bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SCIENCE, PROPERTY, AND KINSHIP IN REPATRIATION DEBATES
Authors: Kirsch Stuart
Published: September 2011

A striking feature of debates concerning the disposition of Native American human remains is their invocation of the conventional domains of science, property, and kinship. Strong political claims about repatriation tend to assert the primacy of one domain over the others. Yet in contemporary North American social contexts, these domains have heterarchical relations in which no single perspective dominates, rather than hierarchical relations organized by a fixed ranking system. Resolving disputes in heterarchical systems requires negotiation across domains rather than privileging one domain. This comment examines how the relationships between these domains influence debates on repatriation. It also sheds light on how Americans make political claims.
CONSTRUCTING, COMMODIFYING, AND CONSUMING INVENTED ETHNIC PROVENANCE AMONG ROMANIAN ROMA
Authors: Berta Péter
Published: September 2011

This article deals with contemporary examples of fraud in the trade of silver beakers and tankards that are defined as valuable prestige goods by two Roma groups living in central Romania―the Gabor Roma and the Cărhar Roma. It demonstrates how some Gabor Roma construct an invented ethnic provenance for silver objects purchased on the European antiques market to sell them for profit to wealthy Cărhar Roma as precious Gabor family heirlooms. I discuss the techniques of fabricating a history of ownership for these pieces (symbolic patina), aging their surfaces (material patina), and manipulating the context of these transactions. The analysis reveals how the politics of object authenticity function and how the artificially created ethnic provenance attributed to commodities has been converted into financial gain in socialist and postsocialist Romania.
THE NATURE OF DIFFERENCE: Forging Arab Asia at the American Museum of Natural History
Authors: Sachedina Amal
Published: September 2011

Since 9/11, an increasing number of educational initiatives have called for facilitating intercultural understanding and knowledge of the Arab world. In terms of defusing conflict across cultural and religious lines, toleration is regarded as a key virtue, although this concept is not confined to a post‐9/11 world. Inaugurated in 1980, the Hall of Asian Peoples at the American Museum of Natural History was designed with such an end in mind. The exhibition is framed by contradictory strands woven from the beliefs and ambitions of the curator, collector, and sponsors. An exploration of these themes enables us to analyze how culture itself is defined and politicized within a rubric of toleration. Furthermore, an examination of the exhibition hall's captions, labels, and catalogues reveals how an ethic of toleration can also become a means of regulating boundaries and creating a hierarchy of differences, and thereby generating a troubling political and intellectual undercurrent. From these subtexts, I aim to unravel the political and intellectual dimensions inherent in the process of forging representations of Asia, specifically “Arab Asia.”
On the lookout for precursor lesions: where does dry skin end and slight hand eczema begin?
Authors: Baumeister Thomas , Uter Wolfgang , Weistenhöfer Wobbeke , Drexler Hans , Kütting Birgitta
Published: September 2011

Background. The prognosis of occupational hand eczema is strongly associated with its duration, severity, and the onset of treatment.

Objectives. The study was aimed at characterizing skin eruptions that might be potential precursors of occupational hand eczema, their pattern, and typical sites in a population at moderate risk of hand eczema.

Patients/Materials/Methods. Eight hundred German male metal workers took part in a structured interview focused on their medical history combined with a dermatological examination of their hands, by use of the quantitative Hand Eczema Score for Occupational Screenings, with follow‐up 1 year later.

Results. The most frequent lesions were erythema (91.8%), lichenification (98.8%), crusting (70%), and scaling (35%); all other lesions were relatively rare (15%). The distribution of lesions remained stable between baseline and follow‐up. The areas most affected were knuckles, palms, and finger shafts (excluding tips). Interdigital regions were uncommonly affected in this sample.

Conclusions. Erythema, lichenification, and crusting, indicating constant skin ‘strain’, can be regarded as precursor lesions for slight hand eczema, and should be monitored quantitatively. As other occupations, for example hairdressing, have different predilection sites, it can be concluded that the pattern of occupational hand eczema is strongly influenced by the distinct strain profile of an occupation.
Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a betaine‐containing mouthwash and an intraoral device for the treatment of dry mouth
Authors: López‐Jornet Pia , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , Rodriguez‐Aguado Consuelo
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 201–206

Objective:  An evaluation is made of the efficacy and safety of an intraoral device with a betaine (BET)‐containing mouthwash in treating xerostomia.

Methods:  A total of 105 patients with dry mouth (xerostomia) were included in a randomized, non‐blinded, parallel‐group, controlled clinical trial. The patients were assigned to one of the three groups: A (night guard), B (mouthwash), or C (night guard and mouthwash). A xerostomia questionnaire was administered, and unstimulated salivary flow was measured. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) – 14 was assessed. All measurements were taken before and after treatment, which had a duration of 4 weeks. The patients in turn completed a treatment satisfaction questionnaire.

Results:  Ninety patients (eight men and 82 women) completed the study. All three treatments alleviated the symptoms of xerostomia, with improvement in the OHIP‐14 scores and sialometry findings. There were no adverse effects. Patient satisfaction with the treatment received showed no statistically significant differences among the three groups; though, the patients in group A considered treatment to have been extremely beneficial in 10% of the cases, while 43% considered it to have been beneficial.

