Comparison between the 2007 and the 2016 WHO classification of tumours of the central nervous system(Ⅱ)

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Comparison between the 2007 and the 2016 WHO classification of tumours of the central nervous system(Ⅰ)

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The causes of the syndromes of Landry (1859) and of Guillain, Barré and Strohl (1916)

Post-infectious and post-vaccinal peripheral neuritis or encephalomyelitis have frequently been considered the human equivalents of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) or encephalomyelitis (EAE). The major basis for these comparisons between diseases in humans and experimental animals rests on the classical observations of "paralytic accidents" of Pasteur-type vaccination against rabies. These old observations in humans injected with brain tissue indicate a remarkable heterogeneity of periphéral as well as central nervous system syndromes, quite in contrast with the remarkable specificity for either peripheral or central involvement in most experimental animals. The syndromes of Landry (1859) and of Guillain, Barré and Strohl (1916) differ clinically and pathologically, the latter a purely peripheral neuritis and the former a mixture of transverse myelitis and facial neuritis. Each can be caused by many different factors, including 1) direct infection by wild or attenuated rabies virus, 2) direct auto-sensitization by myelin antigens in the vaccine and 3) indirect or cross-reactive sensitization by viral or bacterial antigenic determinants (epitopes) with sufficient chemical homology with aminoacid sequences in central or peripheral myelin antigens to be recognized as immunological homologies.     

Assessment of the clinical activity of fluoxetin (Prozac) according of the "Stars of Liège" model

Ten psychiatrists have independently rated the clinical profile of fluoxetin (Prozac) at the daily dose of 20 mg according to a "Stars of Liège" model comprising three parameters of therapeutic activity (antidepressant, psychostimulant and anxiolytic) and three parameters of side-effects (anticholinergic, sedative and hypotensive). Each parameter, graduated from 0 to 5 (no, very weak, weak, moderate, potent, very potent effect) was rated by each investigator according to his personal experience with at least 10 patients. Mean ratings given to fluoxetine show a moderate antidepressant effect, equal to amitriptyline (Rédomex, Tryptizol 75 mg/d, clomipramine (Anafranil 75 mg/d and nialamide (Niamide 100 mg/d, weak psychostimulating and anxiolytic effects, a very weak sedative effect and a lack of anticholinergic and hypotensive effects. Digestive side-effects of moderate intensity were also noted as well as a very weak anorexia. The important variability between investigators in the rating of the clinical profile of fluoxetine suggests that more experience is needed in order to define better its physiognomy.     

Temporal Stability of the Dutch Version of the Wechsler Memory Scale—Fourth Edition (WMS-IV-NL)

Objective: The Wechsler Memory Scale—Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) is one of the most widely used memory batteries. We examined the test–retest reliability, practice effects, and standardized regression-based (SRB) change norms for the Dutch version of the WMS-IV (WMS-IV-NL) after both short and long retest intervals. Method: The WMS-IV-NL was administered twice after either a short (M = 8.48 weeks, SD = 3.40 weeks, range = 3–16) or a long (M = 17.87 months, SD = 3.48, range = 12–24) retest interval in a sample of 234 healthy participants (M = 59.55 years, range = 16–90; 118 completed the Adult Battery; and 116 completed the Older Adult Battery). Results: The test–retest reliability estimates varied across indexes. They were adequate to good after a short retest interval (ranging from .74 to .86), with the exception of the Visual Working Memory Index (r = .59), yet generally lower after a long retest interval (ranging from .56 to .77). Practice effects were only observed after a short retest interval (overall group mean gains up to 11 points), whereas no significant change in performance was found after a long retest interval. Furthermore, practice effect-adjusted SRB change norms were calculated for all WMS-IV-NL index scores. Conclusions: Overall, this study shows that the test–retest reliability of the WMS-IV-NL varied across indexes. Practice effects were observed after a short retest interval, but no evidence was found for practice effects after a long retest interval from one to two years. Finally, the SRB change norms were provided for the WMS-IV-NL.     

