bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcineurin Signaling Mediates Activity-Dependent Relocation of the Axon Initial Segment
Authors: Evans Mark D. , Sammons Rosanna P. , Lebron Sabrina , Dumitrescu Adna S. , Watkins Thomas B. K. , Uebele Victor N. , Renger John J. , Grubb Matthew S.
Published: April 2013

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized neuronal subcompartment located at the beginning of the axon that is crucially involved in both the generation of action potentials and the regulation of neuronal polarity. We recently showed that prolonged neuronal depolarization produces a distal shift of the entire AIS structure away from the cell body, a change associated with a decrease in neuronal excitability. Here, we used dissociated rat hippocampal cultures, with a major focus on the dentate granule cell (DGC) population, to explore the signaling pathways underlying activity-dependent relocation of the AIS. First, a pharmacological screen of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) showed that AIS relocation is triggered by activation of L-type Cav1 VGCCs with negligible contribution from any other VGCC subtypes. Additional pharmacological analysis revealed that downstream signaling events are mediated by the calcium-sensitive phosphatase calcineurin; inhibition of calcineurin with either FK506 or cyclosporin A totally abolished both depolarization- and optogenetically-induced activity-dependent AIS relocation. Furthermore, calcineurin activation is sufficient for AIS plasticity, because expression of a constitutively active form of the phosphatase resulted in relocation of the AIS of DGCs without a depolarizing stimulus. Finally, we assessed the role of calcineurin in other forms of depolarization-induced plasticity. Neither membrane resistance changes nor spine density changes were affected by FK506 treatment, suggesting that calcineurin acts via a separate pathway to modulate AIS plasticity. Together, these results emphasize calcineurin as a vital player in the regulation of intrinsic plasticity as governed by the AIS.
Integrin α3 Is Required for Late Postnatal Stability of Dendrite Arbors, Dendritic Spines and Synapses, and Mouse Behavior
Authors: Kerrisk Meghan E. , Greer Charles A. , Koleske Anthony J.
Published: April 2013

Most dendrite branches and a large fraction of dendritic spines in the adult rodent forebrain are stable for extended periods of time. Destabilization of these structures compromises brain function and is a major contributing factor to psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Integrins are a class of transmembrane extracellular matrix receptors that function as αβ heterodimers and activate signaling cascades regulating the actin cytoskeleton. Here we identify integrin α3 as a key mediator of neuronal stability. Dendrites, dendritic spines, and synapses develop normally in mice with selective loss of integrin α3 in excitatory forebrain neurons, reaching their mature sizes and densities through postnatal day 21 (P21). However, by P42, integrin α3 mutant mice exhibit significant reductions in hippocampal dendrite arbor size and complexity, loss of dendritic spine and synapse densities, and impairments in hippocampal-dependent behavior. Furthermore, gene-dosage experiments demonstrate that integrin α3 interacts functionally with the Arg nonreceptor tyrosine kinase to activate p190RhoGAP, which inhibits RhoA GTPase and regulates hippocampal dendrite and synapse stability and mouse behavior. Together, our data support a fundamental role for integrin α3 in regulating dendrite arbor stability, synapse maintenance, and proper hippocampal function. In addition, these results provide a biochemical and structural explanation for the defects in long-term potentiation, learning, and memory reported previously in mice lacking integrin α3.
Modulation of Beta Oscillations in the Subthalamic Nucleus with Prosaccades and Antisaccades in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Yugeta Akihiro , Hutchison William D. , Hamani Clement , Saha Utpal , Lozano Andres M. , Hodaie Mojgan , Moro Elena , Chen Robert
Published: April 2013

Increased oscillations in the beta band are thought to be related to motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies have shown that beta-band desynchronization in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is reduced just before and during limb movements. While the STN is part of the basal ganglia (BG)-thalamocortical circuit controlling limb movements, it is also part of the BG-brainstem projection controlling saccadic eye movements. Late-stage PD patients have deficits in saccades in addition to difficulties with limb movements arising from impaired functions of the BG. We investigated saccade-related changes in beta-band (15–30 Hz) oscillatory activities in the human STN while PD patients performed visually guided prosaccades and antisaccades, the latter requiring suppression of reflexive responses and volitional initiation of saccades. We recorded local field potentials from deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted in the STN in human PD patients 1–5 d after surgery and compared prosaccades and antisaccades with these and with limb movements. Saccade-related beta-band desynchronizations were observed just before and during saccades in all subjects, suggesting that reduction of beta-band oscillatory activity in the STN is related to preparation and execution of saccades. Furthermore, beta-band desynchronizations for antisaccades started earlier, were sustained for longer periods, were of greater magnitude, and were observed more often than prosaccades. Beta-band desynchronization in the STN may reflect the additional processes associated with suppression of reflexive responses and volitional execution of saccades in the opposite direction.
A Causal Role for the Extrastriate Body Area in Detecting People in Real-World Scenes
Authors: van Koningsbruggen Martijn G. , Peelen Marius V. , Downing Paul E.
Published: April 2013

