bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects ofGABRA2Variation on Physiological, Psychomotor and Subjective Responses in the Alcohol Challenge Twin Study
Authors: Lind Penelope A. , MacGregor Stuart , Montgomery Grant W. , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G. , Whitfield John B.
Published: March 2008

Multiple reports have identified variation in theGABRA2gene as contributing to the genetic susceptibility to alcohol dependence. However, both the mechanism behind this association, and the range of alcohol-related phenotypes affected by variation in this gene, are currently undefined. Other data suggest that the risk of alcohol dependence is increased by relative insensitivity to alcohol's intoxicating effects. We have therefore tested whetherGABRA2variation is associated with variation in the subjective and objective effects of a standard dose of alcohol in humans. Data on responses to alcohol from the Alcohol Challenge Twin Study (Martin et al., 1985) have been tested against allelic and haplotype information obtained by typing 41 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in or close to theGABRA2gene. Nominally significant allelic associations (p< .05, without correction for multiple testing) were found for body sway, motor coordination, pursuit rotor and arithmetical computation tasks, and for the personality dimension of Neuroticism. Because of the large number of phenotypes tested, these possibly significant findings will need to be confirmed in further studies.
No Evidence of Sex Differences in Heritability of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Swedish Twins
Authors: Svedberg Pia , Johansson Saga , Wallander Mari-Ann , Pedersen Nancy L.
Published: March 2008

Studies have shown that familial aggregation is of importance for abdominal symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome and there are a few reports of a moderate heritability for irritable bowel syndrome. Sex differences in prevalence and incidence of irritable bowel syndrome have been demonstrated however less is known about sex differences in heritability. The objective was to investigate whether there were sex differences in heritability of irritable bowel syndrome while accounting for different prevalences among women and men in different age groups. A sample of 45,750 Swedish twins, whereof 16,961 were complete twin pairs, participated in a telephone interview. The sample was divided into three age groups (40–54, 55–64 and 65 years and older) and the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome was operationally defined with a number of disorder specific symptoms. Standard biometrical model fitting analyses were conducted using raw ordinal data from same-sex and opposite-sex twins. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome was greater among women than men and more prevalent at younger ages (e.g., women 10.3%, men 6.3% at ages 40–54 years vs. women 6.1%, men 4% at ages over 65 years). The heritability of the disorder was approximately 25% in all age groups. We found no evidence for sex differences in heritability in any of the age groups, however, models allowing prevalences of irritable bowel syndrome to differ between sexes and age groups fitted best.
Sex Ratio in Sibships With Twins
Authors: Fellman Johan , Eriksson Aldur W.
Published: March 2008

In national birth registers of Caucasians, the secondary sex ratio, that is, the number of boys per 100 girls at birth, is almost constant at 106. Variations other than random variation have been noted, and attention is being paid to identifying presumptive influential factors. Studies of the influence of different factors have, however, yielded meagre results. An effective means of identifying discrepancies is to investigate birth data compiled into sibships of different sizes. Assuming no inter- or intra-maternal variations, the distributions of the sex composition are binomial. Varying parental tendencies for a specific sex result in discrepancies from the binomial distribution. Over a century ago, the German scientists Geissler and Lommatzsch analyzed the vital statistics of Saxony, including twin maternities, for the last quarter of the 19th century. They considered sibships ending with twin sets. Their hypothesis was that in sibships ending with male–male twin pairs, the sex ratio among previous births is higher than normal, while in sibships with female–female twin pairs, the sex ratio is lower than normal. If the sibship ended with a male-female pair, then the sex ratio is almost normal. Consequently, a same-sex twin set indicated, in general, deviations in the sex ratio among the sibs within the sibship. Our analyzes of their data yielded statistically significant results that support their statements.
Opposite-Sex Twins: When They Marry; Research Reviews: Familial Twinning, Twin Study of Food Neophobia, and Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Phenotypic Sex; Human Interest: The Cave of Romulus and Remus, Twin Politicians in Poland, and Parents of Twins in Hong Kong
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: March 2008

