bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tetraspanin KAI1/CD82 Is Expressed by Late-Lineage Oligodendrocyte Precursors and May Function to Restrict Precursor Migration and Promote Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Myelination
Authors: Mela Angeliki , Goldman James E.
Published: September 2009

In the adult mammalian brain, oligodendrocyte progenitors can differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes during remyelination. Mechanisms that regulate migration and differentiation of progenitors are of great importance in understanding normal development and demyelinating/remyelinating conditions. In a microarray analysis comparing adult and neonatal O4-positive (+) cells, we found that the tetraspanin KAI1/CD82 is far more highly expressed in adult O4+cells than in neonatal O4+cells (Lin et al., 2009). CD82 is a metastasis suppressor, and its expression is often downregulated or lost in the advanced stages of metastatic cancer. We hypothesized that CD82 could be a factor that restricts migration and promotes differentiation of maturing oligodendrocytes. Western blot analysis of isolated adult O4+cells confirms the elevated levels of CD82, which continues to be expressed as these become O1+in vitro. In the adult rat white matter, CD82 is coexpressed with CC1 and olig2 but not with NG2 or GFAP. Immature cells of the neonatal forebrain subventricular zone (SVZ) infectedin vivowith a retrovirus that constitutively expresses CD82 do not remain immature but differentiate into either CC1+and MBP+myelinating oligodendrocytes in the white matter or zebrinII+astrocytes in the cortex. Their migration from the SVZ is severely restricted. In contrast, downregulation of CD82 in SVZ cellsin vivo, using retroviral-expressed short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), prevents their differentiation into myelinating oligodendrocytes. shRNA-expressing cells remained PDGF receptor α positive, olig2+, or NG2+or became CC1+nonmyelinating oligodendrocytes or GFAP+astrocytes. CD82 thus appears to be a critical molecule in the regulation of oligodendrocyte progenitor migration and myelination.
Fast Kinetics, High-Frequency Oscillations, and Subprimary Firing Range in Adult Mouse Spinal Motoneurons
Authors: Manuel Marin , Iglesias Caroline , Donnet Maud , Leroy Félix , Heckman C. J. , Zytnicki Daniel
Published: September 2009

The fast contraction time of mouse motor units creates a unique situation in which motoneurons have to fire at low frequencies to produce small forces but also at very high frequency (much higher than in cat or rat motoneurons) to reach the fusion frequency of their motor units. To understand how this problem is solved, we performed intracellular recordings of adult mouse spinal motoneurons and investigated systematically their subthreshold properties and their discharge pattern. We show that mouse motoneurons have a much wider range of firing frequencies than cat and rat motoneurons because of three salient features. First, they have a short membrane time constant. This results in a higher cutoff frequency and a higher resonance frequency, which allow mouse motoneurons to integrate inputs at higher frequencies. Second, their afterhyperpolarization (AHP) is faster, allowing the motoneurons to discharge at a higher rate. Third, motoneurons display high-frequency (100–150 Hz) subthreshold oscillations during the interspike intervals. The fast membrane kinetics greatly favors the appearance of these oscillations, creating a “subprimary range” of firing. In this range, which has never been reported in cat and in rat spinal motoneurons, the oscillations follow the AHP and trigger spiking after a variable delay, allowing a discharge at low frequency but at the expense of an irregular rate.
Astroglia in Medullary Dorsal Horn (Trigeminal Spinal Subnucleus Caudalis) Are Involved in Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms
Authors: Okada-Ogawa Akiko , Suzuki Ikuko , Sessle Barry J. , Chiang Chen-Yu , Salter Michael W. , Dostrovsky Jonathan O. , Tsuboi Yoshiyuki , Kondo Masahiro , Kitagawa Junichi , Kobayashi Azusa , Noma Noboru , Imamura Yoshiki , Iwata Koichi
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate whether astroglia in the medullary dorsal horn (trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis; Vc) may be involved in orofacial neuropathic pain following trigeminal nerve injury. The effects of intrathecal administration of the astroglial aconitase inhibitor sodium fluoroacetate (FA) were tested on Vc astroglial hyperactivity [as revealed by glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) labeling], nocifensive behavior, Vc extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation (pERK), and Vc neuronal activity in inferior alveolar nerve-transected (IANX) rats. Compared with sham-control rats, a significant increase occurred in GFAP-positive cells in ipsilateral Vc at postoperative day 7 in IANX rats, which was prevented following FA administration. FA significantly increased the reduced head withdrawal latency to high-intensity heat stimulation of the maxillary whisker pad skin in IANX rats, although it did not significantly affect the reduced escape threshold to low-intensity mechanical stimulation of the whisker skin in IANX rats. FA also significantly reduced the increased number of pERK-like immunoreactive cells in Vc and the enhanced Vc nociceptive neuronal responses following high-intensity skin stimulation that were documented in IANX rats, and glutamine administration restored the enhanced responses. These various findings provide the first documentation that astroglia is involved in the enhanced nociceptive responses of functionally identified Vc nociceptive neurons and in the associated orofacial hyperalgesia following trigeminal nerve injury.
The Synaptic Connections between Cortical Areas V1 and V2 in Macaque Monkey
Authors: Anderson John C. , Martin Kevan A. C.
Published: September 2009