People are extremely efficient at detecting relevant objects in complex natural scenes. In three experiments, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate the role of the extrastriate body area (EBA) in the detection of people in scenes. In Experiment 1, participants reported, in different blocks, whether people or cars were present in a briefly presented scene. Detection (d-prime) of people, but not of cars, was impaired after TMS over right EBA (rEBA; five pulses at −200, −100, 0, 100, 200 ms) compared with sham stimulation. In Experiment 2, we applied TMS either before (−200, −100 ms) or after (+100, +200) the scene onset. Poststimulus EBA stimulation impaired people detection relative to prestimulus EBA stimulation, while timing had no effect during sham stimulation. In Experiment 3, we examined anatomical specificity by comparing TMS over EBA with TMS over scene-selective transverse occipital sulcus (TOS). Two scenes were presented side by side, and response times to detect which scene contained people (or cars) were measured. For people detection, but not for car detection, response times during EBA stimulation were significantly slower than during TOS stimulation. Furthermore, rEBA stimulation led to an equivalent slowing of response times to left and right lateralized targets. These findings are the first to demonstrate the causal involvement of a category-selective human brain region in detecting its preferred stimulus category in natural scenes. They shed light on the nature of such regions, and help us understand how we efficiently extract socially relevant information from a complex input.
DrosophilaTRPA1 Functions in Temperature Control of Circadian Rhythm in Pacemaker Neurons
Authors: Lee Youngseok , Montell Craig
Published: April 2013

Most animals from flies to humans count on circadian clocks to synchronize their physiology and behaviors. Daily light cycles are well known environmental cues for setting circadian rhythms. Warmer and cooler temperatures that mimic day and night are also effective in entraining circadian activity in most animals. Even vertebrate organisms can be induced to show circadian responses through exposure to temperature cycles. In poikilothermic animals such asDrosophila, temperature differences of only 2–3°C are sufficient to synchronize locomotor rhythms. However, the molecular sensors that participate in temperature regulation of circadian activity in fruit flies or other animals are enigmatic. It is also unclear whether such detectors are limited to the periphery or may be in the central brain. Here, we showed thatDrosophilaTRPA1 (transient receptor potential cation channel A1) was necessary for normal activity patterns during temperature cycles. ThetrpA1gene was expressed in a subset of pacemaker neurons in the central brain. In response to temperature entrainment, loss oftrpA1impaired activity, and altered expression of the circadian clock protein period (Per) in a subset of pacemaker neurons. These findings underscore a role for a thermoTRP in temperature regulation that extends beyond avoidance of noxious or suboptimal temperatures.
The Mechanical Variables Underlying Object Localization along the Axis of the Whisker
Authors: Pammer Lorenz , O'Connor Daniel H. , Hires S. Andrew , Clack Nathan G. , Huber Daniel , Myers Eugene W. , Svoboda Karel
Published: April 2013

Rodents move their whiskers to locate objects in space. Here we used psychophysical methods to show that head-fixed mice can localize objects along the axis of a single whisker, the radial dimension, with one-millimeter precision. High-speed videography allowed us to estimate the forces and bending moments at the base of the whisker, which underlie radial distance measurement. Mice judged radial object location based on multiple touches. Both the number of touches (1–17) and the forces exerted by the pole on the whisker (up to 573 μN; typical peak amplitude, 100 μN) varied greatly across trials. We manipulated the bending moment and lateral force pressing the whisker against the sides of the follicle and the axial force pushing the whisker into the follicle by varying the compliance of the object during behavior. The behavioral responses suggest that mice use multiple variables (bending moment, axial force, lateral force) to extract radial object localization. Characterization of whisker mechanics revealed that whisker bending stiffness decreases gradually with distance from the face over five orders of magnitude. As a result, the relative amplitudes of different stress variables change dramatically with radial object distance. Our data suggest that mice use distance-dependent whisker mechanics to estimate radial object location using an algorithm that does not rely on precise control of whisking, is robust to variability in whisker forces, and is independent of object compliance and object movement. More generally, our data imply that mice can measure the amplitudes of forces in the sensory follicles for tactile sensation.
Dopamine Triggers Heterosynaptic Plasticity
Authors: Ishikawa Masago , Otaka Mami , Huang Yanhua H. , Neumann Peter A. , Winters Bradley D. , Grace Anthony A. , Schlüter Oliver M. , Dong Yan
Published: April 2013

