An economic evaluation of an augmented cognitive behavioural intervention vs. computerized cognitive training for post-stroke depressive symptoms

Background

Stroke survivors encounter emotional problems in the chronic phase after stroke. Post-stroke depressive symptoms have major impact on health-related quality of life (HRQol) and lead to increased hospitalization and therefore substantial healthcare costs. We present a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility evaluation of a cognitive behavioural therapy augmented with occupational and movement therapy to support patients with a stroke with depressive symptoms in goal-setting and goal attainment (augmented CBT) in comparison with a computerized cognitive training program (CogniPlus) as a control intervention.

Methods

A trial-based economic evaluation was conducted from a societal perspective with a time horizon of 12 months. Stroke patients (aged 18+ years) with signs of depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) – subscale depression?>?7) were eligible to participate. Primary outcomes were the HADS and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) based on the three-level five-dimensional EuroQol (EQ-5D-3 L). Missing data were handled through mean imputation (costs) and multiple imputation (HADS and EuroQol), and costs were bootstrapped. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test robustness of baseline assumptions.

Results

Sixty-one patients were included. The average total societal costs were not significantly different between the control group (€9,998.3) and the augmented CBT group (€8,063.7), with a 95 % confidence interval (?5,284, 1,796). The augmented CBT intervention was less costly and less effective from a societal perspective on the HADS, and less costly and slightly more effective in QALYs, in comparison with the control treatment. The cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses provided greater effects and fewer costs for the augmented CBT group, and fewer effects and costs for the HADS. Based on a willingness to pay (WTP) level of €40,000 per QALY, the augmented CBT intervention had a 76 % chance of being cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses showed robustness of results.

Conclusion

The stroke-specific augmented CBT intervention did not show convincing cost-effectiveness results. In addition to other literature, this study provided new insights into the potential cost-effectiveness of an adjusted cognitive behavioural therapy intervention. However, as our study showed a 76 % chance of being cost-effective for one outcome measure (QALY) and did not provide convincing cost-effectiveness results on the HADS we recommend further research in a larger population.

     

Morphological changes, DNA damage and developmental competence of in vitro matured, vitrified-thawed buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes: A comparative study of two cryoprotectants and two cryodevices

Present study was designed to investigate the impact of two cryodevices; french mini straw (FMS) and open pulled straw (OPS) using two different cryoprotectants; ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG) on morphological damage, recovery rate, DNA damage and developmental competence of in vitro matured vitrified-thawed buffalo oocytes. In vitro matured oocytes were divided into three groups: (a) no cryoprotectant (unfrozen, control), (b) vitrified in FMS and (c) in OPS using EG/PG. After thawing, recovered oocytes were subjected to morphological evaluation, cryoinjury at DNA level and their developmental competence. Results showed that recovery rate from both the groups (b and c) were almost same. Amongst the morphological damaged oocytes, zona pellucida crack, oocyte shrinkage and splitting were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in FMS with PG as compared to FMS with EG (group b) while, OPS with EG was significantly (P < 0.05) better as it maintained the architecture of oocytes and hardly any damage was found except some cytoplasmic shrinkage and change in shape. The number of oocytes displaying DNA damage was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in FMS with PG. Cleavage and blastocysts production rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for the oocytes recovered from OPS as compared to FMS with PG or EG. OPS with EG gave best cleavage and blastocysts rate amongst all the groups. In conclusion, combination of EG with OPS gives the best result in terms of better recovery and survival rate, least morphological damages with good developmental competence of vitrified matured buffalo oocytes post-thawing.     

Similar recent selection criteria associated with different behavioural effects in two dog breeds

Selection during the last decades has split some established dog breeds into morphologically and behaviourally divergent types. These breed splits are interesting models for behaviour genetics since selection has often been for few and well‐defined behavioural traits. The aim of this study was to explore behavioural differences between selection lines in golden and Labrador retriever, in both of which a split between a common type (pet and conformation) and a field type (hunting) has occurred. We hypothesized that the behavioural profiles of the types would be similar in both breeds. Pedigree data and results from a standardized behavioural test from 902 goldens (698 common and 204 field) and 1672 Labradors (1023 and 649) were analysed. Principal component analysis revealed six behavioural components: curiosity, play interest, chase proneness, social curiosity, social greeting and threat display. Breed and type affected all components, but interestingly there was an interaction between breed and type for most components. For example, in Labradors the common type had higher curiosity than the field type (F_1,1668 = 18.359; P < 0.001), while the opposite was found in goldens (F_1,897 = 65.201; P < 0.001). Heritability estimates showed considerable genetic contributions to the behavioural variations in both breeds, but different heritabilities between the types within breeds was also found, suggesting different selection pressures. In conclusion, in spite of similar genetic origin and similar recent selection criteria, types behave differently in the breeds. This suggests that the genetic architecture related to behaviour differs between the breeds.     

