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The aim of this work is to evaluate the response of healthy subjects to the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue color test using colored optical filters and without them under different illuminations. Thirty healthy subjects (range 20-27 years) performed this color test under simulated A, D65 and LED illuminants, without and with three different filters. Results indicate that LED could be a good alternative to perform Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue color test. Colored filters modify color perception in specific spectral regions, it should be taken into account when a subject wears these filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate children’s psychosocial and environmental factors associated with sedentary behavior (SB). Method. The study involved a total of 420 children (mean 9.2 years; 52.9% girls) from the community of Madrid, Spain. SB and physical activity (PA) were objectively measured using accelerometers. TV viewing and potential correlates were assessed by questionnaire. Mixed-model regression analysis, adjusted for clustering within school locations, evaluated the relation of each independent variable with SBs. Results. Girls showed higher levels of SB than boys, whereas boys reported more TV viewing (p<.001 in all cases). Regression analysis showed that MVPA levels were negatively related to objective SB measurement in both boys and girls (p<.001). Parent and friend support to PA were negatively associated with SB on weekdays in boys and girls, respectively (p<.05). In the boys’ group, parental professional level was a positive predictor of SB on weekend days (p=.011). Boys with more positive neighborhood perceptions spent less time watching TV (p<.001), whereas mother’s leisure-time PA level was a negative correlate of TV viewing in girls’ group (p<.01). Conclusion. Different psychosocial and environmental correlates of SB were identified. Present findings are promising targets for interventions to improve children’s health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A progressive accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is widely recognized as a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Substantial progress has been made toward understanding the neurodegenerative cascade initiated by small soluble species of Aβ and recent evidence supports the notion that microtubule rearrangements may be proximate to neuritic degeneration and deficits in episodic declarative memory. Here, we examined primary cortical neurons for changes in markers associated with synaptic function following exposure to sublethal concentrations of non-aggregated Aβ-peptide. This data show that soluble Aβ species at a sublethal concentration induce degradation of the microtubule-associated protein 1A (MAP1A) without concurrently affecting dendritic marker MAP2 and/or the pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin. In addition, MAP1A was found to highly co-localize with the postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) protein, proposing that microtubule perturbations might be central for the Aβ-induced neuronal dysfunctions as PSD-95 plays a key role in synaptic plasticity. In conclusion, this study suggests that disruption of MAP1A could be a very early manifestation of Aβ-mediated synaptic dysfunction-one that presages the clinical onset of AD by years. Moreover, our data support the notion of microtubule-stabilizing agents as effective AD drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of Spanish adults and children do not engage in enough physical activity to be beneficial for health. There is a need for objective and accurate assessment of the proportion of children meeting the physical activity recommendation for health. Assessing patterns of physical activity both between days (during weekdays and weekend days) and within days is of interest to improve our understanding of the variation in Spanish children's physical activity and to provide efficient intervention programmes. A sample of 221 children: 136 9-year-old children (68 boys and 68 girls) and 85 15-year-old children (36 girls and 49 boys) from 12 urban public schools in Madrid, Spain entered the study. The variables measured were anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, body mass index) and physical activity measured during four consecutive days using the GT1M accelerometer. Younger children were more active and less sedentary than older ones during week and weekend days. Nine-year-old boys and girls achieved significantly ( P < 0.05) more moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and significantly ( P < 0.01) less sedentary time than older 15-year-old children. During weekdays more children achieved physical activity recommendations versus weekend days. Physical activity patterns analyses indicated that boys achieved relatively high values of MVPA from 1100 till 1300 h (school break) and from 1800 till 2000 h in comparison with the rest of the day. Girls were substantially different, with the 9-year-old girls having only two obvious peaks of weekday MVPA at lunch (1300) and after school (1900 h) while the adolescent girls had no clear peak of MVPA. Few children achieved the level of MVPA recommended for health; at particular risk were adolescent girls. More effort needs to be devoted to promoting appropriate opportunities for Spanish girls across the day and to promoting physical activity during weekends for all children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The median raphe nucleus is involved in controlling and maintaining hippocampal activity through its projection to inhibitory neurons in medial septum and hippocampus. It has been shown that anterogradely axonal-traced fibers originating in the median raphe nucleus project onto calbindin-containing neurons in hippocampus and parvalbumin-containing neurons in medial septum. Parallel immunohistochemistry studies showing serotonin fibers contacting calbindin- and parvalbumin-positive neurons have led to the assumption that raphe fibers projecting on these types of neurons are mainly serotonergic. However, in both dorsal and median raphe nucleus there is a large amount of non-serotonergic neurons which also are projecting neurons, indicating that a part of the raphe fibers projecting to hippocampus and septum may be non-serotonergic. Our aim was to determine whether there is a non-serotonergic projection from the raphe nucleus onto calbindin- and parvalbumin-containing neurons in hippocampus and septum. Biotin dextran amine was used as the anterograde neuronal tracer and injected into either dorsal or median raphe nucleus. By use of triple immunofluorescence-labeling we analyzed the serotonergic content of the biotin dextran amine-labeled fibers contacting parvalbumin- and calbindin-positive neurons. Surprisingly, we found a significant non-serotonergic projection from both dorsal and median raphe nuclei onto calbindin- and parvalbumin-containing interneurons in septum and hippocampus, with a preference in hippocampus for projecting onto calbindin-positive neurons. These results indicate that the raphe nuclei may exert their control on hippocampal and septal activity not only through a serotonergic projection, but also through a significant non-serotonergic pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines a system for measuring the mechanical and magnetic axis of superconducting magnets used for Large Hadron Collider. Light emitting diodes and charge coupled device components of the system; Mole positioning system; Sensitivity of the system.

Examines the use of an optical sensor for measuring the deformations of superconducting magnet cold masses for Large Hadron Collider. Concepts governing the sensor; Distortion of the dipole with respect to the cryostat; Quality and sensitivity of the sensor.

Summary: In this report, we show that bacterial plasmids that harbor the Tn10 transposon (i.e., the IncHI1 plasmid R27) modify expression of different Salmonella regulons responding to the presence of tetracycline (Tc) in the medium. By using as a model the Tc‐dependent upregulation of the ibpAB operon (which belongs to the heat shock regulon), we have identified Tn10‐tetA (coding for a Tc efflux pump) and adjacent tetC sequences as required for ibpAB upregulation. Characterization of transcripts in the tetAC region showed that tetA transcription can continue into tetC sequences, generating a long 3′UTR sequence, which can protect transcripts from RNA processing, thus increasing the expression of TetA protein. In the presence of Tc, the DnaK and IbpA chaperones are overexpressed and translocated to the periplasm and to the membrane fraction respectively. DnaK targeting unfolded proteins is known to induce heat shock by avoiding RpoH proteolysis. We correlate expression levels of Tn10‐encoded TetA protein with heat shock induction in Salmonella, likely because TetA activity compromises protein secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression have been implicated in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. To investigate pathological mechanisms elicited by perturbed BDNF signaling, we examined mutant mice with central depletion of BDNF (BDNF2L/2LCk-cre). A severe impairment specific for the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) in prefrontal cortex was described previously in these mice. This is of much interest, as 5-HT2ARs have been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders and anxiety-related behavior. Here we further characterized the serotonin receptor alterations triggered by BDNF depletion. 5-HT2A ([3H]-MDL100907) and 5-HT1A ([3H]-WAY100635) receptor autoradiography revealed site-specific alterations in BDNF mutant mice. They exhibited lower 5-HT2A receptor binding in frontal cortex but increased binding in hippocampus. Additionally, 5-HT1A receptor binding was decreased in hippocampus of BDNF mutants, but unchanged in frontal cortex. Molecular analysis indicated corresponding changes in 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A mRNA expression but normal 5-HT2C content in these brain regions in BDNF2L/2LCk-cre mice. We investigated whether the reduction in frontal 5-HT2AR binding was reflected in reduced functional output in two 5-HT2A-receptor mediated behavioral tests, the head-twitch response (HTR) and the ear-scratch response (ESR). BDNF2L/2LCk-cre mutants treated with the 5-HT2A receptor agonist (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) showed a clearly diminished ESR but no differences in HTR compared to wildtypes. These findings illustrate the context-dependent effects of deficient BDNF