EEG spectral abnormalities and psychosis as predictors of cognitive and functional decline in probable Alzheimer's disease

We examined whether either psychotic features (e.g., delusions and hallucinations) or EEG abnormalities are associated with more rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD patients with psychosis have exhibited more EEG abnormalities than those without psychosis, and both abnormal EEG and psychosis have been noted to be predictors of functional and cognitive decline in AD. Ninety-five probable AD patients participating in a longitudinal study of dementia had an EEG and a semistructured psychiatric interview at baseline. Using EEG spectral analysis, we classified records as normal/abnormal based on the parasagittal mean frequency. Patients with abnormal EEGs were more functionally (e.g., Blessed Rating Scale for activities of daily living) and cognitively (e.g., Mini-Mental State) impaired than patients with normal EEG. AD patients with psychosis were only more functionally impaired than patients without psychosis. A two-factor analysis showed no interaction between abnormal EEG and psychosis. In addition, using a Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age and education, the presence of an abnormal EEG or psychotic symptom at study entry was associated with higher risk of reaching severe cognitive and functional impairment during follow-up. Neither abnormal EEG nor the presence of psychosis predicted death. These results indicate that both abnormal EEG and psychosis are independent predictors of disease progression but not of physical survival.     

Triple check for antigen specificity of B cells during germinal centre reactions

Somatic hypermutation of the immunoglobulin variable genes during germinal reactions might permit the expansion of B-cell clones with unwanted (e.g. autoreactive) specificity. Here, Ernst Lindhout and colleagues propose three antigen-specific checkpoints that ensure the appropriate antigen specificity of activated B cells is maintained by regulating the activation, selection and further differentiation of B cells.     

Biotransformation of three aromadendrane‐type sesquiterpenoids by Aspergillus wentii

BACKGROUND: The biotransformation of sesquiterpenoids, which are a large class of naturally occurring compounds, using microorganisms as a biocatalyst to produce useful novel organic compounds was investigated. The biotransformation of sesquiterpenoids, (+)‐aromadendrene ( 1 ), (−)‐alloaromadendrene ( 2 ) and (+)‐ledene ( 3 ) has been investigated using Aspergillus wentii as a biocatalyst. Results: Compound 1 was converted to (−)‐(10S,11S)‐10,13,14‐trihydroxyaromadendrane ( 4 ). Compound 2 was converted to (+)‐(1S,11S)‐1,13‐dihydroxyaromadendrene ( 5 ) and (−)‐5,11‐epoxycadin‐1(10)‐en‐14‐ol ( 6 ). Compound 3 was converted to compound 6 , (+)‐(10R,11S)‐10,13‐dihydroxyaromadendr‐1‐ene ( 7 ) and (+)‐(10S,11S)‐10,13‐dihydroxyaromadendr‐1‐ene ( 8 ). The structure of the metabolic products has been elucidated on the basis of their spectral data. CONCLUSION: Compound 1 gave only one product that was hydroxylated at C‐10, C‐13 and C‐14. By contrast, compounds 2 and 3 gave a number of products, one of which was common. The differences in oxidation of 1–3 are due to the configuration of the C‐1 position. Compounds 4–8 were new compounds. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Paget's disease of the breast in a man without underlying breast carcinoma

A case of histologically confirmed Paget's disease of the breast in a 72 year old man, without underlying breast carcinoma, is reported. This report raises questions about the pathogenesis of this condition and suggests that Paget's disease is an independent, intraepidermal carcinoma rather than a direct extension of intraductal carcinoma of the breast to the nipple and areola.     

Visual results after submacular surgery for neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

Orthopedists being more engaged in surgery are often asked about problems concerning exercise science. This article will summarize the existing basic knowledge, very close to practice, and put down the leading steps of how to build up a (therapeutical) training programme. A lab block is recommended acting on a preventive as well as on a sportive medical base.