Using chitosan-modified magnetite nanoparticles (CS-MNPs) as a replacement of enzymes in conventional ELISA configurations, a magnetic nanoparticle-linked immunosorbent assay is developed. The CS-MNPs are synthesized by using a one-step solvothermal process, where chitosan in the reaction system is used both as a ligand and as a surface modification agent. The as-synthesized CS-MNPs have amine groups on their surface which provide good dispersibility in aqueous solutions and convenient sites for covalent linking of antibodies with the MNPs. They also possess catalytic properties that are able to catalyze color reactions in immunoassays and magnetic properties that can be used to capture, separate, and enrich antigens prior to the assay procedure. By employing both the catalytic and magnetic properties of the CS-MNPs, a capture-detection immunoassay is developed, where antigens can be captured, separated, and enriched prior to the assay procedure.

These results suggest that drinking game participation is a risk factor for elevated levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Programs should be developed to educate students about the risks of drinking game participation, and prevention programs like NASD should address drinking games.

Background: In the UK it is recommended that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors be restricted to patients with moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and progress monitored within specialist clinics. Objective: To describe a cohort of patients with Alzheimer’s disease from a whole city population treated with donepezil, and to analyse outcomes over 4 years. Methods: Historical cohort design: 88 patients recruited 1997–1998, assessed at baseline with 4-year follow-up, using an agreed protocol and validated measures: survival, retention in treatment, cognition, non-cognitive symptoms, weight change, carer stress. Results: 64.7% remained on treatment beyond 6 months, 57.9% beyond 1 year and 12.5% beyond 4 years. 56% remained alive at 4 years – almost twice the number predicted. Mean MMSE score amongst patients in treatment did not deteriorate over 4 years. Survival, retention in treatment, maintenance/improvement of cognition was greater with high baseline MMSE. Non-cognitive symptoms, carer stress and weight change remained low throughout. Conclusions: A minority of people with dementia from the population (88 of potential 2,000 at outset, 11 by 4 years) received treatment. Benefits for individuals were confirmed, especially for those with mild impairment. Expenditure on medication was modest in a population context. These findings question recent guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which would restrict therapy to patients with moderate cognitive impairment.

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