Age-related effects of estrogen on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) α and β mRNA in the ovariectomized (OVX) monkey hypothalamus

In the present study, we reported distribution of ERα and ERβ mRNAs in the hypothalamus of young and old ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus macaques. The ERα were detected in all six major vestiblular nuclei which included arcuate nucleus (ARC) , paraventricularis nucleus (PVN) , periventricular nucleus (PeriV) , supraoptic nucleus (SON) , medial prioptic nucleus (MPN) and lateral hypothalamus area (LHA). However, the ERβ mRNA can also detected in those nuclei excerpt SON, but the signals of ERβ mRNA were weaker than those of ERα mRNA. We observed that the degree of expression of ERs mRNA were different in most nucleus of old and young monkeys. The ERα mRNAs were highly expressed in ARC and SON in young monkeys compared with old monkeys. Moderate amount of ERα mRNAs hybridization signals and weak signals were observed in LHA, and MPN both in young and old monkeys. In contrast, only lower level of ERα hybridization signal were observed in PVN and PeriV in young monkeys, and the signals of ERα were very low in those nucleus of old monkeys. In general, the expression of ERβ mRNA were weaker than that of ERα mRNA in above nucleus excerpt LHA. The relatively higher density of ERβ hybridization signals have been observed in the LHA in young monkey compared with old monkeys. Low amount of ERβ mRNA hybridization signals were observed in the ARC, PVN and MPN, and no age differences were seen in PVN and MPN of those monkeys. In PeriV, we observed some signals in young monkey and a few signals in old monkeys. It was different from the rodent in which we did not found ERβ hybridization signal in SON. This study showed that both of the two estrogen receptors not only had the same pattern of expression but also had many different patterns of expression. The different expression of ERα and ERβ mRNAs in the young and old monkey brain may imply diverse functions in different regions of the monkey brain.     

The development of the Chinese version of Impact of Event Scale – Revised (CIES-R)

Background: This is an exploratory study on the psychometric properties and normative data of the Chinese translation of the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (CIES-R). Methods: The original Impact of Event Scale – Revised was translated into Chinese and the comparability of content was verified through back-translation procedures. The study consisted of a sample of 116 patients from the Accident and Emergency Department. Results: The reliability of the Chinese version was verified. The validity of the Chinese version as a measure of psychological distress was supported by the positive correlations between the various subscale scores of CIES-R (i. e., Intrusion, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal) and General Health Questionnaire-20. However, the independence of the three subscales was not supported. Conclusions: The present result suggests that normative information for different age groups and clinical samples might be different. Further study with clinical sample and investigation of the relationship between CIES-R and other diagnostic measures of PTSD are discussed. Received: 22 August 2002 / Accepted: 13 September 2002 Correspondence to Kitty K. Wu     

Measuring personal recovery – psychometric properties of the Swedish Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR-Swe)

Background: Personal recovery, defined as an individual process towards meaning, is an important target within mental health services. Measuring recovery hence requires reliable and valid measures. The Process of Recovery Questionnaire (QPR) was developed for that purpose.

Aims: The aim was to develop a Swedish version of the QPR (QPR-Swe) and explore its psychometric properties in terms of factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity and sensitivity to change.

Methods: A total of 226 participants entered the study. The factor structure was investigated by Principal Component Analysis and Scree plot. Construct validity was addressed in terms of convergent validity against indicators of self-mastery, self-esteem, quality of life and self-rated health.

Results: A one-factor solution of QPR-Swe received better support than a two-factor solution. Good internal consistency was indicated, α?=?0.92, and construct validity was satisfactory. The QPR-Swe showed preliminary sensitivity to change.

Conclusions: The QPR-Swe showed promising initial psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, convergent validity and sensitivity to change. The QPR-Swe is recommended for use in research and clinical contexts to assess personal recovery among people with mental illness.     

Comparative fibril formation of analogs corresponding to the (12–24) segment of the β-amyloid peptide

The (1–42) β-amyloid peptide is a main component of the plaques found in the brain of patients suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease. As the single substitution of Glu for Gln at position 22 of this peptide seems to be responsible for the manifestation of the more severe amyloidosis (Dutch-type), we decided to evaluate the aggregation characteristics of peptide analogs interchanging Glu and Gln residues at positions 22 and also 15 in the minor (12–24) (VHHQ¹⁵KLVFFAE²²DV) fragment. The Q15Q22, E15E22, E15Q22 and the native Q15E22 were compared to the (1–42) β-amyloid peptide in terms of fibril or structured aggregates formation propensity. In contrast to a rather similar solubility data measured of all analogs, fluorescence and light scattering methods indicated that only Q15E22 and Q15Q22 displayed relevant fibril formation capacity. Conversely, E15E22 and E15Q22 were not capable of the formation of this type of structure thus suggesting a key role for the Q¹⁵ residue in the unique aggregation characteristic of the β-amyloid peptide.     

Cross-cultural adaptation of the stroke self-efficacy questionnaire – Denmark (SSEQ-DK)

Objective The objective of the present study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) from English to Danish in order to create a Danish version of the measure, SSEQ-DK, and to assess psychometric properties in the form of internal consistency and face validity.

