSA is more comfortable and lower complication rates, which could be priority to choose.

Electrophysiological properties and seizure networks in hypothalamic hamartoma

Objective

Little is known about the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) in vivo and seizure network since only few cases using stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes exploring both cortex and HH have been published. To elucidate these issues, we analyzed simultaneous SEEG recordings in HH and cortex systematically.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated data from 15 consecutive patients with SEEG electrodes into the HH for the treatment purpose of radiofrequency thermocoagulation treatment. Additional SEEG electrodes were placed into the cortex in 11 patients to assess extra‐HH involvement. Interictal discharges within the HH and anatomo‐electroclinical correlations during seizures of each patient were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed.

Results

Overall, 77 electrodes with 719 contacts were implanted, and 33 spontaneous seizures were recorded during long‐term SEEG monitoring. Interictally, distinct electrophysiological patterns, including isolated intermittent spikes/sharp waves, burst spike and wave trains, paroxysmal fast discharges, periodic discharges, and high‐frequency oscillations, were identified within the HH. Notably, synchronized or independent interictal discharges in the cortex were observed. Regarding the ictal discharges, the electrical onset pattern within the HH always started with abrupt giant shifts superimposed on low‐voltage fast activity across patients. The gelastic seizure network mainly involved the HH, orbitofrontal areas, and cingulate gyrus. Seizures with automatisms and impaired awareness primarily propagated to mesial temporal lobes. Moreover, independent ictal discharges arising from the mesial temporal lobe were detected in three out of nine patients.

Interpretation

This study comprehensively reveals intrinsic electrophysiological patterns and epileptogenic networks in vivo, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying cortical and subcortical epileptogenesis.

Drug-abusing offenders with co-morbid mental disorders:gender differences in problem severity, treatment participation, and recidivism

Introduction

Individuals with co-occurring disorders have higher levels of psychological distress and poorer psychosocial functioning, as compared with individuals with substance dependence only. Studies identified substance abuse as a risk factor, which increases the likelihood that an individual with mental disorders may become violent.

Objectives

To examine the gender differences in drug-related problems and predictors of recidivism among a sample of 1,444 offenders with co-morbid drug abuse and mental disorders participating in California's Proposition 36.

Methods

Characteristics and problem severity in multiple key life areas were assessed at intake using Addiction Severity Index, and drug treatment participation, mental health diagnoses and arrests were based on official records.

Results

Women demonstrated greater problem severity than men in family relationships, health, psychological health, and sexual and physical abuse history. Men on the other hand had greater criminal history, high rates of attention disorder, and psychotic disorder. Logistic regression analyses showing that for the combined sample, male, young age, cocaine use (relative to methamphetamine), drug abuse severity, methadone treatment, arrest history and fewer prior treatment history were associated with higher recidivism at 12-month follow-up; lower education, cocaine use, and arrest history were related to women's recidivism, while young age, outpatient treatment, and arrest history were predictors of men's recidivism.

Conclusions

Although the specific type of mental disorder did not seem to be predictive of recidivism, the high rates of mental health disorder and arrest of this population is problematic. Intervention strategies taking into consideration gender-specific problems and needs can improve outcomes for both.