bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Controls Activity-Dependent Maturation of CA1 Synapses by Downregulating Tonic Activationof Presynaptic Kainate Receptors
Authors: Sallert Marko , Rantamäki Tomi , Vesikansa Aino , Anthoni Heidi , Harju Kirsi , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari , Taira Tomi , Castren Eero , Lauri Sari E. 
Published: September 2009

Immature hippocampal synapses express presynaptic kainate receptors (KARs), which tonically inhibit glutamate release. Presynaptic maturation involves activity-dependent downregulation of the tonic KAR activity and consequent increase in release probability; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this developmental process are unknown. Here, we have investigated whether brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a secreted protein implicated in developmental plasticity in several areas of the brain, controls presynaptic maturation by regulating KARs.Application of BDNF in neonate hippocampal slices resulted in increase in synaptic transmission that fully occluded the immature-type KAR activity in area CA1. Conversely, genetic ablation of BDNF was associated with delayed synaptic maturation and persistent presynaptic KAR activity, suggesting a role for endogenous BDNF in the developmental regulation of KAR function. In addition, our data suggests a critical role for BDNF TrkB signaling in fast activity-dependent regulation of KARs. Selective acute inhibition of TrkB receptors using a chemical–genetic approach prevented rapid change in synapse dynamics and loss of tonic KAR activity that is typically seen in response to induction of LTP at immature synapses.Together, these data show that BDNF–TrkB-dependent maturation of glutamatergic synapses is tightly associated with a loss of endogenous KAR activity. The coordinated action of these two receptor mechanisms has immediate physiological relevance in controlling presynaptic efficacy and transmission dynamics at CA3–CA1 synapses at a stage of development when functional contact already exists but transmission is weak.
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.
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

Abstract

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 ObjectivesAfter 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

Abstract
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.
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
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
An Update on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Ahad Md Abdul , Islam Quazi Tarikul 
Published: September 2009

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disorder diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the more common ones encountered in general practice. The illness has a large economic impact on health care use and indirect costs, chiefly through absenteeism. IBS is a bio-psychosocial disorder in which three major mechanisms interact: Psychosocial factors, altered motility, and/or heightened sensory function of the intestine. Treatment of patients is based on positive diagnosis of the symptom complex, limited exclusion of underlying organic disease and institution of a therapeutic trial. doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3310 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 66-71
Responsiveness of the Effective Consumer Scale (EC-17)
Authors: SANTESSO NANCY , RADER TAMARA , WELLS GEORGE A. , O’CONNOR ANNETTE M. , BROOKS PETER M. , DRIEDGER MICHELLE , GALLOIS CINDY , KRISTJANSSON ELIZABETH , LYDDIATT ANNE , O’LEARY GRÁINNE , PRINCE MONICA , STACEY DAWN , WALE JANET , WELCH VIVIAN , WILSON ANDREW J. , TUGWELL PETER S. 
Published: September 2009

Objective.The Effective Consumer Scale (EC-17) comprises 17 items measuring the main skills and behaviors people need to effectively manage their healthcare. We tested the responsiveness of the EC-17.Methods.Participants, in 2 waves of a 6-week Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) from Arthritis Ireland, received a questionnaire at the first and last week of the weekly ASMP. The questionnaire included the EC-17 and 10 other measures for arthritis. Deficits, mean change, and standard deviations were calculated at baseline and Week 6. The EC-17 scores were compared to the Arthritis Self-Efficacy (ASE) and Patient Activation Measure (PAM) scales. Results were presented at OMERACT 9.Results.There is some overlap between the EC-17 and the ASE and PAM; however, most items of greatest deficit in the EC-17 are not covered by those scales. In 327 participants representing both intervention waves (2006 and 2007), the EC-17 was more efficient than the ASE but less efficient than the PAM for detecting improvements after the ASMP, and was moderately correlated with the PAM.Conclusion.The EC-17 appears to measure different skills and attributes than the ASE and PAM. Discussions with participants at OMERACT 9 agreed that it is worthwhile to measure the skills and attributes of an effective consumer, and supported the development of an intervention (such as proposed online decision aids) that would include education in the categories in the EC-17.