Conclusions:  The daily use of a night guard and BET‐containing mouthwash was seen to improve dry mouth during the 4‐week duration of the study.
A Subtle Interplay Between Three Pex11 Proteins Shapes De Novo Formation and Fission of Peroxisomes
Authors: Huber Anja , Koch Johannes , Kragler Friedrich , Brocard Cécile , Hartig Andreas
Published: September 2011

The organization of eukaryotic cells into membrane‐bound compartments must be faithfully sustained for survival of the cell. A subtle equilibrium exists between the degradation and the proliferation of organelles. Commonly, proliferation is initiated by a membrane remodeling process. Here, we dissect the function of proteins driving organelle proliferation in the particular case of peroxisomes. These organelles are formed either through a growth and division process from existing peroxisomes or de novo from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Among the proteins involved in the biogenesis of peroxisomes, peroxins, members of the Pex11 protein family participate in peroxisomal membrane alterations. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Pex11 family consists of three proteins, Pex11p, Pex25p and Pex27p. Here we demonstrate that yeast mutants lacking peroxisomes require the presence of Pex25p to regenerate this organelle de novo. We also provide evidence showing that Pex27p inhibits peroxisomal function and illustrate that Pex25p initiates elongation of the peroxisomal membrane. Our data establish that although structurally conserved each of the three Pex11 protein family members plays a distinct role. While ScPex11p promotes the proliferation of peroxisomes already present in the cell, ScPex25p initiates remodeling at the peroxisomal membrane and ScPex27p acts to counter this activity. In addition, we reveal that ScPex25p acts in concert with Pex3p in the initiation of de novo peroxisome biogenesis from the ER.
Immunomodulatory Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Cytokines and Factors
Authors: Soleymaninejadian Ehsan , Pramanik Krishna , Samadian Esmaeil
Published: September 2011

Citation Soleymaninejadian E, Pramanik K, Samadian E. Immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells: cytokines and factors. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 1–8

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are defined as undifferentiated cells that are capable of self renewal and differentiation into several cell types such as chondrocyte, adipocyte, osteocyte, myocyte, hepatocyte, and neuron‐like cells. MSC can be isolated from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue, placenta, periosteum, trabecular bone, synovium, skeletal muscle, and deciduous teeth. Immunomodulatory of MSCs is one of the important issues nowadays, because this aspect can be clinically applied for graft‐versus‐host and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we tried to discuss in detail about cytokines and factors such as members of the transforming growth factor superfamily (transforming growth factor‐β), hepatic growth factors (HGF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL‐10, indolamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), nitric oxide (NO), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) that are involved in immunomodulatory of MSCs.
Sound and vibration: effects on infants’ heart rate and heart rate variability during neonatal transport
Authors: Karlsson Björn‐Markus , Lindkvist Marie , Lindkvist Markus , Karlsson Marcus , Lundström Ronnie , Håkansson Stellan , Wiklund Urban , van den Berg Johannes
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To measure the effect of sound and whole‐body vibration on infants’ heart rate and heart rate variability during ground and air ambulance transport.

Methods:  Sixteen infants were transported by air ambulance with ground ambulance transport to and from the airports. Whole‐body vibration and sound levels were recorded and heart parameters were obtained by ECG signal.

Results:  Sound and whole‐body vibration levels exceeded the recommended limits. Mean whole‐body vibration and sound levels were 0.19 m/s2 and 73 dBA, respectively. Higher whole‐body vibration was associated with a lower heart rate (p < 0.05), and higher sound level was linked to a higher heart rate (p = 0.05). The heart rate variability was significantly higher at the end of the transport than at the beginning (p < 0.01). Poorer physiological status was associated with lower heart rate variability (p < 0.001) and a lower heart rate (p < 0.01). Infants wearing earmuffs had a lower heart rate (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Sound and whole‐body vibration during neonatal transport exceed recommended levels for adults, and sound seem to have a more stressful effect on the infant than vibrations. Infants should wear earmuffs during neonatal transport because of the stress‐reducing effect.
EFFECT OF GLUCOCORTICOID ADMINISTRATION ON ADRENAL GLAND SIZE AND SONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE IN BEAGLE DOGS
Authors: Pey Pascaline , Daminet Sylvie , Smets Pascale MY , Duchateau Luc , Travetti Olga , Saunders Jimmy H.
Published: September 2011