As a classic neuromodulator, dopamine has long been thought to modulate, rather than trigger, synaptic plasticity. In contrast, our present results demonstrate that within the parallel projections of dopaminergic and GABAergic terminals from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens core (NAcCo), action-potential-activated release of dopamine heterosynaptically triggers LTD at GABAergic synapses, which is likely mediated by activating presynaptically located dopamine D1 class receptors and expressed by inhibiting presynaptic release of GABA. Moreover, this dopamine-mediated heterosynaptic LTD is abolished after withdrawal from cocaine exposure. These results suggest that action-potential-dependent dopamine release triggers very different cellular consequences from those induced by volume release or pharmacological manipulation. Activation of the ventral tegmental area to NAcCo projections is essential for emotional and motivational responses. This dopamine-mediated LTD allows a flexible output of NAcCo neurons, whereas disruption of this LTD may contribute to the rigid emotional and motivational state observed in addicts during cocaine withdrawal.
Acute Suppression of Spontaneous Neurotransmission Drives Synaptic Potentiation
Authors: Nosyreva Elena , Szabla Kristen , Autry Anita E. , Ryazanov Alexey G. , Monteggia Lisa M. , Kavalali Ege T.
Published: April 2013

The impact of spontaneous neurotransmission on neuronal plasticity remains poorly understood. Here, we show that acute suppression of spontaneous NMDA receptor-mediated (NMDAR-mediated) neurotransmission potentiates synaptic responses in the CA1 regions of rat and mouse hippocampus. This potentiation requires protein synthesis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase function, and increased surface expression of AMPA receptors. Our behavioral studies link this same synaptic signaling pathway to the fast-acting antidepressant responses elicited by ketamine. We also show that selective neurotransmitter depletion from spontaneously recycling vesicles triggers synaptic potentiation via the same pathway as NMDAR blockade, demonstrating that presynaptic impairment of spontaneous release, without manipulation of evoked neurotransmission, is sufficient to elicit postsynaptic plasticity. These findings uncover an unexpectedly dynamic impact of spontaneous glutamate release on synaptic efficacy and provide new insight into a key synaptic substrate for rapid antidepressant action.
Distinct Dendritic Arborization andIn VivoFiring Patterns of Parvalbumin-Expressing Basket Cells in the Hippocampal Area CA3
Authors: Tukker John J. , Lasztóczi Bálint , Katona Linda , Roberts J. David B. , Pissadaki Eleftheria K. , Dalezios Yannis , Márton László , Zhang Limei , Klausberger Thomas , Somogyi Peter
Published: April 2013

Hippocampal CA3 area generates temporally structured network activity such as sharp waves and gamma and theta oscillations. Parvalbumin-expressing basket cells, making GABAergic synapses onto cell bodies and proximal dendrites of pyramidal cells, control pyramidal cell activity and participate in network oscillations in slice preparations, but their rolesin vivoremain to be tested. We have recorded the spike timing of parvalbumin-expressing basket cells in areas CA2/3 of anesthetized rats in relation to CA3 putative pyramidal cell firing and activity locally and in area CA1. During theta oscillations, CA2/3 basket cells fired on the same phase as putative pyramidal cells, but, surprisingly, significantly later than downstream CA1 basket cells. This indicates a distinct modulation of CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells by basket cells, which receive different inputs. We observed unexpectedly large dendritic arborization of CA2/3 basket cells in stratum lacunosum moleculare (33% of length, 29% surface, and 24% synaptic input from a total of ∼35,000), different from the dendritic arborizations of CA1 basket cells. Area CA2/3 basket cells fired phase locked to both CA2/3 and CA1 gamma oscillations, and increased firing during CA1 sharp waves, thus supporting the role of CA3 networks in the generation of gamma oscillations and sharp waves. However, during ripples associated with sharp waves, firing of CA2/3 basket cells was phase locked only to local but not CA1 ripples, suggesting the independent generation of fast oscillations by basket cells in CA1 and CA2/3. The distinct spike timing of basket cells during oscillations in CA1 and CA2/3 suggests differences in synaptic inputs paralleled by differences in dendritic arborizations.
Restoring aquatic ecosystem connectivity requires expanding inventories of both dams and road crossings
Authors: Januchowski-Hartley Stephanie R , McIntyre Peter B , Diebel Matthew , Doran Patrick J , Infante Dana M , Joseph Christine , Allan J David
Published: April 2013

A key challenge in aquatic restoration efforts is documenting locations where ecological connectivity is disrupted in water bodies that are dammed or crossed by roads (road crossings). To prioritize actions aimed at restoring connectivity, we argue that there is a need for systematic inventories of these potential barriers at regional and national scales. Here, we address this limitation for the North American Great Lakes basin by compiling the best available spatial data on the locations of dams and road crossings. Our spatial database documents 38 times as many road crossings as dams in the Great Lakes basin, and case studies indicate that, on average, only 36% of road crossings in the area are fully passable to fish. It is therefore essential that decision makers account for both road crossings and dams when attempting to restore aquatic ecosystem connectivity. Given that road crossing structures are commonly upgraded as part of road maintenance, many opportunities exist to restore connections within aquatic ecosystems at minimal added cost by ensuring upgrade designs permit water flow and the passage of fish and other organisms. Our findings highlight the necessity for improved dam and road crossing inventories that traverse political boundaries to facilitate the restoration of aquatic ecosystem connectivity from local to global scales.
The assessment of pollutants emissions within sustainable urban freight transport development: The case of Novi Sad
Authors: Velickovic Marko , Stojanovic Djurdjica , Basaric Valentina
Published: April 2013

