bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H. PYLORI STRAINS ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS WITH GASTRIC CANCER EXPRESS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER N‐NITROSATING ACTIVITIES THAN STRAINS COLLECTED FROM DUODENAL ULCER AND NON‐ULCER DYSPEPSIA
Authors: Ng E.K.W. , Chan M.C.W. , Leung W.K. , Sung J.J.Y. , Chung S.C.S.
Published: September 2009

Background: Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection and exposure to N‐nitroso compounds (NOC) are considered the two most important contributing factors in gastric carcinogenesis. It has been shown in a previous study that H. pylori also catalyzes N‐nitrosation in vitro. Whether the N‐nitrosating activity of H. pylori plays any role in the development of gastric adenocarcinoma has yet to be determined.

Methods: H. pylori strains isolated from patients with different gastroduodenal pathologies were subcultured with the addition of morpholine (a nitrosable chemical) and sodium nitrite at a concentration of 25mM and 16mM, respectively. The bacteria were allowed to grow for 6 to 8 hours until OD600 of the culture media reached a value between 0.6 and 0.8. The culture‐supernatants were then separated at 4°C, and the quantity of N‐nitroso‐morpholine formed was assayed using gas chromatography, as described by Suzaki and Mitsuoka. The nitrosating activity of individual H. pylori strain was calculated by adjusting the OD600 to unity. Bacterial genotypes, cagA, iceA and vacA of the H. pylori isolates were also determined by polymerase chain reaction based on published primer sequences. N‐nitrosating activities of the H. pylori strains were compared with regard to the patient characteristics, the bacterial genotypes, and their related disease categories.

Results: 20 strains from gastric cancer (GC), 27 from duodenal ulcer (DU) and 22 from non‐ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) were studied. Though patients with GC were significantly older than those with DU and NUD, the 3 groups were comparable with regard to patient’s gender and bacterial genotypes. All 69 H. pylori strains expressed N‐nitrosating activities with a uni‐modal distribution (median 41.3 μg/L; range: 9.2–152.3 μg/L). Strains isolated from GC patients had a significantly higher mean N‐nitrosating activity (65.3 ± 27.2 μg/L) than those collected from patients with DU (43.8 ± 24.9 μg/L) or NUD (33.8 ± 21.1 μg/L) (p = 0.003, one‐way ANOVA), but there was no difference between the DU and the NUD groups. Neither the patient characteristics (age and gender) nor the bacterial cagA, iceA and vacA subtypes had any association with the nitrosating activity.

Conclusions: H. pylori‐catalyzed N‐nitrosation may be important in gastric carcinogenesis as strains isolated from stomach cancer patients express a higher level of N‐nitrosating activity than those found in non‐cancer patients.
CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF INJURED PATIENTS TREATED IN ONE OF THE MAJOR REGIONAL HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG
Authors: Ng K.C.K. , Ho W. , Yuen W.K.
Published: September 2009

We aim to review the characteristics and outcomes of all trauma team activated patients admitted to Queen Mary Hospital. Trauma registry data collected from January 1998 to December 2000 were analyzed in terms of demographics, resuscitative interventions, and progress.

There were 351, 285 and 236 trauma admissions in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively, with an average 3:1 male:female ratio. Forty four percent of patients were in age group 21–40 years. Road traffic accidents were most frequent (46.4%) followed by Industrial (21.3%), then domestic accidents (15.5%). Head injury was the most common (60.8%) involved system; 40.1% sustained some form of extremity injury, whereas only 12.8% patients sustained abdominal injury. The appropriateness of trauma team activation was shown to have improved during the three‐year period, but the trauma team response remained similar. A strong correlation was found between the Injury Severity Score with the final patient outcome. 50% patients were discharged directly home; 34.4% transferred to convalescence and 3.2% D.A.M.A. Mean hospital mortality was 11.2%.

Analysis of the data has given us a better understanding of the patient population that we are facing and has lead us to important changes in the way we manage our trauma patients.
POSTURE AND VOIDING FUNCTION
Authors: Ng M.T. , Sun W.H. , Leong H.T.
Published: September 2009

Background: Urodynamic studies like uroflowmetry and pressure flow study can be performed in various postures although the natural posture for male subjects is standing. Difference in posture may affect voiding performance and make comparison of results from different centers difficult.

Aim: To evaluate whether posture (sitting and standing) in male patients would significantly affect the parameters of uroflowmetry and voiding efficiency.

Patients and Method: This was a prospective randomized study. Consecutive male patients attending outpatient uroflowmetry from June to August 2000 were recruited. Uroflow was performed in sitting and standing posture. In order to eliminate accustomisation, they were randomized into first sitting or first standing. Uroflow parameters like voided volume, residual urine, voiding efficiency, peak and mean flow rate were analysed by 2‐tailed paired t‐test.

Results: There were 74 subjects (first sitting 35, first standing 39) and age was comparable. There was no statistically significant difference among all the parameters with respect to posture. To our surprise there was also no accustomisation effect, probably due to adequate patient instruction.