Our aim was to evaluate the influence of glucocorticoids on the adrenal gland using ultrasonography. Eleven healthy beagles were used in a prospective placebo‐controlled study. All dogs received hydrocortisone at 10 mg/kg twice a day per os for 4 months or a gelatin capsule twice a day per os as a placebo. Clinical and endocrinologic examination of the dogs and ultrasonographic evaluation of adrenal echogenicity, shape, and measurement of the length and height of the cranial and caudal pole were performed at baseline (T0), at 1 (T1) and 4 months (T4) after the beginning of treatment, and 2 months after the end of the treatment including 1 month of tapering and 1 month without treatment (T6). The dogs were assigned randomly to the glucocorticoid (n = 6) and placebo groups (n = 5). At T1, the difference between the two groups for the height of the cranial and caudal pole was not ultrasonographically remarkable despite a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0165 andP = 0.0206). Decreased height and length of entire gland were observed at T4 (P < 0.0001,P = 0.0015, andP = 0.0035, respectively). Percentages of atrophy were variable between dogs. Both adrenal glands regained normal size and shape 1 month after cessation of glucocorticoid administration. As not all dogs developed marked adrenal gland atrophy and the degree of atrophy varied widely between individuals, ultrasonography cannot be the technique of choice to detect iatrogenic hypercortisolism. Ultrasonographic changes are reversible within 1 month after the end of glucocorticoid administration.
Structural and biochemical characterization of the inhibitor complexes of xenotropic murine leukemia virus‐related virus protease
Authors: Li Mi , Gustchina Alla , Matúz Krisztina , Tözsér Jozsef , Namwong Sirilak , Goldfarb Nathan E. , Dunn Ben M. , Wlodawer Alexander
Published: September 2011

Interactions between the protease (PR) encoded by the xenotropic murine leukemia virus‐related virus and a number of potential inhibitors have been investigated by biochemical and structural techniques. It was observed that several inhibitors used clinically against HIV PR exhibit nanomolar or even subnanomolar values of Ki, depending on the exact experimental conditions. Both TL‐3, a universal inhibitor of retroviral PRs, and some inhibitors originally shown to inhibit plasmepsins were also quite potent, whereas inhibition by pepstatin A was considerably weaker. Crystal structures of the complexes of xenotropic murine leukemia virus‐related virus PR with TL‐3, amprenavir and pepstatin A were solved at high resolution and compared with the structures of complexes of these inhibitors with other retropepsins. Whereas TL‐3 and amprenavir bound in a predictable manner, spanning the substrate‐binding site of the enzyme, two molecules of pepstatin A bound simultaneously in an unprecedented manner, leaving the catalytic water molecule in place.

Structured digital abstract

 XMRVPR and XMRVPR bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Prolonged Antispasmodic Effect in Isolated Radial Artery Graft and Pronounced Platelet Inhibition Induced by the Inodilator Drug, Levosimendan
Authors: Ambrus Nóra , Szolnoky Jenő , Pollesello Piero , Kun Attila , Varró András , Papp J. Gyula , Pataricza János
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Radial artery frequently develops spasm and requires vasodilator therapy during coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Levosimendan was recently shown to oppose 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐induced contraction of radial artery (RA) grafts. The aim of the present study was to explore whether levosimendan retains its vasodilatory capacity following in vitro pre‐incubation of RA segments with the inodilator. A possible cumulative effect of the drug in human platelets was also studied. Human isolated RA segments were pre‐incubated in 0.16 μmol/L levosimendan containing solution or in 0.9% NaCl, Bretschneider, 5% albumin and a 5% human serum protein solution (Biseko) as controls for 45 min. Contractions were induced by three consecutive administrations of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (0.31 μM) 45, 90 and 120 min. after exchanging the pre‐incubation solutions with Krebs‐Henseleit solution, uniformly. Receptor‐independent contractions (KCl, 80 mmol/L), endothelium‐dependent (acetylcholine, 1 μmol/L) and independent relaxations (papaverine, 100 μmol/L) were also investigated. Washed human platelets were pre‐incubated with levosimendan (0.06 μmol/L) for 2 or 15 min. and aggregated with thrombin (0.1 IU/mL). Contractions of RA grafts induced by 5‐hydroxytryptamine were significantly smaller 45 min. and 90 min. after the replacement of levosimendan with Krebs‐Henseleit solution. Biseko solution also decreased the contraction of the graft at 45 min. Contractions did not change in time following the pre‐incubations of radial arteries with 0.9% NaCl, Bretschneider and 5% albumin solutions. The grafts remained intact as assessed by their maximum contractions and endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent relaxations at the end of the investigations. Platelets revealed larger anti‐aggregatory effect to levosimendan following the enhancement of the incubation time. Results indicate that the antispasmodic and anti‐aggregatory effects of levosimendan cumulate in the vascular tissue and in platelets. The storage of RA with the inodilator before implantation may help to prevent the intraoperative spasm of the graft and also thrombotic occlusion during CABG surgery.
Predictors of Sexual Bother in a Population of Male North American Medical Students
Authors: Smith James F. , Breyer Benjamin N. , Shindel Alan W.
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The prevalence and associations of sexual bother in male medical students has not been extensively studied.

Aims

The aim of this study is to analyze predictors of sexual bother in a survey of male North American medical students.

Methods

Students enrolled in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in North America between February 2008 and July 2008 were invited to participate in an internet-based survey of sexuality and sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures

The principle outcome measure was a single-item question inquiring about global satisfaction with sexual function. The survey also consisted of a questionnaire that included ethnodemographic factors, student status, sexual history, and a validated scale for the assessment of depression. Respondents completed the International Index of Erectile Function, the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool, and the Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality survey (SEAR). Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and multivariable logistic regression were utilized to analyze responses.

Results

There were 480 male subjects (mean age 26.3 years) with data sufficient for analysis. Forty-three (9%) reported sexual bother. Sexual bother was significantly more common in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), high risk of premature ejaculation (HRPE), depressive symptoms, and lower sexual frequency. However, after multivariate analysis including SEAR scores, ED, and HRPE were no longer independently predictive of sexual bother. Higher scores for all domains of the SEAR were associated with lower odds of sexual bother.

