bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of neuropsin in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Terayama Ryuji , Bando Yoshio , Yamada Masahiro , Yoshida Shigetaka 
Published: May 2005

AbstractInflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage of the central nervous system (CNS) are major pathological features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Proteolytic digestion of the blood‐brain barrier and myelin protein by serine proteases is known to contribute to the development and progression of MS. Neuropsin, a serine protease, has a role in neuronal plasticity, and its expression has been shown to be upregulated in response to injury to the CNS. To determine the possible involvement of neuropsin in demyelinating diseases of the CNS, we examined its expression in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a recognized animal model for MS. Neuropsin mRNA expression was induced in the spinal cord white matter of mice with EAE. Combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that most of the cells expressing neuropsin mRNA showed immunoreactivity for CNPase, a cell‐specific marker for oligodendrocytes. Mice lacking neuropsin (neuropsin−/−) exhibited an altered EAE progression characterized by delayed onset and progression of clinical symptoms as compared to wild‐type mice. Neuropsin−/− mice also showed attenuated demyelination and delayed oligodendroglial death early during the course of EAE. These observations suggest that neuropsin is involved in the pathogenesis of EAE mediated by demyelination and oligodendroglial death. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of P2X receptors on rat microglial cells during early development
Authors: Xiang Zhenghua , Burnstock Geoffrey 
Published: May 2005

AbstractWe have used single‐ and double‐labeling immunfluorescence and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) methods to examine expression of P2X receptor subtypes on microglial cells of brain in late embryonic and postnatal rat, in the N9 microglial cell line and primary cultured microglial cells. P2X1, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors were shown on microglial cells from late embryonic day 16. Almost all the microglial cells that were positive for the marker ED1, expressed P2X1 and P2X4 receptors, whereas only about 30% of the cells with ED1‐immunoreactivity were found to express the P2X7 receptor. Positive cells were localized mainly in the white matter and around ventricles. From postnatal day 7, many microglial cells with P2X4 receptor‐immunoreactivity were seen around the blood vessels. At postnatal day 30, microglial cells with P2X1 receptor‐immunoreactivity disappeared and the cells with P2X4 receptor‐immunoreactivity were mainly localized around blood vessels and lining the subarachnoid space. From postnatal day 30, the microglial cells with P2X7 receptor‐immunoreactivity were found to be distributed widely in the forebrain. Cells with P2X7 receptor‐immunoreactivity from P30 were not labeled by ED1, but some were labeled by isolectin B4. The expression of P2X1, P2X4, and P2X7 receptor mRNA and protein on primary cultures of rat microglial cells and on the N9 microglial cell line was demonstrated with immunocytochemistry and RT‐PCR. This is the first report that the P2X1 receptor is expressed on microglial cells, at least in early development, before postnatal day 30. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of anandamide uptake inhibition in the production of nitric oxide and in the release of cytokines in astrocyte cultures
Authors: Ortega‐Gutiérrez Silvia , Molina‐Holgado Eduardo , Guaza Carmen 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAstrocytes play a key role regulating aspects of inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Several enzymes, such as the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), along with different inflammatory mediators such as the free radical nitric oxide (NO) or proinflammatory cytokines, have been proposed to be involved in the cell damage associated with neuroinflammation. Recent studies suggest that the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation. Cannabinoid agonists decrease neurotoxicity and release of proinflammatory factors from activated glial cells and anandamide itself is able to promote antiinflammatory responses in astrocytes via CB1 cannabinoid receptors. The present study is aimed at studying whether UCM707, a potent and selective anandamide uptake inhibitor, is able to inhibit the production of proinflammatory mediators by LPS‐stimulated astrocytes. Our findings indicate that UCM707 is able to reduce NO release, iNOS expression, and the production of the proinflammatory cytokines tumoral necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in a significant manner, while producing a slight increase in IL‐6 levels. These effects can be reproduced by administration of the synthetic agonist HU210 and partially or totally blocked by administration of CB1 or CB2 selective antagonists, further supporting the involvement of the ECS. These results confirm the ability of UCM707 to reinforce the beneficial effects induced by anandamide and make it an attractive candidate for the management of those pathologies with neuroinflammation as one of their hallmarks. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon‐γ inhibits cell cycle exit in differentiating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