Conclusion: Uroflow parameters and voiding function are the same in sitting or standing position for male subjects.
HYPERAMYLASEMIA AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY IS NOT RELATED TO THE USE OF CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS
Authors: Wan I.Y.P. , Wan S. , Arifi A. , Chan C.S.Y. , Lee T.W. , Yim A.P.C.
Published: September 2009

Background: Although hyperamylasemia has been reported in a large proportion of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), its clinical significance as well as the pathogenic mechanism remain poorly understood. Apart from pancreatic cellular injury, impaired renal function or hypercalcemia after CPB was also proposed to play a possible role in the etiology of postoperative hyperamylasemia. The study was designed to investigate whether avoidance of CPB would limit amylase elevation.

Methods: Serum levels of amylase and lipase were measured before operation, 24 and 48 hours after surgery in 58 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without the use of CPB over a 10‐month period. The choice of procedure was based mainly on the native coronary anatomy and left ventricular function. Postoperative complications as well as the plasma levels of creatinine and calcium were also carefully monitored.

Results: Three surgical approaches were used for CABG: CPB (conventional on‐pump through median sternotomy, n = 32), OPCAB (off‐pump through median sternotomy, n = 14), and MIDCAB (off‐pump through left minithoracotomy, n = 12). There was no hospital mortality. No patient had postoperative abdominal complications. Transient hyperamylasemia occurred in 14 patients, 7 in the CPB group (22%), 5 in the OPCAB group (36%), and 2 in the MIDCAB group (17%). The increase in amylase levels was similar among groups. However, no lipase elevation was detected in any patient. There was no clear correlation between hyperamylasemia and an increased creatinine level. Perioperative plasma calcium levels were normal in patients who had hyperamylasemia.

Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the incidence of hyperamylasemia among patients undergoing myocardial revascularization with or without the use of CPB and irrespective of mode of surgical access. Hence, CPB is not the major factor responsible for hyperamylasemia, as previously believed.
THE NEED FOR CHOLECYSTECTOMY AFTER ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMY (ES) FOR BILE DUCT STONE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED STUDY
Authors: Fung T.M.K. , Lau J.Y.W. , Suen R.B.Y. , Wong S.K.H. , Lee D.W.H. , Sung J.J.Y. , Chan A.C.W. , Chung S.C.S.
Published: September 2009

Background: Long‐term biliary complications after ES for bile duct stones are infrequent. In the elderly, the role of routine cholecystectomy after ES is unclear.

Patients and Methods: Between September 1997 and December 2000, patients (age >60) with bile duct stones and gall stones presenting with obstructive jaundice, cholangitis or pancreatitis were randomized to receive early elective cholecystectomy (LC) or expectant management after clearance of bile duct stones with ERCP + ES. Exclusion criteria included severe co‐morbidity, concomitant intrahepatic duct stones, recurrence pyogenic cholangitis, cholecystitis and failure to clear bile duct stones endoscopically. They were then seen at regular intervals. Outcome variables included further biliary complications defined as: cholangitis, pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice, cholecystitis and severe biliary colic.

Results: 165 patients, aged 60–89 years were randomized (85 in LC group & 80 in expectant group). Both groups were similar in age (60–87 vs. 60–89), ASA grading and mode of presentation. Median follow‐up period was 24 months. 9 patients developed biliary complications in the expectant group (5 cholangitis, 3 cholecystitis and 1 severe biliary colic) while 1 patient in the LC group refused surgery and developed cholangitis. By intention‐to‐treat analysis, the expectant group shows higher incidence of biliary complications than the LC group: (9/80 vs. 1/85, p = 0.008; Difference in probability of complications = 13%, 95% C.I. = 4.8%, 21.2%)

Conclusion: With higher incidence of biliary complications in the expectant group, cholecystectomy should be offered to patients whenever is possible after endoscopic clearance of bile duct stones.
TO REVIEW THE CARDIOTHORACIC TRAUMA AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL 1995–2000
Authors: Ho K.K.
Published: September 2009

Purpose: All cardiothoracic consultations initiated at Accident and Emergency Department for period February 1995 to November 2000 were reviewed.

Methods: Information was extracted from Trauma Registry of over 1000 cases.

Results: 61 consultation was recorded. There were 33 blunt injury and 28 penetrating injury. 21 cases were of ISS 15 or less. Surgery for thoracic injury was performed in 13 cases of blunt injury (40%) and 20 cases of penetrating injury (70%). Majority of surgery was related to chest wall and lung injury. In addition there were 3 major intrathoracic vessel, 6 cardiac, 3 diaphragmatic and 1 major airway injury. 20 deaths were recorded with 4 deaths at A&E department. Mortality is related to severity of ISS and age >70. 4 ER‐thoracotomy was performed with 3 deaths. There were related to heart and aorta injury with average ISS≥50.

