bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inversion of Perceived Direction of Motion Caused by Spatial Undersampling in Two Children with Periventricular Leukomalacia
Authors: Morrone Maria Concetta , Guzzetta Andrea , Tinelli Francesca , Tosetti Michela , Del Viva Michela , Montanaro Domenico , Burr David , Cioni Giovanni
Published: January 2008

We report here two cases of two young diplegic patients with cystic periventricular leukomalacia who systematically, and with high sensitivity, perceive translational motion of a random-dot display in the opposite direction. The apparent inversion was specific for translation motion: Rotation and expansion motion were perceived correctly, with normal sensitivity. It was also specific for random-dot patterns, not occurring with gratings. For the one patient that we were able to test extensively, contrast sensitivity for static stimuli was normal, but was very low for direction discrimination at high spatial frequencies and all temporal frequencies. His optokinetic nystagmus movements were normal but he was unable to track a single translating target, indicating a perceptual origin of the tracking deficit. The severe deficit for motion perception was also evident in the seminatural situation of a driving simulation video game. The perceptual deficit for translational motion was reinforced by functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Translational motion elicited no response in the MT complex, although it did produce a strong response in many visual areas when contrasted with blank stimuli. However, radial and rotational motion produced a normal pattern of activation in a subregion of the MT complex. These data reinforce the existent evidence for independent cortical processing for translational, and circular or radial flow motion, and further suggest that the two systems have different vulnerability and plasticity to prenatal damage. They also highlight the complexity of visual motion perception, and how the delicate balance of neural activity can lead to paradoxical effects such as consistent misperception of the direction of motion. We advance a possible explanation of a reduced spatial sampling of the motion stimuli and report a simple model that simulates well the experimental results.
Combining Path Analysis with Time-resolved Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Neurocognitive Network Underlying Mental Rotation
Authors: Ecker Christine , Brammer Michael J. , Williams Steven C.
Published: January 2008

There is strong evidence to suggest that the complex cognitive process underlying mental rotation does not have a discrete neural correlate, but is represented as a distributed neural system. Although the neuroanatomical nodes of this so-called rotation network are well established, there is as yet little empirical evidence to indicate how these nodes interact during task performance. Using an optimized, event-related paradigm, this study aimed to test a previously proposed hypothetical neurocognitive network for mental rotation in female subjects with path analysis, and to examine changes in effective connections across different levels of task difficulty. Path analysis was carried out in combination with a time-resolved functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis in order to relate the observed changes on the network level to changes in specific temporal characteristics of the hemodynamic response function on the level of individual neuroanatomical nodes. Overall, it was found that the investigated sequential model did not provide an adequate fit to the data and that a model with parallel information processing was superior to the serial model. This finding challenges traditional cognitive models describing the complex cognitive process underlying mental rotation by a set of sequentially organized, functionally distinct processing stages. It was further demonstrated that the observed in interregional effective connectivity changes with the level of task demand. These changes were directly related to the time course of the experimental paradigm. The results of path analysis in fMRI should therefore only be interpreted in the light of a specific experimental design and should not be considered as general indicators of effective connections.
Examining a Supramodal Network for Conflict Processing: A Systematic Review and Novel Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data for Related Visual and Auditory Stroop Tasks
Authors: Roberts Katherine L. , Hall Deborah A.
Published: January 2008

Cognitive control over conflicting information has been studied extensively using tasks such as the color-word Stroop, flanker, and spatial conflict task. Neuroimaging studies typically identify a fronto-parietal network engaged in conflict processing, but numerous additional regions are also reported. Ascribing putative functional roles to these regions is problematic because some may have less to do with conflict processing per se, but could be engaged in specific processes related to the chosen stimulus modality, stimulus feature, or type of conflict task. In addition, some studies contrast activation on incongruent and congruent trials, even though a neutral baseline is needed to separate the effect of inhibition from that of facilitation. In the first part of this article, we report a systematic review of 34 neuroimaging publications, which reveals that conflict-related activity is reliably reported in the anterior cingulate cortex and bilaterally in the lateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior insula, and the parietal lobe. In the second part, we further explore these candidate “conflict” regions through a novel functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment, in which the same group of subjects perform related visual and auditory Stroop tasks. By carefully controlling for the same task (Stroop), the same to-be-ignored stimulus dimension (word meaning), and by separating out inhibitory processes from those of facilitation, we attempt to minimize the potential differences between the two tasks. The results provide converging evidence that the regions identified by the systematic review are reliably engaged in conflict processing. Despite carefully matching the Stroop tasks, some regions of differential activity remained, particularly in the parietal cortex. We discuss some of the task-specific processes which might account for this finding.
Seeing Sounds and Hearing Sights: The Influence of Prior Learning on Current Perception
Authors: Ryan Jennifer D. , Moses Sandra N. , Ostreicher Melanie L. , Bardouille Timothy , Herdman Anthony T. , Riggs Lily , Tulving Endel
Published: January 2008

It is well known that previous perceptual experiences alter subsequent perception, but the details of the neural underpinnings of this general phenomenon are still sketchy. Here, we ask whether previous experiences with an item (such as seeing a person's face) leads to the alteration of the neural correlates related to processing of the item as such, or whether it creates additional associative connections between such substrates and those activated during prior experience. To address this question, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to identify neural changes accompanying subjects' viewing of unfamiliar versus famous faces and hearing the names of unfamiliar versus famous names. We were interested in the nature of the involvement of auditory brain regions in the viewing of faces, and in the involvement of visual regions in the hearing of names. Evoked responses from MEG recordings for the names and faces conditions were localized to auditory and visual cortices, respectively. Unsurprisingly, peak activation strength of evoked responses was larger for famous versus nonfamous names within the superior temporal gyrus (STG), and was similar for famous and nonfamous faces in the occipital cortex. More relevant to the issue of experience on perception, peak activation strength in the STG was larger for viewed famous versus nonfamous faces, and peak activation within the occipital cortex was larger for heard famous versus nonfamous names. Critically, these experience-related responses were present within 150–250 msec of stimulus onset. These findings support the hypothesis that prior experiences may influence processing of faces and names such that perception encompasses more than what is imparted on the senses.
“Street Life” as a Site of Resiliency: How Street Life–Oriented Black Men Frame Opportunity in the United States
Authors: Arafat Payne Yasser
Published: January 2008

This study organized a participatory action research team of four street life–oriented Black men to examine attitudes toward opportunity in a community sample of street life–oriented Black men ranging between the ages of 16 and 65. Data were collected in the form of 371 surveys and two group interviews. Most of the data collection took place inside the street communities of Harlem, New York City, and Paterson, New Jersey. Descriptive data suggest that the men hold positive as well as negative attitudes toward learning and their overall educational experience. Quantitative and qualitative results suggest that an intergenerational set of attitudes toward opportunity exists in this community sample of street life–oriented Black men. Specifically, a set of one-way analysis of variance revealed older street generations to hold more negative attitudes toward overall, educational, and economic opportunity. In addition, a content analysis revealed three dominant themes in relation to the code economic survival: (a) commitment to family/community, (b) personal motivation, and (c) a moral posture.
Taking the Watchdog Off Its Leash: Personal Prejudices and Situational Motivations Jointly Predict Derogation of a Stigmatized Source
Authors: Livingston Stephen D. , Sinclair Lisa
Published: January 2008

Lower- and higher-prejudiced individuals may strategically derogate negatively stereotyped individuals. Regardless of degree of prejudice, participants with a directional goal to discredit a threatening message and its source were more likely to do so when the source belonged to a negatively stereotyped group. They also were less persuaded by that stigmatized source. When this directional goal was negated by making the message nonthreatening, lower-prejudiced individuals evaluated the stigmatized and nonstigmatized sources, and their messages, similarly and were equally persuaded by both sources. When an accuracy goal was simultaneously introduced, lower-prejudice participants again rated the stigmatized and nonstigmatized sources comparably yet continued to derogate the stigmatized speaker's message and were less persuaded by him. Removing the directional goal or adding the accuracy goal did not affect higher-prejudiced participants' evaluations. The importance of examining situational goals and individual differences when studying biased responding is discussed.
A pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the benefit of the cardiac rehabilitation paradigm for the non-acute ischaemic stroke population
Authors: Lennon Olive , Carey Aisling , Gaffney Niamh , Stephenson Julia , Blake Catherine
Published: January 2008

Objective: To evaluate risk factor reduction and health-related quality of life following a 10-week cardiac rehabilitation programme in non-acute ischaemic stroke subjects. Design: Single-blinded randomized control trial.

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation.

Subjects: Forty-eight community-dwelling ischaemic stroke patients (38 independently mobile, 9 requiring assistance, 1 non-ambulatory) were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups by concealed allocation.

Intervention: The trial consisted of a 10-week schedule with measures taken at weeks 1 and 10. Both groups continued usual care (excluding aerobic exercise); intervention subjects attended 16 cycle ergometry sessions of aerobic-training intensity and two stress-management classes.

Main outcome measures: Cardiac risk score (CRS); VO2 (mL O2/kg per minute) and Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) assessed during a standardized ergometry test; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); Frenchay Activity Index; Fasting Lipid Profiles and Resting Blood Pressure.