The primary visual cortex (V1) and V2 together form ∼24% of the total neocortex of the macaque monkey and have each other as their major partners. The major target of the V1 projection to V2 is layer 4, where it forms clusters of boutons, which form asymmetric (excitatory) synapses mainly with dendritic spines (75%). The remainder form synapses with dendritic shafts. The synapses found on spines were often more complex, perforated postsynaptic densities than those found on dendritic shafts. The reciprocal projection from V2 to V1 targeted layers 1, 2/3, and 5 and was formed of axons of different morphologies. One axon type, originating from superficial layer pyramidal cells, had a morphology resembling those of local pyramidal cell collaterals. These axons arborized in layers 1, 2/3, and 5 of V1. Another type of axon, arborizing in layer 1, was slender (0.3 μm), unbranched, unmyelinated, and uniformly covered with boutons terminaux and formed asymmetric synapses mainly with slender spines. Yet a third type of axon also confined to layer 1, was thick (>1 μm), branched, heavily myelinated, and formed separate small clusters of large (∼1 μm) en passant multisynaptic boutons that formed asymmetric synapses mainly with large flat spines. These data show the existence of a reciprocal excitatory loop between V1 and V2 that is formed by different axonal types, each with preferred layers of termination.
Asynchronous Transmitter Release from Cholecystokinin-Containing Inhibitory Interneurons Is Widespread and Target-Cell Independent
Authors: Daw Michael I. , Tricoire Ludovic , Erdelyi Ferenc , Szabo Gabor , McBain Chris J.
Published: September 2009

Neurotransmitter release at most central synapses is synchronized to the timing of presynaptic action potentials. Here, we show that three classes of depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition-expressing, cholecystokinin (CCK)-containing, hippocampal interneurons show highly asynchronous release in response to trains of action potentials. This asynchrony is correlated to the class of presynaptic interneuron but is unrelated to their postsynaptic cell target. Asynchronous and synchronous release from CCK-containing interneurons show a slightly different calcium dependence, such that the proportion of asynchronous release increases with external calcium concentration, possibly suggesting that the modes of release are mediated by different calcium sensors. Asynchronous IPSCs include very large (up to 500 pA/7nS) amplitude events, which persist in low extracellular calcium and strontium, showing that they result from quantal transmitter release at single release sites. Finally, we show that asynchronous release is prominent in response to trains of presynaptic spikes that mimic natural activity of CCK-containing interneurons. That asynchronous release from CCK-containing interneurons is a widespread phenomenon indicates a fundamental role for these cells within the hippocampal network that is distinct from the phasic inhibition provided by parvalbumin-containing interneurons.
Non-Hebbian Synaptic Plasticity Induced by Repetitive Postsynaptic Action Potentials
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki K. , Watabe Ayako M. , Manabe Toshiya
Published: September 2009

Modern theories on memory storage have mainly focused on Hebbian long-term potentiation (LTP), which requires coincident activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons for its induction. In addition to Hebbian LTP, the roles of non-Hebbian plasticity have also been predicted by some neuronal network models. However, still only a few pieces of evidence have been presented for the presence of such plasticity. In this study, we show in mouse hippocampal slices that LTP can be induced by postsynaptic repetitive depolarization alone in the absence of presynaptic inputs. The induction was dependent on voltage-dependent calcium channels instead of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), whereas the expression mechanism was shared with conventional NMDAR-dependent LTP. During the potentiation, the amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs was increased, suggesting a novel neuron-wide nature of this form of LTP. Furthermore, we also successfully induced LTP with trains of action potentials, which supported the possible existence of depolarizing pulse-induced LTPin vivo. Based on these findings, we suggest a model in which neuron-wide LTP works in concert with synapse-specific Hebbian plasticity to help information processing in memory formation.
Statin's Excitoprotection Is Mediated by sAPP and the Subsequent Attenuation of Calpain-Induced Truncation Events, Likely via Rho-ROCK Signaling
Authors: Ma Tao , Zhao YongBo , Kwak Young-Don , Yang Zhangmin , Thompson Robert , Luo Zhijun , Xu Huaxi , Liao Francesca-Fang
Published: September 2009

The widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins, were reported to reduce the incidence of stroke and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known on how statins exert these beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective actions of statins in primary cultured cortical neurons. We found that chronic treatment of neurons with a low dosage of two CNS-permeable statins (lovastatin and simvastatin) selectively reduced NMDA-induced cell death but not the caspase-mediated apoptosis. The protective effects of stains were inhibited by mevalonate, a PI3K inhibitor, and tyrphostin AG538, suggesting roles for cholesterol and insulin/IGF-1 signaling in the neurotoxic response. We further demonstrate that statins block calcium-dependent calpain activation, resulting in complete suppression of protein truncation events on multiple calpain substrates that are involved in neuronal death including CDK5 coactivator p35 cleavage to p25, GSK3 and β-catenin. This is followed by reduced and increased nuclear translocation of p25 and β-catenin, respectively. Under excitotoxic conditions, the activities of CDK5 and β-catenin are exclusively regulated by calpain-mediated cleavage while apoptosis modulates β-catenin mainly through phosphorylation. Strikingly, our data demonstrate that the calpain-blocking effect of statins is largely mediated by stimulation of α-secretase cleavage of APP, resulting in increased secretion of its soluble form, sAPP. Finally, our data suggest that statin-regulated sAPP secretion occurs via activation of the PI3K pathway and inhibition of ROCK signaling. Altogether, our study provides novel insights into statin-mediated neuronal excitoprotection through both cholesterol-dependent and -independent mechanisms and links them to calpain-mediated neuronal death.
A Gain-of-Function Screen Identifying Genes Required for Growth and Pattern Formation of the Drosophila melanogaster Wing
Authors: Cruz Cristina , Glavic Alvaro , Casado Mar , de Celis Jose F
Published: September 2009