A case of opposite-sex co-twins who married one another was recently reported. This case raises questions concerning the bases of mate attraction and adopted children's right to know their biological origins. This overview is followed by summaries of recent studies of familial twinning, food neophobia and monozygotic twins discordant for phenotypic sex. Several topics of general interest are also presented.
Emotionally Healthy Twins: A New Philosophy for Parenting Two Unique IndividualsJoan A. Friedman (2008). Da Capo Press, Life Long Books, 224 pp., US$15.95, ISBN 13 978 0 7382 1087 2
Authors: Wray Naomi
Published: March 2008

As young people grow up, most will battle with their own sense of identity, but for twins this struggle can be more painful and prolonged. Some need to prise themselves from a ‘twosome package-deal’ identity, while others need to cast aside an identity based solely on differences from their co-twin: labelled by the well-meaning in an attempt to find uniqueness ‘Linda is the creative one; Laura the scholar’. The path to emotional happiness is difficult to navigate. What can parents do to make the journey less painful? Joan Friedman's Emotionally healthy twins provides some useful pointers outlined in a new philosophy of twin parenting.
A Farewell to Alms: A Brief Economic History of the WorldGregory Clark (2007). Princeton: Princeton University Press, 418 pp., US$29.95, ISBN 978 0 691 12135 2
Authors: Caton Hiram
Published: March 2008

Economics arranges its topics as Big, Medium, and Small. Mr Big is the Industrial Revolution: How did it happen, and when? Whence did it spread, and at what rate? What were the costs and benefits? The literature is vast and the answers are numerous. But it organizes around a fundamental phenomenon: from about 1800, economic growth began an upward climb that in fifty years captured the world's purse and that in another half century had increased the wealth of industrial nations many times. Intoxication with this achievement is expressed in museums of science and industry and on websites featuring the Paris Exhibition of 1889 and the Chicago Exhibition of 1893.
Behavioral Genetics (5th edition)Robert Plomin, John C. DeFries, Gerald E. McClearn, Peter McGuffin. (2008). Worth Publishers, New York, 505 pp., US$115.95, ISBN 10 1 4292 0577 6
Authors: Bates Timothy C.
Published: March 2008

The purpose ofBehavioral Genetics5th edition (BG) is to cover the knowns and unknowns of behavior genetics, conveying the excitement of the field, its prospects, and something of the methods. Like the importantAmerican Psychologist(AP) paper ‘Intelligence: Knowns and Unknowns’ (Neisser et al., 1996), BG is designed to convey a consensus, in this case across fields as diverse as autism and xenophobia. Establishing and communicating this consensus is especially important for behavior genetics when many students are relatively unaware of the existence of biological differences. To meet this bold purpose the book needs to be accessible to those new to genetics while remaining accurate, and this goal is met admirably. The text is suffused with a calm and even handed approach that allows it to address its pedagogical task far better than most texts. It has been honed across the decades, including a complete rewrite (3rd edition), and, now, two rounds of fine-tuning. This polish pays off: the book reads very well, is well indexed, and integrated.
When Pan Met Wendy: Gendered Membership Debates Among the Radical Faeries
Authors: Stover John A.
Published: March 2008

How have the Radical Faeries, a new religious movement originally premised upon a gay male (or "faggot") spirituality, transitioned their membership to include women? While some gay men invited women into the movement based on an open-ended definition of Faerie identity, others defended the movement's "faggot-only space" as paramount. Based on years of field observations and open-ended, in-depth interview accounts, I highlight a boundary-making process by which inclusive membership policies friendly to women co-exist with exclusive membership designed to maintain faggot-only space. Among the Faeries these boundaries—what I term universal versus provincial, in hopes of future testing—highlighted sexist attitudes towards women, feelings of reification for some men, as well as frustration and disappointment for all.
Converging on the Heterosexual Dyad: Changing Mormon and Adventist Sexual Norms and Implications for Gay and Lesbian Adherents
Authors: Vance Laura L.
Published: March 2008