Health Outcomes of Gastric Bypass Patients Compared to Nonsurgical,Nonintervened Severely Obese

Favorable health outcomes at 2 years postbariatric surgery have been reported. With exception of the Swedish Obesity Subjects (SOS) study, these studies have been surgical case series, comparison of surgery types, or surgery patients compared to subjects enrolled in planned nonsurgical intervention. This study measured gastric bypass effectiveness when compared to two separate severely obese groups not participating in designed weight‐loss intervention. Three groups of severely obese subjects (N = 1,156, BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) were studied: gastric bypass subjects (n = 420), subjects seeking gastric bypass but did not have surgery (n = 415), and population‐based subjects not seeking surgery (n = 321). Participants were studied at baseline and 2 years. Quantitative outcome measures as well as prevalence, incidence, and resolution rates of categorical health outcome variables were determined. All quantitative variables (BMI, blood pressure, lipids, diabetes‐related variables, resting metabolic rate (RMR), sleep apnea, and health‐related quality of life) improved significantly in the gastric bypass group compared with each comparative group (all P < 0.0001, except for diastolic blood pressure and the short form (SF‐36) health survey mental component score at P < 0.01). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension resolved much more frequently in the gastric bypass group than in the comparative groups (all P < 0.001). In the surgical group, beneficial changes of almost all quantitative variables correlated significantly with the decrease in BMI. We conclude that Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery when compared to severely obese groups not enrolled in planned weight‐loss intervention was highly effective for weight loss, improved health‐related quality of life, and resolution of major obesity‐associated complications measured at 2 years.     

Effects of isokinetic training of the knee extensors on high-intensity exercise performance and skeletal muscle buffering

Twenty-three subjects isokinetically trained the right and left quadriceps femoris, three times per week for 16 weeks; one group (n=13) trained at an angular velocity of 4.19 rad · s^–1 and a second group (n=10), at 1.05 rad · s^–1. A control group (n=10) performed no training. Isometric endurance time at 60% quadriceps maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), mean power output and work done (W) during all-out cycling, and the muscle buffer value (B) and carnosine concentration of biopsy samples from the vastus lateralis, were all assessed before and after training. The two training groups did not differ significantly from each other in their training response to any of these variables (P < 0.05). No significant difference in either 60% MVC endurance time or impulse [(endurance time × force) at 60% MVC] was observed for any group after the 16 week period (P > 0.05). However, the post-training increase (9%) in W during high-intensity cycling was greater in the training group than in the control group (P=0.04). NeitherB nor carnosine concentration showed any significant change following training (P=0.56 andP=0.37, respectively). It is concluded that 16 weeks of isokinetic training of the knee extensors enables subjects to do more work during high-intensity cycling. Although the precise adaptations responsible for the improved performance have yet to be identified, they are unlikely to include an increase inB.     

Treatment with Huperzine A Improves Cognition in Vascular Dementia Patients

In the present study, we tested the efficacy and safety of Huperzine A in treatment of mild to moderate vascular dementia (VaD). This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with 78 patients with mild to moderate VaD. The participants were randomized to receive either vitamin C (100-mg bid) as placebo (n = 39) or Huperzine A (0.1-mg bid) (n = 39) for 12 consecutive weeks. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and activities of daily living (ADL) scores were used for the assessment of cognition. The assessments were made prior to treatment, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks of the treatment. The adverse effects of the treatment were also recorded. After 12 weeks of treatment, the MMSE, CDR, and ADL scores significantly improved in the Huperzine A group (P < 0.01 for all comparisons), whereas the placebo group did not show any such improvement (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). No serious adverse events were recorded during the treatment. Conclusion: Huperzine A can significantly improve the cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate vascular dementia. Further, the medicament is safe.     

