Theory of mind tasks and executive functions: A systematic review of group studies in neurology.

A growing number of studies have been addressing the relationship between theory of mind (TOM) and executive functions (EF) in patients with acquired neurological pathology. In order to provide a global overview on the main findings, we conducted a systematic review on group studies where we aimed to (1) evaluate the patterns of impaired and preserved abilities of both TOM and EF in groups of patients with acquired neurological pathology and (2) investigate the existence of particular relations between different EF domains and TOM tasks. The search was conducted in Pubmed/Medline. A total of 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. We considered for analysis classical clinically accepted TOM tasks (first- and second-order false belief stories, the Faux Pas test, Happe's stories, the Mind in the Eyes task, and Cartoon's tasks) and EF domains (updating, shifting, inhibition, and access). The review suggests that (1) EF and TOM appear tightly associated. However, the few dissociations observed suggest they cannot be reduced to a single function; (2) no executive subprocess could be specifically associated with TOM performances; (3) the first-order false belief task and the Happe's story task seem to be less sensitive to neurological pathologies and less associated to EF. Even though the analysis of the reviewed studies demonstrates a close relationship between TOM and EF in patients with acquired neurological pathology, the nature of this relationship must be further investigated. Studies investigating ecological consequences of TOM and EF deficits, and intervention researches may bring further contributions to this question.

Group strategy-proof social choice functions with binary ranges and arbitrary domains: characterization results

We define different concepts of group strategy-proofness for social choice functions. We discuss the connections between the defined concepts under different assumptions on their domains of definition. We characterize the social choice functions that satisfy each one of them and whose ranges consist of two alternatives, in terms of two types of basic properties.

Preferential binding of the methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 at methylated transcriptional start site regions.

Methyl-CpG Binding Domain (MBD) proteins are thought to be key molecules in the interpretation of DNA methylation signals leading to gene silencing through recruitment of chromatin remodeling complexes. In cancer, the MBD-family member, MBD2, may be primarily involved in the repression of genes exhibiting methylated CpG at their 5' end. Here we ask whether MBD2 randomly associates methylated sequences, producing chance effects on transcription, or exhibits a more specific recognition of some methylated regions. Using chromatin and DNA immunoprecipitation, we analyzed MBD2 and RNA polymerase II deposition and DNA methylation in HeLa cells on arrays representing 25,500 promoter regions. This first whole-genome mapping revealed the preferential localization of MBD2 near transcription start sites (TSSs), within the region analyzed, 7.5 kb upstream through 2.45 kb downstream of 5' transcription start sites. Probe by probe analysis correlated MBD2 deposition and DNA methylation. Motif analysis did not reveal specific sequence motifs; however, CCG and CGC sequences seem to be overrepresented. Nonrandom association (multiple correspondence analysis, p < 0.0001) between silent genes, DNA methylation and MBD2 binding was observed. The association between MBD2 binding and transcriptional repression weakened as the distance between binding site and TSS increased, suggesting that MBD2 represses transcriptional initiation. This hypothesis may represent a functional explanation for the preferential binding of MBD2 at methyl-CpG in TSS regions.

The Growth of Brown Adipose Tissue in Cold-acclimatized Rats after Depletion of Mast Cell Histamine by Compound 48/80

Cold acclimatization (4-5°C) is accompanied by 2-3 fold increase of brown adipose tissue (BAT). This rapid growth of interscapular BAT was studied after histamine depletion. In control rats maintained at room temperature (28 ± 2°C) the BAT histamine content was 23.4 ± 5.9 (mean ± SD) µg/g of tissue and cold acclimatization (5±1°C) produced a significant increase of BAT weight, but reduced the histamine content to 8.4 ± 1.9 µg/g. The total weight of BAT after 20 days of acclimatization was unaffected by depletion of histamine due to compound 48/80. The low level of histamine in BAT of cold acclimatized rats could be due to a fast rate of amine utilization; alternatively an altered synthesis or storage process may occur during acclimatization.

Subjective Memory Deficits in People with and without Dementia: Findings from the 10/66 Dementia Research Group Pilot Studies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

OBJECTIVES To compare subjective memory deficit (SMD) in older adults with and without dementia or depression across multiple centers in low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs). DESIGN Secondary analysis of data from 23 case control studies. SETTING Twenty-three centers in India, Southeast Asia (including China), Latin America and the Caribbean, Nigeria, and Russia. PARTICIPANTS Two thousand six hundred ninety-two community-dwelling people aged 60 and older in one of three groups: people with dementia, people with depression, and controls free of dementia and depression. MEASUREMENTS SMD was derived from the Geriatric Mental State examination. RESULTS Median SMD frequency was lowest in participants without dementia (26.2%) and higher in those with depression (50.0%) and dementia (66.7%). Frequency of SMD varied between centers. Depression and dementia were consistently associated with SMD. Older age and hypochondriasis were associated with SMD only in subjects without dementia. In those with dementia, SMD was associated with better cognitive function, whereas the reverse was the case in controls. CONCLUSION Associations with SMD may differ between subjects with and without dementia living in LAMICs.

Photoaffinity labeling of the T cell receptor on living cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Using a direct binding assay based on photoaffinity labeling, we have studied the interaction of an antigenic peptide with MHC class I molecules and the TCR on living cells. Two photoreactive derivatives of the H-2Kd (Kd) restricted Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite (PbCS) peptide 253-260 (YIPSAEKI) were used. The first derivative contained an N-terminal photoreactive iodo, 4-azido salicyloyl (IASA) group and biotin on the TCR contact residue Lys259 [IASA-YIPSAEK(biotin)I]. As previously described, this derivative selectively bound to and labeled the Kd molecule. The second photoreactive compound, the isomeric biotin-YIPSAEK(IASA)I, also efficiently bound to the Kd molecule, but failed to label this protein. A CTL clone derived from a mouse immunized with this derivative recognized this conjugate but not the parental P. berghei circumsporozoite peptide or the [IASA-YIPSAEK-(biotin)I] derivative in an Kd-restricted manner. Incubation of the cloned CTL cells with biotin-YIPSAEK(IASA)I, but not its isomer, followed by UV irradiation resulted in photoaffinity labeling of the TCR-alpha chain that was dependent on the conjugate binding to the Kd molecule. The TCR labeling was partially inhibited by anti-LFA 1 and anti-ICAM1 mAb, but was increased by addition of beta 2m or soluble KdQ10. The exquisite labeling selectivity of the two photoprobes opens a new, direct approach to the molecular analysis of antigen presentation and recognition by living CTL.

Protein intake and exercise for optimal muscle function with aging: recommendations from the ESPEN Expert Group.

The aging process is associated with gradual and progressive loss of muscle mass along with lowered strength and physical endurance. This condition, sarcopenia, has been widely observed with aging in sedentary adults. Regular aerobic and resistance exercise programs have been shown to counteract most aspects of sarcopenia. In addition, good nutrition, especially adequate protein and energy intake, can help limit and treat age-related declines in muscle mass, strength, and functional abilities. Protein nutrition in combination with exercise is considered optimal for maintaining muscle function. With the goal of providing recommendations for health care professionals to help older adults sustain muscle strength and function into older age, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) hosted a Workshop on Protein Requirements in the Elderly, held in Dubrovnik on November 24 and 25, 2013. Based on the evidence presented and discussed, the following recommendations are made (a) for healthy older people, the diet should provide at least 1.0-1.2 g protein/kg body weight/day, (b) for older people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition because they have acute or chronic illness, the diet should provide 1.2-1.5 g protein/kg body weight/day, with even higher intake for individuals with severe illness or injury, and (c) daily physical activity or exercise (resistance training, aerobic exercise) should be undertaken by all older people, for as long as possible.

The Office International des Epizooties ad hoc Group on Non Tsetse Animal Trypanosomoses: Its Origin, Scope and Perspectives

A summary of the goals and activities of the ad hoc group on Non Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomosis belonging to the Office International des Epizooties is presented.

Docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil; docetaxel and cisplatin; and epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil as systemic treatment for advanced gastric carcinoma: a randomized phase II trial of the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research.

PURPOSE: This randomized phase II trial evaluated two docetaxel-based regimens to see which would be most promising according to overall response rate (ORR) for comparison in a phase III trial with epirubicin-cisplatin-fluorouracil (ECF) as first-line advanced gastric cancer therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Chemotherapy-naïve patients with measurable unresectable and/or metastatic gastric carcinoma, a performance status <or= 1, and adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function randomly received <or= eight 3-weekly cycles of ECF (epirubicin 50 mg/m(2) on day 1, cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) on day 1, and fluorouracil [FU] 200 mg/m(2)/d on days 1 to 21), TC (docetaxel initially 85 mg/m(2) on day 1 [later reduced to 75 mg/m(2) as a result of toxicity] and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) on day 1), or TCF (TC plus FU 300 mg/m(2)/d on days 1 to 14). Study objectives included response (primary), survival, toxicity, and quality of life (QOL). RESULTS: ORR was 25.0% (95% CI, 13% to 41%) for ECF, 18.5% (95% CI, 9% to 34%) for TC, and 36.6% (95% CI, 23% to 53%) for TCF (n = 119). Median overall survival times were 8.3, 11.0, and 10.4 months for ECF, TC, and TCF, respectively. Toxicity was acceptable, with one toxic death (TC arm). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in more treatment cycles with docetaxel (TC, 49%; TCF, 57%; ECF, 34%). Global health status/QOL substantially improved with ECF and remained similar to baseline with both docetaxel regimens. CONCLUSION: Time to response and ORR favor TCF over TC for further evaluation, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting. A trend towards increased myelosuppression and infectious complications with TCF versus TC or ECF was observed.

