Biomedical subjects

Y Shen

Publications and source records attributed to Y Shen.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Glucose-induced transmigration of monocytes is linked to phosphorylation of PECAM-1 in cultured endothelial cells.

The adherence of circulating monocytes to the endothelium, their migration into the subendothelium, and the subsequent formation of foam cells are initial events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the effect of hyperglycemia on the transendothelial migration of monocytes is not known. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in a Transwell chamber to 25 mM D-glucose (a concentration representing a hyperglycemic state) for 2 h resulted in a twofold increase in the migration of vitamin D3-differentiated monocyte-like HL-60 cells. The migration was inhibited by addition of either an antibody to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) or a protein kinase C inhibitor, GF-109203X. In HUVEC, high concentrations of D-glucose (25 mM), but not of other sugars such as L-glucose, 2-deoxyglucose, D-galactose, or D-mannitol, caused a sevenfold increase in the phosphorylation of PECAM-1 as a result of activation of protein kinase C. The 25 mM D-glucose-induced PECAM-1 phosphorylation and transmigration of monocyte-like HL-60 cells were further increased by treatment of HUVEC with the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. These results suggest that direct phosphorylation of PECAM-1 in response to elevated glucose promotes transendothelial migration of monocytes, contributing to accelerated atherogenesis in diabetics.

Cell Movement↗

PubMed1996

Cigarette smoke condensate-induced adhesion molecule expression and transendothelial migration of monocytes.

Cigarette smoking is clearly linked with increased incidence of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The adherence of blood monocytes to the endothelium, followed by their migration beneath the endothelium, are initiating events in the formation of foam cells, promoting atherogenesis. We show that cigarette smoke condensate (CSC)-induced surface expression of a subset of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) [intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)] in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) is associated with an increase in the binding activity of nuclear transcription factor NF-kappa B to the consensus motif common to the CAM genes. Furthermore, CSC (25 microgram/ml) both increases the rate of transendothelial migration of vitamin D3-differentiated monocyte-like cells across the HUVEC monolayer by 200% and causes an approximately 10-fold increases in the phosphorylation of platelet endothelial CAM (PECAM-1), an adhesion molecule located at intercellular junctions and involved in endothelial cell-cell adhesion. Our results show that CSC-induced activation of protein kinase C in endothelial cells initiates a signaling pathways, leading to heightened binding of NF-kappa B to specific DNA sequences, which in turn increases surface expression of the subset of CAMs. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate a link between the phosphorylation of PECAM-1 and the migration of blood monocytes across vascular endothelium.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Hypoxia induces PECAM-1 phosphorylation and transendothelial migration of monocytes.

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) adhere to the vascular endothelium under hypoxic conditions, causing microvascular injury. The molecular mechanism of hypoxia-induced adhesion of PMN to and diapedesis through the vascular endothelium is poorly understood. We examined the effects of hypoxia on the transendothelial migration of monocytes. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in Transwell chambers under low oxygen tension (3% O2 compared with 21% O2) resulted in an increased rate of migration of both monocyte-like HL-60 cells and human peripheral blood monocytes. Migration was inhibited by addition of an antibody to platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, or a platelet-activating factor (PAF)-receptor antagonist. In HUVEC, hypoxic conditions (1, 3, 5, and 14% O2) increased the phosphorylation of PECAM-1. The extent of phosphorylation of PECAM-1 was inversely related to the concentration of oxygen to which HUVEC were exposed. Hypoxia-induced phosphorylation of PECAM-1 was inhibited by either a PKC inhibitor or a PAF-receptor antagonist, indicating the involvement of hypoxia-induced release of PAF in both PKC activation and the concomitant phosphorylation of PECAM-1. These results were substantiated by the findings that treatment of HUVEC with 100 nM PAF under normoxic conditions augmented 11.8-fold the phosphorylation of PECAM-1 and twofold increase in the transendothelial migration of monocyte-like HL-60 cells. We conclude that PAF, produced by cultured endothelial cells in response to hypoxia, acts in an autocrine fashion to activate PKC, causing PECAM-1 phosphorylation and thus the transendothelial migration of monocytes.