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Fluoxetine as Adjuncts to Group Behavioral Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder

Objective: Although binge eating disorder is a common and distressing concomitant of obesity, it has not yet been established whether affected individuals presenting to behavioral weight control programs should receive specialized treatments to supplement standard treatment. This study was designed to examine the added benefit of two adjunctive interventions, individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and fluoxetine, offered in the context of group behavioral weight control treatment. Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred sixteen overweight/obese women and men with binge eating disorder were all assigned to receive a 16‐session group behavioral weight control treatment over 20 weeks. Simultaneously, subjects were randomly assigned to receive CBT + fluoxetine, CBT + placebo, fluoxetine, or placebo in a two‐by‐two factorial design. Outcome measures, assessed at the end of the 16‐session acute treatment phase, included binge frequency, weight, and measures of eating‐related and general psychopathology. Results: Overall, subjects showed substantial improvement in binge eating and both general and eating‐related psychopathology, but little weight loss. Subjects who received individual CBT improved more in binge frequency than did those not receiving CBT (p < 0.001), and binge abstinence was significantly more common in subjects receiving CBT vs. those who did not (62% vs. 33%, p < 0.001). Fluoxetine treatment was associated with greater reduction in depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). The 54 subjects who achieved binge abstinence improved more on all measures than the 62 subjects who did not. In particular, these subjects lost, on average, 6.2 kg compared with a gain of 0.7 kg among non‐abstainers. Discussion: Adjunctive individual CBT results in significant additional binge reduction in obese binge eaters receiving standard behavioral weight control treatment.     

The effect of body weight on some welfare indicators in feedlot cattle in a hot environment

Heat stress has important effects on the welfare of livestock. The effects of heat stress in cattle include changes in biological functions and behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioral differences between light and heavy feedlot cattle reared in a hot environment. Sixteen male Holstein feedlot cattle were allocated to light (353.8 ± 15.5 kg, n = 8) and heavy (737.1 ± 15.8 kg, n = 8) groups according to their live weight and were kept in a semi-open feedlot barn. The individual behavioral response variables measured were standing, lying, feeding, drinking, ruminating, locomotor activity and elimination (urinating and defecating). The effects of group, day, observation time, replicate and all interactions were included in an explanatory statistical (GLM) model. The data were analyzed using the PROC GLM procedure of SAS. Overall, the heavy cattle spent more time standing (P < 0.001), lying (P < 0.001), and eliminating (P < 0.05) compared to the light group. In contrast, the light group spent more time eating, drinking and ruminating (P < 0.001). Locomotor activity did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). During the day, heavy cattle spent more time standing (at 1600 hours) and less time eating in comparison with the light cattle (P < 0.001) (at 1300 and 1600 hours). Light and heavy feedlot cattle behaved differently in a hot environment. The findings of the study indicate that the welfare of the heavy Holstein feedlot cattle was impacted negatively when the ambient temperature was high (at 1300 hours).     

Low-density lipoprotein-associated variables and the severity of coronary artery disease: an untreated Chinese cohort study

Abstract

Background and aims: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is causal risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and LDL-associated variables including LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apoB), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], small dense LDL (sd-LDL), and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) have been widely used for predicting the risk of CAD. This study was aimed to compare the values of six LDL-related variables for predicting the severity of CAD using untreated patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods: A group of 1977 individuals were consecutively enrolled and divided into CAD (n?=?1151) and non-CAD groups (n?=?826) according to the results of CAG. LDL-C, apoB, non-HDL-C, Lp(a), sd-LDL and ox-LDL were measured, respectively. The numbers of stenotic arteries and Gensini Scores (GS) were used to calculate the severity of CAD and the associations of six variables with the severity of CAD and predicting value of these parameters were simultaneously examined.

Results: CAD patients had significantly higher concentrations of LDL-related variables than non-CAD ones (all p?<?0.05). Importantly, all variables rose with the increase in the severity of CAD. The predicting value of CAD manifested as sd-LDL?>?ox-LDL?>?apoB?>?non-HDL-C?>?LDL-C?>?Lp(a) [area under curve (AUC): sd-LDL 0.641; ox-LDL 0.640; apoB 0.611; non-HDL-C 0.587; LDL-C 0.583; Lp(a) 0.554; respectively]. In multivariate logistic analysis, all variables showed as independent risk factors for the severity of CAD [odds ratio (OR): ox-LDL?>?sd-LDL?>?apoB?>?non-HDL-C?>?LDL-C?>?Lp(a)].

Conclusions: All of LDL-related variables could be useful marker for predicting the severity of CAD but sd-LDL and ox-LDL appeared to litter better. Further study may be needed to validate our results.     

Short-term inhibition of prolactin secretion by naloxone treatment in the pregnant gilt

The involvement of endogenous opioids in modulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion during pregnancy in the pig was studied. Twenty-four crossbred pregnant gilts (150 ± 10 kg) were cannulated via the cephalic vein 24–48 h before treatment with 1 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of naloxone (NAL) or 3 ml of saline (CONT) i.v. at Day 40 (NAL, n = 6; CONT, n = 6) or Day 70 (NAL, n = 6; CONT, n = 6) of pregnancy. Blood plasma was collected at 15 min intervals from 1 h before to 3 h after treatment with NAL or saline. At Day 40 of pregnancy, administration of NAL caused a decrease in mean plasma PRL concentrations at 60 min, 120 min and 180 min post-treatment (NAL, 19.1 ± 1.3 ng ml⁻¹, P < 0.05; 15.8 ± 0.6 ng ml⁻¹, P < 0.001; 14.6 ± 0.7 ng ml⁻¹, P < 0.001, respectively) when compared with the CONT group (22.9 ± 0.7 ng ml⁻¹, 21.6 ± 0.6 ng ml⁻¹ and 22.4 ± 0.5 ng ml⁻¹, respectively). Mean plasma estradiol concentration was higher (P < 0.01) in the NAL group during the second and third hour post-treatment than in the CONT group. At Day 70 of pregnancy, infusion of NAL also decreased (P < 0.001) plasma PRL concentrations at 60 min, 120 min and 180 min after treatment (20.1 ± 1.6 ng ml⁻¹, 16.2 ± 1.5 ng ml⁻¹ and 14.8 ± 0.4 ng ml⁻¹, respectively) compared with the CONT group (33.4 ± 1.7 ng ml⁻¹, 34.1 ± 1.3 ng ml⁻¹ and 29.1 ± 0.9 ng ml⁻¹, respectively). Estradiol concentrations were not different (P > 0.05) between groups in this stage of gestation. Mean concentrations of progesterone were similar during the pre- and post-treatment periods in both stages of pregnancy.These data would suggest a possible role of the opioids in modulation of PRL secretion at these stages of pregnancy in the pig.     

Treadmill desks: A 1‐year prospective trial

Objective: Sedentariness is associated with weight gain and obesity. A treadmill desk is the combination of a standing desk and a treadmill that allow employees to work while walking at low speed. Design and Methods: The hypothesis was that a 1‐year intervention with treadmill desks is associated with an increase in employee daily physical activity (summation of all activity per minute) and a decrease in daily sedentary time (zero activity). Employees (n = 36; 25 women, 11 men) with sedentary jobs (87 ± 27 kg, BMI 29 ± 7 kg/m², n = 10 Lean BMI < 25 kg/m², n = 15 Overweight 25 < BMI < 30 kg/m², n = 11 Obese BMI > 30 kg/m²) volunteered to have their traditional desk replaced with a treadmill desk to promote physical activity for 1 year. Results: Daily physical activity (using accelerometers), work performance, body composition, and blood variables were measured at Baseline and 6 and 12 months after the treadmill desk intervention. Subjects who used the treadmill desk increased daily physical activity from baseline 3,353 ± 1,802 activity units (AU)/day to, at 6 months, 4,460 ± 2,376 AU/day (P < 0.001), and at 12 months, 4,205 ± 2,238 AU/day (P < 0.001). Access to the treadmill desks was associated with significant decreases in daily sedentary time (zero activity) from at baseline 1,020 ± 75 min/day to, at 6 months, 929 ± 84 min/day (P < 0.001), and at 12 months, 978 ± 95 min/day (P < 0.001). For the whole group, weight loss averaged 1.4 ± 3.3 kg (P < 0.05). Weight loss for obese subjects was 2.3 ± 3.5 kg (P < 0.03). Access to the treadmill desks was associated with increased daily physical activity compared to traditional chair‐based desks; their deployment was not associated with altered performance. For the 36 participants, fat mass did not change significantly, however, those who lost weight (n = 22) lost 3.4 ± 5.4 kg (P < 0.001) of fat mass. Weight loss was greatest in people with obesity. Conclusions: Access to treadmill desks may improve the health of office workers without affecting work performance.     

