Given that neurodegenerative processes occur very early in the disease course, we also expected to find biomarker deviations in these patients. Methods: A total of 246 memory clinic patients with non-progressive (n = 161), progressive (n = 19), or converting (n = 66) MCI, 67 with stable

dementia, and 80 controls were followed for 24 months. At baseline, CSF total tau (T-tau), beta-amyloid 1-42 (A beta 42) and the light subunit of neurofilament protein (NFL) were determined. Results: Patients with converting MCI and stable dementia had lower CSF A beta 42 concentrations and higher T-tau concentrations Selleckchem Staurosporine and NFL in comparison with controls and non-progressive/progressive MCI (p < 0.0005). No differences were found between progressive and non-progressive MCI. Conclusion: As expected, biomarker deviations learn more predicted progression from MCI to dementia. Contrary to our hypothesis, progression from very mild MCI to more pronounced MCI was not reflected by biomarker deviations. The results suggest that the measured biomarkers are not early disease markers, or alternatively Alzheimer or vascular pathology is not the

underlying cause in this patient group. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Objective: To compare perforation characteristics of standard 22 G (0.7 mm) to 29 G needle (0.34 mm) for amniocentesis.\n\nMethods: Seventeen human chorio-amnion membranes were perforated immediately after cesarean section using 22 G needle for spinal anesthesia and 29 G “pencil-point” needles for amniocentesis under in-vitro conditions. Area of perforation was determined using a microscope and volume of fluid leakage was measured over a period of 5 min.\n\nResults: Membrane perforation with the 22 G needle resulted in a mean damaged area of 225,147.4 mu m(2), a hole with a mean area of 50,154 mu m(2) and amniotic fluid volume passage of 17.5 mL/5 min, whereas the 29 G needle

generated a mean damaged area of 114,812.4 mu m(2), a hole with an average area GSK2126458 chemical structure of 1382.5 mu m(2) and volume passage of 0.28 mL/5 min. These differences were significant.\n\nConclusion: The hole formed by membrane perforation with 29 G “pencil-point” needle for amniocentesis is 36 times smaller, and the amniotic fluid loss is 61 times less than that measured with the 22 G standard needle for spinal anesthesia. Significant reduction of complications following amniocentesis is expected with the 29 G needle.”
“Microorganisms were first described by van Leeuwenhoek in the 17th century. Later, Pasteur and Koch related them to diseases. Since then, the scientific community has striven to extend awareness of the many functions of microorganisms. Science museums provide an excellent setting in which to disseminate such knowledge, but the presentation of living microorganisms is a challenge.