The Drosophila melanogaster wing is a model system for analyzing the genetic control of organ size, shape, and pattern formation. The formation of the wing involves a variety of processes, such as cell growth, proliferation, pattern formation, and differentiation. These developmental processes are under genetic control, and many genes participating in specific aspects of wing development have already being characterized. In this work, we aim to identify novel genes regulating wing growth and patterning. To this end, we have carried out a gain-of-function screen generating novel P-UAS (upstream activating sequences) insertions allowing forced gene expression. We produced 3340 novel P-UAS insertions and isolated 300 that cause a variety of wing phenotypes in combination with a Gal4 driver expressed exclusively in the central domain of the presumptive wing blade. The mapping of these P-UAS insertion sites allowed us to identify the gene that causes the gain-of-function phenotypes. We show that a fraction of these phenotypes are related to the induction of cell death in the domain of ectopic gene expression. Finally, we present a preliminary characterization of a gene identified in the screen, the function of which is required for the development of the L5 longitudinal vein.
Closed-Form Two-Locus Sampling Distributions: Accuracy and Universality
Authors: Jenkins Paul A , Song Yun S
Published: September 2009

Sampling distributions play an important role in population genetics analyses, but closed-form sampling formulas are generally intractable to obtain. In the presence of recombination, there is no known closed-form sampling formula that holds for an arbitrary recombination rate. However, we recently showed that it is possible to obtain useful closed-form sampling formulas when the population-scaled recombination rate ρ is large. Specifically, in the case of the two-locus infinite-alleles model, we considered an asymptotic expansion of the sampling formula in inverse powers of ρ and obtained closed-form expressions for the first few terms in the expansion. In this article, we generalize this result to an arbitrary finite-alleles mutation model and show that, up to the first few terms in the expansion that we are able to compute analytically, the functional form of the asymptotic sampling formula is common to all mutation models. We carry out an extensive study of the accuracy of the asymptotic formula for the two-locus parent-independent mutation model and discuss in detail a concrete application in the context of the composite-likelihood method. Furthermore, using our asymptotic sampling formula, we establish a simple sufficient condition for a given two-locus sample configuration to have a finite maximum-likelihood estimate (MLE) of ρ. This condition is the first analytic result on the classification of the MLE of ρ and is instantaneous to check in practice, provided that one-locus probabilities are known.
Understanding the Evolution of Defense Metabolites in Arabidopsis thaliana Using Genome-wide Association Mapping
Authors: Chan Eva K F , Rowe Heather C , Kliebenstein Daniel J
Published: September 2009

With the improvement and decline in cost of high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping technologies, genome-wide association (GWA) studies are fast becoming a preferred approach for dissecting complex quantitative traits. Glucosinolate (GSL) secondary metabolites within Arabidopsis spp. can serve as a model system to understand the genomic architecture of quantitative traits. GSLs are key defenses against insects in the wild and the relatively large number of cloned quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling GSL traits allows comparison of GWA to previous QTL analyses. To better understand the specieswide genomic architecture controlling plant-insect interactions and the relative strengths of GWA and QTL studies, we conducted a GWA mapping study using 96 A. thaliana accessions, 43 GSL phenotypes, and ∼230,000 SNPs. Our GWA analysis identified the two major polymorphic loci controlling GSL variation (AOP and MAM) in natural populations within large blocks of positive associations encompassing dozens of genes. These blocks of positive associations showed extended linkage disequilibrium (LD) that we hypothesize to have arisen from balancing or fluctuating selective sweeps at both the AOP and MAM loci. These potential sweep blocks are likely linked with the formation of new defensive chemistries that alter plant fitness in natural environments. Interestingly, this GWA analysis did not identify the majority of previously identified QTL even though these polymorphisms were present in the GWA population. This may be partly explained by a nonrandom distribution of phenotypic variation across population subgroups that links population structure and GSL variation, suggesting that natural selection can hinder the detection of phenotype–genotype associations in natural populations.
The Developmentally Active and Stress-Inducible Noncoding hsrω Gene Is a Novel Regulator of Apoptosis in Drosophila
Authors: Mallik Moushami , Lakhotia Subhash C
Published: September 2009