Cell Movement↗

PubMed1996

Benzene metabolites enhance reactive oxygen species generation in HL60 human leukemia cells.

Benzene is myelotoxic and leukemogenic in humans. The mechanisms leading to these effects, however have not been fully elucidated. One of the underlying mechanisms is believed to be the oxidative damage caused by its metabolites. A comparative study was undertaken to examine the relationships between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation and subsequent cytotoxicity induced by five major benzene metabolites. The generation of ROS by benzene metabolites was demonstrated by the significant and dose-dependent increase of intracellular ROS formation in HL60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells in vitro. 1,4-Benzoquinone (BQ) was found to be the most potent metabolite in induction of ROS formation, followed by 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BT) and to a lesser extent, phenol (PH) and trans, trans-muconaldehyde (MD). No significant effect was observed when the cells were treated with trans, trans-muconic acid (MA). The enhancement of ROS production by BQ was effectively inhibited by the addition of catalase, deferoxamine (DFO) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), but unchanged by superoxide dismutase (SOD), suggest that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals (OH) are the two major forms of ROS involved. The results also demonstrate that the ability of benzene metabolites in enhancing ROS generation is closely correlated to their capacity in causing lipid peroxidation and subsequent cytotoxicity. These findings together with earlier parallel observations on DNA damage suggest that ROS play an important role in the mechanism of carcinogenesis induced by benzene metabolites.

Aldehydes↗

PubMed1996

DNA strand breaks and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activation induced by crystalline nickel subsulfide in MRC-5 lung fibroblast cells.

Nickel compounds are potent carcinogens. Their carcinogenicity is believed to be associated with their solubility and cellular uptake. In the present study, we assessed the in vitro genotoxic effect of a water-insoluble nickel compound, crystalline nickel subsulfide (alpha-Ni3S2) on human embryo lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5 cells). DNA strand breaks was evaluated using single cell gel electrophoresis, or comet assay. The alpha-Ni3S2 induction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PADPRP), a nuclear enzyme associated with DNA damage and repair was also studied. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used as a reference compound. A dose-response relationship was found between alpha-Ni2S2 concentrations (2.5 micrograms/cm2 to 20 micrograms/cm2) and the comet tail length. The increase of PADPRP activity of alpha-Ni2S2 treated MRC-5 cells was also significant and dose-dependent within the concentration range of 2.5 micrograms/ cm2 to 10 micrograms/cm2. Close associations have been found between the comet length and PADPRP level for H2O2 (r = 0.98) and alpha-Ni3S2 (r = 0.97). These results clearly suggest that alpha-Ni3S2 is a potent agent in inducing DNA strand breaks, which may be closely related to its carcinogenic effects. Data from the present study also suggest that both comet assay and PADPRP determination are sensitive techniques for quantitative evaluation of DNA damage induced by nickel compounds.

Carcinogens↗

PubMed1996

Artificial neural network to assist psychiatric diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Artificial Neural Network (ANN), as a potential powerful classifier, was explored to assist psychiatric diagnosis of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). METHOD: Both Back-Propagation (BP) and Kohonen networks were developed to fit psychiatric diagnosis and programmed (using 60 cases) to classify neurosis, schizophrenia and normal people. The programmed networks were cross-tested using another 222 cases. All subjects were randomly selected from two mental hospitals in Beijing. RESULTS: Compared to ICD-10 diagnosis by psychiatrists, the overall kappa of BP network was 0.94 and that of Kohonen was 0.88 (both P < 0.01). In classifying patients who were difficult to diagnose, the kappa of BP was 0.69 (P < 0.01). ANN-assisted CIDI was compared with expert system assisted CIDI (kappa = 0.72-0.76); ANN was more powerful than a traditional expert system. CONCLUSION: ANN might be used to improve psychiatric diagnosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Absence of the previously reported G protein oncogene (gip2) in ovarian granulosa cell tumors.