A novel derivative of the chelon desferrioxamine for site-specific conjugation to antibodies.

We describe the preparation of the modified chelator aminooxyacetyl-ferrioxamine, and the replacement of its iron atom by 67Ga at high specific activity. The aminooxy function of this compound was allowed to react with the aldehyde groups generated by the periodate oxidation of the oligosaccharide of a mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody (MAb) directed against carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA). The use of the aminooxy group allowed a stable bond to be formed between the chelon and the antibody with no need for reduction. Iron was removed from the ferrioxamine moiety and replaced by 67Ga either before or after conjugation of the chelon to the antibody. In either case the labelled antibody was injected into nude mice bearing a human colon carcinoma having the appropriate antigenicity. Unoxidized antibody, labelled with 125I by conventional methods, was co-injected as an internal control. Additional control experiments were carried out with a non-immune IgG using the same 67Ga-labelled modified chelon as above. The in vivo distribution of the modified antibodies was evaluated at various times between 24 and 96 hr after injection. The methods used were gamma-camera imaging and, more quantitatively, gamma-counting of the various organs after dissection. Interestingly, with the metal-chelon-labelled antibody, the intensity and specificity of tumor labelling was comparable and in some cases superior to the results obtained with radio-iodinated antibody. In particular, there was almost no increase in liver and spleen uptake of radioactive metal relative to radio-iodine, contrary to what has been observed with most antibodies labelled with 111In after conjugation with DTPA.

IPH response to the Government Alcohol Advisory Group

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) welcomes the call for submissions by the Government Alcohol Advisory Group and commends the Justice Minister, Brian Lenihan TD., for establishing this group. IPH aims to improve health on the island of Ireland, by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health.  IPH promotes cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in research, training, information and policy.   A report from IPH, Inequalities in Mortality 1989-1998 – A report on all-Ireland mortality data found that those in the lowest occupational class are 280% more likely to die from alcohol abuse than those in the highest occupational class. The poorer you are the more likely your life will be negatively impacted by alcohol.  In addition, alcohol is a contributory factor to deaths from accidents, which also show a pronounced socio-economic gradient.

Report of Diabetes Review Steering Group

DHSSPS has published the findings of the Report of the Steering Group chaired by the Chief Medical officer examining services for people with diabetes. The report assesses progress against the objectives of the original CREST/Diabetes UK Joint Taskforce Report (2003). åÊThere is an overview of the epidemiology of the condition as well as an assessment of current service provision, identified gaps and emergent priorities.

Strategies to promote translational research within the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Head and Neck Cancer Group: a report from the Translational Research Subcommittee.

Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. These tumors are commonly diagnosed at advanced stages and mortality rates remain high. Even cured patients suffer the consequences of aggressive treatment that includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In the past, in clinical trials, HNSCC was considered as a single disease entity. Advances in molecular biology with the development of genomic and proteomic approaches have demonstrated distinct prognostic HNSCC patient subsets beyond those defined by traditional clinical-pathological factors such as tumor subsite and stage [Cho W (ed). An Omics Perspective on Cancer Research. New York/Berlin: Springer 2010]. Validation of these biomarkers in large prospective clinical trials is required before their clinical implementation. To promote this research, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Head and Neck Cancer Program will develop the following strategies-(i) biobanking: prospective tissue collection from uniformly treated patients in the setting of clinical trials; (ii) a group of physicians, physician-scientists, and EORTC Headquarters staff devoted to patient-oriented head and neck cancer research; (iii) a collaboration between the basic scientists of the Translational Research Division interested in head and neck cancer research and the physicians of the Head and Neck Cancer Group; and (iv) funding through the EORTC Grant Program and the Network Core Institutions Consortium. In the present report, we summarize our strategic plans to promote head and neck cancer research within the EORTC framework.

Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) tergospinosum new species (Diptera: Simuliidae) in siolii group from the southern part of the State of Amazonas, Brazil

The larva, pupa, male and female of Simulium tergospinosum n. sp. are described and illustrated. The adults of this new species share many characters with species in the subgenus Psaroniocompsa, where it is placed. The larva of this species bears dorsal and lateral triangular tubercles on the abdomen and multiply branched scale-like setae on the body, suggesting that it belongs to the S. siolii species group. S. tergospinosum n.sp. was collected along the Juma River, Apuí county, in the southern part of the State of Amazonas, Brazil. The Juma, a black-water river, is a tributary of the Aripuanã River in the Madeira River hydrographic basin, on the southern part of Amazonas. Females were collected biting humans along the water courses during the sampling period (in the dry season).