Nineteenth-century sexual ideals in Mormonism and Seventh-day Adventism differed: Adventism proscribed sexual expression, even in marriage, and Latter-day Saints encouraged marriage and sexual expression in addition to that sanctioned by the wider society, especially in polygamy. Nonetheless, each movement justified sexual norms by asserting that sexual expression lessened vital force, or physical well-being. In the face of changing societal sexual and gender norms—especially resulting from the sexual revolution, the modern feminist movement, and the gay rights movement—Adventism's and Mormonism's definitions of appropriate sexual expression converged to promote sex in heterosexual marriage. Concomitantly, homosexuality was explicitly and publicly defined as sinful and antithetical to, even threatening, heterosexual marriage and family. This paper explores the convergence of sexual ideals in Mormonism and Adventism, with attention to explicit proscription of homosexuality, responses to homosexuality and homosexuals in each movement, and implications of these for gay and lesbian adherents.
Total adiponectin and adiponectin multimeric complexes in relation to weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity in obese women: the NUGENOB study.
Authors: Polak J , Kovacova Z , Holst C , Verdich C , Astrup A , Blaak E , Patel K , Oppert J M , Langin D , Martinez J A , Sørensen T I A , Stich V
Published: March 2008

Aim

Adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity, protects arterial walls against atherosclerosis, and regulates glucose metabolism, and is decreased in obese, insulin resistant, and type 2 diabetic patients. Adiponectin circulates in plasma as high, medium, and low molecular weight forms (HMW, MMW, and LMW). The HMW form was suggested to be closely associated with insulin sensitivity. This study investigated whether diet-induced changes in insulin sensitivity were associated with changes in adiponectin multimeric complexes.

Subjects

Twenty obese women with highest and twenty obese women with lowest diet induced changes in insulin sensitivity (responders and non-responders respectively), matched for weight loss (body mass index (BMI)=34.5 (s.d.2.9) resp. 36.5 kg/m2(s.d.4.0) for responders and non-responders), were selected from 292 women who underwent a 10-week low-caloric diet (LCD; 600 kcal/d less than energy requirements). Plasma HMW, MMW, and LMW forms of adiponectin were quantified using Western blot method.

Results

LCD induced comparable weight reduction in responders and non-responders by 8.2 and 7.6 kg. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index decreased by 48.1% in responders and remained unchanged in non-responders. Total plasma adiponectin and the quantity of HMW and MMW remained unchanged in both groups, while LMW increased by 16.3% in non-responders. No differences between both groups were observed at baseline and after the study. Total plasma adiponectin, MMW, and LMW were negatively associated with fasting insulin levels at baseline.

Conclusion

No differences in total plasma adiponectin, HMW, MMW, and LMW forms were observed between responders and non-responders following 10-week LCD, suggesting that adiponectin is not a major determinant of weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity.
Effects of GH treatment in GH-deficient adults on adiponectin, leptin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A.
Authors: Joaquin C , Aguilera E , Granada M L , Pastor M C , Salinas I , Alonso N , Sanmartí A
Published: March 2008

Objective

GH deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with adverse effects on metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a protease that promotes IGF-I availability in vascular tissues. PAPP-A levels appear to correlate with carotid intima-media thickness and have been proposed as an early predictor of cardiac events. The aim of our study was to evaluate PAPP-A levels in GHD adults at baseline and after GH replacement and correlate them with changes in body composition, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, inflammatory markers and in leptin and adiponectin.

Patients and methods

Fourteen GHD adults were evaluated at baseline and after 1 year of GH therapy. All patients were compared at baseline with 28 age-, sex- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects.

