MRI characterization of rat brain aging at structural and functional level: Clues for translational applications.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) paradigms, using non-invasive approaches, can provide relevant findings about brain aging. The attention has been primarily focused on neurodegenerative diseases, while little or nothing has been done to differentiate physiology from pathology. The present study aimed to test diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI) metrics to analyze physiological age-related changes in rats at myelin structure and activation level; findings were validated by ex vivo histology.

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and cognitive status in differential diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the most appropriate cognitive and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker setting to distinguish frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Method: Patients with FTD, those with AD, and those without dementia were enrolled in this study. CSF amyloid-ß 42 (Aß42), total (t)-tau, and phosphorylated (p)-tau concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease influence Zinc and Copper homeostasis.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease. An altered homeostasis of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu), as well as a dysregulated expression of Zn-regulatory proteins have been previously described in AD. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) are commonly used as AD treatment to improve cognitive function, but their effect on Zn homeostasis is still unexplored.

Testosterone administration increases synaptic density in the gyrus dentatus of old mice independently of physical exercise.

Testosterone and physical exercise administration have been shown to affect hippocampal morphology in adult rodents. In aged animals, similar data are only available after physical exercise. In this work we used ultrastructural quantitative morphometry to investigate the effect of testosterone administration on the hippocampal synapses of old mice, either alone or in combination with aerobic physical exercise.

Potassium canrenoate compounding for administration via enteral feeding tubes: a physical and microbiological stability study.

Background: Swallowing difficulties are arising in an increasing number of patients, especially in elderly people. When deglutition ability is completely compromised, enteral administration of a drug via feeding tubes is used. Licensed pharmacists have to compound the original solid forms to enable this drug therapy.