Proneurogenic Group II mGluR antagonist improves learning and reduces anxiety in Alzheimer Aß oligomer mouse.

Proneurogenic compounds have recently shown promise in some mouse models of Alzheimer's pathology. Antagonists at Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (Group II mGluR: mGlu2, mGlu3) are reported to stimulate neurogenesis. Agonists at those receptors trigger γ-secretase-inhibitor-sensitive biogenesis of Aß42 peptides from isolated synaptic terminals, which is selectively suppressed by antagonist pretreatment. We have assessed the therapeutic potential of chronic pharmacological inhibition of Group II mGluR in Dutch APP (Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein E693Q) transgenic mice that accumulate Dutch amyloid-ß (Aß) oligomers but never develop Aß plaques. BCI-838 is a clinically well-tolerated, orally bioavailable, investigational prodrug that delivers to the brain BCI-632, the active Group II mGluR antagonist metabolite. Dutch Aß-oligomer-forming APP transgenic mice (APP E693Q) were dosed with BCI-838 for 3 months. Chronic treatment with BCI-838 was associated with reversal of transgene-related amnestic behavior, reduction in anxiety, reduction in levels of brain Aß monomers and oligomers, and stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. Group II mGluR inhibition may offer a unique package of relevant properties as an Alzheimer's disease therapeutic or prophylactic by providing both attenuation of neuropathology and stimulation of repair.

Attitudes and perceptions towards oral hygiene tasks among geriatric nursing home staff.

OBJECTIVES: To assess attitudes and perceptions towards oral hygiene tasks among geriatric nursing home staff, before and after a dental hygiene education. METHODOLOGY: A survey questionnaire was distributed to the nursing staff (n = 105), at a geriatric nursing home in Stockholm, Sweden. RESULTS: The response rate to the questionnaire was 83%. A vast majority (87%) of the nursing staff considered oral hygiene tasks unpleasant. The main reason for considering oral care unpleasant was a perceived unwillingness from the residents. The perceived unwillingness from the residents among the nursing staff was reduced after the dental hygiene education (chi-square test, P = 0.02). A vast majority of the nursing staff experienced, always or sometimes, resistance from the residents towards oral care. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing home staff members consider oral care tasks unpleasant, and frequently experience resistance from the nursing home residents towards oral care. The perceived unwillingness from the residents is reduced after an advanced dental hygiene education. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of education on nursing staff's attitudes and perceptions towards oral care tasks, with the overall aim of improving the oral health among older people in hospitals and nursing homes.

Leaching of metals from sewage sludge during one year and their relationship to particle size.

Leaching of metals from sewage sludge can lead to their accumulation in topsoil and can also contaminate groundwater. Our objectives were to document the metal leachates and the size distribution of leached particles from sewage sludge and to identify possible correlations with physical factors. Results from monthly lysimeter sampling showed an initial release followed by decline for most metals. Cadmium, Ca, Sr, Li, Mn, Ni and Zn showed a "cyclic" behaviour. Filtration revealed that this "cyclicity" had no correlation to the size of released particles, but Al, Cr, Fe, Cu, Ag and Pb were clearly related to release of coarser particles most of the year. Total metal amounts leached during one year, relative to original sludge content, had the order Na>Ca=Mg>Mn>Sr>Zn>K>Li=Ni>Cd>Co>Rb>Ag>Cr>Ba=Cu>Ga>Al=Pb=Fe. There were no simple correlations between monthly measured leachate concentrations and precipitation, temperature or pH of precipitation. Occasional leachate sampling might give misleading values for metals with "cyclic" behaviour.

[Testicular schistosomiasis]. / Testikulaer schistosomiasis.

A case of testicular schistosomiasis, simulating malignancy, in a 13 year old Nigerian boy is reported. In patients from endemic areas with testicular tumors, this differential diagnosis should be borne in mind. At operation, a freezemicroscopic examination should be done to save the testicle, if possible, as in this case.

[Evaluation of blood loss and absorption of irrigating fluid in transurethral resection of the prostate]. / Evaluering af blodtab og absorption af skyllevaeske ved transuretal resektion af prostata. En spørgeskemaundersøogelse.

A questionnaire was sent to all Danish departments performing transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) concerning the use of irrigating fluids and methods to estimate peroperative blood loss and absorption of irrigating fluid. Fifty-six of 60 departments used glycine as an irrigant. Seventeen percent of the departments measured blood loss peroperatively (HemoCue). Only two departments (3%) measured absorption of irrigating fluid quantitatively by the expired breath ethanol method. The other departments estimated blood loss and absorption of irrigant from the colour of the irrigating fluid. From studies of the literature we suggest the use of sorbitol/mannitol as irrigating fluid instead of glycine, as this may have fewer adverse effects, and we recommend quantitative measurements of blood loss and absorption of irrigating fluid to minimise the potentially dangerous consequences of TUR-P.

Planning hospital boards for the future. Interview by Donald E. L. Johnson.

Lancaster General Hospital, a 553-bed institution in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1893. Hospital services include trauma, cancer, and neo-natal centers and open-heart and neurosurgery specialties. In the following interview with Health Care Strategic Management's publisher, Donald E.L. Johnson, Paul G. Wedel, President and Chief Executive Officer discusses the future challenges confronting hospital foundation boards. Lancaster General's 18-member planning board which charts the course for the 28,000 employee and 550 medical staff institution serves as a familiar point of reference.

Testicular schistosomiasis simulating malignancy. Case report.

A case is reported on a 13-year-old boy with schistosomiasis in his right testis, simulating a malignant tumor. The tumor was excised, and since freeze-microscopy showed granulomatosis without malignancy, the testis was saved. Schistosomiasis is shortly reviewed. It is emphasized, that testicular involvement is rare.