signaling on the 5-HT receptor system and 5-HT2A-receptor functional output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The RHA-I rat strain is a behavioral model presenting schizophrenia-like traits. • Their cortical pyramidal neurons have more dendritic spines than in the RLA-I. • This is due to a higher proportion of more immature, thin spines. • This is accompanied by a higher number of astrocytes in this area. • Unchanged number of microglia, and parvalbumin- and somatostatin interneurons. The cellular mechanisms altered during brain wiring leading to cognitive disturbances in neurodevelopmental disorders remain unknown. We have previously reported altered cortical expression of neurodevelopmentally regulated synaptic markers in a genetic animal model of schizophrenia-relevant behavioral features, the Roman-High Avoidance rat strain (RHA-I). To further explore this phenotype, we looked at dendritic spines in cortical pyramidal neurons, as changes in spine density and morphology are one of the main processes taking place during adolescence. An HSV-viral vector carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) was injected into the frontal cortex (FC) of a group of 11 RHA-I and 12 Roman-Low Avoidance (RLA-I) male rats. GFP labeled dendrites from pyramidal cells were 3D reconstructed and number and types of spines quantified. We observed an increased spine density in the RHA-I, corresponding to a larger fraction of immature thin spines, with no differences in stubby and mushroom spines. Glia cells, parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST) interneurons and surrounding perineuronal net (PNN) density are known to participate in FC and pyramidal neuron dendritic spine maturation. We determined by stereological-based quantification a significantly higher number of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the FC of the RHA-I strain, with no difference in microglia (Iba1-positive cells). The number of inhibitory PV, SST interneurons or PNN density, on the contrary, was unchanged. Results support our belief that the RHA-I strain presents a more immature FC, with some structural features like those observed during adolescence, adding construct validity to this strain as a genetic behavioral model of neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the population is getting older, physical activity promotion becomes a good strategy to increase quality of life in the elderly; but genetic condition also plays an important role. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism with physical fitness and muscle mass in physically active older women. A cross-sectional study was performed with two groups of older women who practiced physical exercise regularly. The first cohort comprised 164 women (age 69.7 ± 3.2 years) and the second cohort 131 women (age 78.5 ± 3.0 years). The main outcome measures were anthropometric measures with assessment of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, self-reported physical activity EXERNET questionnaire (EEPAQ), evaluation of physical fitness (muscle strength and flexibility test), and ACTN3 genotyping. Women above 75 years old with allele R presented a higher risk of experiencing sarcopenia compared to ACTNR XX homozygous women (odds ratio 0.356, 95% confidence interval 0.139–0.915, p = 0.026). Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found in the chair stand test (p = 0.04), as well as in the sit and reach test (p = 0.01), with better results for women below 75 years old with the ACTN3 XX genotype. Sarcopenia and physical fitness show differences based on the ACTN3 R577X genotype in active older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-lasting social isolation effects have been tested in the Roman rats. • Social isolation produces divergent effects in RHA-I vs RLA-I rats. • RHA-I rats show PPI deficits, anxiety and hyperactivity induced by social isolation. • Social isolation differentially impairs spatial memory in the Roman strains. • Long-lasting social isolation produces an increment in volume of mPFC. Social isolation rearing of rodents is an environmental manipulation known to induce or potentiate psychotic-like symptoms and attentional and cognitive impairments relevant for schizophrenia. When subjected to a 28-week isolation rearing treatment, the Roman high-avoidance (RHA-I) rats display the common behavioral social isolation syndrome, with prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits, hyperactivity, increased anxiety responses and learning/memory impairments when compared to their low-avoidance (RLA-I) counterparts. These results add face validity to the RHA-I rats as an animal model for schizophrenia-relevant behavioral and cognitive profiles and confirm previous results. The aim here was to further investigate the neuroanatomical effects of the isolation rearing, estimated through volume differences in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), dorsal striatum (dSt) and hippocampus (HPC). Results showed a global increase in volume in the mPFC in the isolated rats of both strains, as well as strain effects (RLA > RHA) in the three brain regions. These unexpected but robust results, might have unveiled some kind of compensatory mechanisms due to the particularly long-lasting isolation rearing period, much longer than those commonly used in the literature (which usually range from 4 to 12 weeks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Compulsive behaviour, present in different psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and drug abuse, is associated with altered levels of monoamines, particularly serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and its receptor system. Objectives: The present study investigated whether 5-HT manipulation, through a tryptophan (TRP) depletion by diet in Wistar and Lister Hooded rats, modulates compulsive drinking in schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) and locomotor activity in the open-field test. The levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and its metabolite were evaluated, as well as the 5-HT and 5-HT receptor binding, in different brain regions. Methods: Wistar rats were selected as high (HD) or low (LD) drinkers according to their SIP behaviour, while Lister hooded rats did not show SIP acquisition. Both strains were fed for 14 days with either a TRP-free diet (T−) or a TRP-supplemented diet (T+) Results: The TRP depletion diet effectively reduced 5-HT levels in the frontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus in both strains of rats. The TRP-depleted HD Wistar rats were more sensitive to 5-HT manipulation, exhibiting more licks on SIP than did the non-depleted HD Wistar rats, while the LD Wistar and the Lister Hooded rats did not exhibit differences in SIP. In contrast, the TRP-depleted Lister Hooded rats increased locomotor activity compared to the non-depleted rats, while no differences were found in the Wistar rats. Serotonin 2A receptor binding in the striatum was significantly reduced in the TRP-depleted HD Wistar rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that alterations of the serotonergic system could be involved in compulsive behaviour in vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Roman Low- and High-Avoidance (RLA and RHA) rats differ in 5-HT2AR binding. [•] 5-HT2AR binding correlated with impulsivity in RHA rats. [•] SERT binding was significantly higher in RHA rats compared to RLA rats. [•] We found marked differences in mGluR2 protein levels between RLA and RHA rats. [•] We found marked differences in mGluR2/3 binding between RLA and RHA rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

What is already known about this subject There is an association between adiposity levels and physical activity guidelines for adolescents., Achieving physical activity recommendations helps adolescents to prevent obesity status., What this study adds This paper presents an association between physical activity levels and obesity status., This paper supports physical activity recommendations to avoid children's obesity levels., This paper emphasizes vigorous physical activity for this matter., Background There is no information about physical activity (PA) recommendations to avoid children's obesity levels and how much of vigorous PA (VPA) is included into the '60 minutes of MVPA 5 days a week' recommendation for children. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the association between PA and adiposity in children and to examine whether the current PA guidelines are associated with a low risk of having excess of body fat in children, with special focus on sex differences, and PA intensity. Methods A sample of 439 Spanish children aged 8-10 years from the European Youth Heart Study participated in the study. The variables measured were anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, body mass index [ BMI], skin-folds and waist circumference) and PA was measured during 6 consecutive days using the GT1M accelerometer. Results Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed significant cut-off points associated with non-overweight: 45 min d−1 of VPA and 67 min d−1 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ( MVPA) (using BMI categories); and non-fat: 41 min d−1 of VPA and 67 min d−1 of MVPA (using percentage of body fat) and 38 min d−1 of VPA and 47 min d−1 of MVPA (using waist circumference categories) for boys. For girls, the optimal cut-offs of moderate-to-vigorous activity and MVPA associated with non-overweight were 24 and 57 min d−1, respectively ( BMI). Boys who did not meet 67 min in MVPA had an increased risk of being overweight + obese and overfat + obese (odds ratio [ OR] = 2.48, 95% confidence interval [ CI] = 1.36, 4.53, and OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.12, 5.82). Conclusions The findings support current PA recommendations (60 min d−1 of MVPA) to avoid excess of body fat in Spanish children. However, VPA appears to be an important component for the prevention of obesity, and our findings suggest that PA recommendations should specify the dose of VPA required for optimal health. Therefore, public health PA recommendations should incorporate specifically a greater dose of VPA into the total amount of MVPA in 8- to 10-year-old boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Physical fitness is gaining in importance in all population groups, including elderly, but data are still scarce. The aim of this study was to report gender and age specific physical fitness levels in non-institutionalized Spanish elderly. Methods: A representative sample of 3136 elderly (≥65y), 724 men and 2412 women, from 6 Regions of Spain: Madrid, Aragón, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Canarias were assessed in the elderly EXERNET multi-center study between 2008 and 2009. The authors assessed static balance, muscular strength, flexibility, agility, walking speed and cardiorespiratory fitness using eight different fitness tests: one leg balance, chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, 8-foot up-and-go, 30-m walk, and 6min walk tests. Results: The authors derived gender and age-specific normative values for physical fitness in the non-institutionalized Spanish elderly. The figures showed greater physical fitness in the elderly men than in women, except for the flexibility test, and a trend toward decreased physical fitness in both genders as their age increased. Conclusions: The normative values hereby provided will enable evaluation and correct interpretation of independent non-institutionalized Spanish elderly fitness status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many psychiatric disorders are characterized by cognitive and emotional alterations that are related to abnormal function of the frontal cortex (FC). FC is involved in working memory and decision making and is activated following exposure to a novel environment. The serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is highly expressed in the FC where its activation induces hallucinations, while blockade of 5-HT2ARs contributes to the therapeutic effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the involvement of 5-HT2AR in FC activation following exposure to a novel environment. As an output of FC activation we measured expression of activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc). Novelty-exposure (open-field arena) robustly up-regulated FC Arc mRNA expression (∼160%) in mice compared to home-cage controls. This response was inhibited with the 5-HT2AR antagonists ketanserin and MDL100907, but not with the selective 5-HT2CR antagonist SB242084. Novelty-exposure also induced Arc mRNA expression in hippocampus (∼150%), but not in cerebellum or brainstem. Pretreatment with 5-HT2AR antagonist ketanserin did not repress the Arc induction in hippocampus, indicating that the involvement of 5-HT2AR in this response is restricted to the FC. Similarly, the novelty-induced stress as determined by increasing levels of plasma corticosterone, was not influenced by 5-HT2AR antagonism suggesting that Arc mRNA and stress are activated via distinct mechanisms. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the induction of Arc in the FC following exposure to a novel environment is dependent on the 5-HT2AR, and that the simultaneous release of corticosterone is regulated via another system independent of 5-HT2AR activation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrahippocampal injections of aggregated amyloid-beta (Abeta)1-42 in rats result in memory impairment and in reduction of hippocampal 5-HT2A receptor levels. In order to investigate how changes in 5-HT2A levels and functionality relate to the progressive accumulation of Abeta protein, we studied 5-HT2A receptor regulation in double transgenic AbetaPPswe/PS1dE9 mice which display excess production of Abeta and age-dependent increase in amyloid plaques. Three different age-groups, 4-month-old, 8- month-old, and 11-month-old were included in the study. [3H]-MDL100907, [3H]-escitalopram, and [11C]-PIB autoradiography was performed for measuring 5-HT2A receptor, serotonin transporter (SERT), and Abeta plaque levels in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), prefrontal cortex (PFC), frontoparietal cortex (FPC), dorsal and ventral hippocampus, and somatosensory cortex. To investigate 5-HT2A receptor functionality, animals were treated with the 5-HT2A receptor agonist DOI and head-twitch response (HTR) subsequently recorded. Expression level of the immediate early gene c-fos was measured by in situ hybridization. We found that the age-related increase in Abeta plaque burden was accompanied by a significant decrease in 5-HT2A receptor binding in mPFC in the 11-month-old group. The changes in 5-HT2A receptor binding correlated negatively with [11C]-PIB binding and were not accompanied by decreases in SERT binding. Correspondingly, 11-month-old transgenic mice showed diminished DOI-induced HTR and reduced increase in expression of c-fos mRNA in mPFC and FPC. These observations point towards a direct association between Abeta accumulation and changes in 5-HT2A receptor expression that is independent of upstream changes in the serotonergic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A) have been related to depression pathology. Specific 5-HT2A receptor changes seen in BDNF conditional mutant mice suggest that BDNF regulates the 5-HT2A receptor level. Here we show a direct effect of BDNF on 5-HT2A receptor protein levels in primary hippocampal neuronal and mature hippocampal organotypic cultures exposed to different BDNF concentrations for either 1, 3, 5 or 7 days. In vivo effects of BDNF on hippocampal 5-HT2A receptor levels were further corroborated in (BDNF +/−) mice with reduced BDNF levels. In primary neuronal cultures, 7 days exposure to 25 and 50ng/mL BDNF resulted in downregulation of 5-HT2A, but not of 5-HT1A, receptor protein levels. The BDNF-associated downregulation of 5-HT2A receptor levels was also observed in mature hippocampal organotypic