The large nucleus limited noncoding hsrω-n RNA of Drosophila melanogaster is known to associate with a variety of heterogeneous nuclear RNA-binding proteins (hnRNPs) and certain other RNA-binding proteins to assemble the nucleoplasmic omega speckles. In this article, we show that RNAi-mediated depletion of this noncoding RNA dominantly suppresses apoptosis, in eye and other imaginal discs, triggered by induced expression of Rpr, Grim, or caspases (initiator as well as effector), all of which are key regulators/effectors of the canonical caspase-mediated cell death pathway. We also show, for the first time, a genetic interaction between the noncoding hsrω transcripts and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway since downregulation of hsrω transcripts suppressed JNK activation. In addition, hsrω-RNAi also augmented the levels of Drosophila Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein 1 (DIAP1) when apoptosis was activated. Suppression of induced cell death following depletion of hsrω transcripts was abrogated when the DIAP1-RNAi transgene was coexpressed. Our results suggest that the hsrω transcripts regulate cellular levels of DIAP1 via the hnRNP Hrb57A, which physically interacts with DIAP1, and any alteration in levels of the hsrω transcripts in eye disc cells enhances association between these two proteins. Our studies thus reveal a novel regulatory role of the hsrω noncoding RNA on the apoptotic cell death cascade through multiple paths. These observations add to the diversity of regulatory functions that the large noncoding RNAs carry out in the cells' life.
Awareness of Altitude Sickness Among Visitors to a North American Ski Resort
Authors: Hatzenbuehler John , Glazer James , Kuhn Celine
Published: September 2009

Objective

To quantify awareness of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in a sample of visitors to a North American ski resort and to identify strategies and interest for increasing knowledge of AMS in that population.

Methods

One hundred and thirty visitors to Big Sky Ski Resort, Montana, were surveyed. Demographic data were obtained. Respondents were asked about their current knowledge of AMS and then answered questions designed to quantify their depth of knowledge of the subject. Correct answers were correlated with demographic data. Respondents also answered questions indicating their interest in further education about altitude illness and their preferred modality for obtaining this information.

Results

In general, most respondents were young, 18 to 30 years (62.3%), and male (62.5%). Seventy-six percent had at least some college education and more than 5 years of skiing/snowboarding experience. Only 55% of respondents had some knowledge of AMS, but only 30% had knowledge of AMS symptoms using the Lake Louise Scoring System. About 30% knew the lowest altitude this illness can occur. There was a correlation between educational background and improved knowledge of altitude illness. Half of the respondents desired further information about AMS, and the Internet was the preferred source of information.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a large population of skiers in North America may be relatively naive to the dangers of AMS. The majority of the respondents were interested in learning more about altitude illness, and the Internet was the most attractive source of information.
A New Species of Piper (Piperaceae) from Cordillera Nombre de Dios, Honduras
Authors: Coe Felix G. , Bornstein Allan J.
Published: September 2009

Piper picobonitoënse (clade Schilleria), a new endemic species of Piperaceae from Cordillera Nombre de Dios, Honduras, is described and illustrated. Distinguishing characteristics of this species include distichous leaves; lamina lanceolate or narrowly elliptic,
slightly falcate, the apex extremely narrow and long-acuminate, base acute to obtuse and equilateral, drying thin-chartaceous; spikes erect, green, free of leaf-base; and triangular floral bracts, W-shaped on upper margin, glabrous. A discussion and an identification key to morphologically
related species in Honduras are included. Piper picobonitoënse (clade Schilleria), es descrita e ilustrada como una nueva especie endémica de las Piperáceas de la Cordillera Nombre de Dios, Honduras. Características distintivas de esta especie
incluyen hojas dísticas; lámina lanceolada o elíptica angosta, levemente falcada, el ápice extremadamente agudo y largo-acuminado, la base aguda a obtusa e inequilátera, delgado-cartácea al secarse; las espiguillas erectas, verdes, libres de la base
de la hoja; brácteas florales triangulares, en forma de W en parte superior de la margen, glabras. Se incluye una discusión y una clave de identificación para las especies morfológicamente relacionadas en Honduras.
A Campanulaceous Fate: the Albanian Stenoendemic Asyneuma comosiforme in fact Belongs to Isophyllous Campanula
Authors: Frajman Božo , Schneeweiss Gerald M.
Published: September 2009

The Balkan Peninsula is one of the few biodiversity hotspots in Europe, characterized by numerous endemic taxa. Due to their often-restricted distribution and the scarcity of modern phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies from this region, the phylogenetic position and taxonomy of
these species are often poorly understood. One example is Asyneuma comosiforme, a stenoendemic species known only from the Shija Gorge in northeastern Albania. Since its description in 1921, the position of this poorly known species within Asyneuma has been questioned. Here,
we use nuclear ITS and plastid trnL–trnF DNA sequence data to address the question of the phylogenetic position of this enigmatic species. The inferred phylogenies clearly support A. comosiforme as sister to the main clade of isophyllous Campanula species,
which is supported by morphological and ecological similarities. Thus, a new nomenclatural combination, Campanula comosiformis, is proposed. Given the restricted distribution, this species should be considered at least vulnerable, but the small population size might warrant its classification
as endangered.
A New Species of Rhipsalis (Cactaceae) from Brazil
Authors: de Fátima Freitas Maria , de Moraes Calvente Alice , Braga João Marcelo Alvarenga
Published: September 2009