The molecular pathogenesis of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary is not understood, although recent studies have shown that authentic inhibin secretion by these tumors may be used as a tumor marker. G proteins are heterotrimeric membrane-based polypeptides that mediate signal transduction. Activating mutations of the alpha-subunit have been reported in several tumors in which the resulting constitutively activated signal transduction pathway may be involved in tumorigenesis. Activating mutations of the G protein, G alpha I-2, have been reported to be present in 30% of ovarian sex cord tumors and in adrenocortical tumors; this activated G alpha I-2 has been designated the gip2 oncogene. We sought to explore the frequency of this oncogene in granulosa cell tumors, the most common of the sex cord tumors. Genomic DNA was obtained from either fresh-frozen tumor tissue or paraffin-embedded sections. Using both allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization and direct sequencing of a PCR-amplified region of the G alpha I-2 gene, we were unable to confirm the presence of the previously reported mutation in any of the 13 tumors examined. The gip2 oncogene does not appear to be present at high frequency in ovarian granulosa cell tumors.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Interaction of dietary calcium and supplemental fat on digestive function and growth performance in feedlot steers.

Four Holstein steers (261 +/- 2 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate the interaction of dietary Ca (.45 vs. 90%) and supplemental fat (0 vs 5% yellow grease) on characteristics of digestion. There were no treatment interactions (P > .10). Supplemental Ca did not influence (P > .10) digestibility of OM, NDF, starch, N, and fatty acids. Supplemental fat decreased ruminal (21%, P < .05) and total tract (3%, P < .01) digestibility of OM and ruminal (25%, P < .10) and total tract (20%, P < .01) digestibility of NDF. Supplemental fat increased (P < .10) ruminal microbial efficiency. Ruminal free Ca was not affected (P > .10) by Ca intake but was closely associated with ruminal pH and fatty acid intake (R2 = .84). Apparent ruminal Ca absorption was generally negative, being increased (P < .05) by Ca supplementation and decreased (P < .10) by fat supplementation. Postruminal (P < .05) and total tract (P < .01) apparent Ca absorption was increased by Ca supplementation. Supplemental fat did not influence (P > .10) postruminal or total tract Ca absorption. One hundred forty-four medium-frame crossbred steers were used to evaluate treatment effects on feedlot growth performance. There were no treatment interactions (P > .10). Increasing dietary Ca did not influence (P > .10) steer performance. Supplemental fat decreased (P < .01) DMI and increased NE value of the diet (P < .01). It is concluded that increasing dietary Ca from .45 to .9% in high-grain finishing diets will not affect the feeding value of supplemental fat and that high levels (5%) of supplemental fat will not have a detrimental effect on Ca absorption.

Absorption↗

PubMed1996

Protein and energy value of dehydrated poultry excreta in diets for feedlot cattle.

Four Holstein steers (222 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a crossover design experiment to evaluate the energy and protein value of dehydrated poultry excreta (DPE). Dietary treatments contained (DM basis) 4% alfalfa hay, 8% sudangrass hay, 49% flaked barley, 8% cane molasses, 3% yellow grease, .8% urea, 1.4% limestone, .3% mineral salt, and .4% chromic oxide, plus 25% of either tapioca pellets or DPE. The DPE contained 42% ash and 27% CP (6% true protein). Substituting DPE for tapioca decreased the DE value of the diet (P < .01). The estimated DE value of the DPE was 1.36 Mcal/kg (.34 Mcal NEm/ kg). There were no treatment effects (P > .10) on microbial N flow to the small intestine or ruminal microbial efficiency (grams of microbial N/kilogram of OM fermented). The addition of DPE increased (P < .05) the flow of non-ammonia and feed N to the small intestine. The estimated ruminal escape N value of DPE was 22%, although very little of this was true protein. Dehydrated poultry excreta did not increase (P > .10) flow of alpha-amino N to the small intestine. Ruminal degradability of uric acid was 96%. Total tract true digestibility of N in DPE was 84%. It is concluded that the NE value of DPE is markedly overestimated in current tables of feeding standards. Less than 10% of the N in DPE escapes the rumen as true protein N.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1996

Comparative feeding value of hulless vs covered barley for feedlot cattle.

