This Summerschool is
generously sponsored by VolkswagenStiftung
! Thank you!
ECRO supported 2009
SUMMER
SCHOOL on HUMAN OLFACTION
July
19th, to Juli 25th, of 2009, in Dresden, Germany.
Aim: The conference is meant to provide an informal
platform for scientific exchange between established scientists and younger
researchers in the fields related to chemosensation. In addition, it is meant
to provide participants with up-to-date knowledge on various aspects of the human
chemical senses not only through seminars - there will be a strong focus on
practical demonstrations and experiments.
Location: It will be organised through the
Smell & Taste Clinic of
the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of
the University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden,
Germany, phone +49-351-458-4189. The meeting will be held in the vicinties (the
lecture hall - "Hörsaal") of the Herzzentrum Dresden,
Fetscherstrasse 76, 01307 Dresden, Germany, phone +49-351-450-0.
Fee for participation is
250 Euro. This fee covers breakfast, conference dinner at Schloss Eckberg, a
welcome buffet at BELLAN
Restaurant, a barbecue, and an excursion to the surroundings of
Dresden. The number of applicants will be limited to 22
Sunday afternoon there will also be a chance to join a guided city
tour through Dresden. It starts at 1 p.m. at the Hotel Artushof.
Also, Sunday afternoon, between 3.30 and 6.30 p.m. you have a chance to
visit the University Clinic, Department of Neuroradiology, Haus 59, MRI I, to
join us in order to get functional images or structural images of
your brain/olfactory bulb.
The welcome
gettogether will take place on Sunday evening (July 19th) between 7 and 12 p.m., at the
Bellan Villa Germania, Loschwitzer Str. 36, Dresden (how to get there: see also PDF for download)
For housing please contact Thomas Hummel for details. We would recommend to stay at the Hotel Artushof at Fetscherstrasse 30 which
is closeby to the Clinic (how to get there: please click here or, for
larger map, click here), and where we also receive a special rate.
Deadline for registration is the 1st
of May 2009. Please send an informal application including your
CV plus bibliography to Thomas Hummel.
Evaluation, and adresses of
participants from previous Schools can be found
at
http://www.tu-dresden.de/medkhno/riechen_schmecken/summerschool_05_plus.htm (see also at
bottom of this page for 2003
participants and 2005
participants)
Abstracts of
lectures / demonstrations
The following lecturers
will participate:
Maria Larsson (Stockholm, Sweden) - cognition,
odor memory
Matthias Laska (Linköping, Sweden) - chemosensory
discrimination
Steven Nordin (Umea, Sweden) - olfactory
psychophysics
Bettina Pause (Düsseldorf, Germany) - pheromones
Philippe
Rombaux (Brussels, Belgium) – structural MR imaging
Ariel
Schoenfeld (Magdeburg, Germany) – functional imaging
Christian Margot (Geneva, Switzerland) -
structure-odor relations, assessment of odor thresholds
Silvain Lacroix (Geneva, Switzerland) -
neurogenic inflammation of the nasal
mucosa and olfaction impairment
Nancy Rawson
(Philadelphia, USA) - Human olfactory
cell biology in health and disease: methods and models
Mats
Olsson (Upsala, Sweden) - odor mixtures
Martin Zapotocky - Biophysics of olfactory adaptation
lecturers from Dresden will include:
Johannes Gerber & Emilia Iannilli - functional MR
imaging of chemosensory induced activation
In addition to the
demonstrations/experiments given by/performed together with each of the lecturers,
among others there will be practical demonstrations of endoscopy of
the nasal cavity, rhinomanometry,
blood flow, acoustic rhinometry, and clinical aspects of olfactory dysfunction (diagnosis,
treatment).
Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology
University of Dresden Medical School
Fetscherstr. 74 , 01307 Dresden, Germany
phone +49-351-458-4189 or -3197
fax +49-351-458-4326
Maria Larsson,
Ph.D.
Cognition, odor memory
The talk and
demonstration will include theoretical and methodological aspects in the
assessment of life-span changes in chemosensory functioning. One important
issue concerns cross-sectional vs longitudinal assessment, advantages and
disadvantages with the respective method (e.g., practice effects, costs,
environmental confounders). Also, various aspects of olfactory cognitive
processing will be highlighted. In particular, the relationship between various
forms of odor memory and how they relate to the different memory systems will
be addressed (e.g., the most simple forms of olfactory learning, conditioning
as contrasted with the most complex form - episodic odor recognition). The
theoretical part will be combined with a practical demonstration of behavioral
assessment of episodic and semantic odor memory and how these two forms of
memory are related.
Matthias Laska, Ph.D.
Discrimination of odors? or: why
does it smell different ?
Humans are
capable of discriminating between an enormous number of odors. The question of
how the olfactory system achieves this amazing ability is one of the central
topics in olfactory research and is of both theoretical and practical interest.
This lecture aims at giving an overview with regard to the present knowledge
about the neural basis of odor discrimination, odor structure-activity
relationships, the psychophysical methods used to measure discrimination
performance, and comparative data on discriminability of structurally related
odorants. Experiments performed by the participants shall illustrate the
advantages and disadvantages of different methods and their influence on the
outcome of odor discrimination tasks.