Conclusion: 1. Major cardiothoracic trauma is not common. 2. When present, it is associated with severe injury. 3. The outcome is related to severity of ISS and old age.
Anterior chamber volume measurements with Visante optical coherence tomography and Pentacam: repeatability and level of agreement
Authors: Labiris Georgios , Gkika Maria , Katsanos Andreas , Fanariotis Michael , Alvanos Efstratios , Kozobolis Vassilios
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background:  The purpose of this study is to examine the repeatability of Pentacam‐derived anterior chamber volume measurements, and assess the level of agreement of anterior chamber volume measurements obtained with the Visante and the Pentacam imaging devices.

Methods:  Anterior chamber volume was calculated with the Pentacam device and the Visante using the Wang formula. Results were analysed by means of the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Bland‐Altman analysis, Cronbach's alpha test and intraclass correlation coefficient. P‐values <0.01 were considered statistically significant.

Results:  One randomly selected eye from each of 20 persons was analysed. Spherical equivalent ranged between −2.50 and +1.50 D, and their age ranged from 25 to 79 years (mean ± SD: 54.4 ± 19.2 years). Mean anterior chamber volume measured with Pentacam was 171.1 ± 39.6 µL (minimum: 103.0 µL, maximum: 236.0 µL), and mean anterior chamber volume measured by Visante was 171.4 ± 42.4 µL (minimum: 96.4 µL, maximum: 245.5 µL). There was no statistically significant difference between Pentacam and Visante measurements of the anterior chamber volume (P = 0.691, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient for Pentacam were 0.998 and 0.991, respectively.

Conclusions:  Anterior chamber volume measurements obtained with the Visante using the Wang formula were in good agreement with the corresponding ones obtained with Pentacam. This recently described method is easy to perform and might contribute to both clinical and research settings.
Catquest questionnaire: re‐validation in an Australian cataract population
Authors: Gothwal Vijaya K , Wright Thomas A , Lamoureux Ecosse L , Lundström Mats , Pesudovs Konrad
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background:  The Catquest questionnaire was developed using traditional methodology to enable cataract surgery outcomes assessment in European countries. Recently, it has been validated using Rasch analysis in a Swedish population resulting in the Catquest‐9SF. The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of the Catquest and the Catquest‐9SF questionnaires using Rasch analysis in Australian cataract patients.

Methods:  A total of 217 cataract patients awaiting surgery at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia self‐administered the Catquest questionnaire. This is a 19‐item instrument containing frequency, difficulty, symptoms and global rating items. Rasch analysis was undertaken to assess the unidimensionality (whether all the items are measuring a single underlying construct using principal components analysis or PCA), person separation (ability of the questionnaire to distinguish between strata of patient ability) and targeting of item difficulty to person ability.

Results:  Similar to the previous validation study, the original Catquest questionnaire required revision because of misfit and multidimensionality necessitating removal of the frequency items. The revised version was similar to the Catquest‐9SF although an extra driving item was a valid optional inclusion. The Catquest‐9SF performed well in the Australian cohort satisfying all criteria for valid measurement including unidimensionality. However, targeting of item difficulty to person ability was marginally worse compared with the Swedish cataract population indicating the Australian cataract patients present for surgery at lower levels of visual disability.

Conclusions:  The Catquest‐9SF is a reliable and valid measure of visual disability in the Australian cataract population.
Effects of postoperative cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis) following glaucoma surgery
Authors: Fakhraie Ghasem , Lopes Joao F , Spaeth George L , Almodin Juliana , Ichhpujani Parul , Moster Marlene R
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine if postoperative topical cyclosporine 0.05% has any beneficial effect following trabeculectomy

Methods:  This was an interventional, randomized, prospective, double‐masked clinical trial of 44 consecutive patients with uncontrolled glaucoma requiring filtration surgery. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire and comprehensive ocular exam, including Schirmer's tear test 1, were performed. Patients underwent routine trabeculectomy, with or without phacoemulsification. The study group (n = 22) received cyclosporine 0.05%, and the control group (n = 22) received artificial tears. Patients were evaluated at 1 and 6 months post surgery. Outcome measures were intraocular pressure, success rate, bleb appearance, ocular surface disease index, Schirmer's tear test 1 and conjunctival inflammation.

Results:  Thirty‐nine patients completed the study (19 in the study group, 20 in the control group). The mean baseline intraocular pressure was 23.8 ± 12.6 mmHg in the study group and 25.9 ± 10.6 mmHg in the control group (P = 0.513). Mean intraocular pressure at postoperative month 6 was 14.88 ± 6.2 and 14.62 ± 5.46 mmHg in the study group and control group, respectively (P = 0.837). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean values of Schirmer's tear test 1 and the level of conjunctival hyperaemia between the two groups at baseline, months 1 and 6 post surgery. The treatment group had a statistically significant decrease in ocular surface disease index score at 6 months (P = 0.003), indicating less severity of dry eye symptoms and significant reduction in ocular pain.