A new species of Rhipsalis (Cactaceae) from Rio de Janeiro State, in southwestern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new Rhipsalis aurea is circumscribed in the subgenus Erythrorhipsalis and is morphologically most similar to R. pulchra Loefgr.,
but is distinct by the smaller, suberect habit, smaller secondary stem segments of determinate growth, golden yellow flowers, depressed-globose fruit, and epidermis and pollen grain features. Following the IUCN criteria this new species is vulnerable due to its restricted area of occurrence
and reduction of the quality of habitat observed in the present and projected for the future. A taxonomic key to the subgenus Erythrorhipsalis is included.
One New Species of the Genus Edraianthus and a Change in Taxonomic Status for Edraianthus serpyllifolius f. pilosulus (Campanulaceae) from the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Surina Boštjan , Rakić Tamara , Stefanović Saša , Stevanović Vladimir , Lakušić Dmitar
Published: September 2009

A new species, Edraianthus pulevicii (Campanulaceae), endemic to the Durmitor mountain range (SE Dinaric Alps, Montenegro, Balkan Peninsula) is described and illustrated. Additionally, specific rank is proposed for E. serpyllifolius f. pilosulus from the
Komovi Mts. (NW Prokletije mountain range, Montenegro, Balkan Peninsula), E. pilosulus. Both are morphologically similar to E. serpyllifolius s. s., all having spathulate leaves. Edraianthus pulevicii differs from E. serpyllifolius s. s. in having distinctly
crenate as well as much longer and broader basal and cauline leaves with indumentum on the upper side, hairs on the leaf margin and leaf surface oriented towards the leaf base, broader and longer bracts, and revolute calyx lobes reflexed at the apex. Edraianthus pilosulus is morphologically
similar to both E. serpyllifolius and E. pulevicii but differs from the former in having more or less dense hairs on the upper side of the leaves, and from the latter in having considerably smaller basal and cauline leaves with no or sparse crenation, hairs on the leaf margin
and the leaf surface oriented towards the point, and narrower bracts. A new systematic treatment is supported by chloroplast DNA sequence data and AFLP fingerprinting data. A distribution map and a key to Edraianthus taxa with spathulate leaves are provided and the name Edraianthus
sutjeskae is validated.
Phylogenetics and Biogeography of Pieris (Lyonieae, Ericaceae) Inferred from Sequences of Nuclear and Chloroplast Genomes
Authors: Li Mimi , Li Jianhua , Jiang Jinhuo , Fu Chengxin , Judd Walter
Published: September 2009

Pieris is an eastern Asian (EA)-eastern North American (NA) disjunct genus with P. cubensis in the West Indies (WI). In this study, we inferred interspecific relationships using nucleotide sequences of the internal and external transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal
DNA and chloroplast genome (matK, trnL-F, and psbA-trnH). Pieris nana was sister to the rest of Pieris, i.e. Pieris subg. Pieris. The species of subg. Pieris diverged consecutively in the order of Pieris cubensis, P. swinhoei,
P. floribunda, P. phillyreifolia, and P. formosa plus P. japonica. Neither section Phillyreoides nor section Pieris was monophyletic, and P. phillyreifolia of NA was more closely related to two of the EA species (P. formosa and P.
japonica) than to the other NA species (P. floribunda). Morphological characters, such as inflorescence position, testa cell shape, and placenta attachment, used to define the sections were homoplasious. Dispersal and vicariance analyses suggested that ancestral populations of Pieris
were widespread in the composite area of EA, NA, and WI, and two dispersal events may have occurred from the New World to the Old World. Pieris cubensis may have originated as the result of a dispersal event from the composite area of NA and EA during the early diversification of Pieris
in the late Eocene.
Patient-Related Barriers to Fatigue Communication in Cancer Patients Receiving Active Treatment
Authors: Shun Shiow-Ching , Lai Yeur-Hur , Hsiao Fei-Hsiu
Published: September 2009

Objective.

To explore barriers to reporting fatigue in cancer patients receiving active treatment and the significant factors associated with those barriers from fatigue characteristics (i.e., intensity, duration, and interference with daily life), to demographic characteristics and disease/treatment variables.

Methods.

Patients with various types of cancer (n = 288) were recruited from an outpatient chemotherapy center, and from seven oncology and hematology units in a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Data were collected using the Fatigue Management Barriers Questionnaire to explore barriers to fatigue communication.

Results.

Fear of distracting the doctor was rated as the highest barrier of reporting fatigue. The degree of fatigue interference with daily life by patients was associated with the willingness to report fatigue. Patients with gastrointestinal cancer experienced more barriers to reporting fatigue than those with hematological cancer. Patients without religion perceived the highest level of barriers to fatigue communication. Outpatients had higher levels of concern than inpatients.

Conclusions.

Discussion with patients about their high level of perceived fatigue barriers before implementing patient education is recommended. Assessing fatigue interference with daily life and identifying factors associated with barriers to reporting fatigue (i.e., type of cancer, religion, and the setting for receiving treatment) are suggested in order to provide better fatigue management in clinical settings.
Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Should West Meet East?
Authors: Yoon Sam S. , Yang Han-Kwang
Published: September 2009

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Calculate the lymph node drainage patterns of gastric adenocarcinoma based on the location of the tumor.Differentiate and explain the extent of lymphadenectomies performed in different countries.Analyze the risks and benefits of performing more extensive lymphadenectomies for gastric adenocarcinoma.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Approval Summary: Pemetrexed in the Initial Treatment of Advanced/Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cohen Martin H. , Justice Robert , Pazdur Richard
Published: September 2009

On September 26, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved pemetrexed injection (Alimta® Injection; Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN) for use in combination with cisplatin for the initial treatment of patients with stage IIIB/IV nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

A randomized, phase III, open-label study was conducted in 1,725 patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 21-day cycles of pemetrexed plus cisplatin (AC) or gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC). The primary objective was overall survival.

The median survival time was 10.3 months in both the AC arm and the GC arm (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–1.05). The median progression-free survival times were 4.8 and 5.1 months for the AC and GC arms, respectively (adjusted HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.94–1.15). The overall response rates were 27.1% and 24.7% for the AC and GC arms, respectively.

A prespecified analysis of the impact of NSCLC histology on overall survival was conducted. In the nonsquamous NSCLC subgroup, the median survival times were 11.0 and 10.1 months in the AC and GC groups, respectively (unadjusted HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74–0.96). However, in the squamous cell histology subgroup, the median survival times were 9.4 versus 10.8 months in the AC and GC groups, respectively (unadjusted HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.99–1.50). This unfavorable effect of squamous histology on overall survival was also noted in a retrospective analysis of a trial that compared pemetrexed with docetaxel in NSCLC patients who received prior chemotherapy. No new pemetrexed safety signals were observed.
Interpreting Surface-wave Data for a Site with Shallow Bedrock
Authors: Casto Daniel W. , Luke Barbara , Calderón-Macías Carlos , Kaufmann Ronald
Published: September 2009

The inversion of dispersive Rayleigh-wave data has been shown to be successful in providing reliable estimated shear-wave velocities within unconsolidated materials in the near surface. However, in a case where the multi-channel analysis of surface waves method was applied to a site consisting of clay residuum overlying basalt bedrock, inversion for the fundamental-mode Rayleigh wave resulted in shear-wave velocities within the rock that are less than half of expected values. Forward modeling reveals that the fundamental-mode dispersion curve is hardly sensitive to bedrock velocity perturbations over a practical range of wavelengths, leading to poorly constrained solutions. Standard surface-wave methods can fail because of a shortage of phase-velocity estimates at the low frequencies that are necessary to properly constrain shear-wave velocities at depth. The commonly used guideline that maximum investigation depth is roughly half of the largest recorded wavelength can be misleading. Data at much lower frequencies (i.e., longer wavelengths) than typically acquired might be required to obtain a meaningful shear-wave velocity profile, particularly for a site with a high-velocity half-space beneath a low-velocity layer. For such cases, layer geometry appears to have a large impact on inversion results. Consequently, Rayleigh-wave methods can be effective in determining depth to bedrock in simple, layered geologies (e.g., soft sediment over hard bedrock) when independent information of shear-wave velocity is available. Analysis techniques that address higher modes of Rayleigh-wave propagation may be useful for more accurately resolving depth and velocity of a high-velocity half-space. In the studied case, higher modes can theoretically reach the asymptotic high-velocity limits within the range of recorded frequencies.
Hilbert-Type Integral Inequalities
Authors: Yang Bicheng
Published: September 2009

Hilbert-type integral inequalities, including the well known Hilbert’s integral inequality published in 1908, are important in analysis and its applications. This well organized handbook covers the newest methods of weight functions and most important recent results of Hilbert-type integral inequalities and applications in three classes of normal spaces. It is clear and well written, suitable for researchers, mathematicians and advanced students who wish to increase their familiarity with different topics of modern and classical mathematical inequalities related to Real Analysis and Operator Theory. Both basic and applied aspects are presented in this book. The many illustrative worked-out examples given in several chapters should help readers acquire expertise in this field.
Group-Metacognitive Support for Online Inquiry in Mathematics with Differential Self-Questioning
Authors: Kramarski Bracha , Dudai Vered
Published: September 2009

This exploratory study investigated 100 Israeli 9th graders who used two different group-metacognitive support methods in online mathematical inquiry—group feedback guidance (GFG) and self-explanation guidance (SEG)—compared to a control group (CONT). The study evaluated each method's effects on students': (a) mathematical inquiry ability: problem solving, explanations, mathematical feedback in online forum discussions, and transfer ability; and (b) self-regulated learning (SRL) measures (self-report questionnaires and metacognitive feedback in online forum discussions). Metacognitive support methods, based on IMPROVE self-questioning strategies, appeared in pop-up screens and provided the two experimental groups with differential cues for problem-solving processes. Mixed quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that GFG students outperformed SEG students in most mathematical and SRL measures and the CONT students in all measures. In addition, SEG students outperformed the CONT students in mathematical problem-solving but not on mathematical transfer ability or SRL.
The Effects of an Animation-Based On-Line Learning Environment on Transfer of Knowledge and on Motivation for Science and Technology Learning
Authors: Rosen Yigal
Published: September 2009

