The role of inhibitory feedback for information processing in thalamocortical circuits

The information transfer in the thalamus is blocked dynamically during sleep, in conjunction with the occurence of spindle waves. As the theoretical understanding of the mechanism remains incomplete, we analyze two modeling approaches for a recent experiment by Le Masson {\sl et al}. on the thalamocortical loop. In a first step, we use a conductance-based neuron model to reproduce the experiment computationally. In a second step, we model the same system by using an extended Hindmarsh-Rose model, and compare the results with the conductance-based model. In the framework of both models, we investigate the influence of inhibitory feedback on the information transfer in a typical thalamocortical oscillator. We find that our extended Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model, which is computationally less costly and thus siutable for large-scale simulations, reproduces the experiment better than the conductance-based model. Further, in agreement with the experiment of Le Masson {\sl et al}., inhibitory feedback leads to stable self-sustained oscillations which mask the incoming input, and thereby reduce the information transfer significantly.Comment: 16 pages, 15eps figures included. To appear in Physical Review

Systematic review: conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Several conservative (i.e., nonpharmacologic, nonsurgical) treatments exist for secondary lymphedema. The optimal treatment is unknown. We examined the effectiveness of conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema, as well as harms related to these treatments.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We searched MEDLINE^®, EMBASE^®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials^®, AMED, and CINAHL from 1990 to January 19, 2010. We obtained English- and non-English-language randomized controlled trials or observational studies (with comparison groups) that reported primary effectiveness data on conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema. For English-language studies, we extracted data in tabular form and summarized the tables descriptively. For non-English-language studies, we summarized the results descriptively and discussed similarities with the English-language studies.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty-six English-language and eight non-English-language studies were included in the review. Most of these studies involved upper-limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. Despite lymphedema's chronicity, lengths of follow-up in most studies were under 6 months. Many trial reports contained inadequate descriptions of randomization, blinding, and methods to assess harms. Most observational studies did not control for confounding. Many studies showed that active treatments reduced the size of lymphatic limbs, although extensive between-study heterogeneity in areas such as treatment comparisons and protocols, and outcome measures, prevented us from assessing whether any one treatment was superior. This heterogeneity also precluded us from statistically pooling results. Harms were rare (< 1% incidence) and mostly minor (e.g., headache, arm pain).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The literature contains no evidence to suggest the most effective treatment for secondary lymphedema. Harms are few and unlikely to cause major clinical problems.</p

Les formes contemporaines de la biopolitique

Introduction au numéro spécial « Les formes contemporaines de la biopolitique : États, “nouvelle santé publique” et politiques publiques comparées ».Introduction to the special issue “ Les formes contemporaines de la biopolitique : États, ‘nouvelle santé publique’ et politiques publiques comparées.

The Normalization of AIDS in Western European countries. The Aids Policy Cycle in Western Europe. From Exception to Normalization

Rosenbrock R, Schaeffer D, Dubois-Arber F, Pinell P, Setbon M. The Normalization of AIDS in Western European countries. The Aids Policy Cycle in Western Europe. From Exception to Normalization. Social Science and Medicine. In Press;50(11):1607-1631

Die Normalisierung von Aids in Westeuropa – Der Politikzyklus am Beispiel einer Infektionskrankheit (1.Teil)

Rosenbrock R, Schaeffer D, Moers M, Dubois-Arber F, Pinell P, Setbon M. Die Normalisierung von Aids in Westeuropa – Der Politikzyklus am Beispiel einer Infektionskrankheit (1.Teil). Soziale Medizin. 2002;28(2):41-46

The normalization of AIDS in Western European countries

Rosenbrock R, Dubois-Arber F, Moers M, Pinell P, Schaeffer D, Setbon M. The normalization of AIDS in Western European countries. In: Social Science &amp; Medicine. SOCIAL SCIENCE &amp; MEDICINE. Vol 50. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD; 2000: 1607-1629.The occurrence of AIDS led in every Western European country to exceptional innovations in prevention, patient care, health policy and questions of civil rights. This exception can be explained above all by the fact that not only was a health catastrophe feared but also civilizational harm in the field of civil rights. Despite national differences, this brought about similar exceptionalist alliances consisting of health professionals, social movements and those affected. With the failure of a catastrophe to arise, signs of fatigue in the exceptionalist alliance and increasing possibilities of medical treatment, exceptionalism in Europe is drawing to a close. Four phases are distinguished between in this process, given nationally different patterns of development: Approx. 1981-1985: emergence of exceptionalism. The reasons underlying exceptionalism are investigated. Approx. 1986-1991. consolidation and performance of exceptionalism. The investigation centers on the exceptionalist policy model. Approx. 1991-1996. exceptionalism crumbling, steps toward normalization. The forces driving the process of normalization are investigated, Since 1996: normalization, normality. The forms and perspectives of the changes made in the management of HIV and AIDS are elucidated using examples from the fields of health care, primary prevention and drug policies. AIDS health-policy innovations, their risks and opportunities in the course of normalization are investigated. Three possible paths of development are identified: stabilization, generalization and retreat. The chances of utilizing innovations developed in connection with AIDS for the modernization of health policy in other fields of prevention and patient care vary from country to country with the degree to which AIDS exceptionalism has been institutionalized and the distance of these innovations from medical, therapeutic events. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Die Normalisierung von Aids in Westeuropa - Der Politzyklus am Beispiel einer Infektionskrankheit (1. Teil)

Rosenbrock R, Schaeffer D, Moers M, Dubois-Arber F, Pinell P, Setbon M. Die Normalisierung von Aids in Westeuropa - Der Politzyklus am Beispiel einer Infektionskrankheit (1. Teil). Soziale Medizin. 2001;28(2):41-46