Conclusions:  Topical cyclosporine 0.05% had no effect on postoperative bleb function and intraocular pressure following trabeculectomy, but improved subjective ocular surface symptoms in these patients.
New era for personalized medicine: the diagnosis and management of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Baird Paul N , Hageman Gregory S , Guymer Robyn H
Published: September 2009

Abstract

It can be argued that age‐related macular degeneration is one of the best characterized complex trait diseases. Extensive information related to genetic and environmental risk factors exists, and a number of different biological pathways are strongly implicated in its aetiology. Along with recent improvements in high throughput and relatively inexpensive genetic technologies, we are now in a position to consider developing a presymptomatic, personalized approach towards the assessment, management and treatment of this disease. We explore the applicability and challenges of this approach if it is to become commonplace for guiding treatment decisions for individuals with pre‐existing disease or for those at high risk of developing it.
Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous: congenital malformation of the eye
Authors: Shastry Barkur S
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), also known as persistent fetal vasculature, is a rare congenital developmental malformation of the eye, caused by the failure of regression of the primary vitreous. It is divided into anterior and posterior types and is characterized by the presence of a vascular membrane located behind the lens. The condition can be of an isolated type or can occur with other ocular disorders. Most cases of PHPV are sporadic, but it can be inherited as an autosomal dominant or recessive trait. Inherited PHPV also occurs in several breeds of dogs and cats. In a limited number of cases, Norrie disease and FZD4 genes are found to be mutated in unilateral and bilateral PHPV. These genes when mutated also cause Norrie disease pseudoglioma and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy that share some of the clinical features with PHPV. Mice lacking arf and p53 tumour suppressor genes as well as Norrie disease pseudoglioma and LRP5 genes suggest that these genes are needed for hyaloid vascular regression. These experiments also indicate that abnormalities in normal apoptosis and defects in Wnt signalling pathway may be responsible for the pathogenesis of PHPV. Identification of other candidate genes in the future may provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the condition that may lead to a better therapeutic approach and better management.
Survey on the knowledge of age‐related macular degeneration and its risk factors among Singapore residents
Authors: Sanjay Srinivasan , Neo Hui Yee , Sangtam Tiakumzuk , Ku Jae Yee , Chau Shirley YM , Rostihar Abdul Karim , Au Eong Kah‐Guan
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  To assess the awareness of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and its risk factors among Singapore residents.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based telephone survey was conducted to ascertain the awareness of AMD with regards to knowledge of the disease entity and possible risk factors among Singapore residents. A Singapore residential telephone directory was used to identify potential households by choosing the first and last entries on randomly selected pages. Respondents included individuals from households with landline telephone connection who were willing to participate in the study after a brief introduction about the study. Verbal consent was sought before proceeding with the interview. Interpreters were used for respondents whose ability to converse in English was limited. Prior to commencement of the study, the protocol was reviewed and approved by Ethics committee of the Domain Specific Review Board.

Results:  The interviewers contacted 796 subjects from different households, of which 520 participated (response rate, 65.3%). The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 85 (median 41) years. Only 38 (7.3%) of them were aware of AMD, the majority of whom had completed secondary or higher education. Two hundred (38.5%) and 191 (36.7%) of the respondents considered age and smoking, respectively, to be risk factors for AMD.

Conclusions:  The awareness of AMD among Singapore residents is low. AMD awareness needs to be improved by educational programmes designed for this specific purpose.
Spectrum of fungal keratitis in central China
Authors: Wang Liya , Sun Shengtao , Jing Yang , Han Lei , Zhang Hongmin , Yue Juan
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  To investigate the epidemiology, risk factors, fungal spectrum and to test antifungal drug susceptibility of these isolates at a tertiary eye care referral centre in central China.

Methods:  The medical and microbiology records of 2064 culture‐proven cases (2064 eyes) of fungal keratitis diagnosed at Henan Eye Institute between January 2000 to March 2009 was retrospectively reviewed. The fungal isolates were identified and a subgroup of 103 isolates were subjected to drug susceptibility tests for amphotericin B, fluconazole and ketoconazole by broth microdilution method.

Results:  A total of 2064 cases of confirmed fungal keratitis were identified. The predominant fungal species isolated was Fusarium spp. followed by Aspergillus spp. Alternaria spp. were another most common fungi in central China. Fungal keratitis was more common among men. A large proportion of the patients were middle‐aged adults, and most were farmers. Ocular trauma was a highly significant risk factor and vegetative injuries were identified as a significant cause for fungal keratitis. Greatest number of cases of fungal keratitis was higher between September and December. Fusarium was mostly sensitive to amphotericin B, next to ketoconazole. Aspergillus was sensitive to amphotericin B and ketoconazole. Relatively, both Fusarium and Aspergillus were insensitive to fluconazole.

Conclusion:  Fusarium and Aspergillus are always the most isolated pathogens of fungal keratitis in central China, followed by Alternaria. Document available on the epidemiological features of a large series would greatly help ophthalmologists at primary and second health care centres in the management of this disease.
Selection of medical patients for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism based on analysis of the benefit–hazard ratio
Authors: Millar J. A.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Medical patients may benefit from anticoagulant prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but assessment of thrombotic risk is complex. I describe a method for estimating the minimum thrombotic risk required to ensure that a reasonable benefit–hazard ratio is maintained.