The study described here is among the first of its kind to investigate systematically the effect of learning with integrated animations on transfer of knowledge and on motivation to learn science and technology. Four hundred eighteen 5th and 7th grade students across Israel participated in a study. Students in the experimental group participated at least once a week in science and technology lessons that integrated the animation environment. The experiment was continued for 2 to 3 months. The findings showed a significant impact of animation-based on-line learning environment on transfer of knowledge and on learning motivation. Additionally, the findings showed that students changed their perception of science and technology learning as a result of teaching and learning with integrated animations. Students perceived themselves as playing a more central role in classroom interactions, felt greater interest in learning, and emphasized more the use of technology and experiments during lessons.
Prevalence of iron deficiency in male elite athletes
Authors: Malczewska-Lenczowska Jadwiga , Stupnicki Romuald , Szczepańska Beata
Published: September 2009

Prevalence of iron deficiency in male elite athletes

Study aim: To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency in competitive male athletes.

Material and methods: In total, 90 elite athletes practicing judo, rowing, pentathlon, volleyball, kayaking and biathlon, aged 16-33 years, were studied. Blood morphology indices: haemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), leucocyte count (WBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were determined. The concentrations of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and iron, as well as total iron binding capacity (TIBC), were determined in serum. Additionally, erythropoietin (EPO) was assayed in subjects with elevated sTfR levels.

Results: In no case iron-deficiency anaemia was found, but in 43% of subjects iron deficiency was detected. This included first stage of iron deficiency (iron depletion; ID) in 13% of subjects (ferritin <20 μg/L), and iron-deficient erythropoiesis (IDE) in 30% of subjects (ferritin <16 μg/L and sTfR> 2.75 mg/L). In all subjects with IDE, the concentrations of EPO were within normal range. The haematological indices remained unaffected in iron-depleted subjects, but in iron-deficient erythropoiesis subgroups the mean values of haemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were significantly lower than in subjects with normal iron stores (NIS).

Conclusion: Despite the lack of anaemia among studied athletes, the incidence of latent iron deficiencies (iron depletion and iron-deficient erythropoiesis) was very high. The increasing incidence of iron deficiency, together with apparent decreases of haematological indices in subjects with iron-deficient erythropoiesis, markedly augments the risk of anaemia in young, competitive male athletes. Therefore, that category of subjects should be periodically screened for iron deficiency.
Inverse Analysis of Plate Load Tests to Assess Subgrade Resilient Modulus
Authors: Ahn Jaehun , Cote Benjamin M. , Robinson Brent , Gabr Mohammed A. , Borden Roy H.
Published: September 2009

Cyclic plate load testing is commonly used to investigate subgrade response under repetitive loads. Two frameworks for performing inverse analysis are described for backcalculating resilient moduli on the basis of measured key outputs. In the first approach, an elastic modulus is back-calculated in each selected domain; in the second, selected parameters in the resilient modulus model are estimated. The axisymmetric finite element model analysis results suggest that the second approach is more robust because it allows the modulus to be distributed in the selected domain. A series of sensitivity analyses was conducted with the second approach to illustrate how the assumed properties or model geometry affects the backcalculated parameters. Discrepancies between the back-calculated parameters and their known values were observed when the distance to the boundary–-that is, the radial distance from centerline to sidewall–-was not properly assigned. When backcalculating only selected parameters in the resilient modulus equation, it is necessary to assign the other parameters carefully (i.e., from laboratory tests or references). An example analysis shows the application of the proposed approach to an actual plate load test.
Role of Cortisol and Growth Hormone in the Development of Ketosis Resistance in Malnutrition Related Diabetic Mellitus
Authors: Khandakar MA Rayhan , Ali M Suhrab , Obaidullah M , Ali Liaquat
Published: September 2009

Malnutrition Related Diabetes Mellitus (MRDM), a separate clinical class of diabetes mellitus recognized by WHO Study Group on Diabetes Mellitus in 1985 exhibits peculiar metabolic characteristic of ketosis resistance. To explore the role of cortisol and growth hormone in the development of ketosis resistance, a cross sectional study was carried out involving 21 newly diagnosed MRDM patients, 19 NIDDM patients, and 16 age matched non-diabetic control at BIRDEM, Dhaka. MRDM patients presented with significantly lower Body Mass Index (P<0.001) and significantly higher level of serum glucose (P<0.001) in comparison to NIDDM and control subjects. The mean serum cortisol was significantly higher in MRDM and NIDDM subjects compared to that of control (P<0.05). Therefore, regarding cortisol, MRDM patients behave exactly like NIDDM patients The serum growth hormone levels were similar in MRDM, NIDDM and control subjects. So it can be suggested from the study that cortisol and growth hormone may not play any significant role in the development of ketosis resistance in MRDM patients.    doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3295 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 5-9
Students Perception of the Learning Climate
Authors: Ahmed Ashraf Uddin
Published: September 2009