Conclusions

ED and HRPE are associated with sexual bother in this young and presumably healthy population. However, after controlling for relationship factors neither ED nor HRPE independently predicted sexual bother. It is plausible to hypothesize that sexual dysfunction from organic causes is rare in this population and is seldom encountered outside of relationship perturbations. Attention to relationship and psychological factors is likely of key importance in addressing sexual concerns in this population.
Adrenomedullin Mediates Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell-induced Restoration of Erectile Function in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Suzuki Etsu , Kumano Shintaro , Nomiya Akira , Liu Miao , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major health problem. It is known that diabetic patients are more refractory to common treatments for ED.

Aim

To explore the better treatment for ED, we examined the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) on ED using a diabetic rat model. We also analyzed the cytokines produced by ASC and implicated in ASC-induced restoration of erectile function.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. ASC or adenoviruses were injected into the penis 6 weeks after STZ administration. Erectile function, penile histology and protein expression were analyzed 4 weeks after the injection of ASC or adenoviruses.

Main Outcome Measures

Intracavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure were measured to evaluate erectile function. The morphology of the penis was analyzed by Elastica van Gieson stain and immunohistochemistry. The expression of proteins specific for vascular endothelial cells (VEC) was assessed by Western blot analysis.

Results

ASC restored erectile function especially when they were cultured in medium containing growth factors for VEC. This restoration was associated with improvement in the histology of the cavernous body, and increased expression of VEC markers such as VE-cadherin and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). When the expression of adrenomedullin (AM), a vasoactive peptide originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma tissue, was knocked down, the effect of ASC on ED was significantly diminished. Knockdown of AM was associated with decreased expressions of VE-cadherin and eNOS. Furthermore, overexpression of AM induced by adenovirus infection significantly improved erectile function in these diabetic rats. Overexpression of AM was associated with increased expressions of VE-cadherin and eNOS.

Conclusions

These results suggested that ASC have the potentials to restore erectile function and that AM produced by ASC plays a major role in the restoration of erectile function.
Preoperative Dialysis for Liver Transplantation in Methylmalonic Acidemia
Authors: Kamei Koichi , Ito Shuichi , Shigeta Takanobu , Sakamoto Seisuke , Fukuda Akinari , Horikawa Reiko , Saito Osamu , Muguruma Takashi , Nakagawa Satoshi , Iijima Kazumoto , Kasahara Mureo
Published: September 2011

Dialysis immediately before liver transplantation for patients with methylmalonic academia (MMA) with the mut0 mutation is considered to be necessary to reduce plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels and prevent metabolic decompensation for a successful surgical outcome; however, this has not yet been conclusively confirmed. Ten pediatric patients underwent living donor liver transplantation at the National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan. Seven patients received dialysis immediately before surgery, but the three most recent patients did not receive dialysis. We monitored plasma MMA levels and evaluated metabolic status during the perioperative period. Plasma MMA levels of patients who received preoperative dialysis were significantly decreased. However, lactic acidosis developed in two patients during surgery. One of the patients who had decreased renal function suffered from severe lactic acidosis after the transplantation and died on post operative day 44. In the three patients who did not receive preoperative dialysis, high plasma MMA levels persisted, but they did not develop metabolic decompensation. Their plasma MMA levels gradually decreased after transplantation. Our results indicated that reducing MMA with preoperative dialysis does not decrease the risk of metabolic decompensation. We will need to evaluate whether preoperative dialysis is necessary for the success of surgery with more cases in the future. Adequate perioperative glucose infusion and careful lactate monitoring are pivotal for success.
Synthesis, In Vitro Antitubercular Activity and 3D‐QSAR of Novel Quinoxaline Derivatives
Authors: Puratchikody Ayarivan , Natarajan Ramalakshmi , Jayapal Mohanapriya , Doble Mukesh
Published: September 2011

Twenty new quinoxalines bearing azetidinone and thiazolidinone groups were synthesized by cyclocondensation of Schiff bases of quinoxaline‐2, 3‐dione and were characterized with several analytical tools. They were tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv at a concentration of 10 μg/mL by Microplate Alamar Blue Assay method. Quinoxaline derivatives with 2‐chloro, dimethylamino and nitro substitutions exhibited in vitro activity, comparable to that of the drug, isoniazid. Three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship studies indicated that electrostatic and steric field descriptors could explain the observed activity. The developed model fits the data well and has good predictive capability (r2 = 0.81, q2 = 0.71, F = 27.06, r2_pred = 0.84, r2 m = 0.84, r2 BS = 0.80). Electronegative groups play an important role in the antitubercular activity.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for the Upper Paretic Limb in Acute or Sub-Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nijland Rinske , Kwakkel Gert , Bakers Japie , van Wegen Erwin
Published: September 2011