Results: Group comparison with independent t-tests showed significantly greater improvement at follow-up by intervention subjects than controls in VO2 (intervention 10.6 ±1.6 to 12.0 ± 2.2, control 11.1 ±1.8 to 11.1 ±1.9 t=4.734, P<0.001) and CRS (intervention 13.4 ±10.1 to 12.4 ±10.5, control 9.4 ±6.7 to 15.0 ±6.1 t=-2.537, P<0.05). RPE rating decreased in intervention subjects (13.4 ±12.2 to 12.4 ±2.0) and increased in controls (13.8 ±1.8 to 14.4 ±1.6); Mann—Whitney U (U = 173.5, P<0.05). Within-group comparison showed significant decrease in the HADS depression subscale in the intervention group alone (5.1 ±3.4 to 3.0 ±2.8) (Wilcoxon signed ranks test Z=-3.278, P<0.001).

Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest non-acute ischaemic stroke patients can improve their cardiovascular fitness and reduce their CRS with a cardiac rehabilitation programme. The intervention was associated with improvement in self-reported depression.
A novel cause of intrathecal baclofen overdosage: lessons to be learnt
Authors: Dalton Catherine , Keenan Elizabeth , Stevenson Val
Published: January 2008

Case presentation: A serious intrathecal baclofen overdose occurred in a 45-year-old woman with primary progressive multiple sclerosis following a catheter dye study with concomitant change in baclofen concentration. The pump and catheter were emptied of baclofen 2000 μg/mL, refilled and primed with baclofen 1000 μg/mL. No correction was made for the `dead space' between the reservoir and catheter access port, which contained baclofen 2000 μg/mL. Failure of the priming bolus to account for the residual baclofen concentration within the dead space resulted in a serious overdose.

Action: Amendments are being made to both our local and the Medtronic protocols.

Conclusion: We hope that by reporting this incident the risk of this potentially fatal error re-occurring is minimized.
Switching from serotonin reuptake inhibitors to duloxetine in patients with resistant obsessive compulsive disorder: a case series
Authors: Dell'Osso Bernardo , Mundo Emanuela , Marazziti Donatella , Altamura A Carlo
Published: January 2008

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic disorder, currently recognized as one of the most common psychiatric disorder as well as one of the most disabling of all medical disorders. OCD is characterized by high rates of partial and/or absent response to standard, recommended treatments (serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psychotherapy). Recent investigation showed that Venlafaxine, a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), may be a valid alternative for some treatment-refractory patients. We present the cases of four OCD patients with comorbid mood or anxiety disorders, who were treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) at adequate doses for at least 12 weeks, showing partial/no response. Patients were then switched to Duloxetine up to 120 mg/day and followed up for 12 weeks. Three out of four patients showed a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale

(Y-BOCS) score reduction ≥35%. Duloxetine may be helpful in patients with treatment-resistant OCD, although larger and controlled studies are warranted to confirm this preliminary observation.
Differential effects of citalopram and reboxetine on cortical Glx measured with proton MR spectroscopy
Authors: Taylor M. , Murphy SE , Selvaraj S. , Wylezinkska M. , Jezzard P. , Cowen PJ , Evans J.
Published: January 2008

The pharmacological effects of monoamine potentiating antidepressants are likely to be expressed ultimately on cortical pyramidal neurones that use glutamate as a neurotransmitter. However, there are few data on the effects of antidepressant treatment on cortical glutamate levels in humans. The aim of the present study was to use proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to assess the effects of short-term administration of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, citalopram and the selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor, reboxetine, on a composite measure of glutamate and glutamine (Glx) in occipital cortex in healthy volunteers using a parallel group, placebo-controlled design. We found that relative both to placebo and reboxetine, seven days treatment with citalopram significantly increased cortical Glx. Our data suggest that short-term treatment with citalopram, but not reboxetine, increases occipital Glx in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to find out if similar effects occur in anterior brain regions and whether they reflect changes in glutamate or glutamine or both.
Akathisia — seen from the patients' perspective
Authors: Hansen LK
Published: January 2008

Akathisia is a side-effect that continues to affect a large percentage of psychiatric patients though the focus over recent years has moved away from extrapyramidal side-effects to metabolic problems. As cognitive behavioural therapy has become an integrated part of the management plan for psychotic patients an increased understanding of patients' interpretation of their symptoms and side-effects are encouraged. This case series illustrates different views that patients take on medication induced side-effects.
Ketamine aggravates symptoms of acute stress disorder in a naturalistic sample of accident victims
Authors: Schönenberg M. , Reichwald U. , Domes G. , Badke A. , Hautzinger M.
Published: January 2008

The glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine produces transient dissociative states and alters cognitive functioning in healthy humans, thus resembling the core symptoms of acute and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First evidence exists that the common use of the analgesic and sedative properties of ketamine during emergency care correlates with sustained symptoms of PTSD in accident victims. The aim of the present study was to examine whether ketamine administration after moderate accidental trauma modulates dissociation and other symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) in the direct aftermath of the event. Accident victims were screened within the third day after admission to hospital for symptoms of ASD (Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire, ASD Scale) and prior stressful life events (Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire). Subjects had received a single or fractionated dose of either racemic ketamine (n = 13), opioids (n = 24) or non-opioid analgesics (n = 13) during initial emergency treatment. There were no significant differences between medication groups in demographic and clinical characteristics such as injury severity or prior traumatization. With respect to ASD symptomatology three days post-event there were significant associations between ketamine analgosedation and increased symptoms of dissociation, reexperiencing, hyperarousal and avoidance relative to the comparison groups.Growing evidence exists that ketamine might modulate or aggravate early post-traumatic stress reactions when given in the acute trauma phase, which in turn might contribute to long-lasting symptomatology.
Effects of threat of electric shock and diazepam on the N1/P2 auditory-evoked potential elicited by low-intensity auditory stimuli
Authors: Al-Abduljawad KA , Baqui F. , Langley RW , Bradshaw CM , Szabadi E.
Published: January 2008

The acoustic startle response includes rapid muscular contractions elicited by loud sounds; it may be measured in humans as the electromyographic response of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Enhancement of this response during exposure to threat of electric shock (fear- potentiated startle) is a widely used model of human anxiety. A problem with the use of the startle reflex in studies of human anxiety is the aversiveness of startle-eliciting sounds, which may, in some subjects, exceed the aversiveness of the electric shock itself. We have recently found that the long-latency N1/P2 auditory-evoked potential elicited by loud sounds is subject to fear potentiation. However, it is not known whether N1/P2 potentials elicited by low-intensity sounds, which do not elicit the startle response, are also subject to fear potentiation. This study examined the susceptibility of the N1/P2 potential elicited by low-intensity sounds to fear potentiation, and the effect of the anxiolytic diazepam on the N1/P2 potential in the absence and presence of threat of electric shock. Fifteen male volunteers (18—43 years) participated in three sessions in which they received placebo, diazepam 5 mg and diazepam 10 mg according to a double-blind protocol. Sixty minutes after treatment, auditory-evoked potentials were elicited by 40 ms 1 kHz tones 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 dB[A] above a background of 70dB[A]. Recording sessions consisted of eight alternating 2 min THREAT and SAFE blocks; unpredictable shocks (1.8 mA, 50 ms) were delivered to the subject's wrist in THREAT blocks (1—4 shocks per block). The amplitude of the N1/P2 potential increased monotonically as a function of stimulus intensity. The responses were significantly greater during THREAT blocks than during SAFE blocks (fear potentiation). Diazepam attenuated the responses in both the SAFE and THREAT conditions. Fear potentiation of the N1/P2 potential was significantly reduced by diazepam. Diazepam reduced subjective alertness and lowered critical flicker fusion frequency, a measure of arousal. The results suggest that fear potentiation of the N1/P2 potential is not simply a manifestation of the fear-potentiated startle response. The use of low-intensity stimuli may be advantageous in studies of fear potentiation in humans.
Electrophysiological evidence that drug cues have greater salience than other affective stimuli in opiate addiction
Authors: Lubman DI , Allen NB , Peters LA , Deakin JFW
Published: January 2008

Previous research has demonstrated that drug cues are able to capture attentional resources in addicted populations. However, few studies have controlled for the possibility that drug users find all motivationally significant (i.e., affective) stimuli particularly salient. We examined this issue in opiate addiction, by exploring the impact of drug-related and affective stimuli on central attentional processes. Sixteen male heroin addicts (seven on opiate pharmacotherapy and nine recently detoxified subjects) and 12 matched controls were studied. Subjects were fitted with a 32-channel electrode cap and were instructed to passively view a series of neutral, affective and opiate-related images. The P300 elicited by drug-related stimuli was significantly larger than that elicited by affective and neutral stimuli in opiate users but not controls. Baseline ratings of craving were also found to predict the degree of P300 facilitation to the drug-related stimuli in the addicted group. Further, the opiate group demonstrated an absence of the typical enhancement of ERP responses to non-drug affective stimuli. These results suggest that opiate addicts demonstrate greater cortical processing of drug cues than other types of affective stimuli. Further research is required to assess whether addiction is specifically associated with reduced sensitivity to natural rewards, aversive stimuli or affective cues in general.
Balancing Good Intentions: Protecting the Privacy of Electronic Health Information
Authors: McClanahan Kitty
Published: January 2008

Electronic information is a vital but complex component in the modern health care system, fueling ongoing efforts to develop a universal electronic health record infrastructure. This innovation creates a substantial tension between two desirable values: the increased quality and utility of patient medical records and the protection of the privacy of the information they contain. This article discusses related U.S. legislation, policy, and law—including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. This article offers an inclusive, equilibrium model to conceptualize the spectrum of challenge that this interplay of desirable but oppositional values creates. The model illustrates the relationship between information privacy and information flow, and that between individual and society-level needs, within the resulting impact sectors of individual security, health care priorities, public health effectiveness, and e-health development, while specifying beneficial outcomes for each.
Family Narratives, Self, and Gender in Early Adolescence
Authors: Bohanek Jennifer G. , Marin Kelly A. , Fivush Robyn
Published: January 2008