Assessment of pollutant emissions is a prerequisite for planning and
development of sustainable urban transport systems. Majority of extant
studies on sustainable urban transport is focused on pollution caused by
urban passenger transport, with marked paucity of literature on the impact of
urban freight transport. To partly bridge this gap, the paper objective is
the impact assessment of selected regulative measures, i.e. fleet renewal on
freight transport emissions. We used the case of Novi Sad to estimate the
potential impact of selected restrictive measures on the external freight
transport air pollution. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the
first studies on impact of urban freight transport on the air pollution in
the cities in the Balkan region. Several research findings are of interest.
Firstly, the analysis of particular gas emissions reveals expected overall
positive effects of the fleet renewal in most of cases. Still, the total
amount of same emissions hardly increase, so this particular measure is not
enough to reach the ambitious EU strategy goals concerned with sustainable
urban freight transport. Further, some negative impacts of restrictive
measures on gas emissions were also recorded and discussed. The observed
complex impact of restrictive measures on urban freight air pollution
indicates that urban freight transport planning and modeling requires a
comprehensive database, clear goals and higher priority of environmental
criterion in traffic planning. Our results and recommendations may be useful
for scholars, urban transport planners, policy makers and practitioners.
Numerical study on laminar free convection heat transfer between sphere particle and high pressure water in pseudo-critical zone
Authors: Wei Liping , Lu Youjun , Wei Jinjia
Published: April 2013

Supercritical water fluidized bed reactor (SCWFBR) is a promising new
reaction vessel which can effectively gasify wet biomass and efficiently
produce hydrogen. Free convection heat transfer from particle in
supercritical water (SCW) is a major basic heat transfer mechanism in a
fixed bed or fluidized bed with low superficial velocity. In this paper,
numerical study on the steady free convection heat transfer around single
sphere particle in high pressure water of pseudo-critical zone was carried
out. Both the Boussinesq approximation method and real properties model
(considering variable specific heat, density, viscosity, and conductivity of
SCW) were incorporated to simulate the flow and temperature field. With
respect to Boussinesq approximation, real properties model shows higher
vorticity and temperature gradients in the vicinity of the sphere surface,
which shows variation of thermo-physical property has remarkable effect on
the free convection heat transfer process. High local Nusselt number and
high heat transfer rate were observed with real properties model.
1-D heat conduction in a fractal medium: A solution by the local fractional Fourier series method
Authors: Zhang Yuzhu , Yang Aimin , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: April 2013

In this communication 1-D heat conduction in a fractal medium is solved by
the local fractional Fourier series method. The solution developed allows
relating the basic properties of the fractal medium to the local heat
transfer mechanism.
Suicide Bombing: The Cultural Foundations of Morocco’s New Version of Martyrdom
Authors: Maarouf Mohammed
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

This article argues that the radical Islamist conception of martyrdom in the Moroccan case, through a pre-existing fundamental receptive cultural framework, implies an articulation with maraboutic Islam. Moroccos local cultural embedding of martyrdom involves the still-working heritage of maraboutic institutions, beliefs, and practices, as well as the sway of mainstream Islam that conditions and informs the Islamist lived experience of self-sacrifice. A survey of young Moroccans’ interpretations of martyrdom demonstrates how the cultural bed already incorporates the rising Islamist cultural model of altruistic suicide. What is customarily referred to as an Islamist conception of jihad and self-sacrifice, or as a form of group indoctrination, is discovered to derive its cultural schemata from maraboutic and orthodox cultural models of martyrdom that are already culturally embedded. Martyrdom is a cluster of cultural representations that most Moroccan Muslims, akin to their co-religionists in the Islamic world, adhere to, though with some particularities firmly tied to the local cultural bed of Islam where they socialize. There is a cultural worldview at work, over and above all other factors and considerations of radicalization, that empowers the self-sacrificers and enables them to delve into Islamist suiciding projects. The survey conducted in Morocco shows that jihad, rather than being a matter of indoctrination, is part of a Moroccan popular culture of Islam; jihad and martyrdom are existing cultural schemata built into the popular imagination about how an Islamic combatant should be engaged in a fight against encroachers, intruders, and enemies of the faith.
“Let them have Dominion”: “Dominion Theology” and the Construction of Religious Extremism in the US Media
Authors: McVicar Michael J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

In the last decade, media coverage of “dominionism” and “dominion theology” and their supposed influence on conservative politicians has become increasingly visible in the US news press. Popular exposés using “dominionism” to frame the religio-political convictions of everyone from President George W. Bush to Congresswoman Michele Bachmann have proliferated even as journalists, pundits, and preachers have struggled to define the concept of dominion. This essay offers a critical history of dominion discourse as it has evolved over the last three decades in the evangelical and secular presses in the United States. It situates the emergence of dominion discourse within evangelical efforts to define the proper limits of their political activism during the 1980s and the progressive backlash against the Christian Right in the 1990s. Through close readings of material produced in the evangelical and secular presses this essay argues that dominion discourse reflects certain normative but unexplored assumptions about the nature and meaning of the place of religion in the American public sphere.
“An Extreme Sense of Destiny”: Bob Dylan, Affect, and Final Causation
Authors: Maxwell Grant
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

Bob Dylan has explicitly suggested on numerous occasions that he possessed “an extreme sense of destiny,” which has been the primary driving force in the development of his music and his identity. This article traces Dylan’s and his milieu’s articulation of final causation in its various inflections and demonstrates that this causal mode is intimately connected to an affective epistemology in Dylan’s experience. Through abstract philosophical reflection (shown here to parallel closely the ideas of philosophers like William James and Henri Bergson) and the relation of particular occasions of final causation, Dylan suggests a worldview that offers an alternative to what he perceives as the “madness” produced by “pure materialism” (2004).
Harry Potterand the Legends of Saints
Authors: Hennequin M. Wendy
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

Along with its other generic borrowings, the Harry Potter series uses tropes and plot structures from medieval hagiography. Rowling most significantly uses hagiographical plot structures during the confrontations between Harry and Voldemort in the second and fourth novels, and the confrontation between Neville and Voldemort in The Deathly Hallows. The first re-enacts the story of St. George; the second is constructed as a passio; and the third combines the two. These hagiographical plot structures serve to reveal character, reinforce the core values of the texts, and identify Harry with saints in order to signal his inevitable victory.
“No Magic against Love,” or Dark Seduction Redirected: Perspectives on the Fantasy FilmKrabat
Authors: Renger Almut-Barbara
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

By drawing on material from popular legend and children’s literature, Marco Kreuzpaintner’s film Krabat presents a series of conventional leitmotifs—seduction by dark powers, a pact with the devil and ultimate redemption through love—to explore the tensions implicit in master-disciple relationships common to religious formulations. In depicting how a young boy was compelled to enter under a demonic master’s protection, Krabat exploits the complex intersection of the fantastic genre, magical lore and structures of discipleship. The film is about growing up, about friendship and death, group dynamics, seduction “to the dark side,” and finally, in terms of a positive message, about love which is capable of overcoming everything. Even though the film has no theological intention in the strict sense of the word, Christian values are conveyed by way of narrative elements that have been absorbed and transformed over the course of the reception history devoted to the Krabat material. In addition to marking the shifts between the genre of the literary fantastic and cinematic fantasy, this paper investigates Krabat’s rich intertextuality and demonstrates how its examination may contribute to understanding the provocative interface between literary, cultural and religious studies.
Study of Conventional and Novel Risk Factors of Ischemic Stroke in Eastern India
Authors: Biswas Nirendra Mohan , Ghosh Dipendra Nath , Sengupta Amitabha , Sen Sumit , Jash Debraj , Saha Kaushik , Banerjee Arpita , Mandal Pranab
Published: April 2013

Background: Stroke accounts as one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and third most common cause of death worldwide. In a significant percentage of stroke patients no definite cause can be identified. These group of unknown cause, the so-called cryptogenic strokes are associated with some novel risk factors and now a major focus for clinical discussion. Objectives: To find out conventional risk factors behind ischemic stroke and to establish correlation between ischemic stroke with elevated lipoprotein(a), Homocysteinemia, elevated High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs CRP),Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) and chronic H.pylori infection and carotid intimo-medial thickness(CIMT). Materials and methods: Thirty (30) admitted ischemic stroke patients based on WHO definition and confirmed by axial CT and or MRI Scan. were included. Thirty (30) controls were recruited from close relatives of the patients attending the Medicine OPD without any prior history of stroke or coronary heart diseases. Risk factors were documented on the basis of biochemical tests performed. Results : Statistically significant association of ischaemic stroke with diabetes,hypertension, smoking, homocysteine, Lp(a), hsCRP, LVH, CIMT,H.pylori infection. No association of valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, A.N.A was found with ischaemic stroke. Conclusion: In addition to measures that include blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid control routine estimation of Lp(a), homocysteine level, monitoring of atherosclerotic changes in carotid artery by Doppler study, echocardiographic monitoring of LVH should be done so that appropriate steps can be taken to avert an attack of stroke. Lastly early detection and eradication of H.pylori is always advisable to reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.13165 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 11-17
Presentation, Management and Outcome of Dengue Fever  A Study of 200 Cases
Authors: Raman Md. Habibur , Alam Abu Yousuf Md. Shahidul , Rahman AKM Mijanur , Khan Md. Sarwar , Shapla Nahid Reaz , Aleem Mohammad Abdul
Published: April 2013

Background: Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world1. The rapidly expanding global footprint of dengue is a public health challenge. The endemicity of dengue is also increasing in Bangladesh. This study highlights our current understanding of dengue, including its clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, management and outcome. Objectives: This study was designed to document the presenting features and outcome of Dengue infection in Border Guard personnel. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational study which was carried out among outpatient and indoor cases from February 2011 to November 2012 in Border Guard Hospital, Dhaka which is a 300 bedded hospital. Total 200 cases were enrolled. A detailed history, clinical examinations and relevant investigations were done. Data were collected in a predesigned structured questionnaire and analyzed with the help of SPSS-16.0 and Chisquare (X2) Test. Results: A total of 200 adult seropositive Dengue cases of various grade were studied. Among these 152(76%) were male and 48 (24%) were female. Male to female ratio was 3.17:1.The age range of the patients was 18 to 60 years and the mean age 39±12.56 years. Among 200 patients, 112(66%) were Dengue Fever (DF) and 88(44%) were Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) including 3(1.5%) cases of DHF Grade lII but none (0%) had Grade-IV DHF. All the patients presented with fever 200(100%), general weakness 200(100%) followed by various skin rash 196(98%), headache 192(96%), myalgia/arthralgia 191(95.5%), retroorbital pain 84(42%). Bleeding manifestation showed in 94(47%) cases of which petechiae was most frequent 86(43%), Haematocrit was normal only in 13(6.5%) patients and 82(41%) had a rise of >20%; Leucopenia was found in 187(93.5%) patients.Only 2(1%) patients had normal platelet count and 03(1.5%) patients had platelet count of less than 10X109 /L. Raised serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed in 184(92%) of cases. All (200%) the patients recovered completely from the disease; however, one patient subsequently developed Guillein Barre Syndrome. Conclusion: High persistent fever, profound general weakness, myalgia, headache and itchy skin rash were the usual presenting features. Most of the patients recovered well with efficient symptomatic and supportive treatment. Very few cases required blood/platelet transfusion. There was no case fatality in this study group DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14531 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 18-22
Prevalence of Obesity and Factors Leading to Obesity among High School Students of Pakistan
Authors: Hashmi Anjum , Soomro Jamil Ahmed , Saleem Khalid
Published: April 2013

Background: At least 20 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight globally in year 2005. Childhood obesity prevalence has increased by three to four folds globally within past few decades. It is also becoming an important public health problem among Pakistani children due to changes in life style and other factors. This study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity and the associated factors leading to obesity among school students urban city of Hyderabad. Objective: To determine the Prevalence of obesity and factors leading to obesity among high school students of public and private schools of Hyderabad city Pakistan. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 January 2008 to 30 June 2009 in Hyderabad. A total of 504 male and female students of class six to ten were selected through simple random sampling. They were interviewed by trained data collectors through physical activity and diet questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were done with calibrated instruments using the age and sex specific BMI cut off points according to WHO growth reference. Data analysis was done on SPSS 16. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23% and 15%, respectively, among the boys, while 16% and 8% respectively in girls. When adjusted for other factors multivariate model showed that the girls were protected against obesity, OR=0.33 (0.16-68). Odds ratios for the age groups showed that older children were also protected against obesity. Middle socioeconomic status tertile was more than 3 times more likely to be obese. Conclusions: Childhood obesity is determined by the factors in the home, school and other physical environment and it is recommended that all the stakeholders should take relevant actions for the prevention of the problem.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14534 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 33-39
Relationship Between Homocysteine and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Gupta Ratan Das , Quraishi Firoz Ahmed , Saha Uttam Kumar , Miah Md. Nurul Amin , Ali Zahed
Published: April 2013

Background: Epidemiologic studies have identified hyper-homocysteinemia as a possible risk factor for atherosclerosis.The aim of my study was based on evaluation of relationship between homocysteinemia with ischemic stroke patients. Methods and materials: It was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Neurology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford hospital, Dhaka. Thirty six consecutive patients with ischemic stroke were analyzed by serum total homocysteine, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and Equal number of controls same ages were compared with the case group. Result: Mean Fasting blood sugar, serum fasting total cholesterol (TC), serum fasting Low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly higher in case group (p=0.001). Serum TC and LDL had a positive correlation with serum homocystine a (p=0.001). Serum High density lipoprotein (HDL) had a negative correlation (p=0.718) and serum triglyceride (TG) had a negative correlation (p = 0.182). Total plasma fasting homocysteine level in case group was 21.89 ± 9.38 ìmol/l and control group was 12.31 ± 3.27 ìmol/l, (p=0.001). Elevated fasting homocystein level was found in 75.0% of ischemic stroke patient and in 16.67% of healthy controls (p=0.001). The incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia is higher in ischaemic stroke cases than that in age-sex matched healthy controls. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia in ischaemic stroke patients has as been determined as vascular risk factor in our study. Significant correlation has been found between homocysteine concentration and ischaemic stroke.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14536 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 47-51
Serum Estradiol Level as a Predictor of Ovarian Response and Pregnancy Outcome During Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation in Women from Gaza Strip
Authors: Yassin Maged M. , Laqqan Mohammed M. , Alzmaily Eman S.
Published: April 2013