Constraint-induced movement therapy is a commonly used intervention to improve upper limb function after stroke. However, the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy and its optimal dosage during acute or sub-acute stroke is still under debate. To examine the literature on the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy in acute or sub-acute stroke. A literature search was performed to identify randomized, controlled trials; studies with the same outcome measure were pooled by calculating the mean difference. Separate quantitative analyses for high-intensity and low-intensity constraint-induced movement therapy were applied when possible. Five randomized, controlled trials were included, comprising 106 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated significant mean differences in favor of constraint-induced movement therapy for the Fugl–Meyer arm, the Action Research Arm Test, the Motor Activity Log, Quality of Movement and the Grooved Pegboard Test. Nonsignificant mean difference in favor of constraint-induced movement therapy were found for the Motor Activity Log, Amount of Use. Separate analyses for high-intensity and low-intensity constraint-induced movement therapy resulted in significant favorable mean differences for low-intensity constraint-induced movement therapy for all outcome measures, in contrast to high-intensity constraint-induced movement therapy. This meta-analysis demonstrates a trend toward positive effects of high-intensity and low-intensity constraint-induced movement therapy in acute or sub-acute stroke, but also suggests that low-intensity constraint-induced movement therapy may be more beneficial during this period than high-intensity constraint-induced movement therapy. However, these results were based on a small number of studies. Therefore, more trials are needed applying different doses of therapy early after stroke and a better understanding is needed about the different time windows in which underlying mechanisms of recovery operate.
Barrett's esophagus: genetic and cell changes
Authors: Souza Rhonda F. , Freschi Giancarlo , Taddei Antonio , Ringressi Maria Novella , Bechi Paolo , Castiglione Francesca , Degl'Innocenti Duccio Rossi , Triadafilopoulos George , Wang Jean S. , Chang Andrew C. , Barr Hugh , Bajpai Manisha , Das Kiron M. , Schneider Paul M. , Krishnadath Kausilia K. , Malhotra Usha , Lynch John P.
Published: September 2011

The following includes commentaries on how genetic code of Barrett's esophagus (BE) patients, the mechanisms for GERD‐induced esophageal expression of caudal homeobox, and the development of Barrett's metaplasia are increasingly better known, including the role of stromal genes in oncogenesis. Additional lessons have been learned from in vitro models in nonneoplastic cell lines, yet there are limitations to what can be expected from BE‐derived cell lines. Other topics discussed include clonal diversity in Barrett's esophagus; the application of peptide arrays to clinical samples of metaplastic mucosa; proliferation and apoptosis of Barrett's cell lines; tissue biomarkers for neoplasia; and transcription factors associated with BE.
Barrett's esophagus: clinical features, obesity, and imaging
Authors: Quigley Eamonn M. M. , Jacobson Brian C. , Lenglinger Johannes , Rubenstein Joel H. , El‐Serag Hashem , Cicala Michele , McCallum Richard W. , Levine Marc S. , Gore Richard M.
Published: September 2011

The following includes commentaries on clinical features and imaging of Barrett's esophagus (BE); the clinical factors that influence the development of BE; the influence of body fat distribution and central obesity; the role of adipocytokines and proinflammatory markers in carcinogenesis; the role of body mass index (BMI) in healing of Barrett's epithelium; the role of surgery in prevention of carcinogenesis in BE; the importance of double‐contrast esophagography and cross‐sectional images of the esophagus; and the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography.
Barrett's esophagus: endoscopic diagnosis
Authors: Ishimura Norihisa , Amano Yuji , Appelman Henry D. , Penagini Roberto , Tenca Andrea , Falk Gary W. , Wong Roy K.H. , Gerson Lauren B. , Ramirez Francisco C. , Horwhat J. David , Lightdale Charles J. , DeVault Kenneth R. , Freschi Giancarlo , Taddei Antonio , Bechi Paolo , Ringressi Maria Novella , Castiglione Francesca , Rossi Degl'Innocenti Duccio , Wang Helen H. , Huang Qin , Bellizzi Andrew M. , Lisovsky Mikhail , Srivastava Amitabh , Riddell Robert H. , Johnson Lawrence F. , Saunders Michael D. , Chuttani Ram
Published: September 2011

This collection of summaries on endoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes the best endoscopic markers of the extent of BE; the interpretation of the diagnosis of ultra‐short BE; the criteria for endoscopic grading; the sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic diagnosis; capsule and magnifying endoscopy; narrow band imaging; balloon cytology; the distinction between focal and diffuse dysplasia; the techniques for endoscopic detection of dysplasia and the grading systems; and the difficulty of interpretation of inflammatory or regenerative changes.
Barrett's esophagus: surgical treatments
Authors: Parise Paolo , Rosati Riccardo , Savarino Edoardo , Locatelli Andrea , Ceolin Martina , Dua Kulwinder S. , Tatum Roger P. , Braghetto Italo , Gyawali C. Prakash , Hejazi Reza A. , McCallum Richard W. , Sarosiek Irene , Bonavina Luigi , Wassenaar Eelco B. , Pellegrini Carlos A. , Jacobson Brian C. , Canon Cheri L. , Badaloni Adolfo , del Genio Gianmattia
Published: September 2011