Results

At baseline, GHD adults showed higher PAPP-A levels (P=0.03) and higher leptin (P=0.04), fibrinogen (P=0.002) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (P=0.01) values than controls. Therapy with GH reduced PAPP-A (P=0.03) and fibrinogen levels (P=0.002) while increased BMI (P=0.01) and reduced waist-hip ratio (WHR; P=0.05) were observed. Insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index increased after treatment (P<0.004/P=0.007), without changes in leptin or adiponectin levels. PAPP-A values correlated positively with BMI and WHR and negatively with adiponectin before and after treatment, with no correlation with glucose homeostasis parameters, lipid profile or leptin.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that PAPP-A expression is increased in GHD adults, and that 1 year of GH replacement therapy is able to reduce PAPP-A levels in this population. However, further studies are required to determine whether this decrease correlates with an improvement in atherosclerosis.
A case of constrictive pericarditis during cabergoline treatment for hyperprolactinaemia.
Authors: Löndahl Magnus , Nilsson Anders , Lindgren Hans , Katzman Per
Published: March 2008

Objective

Treatment with dopamine agonists has been associated with cardiopulmonary fibrotic reactions, predominantly in patients treated for Parkinson's disease. To our knowledge, these reactions have previously not been associated with low-dose cabergoline treatment for hyperprolactinaemia.

Method

A case of constrictive pericarditis in a patient treated with cabergoline for hyperprolactinaemia is presented. The patient has been treated at a county hospital and a university hospital in southern Sweden.

Results

A 20-year-old woman with a 3-year history of amenorrhoea was referred to the department in 1992. From 2001 to 2005, she was given cabergoline, 0.5–1.5 mg/week. In 2005 a pericardectomy was performed due to fibrotic, constrictive pericarditis.

Conclusions

Our present case suggests that constrictive pericarditis may develop even on low-dose cabergoline, which might indicate that this reaction, as opposed to valvular fibrosis, is not mediated by a 5-HT2B agonistic mechanism.
Genotype–phenotype correlation in a family with primary cortisol resistance: possible modulating effect of the ER22/23EK polymorphism.
Authors: Raef Hussein , Baitei Essa Y , Zou Minjing , Shi Yufei
Published: March 2008

Objective

Glucocorticoid resistance is a rare sporadic or familial condition that is characterized by generalized, partial resistance to glucocorticoids. It is caused by a mutation in the glucocorticoid receptor-α (GR-α) gene. We aimed to understand the reasons for different phenotypes (severe to asymptomatic) observed in a family with primary cortisol resistance.

Design

The genotype leading to cortisol resistance in the family members was investigated and correlated to the clinical phenotype.

Method

Three siblings were presented with clinical cortisol resistance, featuring severe hypertension, hypokalemia and hyperandrogenism. Three other siblings and both parents were asymptomatic. Genomic DNA from peripheral lymphocytes was isolated from family members. The entire GR-α coding sequence (exons 2–9) was amplified by PCR and sequenced.

Results

A homozygous G679S mutation was present in the three clinically affected subjects. Heterozygous G66A (E22E) and G68A (R23K) polymorphisms and G2035A (G679S) mutation were found in the father and two siblings. Mother and one sibling had only heterozygous G679S mutation. The clinically unaffected subjects showed two different responses to dexamethason. Those with heterozygous G679S mutation and ER22/23EK polymorphism had normal cortisol suppression, whereas those with only heterozygous G679S mutation failed to suppress normally.

Conclusions

A homozygous G679S mutation of the GR-α gene is associated with severe cortisol resistance, whereas a heterozygous mutation of the same gene can lead to subclinical cortisol resistance. The effect of the heterozygous mutation was abolished in subjects carrying the ER22/23EK polymorphism.
Desmopressin increases IGF-binding protein-1 in humans.
Authors: Catrina S B , Rotarus R , Botusan I R , Coculescu M , Brismar K
Published: March 2008

Context

IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) is essential for IGF-I bioavailability. High levels of IGFBP-1 are encountered in critically ill patients and are a good predictor marker in acute myocardial infarction. The mechanisms responsible for the elevated IGFBP-1 levels in these conditions are still unclear. Interestingly, high levels of vasopressin have been reported in the above-mentioned conditions.

Objective

To study the effect of vasopressin on IGFBP-1 in humans.

Design

Placebo-controlled cross-over study in patients with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) in whom potential interference from endogenous vasopressin secretion is minimized. After a 3-day desmopressin washout period, each patient received i.v. saline on day 1 and desmopressin (3 μg) on day 2. Blood samples were taken after administration, every 2 h during the whole night, starting at 2000 h.