One hundred twenty medium-frame crossbred steers (364 kg) were used in a 106-d feedlot trial to compare the feeding value of Condor, a hulless barley (HB), with Leduc, a conventional covered barley (CB). Dietary treatments consisted of a finishing diet containing 77% grain (DM basis) as 1) steam-flaked corn (SFC); 2) dry-rolled HB (DRB-H); 3) steam-flaked HB (SFB-H); 4) dry-rolled CB (DRB-C); and 5) steam-flaked CB (SFB-C). Feed intake was lower (8.6%, P < .01) for HB than for CB. Diet NE was greater for HB than for CB (P < .01) and for SFB than for DRB (P < .01). Incidence of liver abscess was greater for DRB than for SFB (239%, P < .05) and for HB than for CB (167%, P < .10). Diet NE were greater (P < .10) for SFC than for barley treatments. Treatment effects on characteristics of digestion were evaluated using five Holstein steers (202 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum. There were barley variety x grain processing interactions on ruminal digestion of OM (P < .10), ADF (P < .05), and starch (P < .05). Ruminal OM digestion increased (9.0%) with steam flaking HB and decreased slightly (1.9%) with steam flaking CB. Ruminal digestion of starch was enhanced more dramatically (21.5 vs 8.4%, respectively) with steam flaking HB than with CB. Steam flaking decreased ruminal ADF digestion of HB only slightly (6.2%), whereas with CB the decrease was more dramatic (54.3%). Ruminal degradable N was greater (P < .10) for CB than for HB and for DRB than for SFB (19.8%, P < .05). Estimates of ruminal degradable N in DRB-H, SFB-H, DRB-C, and SFB-C were 69.7, 53.9, 78.5, and 65.0%, respectively. Postruminal digestion of OM (P < .01), starch (P < .05), and N (P < .10) were greater for HB than for CB. Steam flaking barley increased (P < .01) postruminal N digestibility. Total tract digestibility of OM (P < .01), ADF (P < .05), starch (P < .01), and energy (P < .01) were greater for HB than for CB. Digestibility of ADF in barley hulls was only 6.4%. Steam flaking increased (P < .01) total tract digestibility of starch. Ruminal digestibility of OM and feed N was lower (P < .01) for SFC than for barley diets. Ruminal pH was lower (P < .10) for HB than for CB and for SFB than for DRB (P < .01). Ruminal propionate was higher (24.1%, P < .01), and methane was lower (17.9%, P < .01) for HB than for CB.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1996

Influence of dietary magnesium level on metabolic and growth-performance responses of feedlot cattle to laidlomycin propionate.

A metabolism trial and a growth-performance trial were conducted to evaluate the interaction of dietary magnesium level (.18 vs .32%) and laidlomycin propionate (LP) (0 vs 11 ppm, airdry basis) on utilization of a high-energy finishing diet by feedlot steers. There were no treatment effects (P > .10) on ruminal and total tract digestion of OM and ADF. However, there was an interaction (P < .05) between magnesium level and LP on ruminal starch digestion. With LP, magnesium level had no effect on ruminal starch digestion. Without LP, increasing dietary magnesium decreased ruminal starch digestion. Laidlomycin propionate decreased (P < .10) ruminal degradation of feed N (13.9%) and microbial efficiency (8.9%) and increased (P < .10) total tract N digestibility. There were no treatment interactions (P > .10) on site and extent of magnesium digestion. Magnesium absorption decreased with increased dietary magnesium (11.6%, P < .05) and LP (16.9%, P < .01). There was an interaction (P < .10) of treatments on postabomasal calcium absorption. With the low magnesium level LP increased calcium absorption, whereas with the higher magnesium level LP decreased calcium absorption. There was an interaction between magnesium level and LP on ruminal pH at .5 h (P < .05) and 8 h (P < .10) after feeding. In general, ruminal pH increased with LP supplementation at the lower magnesium level and decreased with LP supplementation at the higher magnesium level. There were interactions (P < .05) between magnesium level and LP on ruminal VFA molar proportions and estimated methane production. At the lower magnesium level, the effects of LP on VFA molar proportions were small. At the higher magnesium level, however, LP decreased (13.2%) molar proportions of acetate and increased (26.5%) molar proportions of propionate. There was an interaction (P < .05) between magnesium level and LP on feed intake. At the lower magnesium level, LP increased (3.9%) feed intake; at the higher magnesium level LP decreased (4.4%) intake. Increasing dietary magnesium enhanced ADG (6%, P < .10). Both magnesium and LP enhanced (2.8%, P < .10) diet NE, and this effect was strictly additive. There were no effects (P > .10) of magnesium level or LP on plasma magnesium concentrations. Plasma calcium concentrations were decreased by supplemental magnesium (15.2%, P < .05) and increased by LP (16.0%, P < .01). We conclude that dietary magnesium levels modulate the metabolic and performance responses of feedlot steers to supplemental LP.