The following on surgical treatments for Barrett's esophagus includes commentaries on the indications for antireflux surgery after medical treatment; the effects of the various procedures on the lower esophageal sphincter; the role of impaired esophageal motility and delayed gastric emptying in the choice of the surgical procedure; indications for associated highly selective vagotomy, duodenal switch, and gastric electrical stimulation; therapeutic strategies for detection and treatment of shortened esophagus; the role of antireflux surgery on the regression of metaplastic mucosa and the risk of malignant progression; the detection of asymptomatic reflux brfore bariatric surgery; the role of non‐GERD symptoms on the results of surgery; and the indications of Collis gastroplasty and choice of the type of fundoplication.
Barrett's esophagus: treatments of adenocarcinomas I
Authors: Komanduri Srinadh , Deprez Pierre H. , Atasoy Ajlan , Hofmann Günther , Pokieser Peter , Ba‐Ssalamah Ahmed , Collard Jean‐Marie , Wijnhoven Bas P. , Verhage Roy J.J. , Brücher Björn , Schuhmacher Christoph , Feith Marcus , Stein Hubert
Published: September 2011

The following on the treatments of adenocarcinomas in Barrett's esophagus contains commentaries on endo mucosal resection; choice between other ablative therapies; the remaining genetic abnormalities following stepwise endoscopic mucosal resection and possible recurrences; the Fotelo–Fotesi PDT; the CT TNM classification of early stages of Barrett's carcinoma; the indications of lymphadenectomy in intramucosal cancer; the differences in lymph node yield in transthoracic versus transhiatal dissection; video‐assisted lymphadenectomy; and the importance of the length of proximal esophageal resectipon; and indications of sentinel node dissection.
Barrett's esophagus: natural history
Authors: Appelman Henry D. , Umar Asad , Orlando Roy C. , Sontag Stephen J. , Nandurkar Sanjay , El‐Zimaity Hala , Lanas Angel , Parise Paolo , Lambert René , Shields Helen M.
Published: September 2011

The following on the natural history of Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes commentary on histological sequences of the development of Barrett mucosa; the transformation of esophageal cells from squamous to columnar phenotype; the stages of natural history of dysplasia; the difficulties of predicting progression of dysplasia to adenocarcinoma; the preferable biopsy protocols; the role of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric atrophy in the risk of BE; the value of decrease of proton pump inhibitor efficacy following eradication of H. pylori; the place of antireflux surgery in the natural history of BE; the newest procedures for the endoscopic detection of early neoplasia; and the essential importance of a good understanding of the natural history for the best management of high‐grade dysplasia.
Mechanism‐based evaluation and treatment of esophageal disorders
Authors: Gregersen Hans , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Krarup Anne Lund , Lottrup Christian , Farmer Adam D. , Aziz Qasim , Hobson Anthony R.
Published: September 2011

The following on mechanism‐based evaluation and treatment of esophageal disordered contains commentaries on multimodal stimulation to study esophageal function, the neurophysiological and autonomous assessment of sensory abnormalities, and the clinical value of the novel diagnostic combinations to propose a mechanically targeted treatment.
Distensibility testing of the esophagus
Authors: McMahon Barry P. , Rao Satish S.C. , Gregersen Hans , Kwiatek Monika A. , Pandolfino John E. , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Krarup Anne Lund , Lottrup Christian , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum
Published: September 2011

The following contains commentaries on distensibility testing using the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP); the use of the distention test of the esophageal body in the clinic diagnosis of noncardiac chest pain; the functional lumen imaging in gastroesophageal reflux disease‐impaired esophagogastric junction; a multimodal pain model for the esophagus; the rationale for distensibility testing; and further developments in standardized distension protocols.
Molecular aspects of esophageal development
Authors: Rishniw Mark , Rodriguez Pavel , Que Jianwen , Burke Zoe D. , Tosh David , Chen Hao , Chen Xiaoxin
Published: September 2011

The following on molecular aspects of esophageal development contains commentaries on esophageal striated myogenesis and transdifferentiation; conversion from columnar into stratified squamous epithelium in the mouse esophagus; the roles for BMP signaling in the developing esophagus and forestomach; and evidence of a direct conversion from columnar to stratified squamous cells in the developing esophagus.
The esophagogastric junction
Authors: Miller Larry S. , Vegesna Anil K. , Brasseur James G. , Braverman Alan S. , Ruggieri Michael R.
Published: September 2011

The following discussion of the esophagogastric junctions includes commentaries on the three component structures of the sphincteric segment between the stomach and the esophagus; the pressure contributions from the three sphincteric components in normal subjects and in gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) patients; the mechanism of action of endoscopic plication to determine the underlying pathophysiology of GERD; and in vitro muscle strip studies of defects within the gastroesophageal sphincteric segment potentially leading to GERD.
Persistent ocular motor manifestations and related visual consequences in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tilikete C. , Jasse L. , Vukusic S. , Durand‐Dubief F. , Vardanian C. , Pélisson D. , Vighetto A.
Published: September 2011