The study was conducted to acquire the base line information about perception of learning climate of education environment. To assay the climate of the medical education in Dhaka medical college, the Medical Education Environment Measure (MEEM) questionnaire was administered, completed and returned to the researcher by the 50 students of third year MBBS. The analysis of this inventory showed that the students felt that the teaching was teacher centered, not concerned to develop their competence and problem solving skills. Teachers were authoritarian and not good at providing feedback but they did not ridicule the students. Most students' felt that they have made in right career choice but have not learned a lot about empathy in the profession. Students felt that politics, atmosphere in the classroom and in the hostels, and teacher student relationship as well as relations among the students themselves influenced the learning environment. doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3298 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 17-24
Pyogenic Liver Abscess and Indigenous Alcohol
Authors: Islam QT , Ekram ARMS , Ahmed MI , Alim MA , Ahad MA , Haque MA , Uddin MR , Ali ASMS , Haque Md Azizul
Published: September 2009

Seventy four patients of pyogenic liver abscess prospectively evaluated by clinical, haematological, microbiological and sonographic methods. The main objective of this study was to find out correlation between intake of indigenous alcohol and to identify class population affected. Most of the affected patients of pyogenic liver abscess are lower and middle class male and who are farmer with mean age 37±11.7 years. Our study reveals '59 (80%) cases consume that alcohol, among them 56 (95%) patients took locally prepared alcohol (TARI). Organism recovered from pyogenic liver abscess vary considerably. Escherichia coli has been the organism most commonly isolated in our study. 57 cases were treated with ciprofloxacin and sonographic guided needle aspiration. Ciprofloxacin still remains as the drug of choice for this disease and recovery was excellent. So the study reveals that indigenous alcohol is associated with the development of pyogenic liver abscess.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3299 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 21-24
Research on Vulnerable Groups: The Medical Researchers View
Authors: Haque Md Jawadul
Published: September 2009

This cross-sectional study was carried out among the teachers and doctors of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital with a view to assess the knowledge of the medical researchers about research on vulnerable groups. Among all the researchers, only 11.8% of them are involved in research currently, 58.8% had past experience in research but cent percent are interested in medical research. Only 35.3% of the respondents had complete knowledge regarding vulnerable groups but majority of them (64.7%) had no or partial knowledge regarding this important variable. About 88% of the respondents knew that the children cannot give their consents to participate in research. Majority of the respondents (76.5%) did not know that when the children should be involved in research. A remarkable portion (41.2%) of the respondents had no or wrong knowledge regarding the ability of the women of reproductive age to give informed consent. This study recommended proper training of the medical researchers regarding vulnerable population in medical research.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3303 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 43-46
Acute Flaccid Paralysis due to Japanese Encephalitis: A Case Report
Authors: Hussain S Monira , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Hossain M Jahangir , Azad MAK , Siddiqui AB , Ahmed I
Published: September 2009

An eleven-year-old boy came to Department of Paediatrics of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital with fever and unconsciousness. His pupillary light reflexes were bilaterally sluggish, all the deep tendon reflexes were diminished, and planter reflexes were bilaterally flexor. His left leg become paralyzed on 13th day and by 15th day all his limbs became paralyzed. Besides these, the patient had gross muscle wasting but his deep tendon reflexes were diminished. The patient was proved to have Japanese encephalitis infection by a four-fold rise in virus-specific antibody detected in paired acute and convalescent sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3304 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 47-48
Cutaneous Larva Migrans -A Case Report
Authors: Kabir Md Rizaul , Siddiqui Muhammad Afsar , Hossain Md Motiul , Badruddoza Shah Md , Al-Amin Abdullah
Published: September 2009

A case of cutaneous larva migrans came to the dermatology outdoor of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital with the complaints of migratory cutaneous itching lesion on her right hand. At the onset she had papules with mild itching on ventral aspect of her right hand. The papular eruption turned into a raised linear line progressed with tortuous course and finally ended at the medial aspect of right thenar eminence about one inch below the wrist crease. The lesion looked like a thin, raised serpiginous line with mild erythema. Complete blood picture shows high eosinophilic count, with mild anaemia and histopathology shows features of chronic dermatitis. But no larva was present in the lesion. Stool for routine examination shows eggs of Ancylostoma duodenale. The patient was diagnosed as cutaneous larva migrans . The patient was prescribed tab. Albendazole DS 400 mg. twice daily for 3 days and tab. Cetrizine 10mg. once daily for 10 days. The dose of Albendazole was repeated after 14 days.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3305 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 49-50
Role of Biological Response Modifiers in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Review
Authors: Haque Md Azizul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Islam Quazi Tarikul
Published: September 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease with the potential to cause substantial joint damage and disability. During the past 10 years, improved understanding of the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis has led to several key changes in the approach to therapy. Most important of that is the development of some biological agents interfering with the activity of several important cytokines. Infliximab, etanarcept, and adalimumab are TNF blockers, anakinra is IL-1 receptor antagonist, and rituximab is anti CD-20 monoclonal antibody. These newer agents proved to be useful for alleviating symptoms and slowing the disease progression in the patients with RA who have failed to respond to conventional DMARDs.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3309 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 60-65