Methods:  An equation was derived relating baseline VTE risk and a minimum acceptable benefit–hazard ratio (R), defined as ‘pulmonary embolus (PE) alone’, ‘PE or symptomatic proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT)’, or ‘PE or any symptomatic DVT’ prevented per major bleeding. The equation was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of thromboembolism required for net benefit (main outcome measure). The PREVENT study was the primary data source, backed by data from two meta‐analyses.

Results:  For R ranging from 3 to 10, the RR required for net beneficial prophylaxis was 6.5–21.6 (PE alone); 3.0–9.9 (PE or symptomatic proximal DVT); and 2.3–7.6 (PE or any symptomatic DVT), respectively. These RR are possible only in the presence of risk factors of high weighting. Sensitivity analysis showed that the findings were robust to changes in baseline assumptions related to thrombosis and bleeding rates.

Conclusion:  A method for risk assessment for medical thromboprophylaxis has been developed. The results suggest that only a minority of medical patients with high RR should receive prophylaxis.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma complicating nephrogenic systemic fibrosis post liver transplantation
Authors: So K. , MacQuillan G. C. , Adams L. A. , Delriviere L. , Mitchell A. , Moody H. , Wood D. J. , Junckerstorff R. C. , Jeffrey G. P.
Published: September 2009

A 46‐year‐old man with cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C virus infection and alcohol underwent orthotopic liver transplantation, which required urgent re‐grafting because of biliary sepsis from necrosis of the left liver lobe. Recovery was complicated by renal failure and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (probably related to intravenous gadolinium exposure). He subsequently developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. We present this case highlighting the occurrence of two rare conditions in the same patient following liver transplantation. We believe this is the first case of its kind to be reported.
Evaluation of different modes of combined therapy in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Vogt Mandy , Lehnert Thomas , Till Holger , Rolle Udo
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of different modes of combined therapy in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized prospective study was performed to compare the order of two types of combined therapy in children with MNE. Group A was treated with primary desmopressin treatment that was combined with alarm treatment after 3 months, while group B was treated with primary alarm treatment that was combined with desmopressin after 3 months.

RESULTS

Within a period of 18 months, 43 previously untreated children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirteen children achieved dryness after initial monotherapy or discontinued the study. Group A consisted of 16 children and group B of 14 children. After the standardized treatment course of 6 months, 11/16 children in group A and 11/14 children in group B became dry (<3 wet nights/month). Altogether, 22/30 (73%) children were dry after combined treatment, consisting of 12/18 boys and 10/12 girls. Of the children with a normal maximum voided volume, 79% (19/24) achieved dryness, whereas only three of six children with small maximum voided volumes became dry. In all, 13/19 (68%) children with nocturnal polyuria and nine of 11 without nocturnal polyuria became dry. Only one child relapsed (group A).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined therapy proved effective in children with MNE after 6 months, with no statistically significant differences between the two different orders of treatment.
Two Forms of Spatial Imagery
Authors: Thompson William L. , Slotnick Scott D. , Burrage Marie S. , Kosslyn Stephen M.
Published: September 2009

Spatial imagery may be useful in such tasks as interpreting graphs and solving geometry problems, and even in performing surgery. This study provides evidence that spatial imagery is not a single faculty; rather, visualizing spatial location and mentally transforming location rely on distinct neural networks. Using 3-T functional magnetic resonance imaging, we tested 16 participants (8 male, 8 female) in each of two spatial imagery tasks—one that required visualizing location and one that required mentally rotating stimuli. The same stimuli were used in the two tasks. The location-based task engendered more activation near the occipito-parietal sulcus, medial posterior cingulate, and precuneus, whereas the transformation task engendered more activation in superior portions of the parietal lobe and in the postcentral gyrus. These differences in activation provide evidence that there are at least two different types of spatial imagery.
The Left Hand Doesn't Know What the Right Hand Is Doing
Authors: Logan Gordon D. , Crump Matthew J.C.
Published: September 2009

Everyone knows that attention to the details disrupts skilled performance, but little empirical evidence documents this fact. We show that attention to the hands disrupts skilled typewriting. We had skilled typists type words preceded by cues that told them to type only the letters assigned to one hand or to type all of the letters. Cuing the hands disrupted performance markedly, slowing typing and increasing the error rate (Experiment 1); these deleterious effects were observed even when no keystrokes were actually inhibited (Experiment 3). However, cuing the same letters with colors was not disruptive (Experiment 2). We account for the disruption with a hierarchical control model, in which an inner loop controls the hands and an outer loop controls what is typed. Typing letters using only one hand requires the outer loop to monitor the inner loop's output; the outer loop slows inner-loop cycle time to increase the likelihood of inhibiting responses with the unwanted hand. This produces the disruption.
Hybrid Samplers for Ill‐Posed Inverse Problems
Authors: HERBEI RADU , McKEAGUE IAN W.
Published: September 2009