Past research has suggested that family reminiscing may be a particularly important avenue for the development of children's well-being. In this study, the authors examined the ways in which mothers and fathers scaffold conversations about past emotional events with their preadolescent children. Narratives of positive and negative shared family events were coded for parental expression and explanation of emotion, and these variables were related to measures of children's developing self-esteem and emotional and behavioral adjustment 2 years later. Overall, mothers express and explain more emotion than do fathers, and maternal expression and explanation of emotion within family narratives is generally related to positive self-esteem and adjustment in sons and daughters. However, paternal expression and explanation of emotion within family narratives generally appears to be related to poorer self-esteem and adjustment for sons and daughters. Implications for adolescent development, parental scaffolding of emotion, and gender roles within the family are discussed.
Religious Diplomacy and Socialism
Authors: Leustean Lucian N.
Published: January 2008

This article analyzes the relationship between the Orthodox Church and the communist regime during one of the most intense periods of religious persecution in the Romanian People's Republic from 1956 to 1959. The church hierarchy demonstrated its support for the socialist construction of the country, while, at the same time, the regime began a campaign against religion by arresting clergy and reducing the number of religious people in monasteries; rumours even circulated that in 1958 Patriarch Justinian was under house arrest. Seeking closer contact with Western Europe, the regime allowed the hierarchy to meet foreign clergymen, especially from the Church of England. These diplomatic religious encounters played a double role. The regime realised that it could benefit from international ecclesiastical relations, while the image of Justinian in the West changed from that of “red patriarch” to that of a leader who was genuinely interested in his church's survival.
Dynamics of a Ravigneaux Gear
Authors: Pfeiffer Friedrich
Published: January 2008

Ravigneaux gears are planetary gears, often used in automatic power transmission systems. They represent an integration of two planetary gears, where the two planet carriers are combined, and one ring gear is omitted. They possess a complicated mesh structure and are a source of parameter-excited vibrations in the interior of an automatic transmission. In order to model the dynamics of such a gear correctly, the dynamics of the complete transmission and, additionally, at least the approximate dynamics of the complete driveline system, must be considered.
Bayesian Updating and Model Class Selection for Hysteretic Structural Models Using Stochastic Simulation
Authors: Muto Matthew , Beck James L.
Published: January 2008

System identification of structures using their measured earthquake response can play a key role in structural health monitoring, structural control and improving performance-based design. Implementation using data from strong seismic shaking is complicated by the nonlinear hysteretic response of structures. Furthermore, this inverse problem is ill-conditioned; for example, even if some components in the structure show substantial yielding, others will exhibit nearly elastic response, producing no information about their yielding behavior. Classical least-squares or maximum likelihood estimation will not work with a realistic class of hysteretic models because it will be unidentifiable based on the data. It is shown here that Bayesian updating and model class selection provide a powerful and rigorous approach to tackle this problem when implemented using a recently developed stochastic simulation algorithm called Transitional Markov Chain Monte Carlo. The updating and model class selection is performed on a previously-developed class of Masing hysteretic structural models that are relatively simple yet can give realistic responses to seismic loading. The theory for the Masing hysteretic models, and the theory used to perform the updating and model class selection, are presented and discussed. An illustrative example is given that uses simulated dynamic response data and shows the ability of the algorithm to identify hysteretic systems even when the class of models is unidentifiable based on the data.
The association of multiple sclerosis and Hodgkin's disease: the role of Epstein—Barr virus infection
Authors: Habek Mario , Brinar Vesna V , Hajnšek Sanja
Published: January 2008

The aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still an unresolved question. Several recently reported studies are implicating Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) as one of the key players in MS pathogenesis. We present a 21-year-old male patient with a history of EBV-related infectious mononucleosis in puberty and Hodgkin's disease two years previously treated with irradiation and chemotherapy. The patient presented with spastic paraparesis that resolved promptly on corticosteroid treatment. There were no signs of Hodgkin's disease relapse. In the next three years he had three more bouts of the disease and he was diagnosed with relapse—remitting MS. There is evidence of EBV involvement in MS pathogenesis; the association of MS with EBV-related infectious mononucleosis and Hodgkin's disease being just one of them. Although there are many unanswered questions, it is clear that without EBV seropositivity MS in adults is extremely rare. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 284—287. http://msj.sagepub.com
Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in acute relapses of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Cabrera-Gómez JA , Saiz-Hinarejos A. , Graus F. , González-Quevedo A. , Rodríguez-Rojas R. , Quevedo-Sotolongo L. , Real-González Y. , Grass-Fernández D. , Cristófol-Corominas M. , Rodríguez-Cordero ML , Robinson-Agramonte MA , Infante-Velázquez E. , Cabrera-Núñez A. , Ugarte-Sánchez C. , Jordán-González J. , González de la Nuez JE , García-Lahera J. , Tellez R. , Baez-Martín M. , Romero-García K.
Published: January 2008