Authors: Chew Li‐Jin , King William C. , Kennedy Ann , Gallo Vittorio 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe developmental processes of the oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) lineage that are targeted by interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) were studied in primary rat OPC cultures. Under conditions of thyroid hormone‐mediated oligodendrocyte differentiation, IFN‐γ produced a dose‐dependent apoptotic response in OPCs. The lowest dose tested (15 ng/ml or 75 U/ml) was nonapoptotic, but activated detectable STAT1 DNA‐binding. At this dose, IFN‐γ reduced the percentage of mature O1+ cells and increased the percentage of immature A2B5+ OPCs. This was observed without significant change in total cell number and cytotoxicity, and was accompanied by an increase in BrdU‐labeled A2B5+ and O4+ cells. FACS analysis confirmed a lack of apoptotic sub‐G1 cells and revealed a greater percentage of S‐ and G2/M‐phase OPCs with IFN‐γ treatment. Dual immunostaining with Ki‐67 and Olig2 showed a smaller percentage of Olig2+ cells in G0 phase in IFN‐γ‐treated OPCs, indicating loss of G1 control. Instead, increased levels and phosphorylation of the checkpoint protein p34cdc2 by IFN‐ suggested increased partial arrest in G2. IFN‐γ not only sustained expression of PCNA and the G1‐S regulators retinoblastoma protein, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cdk2, but also decreased p27 levels. In addition to changes in cell proliferation and differentiation, IFN‐γ attenuated myelin basic protein (MBP) expression significantly, which was associated with decreased expression of both MBP and Sox10 RNAs. These findings indicate that IFN‐γ not only maintains cell cycle activity that could predispose OPCs to apoptosis, but also overrides G1–G0 signals leading to thyroid hormone‐mediated terminal differentiation and myelin gene expression. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of cholinesterase inhibitors appear greater in patients on established antihypertensive therapy
Authors: Rozzini Luca , Vicini Chilovi Barbara , Bellelli Giuseppe , Bertoletti Erik , Trabucchi Marco , Padovani Alessandro 
Published: May 2005

AbstractIntroductionThere is increasing evidence that hypertension may contribute to development of dementia. Studies show that blood pressure lowering therapy might protect against cognitive deterioration and that antihypertensive treatment reduce the incidence of dementia.AimWe hypothesize that administration of cholinesterase inhibitors (AChEis) to patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) receiving antihypertensive medications therapy would result in clinical benefits for a period of 40 weeks in routine clinical practice.Methods and materialsPatients with possible or probable AD were enrolled from 16 Alzheimer evaluation units (UVA) of Brescia and Cremona (Northern Italy). Patients treated with donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine for 40 weeks independently of dosages were selected. Patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), 16 weeks (T2) and 40 weeks (T3).Results416 patients completed the study at 40 weeks; of these 255 were ‘non users’ while 161 utilized antihypertensive drugs (‘users’). The mean change in MMSE score from baseline to week 40 demonstrate that antihypertensive‐treated patients improved by 0.7 points while patients receiving only AChEis remain stables. Analyzing separately patients (n = 183) that ameliorate (responders) on cognition at T3 ( ≥ 1 point MMSE score increase) a significant differences in favor of ‘users’ antihypertensive drugs over ‘non users’ on cognition at weeks 16 and 40 has been demonstrated. In particular, at T2 the mean change of MMSE from baseline in ‘users’ was 3.2 ± 2.6 vs ‘non users’ 2.2 ± 2.3 ( p = 0.016) and at T3 was 3.5 ± 2.5 vs ‘non users’ 2.0.2.7±1.6 ( p = 0.018). Antihypertensive drugs were independently associated with cognitive improvement in responder patients treated with AChEis (95% CI: 0.41–1.79; p = 0.002).ConclusionAntihypertensive medications in AD patients treated with AChEis are associated with an independent improvement on cognition after 40 weeks of treatment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlates of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms among older adults in Korea and Japan
Authors: Lee Yunhwan , Shinkai Shoji 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundCognitive impairment and depressive symptoms impose a heavy burden on the care of the elderly in Japan and Korea, two of the fastest aging nations in Asia. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare factors associated with cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms among older persons in the two countries.MethodsIn 2002, representative samples of community‐dwelling people aged 65 and older were selected among residents in Anyang, Korea and Yoita, Japan. Mini‐Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to assess the elderly's mental status. Sociodemographics, physical function, chronic conditions, social support, and health behaviors were examined to identify significant associations.ResultsThe prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults was 17.0% in Anyang and 14.6% in Yoita. The rates for depressive symptoms were 15.2% and 19.8%, respectively. Overall, functional capacity was the universal factor significantly associated with mental conditions. Self‐rated health and social support were also found to be independently associated with depressive symptoms in the study subjects. Differences in the patterns of association by community, however, were notable for other characteristics. For example, in factors associated with cognitive impairment, sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and education were significant among Koreans, whereas socio‐behavioral factors such as obesity, social support and hospitalization experience were found to be significant for older Japanese residents.ConclusionsSimilarities in the patterns of association indicate the need for joint explorations into the role these factors play in affecting the mental health of older persons. Socioeconomic and regional differentials, however, may account for the disparity in the associations observed, suggesting the importance of developing mental health programs sensitive to the older individual's culture. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Part I: findings from the two‐year longitudinal Maasbed study
Authors: Aalten Pauline , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Jaspers Niek , Jolles Jaspers , Verhey Frans R. J. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundAlthough neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia are common, there have been few large long‐term prospective studies assessing the course of a broad range of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.ObjectivesTo investigate the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia, including data about prevalence, incidence and persistence.MethodsOne hundred and ninety‐nine patients with dementia were assessed every six months for two‐years, using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms.ResultsNearly all patients (95%) developed one or more neuropsychiatric symptoms in the two‐year study period. Mood disorders were the most common problem. The severity of depression decreased, whereas the severity of apathy and aberrant motor behaviour increased during follow‐up. The cumulative incidence was highest for hyperactive behaviours and apathy. Overall behavioral problems were relatively persistent, but most symptoms were intermittent, with apathy and aberrant motor behaviour being persistent for longer consecutive periods.ConclusionsNeuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia are a common and major problem. Different symptoms have their own specific course, most of the time show a intermittent course, but behavioural problems overall are chronically present. The data have implications for developing treatment strategies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Part II: relationships among behavioural sub‐syndromes and the influence of clinical variables
Authors: Aalten Pauline , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Jaspers Niek , Jolles Jellemer , Verhey Frans R. J. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundAlthough several studies have mentioned associations between neuropsychiatric symptoms, there have been no prospective studies determining interrelations among behavioural sub‐syndromes.ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of several clinical variables on the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and to determine interrelationships between the behavioural sub‐syndromes.MethodsOne hundred and ninety‐nine patients with dementia were assessed every six months for two‐years, using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms.ResultsAge, sex, and socioeconomic status were not associated with a specific neuropsychiatric symptom. Greater cognitive impairment was related to more severe psychosis, and dementia stage influenced the course of total NPI problems. There were strong interrelations among most behavioural sub‐syndromes. The sub‐syndrome hyperactivity was of influence on the development of psychosis, but not vice versa. Neither was the sub‐syndrome mood/apathy of influence on the course of psychosis.ConclusionsWhile different neuropsychiatric symptoms have their own specific correlates, there is a strong interrelationship between behavioural sub‐syndromes. The data have implications for clinicians and the nosology of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a health advocacy, counselling, and activation programme on depressive symptoms in older coronary heart disease patients
Authors: Salminen Marika , Isoaho Raimo , Vahlberg Tero , Ojanlatva Ansa , Kivelä Sirkka‐Liisa 
Published: May 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the effects of a health advocacy, counselling, and activation programme on depressive symptoms among older coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.MethodsA randomised, controlled intervention study in Lieto, South‐western Finland. Older (65 years and older) patients with CHD were randomly divided into an intervention group (IG) (n = 116) and a control group (CG) (n = 106). Outcome measures comprised changes in depressive symptoms (Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale, ZSDS).ResultsDepressive symptoms tended to decrease in IG and to increase in CG among men scoring 45 ZSDS sum points or more at baseline. The differences of the changes between IG and CG were significant in favour of IG. No similar changes were found among women.ConclusionsA health advocacy, counselling, and activation programme aimed to increase knowledge about CHD, social activities, contacts, roles, support, and exercising was effective in reducing depressive symptoms among male CHD patients suffering from a moderate or high amount of depressive symptoms. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of depression among elderly Chinese with diabetes
Authors: Chou Kee‐Lee , Chi Iris 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundTo examine the association between diabetes and depression among older Chinese and to determine the extent to which depression is mediated by physical disability and diabetes‐related comorbid conditions.MethodCross‐sectional analysis of data from a population‐based study composed of a representative sample of 2003 non‐institutionalized older adults aged 60 and older living in Hong Kong who agreed to participate in the study. We examined the relation between diabetes and depression (measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale).Result12% of the older adults reported physician‐diagnosed diabetes and amongst these older persons with diabetes, 26% of them reported elated level of depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses revealed that diabetes was significantly related to depression even when controlling for age, gender, marital status, and education. More importantly, adjusted for self‐reported disability in three domains including self‐care, mobility, and higher functioning did not attenuate this association but the association disappeared after we adjusted for four diabetes‐related complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and vision problems.ConclusionDiabetes is associated with depression and this association appears to be mediated by prevalent diabetes complications. This is of particular clinical important because although depression is often overlooked in the aged population, effective treatment is available and can result in improved medical outcomes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of staff training on the use of restraint in dementia: a single‐blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Testad I. , Aasland A. M. , Aarsland D. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundUse of restraint amongst institutionalised elderly with dementia and problem behaviour not only remains widespread, but also appears to be accepted as inevitable.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to reduce problem behaviour and the use of restraint in demented patients using a staff training program as intervention.MethodsThe study was a randomised single‐blind controlled trial and took place in Stavanger, Norway. Four nursing homes were randomised to a control or an intervention group after stratification for size. The intervention consisted of a full day seminar, followed by a one‐hour session of guidance per month over six months. The content of the educational program focused on the decision making process in the use of restraint and alternatives to restraint consistent with professional practice and quality care. The primary outcome measures were number of restraints per patient in the nursing homes in one week and agitation as measured with the Brief Agitation Rating Scale (BARS). These were rated before and immediately after the intervention was completed. The assessments were performed blind to design and randomisation group.ResultsClinical and demographic variables did not differ between the intervention and control groups at baseline. After the intervention period, the number of restraints had declined by 54% in the treatment group, and increased by 18% in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( p = 0.013). There was a trend towards higher BARS score in the intervention compared to the control group at follow up ( p = 0.052).ConclusionAlthough the level of agitated behaviour remained unchanged or increased slightly, the educational program led to a significant reduction of the use of restraint in institutionalised elderly with dementia. These results suggest that educational programs can improve the quality of care of people with dementia. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Extent of Liver Steatosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Is Mirrored by Caspase Activity in Serum *
Authors: Seidel Nicole , Volkmann Xandra , Länger Florian , Flemming Peer , Manns Michael P. , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Bantel Heike 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Hepatic steatosis is a frequent histological alteration in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that sensitizes the liver to cell injury, inflammation, and fibrosis via unclear mechanisms. Although apoptosis has been implicated in various liver diseases, its importance in HCV-associated steatosis is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of caspases, the key regulators of apoptosis, and employed two novel caspase assays, an immunological and a luminometric enzyme test, to detect hepatic caspase activation in sera from HCV patients with different grades of steatosis. Our data show that increased caspase activation can be found not only in liver biopsies, but also in sera from HCV patients with liver steatosis. Patients with steatosis exhibited significantly higher serum levels of caspase activity compared with normal healthy individuals. Moreover, the extent of steatosis closely correlated with serum caspase activity, whereas in particular in cases of low or moderate steatosis, no correlation was found with aminotransferase levels.
In conclusion
, apoptotic caspase activation is considerably elevated in HCV-associated steatosis. More importantly, our data imply that measurement of caspase activation might be a sensitive serum biomarker to detect liver steatosis in patients with chronic HCV infection and other liver diseases. (Hepatology 2005.)
Locale and taxon systems: No place for neophrenology?
Authors: Whishaw Ian Q. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractCognitive mapping theory has had success in directing attention toward the role that the hippocampus plays in spatial navigation. Nevertheless, this critique argues that (1) the hip‐pocampus does play a relatively direct role in movement control: (2) an associationistic explanation more parsimoniously accounts for spatial navigation performance of rats than cognitive mapping theory; and (3) cognitive mapping theory is unnecessary psychological construct. Speculatively, it might be worthwhile considering that the explicit feature of human memory and voluntary movements in animals are ho mologous. Such a notion would lead to more emphasis on the analysis of the role that the hippocampus plays in the control of movement and less on its putative role in housing psychological constructs.