Transethnic analysis identifies SORL1 variants and haplotypes protective against Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: The SORL1 locus exhibits protective effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) across ancestries, yet systematic studies in diverse populations are sparse.

Methods: Logistic regression identified AD-associated SORL1 haplotypes in East Asian (N = 5249) and European (N = 8588) populations. Association analysis between SORL1 haplotypes and AD-associated traits or plasma biomarkers was conducted.

Using blood transcriptome analysis for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and patient stratification.

Introduction: Blood protein biomarkers demonstrate potential for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. Limited studies examine the molecular changes in AD blood cells.

Methods: Bulk RNA-sequencing of blood cells was performed on AD patients of Chinese descent (n = 214 and 26 in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively) with normal controls (n = 208 and 38 in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively).

A blood-based multi-pathway biomarker assay for early detection and staging of Alzheimer's disease across ethnic groups.

Introduction: Existing blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) mainly focus on its pathological features. However, studies on blood-based biomarkers associated with other biological processes for a comprehensive evaluation of AD status are limited.

Methods: We developed a blood-based, multiplex biomarker assay for AD that measures the levels of 21 proteins involved in multiple biological pathways.

A Pentacyclic Triterpene from Targets γ-Secretase.

Amyloid-beta peptides generated by β-secretase- and γ-secretase-mediated successive cleavage of amyloid precursor protein are believed to play a causative role in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, reducing amyloid-beta generation by modulating γ-secretase remains a promising approach for Alzheimer's disease therapeutic development. Here, we screened fruit extracts of Ait.

Anemoside A3 Enhances Cognition through the Regulation of Synaptic Function and Neuroprotection.

Compounds that have the ability to both strengthen synaptic function and facilitate neuroprotection are valuable cognitive enhancers that may improve health and quality of life, as well as retard age-related cognitive deterioration. Medicinal plants are an abundant source of potential cognitive enhancers. Here we report that anemoside A3 (AA3) isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis modulates synaptic connectivity in circuits central to memory enhancement.

Blockade of EphA4 signaling ameliorates hippocampal synaptic dysfunctions in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by cognitive decline, has emerged as a disease of synaptic failure. The present study reveals an unanticipated role of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A4 (EphA4) in mediating hippocampal synaptic dysfunctions in AD and demonstrates that blockade of the ligand-binding domain of EphA4 reverses synaptic impairment in AD mouse models. Enhanced EphA4 signaling was observed in the hippocampus of amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) transgenic mouse model of AD, whereas soluble amyloid-β oligomers (Aβ), which contribute to synaptic loss in AD, induced EphA4 activation in rat hippocampal slices.

Melanocortin-4 receptor regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity through a protein kinase A-dependent mechanism.

Learning and memory require orchestrated regulation of both structural and functional synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. While a neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, α-MSH, has been implicated in memory acquisition and retention, the functional role of its cognate receptor, melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), in hippocampal-dependent synaptic plasticity has not been explored. In this study, we report that activation of MC4R enhances synaptic plasticity through the regulation of dendritic spine morphology and abundance of AMPA receptors.

Outcome assessment of bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by the use of the SRS-22 questionnaire.

The SRS-22 questionnaire is specifically designed for the assessment of quality of life in spinal deformity patients. This study is the first to use it to assess the quality of life of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients under brace treatment and compares the results with an observational group matched by age and curve magnitude. Forty-six patients were enrolled into each group.

Assessing the diagnostic test accuracy of natriuretic peptides and ECG in the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In 2003 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence published guidelines recommending the use of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the electrocardiogram (ECG) as part of the diagnostic work up of individuals with heart failure. However, the guideline did not address whether one test was superior to the other or whether performing both tests was superior to performing single tests.

Aim: To investigate the relative test accuracy of the ECG, BNP, N terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and combinations of two or more tests in the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in the primary care setting.