57 research outputs found

    The endogenous proteoglycan-degrading enzyme ADAMTS-4 promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are major inhibitory molecules for neural plasticity under both physiological and pathological conditions. The chondroitin sulfate degrading enzyme chondroitinase ABC promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury, and restores experience-dependent plasticity, such as ocular dominance plasticity and fear erasure plasticity, in adult rodents. These data suggest that the sugar chain in a proteoglycan moiety is essential for the inhibitory activity of proteoglycans. However, the significance of the core protein has not been studied extensively. Furthermore, considering that chondroitinase ABC is derived from bacteria, a mammalian endogenous enzyme which can inactivate the proteoglycans' activity is desirable for clinical use.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The degradation activity of ADAMTS-4 was estimated for the core proteins of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, that is, brevican, neurocan and phosphacan. To evaluate the biological significance of ADMATS-4 activity, an <it>in vitro </it>neurite growth assay and an <it>in vivo </it>neuronal injury model, spinal cord contusion injury, were employed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ADAMTS-4 digested proteoglycans, and reversed their inhibition of neurite outgrowth. Local administration of ADAMTS-4 significantly promoted motor function recovery after spinal cord injury. Supporting these findings, the ADAMTS-4-treated spinal cord exhibited enhanced axonal regeneration/sprouting after spinal cord injury.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our data suggest that the core protein in a proteoglycan moiety is also important for the inhibition of neural plasticity, and provides a potentially safer tool for the treatment of neuronal injuries.</p

    Rasch Regression Predicts Driving Capability

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    The conventional way to assess the driving ability of older drivers is to administer a standard driving test. Less expensive diagnostic alternatives are being sought as replacements. A representative sample of 49 elderly drivers, referred for a driving diagnosis and possible license renewal, was given two paper-and-pencil tests of cognitive functioning: the Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test (VISUAL) and the Clock Drawing Task (CLOCK). Both instruments have been used as screening tool[s] in identifying those who are unfit to undergo an on-road evaluation (Korner-Bitensky et al., p. 253). The data were analyzed with Wright\u27s Rasch regression model. The VISUAL and CLOCK variables were co-calibrated and anchored to define a two-test unidimensional, reproducible, and stable yardstick. The Driving Diagnosis was then added as a dichotomous item

    An In Vitro Model of Reactive Astrogliosis and Its Effect on Neuronal Growth

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    NG2 expressed by macrophages and oligodendrocyte precursor cells is dispensable in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

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    Increased expression of the chondroitin proteoglycan NG2 is a prominent feature in central nervous system injury with unknown cellular source and biological relevance. Here, we describe the first detailed analysis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in NG2 knockout mice and NG2 knockout bone marrow chimeras. We show that both macrophages and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells express and secrete NG2 in response to transforming growth factor-β. A subpopulation of macrophages expresses NG2 within leucocyte infiltrates in the central nervous system, but only oligodendrocyte progenitor cells contribute to NG2 accumulation. Notably, NG2 plays no role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis initiation, progression or recuperation. In concurrence, the immune response is unaltered in NG2-deficient mice as are the extent of central nervous system damage and degree of remyelination

    Education Leadership Review, Volume 05, Number 02

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    Education Leadership Review is a peer-reviewed journal with a focus on leadership in education.Table of Contents: A School Leader? Why? How Many Principal Preparation Groups Does it Take to Screw in "The" Light Bulb? A Comparison of Satisfaction Levels of Principals: Size of School, and Number of Years in Secondary Administration A Comparison of the Beliefs and Practices of Shared Decision-Making Among Elementary School Principals Perceptions of Leadership: Retired Principals as Exemplars of Best Practice Principals Excellence Program: Developing Effective School Leaders Through Unique University-District Partnership Professional Development Models: Impact on School Leadership Competencies as Identified by Superintendents in Education Service Center, Region 20, Texas Education Drug Wars Ethical Standards in Leadership Practice The No Child Left Behind Act: Current Analyses of Constitutionality and Effectivenes
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