Abnormal eye movements in multiple sclerosis (MS) are often persistent and known to be associated with general disability. However, there is no precise knowledge concerning their incidence and resulting visual handicap. The aim of our study was to describe the persistent ocular motor manifestations in MS and relate them to visual functions tested with visual acuity and with a vision‐related questionnaire. We selected 24 MS patients complaining of persistent visual disability associated with ocular motor manifestations without any anterior visual pathway deficit. Internuclear ophthalmoplegia was the most frequently observed symptom, followed by gaze‐evoked nystagmus, saccadic hypermetria, and then pendular nystagmus. Pendular nystagmus, saccadic hypermetria, and the association of internuclear ophthalmoplegia and gaze‐evoked nystagmus were associated with decreased visual acuity and visual functional scores. There was a correlation between the number of abnormal eye movements and visual functions. This study demonstrates that ocular motor dysfunction in MS induces specific visual dysfunction and handicap.
Influence of orbital eye position on vertical saccades in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Schneider Rosalyn , Chen Athena L. , King Susan A. , Riley David E. , Gunzler Steven A. , Devereaux Michael W. , Leigh R. John
Published: September 2011

Disturbance of vertical saccades is a cardinal feature of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We investigated whether the amplitude and peak velocity (PV) of saccades are affected by the orbital position from which movements start in PSP patients and age‐matched control subjects. Subjects made vertical saccades in response to ±5° vertical target jumps with their heads in one of three positions: head “center,” head pitched forward ∼15°, and head pitched back ∼15°. All patients showed some effect of starting eye position, whether beginning in the upward or downward field of gaze, on saccade amplitude, PV, and net range of movement. Generally, reduction of amplitude and PV were commensurate and bidirectional in the affected hemifield of gaze. Such findings are unlikely to be because of orbital factors and could be explained by varying degrees of involvement of rostral midbrain nuclei in the pathological process.
Modeling the mechanisms of Uhthoff's phenomenon in MS patients with internuclear ophthalmoparesis
Authors: Frohman Teresa C. , Davis Scott L. , Frohman Elliot M.
Published: September 2011

Internuclear ophthalmoparesis (INO) is the most common saccadic eye movement disorder observed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is characterized by slowing of the adducting eye during horizontal saccades, and most commonly results from a demyelinating lesion in the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) within the midline tegmentum of the pons (ventral to the fourth ventricle) or midbrain (ventral to the cerebral aqueduct). Recent research has demonstrated that adduction velocity in MS‐related INO, as measured by infrared eye movement recording techniques, is further reduced by a systematic increase in core body temperature (utilizing tube‐lined water infusion suits in conjunction with an ingestible temperature probe and transabdominal telemetry) and reversed to baseline with active cooling. These results suggest that INO may represent a model syndrome by which we can carefully study the Uhthoff's phenomenon and objectively test therapeutic agents for its prevention.
The effects of ion channel blockers validate the conductance‐based model of saccadic oscillations
Authors: Shaikh Aasef G. , Zee David S. , Optican Lance M. , Miura Kenichiro , Ramat Stefano , Leigh R. John
Published: September 2011

Conductance‐based models of reciprocally inhibiting burst neurons suggest that intrinsic membrane properties and postinhibitory rebound (PIR) determine the amplitude and frequency of saccadic oscillations. Reduction of the low‐threshold calcium currents (IT) in the model decreased the amplitude but increased the frequency of the simulated oscillations. Combined reduction of hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih) and IT in the model abolished the simulated oscillations. We measured the effects of a selective blocker of IT (ethosuximide) in healthy subjects on the amplitude and frequency of saccadic oscillations evoked by eye closure and of a nonselective blocker of Ih and IT (propronolol) in a patient with microsaccadic oscillation and limb tremor syndrome (mSOLT). Ethosuximide significantly reduced the amplitude but increased the frequency of the saccadic oscillations during eye closure in healthy subjects. Propranolol abolished saccadic oscillations in the mSOLT patient. These results support the hypothetical role of postinhibitory rebound, Ih, and IT, in generation of saccadic oscillations and determining their kinematic properties.
The basis for using bone‐conducted vibration or air‐conducted sound to test otolithic function
Authors: Curthoys I. S. , Vulovic V. , Burgess A. M. , Cornell E. D. , Mezey L. E. , MacDougall H. G. , Manzari L. , McGarvie L. A.
Published: September 2011

Extracellular single neuron recordings of primary vestibular neurons in Scarpa's ganglion in guinea pigs show that low‐intensity 500 Hz bone‐conducted vibration (BCV) or 500 Hz air‐conducted sound (ACS) activate a high proportion of otolith irregular neurons from the utricular and saccular maculae but few semicircular canal neurons. In alert guinea pigs, and humans, 500 Hz BCV elicits otolith‐evoked eye movements. In humans, it also elicits a myogenic potential on tensed sternocleidomastoid muscles. Although BCV and ACS activate both utricular and saccular maculae, it is possible to probe the functional status of these two sense organs separately because of their differential neural projections. Saccular neurons have a strong projection to neck muscles and a weak projection to the oculomotor system. Utricular afferents have a strong projection to eye muscles. So measuring oculomotor responses to ACS and BCV predominantly probes utricular function, while measuring neck muscle responses to these stimuli predominantly probes saccular function.
The role of regularity and synchrony of cerebellar Purkinje cells for pathological nystagmus
Authors: Glasauer Stefan , Rössert Christian , Strupp Michael
Published: September 2011