Absorption↗

PubMed1996

Linkage disequilibrium mapping places the gene causing familial Mediterranean fever close to D16S246.

This report presents refined genetic mapping data for the gene causing familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a recessively inherited disorder of inflammation. We sampled 65 Jewish, Armenian, and Arab families and typed them for eight markers from chromosome 16p. Using a new algorithm that permits multipoint calculations for a dense map of markers in consanguineous families, we obtained a maximal LOD score of 49.2 at a location 1.6 cM centromeric to D16S246. A specific haplotype at D16S283-D16S94-D16S246 was found in 76% of Moroccan and 32% of non-Moroccan Jewish carrier chromosomes, but this haplotype was not overrepresented in Armenian or Arab FMF carriers. Moreover, the 2.5-kb allele at D16S246 was significantly associated with FMF in Moroccan and non-Moroccan Jews but not in Armenians or Arabs. Since the Moroccan Jewish community represents a relatively recently established and genetically isolated founder population, we analyzed the Moroccan linkage-disequilibrium data by using Luria-Delbrück formulas and simulations based on a Poisson branching process. These methods place the FMF susceptibility gene within 0.305 cM of D16S246 (2-LOD-unit range 0.02-0.64 cM).

Algorithms↗

PubMed1996

The effects of verapamil and lidocaine on the duration of propofol and xylazine-ketamine anesthesia in broiler chickens.

The effects of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, and lidocaine, a sodium channel blocker, administration on the duration of 1 mg propofol/kg i.v. or 5 mg xylazine/kg + 15 mg ketamine/kg i.m. anesthesia were examined in 1 and 6-w-old broiler chickens. The use of 2.5 or 1.25 mg verapamil/kg i.m. or 5 mg lidocaine/kg im prolonged the sleep time induced by the anesthetic agents. Administration of 5 mg verapamil/kg i.m. caused unexpected acute toxicity and mortality. This study suggests that propofol and xylazine + ketamine anesthesia in broilers may be modulated by calcium and sodium channels.

Aging↗

PubMed1996

[Application of laparoscopic technique in gastrointestinal surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of gastrointestinal procedures guided by laparoscopy in 42 patients aged from 18 to 86 years. METHODS: We performed 10 Billroth II gastrectomies, 10 resections of gastric benign tumor, 11 repairs of duodenal perforation, 2 highly selective vagotomies, 5 resections of small bowel, 3 adhesiolyses of small bowel and 1 ileocolectomy. The operations were performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation and through four portals (10mm). The omentum and mesentery were mobilized with an electrocautery and vessels controlled with either Endoclip or ELC. The reconstructions of the digestive tract were performed entirely intraabdominally with ELC. RESULTS: Except one patient receiving Billroth II gastrectomy complicated with postoperative bleeding had to be reoperated, the remaining 41 patients were successfully treated. All the 41 patients could walk and take fluids on the second postoperative day. The average length of hospitalization after operation was 7.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures for selected cases can be carried out safely and effectively with decreased postoperative pain and rapid recovery. It may change the surgical management of some benign gastrointestinal diseases.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Research into analgesia by inhaling analgesic.