Abstract.  In the Bayesian approach to ill‐posed inverse problems, regularization is imposed by specifying a prior distribution on the parameters of interest and Markov chain Monte Carlo samplers are used to extract information about its posterior distribution. The aim of this paper is to investigate the convergence properties of the random‐scan random‐walk Metropolis (RSM) algorithm for posterior distributions in ill‐posed inverse problems. We provide an accessible set of sufficient conditions, in terms of the observational model and the prior, to ensure geometric ergodicity of RSM samplers of the posterior distribution. We illustrate how these conditions can be checked in an application to the inversion of oceanographic tracer data.
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND SOCIALLY EXTENDED MENTATION
Authors: NELSON JAMES LINDEMANN
Published: September 2009

Abstract: The leading accounts of the ethics of proxy decision making implicitly draw on internalist conceptions of the philosophy of mind, or so this essay tries to demonstrate. Using the views of Ronald Dworkin as its jumping‐off point, the essay argues that accepting the sort of externalism associated with writers such as Putnam and Burge would alter Dworkin's conclusions concerning how we should respond to the current or precedent decisions of people suffering from dementia. Building on the views of Agnieszka Jawarska, it argues that accepting “active” externalism à la Clark and Chambers would provide currently competent people with new resources for establishing the authority of their present values over inconsistent values they might come to entertain should they become demented.
COGNITIVE DISABILITY IN A SOCIETY OF EQUALS
Authors: WOLFF JONATHAN
Published: September 2009

Abstract: This essay considers the range of possible policy options that are available if we wish to attempt to treat people with cognitive disabilities as equal members of society. It suggests that the goal of policy should be to allow each disabled person to establish a worthwhile place in the world and sets out four policy options: cash compensation, personal enhancement, status enhancement, and targeted resource enhancement. The essay argues for the social policy of targeted resource enhancement for individuals with cognitive disabilities, in the form of providing cash, with some limits on its use. Taking the example from the United Kingdom of “self‐directed support,” it argues that such policies can be cost‐effective and advance the autonomy of people with cognitive disabilities, especially when compared with current policies of centrally provided services.
PHILOSOPHERS OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY: A TAXONOMY
Authors: CARLSON LICIA
Published: September 2009

Abstract: This essay explores various roles that philosophers occupy in relation to intellectual disability. In examining how philosophers define their object of inquiry as experts and gatekeepers, it raises critical questions concerning the nature of philosophical discourse about intellectual disability. It then goes on to consider three alternate positions, the advocate or friend, the animal, and the “intellectually disabled,” each of which points to new ways of philosophizing in the face of intellectual disability.
THINKING ABOUT THE GOOD: RECONFIGURING LIBERAL METAPHYSICS (OR NOT) FOR PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES
Authors: SILVERS ANITA , FRANCIS LESLIE PICKERING
Published: September 2009

Abstract:Liberalism welcomes diversity in substantive ideas of the good but not in the process whereby these ideas are formed. Ideas of the good acquire weight on the presumption that each is a person's own, formed independently. But people differ in their capacities to conceptualize. Some, appropriately characterized as cerebral, are proficient in and profoundly involved with conceptualizing. Others, labeled cognitively disabled, range from individuals with mild limitations to those so unable to express themselves that we cannot be sure whether their behavior is mediated by concepts at all. Constricted cognitive capacities have been thought to prevent participation in the prescribed process for forming personalized ideas of the good. So liberal theory, when formulating principles and practices of justice, often disregards cognitively disabled peoples' perspectives. We put aside metaphysically driven notions about personhood and show how interpersonal processes of “prosthetic” thinking (different from surrogacy) can satisfy liberalism's standards, positioning cognitively disabled individuals as fully participating subjects of justice.
THE ENTANGLEMENT OF RACE AND COGNITIVE DIS/ABILITY
Authors: STUBBLEFIELD ANNA
Published: September 2009