Previous theories assumed that the beneficial effect of the potassium channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) for patients suffering from downbeat nystagmus (DBN) or episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is due to an increase of excitability of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PC). Recent experimental results using therapeutic doses of 4‐AP with a mouse model of EA2 challenged the theory showing that 4‐AP does not change the firing rate of PC but their regularity. Based on a mathematical model of the ocular motor and cerebellar circuitry, we show that changes in regularity have no effect without synchrony in PC firing. Together with synchronous firing, an increase in regularity may lead to a decrease in overall inhibition and may invert the inhibitory to an excitatory response due to imprinting, a novel effect of synchronized neural inhibition. Both effects are unlikely to be the causative mechanism for the success of 4‐AP in treating cerebellar disorders.
Diffusion tensor imaging the medial longitudinal fasciculus in INO: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Sakaie Ken , Takahashi Masaya , Dimitrov Ivan , Togao Osamu , Davis Scott , Remington Gina , Conger Amy , Conger Darrel , Frohman Teresa , Fox Robert , Frohman Elliot
Published: September 2011

The medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) is a white matter pathway in the brainstem that plays a key role in coordinating eye movements. Injury to the MLF leads to abnormalities in eye movements that can be measured with high precision by oculography, making it an ideal eloquent pathway to study imaging/function correlates. Tractography is an emerging method for identifying white matter pathways and offers the tantalizing promise of noninvasive, quantitative characterization of tissue integrity underlying functional deficits. However, the small caliber of the MLF and partial volume averaging with signal from nearby cerebrospinal fluid pose severe technical challenges to tractography‐based delineation of the MLF. We discuss progress toward the goal of imaging the MLF and potential benefits of achieving this goal. Initial work suggests that ultra‐high field (7 tesla) may complement tractography for characterizing the MLF.
Ocular lateropulsion as a central oculomotor sign in acute vestibular syndrome is not posturally dependent
Authors: Kattah Jorge C. , Pula John , Newman‐Toker David E.
Published: September 2011

Horizontal conjugate gaze deviation (h‐CGD) in acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) may be detected clinically or radiographically. While upright clinical ocular lateropulsion (OL) predicts central lesions, supine radiographic h‐CGD does not. We sought to investigate the cause for this discordance by comparing upright to supine OL in AVS. We prospectively recorded clinical and radiographic h‐CGD in 17 AVS patients. Horizontal eye position after brief eyelid closure was tested clinically following postural shifts. Radiographic h‐CGD was assessed on axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) images. All maintained central fixation with eyes open in light. OL was present in 8 (7 strokes, one central demyelination) and radiographic h‐CGD in 14 (including all 6 with peripheral lesions). OL was unchanged after static postural testing. OL predicts central pathology and does not vary with postural shifts, regardless of lesion location. Radiographic h‐CGD does not help localize, and this is not a positional effect.
Positron emission tomography in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Newberg Andrew B. , Moss Aleeze S. , Monti Daniel A. , Alavi Abass
Published: September 2011

Positron emission tomography (PET) has been widely used in the study of psychiatric disorders. It has been used most extensively in research to determine pathophysiology as well as prognostic and diagnostic information, and response to various interventions in different psychiatric disorders. PET imaging has also been used in the clinical setting, although primarily to help differentiate or diagnose specific disorders. With the continued development of a large array of radiopharmaceuticals that can evaluate all of the components of different neurotransmitter systems (such as serotonin and dopamine), PET imaging will continue to play a key role in research and clinical applications for psychiatric disorders.
Anticipatory eye movements stabilize gaze during self‐generated head movements
Authors: King W. M. , Shanidze Natela
Published: September 2011

Visual acuity and motion perception are degraded during head movements unless the eyes counter‐rotate so as to stabilize the line of sight and the retinal image. The vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) is assumed to produce this ocular counter‐rotation. Consistent with this assumption, oscillopsia is a common complaint of patients with bilateral vestibular weakness. Shanidze et al. recently described compensatory eye movements in normal guinea pigs that appear to anticipate self‐generated head movements. These responses effectively stabilize gaze and occur independently of the vestibular system. These new findings suggest that the VOR stabilizes gaze during passive perturbations of the head in space, but anticipatory responses may supplement or even supplant the VOR during actively generated head movements. This report reviews these findings, potential neurophysiological mechanisms, and their potential application to human clinical treatment of patients with vestibular disease.
Circuit dynamics of the superior colliculus revealed by in vitro voltage imaging
Authors: Vokoun Corinne R. , Jackson Meyer B. , Basso Michele A.
Published: September 2011

The superior colliculus (SC) is well known for its involvement in the conversion of sensory stimuli into motor commands. This sensorimotor integration is made possible by the collective activity of multiple neuronal connections throughout the SC. Still, the majority of SC research focuses on in vivo extracellular recordings of behaving monkeys or in vitro patch‐clamp recordings from lower mammals. Here, we discuss the results of an in vitro voltage‐imaging technique in which population activity across the rodent SC circuitry was visualized to bridge the gap between single‐cell recordings and whole‐animal behavior. The high temporal and spatial resolution of the voltage‐imaging technique allowed us to visualize patterns of activity following stimulation at discrete laminae. Stimulation within either the superficial or intermediate layer showed recruitment of disparate SC circuitry. These results provide insight into the circuit dynamics and neuronal populations that underlie behavior.