Patients and setting

Fourteen inpatients with CDI in an endocrinology department of a university hospital.

Results

Serum IGFBP-1 increased within 4 h after 1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) by 375±73%, compared with a spontaneous fasting increase by 252±46% following placebo administration (P<0.05). No changes were registered in the levels of either classically regulators of IGFBP-1 (insulin, glucagon, and cortisol) or of IGF-I and glucose. The decrease in plasma osmolarity induced by DDAVP did not precede the increase in IGFBP-1.

Conclusions

DDAVP increases serum levels of IGFBP-1. Further investigation is essential to unravel the clinical potential of this interaction in conditions associated with high IGFBP-1 levels.
Risk factors for post-treatment hypogonadism in testicular cancer patients.
Authors: Eberhard Jakob , Ståhl Olof , Cwikiel Magdalena , Cavallin-Ståhl Eva , Giwercman Yvonne , Salmonson Eva Cecilia , Giwercman Aleksander
Published: March 2008

Objectives

Testicular germ-cell cancer (TGCC) patients are at risk of developing hypogonadism but no risk factors have yet been defined.

Methods

Blood was collected from 143 TGCC patients (after orchidectomy, prior to further therapy (T0) and 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 months (T6, T12, T24, T36 and T60) after therapy). Biological hypogonadism (BH) was defined as: serum testosterone below 10 nmol/l and/or LH >10 IU/l; odds ratios (ORs) for BH with BH at T0, age, stage of disease, testicular characteristics, and androgen receptor polymorphism as predictors were calculated as well as the OR for developing BH post-treatment (one to two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) versus three to four cycles of higher dose chemotherapy (HCT) versus adjuvant radiotherapy (RT)).

Results

HCT increased the OR for BH at T6 (OR 22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.4–118) and T12 (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.5–22). RT increased the OR at T6 (OR 10, 95% CI 2.1–47) and at T12 (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1–14). Microlithiasis predicted BH at T0 (OR 11, 95% CI 1.2–112), T12 (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1–13), T24 (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0–8.8), T36 (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.7–17) and T60 (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.2–16). BH at T0 was a risk for BH at T6 (OR 53, 95% CI 19–145), T12 (OR 125, 95% CI 37–430), T24 (OR 88, 95% CI 26–300) and T36 (OR 121, 95% CI 32–460).

Conclusions

It is clinically relevant that BH at T0 and testicular microlithiasis were predictive factors for post-treatment BH. HCT and RT gave temporary BH.
Constitutional delay of growth and puberty is not commonly associated with mutations in the acid labile subunit gene.
Authors: Banerjee I , Hanson D , Perveen R , Whatmore A , Black G C , Clayton P E
Published: March 2008

Objectives

Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) is a common clinical condition that may be inherited as an autosomal dominant, recessive or X-linked trait. However, single-gene defects underlying CDGP have not yet been identified. A small number of children (to date 10) with modest growth failure and in the majority delayed puberty, a phenotype similar to that of CDGP, have been reported to carry mutations in the IGF acid labile subunit (IGFALS) gene which encodes the ALS, a part of the ternary complex carrying IGF-I in the circulation. The aim of our study was to screen a well-characterised CDGP cohort exhibiting a range of growth retardation and pubertal delay for pathogenic sequence variants inIGFALS.

Design and methods

We used denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) to screen forIGFALSmutations in DNA samples from 90 children (80 males) with CDGP of predominantly White European origin. DNA fragments generating abnormal waveforms were directly sequenced.

Results

NoIGFALSmutation was identified in the coding sequences or exon–intron boundaries in our CDGP cohort. One abnormal waveform pattern in dHPLC in 15 children with CDGP was found to represent a recognised synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism of the coding transcript in the second exon in residue 210 ofIGFALS.