Low pasture allowance until late gestation in ewes: behavioural and physiological changes in ewes and lambs from lambing to weaning

Low pasture allowance during gestation affects ewes’ BW at parturition, the bond with their lamb, lamb development, and thus also may affect their responses to weaning. The objectives were to determine if native pasture allowance from before conception until late pregnancy affects ewe–lamb behaviours at lambing, ewes’ milk yield, lambs’ BW, and the behavioural and physiological changes of ewes and lambs at weaning. From 23 days before conception until 122 days of pregnancy, 24 ewes grazed on two different native pasture allowances: high (10 to 12 kg of dry matter (DM)/100 kg of BW per day; HPA treatment; n=12) or low (5 to 8 kg of DM/100 kg of BW per day; LPA treatment; n=12). Thereafter, all ewes grazed on Festuca arundinacea and received rice bran and crude glycerine. Ewes’ body condition score (BCS) and BW were recorded during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Milk yield was determined on days 32, 41 and 54 after lambing. Lambs’ BW was recorded from birth until 72 days after lambing. Latency from parturition until the ewe licked her lamb, maternal behaviour score (a test that evaluates maternal attachment to the lamb) and latency for lamb to stand up and suckle were determined. The behaviour of the lambs and ewes was recorded before and after weaning (at 65 days). The ewes’ serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations were measured before and after weaning. The HPA ewes presented greater BW (P<0.005) and BCS (P<0.005) than the LPA ewes during pregnancy and postpartum (P<0.04), and had a greater milk yield than the LPA ewes (P<0.03). Treatments did not influence any behaviour at lambing, lambs’ BW, neither the ewes’ behavioural and physiological changes at weaning. HPA lambs paced and vocalized more than LPA lambs (P<0.0001). The variation of albumin concentration before and after weaning was greater in the HPA lambs than in the LPA lambs (P<0.0001). In conclusion, although ewes’ BW, BCS and milk production were affected by pasture allowance until late pregnancy, this did not affect the behaviours that lead to the establishment of the mother–young bond, nor the ewes’ behavioural responses at weaning. Lambs reared by ewes that grazed on low pasture allowance during pregnancy presented fewer behavioural changes and a lower decrease of albumin concentration after weaning. Lambs’ BW was not affected by the feeding received by their mothers.     

Effects of exercise cessation on lipids and lipoproteins in distance runners and power athletes

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term exercise cessation on lipid and lipoprotein profile and insulin sensitivity in highly trained runners (n=12; mean age 19.9 years) and power athletes (n=12; mean age 24.4 years). Following 14 days of exercise cessation, running time to exhaustion and maximal oxygen uptake decreased by 9.2% and 4.8% (P < 0.05) in the runners, while in the power athletes one repetition maximum squat and bench press did not change (P>0.05). No changes occurred in body composition. Data from a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test revealed an impairment of the glycemic state in all athletes (P<0.05). In contrast, exercise cessation did not significantly (P>0.05) alter plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). No changes were observed in HDL₂, HDL_2b, and HDL₃ subfractions, LDL diameter, and qualitative LDL pattern (P>0.05). These data thus suggest that despite a decrease in insulin sensitivity, short-term exercise cessation, independent of exercise mode, was insufficient to alter plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles in well-trained athletes.     

A note on the effectiveness of behavioural rehabilitation for reducing inter-dog aggression in shelter dogs

The effectiveness of a rehabilitation program for reducing inter-dog aggression was evaluated at the municipal animal shelter. Sixteen dogs (of 60 examined) met the study criteria of medium inter-dog aggression as determined by an inter-dog aggression test. These dogs received a 10-day treatment of daily rehabilitation for 30 min (rehabilitation group, n = 9) or daily release into an outdoor enclosure for 30 min (control group, n = 7). Rehabilitation consisted of desensitising and counter-conditioning dogs to the approach of other “stimulus” dogs. Most dogs in the rehabilitation group showed a decline in aggression scores when re-tested after the last treatment (day 11), and differed significantly from the control dogs which showed either an increase or no change in aggression scores (U = 8.5, P < 0.01). Rehabilitation dogs also showed lower frequencies of aggressive body postures (“facing the stimulus dog”, P < 0.05, and “stiff posture”, P < 0.10) and higher frequencies of less assertive postures (“ears back”, P < 0.05, and “lowered neck”, P < 0.10) on day 11. The differences between groups were no longer significant when a reduced sample of dogs was tested 1 week after rehabilitation ended (day 18). The study shows short-term reduction of inter-dog aggression through rehabilitation, but further work is needed on effective ways of maintaining the behavioural change.     

