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Abstract Background National data on dementia prevalence are not always available, yet it may be possible to obtain estimates from large surveys that include dementia screening instruments. In Australia, many of the dementia prevalence estimates are based on European data collected between 15 and 50 years ago. We derived population-based estimates of probable dementia and possible cognitive impairment in Australian studies using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and compared these to estimates of dementia prevalence from meta-analyses of European studies. Methods Data sources included a pooled dataset of Australian longitudinal studies (DYNOPTA), and two Australian Bureau of Statistics National Surveys of Mental Health and Wellbeing. National rates of probable dementia (MMSE < 24) and possible cognitive impairment (24-26) were estimated using combined sample weights. Results Estimates of probable dementia were higher in surveys than in meta-analyses for ages 65-84, but were similar at ages 85 and older. Surveys used weights to account for sample bias, but no adjustments were made in meta-analyses. Results from DYNOPTA and meta-analyses had a very similar pattern of increase with age. Contrary to trends from some meta-analyses, rates of probable dementia were not higher among women in the Australian surveys. Lower education was associated with higher prevalence of probable dementia. Data from investigator-led longitudinal studies designed to assess cognitive decline appeared more reliable than government health surveys. Conclusions This study shows that estimates of probable dementia based on MMSE in studies where cognitive decline and dementia are a focus, are a useful adjunct to clinical studies of dementia prevalence. Such information and may be used to inform projections of dementia prevalence and the concomitant burden of disease.

Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) is an important chemotactic receptor that is involved in proper B-cell T-cell interactions. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been shown to upregulate this gene upon infection of cell lines, but the timing and mechanism of this upregulation, as well as its importance to EBV infection, remain unknown. This work investigated EBV's manipulation of EBI2 expression of primary naive B cells. EBV infection induces EBI2 expression resulting in elevated levels of EBI2 after 24 h until 7 days post-infection, followed by a dramatic decline (P=0.027). Increased EBI2 expression was not found in non-specifically stimulated B cells or when irradiated virus was used. The EBV lytic gene BRRF1 exhibited a similar expression pattern to EBI2 (R2=0.4622). BRRF1-deficient EBV could not induce EBI2. However, B cells transduced with BRRF1 showed elevated expression of EBI2 (P=0.042), a result that was not seen with transduction of a different EBV lytic transfection factor, BRLF1. Based on these results, we conclude that EBI2 expression is directly influenced by EBV infection and that BRRF1 is necessary and sufficient for EBI2 upregulation during infection.

This paper discusses the first phase of a longitudinal study underway in Australia to ascertain the broad health benefits of specific types of biophilic design for workers in a building site office. A bespoke site design was formulated to include open plan workspace, natural lighting, ventilation, significant plants, prospect and views, recycled materials and use of non-synthetic materials. Initial data in the first three months was gathered from a series of demographic questions and from interviews and observations of site workers. Preliminary data indicates a strong positive effect from incorporating aspects of biophilic design to boost productivity, ameliorate stress, enhance well-being, foster a collaborative work environment and promote workplace satisfaction, thus contributing towards a high performance workspace. The longitudinal study spanning over two years will track human-plant interactions in a biophilic influenced space, whilst also assessing the concomitant cognitive, social, psychological and physical health benefits for workers.

Aim: To assess the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of CAT-354, an anti-IL-13 human monoclonal IgG4 antibody, following subcutaneous (s.c.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration., Methods: This was a single-dose, randomized, open-label, parallel-group bioavailability study. Healthy male subjects aged 20-54 years were randomly assigned to one of three dose groups (n= 10/group) to receive CAT-354: 150 mg i.v.; 150 mg s.c. or 300 mg s.c. (two 150 mg injections). Serum pharmacokinetics, adverse events (AEs), vital signs, electrocardiograms and laboratory parameters were assessed., Results: CAT-354 showed bioavailability of 62% and 60% after 150 mg and 300 mg s.c. doses, respectively, and linear pharmacokinetics over the dose range tested. Peak serum concentrations in the s.c. groups occurred after 3-9 (median 5) days, with a mean elimination half-life of 19.2 +/- 3.1 days (150 mg) and 19.4 +/- 3.59 days (300 mg) after s.c. and 21.4 +/- 2.46 days after i.v. administration. Volume of distribution at steady state (V(ss)) was 4960 +/- 1440 ml kg(-1) after i.v. (slightly greater than plasma volume). Average apparent clearances (CL/F) were 292 +/- 82.3 and 307 +/- 109 ml day(-1) after 150 and 300 mg s.c., respectively; systemic CL of 188 +/- 84.0 ml day(-1) after i.v. dosing was consistent with endogenous IgG and reticuloendothelial elimination. No severe or serious AEs occurred. Among 40 reported AEs, 25 were headache, sinus disorders/respiratory symptoms and changes in body temperature perception., Conclusions: CAT-354 exhibited bioavailability of approximately 60% when given s.c. to healthy male subjects.

1. The effects of constant nicotine infusions (0.25, 1.0 and 4.0 mg kg-1 day-1) on extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and on locomotor activity have been compared with the changes evoked by repeated daily injections (0.4 mg kg-1 day-1 for 5 days) of the drug. 2. The extracellular dopamine concentration in the NAc was significantly increased (P < 0.05) following a challenge dose of nicotine (0.4 mg kg-1, s.c.) in animals which had been pretreated with daily injections of the drug. This effect was accompanied by an enhanced locomotor response to nicotine. 3. The stimulant effects of nicotine on mesolimbic dopamine secretion and on locomotor activity were significantly inhibited (P < 0.01) by the prior administration of mecamylamine (2.0 mg kg-1, s.c.) but not by hexamethonium (2.0 mg kg-1, s.c.). 4. The constant infusion of nicotine at a rate of 1 and 4 but not 0.25 mg kg-1 day-1 abolished the sensitized dopamine response in the NAc to an injection of nicotine in animals pretreated with the drug. The locomotor responses to nicotine in the nicotine-pretreated rats were significantly attenuated by the infusion of nicotine at all 3 doses, although the nicotine induced locomotor activity, in the rats infused with 0.25 mg kg-1 day-1 was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that observed in the rats treated acutely with nicotine. 5. Significantly (P<0.01) enhanced mesolimbic dopamine responses, to a challenge injection of nicotine(0.4 mg kg-1, s.c.), were observed 2 and 7 days after termination of the infusion of nicotine (4 mg kg-1 day-1 for 14 days); locomotor responses were enhanced (P<0.01) 1, 2 and 7 days after termination of the infusion.6. The results suggest that sensitized mesolimbic dopamine responses to nicotine occur as a result of stimulation of centrally located nicotinic receptors but that these receptors may be desensitized during periods of chronic exposure to nicotine at doses which may be relevant to smoking.