Conclusions

IGFALSsequence variants are unlikely to be a common association with pubertal delay in children with CDGP.
Serum concentrations of atherogenic proteins neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and its complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 are significantly lower in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: hint of a protective mechanism?
Authors: Diamanti-Kandarakis Evanthia , Livadas Sarantis , Kandarakis Stylianos A , Margeli Alexandra , Papassotiriou Ioannis
Published: March 2008

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) have been considered as important mediators of vascular remodeling and plaque instability. The formation of a complex with NGAL and MMP-9 is crucial for atherotic plaque erosion and thrombus formation. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the incidence of cardiovascular clinical events is not increased, despite the fact that they display a wide spectrum of risk factors. Since the instability of atherosclerotic plaque is a key factor in the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease, molecules challenging the plaque stability should be investigated.

Aim

To determine serum levels of NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex in women with PCOS.

Subjects and methods

PCOS subjects (40) were compared with those (40) matched for age and body mass index (BMI) controls. In each subject, fasting levels of glucose, insulin, gonadotropins, estradiol, androgens, C-reactive protein, NGAL, and MMP-9/NGAL were determined.

Results

NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group compared with controls (30.4±24.3 vs 70.7±37.9 μg/l, P<0.0001) and (31.5±26.6 vs 115.1±66.9 μg/l, P<0.0001) respectively. When patients and controls were stratified according to BMI, it was shown that NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL levels were significantly lower in lean (P<0.0002 and P<0.0001 respectively) and overweight (P<0.0004 and P<0.002 respectively) PCOS subjects compared with controls.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex, two molecules that activate atherotic plaque erosion, is in lower concentrations in PCOS subjects. The role of NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex needs to be further investigated, since suppression of these atheromatous molecules might have a protective role in women with PCOS.
Expression of ghrelin gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma ghrelin concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Authors: Mager Ursula , Kolehmainen Marjukka , de Mello Vanessa D F , Schwab Ursula , Laaksonen David E , Rauramaa Rainer , Gylling Helena , Atalay Mustafa , Pulkkinen Leena , Uusitupa Matti
Published: March 2008

Objective

We examined the expression of ghrelin and ghrelin receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and evaluated the effect of weight loss or exercise on plasma ghrelin concentrations in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

Design and methods

Data from 75 overweight/obese subjects randomized to a weight loss, aerobic exercise, resistance exercise or control group for a 33-week intervention period were analysed. The plasma ghrelin concentrations and indices of insulin and glucose metabolism were assessed, and mRNA expression of ghrelin, its receptors and various cytokines in PBMCs was studied using real-time PCR.

Results

Ghrelin and GH secretagogue receptor 1b were expressed in PBMCs of subjects with metabolic syndrome. Ghrelin gene expression correlated positively with the expressions of tumour necrosis factor-α (P<0.001), interleukin-1β (P<0.001) and interleukin-6 (P=0.026) during the study, but was not associated with the plasma ghrelin concentration. Genotype-specific ghrelin gene expression in PBMCs was found for the −604G/A and the −501A/C polymorphisms in the ghrelin gene. At baseline, the plasma ghrelin levels were associated with fasting serum insulin concentrations, insulin sensitivity index and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, longitudinally weight, BMI or waist circumference and acute insulin response in i.v. glucose tolerance test were stronger predictors of the ghrelin concentration. Plasma ghrelin did not change over the study period in the weight reduction group, but it tended to decrease in the control group (P=0.050).

Conclusions

Ghrelin mRNA expression in PBMCs suggests an autocrine role for ghrelin within an immune microenvironment. Moderate long-term weight loss may prevent a decline in ghrelin concentration over time in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
ENADE 2005: perfil, desempenho e razão da opção dos estudantes pelas licenciaturas
Authors: Brito Márcia Regina F. de
Published: March 2008

O Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes (ENADE) é parte integrante do Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior e é composto da prova, do questionário de avaliação da prova, do questionário dos coordenadores e do questionário sócio-econômico com 114 questões. A partir da análise desse material e dos dados do Censo da Educação Superior, foi elaborado o presente estudo com a finalidade de analisar o perfil dos estudantes dos cursos de Licenciaturas que se submeteram ao ENADE 2005, o desempenho desses estudantes na parte de Formação Geral e as razões que apontam para a escolha de cursos de Licenciatura, além de se buscar estabelecer as relações entre algumas variáveis selecionadas procurando verificar quais as diferenças significativas. Os resultados mostraram que os estudantes de Licenciatura concentram-se em cursos noturnos de IES privadas e são oriundos predominantemente do ensino médio público; a principal razão para a escolha da Licenciatura é o desejo de ser professor. Com relação ao desempenho, os melhores resultados, tanto de ingressantes como concluintes, são da área de Física (questões objetivas) e Geografia (nas questões discursivas); quando foi feita a média de ingressantes e concluintes por área verificou-se que a menor média é a obtida pela área de Pedagogia e a maior pela Geografia.
Modelos universitarios en pugna: democratización o mercantilización de la universidad y del conocimiento público en Argentina
Authors: Juarros Fernanda , Naidorf Judith
Published: March 2008

Los cambios ocurridos en el sistema universitario argentino se vinculan al modelo económico neoliberal que cobró fuerza en los 90. A partir de entonces, las universidades comenzaron a adecuar sus actividades a una nueva cultura de interacción con el sector productivo en busca de competitividad. En este escenario ubicamos dos discursos en disputa: uno enmarcado en las tendencias a democratizar los espacios públicos y el conocimiento libre; y otro vinculado a la tendencia de mercantilizar la educación y el conocimiento. Ambos tienen presencia en la universidad de hoy y su convivencia da lugar a posicionamientos fuertemente antagónicos que se corresponden con posiciones encontradas acerca de dos distintos modelos universitarios.
Qualidade em educação
Authors: Davok Delsi Fries
Published: March 2008

O artigo examina conceitos de qualidade em educação no sentido de contribuir para a compreensão do tema e apresentar critérios objetivos para a avaliação da qualidade de objetos educacionais. O texto apresenta uma definição de qualidade baseada no valor e no mérito dos objetos educacionais, associando a esses atributos da qualidade os critérios de eficiência, eficácia, efetividade e relevância. Nessa perspectiva, valor e mérito são condições necessárias para um objeto educacional exibir qualidade, sendo efetividade e relevância condições necessárias para ele ter valor e eficiência e eficácia condições necessárias para ele ter mérito.
Will Generative AI Tools Improve Access to Reliable Health Information?
Authors: Anderer Samantha , Hswen Yulin
Published: April 2024

This Medical News article is an interview with JAMA Editor in Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo and Virologist Davey Smith, head of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California, San Diego.
Consumer Protection, Agencies, and the Supreme Court
Authors: Aaron Daniel G. , Peterson Christopher L.
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint discusses an upcoming US Supreme Court case that could result in the termination of the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which protects the financial well-being of consumers.
Structural and functional insights of itaconyl‐CoA hydratase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa highlight a novel N‐terminal hotdog fold
Authors: Pramanik Atanu , Datta Saumen
Published: April 2024

Itaconyl‐CoA hydratase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaIch) converts itaconyl‐CoA to (S)‐citramalyl‐CoA upon addition of a water molecule, a part of an itaconate catabolic pathway in virulent organisms required for their survival in humans host cells. Crystal structure analysis of PaIch showed that a unique N‐terminal hotdog fold containing a 4‐residue short helical segment α3‐, named as an “eaten sausage”, followed by a flexible loop region slipped away from the conserved β‐sheet scaffold, whereas the C‐terminal hotdog fold is similar to all MaoC. A conserved hydratase motif with catalytic residues provides mechanistic insights into catalysis, and existence of a longer substrate binding tunnel may suggest the binding of longer CoA derivatives.
Detection and Grading of Radiographic Hand Osteoarthritis Using an Automated Machine Learning Platform
Authors: Caratsch Leo , Lechtenboehmer Christian , Caorsi Matteo , Oung Karine , Zanchi Fabio , Aleman Yasser , Walker Ulrich A. , Omoumi Patrick , