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Recent evidence showing degeneration of the noradrenergic system in the locus coeruleus (LC) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has motivated great interest in noradrenaline (NA) as a potential brain hallmark of the disease. Despite the current exploration of blood markers for AD, the deregulation of the plasma NA concentration ([NA]plasma) in AD is currently not well understood. This retrospective study includes a cohort of 71 patients (32 AD patients, 22 with other dementia and 17 without dementia) who were given consultations for memory complaints in the Cognitive Neurology Center of Lariboisière (Paris) between 2009 and 2014. As previously described in brain tissue, we show for the first time a linear correlation between [NA]plasma and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score in AD patients. We observed that high [NA]plasma in AD patients was associated with higher [Aβ1–42]CSF than in other AD patients with [NA]plasma similar to NC patients. In parallel, we observed a lower (p-Tau/Tau)CSF in AD patients with low [NA]plasma than in non-AD patients with [NA]plasma similar to [NA]plasma in NC patients. Our data suggest that [NA]plasma could be a potential biomarker of disease evolution in the context of AD and could possibly improve early diagnosis.

Recent evidence showing degeneration of the noradrenergic system in the locus coeruleus (LC) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has motivated great interest in noradrenaline (NA) as a potential brain hallmark of the disease. Despite the current exploration of blood markers for AD, the deregulation of the plasma NA concentration ([NA]plasma) in AD is currently not well understood. This retrospective study includes a cohort of 71 patients (32 AD patients, 22 with other dementia and 17 without dementia) who were given consultations for memory complaints in the Cognitive Neurology Center of Lariboisiere (Paris) between 2009 and 2014. As previously described in brain tissue, we show for the first time a linear correlation between [NA]plasma and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score in AD patients. We observed that high [NA]plasma in AD patients was associated with higher [Aβ1-42]CSF than in other AD patients with [NA]plasma similar to NC patients. In parallel, we observed a lower (p-Tau/Tau)CSF in AD patients with low [NA]plasma than in non-AD patients with [NA]plasma similar to [NA]plasma in NC patients. Our data suggest that [NA]plasma could be a potential biomarker of disease evolution in the context of AD and could possibly improve early diagnosis.

This paper describes, with reference to several professional models developed by the author, how the use of Excel often allows for a much higher efficiency to cost ratio than more traditional approaches such as specialized packages or the use of development languages. Used efficiently, and with the assistance of add-ins, Excel may help build models which most people are convinced would demand more sophisticated software. Of course, this often implies the use of elaborate techniques which reduce the negative impact of Excel's natural limits in terms of number of columns, calculation time, bugs, and so on. There are many other reasons why Excel models are so interesting for business: the interactivity of these models, their reduced development time and cost, their user-friendliness, the positive user/client attitude (the model is not a black box), and the rich graphic possibilities (when the model does not limit itself to standard Excel graphs).

The results of a research led during 1990 for UEREKA, about the possible evolution within 3 to 5 years of Decision Support Systems and Executive Information Systems, are presented. This research led the author to interview major actors in that field: databoase managers, software editors, hardware manufacturers, … A synthesis of these discussions is presented, as well as a description of what seems to be the trend and could be a called a DEISS (Decision and Executive Information and Support System)

This paper describes an interactive scheduling system for planning the activities of the French National Geographic Institute. The Institute has a fleet of aircraft ranging from helicopter to jet. The activity consists of commercial missions requiring cameras and measure instruments, which most often depend upon good visibility. Given the relevant data about aircraft, flight personnel, equipments available, airports, the missions to be flown (location, height, speed, urgency,…) and the daily meteorological satellite map, the system suggests efficient assignments of aircraft, personnel and equipments for the day's activities and allows for on-line modification of parameters and fast reassignments.

This paper describes a multi-person multi-criteria decision-making (MpMcDM) approach, as it was used in a real-life setting; it also presents other approaches with which the authors hope to experiment in the near future. The objective of the authors, rather than to offer final answers, is to stimulate the discussion on MpMcDM.