Methods The adaptation process followed standard guidelines, in five stages: (I) initial translation, (II) synthesis, (III) back translation, (IV) expert committee, and (V) pretest involving 30 stroke survivors. Face validity was assessed in the expert committee and, based on results from the pretest, internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s α.

Results There was a high level of agreement in the translations. Some adjustments were made, primarily with regard to semantic equivalence. Thirty stroke survivors participated in the pretest, evaluating the relevance of the questionnaire on a Likert scale: not relevant (0%), somewhat relevant (10%), relevant (40%), and very relevant (50%). The perceived difficulty of completing the questionnaire was also evaluated on a Likert scale: very easy (30%), easy (43.3%), neither easy nor difficult (26.7%), difficult (0%), and very difficult (0%). Face validity was satisfactory, and the SSEQ-DK showed good internal consistency (0.89).

Conclusion The translation and cultural adaptation of the SSEQ to SSEQ-DK appears to be successful, with good face validity and internal consistency along with a high level of relevance and comprehensibility. Further assessment of the inter- and intra-reliability of SSEQ-DK is required before it can be recommended in clinical use.     

Stimulation of α(2A)-adrenoceptors promotes the maturation of dendritic spines in cultured neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex

Dendritic spines are tiny protrusions along dendrites that receive excitatory synaptic inputs and compartmentalize postsynaptic responses in the mature brain. It is known that change in spine morphology is associated with brain functions such as learning and memory. α_2A-Adrenoceptors (α_2A-ARs) are highly expressed in cortical neurons and play important roles in neuronal differentiation, growth and neurotrophy. However, little is known about the role of α_2A-ARs in the maturation of dendritic spines. Here, we report that stimulation of α_2A-ARs promotes the maturation of dendritic spines in cultured neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex of rodents. Our results show that, stimulation of α_2A-ARs by guanfacine induced significantly more stubby or mushroom spines in cultured mPFC neurons, with an enlargement of the spine head size. In parallel, the expression of PSD95 (a postsynaptic protein) in guanfacine-treated neurons was enhanced, while that of synapsin (a pre-synaptic protein) kept unchanged. These effects of guanfacine were blocked by co-administered yohimbine, a non-selective α₂-AR antagonist. The present results implicate a prominent role of α_2A-ARs in regulating the maturation of dendritic spines in the mPFC.     

Validation of the Italian version of Parkinson’s Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS)

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a frequent feature associated with both early and advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD). An evaluation of cognitive functions is relevant to identify those parkinsonians at risk of developing dementia. In the present study, the Italian version of Parkinson’s Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) assessing fronto-subcortical and cortical cognitive functions in PD was validated in 387 parkinsonians and was used to test the empirical validity of the item 1.1 (cognitive impairment) of the Italian version of MDS-UPDRS as screening tool for CI in PD. PD-CRS was free from floor and ceiling effect. The mean PD-CRS score was 76.1 (mean cortical score, 24.5 ± 4.6; mean subcortical score, 51.5 ± 17.5). The internal consistency was satisfactory (α = 0.89); corrected item-total correlation was 0.570 (naming) to 0.696 (working memory). The correlation between PD-CRS and part I–IV of MDS-UPDRS was weak. The low agreement between classification of PD sample into patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), dementia (PD-D) and normal cognition (PD-NC) according to scores of item 1.1 and classification according to cutoff scores of PD-CRS for PD-MCI, PD-D and PD-NC indicated a poor empirical validity of item 1.1 of MDS-UPDRS as cognitive screening tool for CI in PD (Κ = 0.114; weighted Κ = 0.17; SE of Κ = 0.038; 95 % confidence interval from 0.040 to 0.1895). The Italian version of PD-CRS is an easy, consistent and valid tool for assessment of the cognitive cortical and subcortical impairments in PD.     

Proliferative Enteropathy (PE)—Induced Changes in the Calbindin-Immunoreactive (CB-IR) Neurons of Inferior Mesenteric Ganglion Supplying the Descending Colon in the Pig

A subpopulation of the pig inferior mesenteric ganglia (IMG) neurons projecting to the colon exhibit calbindin-like immunoreactivity. It is not known if there are any changes in the chemical coding patterns of these neurons during porcine proliferative enteropathy (PE). To answer this question, juvenile Large White Polish pigs with clinically diagnosed Lawsonia intracellularis infection (PE; n?=?3) and a group of uninfected controls (C; n?=?3) were compared. The retrograde tracer fast blue (FB) was injected into the descending colons of all animals and then tissue comprising IMGs from both groups was processed for double-labeling immunofluorescence with calbindin-D28k (CB) in combination with either tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SOM), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide synthase, Leu-enkephalin, substance P, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, galanin, or pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide. Immunohistochemistry revealed changes in the chemical coding pattern of calbindin-immunoreactive neurons in the inferior mesenteric ganglia of the pig. In control animals, FB/CB-positive neurons were immunoreactive to TH, NPY, SOM, and VIP. In the experimental group, TH-expressing neurons were unaffected, NPY-expressing neurons were increased, whereas the number of neurons immunoreactive to SOM or VIP was reduced. Changes in chemical coding of CB neurons during PE may play an important role in adaptation of these IMG cells under pathological conditions.     