We studied cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in three women with acute attacks of recurrent longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (r-LETM), recurrent-optic neuritis (r-ON) and r-LETM-CNS. Neuromyelitis Optica -immunoglobulin (IgG) antibody was positive in all cases. Brain MRI (1.5 Tesla) was performed according to protocol from consortium MS centre. We described the cranial lesions in brain MRI of acute relapses. These lesions were different from MS, most had an asymptomatic course which disappeared with time, protocol from consortium of MS centre criteria for brain MRI and seropositivity of NMO-IgG are useful tools for differentiate acute lesions of NMO/MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 248—251. http://msj.sagepub.com
Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific serum immune complexes in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Parratt John , Tavendale Roger , O'Riordan Jonathan , Parratt David , Swingler Robert
Published: January 2008

The significance of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear. We determined the frequency of serum C. pneumoniae-specific immune complexes in patients with MS, neurological (OND) and healthy controls in a blinded, cross-sectional study. C. pneumoniae immune complexes were detected in 24% (38/156) of MS patients, 16% (11/69) of OND and 15% (77/499) of healthy controls. The odds ratio for all MS patients was 3.95 (95% CI: 2.15 to 7.24; P < 0.0001) accounting for the covariates: sex, age, socio-economic status and area of residence. The odds ratio for recently diagnosed MS patients was 4.33 (95% CI: 1.76 to 10.64; P = 0.001). Systemic C. pneumoniae infection is more frequent in MS patients than the healthy population and occurs early in the course of the disease. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 14: 292—299. http://msj.sagepub.com
Uveitis associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Le Scanff Julie , Sève Pascal , Renoux Christel , Broussolle Christiane , Confavreux Christian , Vukusic Sandra
Published: January 2008

Our study aimed to determine the frequency of uveitis among MS patients through the Lyon MS Database and compare the clinical spectrum and time course of MS in patients with or without uveitis. Twenty-eight patients with uveitis were detected. The prevalence of uveitis in our population was 0.65% (28/4300). Uveitis preceded onset of MS in 46% of the patients; it occurred simultaneously or after MS, in 18% and 36% of the cases, respectively. The topography and timing of uveitis were not associated with any significant difference in MS course and prognosis. There was no difference in the course and prognosis in patients with or without uveitis. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 415—417. http://msj.sagepub.com
Multiple sclerosis in the Republic of San Marino: a prevalence and incidence study
Authors: Granieri E. , Monaldini C. , De Gennaro R. , Guttmann S. , Volpini M. , Stumpo M. , Fazio P. , Casetta I.
Published: January 2008

Studies on the distribution of multiple sclerosis (MS) carried out in Southern Europe in the last years have shown a significant increase in the frequency of the disease. A previous descriptive survey in the Republic of San Marino, northern Italian peninsula, published in 1984 established that this area is at high risk for MS. We updated the frequency estimates of the disease by adopting a complete enumeration approach. On 31 December 2005, 50 MS patients (36 women and 14 men) yieldeda crude prevalence rate of 166.7 per 100 000 (95% CI 123.7—220), 235.3 (95% CI 165—327.4) for women and 95.2 (95% CI 52—160) for men. The average incidence from 1990 to 2005 was 7.9 (95% CI 5.3—11.1) per 100 000, 11.7 (95% CI 7.6—17.3) for women and 3.9 (95% CI 1.7—7.7) for men. We did not detect any significant temporal trend over the study period. These results confirm that in San Marino the disease occurs more frequently than that suggested in the past and support the data on MS frequency in continental Italy. The marked increase in MS prevalence ratio is partly due to the increasing survival of patients and the accumulation of new incidence cases owing to the reduction in diagnostic latency for better quality of neurological diagnostic procedures. However, an increased incidence of the disease could be considered. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 325—329. http://msj.sagepub.com
NMO-IgG and Devic's neuromyelitis optica: a French experience
Authors: Marignier Romain , De Sèze Jérôme , Vukusic Sandra , Durand-Dubief Françoise , Zéphir Hélène , Vermersch Patrick , Cabre Philippe , Cavillon Gaëlle , Honnorat Jérôme , Confavreux Christian
Published: January 2008

Background A serum autoantibody biomarker, NMO-IgG has been recently described in patients with Devic's neuromyelitis optica (DNMO) and so called `high-risk' patients for this disease. Our objectives were to replicate the test and to assess its usefulness.