Circulatory response to hyperthermia during acute normovolaemic haemodilution

 Cats anaesthetized with a mixture of chloralose and urethane were exposed to heat stress in two groups. In the first group (n=10) of control animals, the effect of heat stress on haemodynamic variables was recorded at control haematocrit (HCT) of 42.0±1.0%. In a second group, the effect of heat stress was studied after induction of acute normovolaemic haemodilution (HCT of 13.0±1.0%). Haemodilution was induced to a maximum of 60% replacement of blood with dextran (mol.wt. 150000). Heat stress was induced by surface heating and core body temperature was raised from 37° C to 42° C. The effect of heat stress and haemodilution on various haemodynamic variables, viz. left ventricular pressure (LVP), left ventricular contractility (LVdP/dt _max), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), arterial blood pressure (ABP), right atrial pressure (RAP), and arterial blood PO₂, PCO₂ and pH was examined. Haemodilution produced significant (P<0.05) increases in HR and CO but there were no significant (P>0.05) changes in ABP, RAP, LVdP/dt _max and total peripherial resistance (TPR). Hyperthermia caused a significant fall (P<0.05) in TPR. However, the percentage fall in TPR was higher in the control group. On exposure to heat stress, there were significant (P<0.05I increases in HR and CO in both the groups; however, HR and CO values were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the haemodiluted group compared to the control. The latter findings could be due either to the higher basal values of these variables with the fall in HCT or to inefficient cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. The lack of efficient regulatory control under such severe stress conditions makes the cardiovascular system of anaemic animals more vulnerable to heat stress. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed deleterious effects of heat stress in both the groups. The higher values of HR and CO in the haemodiluted group may be responsible for circulatory failure at low HCT values, indicating a higher risk in the haemodiluted group as compared to the control group. Received: 3 February 1997 / Revised: 16 September 1997 / Accepted: 18 November 1997     

Trypanosoma evansi: Adenosine deaminase activity in the brain of infected rats

The study was undertaken to evaluate changes in the activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in brains of rats infected by Trypanosoma evansi. Each rat was intraperitoneally infected with 10⁶ trypomastigotes either suspended in fresh (group A; n = 13) and cryopreserved blood (group B; n = 13). Thirteen animals were used as control (group C). ADA activity was estimated in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus. No differences (P > 0.05) in ADA activity were observed in the cerebellum between infected and non-infected animals. Significant (P < 0.05) reductions in ADA activity occurred in cerebral cortex in acutely (day 4 post-infection; PI) and chronically (day 20 PI) infected rats. ADA activity was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the hippocampus in acutely infected rats, but significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the chronically infected rats. Significant (P < 0.05) reductions in ADA activity occurred in the striatum of chronically infected rats. Parasites could be found in peripheral blood and brain tissue through microscopic examination and PCR assay, respectively, in acutely and chronically infected rats. The reduction of ADA activity in the brain was associated with high levels of parasitemia and anemia in acute infections. Alterations in ADA activity of the brain in T. evansi-infected rats may have implications for pathogenesis of the disease.     

Dietary Enrichment with Medium Chain Triglycerides (AC-1203) Elevates Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Parietal Cortex of Aged Dogs: Implications for Treating Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Dogs demonstrate an age-related cognitive decline, which may be related to a decrease in the concentration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in the brain. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) increase fatty acid oxidation, and it has been suggested that this may raise brain n-3 PUFA levels by increasing mobilization of n-3 PUFA from adipose tissue to the brain. The goal of the present study was to determine whether dietary MCT would raise n-3 PUFA concentrations in the brains of aged dogs. Eight Beagle dogs were randomized to a control diet (n = 4) or an MCT (AC-1203) enriched diet (n = 4) for 2 months. The animals were then euthanized and the parietal cortex was removed for phospholipid, cholesterol and fatty acid determinations by gas-chromatography. Dietary enrichment with MCT (AC-1203) resulted in a significant increase in brain phospholipid and total lipid concentrations (P < 0.05). In particular, n-3 PUFA within the phospholipid, unesterified fatty acid, and total lipid fractions were elevated in AC-1203 treated subjects as compared to controls (P < 0.05). Brain cholesterol concentrations did not differ significantly between the groups (P > 0.05). These results indicate that dietary enrichment with MCT, raises n-3 PUFA concentrations in the parietal cortex of aged dogs.     

