Protein markers for the differential diagnosis of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia found in all human populations worldwide, while vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common form of dementia. New biomarkers for early and specific diagnosis of AD and VaD are needed to achieve greater insight into changes occurring in the brain and direct therapeutic strategies. The objective of this explorative study was to discover candidate protein biomarkers for the differential diagnosis between VaD and AD. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) TOF-MS was used to differentially profile proteins and peptides in CSF samples from 28 AD patients and 21 patients with VaD. A combination of univariate (Kruskal-Wallis) and multivariate (independent component analysis) statistical approaches produced a list of 27 proteins and peptides that could differentiate between VaD and AD. These markers represent various physiological processes, such as protein degradation (ubiquitin), protease inhibition (cystatin C and alpha-1-antichymoptrypsin), and inflammation (C3a and C4a) that are known to be represented in neurodegenerative diseases.

A novel panel of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease versus normal aging and frontotemporal dementia.

BACKGROUND: An early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important in order to initiate symptomatic treatment with currently approved drugs and will be of even greater importance with the advent of disease-modifying compounds. METHODS: Protein profiles of human cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with AD (n = 85), frontotemporal dementia (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 32) were analyzed by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to verify previously discovered biomarkers. RESULTS: We verified 15 protein biomarkers that were able to differentiate between AD and controls, and 7 of these 15 markers also differentiated AD from FTD. CONCLUSION: A panel of cerebrospinal fluid protein markers was verified by a proteomics technology which may potentially improve the accuracy of the AD diagnosis.

Comparison of sodium hyaluronate and methylcellulose in extracapsular cataract extraction.

Extracapsular cataract surgery with posterior chamber lens implantation was performed in a total of 30 patients. These were randomly divided into two groups. In one group sodium hyaluronate 1% (Healon) was used as a tool in surgery, in the other group methylcellulose 2% was used. The viscous substances were irrigated out of the eyes at the conclusion of surgery. Central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and aqueous flare were recorded until one month post-operatively. There was no difference in corneal thickness between the two groups. The mean intraocular pressure was lower than pre-operatively in both groups with a lower pressure in the methylcellulose group compared to the sodium hyaluronate group during the first part of the observation period.

Teratoma orbitae. Report of a case.

A case of orbital teratoma was noted at birth. The neoplasm with a normally developed eye at its apex protruded between distended eyelids from an enlarged but intact orbit. The tumour was successfully extirpated on the day after birth. Histological examination revealed components from all 3 germinal layers and no sign of malignancy.