Data_Sheet_1_The cellular model for Alzheimer's disease research: PC12 cells.ZIP

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and irreversible memory impairment. Currently, several studies have failed to fully elucidate AD's cellular and molecular mechanisms. For this purpose, research on related cellular models may propose potential predictive models for the drug development of AD. Therefore, many cells characterized by neuronal properties are widely used to mimic the pathological process of AD, such as PC12, SH-SY5Y, and N2a, especially the PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line. Thus, this review covers the most systematic essay that used PC12 cells to study AD. We depict the cellular source, culture condition, differentiation methods, transfection methods, drugs inducing AD, general approaches (evaluation methods and metrics), and in vitro cellular models used in parallel with PC12 cells.</p

Computer-Based Cognitive Programs for Improvement of Memory, Processing Speed and Executive Function during Age-Related Cognitive Decline: A Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Background</p><p>Several studies have assessed the effects of computer-based cognitive programs (CCP) in the management of age-related cognitive decline, but the role of CCP remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic review evaluated the evidence on the efficacy of CCP for age-related cognitive decline in healthy older adults.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Six electronic databases (through October 2014) were searched. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of a random-effects model were calculated. The heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q statistic and quantified with the <i>I²</i> index.</p><p>Results</p><p>Twelve studies were included in the current review and were considered as moderate to high methodological quality. The aggregated results indicate that CCP improves memory performance (SMD, 0.31; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.45; p < 0.0001) and processing speed (SMD, 0.50; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.87; p = 0.007) but not executive function (SMD, -0.12; 95% CI -0.33 to 0.09; p = 0.27). Furthermore, there were long-term gains in memory performance (SMD, 0.59; 95% CI 0.13 to 1.05; p = 0.01).</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>CCP may be a valid complementary and alternative therapy for age-related cognitive decline, especially for memory performance and processing speed. However, more studies with longer follow-ups are warranted to confirm the current findings.</p></div

Funnel plot for memory, processing speed, and executive function.

<p>Funnel plot for memory, processing speed, and executive function.</p

Forest plot of the effect of computer-based cognitive programs in memory performance.

<p>Forest plot of the effect of computer-based cognitive programs in memory performance.</p

Forest plot of the effect of computer-based cognitive programs in processing speed.

<p>Forest plot of the effect of computer-based cognitive programs in processing speed.</p

Forest plot of the long-term effect of computer-based cognitive programs in memory performance.

<p>Forest plot of the long-term effect of computer-based cognitive programs in memory performance.</p

Flow diagram of study selection.

<p>RCTs: randomized controlled trials.</p

Risk of bias.

<p>Red (-): high risk of bias; Yellow (?): unclear risk of bias; Green (+): low risk of bias.</p

Characteristics of included studies.

<p>Abbreviations: wk = week; MON = Monitoring (simple reaction time); IDN = Identification (visual-motor reaction time); WMS-III = Wechsler memory scale III.</p><p>Characteristics of included studies.</p