Methods Indirect immunofluorescence with a substrate of adult rat cerebellum and midbrain was used to identify the distinctive NMO-IgG staining pattern. We tested masked sera from 26 patients with DNMO (group 1), 21 patients with idiopathic acute transverse myelitis (ATM) (group 2), 21 patients with bilateral and/or recurrent idiopathic optic neuritis (group 3), 52 patients with classical multiple sclerosis (MS) (group 4), 36 patients with HTLV-1 infection (group 5) and 7 patients with miscellaneous disorders (group 6).

Results We identified a vascular staining pattern typical of NMO-IgG. This particular staining was observed in 14/26 samples in group 1, 7/21 in group 2 (positive only in longitudinally extensive acute transverse myelitis: 7/13), 4/21 in group 3 (with bilateral loss of vision in all seropositive cases), 5/52 in group 4 (none of them suggestive of DNMO), 0/36 in group 5 and 0/7 in group 6. Sensitivity of the test was 54% considering detection of DNMO (group 1), and specificity was respectively 94% and 90% when considering groups 4, 5 and 6 altogether or group 4 of MS patients only.

Conclusion Detection of NMO-IgG is contributory to the distinction of DNMO and `DNMO high-risk' syndromes from MS. This test may allow earlier diagnosis and help therapeutic decisions. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 440—445. http://msj.sagepub.com
CSF levels of soluble HLA-G and Fas molecules are inversely associated to MRI evidence of disease activity in patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fainardi E. , Rizzo R. , Melchiorri L. , Stignani M. , Castellazzi M. , Tamborino C. , Paolino E. , Tola MR , Granieri E. , Baricordi OR
Published: January 2008

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of soluble human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) (sHLA-I), HLA-G (sHLA-G) and anti-apoptotic Fas (sFas) molecules were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique in 65 relapsing—remitting (RR) MS patients classified according to clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of disease activity. Sixty-four patients with other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND) and 64 subjects with noninflammatory neurological disorders (NIND) served as controls. CSF concentrations were higher in RRMS and in OIND than in NIND patients for sHLA-I ( P < 0.02), greater in RRMS than in OIND and in NIND for sHLA-G ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) and lower in RRMS than in OIND and in NIND for sFas ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.02, respectively). An increase in CSF levels was identified in MRI active RRMS for sHLA-I ( P < 0.01) and in MRI stable RRMS for sHLA-G ( P < 0.01), whereas CSF values of sFas were decreased in RRMS without Gd-enhancing lesions ( P < 0.02). In MS patients with no evidence of MRI disease activity, a trend towards an inverse correlation was found between CSF concentrations of sHLA-G and sHLA-I and between CSF levels of sHLA-G and sFas. Our results indicate that enhanced CSF levels of sHLA-I antigens most likely represent an indirect manifestation of intrathecal immune activation taking place in neuroinflammation. Conversely, reciprocal fluctuations in CSF sHLA-G and sFas levels observed when MRI disease activity resolved suggest that sHLA-G could play an immunomodulatory role in MS through Fas/FasL-mediated mechanisms. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 446—454. http://msj.sagepub.com
Mutational analysis of βCOP (Sec26p) identifies an appendage domain critical for function
Authors: DeRegis Carol J , Rahl Peter B , Hoffman Gregory R , Cerione Richard A , Collins Ruth N
Published: January 2008

Background

The appendage domain of the γCOP subunit of the COPI vesicle coat bears a striking structural resemblance to adaptin-family appendages despite limited primary sequence homology. Both the γCOP appendage domain and an equivalent region on βCOP contain the FxxxW motif; the conservation of this motif suggested the existence of a functional appendage domain in βCOP.

Results

Sequence comparisons in combination with structural prediction tools show that the fold of the COOH-terminus of Sec26p is strongly predicted to closely mimic that of adaptin-family appendages. Deletion of the appendage domain of Sec26p results in inviability in yeast, over-expression of the deletion construct is dominant negative and mutagenesis of this region identifies residues critical for function. The ArfGAP Glo3p was identified via suppression screening as a potential downstream modulator of Sec26p in a manner that is independent of the GAP activity of Glo3p but requires the presence of the COOH-terminal ISS motifs.

Conclusion

Together, these results indicate an essential function for the predicted βCOP appendage and suggest that both COPI appendages perform a biologically active regulatory role with a structure related to adaptin-family appendage domains.
Quantitative 1H NMR metabolomics reveals extensive metabolic reprogramming of primary and secondary metabolism in elicitor-treated opium poppy cell cultures
Authors: Zulak Katherine G , Weljie Aalim M , Vogel Hans J , Facchini Peter J
Published: January 2008

Background

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) produces a diverse array of bioactive benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and has emerged as a model system to study plant alkaloid metabolism. The plant is cultivated as the only commercial source of the narcotic analgesics morphine and codeine, but also produces many other alkaloids including the antimicrobial agent sanguinarine. Modulations in plant secondary metabolism as a result of environmental perturbations are often associated with the altered regulation of other metabolic pathways. As a key component of our functional genomics platform for opium poppy we have used proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) metabolomics to investigate the interplay between primary and secondary metabolism in cultured opium poppy cells treated with a fungal elicitor.