Validation of the Italian version of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association—Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for adults (I-ASHA-FACS)

Background: Impairment of communicative-linguistic and cognitive functions is common after stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). While assessment of language function is usually performed in clinical practice, standardised assessment of pragmatic, functional, and communicative competences is less common, even though suggested by many recent national and international guidelines. The “American Speech-Language and Hearing Association—Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for adults” (ASHA-FACS) is a measure of communication disability that investigates functional communication. It has been translated and adapted into Italian in 2001, but psychometric properties of Italian version of ASHA-FACS (I-ASHA-FACS) have not yet been investigated.

Aims: To investigate psychometric properties of the I-ASHA-FACS scale and provide normative data.

Methods & Procedures: Participants included 100 healthy adult persons without neurological disorders nor communicative-cognitive deficits and 80 post-acute outpatients with aphasia following stroke (n = 60) or TBI (n = 20). Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to exclude control participants with cognitive decline (MMSE > 24). I-ASHA-FACS was completed for all participants. All patients were also assessed with Functional Independent Measure (FIM) and either Aachener Aphasie Test (AAT) for persons with aphasia due to stroke or Levels of Cognitive Functions scale (LCF) for TBI persons. I-ASHA-FACS internal consistency, inter- and intra-rater reliability and construct validity were calculated; normative data were also calculated for healthy controls stratified by age and education. Cronbach’s alpha was used for internal consistency analysis. Spearman’s test was used to correlate I-ASHA-FACS and FIM, AAT, and LCF scores.

Outcomes & Results: I-ASHA-FACS showed good internal consistency (α > .84) and strong intra- and inter-rater reliability (r > .97 and >.89). All healthy persons showed very high level of functional communication abilities in all domains of communication independence (higher than 6, on a 7-point scale) and all qualitative dimensions scores (higher than 4, on a 5-point scale). Correlations between I-ASHA-FACS scores and FIM were strong in aphasic persons, particularly in problem solving (r > .71) and comprehension (r > .73) subscales. Correlations between I-ASHA-FACS and AAT were generally from moderate to strong (r values ranging from r = .31 to r = .81), and particularly strong in spontaneous speech subtest (r > .70). Correlations between I-ASHA-FACS and LCF did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions: I-ASHA-FACS shows good internal consistency, strong intra- and inter-rater reliability and satisfactory validity. The application of I-ASHA-FACS to the Italian population of patients with communicative deficits due to aphasia or TBI is recommended.     

Involvement of Gα(olf)-expressing neurons in the vomeronasal system of Bufo japonicus

Most terrestrial vertebrates possess anatomically distinct olfactory organs: the olfactory epithelium (OE) and the vomeronasal organ (VNO). In rodents, olfactory receptors coupled to Gα(olf) are expressed in the OE, whereas vomeronasal receptors type 1 (V1R) and vomeronasal receptors type 2 (V2R), coupled to Gα(i2) and Gα(o) , respectively, are expressed in the VNO. These receptors and G proteins are thought to play important roles in olfactory perception. However, we previously reported that only V2R and Gα(o) expression is detected in the Xenopus laevis VNO. As X. laevis spends its entire life in water, we considered that expression of limited types of chemosensory machinery in the VNO might be due to adaptation of the VNO to aquatic life. Thus, we analyzed the expression of G proteins in the VNO and the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) of the adult Japanese toad, Bufo japonicus, because this species is well adapted to a terrestrial life. By using immunohistochemical analysis in combination with in situ hybridization and DiI labeling, we found that B. japonicus Gα(olf) and Gα(o) were expressed in the apical and middle-to-basal layer of the vomeronasal neuroepithelium, and that the axons of these Gα(olf) - and Gα(o) -expressing vomeronasal neurons projected to the rostral and caudal accessory olfactory bulb, respectively. These results strongly suggest that both the Gα(olf) - and Gα(o) -mediated signal transduction pathways function in the B. japonicus VNO. The expression of Gα(olf) in the B. japonicus VNO may correlate with the detection of airborne chemical cues and with a terrestrial life.