cultures, excluding confounding effects of BDNF on immature tissue. BDNF +/− mice showed significant increased 5-HT2A receptor levels in hippocampus confirming the association between 5-HT2A receptor and BDNF levels in vivo. In conclusion, our results point to a regulatory role of BDNF on 5-HT2A receptor levels. This interaction may be an important mechanism in the role of BDNF in affective disorders emphasizing the need for further elucidating the specificity and the mechanism behind this regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aggregation of the beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) is a hallmark of Alzheimer''s disease (AD) and is believed to be causally involved in a neurodegenerative cascade. In patients with AD, reduced levels of serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and cortical 5-HT2A receptor binding has recently been reported but it is unknown how these changes are related to beta-amyloid accumulation. In this study we examined in rats the effect of intrahippocampal injections of aggregated Aβ(1–42) (1 μg/μl) on serum and brain BDNF or 5-HT2A receptor levels. A social recognition test paradigm was used to monitor Aβ(1–42) induced memory impairment. Memory impairment was seen 22 days after injection of Aβ(1–42) in the experimental group and until termination of the experiments. In the Aβ(1–42) injected animals we saw an abolished increase in serum BDNF levels that was accompanied by significant lower BDNF levels in frontal cortex and by an 8.5% reduction in hippocampal 5-HT2A receptor levels. A tendency towards lowered cortical 5-HT2A was also observed. These results indicate that the Aβ(1–42) associated memory deficit is associated with an impaired BDNF regulation, which is reflected in lower cortical BDNF levels, and changes in hippocampal 5-HT2A receptor levels. This suggests that the BDNF and 5-HT2A changes observed in AD are related to the presence of Aβ(1–42) deposits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To compare the prevalence of dementia in two different time periods and two different studies. Method: Representative, random samples of the elderly (>65 years) in the Zaragoza Study or ZARADEMP-0 ( n = 1080) completed the previous decade, and now in Wave I of the ZARADEMP Project or ZARADEMP-I ( n = 3715) were interviewed. Standardized measures included the Geriatric Mental State and the History and Aetiology schedule. Cases of dementia were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. Results: Adjusted, global prevalence of dementia has not varied significantly: it was 5.2% (95% CI = 3.9–6.6) in ZARADEMP-0 and 3.9% (95% CI = 3.3–4.5) in ZARADEMP-I (prevalence ratio = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.56–1.02). However, the prevalence in ZARADEMP-I was significantly lower among men, particularly in all age groups between 70 and 84 years. Conclusion: Stability of the global prevalence of dementia in the elderly population has been documented. However, the decreased prevalence found in elderly men stimulated environmental hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rodent Continuous Performance Test (rCPT) is an analogue of human CPTs where mice have to discriminate between target and non-target stimuli. The rCPT offers a readout of attentional performance and impulsive behaviour. This study aimed to determine if female C57BL/6 J mice could be trained in the rCPT since previously published rCPT studies have only used male mice and to study whether the effects of methylphenidate (MPH), atomoxetine (ATX), and dexamphetamine (AMPH) on attention and impulsivity depend on baseline (reference) levels of performance. 48 female mice underwent rCPT training. Effects of MPH (1, 2, and 3 mg/kg), ATX (1, 3, and 5 mg/kg) and AMPH (0.3, 0.6, and 1 mg/kg) were assessed in a variable stimulus duration probe. Drugs were administered intraperitoneally and sequentially tested following a Latin-square design. Data were analysed using a repeated measurements mixed effect model and reference-dependent effects were studied. ATX and AMPH improved performance as seen by increases in discriminability. These improvements were a result of a decreased false-alarm rate. AMPH showed a reference-dependent effect, improving the task performance of low-performing mice and decreasing the performance of high-performing mice. MPH also showed this reference-dependent effects, albeit to a lesser extent. ATX and AMPH decreased premature responses and increased response criterion, but no reference-dependent effects were observed for these parameters. This study presents a novel method to analyse baseline-dependent effects. It shows that the rCPT can be successfully used in pharmacological studies in female mice and demonstrates that the effect of ADHD medication is in line with the inverted U-shape theory of performance-arousal relationship. • C57BL/6 J female mice were trained in the rodent Continuous Performance Test (rCPT). • The effects of methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and amphetamine were investigated. • A novel analysis method was used and showed baseline-dependent effects of the drugs. • Low-performing animals benefited most from the pharmacological treatment. • This analysis method and the rCPT are suitable to assess attention and impulsivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]