Results

Metabolite fingerprinting and compound-specific profiling showed the extensive reprogramming of primary metabolic pathways in association with the induction of alkaloid biosynthesis in response to elicitor treatment. Using Chenomx NMR Suite v. 4.6, a software package capable of identifying and quantifying individual compounds based on their respective signature spectra, the levels of 42 diverse metabolites were monitored over a 100-hour time course in control and elicitor-treated opium poppy cell cultures. Overall, detectable and dynamic changes in the metabolome of elicitor-treated cells, especially in cellular pools of carbohydrates, organic acids and non-protein amino acids were detected within 5 hours after elicitor treatment. The metabolome of control cultures also showed substantial modulations 80 hours after the start of the time course, particularly in the levels of amino acids and phospholipid pathway intermediates. Specific flux modulations were detected throughout primary metabolism, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, nitrogen assimilation, phospholipid/fatty acid synthesis and the shikimate pathway, all of which generate secondary metabolic precursors.

Conclusion

The response of cell cultures to elicitor treatment involves the extensive reprogramming of primary and secondary metabolism, and associated cofactor biosynthetic pathways. A high-resolution map of the extensive reprogramming of primary and secondary metabolism in elicitor-treated opium poppy cell cultures is provided.
Reanalysis of updated mortality among vinyl and polyvinyl chloride workers: Confirmation of historical evidence and new findings
Authors: Gennaro Valerio , Ceppi Marcello , Crosignani Paolo , Montanaro Fabio
Published: January 2008

Background

The production of vinyl chloride (VC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) involves the use of various chemicals, some known to be toxic and potentially or definitely carcinogenic. The related potential risk often has not been properly investigated. Updated cancer mortality among different subgroups of workers employed in a VC-PVC production plant located in Porto Marghera (Italy) was re-analyzed using an internal reference group of workers with low (or null) exposure to VC.

Methods

Mortality of 1658 male workers was analyzed by Poisson regression. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for blue collar workers and their specific subgroups of PVC baggers, PVC compound, autoclave and other blue collar workers were calculated using technicians and clerks as an internal reference group. The follow-up covered the period 1972–1999.

Results

Significantly increased mortality rates were observed for all causes of death among the whole blue collar workforce (RR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.03–2.35; 229 deaths), PVC baggers (1.72; 95% CI = 1.04–2.83; 49 deaths) and PVC compound workers (1.71; 95% CI = 1.09–2.67; 72 deaths). Liver cancer, including angiosarcoma, was increased among autoclave workers (9.57; 95% CI = 3.71–24.68; 7 deaths) and cardiovascular diseases among PVC baggers (2.25; 95% CI = 1.08–4.70; 12 deaths). Hemolymphopoietic system tumors, leukemias and lymphomas prevalently, were found only among exposed workers, with 4, 4 and 6 deaths observed among PVC baggers, PVC compound and other blue collar workers, respectively. An excess of lung cancer was found among PVC baggers.

Conclusion

This cohort analysis, based on internal comparison, confirmed previously reported specific risk excesses for liver tumors and liver cirrhosis among autoclave workers and for lung cancer among PVC baggers, and revealed PVC compound workers as a possible new at risk group for all causes, all tumors and for liver and lung tumors. In conclusion, RRs for all causes of death and all tumors were increased among all blue collar workers.
Comparative endurance testing of the Biomet Matthews Nail and the Dynamic Compression Screw, in simulated condylar and supracondylar femoral fractures
Authors: O'Connor-Read Laurence M , Davidson Jerome A , Davies Benjamin M , Matthews Michael G , Smirthwaite Paul
Published: January 2008

Background

The dynamic compression screw is a plate and screws implant used to treat fractures of the distal femur. The Biomet Matthews Nail is a new retrograde intramedullary nail designed as an alternative surgical option to treat these fractures. The objective of this study was to assess the comparative endurance of both devices.

Method

The dynamic compression screw (DCS) and Biomet Matthews Nail (BMN) were implanted into composite femurs, which were subsequently cyclically loaded using a materials testing machine. Simulated fractures were applied to each femur prior to the application of load. Either a Y type fracture or a transverse osteotomy was prepared on each composite femur using a jig to enable consistent positioning of cuts.

Results

The Biomet Matthews Nail demonstrated a greater endurance limit load over the dynamic compression screw in both fracture configurations.

Conclusion

The distal locking screws pass through the Biomet Matthews Nail in a unique "cruciate" orientation. This allows for greater purchase in the bone of the femoral condyle and potentially improves the stability of the fracture fixation. As these fractures are usually in weak osteoporotic bone, the Biomet Matthews Nail represents a favourable surgical option in these patients.