Home About us Contact | |||
Longitudinal Information (longitudinal + information)
Selected AbstractsInvestigation of dopamine receptors in susceptibility to behavioural and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's diseaseINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 9 2009Antonia L. Pritchard Abstract Objective Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients commonly suffer from behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). A genetic component to the development of BPSD in AD has been supported. Polymorphisms within dopamine receptors DRD1, DRD2, DRD3 and DRD4 have previously been investigated in a few interesting studies that are reviewed here and extended using our patient cohort. Methods Our large cohort of 395 probable AD patients had longitudinal information on the BPSD (Neuropsychiatric Inventory), which was used to dichotomise patients into whether they had ever suffered from a given symptom within the study period, or not. These measures were related to the DRD1 (A-48G), DRD2 (ser311cys; C-ins/del), DRD3 (ser9gly) and DRD4 (VNTR) genotype and allele frequencies. Results Associations were revealed between DRD3 and elation, and between DRD4 with agitation/aggression and with depression; however, these findings do not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. No associations were found with the other genetic variants and these symptoms and no associations were observed between any of the polymorphic variants examined and delusions, hallucinations, psychosis and aberrant motor behaviour. Conclusion Our data, in combination with a review of the literature, reveal a potential role for the VNTR variant of DRD4 in the development of depression in AD patients. The findings presented here need to be replicated in large, well characterised longitudinal cohorts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Dynamics of Farm Incomes: Panel data analysis using the Farm Accounts SurveyJOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 2 2004Euan Phimister This paper uses longitudinal information from the Scottish Farm Accounts Survey to explore the dynamics of Scottish farm incomes between 1988/89 and 1999/2000. Both the Net Farm Income and Cash Income of farms are considered. The results show high levels of income variability and income mobility within Scottish agriculture. Although exit rates from the lowest income groups remain relatively high even when spells of low income have lasted a number of years, there is evidence of farms with persistent low farm income and farms experiencing repeated spells of low-income. Smaller farm size and having a farmer aged over 65 increase both the probability that a farm will fall into the lowest income group and the length of time spent in that income group. Further the results suggest that the impact of the post-1997 agricultural recession on income mobility depended on the income status of the farm when the recession began. [source] A Novel Tetracycline Labeling Schedule for Longitudinal Evaluation of the Short-Term Effects of Anabolic Therapy With a Single Iliac Crest Bone Biopsy: Early Actions of Teriparatide,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2006Robert Lindsay MD Abstract We describe a quadruple tetracycline labeling method that allows longitudinal assessment of short-term changes in bone formation in a single biopsy. We show that 1 month of hPTH(1-34) treatment extends the bone-forming surface, increases mineral apposition rate, and initiates modeling-based formation. Introduction: Iliac crest biopsy, with histomorphometric evaluation, provides important information about cellular activity in bone. However, to obtain longitudinal information, repeat biopsies must be performed. In this study, we show the capability to obtain short-term longitudinal information on bone formation in a single biopsy using a novel, quadruple labeling technique. Materials and Methods: Two tetracycline labels were administered using a standard 3 days on, 12 days off, 3 days on format. Four weeks later, the tetracycline labeling was repeated using the same schedule but with a different tetracycline that can be distinguished from the first by its color under fluorescent light. Iliac crest biopsies were performed 1 week later and prepared undecalcified for histomorphometry. Indices of bone formation 1 month apart were measured and calculated using the two sets of labels. We used this method to investigate the early effects of teriparatide [hPTH(1-34)] treatment on bone formation. The results were compared with those from a group of control subjects who were quadruple-labeled, but did not receive hPTH(1-34). Results: Treatment with hPTH(1-34) dramatically stimulated bone formation on cancellous and endocortical surfaces. This was achieved by both an increase in the linear rate of matrix apposition and extension of the bone-forming surface. New bone was deposited on previously quiescent surfaces (i.e., modeling-based formation), but a proportion of this could occur by encroachment from adjacent resorption cavities. Conclusions: A single transiliac crest bone biopsy, after sequential administration of two sets of tetracycline labels is a useful approach to study the short-term effects of anabolic agents on human bone. One month of hPTH(1-34) treatment extends the bone-forming surface, increases mineral apposition rate, and initiates modeling-based formation. [source] |