Abstract: To consider blackness and cognitive disability together is paradoxical. On one hand, supposed black intellectual deficit has been used by white elites as a justification for antiblack oppression. On the other, both black children who are struggling in school and black adults labeled with developmental disabilities are less likely than their white counterparts to access the best support services available. These problems cut across a commonly drawn—but, I argue, erroneous—divide between the “judgment” categories of mild cognitive impairment into which black children are disproportionately placed and the “organic” categories of severe cognitive impairment. This division is itself part of the contemporary collective denial of the racialized history and construction of our notion of intellect that ends up harming black Americans.
DUTIES OF JUSTICE TO CITIZENS WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES
Authors: WONG SOPHIA ISAKO
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Many social practices treat citizens with cognitive disabilities differently from their nondisabled peers. Does John Rawls's theory of justice imply that we have different duties of justice to citizens whenever they are labeled with cognitive disabilities? Some theorists have claimed that the needs of the cognitively disabled do not raise issues of justice for Rawls. I claim that it is premature to reject Rawlsian contractualism. Rawlsians should regard all citizens as moral persons provided they have the potential for developing the two moral powers. I claim that every citizen requires specific Enabling Conditions to develop and exercise the two moral powers. Structuring basic social institutions to deny some citizens the Enabling Conditions is unjust because it blocks their developmental pathways toward becoming fully cooperating members of society. Hence, we have a duty of justice to provide citizens labeled with cognitive disabilities with the Enabling Conditions they require until they become fully cooperating members of society.
HOW WE HAVE BEEN LEARNING TO TALK ABOUT AUTISM: A ROLE FOR STORIES
Authors: HACKING IAN
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Autism fiction has become a genre of novel‐writing in its own right. Many examples are given in the essay. What does this activity do for us? There used to be no language in which autistic experience could be described. One characteristic difficulty for autistic people is understanding what other people are doing. So absence of a discourse of autistic experience is to be expected. Analyses advanced by Wolfgang Köhler and Lev Vygotsky already made plain long ago that social interaction is a precondition for a language of the inner life. One role for the wave of autism stories now being published, is to create such a language of autism. This in turn affects how autistic people think of themselves. It certainly affects how nonautistic, “neurotypical,” individuals think about autism. Not all of this is a good thing, for all too many stories foster images of “the” autistic person as having special gifts that ordinary people lack.
INTRODUCTION: RETHINKING PHILOSOPHICAL PRESUMPTIONS IN LIGHT OF COGNITIVE DISABILITY
Authors: CARLSON LICIA , KITTAY EVA FEDER
Published: September 2009

Abstract:This Introduction to the collection of essays surveys the philosophical literature to date with respect to five central questions: justice, care, agency, metaphilosophical issues regarding the language and representation of cognitive disability, and personhood. These themes are discussed in relation to three specific conditions: intellectual and developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, and autism, though the issues raised are relevant to a broad range of cognitive disabilities. The Introduction offers a brief historical overview of the treatment cognitive disability has received from philosophers, and explains the specific challenges that cognitive disability poses to philosophy. In briefly summarizing the essays in the collection, it highlights the distinctive contributions the collection makes to ethics, political philosophy, bioethics, and the philosophy of disability. We hope that the richness of the topics explored by these essays will be a spur to further investigation.
COGNITIVE DISABILITY AND COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT
Authors: MCMAHAN JEFF
Published: September 2009

Abstract: This essay explores problems of consistency among commonsense beliefs about the comparative moral status of animals, fetuses, and human beings congenitally endowed with cognitive capacities and potential no higher than those of higher animals. The possibility of genetic cognitive enhancement exacerbates some of these problems, but also offers new resources for understanding the basis of our moral status as inviolable.
Marmosets as a next‐generation model of comparative cognition
Authors: YAMAZAKI YUMIKO , WATANABE SHIGERU
Published: September 2009

Common marmosets have traditionally been used in fields such as comparative psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and ethology, and as animal models of human disease research because of their relatively small body size, high reproductive rate, similar breeding system characteristics to those of humans, high dependency on vocal communication, and behavioral effects from drug administration that resemble those of humans. Although the animal has proved to be quite advantageous in animal model research in comparison to rodents, and has specific ecological and evolutionary characteristics that are worthy of exploration, few attempts have been made until recently to combine both types of approach. Thus, supported by neuroscientific methodologies that have recently been developed using this species, the authors suggest that the evolutionary origins of cognitive and social functions common to or differentiated in primates, could be uncovered through research that explores the behavioral and neural bases of cognition in the marmosets.
Gender Wage Work and Development in North East Brazil
Authors: SELWYN BEN
Published: September 2009

The last three decades have witnessed a major expansion of export agriculture in Latin America and the emergence of largely feminised labour forces. Research has illustrated how farms purposefully construct gendered divisions of labour and how women often experience worse pay and conditions than men. However, it is also important to consider how and why gender divisions of labour change. This article does so by examining export grape production in North East Brazil. It locates farms' practices of gendering work within a three‐pronged context of rising buyer requirements, changes in labour supply and the influence of rural trade unions.
Probiotic fermented milks: Present and future
Authors: SÁNCHEZ BORJA , De Los REYES‐GAVILÁN CLARA G , MARGOLLES ABELARDO , GUEIMONDE MIGUEL
Published: September 2009

Milk and dairy products have been part of human nutrition since ancient times, constituting an important part of a balanced diet. Fermented dairy products containing living micro‐organisms have traditionally been used to restore gut health, being among the pioneers in functional foods. Such utilisation of live micro‐organisms forms the basis of the probiotic concept, which constitutes a fast growing market for the development of new products. In this article, we review the current status of fermented milk as a vehicle for delivery of beneficial bacteria and look into future new directions and challenges.
Valproic acid induces functional heat‐shock protein 70 via Class I histone deacetylase inhibition in cortical neurons: a potential role of Sp1 acetylation
Authors: Marinova Zoya , Ren Ming , Wendland Jens R. , Leng Yan , Liang Min‐Huei , Yasuda Shigeru , Leeds Peter , Chuang De‐Maw
Published: September 2009

Neuroprotective properties of the mood stabilizer valproic acid (VPA) are implicated in its therapeutic efficacy. Heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a molecular chaperone, neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory agent. This study aimed to investigate underlying mechanisms and functional significance of HSP70 induction by VPA in rat cortical neurons. VPA treatment markedly up‐regulated HSP70 protein levels, and this was accompanied by increased HSP70 mRNA levels and promoter hyperacetylation and activity. Other HDAC inhibitors – sodium butyrate, trichostatin A, and Class I HDAC‐specific inhibitors MS‐275 and apicidin, – all mimicked the ability of VPA to induce HSP70. Pre‐treatment with phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitors or an Akt inhibitor attenuated HSP70 induction by VPA and other HDAC inhibitors. VPA treatment increased Sp1 acetylation, and a Sp1 inhibitor, mithramycin, abolished the induction of HSP70 by HDAC inhibitors. Moreover, VPA promoted the association of Sp1 with the histone acetyltransferases p300 and recruitment of p300 to the HSP70 promoter. Further, VPA‐induced neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity was prevented by blocking HSP70 induction. Taken together, the data suggest that the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway and Sp1 are likely involved in HSP70 induction by HDAC inhibitors, and induction of HSP70 by VPA in cortical neurons may contribute to its neuroprotective and therapeutic effects.
Immunoreactivity of the phosphorylated axonal neurofilament H subunit (pNF‐H) in blood of ALS model rodents and ALS patients: evaluation of blood pNF‐H as a potential ALS biomarker
Authors: Boylan Kevin , Yang Cui , Crook Julia , Overstreet Karen , Heckman Michael , Wang Yong , Borchelt David , Shaw Gerry
Published: September 2009

Levels of neurofilament subunits, potential biomarkers of motor axon breakdown, are increased in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient’s CSF but data on blood are not available. We measured blood levels of the phosphorylated axonal form of neurofilament H (pNF‐H) by ELISA in transgenic rodent models of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) ALS, and in 20 ALS patients and 20 similar aged controls monthly for 4 months. All symptomatic rodent ALS models showed robust levels of blood pNF‐H, while control rodents or mice transgenic for unmutated SOD1 showed no detectable blood pNF‐H. Average pNF‐H levels in the G93A SOD1 mouse progressively increased from day 74 through death (day ∼130). Median blood pNF‐H level in ALS patients was 2.8‐fold higher than controls (p < 0.001). Median ALSFRS‐R declined a median of 0.8 pt/month (p < 0.001); higher baseline pNF‐H level appeared to be associated with faster ALSFRS‐R decline over 4 months (p = 0.087). The median rate of decline in ALSFRS‐R was 1.9 pt/month in patients with baseline pNF‐H levels above the median pNF‐H value of 0.53 ng/mL; ALSFRS‐R declined at a median of 0.6 pt/month in patients below this level. The pNF‐H levels were relatively stable month to month in individual patients, raising questions regarding the molecular pathogenesis of ALS. Baseline control human pNF‐H levels were higher in men than women and increased minimally over time. These data suggest that blood pNF‐H can be used to monitor axonal degeneration in ALS model rodents and support further study of this protein as a potential biomarker of disease prognosis in ALS patients.
Neuro‐inflammation induced in the hippocampus of ‘binge drinking’ rats may be mediated by elevated extracellular glutamate content
Authors: Ward Roberta J. , Colivicchi Maria Alessandra , Allen Rachel , Schol François , Lallemand Frédéric , De Witte Philippe , Ballini Chiara , Corte Laura Della , Dexter David
Published: September 2009

The neuropathological and immune changes induced in the brain by ‘binge drinking’ have been investigated in a rat model. Evidence of neuro‐inflammation was identified in the ‘binge drinking’ rat model of alcohol abuse after 3 weeks of administration of 2 or 3 g/kg ethanol (EtOH), three times per day for two consecutive days, followed by 5 days of abstinence: Firstly, alveolar macrophages, isolated from these animals, showed significant increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase, as assayed by nitrite release, both before and after lipopolysaccaharide stimulation. Secondly, significant numbers of activated microglia were present in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus of the ‘binge drinking’ model, after major histocompatibility complex class II staining, by comparison with the control. Microdialysis studies in the ventral hippocampus identified a significant increase in the basal extracellular concentration of glutamate, in both the 2 and 3 g/kg administered ‘binge drinking’ rats. In contrast, no changes in the hippocampal extracellular concentrations, of GABA and taurine, or the dopamine and serotonin metabolites were observed under basal conditions. A further dose of EtOH induced a significant decrease in the concentrations of both 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, whereas glutamate, taurine and GABA levels were unaffected. There was no evidence that EtOH preference was initiated by the ‘binge drinking’ regimen. Our results suggest that the possible toxicity associated with ‘binge drinking’ maybe directed by the elevated glutamate levels, which in turn, activate phagocytic cells to release their inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, ultimately leading to neuro‐inflammation.