Interleukin-6-associated inflammatory processes in Alzheimer's disease: new therapeutic options

The cytokine interleukin-6 is consistently detected in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients but not in the brains of nondemented elderly persons. Until recently it was unclear whether an interleukin-6-associated inflammatory mechanism is an early or late event in the pathological cascade of Alzheimer's disease. We investigated whether interleukin-6 could be detected in plaques of Alzheimer's disease patients prior to the onset of neuritic degeneration. We found interleukin-6 mostly in plaques where neuritic pathology has not yet developed. This indicates that the appearance of interleukin-6 may precede neuritic changes and is not just a consequence of neuritic degeneration. Therefore, one may hypothesize that activation of inflammatory mechanisms may cause neuritic degeneration in plaques. A suppression of interleukin-6 synthesis could, therefore, be of therapeutic value. Upon screening a number of substances, we found that a small number of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, including tenidap, were able to inhibit interleukin-6 synthesis in cultured human astrocytoma cells. These substances may be therapeutically useful in Alzheimer's disease and should be evaluated in clinical studies.     

Splenectomy in children. A correlative review of indications and complications in fifty patients

We have reported our experience with splenectomy in fifty patients less than fourteen years old. The indications, results, and complications were enumerated. These data were then correlated with the recent literature regarding pediatric splenctomy. Of special note is the problem of immunologic incompetency associated with splenectomy in the patients less than five years old.     

"Counselor deliberate postural lean and communication of facilitative conditions": Correction.

Reports an error in "Counselor deliberate postural lean and communication of facilitative conditions" by Gary L. Hermansson, Alan C. Webster and Ken McFarland (Journal of Counseling Psychology, 1988[Apr], Vol 35[2], 149-153). The date of receipt indicated for the revision of this article was incorrect. The correct date of receipt is provided in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 1988-36435-001.) This experimental study examined the relation between counselor deliberate postural lean and the communication of intensity, empathic understanding, respect, and genuineness. Results, from 12 male counselors acting as their own controls under three postural lean conditions (forward, backward, and choice) in counseling interaction with female clients, suggested compensatory processes in operation. Making a required lean forward was associated with decreased facilitative levels and backward with increased levels. The latter effects were more marked, with significant differences in intensity and respect. The effects were also more marked with those counselors who, as revealed in their choice session, preferred to move forward rather than backward, with these counselors also being the most effective as assessed by communicated empathy levels. It was concluded that for effective counselors in particular, deliberate postural lean results in a subtle maintenance of an equilibrium of verbal–nonverbal communication behaviors judged as most appropriate to the moment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of mitomycin C on delayed adjustment in experimental strabismus surgery

We used C3-deficient (C3D) guinea pigs to evaluate the role of C3 in an active model of experimental nephritis. Normal strain 2 (C3N, n = 13) and C3D (n = 6) guinea pigs were immunized with cationized bovine gamma-globulin (CBGG). Fourteen days later (Day 0), daily intravenous injections of CBGG were given for 3 to 7 days and the animals were sacrificed on Day 10 or 21. Immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy of renal tissue revealed two patterns of glomerular IgG deposition: granular loop (11/13 C3N, 3/6 C3D), and predominantly mesangial (2/13 C3N, 3/6 C3D). Codeposited C3 was seen in all C3N and in no C3D animals. Electron microscopy showed subepithelial deposits in all. A significant correlation (P < 0.005) was seen between an animal's IF pattern and its level of serum antibodies to CBGG; those with lower antibody levels exhibited the mesangial pattern. C3D animals had lower mean antibody levels than C3N (P < 0.01), but both IF patterns were represented. Urine protein concentration, which was increased relative to controls, did not differ between C3N and C3D groups, but was significantly greater in those with loop IF. Serum albumin was significantly reduced in animals with loop IF. C3N animals showed a significant reduction in mean serum C3. In this model, immune deposit location and degree of proteinuria are independent of C3 deposition and dependent upon the level of antibody response to CBGG. Induction of antibody to CBGG is impaired in the absence of C3.     

Serum HIV-1 RNA levels and time to development of AIDS in the Multicenter Hemophilia Cohort Study

Normal women produce small amounts of active androgens. When androgen levels are elevated, such as for example in the polycystic ovary syndrome, this is followed by the development of male physical characteristics and muscle mass, structure and function as well as android adipose tissue distribution and function. Psychological features and stress reactions also seem similar to those of men. Such women have an increased risk of developing hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Recent data have shown that these physical, and psychological characteristics, as well as risk of ill health, are also found in the population of women selected at random. Women in the lowest quintiles of levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin--an indicator inversely related to active androgens--are at risk of developing hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular mortality. The mechanism probably includes muscular insulin resistance, following a relative androgen excess. It is thus apparent that androgens, even within the highest levels of the nonselected population of women, are powerful predictors of serious disease development. The population at risk might be as large as about 20% of middle-aged women. This is an area of female disease risk which requires more attention in screening and intervention procedures.     

Gas-Phase Catalysis by Micelle Derived Au Nanoparticles on Oxide Supports

The reactivity of gold clusters (8–22 nm diameter) supported on different metal oxides (titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂)) was investigated in a continuous flow reactor. Clusters were encapsulated within polymer in toluene solution, impregnated onto the bulk supports, and reduced by calcination at 300 °C. Support dependent sintering (TiO₂>ZrO₂>ZnO) was observed following heating in air at 300 °C. For both CO oxidation and propylene hydrogenation, Au nanoclusters on TiO₂ exhibit the highest activity compared to other supports.     

Brain-computer interface research at the Wadsworth Center.

Studies at the Wadsworth Center over the past 14 years have shown that people with or without motor disabilities can learn to control the amplitude of mu or beta rhythms in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity recorded from the scalp over sensorimotor cortex and can use that control to move a cursor on a computer screen in one or two dimensions. This EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) could provide a new augmentative communication technology for those who are totally paralyzed or have other severe motor impairments. Present research focuses on improving the speed and accuracy of BCI communication.