Bettina Pause, Ph.D.
Conception
and evaluation of pheromone studies in humans
Several
chemicals are commercially available, which are promised to show pheromonal
effects in humans. However, in this seminar, it will be questioned whether
human pheromones exist at all. Therefore, studies in humans will be critically
evaluated in terms of methodological considerations. In detail, a brief
overview on the pheromone concept will be given and possible chemical
messengers will be discussed. Additionally, it will be a major topic of the
seminar to choose the appropriate kind of human response for the study in
question. In general, one could measure pheromone effects on a perceptual
(subliminal or supraliminal) or on a behavioural (subjective, physiological or
motor response) level. Hereby, recent advances in EEG methodology will be
focused. The main aim of the seminar is to guide the students in designing
their own pheromone study.
Mats
Olsson. Ph.D.
Odor mixtures
The perception of odor mixtures
offers an intriguing problem in olfactory perception. This lecture will
describe the rules for mixture processing and will also offer som hands-on
experience.
Steven Nordin,
Ph.D.
Olfactory
Psychophysics
Psychophysics refers to the relation between
psychological function (e.g., sensation, perception, cognition) and the
physical or chemical properties of the stimulus (e.g., intensity, structure)
that underlies the psychological function under study. Olfactory psychophysics
is commonly applied in both clinical and research settings that involve humans.
In a lecture we will discuss the psychophysical methodological domains of
detection, intensity discrimination, and scaling. The lecture will be followed
by a demonstration in which the participants will get hands-on experience with
the assessment of olfactory detection and intensity scaling by means of the
methods of constant stimuli and magnitude estimation.
Benoist Schaal, Ph.D.
Chemosensory
development: Assessing olfaction in preverbal humans
The study of
perception has generated contrasted models of development where nativist and
constructivist views oppose. Olfaction is no exception, but this talk will
present data that reconcile both conflicting parties in showing that the odour
environment strongly influences olfactory development from very early on, long
before birth. Data will be presented on the structural development and
functional onset of olfaction, on the developmental course of olfactory
sensitivity and discriminative power, and on learning and memory processes. The
performance of the sense of smell will be described in the context of issues of
communication and adaption, emphasising evolved and learned perceptual
predispositions. Experimental paradigms to investigate odour perception and
cognition will be described in early human development with special emphasis on
the numerous issues that remain to be resolved. Finally, the value of using
animal models will be highlighted to test hypotheses that are raised in the
human, or conversely to import new questions to the understanding of our own
species.
Nancy Rawson, Ph.D.
Human olfactory
cell biology in health and disease: methods and models.
This lecture
will cover the functional characteristics of olfactory receptor cells, methods
for assessing the integrity and function of these cells ex vivo and in vitro,
and discuss cellular dysfunctions that may contribute to olfactory loss in
various diseases such as Parkinson's disease and chronic rhinosinusitis.
Martin Witt , M.D.
Morphology of Human Olfaction
Part 1. Histology of olfactory
epithelium
You will be given a short
introduction of common (immuno)histological techniques and a guide how to read
a histological specimen. Subsequently you will be able to examine some slides
showing mouse and human olfactory and vomeronasal epithelium.
Part 2. Gross Anatomy of the Human Nasal Cavity and the Human Brain
This is intended as an introduction into olfaction-related structures in
the anatomical dissection room.
Martin Zapotocky ,
Ph.D.
Biophysics of olfactory adaptation
The lecture will review the known physiological mechanisms of adaptation
of the olfactory response. Emphasis will be placed on the level of the
olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb. The dynamics of adaptation in
olfactory sensory neurons will be described in detail. Analogies and
differences between adaptation mechanisms in olfaction and in color vision will
be discussed
Silvain Lacroix , M.D., Ph.D.
Neurogenic inflammation of the nasal mucosa and olfaction impairment
The nose is an air conditioner and is involved in the protection
of the lower airways against inhalation of exogenous particles and airborne
irritants. The nasal mucosa is therefore densely innervated by sensory nerves
containing several neuropeptides. In the airways, activation of sensory C and Adelta fibres leads to the release of multiple
neuropeptides. In addition to their involvement in vasodilatation and nasal
airway obstruction, plasma protein exudation and mucus secretion, sensory
neuropeptides also participate in inflammatory cell recruitment. This
neurogenic inflammation contributes to the intensity of nasal blockage and subsequent
olfaction disorders, rhinorrhea, and headaches, the most common symptoms in
chronic rhinosinusitis. The concentration of pro-inflammatory sensory
neuropeptides is increased in the nasal mucosa of patients suffering from
chronic rhinosinusitis. In contrast, the activity of the enzymes involved in
the degradation of these sensory neuropeptides is markedly reduced. These
observations should contribute to a better understanding of the
pathophysiological mechanisms of one of the most frequent chronic inflammatory
diseases.
This presentation will be held in conjunction with the demonstration by Basile Landis (see below)
Practical demonstrations
of endoscopy of the nasal cavity; assessment of nasal airflow and stimulus
activated changes of nasal blood flow
Basile Landis,
M.D.
When contemplating olfactory problems and questions, one has to bear in
mind that not only cells are busy picking up olfactory cues using molecules
dispersed in our environment, but that a whole organ is designed to that task
besides helping with respiration: the nose.
When the problem of olfactory loss in encountered, a thorough
examination of the nose is necessary. During this demonstration, the nose will
receive a closer look using rigid and flexible endoscopy technique. Special
attention will be paid to the appearance of the vomeronasal duct, as well as to
the nasoplatine duct. Major reasons of olfactory loss due to alterations of
nasal conditions will be demonstrated. Attendants will have the chance to
practise endoscopy to have a look at cavity that hosts the sensory system they
deal with during this Summer School.
This course will also provide an introduction of the current nasal
function measurement techniques. The methods presented will be: anterior
rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and Laser Doppler Flowmetry. The
techniques will be discussed and a practical demonstration will be given.
Evoked potential olfactometry, recordings from the
mucosa
Volker Gudziol, M.D., Mandy Scheibe, M.D., Benno Schuster, M.D.
During this summerschool an introduction to olfactometry will be given.
This will consist of both, a more theoretical introduction to this are of
research, and a hands-on, practical approach. During the practical
demonstrations it will be shown how electrodes for recordings of
electro-olfactograms are prepared, flows are adjusted, temperatures measured,
humidity is controlled, and odor concentrations are assessed.
Olfaction in Parkinsonian syndromes
Antje Müller ,
M.D.
Olfactory function is differentially impaired in distinct Parkinsonian
syndromes. The clinical data presented in this talk suggest that psychophysical
olfactory testing provides an important clue in the diagnosis of idiopathic
Parkinson´s disease (IPD). These findings seem to be of particular significance
as IPD has a clinical misdiagnosis rate of approximately 20%. Preserved or
mildly impaired olfactory function is more likely to be related to atypical
parkinsonism such as multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy or
corticobasal degeneration. Patients with IPD exhibit a specific decrease of
olfactory function which appears to take place during very early stages of the
disease.
Functional MR imaging of olfactory induced activation
Johannes Gerber,
M.D.
Starting from known neuroanatomic correlates of olfaction, functional
imaging methods will be introduced. The most widely used functional imaging
method being MRI, we will concentrate on this modality. We will look at all
steps of a fMRI-study, beginning with the methodological background, passing by
the study-design, to finally interpret the results of the complex data analysis
procedures. Besides the great advantage of good anatomical resolution, fMRI has
a rather poor temporal resolution. Possible remedies for this problem will be
discussed. In a second, more practical part, we will visit a MR-scanner to
better understand the specific demands of this environment and to perform one
or two simple fMRI-experiments.
How to get to the Hotel
Artushof ?
from airport and main
station
- Take the train from the airport to the main
station of dresden
- There you take the tram 10 in direction
Fetscherplatz
- The hotel is directly situated at the crossroad.
by car and from
motorway A4
- Leave at junction
Dresden-Altstadt
- Turn right in direction of the center (Zentrum)
- Head straight forward until the next big
crossroad
- Follow the main street by turning halfleft
- Go straight on at the next crossroad for about
500m
- Turn halfleft into the Bremer street
- Now always follow the main street and pass the
congress centre and the famous Terrassenufer with the steamers
- After passing the Terrassenufer turn right at the
next crossroad
- After about 500m, you turn left again at the next
crossroad
- Head straightforward until you reach the
Fetscherplatz
- There you find the hotel directly at the
crossroad.
The following people participated in our previous Summerschool
in 2003
|
Boyle, Julie |
julie.boyle@mcgill.ca |
Canada |
|
Broman, Daniel |
daniel.broman@psy.umu.se |
Sweden |
|
Butinas, Llinas |
linas.buntinas@uchsc.edu |
USA |
|
Chu, Simon |
schu@uclan.ac.uk |
UK |
|
Colley, Beverly |
colley@neuro.fsu.edu |
USA |
|
Ferdenzi, Camille |
ferdenzi@cesg.cnrs.fr |
France |
|
Frasnelli, Johannes |
frasnelli@yahoo.com |
Italy |
|
Frey, Sabine |
freysabine@web.de |
Germany |
|
Heuberger, Eva |
eva.heuberger@univie.ac.at |
Austria |
|
Jönsson, Frederik |
fredrik.jonsson@psyk.uu.se |
Sweden |
|
Landis, Basile |
bnlandis@hotmail.com |
Switzerland |
|
Lundstrom, Johan |
johan.lundstrom@psyk.uu.se |
Sweden |
|
Shah, Mussadiqh |
musshah@yahoo.co.uk |
UK |
|
Pouliot, Sandra |
spouliot@ego.psych.mcgill.ca |
Canada |
|
Rombaux, Philippe |
Philippe.Rombaux@orlo.ucl.ac.be |
Belgium |
|
Sacher, Petra |
cocille@web.de |
Germany |
|
Sergeant, Mark |
Mark.Sergeant@ntu.ac.uk |
UK |
The following people participated in our previous Summerschool
in 2005
|
The following people participated in our previous Summerschool
in 2007
|
[Zugriffszähler]
last update 07-Februay-2010