Background: Currently, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is monitored by serum estradiol (E2) levels which are believed to primarily detect functional activity of follicles. Objective: To evaluate estradiol level as a predictor of ovarian response and pregnancy outcome during COH in women from Gaza Strip. Methods: This prospective cohort study consisted of 75 women attending in vitro fertilization (IVF) at Al-Basma Fertility Center in Gaza City. Blood withdrawal for E2 hormone measurement was performed in all the patients and the number of oocytes and embryos were recorded for each female and the occurrence of pregnancy was followed for three months. Obtained data were computer analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 18. Results: The mean age of the study population was 29.2±5.9 years. Questionnaire interview showed that the cause of infertility was mostly referred to husbands. More than half of women seeking IVF had no children and had repeated IVF. The mean level of E2 showed the highest value of 2194.4 (pg/ml) at age group 26-35 years. However, the difference in E2 levels among the age groups was not significant (F=0.940 and P=0.395). When related to the number of oocytes retrieved, E2 level showed general increase with increase ovarian response, recording values of 1642.7, 1665.1, 2156.8 and 1798.7 pg/ml with <4, 4-8, 9-16 and >16 oocytes, respectively, but this change was not significant (F=0.219 and P=0.883). The mean level of E2 showed its maximum value of 2143.6 pg/ml in positive pregnancy. However the difference in E2 levels among the different categories of IVF outcome was not significant (F=0.423 and P=0.656). The numbers of total and mature oocytes, and embryo were significantly increased with increased levels of E2, showing a good response at E2 level=1000-2000 pg/ml. The number of mature oocytes showed positive correlations with E2 and number of embryo (r= 0.159, P= 0.177 and r= 0.890, P=0.000, respectively) and negative correlation with age (r=-0.276, P=.017). Conclusion: Estradiol level 1000-2000 pg/ml at mean age of 27.8±4.9 years, could be a predictor of ovarian response and pregnancy outcome during COH. Consequently, for women to undergo a more likely successful IFV program, it is recommended to optimize E2 level at 1000-2000 pg/ml.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14537 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 52-56
Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Stroke: Outcome, Barriers & How to Overcome
Authors: Ahasan H A M , Hossain Md. Yeanur , Das Aparna , Minnat Baharul , Chowdhury Mostofa Kamal
Published: April 2013

No Abstract AvailableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14541 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 65-69
Blood Group Changed in a Patient with Acute Myelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Jahan Shah Md. Sarwer , Kamruzzaman A.K.M , Hossain Md. Ismail , Matin Md. Abdul , Hossain Md. Zakir
Published: April 2013

Gain of red blood cell antigens has been described in patients with acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). This paper describes the gain of blood group A antigen in a patient with AML. At the time of diagnosis the patients red cellsshowed the 0 Rh (D) - phenotype. After induction of remission with one courses of Daunorubicin, Cytarabine, her blood group was changed to A Rh (D) - phenotype.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14559 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 77-79
Two Cases of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis in a Family
Authors: Fariba Mansouri , Ali Kavianpour Mohamad
Published: April 2013

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a disease of unknown etiology. The disorder affects people at every age beginning from the early childhood. It usually occurs in a sporadic form, but an autosomal recessive form has been described, especially in patients from the Mediterranean countries. Our cases were in one family. A 44 years old man and his younger(35 years old) sister. Both of them complaint of dyspnea, bluish discolouration of face and extremities (acrocyanosis), clubbing, and coughing We evaluate both of them. These are findings in the male patient, and his sister had very similar findings. CXR and CT scan findings imply that we had 2 case of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14583 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 80-82
Spastic Quadreparesis - An Unusual Presentation of Sub-acute Combined Degenaration of Spinal Cord
Authors: Islam Mohammad Syedul , Alam Afroja , Masud Md Adnan Hasan , Azad Md Abul Kalam , Rahim Md Abdur
Published: April 2013

We report a case of a 45-year-old gentleman presenting with numbness of both legs and hands. He has anemia, spastic quadriplegia with exageraterd tendon jerks with lose of vibration and position sense. Investigations revealed combined deficiency anemia with low serum vitamin B12. His MRI of cervicel spine was normal. Endoscopically he had atrophic gastritis. Ultimately he was dignosed as a case of sub-acute combined degeneration of spinal cord due to pernicious anemia. Patient was treated with injection vitamin B12 and well responded. On his followup, he had significant clinical improvement. This is a reversible condition if early diagnosis can be made and vitamin B12 therapy promptly given. Delayed treatment can result in irreversible neurological impairment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14585 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 85-87
Leukemia Cutis in a 60 Year Male with Underlying Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia
Authors: Khan Zulfiqar Hossain , Rahaman Md. Mahabubur , Parvez Md. Zahed , Ahmed Tanvir , Hossain Md. Shakhawat , Paul Makhanlal
Published: April 2013

Leukemia cutis is not a common manifestation of leukemia but when present it indicates poor prognosis. Here we report a case of an atypical presentation of acute myeloblastic leukaemia who presented with neurological featuresand skin eruption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14587 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 91-93
Role of Internal Medicine in 21st Century
Authors: Siddiqui F M
Published: April 2013

No Abstract AvailableJ MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 1-3 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14589
'Double  Arch' / Cumbo's Sign  Pathognomonic for Ruptured Hydatid Cyst in Lung
Authors: Das Anirban , Sarkar Anirban , Das Sibes Kumar
Published: April 2013

No Abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14593 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 100
E-Nose: An Easier Test for Tuberculosis
Authors: Chowdhury Mostofa Kamal , Sharmin Tania , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: April 2013

No Abstract Available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14624 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 70-71
Certeine Matters Concerning the Realme of Scotland: George Buchanan and Scottish Self-Fashioning at the Union of the Crowns
Authors: Mason Roger A.
Published: April 2013

Although historians have long been aware of the range of printed and manuscript treatises that was prompted by the Union of 1603, little attention has been paid to a genre of printed works published in the years immediately before and after 1603 that were specifically concerned with Scotland and the Stewart lineage rather than with debating the idea of Britain. This article explores this literature in detail and uncovers the extent to which the Scottish intelligentsia turned to the writings of George Buchanan in order to describe and define both the geography of the kingdom and the autonomous origins of its kingship. Stripped of its radical politics, Buchanan's Rerum Scoticarum Historia (1582) emerged as a critical though generally unacknowledged source of reassurance for Scots fearful that the union would see their ancient kingdom assimilated into a greater English imperium and determined to secure Scotland's unique status within a new multiple British monarchy.
For What It’s Worth: An Introduction to Valuation Studies
Authors: Helgesson Claes-Fredrik , Muniesa Fabian
Published: April 2013

Not Available.
Valuation as Evaluating and Valorizing
Authors: Vatin François
Published: April 2013

The notion of valuation often blurs a distinction that is crucial to the understanding of economic processes: the distinction between processes of assessment (in which things undergo judgements of value) and processes of production (in which things are produced so as to be of value). Adapted from the introduction of an infuential collection of essays edited by François Vatin and first published in French in 2009, this essay aims to clarify this problem. Based on a collective research venture by a group of social scientists in France, this essay revisits the sociology of evaluation using the sociology of work, and signals the analytic distinction between the two faces of valuation: evaluating and valorizing (in French, évaluer and valoriser). The text was translated from French by Juliette Rogers and revised by Alexandra Bidet.
Assessing Ulcerative Pododermatitis of Breeding Rabbits
Authors: Rosell Joan , De la Fuente L.
Published: April 2013

Rabbits in conventional farms are housed in wire net cages with mesh floors to separate them from droppings. In time, lacerations appear on the legs of adult rabbits causing ulcerative pododermatitis or sore hocks, a severe health and welfare problem. Pain causes behavioral changes; productivity is reduced and the most seriously affected animals die or are culled. In this study we evaluated the attention producers have given to this problem and its prevention by installing footrests in cages. We made 2,331 visits to 664 commercial farms in Spain and Portugal between 2001 and 2012, and evaluated morbidity by examining 105,009 females and 10,722 males. The study highlights that the rate of farms with footrests increased from 27.8% in 2001 to 75.2% in 2012. Prevalence of sore hocks in does in 2001 was 11.4%, decreasing to 6.3% in 2012; prevention of ulcerative pododermatitis was associated (P < 0.001) with the presence of footrests. Overall, prevalence was 4.87 ± 0.26 on farms with footrests and 13.71 ± 0.32 without (P < 0.01).
A Concept for Testing Decision Support Tools in Participatory Processes Applied to the ToSIA Tool
Authors: Tuomasjukka Diana , Lindner Marcus , Edwards David
Published: April 2013

ToSIA (Tool for Sustainability Impact Assessment) offers a transparent and consistent methodological framework to assess impacts of changes (technological, policy, management, etc.) in the forest-based sector. This tool is able to facilitate the decision making process within and between diverse groups of stakeholders (e.g., forest managers and policymakers) as it provides a neutral, transparent and data-driven platform for stakeholder interaction and communication. To test these capabilities of ToSIA, a practical approach to test if a decision support system is suitable for participatory processes was developed based on a set of evaluation criteria for participatory processes. ToSIA’s performance was assessed and discussed in different categories against a selection of criteria for successful participatory processes: six criteria were fulfilled by ToSIA, in nine, ToSIA is potentially helpful, in two, criteria ToSIA has no influence, and for three criteria, no experiences exist until now. As a result, ToSIA’s conceptual suitability as a participatory decision support system was confirmed for two interlinked roles: as a decision support system to assess alternative scenarios, and as a communication platform for stakeholder interaction.