This article deals with analgesia by inhaling analgesic. According to Chinese medical theories, TCM analgesics were chosen from the literature and folk prescriptions screened and proved by analgesic tests on animals. A reasonable prescription was made up and the drug inhaled. Its analgesic effect was superior to that of dolantin injection (3 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal injection). Clinical trials showed its analgesic effect in 3-10 minutes and it lasted for more than 2 hours in over 70% of the cases for a total effective rate of 94.6%. The drug is absorbed quickly and acts directly on the nerve center. Its use is not addictive.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1996

[Incidence of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in children of Shanghai, China].

A retrospective study on incidence of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children aged 1-14 was conducted in urban districts of Shanghai in 1989-1993. There were 1,401,664 children aged 0-14 in the urban area of Shanghai in 1990. 58 cases of IDDM, 28 boys and 30 girls, were traced from hospitals, primary and high schools, kindergartens and nurseries in the city during 1989 to 1993 with a "capture-recapture" method in line with DIAMOND protocol sponsored by WHO with independent validation of complete case ascertainment, with an average crude incidence of 0.83/100,000 (95% CI of 0.61/100,000-10.4/100,000), and a corrected incidence of 0.96/100,000 (95% CI of 0.71/100,000-1.18/100,000). Peak incidence of IDDM was in 1992 and at age of nine. Age of onset in boys (a median of 8.0 years) was earlier than that in girls (9.7 years). Incidence of IDDM was increasing in Shanghai as compared with the studies in 1980-1991, but it still is placed in the lowest throughout the world.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Evaluation of short-chain fatty acid enemas: treatment of radiation proctitis.

BACKGROUND: Radiation proctitis is a common complication of abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy; unfortunately, there is no established effective therapy for radiation proctitis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) have been effectively used to treat a variety of colitides. We sought to determine whether SCFA enemas have a role in the treatment of radiation proctitis. METHODS: Seven patients completed an open-labeled, pilot study to evaluate the effect of SCFA on clinical, endoscopic, and pathological parameters of radiation proctitis. RESULTS: Four weeks of treatment with SCFA enemas resulted in clinical improvement in all patients. There were modest, but not significant, changes in endoscopic and pathological parameters. CONCLUSION: SCFA are a promising therapeutic option in radiation proctitis.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Acute bacterial meningitis in children in Hefei, China 1990-1992.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain etiologic and epidemiologic information about bacterial meningitis, especially the H influenza type B (Hib), from a medium-sized city, Hefei, China. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively over 3 years, from 1990 to 1992 by a well-organized group including 13 hospitals. All children with a clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis were enrolled and the specimens were taken for the etiologic studies. CSF and blood were tested by standard bacteriologic technique. CSF, blood and concentrated urine were tested directly for detection of antigen by countercurrent immuno-electrophoresis (CIE). Data were analyzed by epidemiologic methods. RESULTS: Bacterial culture and CSF Gram's staining were positive only in 13.3% and 11.7%, respectively. Bacterial antigen detection was positive in up to 90% by CIE which was more sensitive than bacterial culture (chi 2 = 67.7, P < 0.005). The annual incidence of acute bacterial meningitis in the city is calculated as 9.3 cases/100,000 children from 1 month to 15 years of age and 19.2 cases/100,000 children from 1 month to 5 years of age. Hib meningitis accounted for 51.7%, N. meningitis (Nm) for 38.3%, and S. pneumoniae (Sp) for 8.3%. There was no significant seasonal variation. Of the patients, 76.7% were children under 5 years of age, and 51.7% under 1 year of age. The case fatality rate was 11.7% for all bacterial meningitis, 9.7% for Hib, 17.4% for Nm and 20% for Sp. A total of 22.6% of survivors suffered from neurological or psychological problems. CONCLUSIONS: Using antigen detection combined with bacterial culture, we could make an etiologic diagnosis in up to 90% of the patients in this group. Hib, Nm and Sp were the predominant pathogens, which was similar to the findings in other countries. Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis, but the incidence was much lower than in most parts of the world.

Child↗