Association Between Obesity,Flow Rate of Whole Saliva,and Dental Caries in Adolescents

In a cross‐sectional study design, we test the hypothesis whether childhood obesity is associated with reduced flow rate of stimulated whole saliva and dental caries. Obese adolescents (n = 65) with a mean age of 14.5 years and normal weight subjects (n = 65) with a mean age of 14.2 years were clinically examined with respect to dental caries, visible plaque accumulation (visible plaque index (VPI%)), gingival inflammation in terms of bleeding on probing (BOP%) as well as answered a questionnaire concerning medical history, medication, oral hygiene habits, smoking habits, and sociodemographic background. The flow rate of stimulated whole saliva (ml/min) was determined. BMI was calculated and adjusted for age and gender (BMI‐sds). The obese subjects exhibited higher number of decayed surfaces (DS), 0.7 vs. 0.1 (P = 0.008) and lower flow rate of stimulated whole saliva 1.2 vs. 2.0 ml/min (P < 0.001). Of obese patients, 17 subjects had VPI% >25 and 21 had BOP% >25, both compared to only 5 subjects of the normal weight with P values of 0.005 and <0.001, respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression model BMI‐sds was significantly associated with the flow rate of stimulated whole saliva less than the median value 1.5 ml/min (P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 1.36) as well as with DS (DS >0) (P = 0.002; OR 1.31) and the associations were not found to be confounded by any of the studied variables. The results indicate that childhood obesity is associated with reduced flow rate of stimulated whole saliva and dental caries and further strengthens obesity's negative effect on children's oral health.     

The Mechanism and Characterization of Learning and Memory Impairment in Sleep-Deprived Mice

Objectives are to examine the effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on spatial learning and memory in mice, to determine how SD effects the expression of phosphorylated cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (pCREB) in mouse hippocampus, and to explore the mechanism of influence of sleep deprivation on cognitive function. Twenty, 3-month-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into two groups, the sleep deprivation group (SD, n = 10) and control group with normal sleep (CC, n = 10). The mice in SD group were deprived sleep by “gentle touch” for 20 days and then all the mice were subjected for Morris Water Maze test to determine the mean latency of escape (LE). Percentage of time spent in the target quadrant was calculated. Mouse hippocampus pCREB levels were quantified by western blot. Compared with CC group, SD mice had a significantly longer mean LE time (P < 0.05) and spent less time in the target quadrant (P < 0.05). Western blot revealed that hippocampus pCREB levels in the SD group were significantly lower than that in control group (0.71 ± 0.03 vs 0.82 ± 0.06, P < 0.01). The impairment in spatial learning and memory in sleep-deprived animals may be associated with the reduction of pCREB in the hippocampus.     

Advanced glycation end products and antioxidant status in nondiabetic and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats: effects of copper treatment

The effects of Cu(II) supplementation on glycemic parameters, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), antioxidant status (glutathione; GSH and total antioxidant capacity; TAOC) and lipid peroxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS) were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The study was carried out on Wistar albino rats grouped as control (n = 10), CuCl₂ treated (n = 9), STZ (n = 10) and STZ,CuCl₂ treated (n = 9). STZ was administered intraperitoneally at a single dose of 65 mg/kg and CuCl₂, 4 mg copper/kg, subcutaneously, every 2 days for 60 days. At the end of this period, glucose(mg/dl), Cu(μg/dl), TBARS(μmol/l), TAOC(mmol/l) were measured in plasma, GSH(mg/gHb) in erythrocytes and glycated hemoglobin (GHb)(%) in blood. Plasma AGE-peptides(%) were measured by HPLC flow system with spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric detectors connected on-line. Data were analyzed by the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U test. In the STZ group glucose, GHb and AGE-peptide levels were all significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01, respectively). CuCl₂ treated group had significantly lower glucose but significantly higher GHb, TAOC and TBARS levels than the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). STZ,CuCl₂ treated group had significantly higher GHb, TAOC and TBARS levels compared with the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively); but only TAOC level was significantly higher than the STZ group (P < 0.01). This experimental study provides evidence that copper intake increases total antioxidant capacity in both nondiabetic and diabetic states. However despite the potentiated antioxidant defence, lipid peroxidation and glycation enhancing effects of CuCl₂ are evident under nondiabetic conditions.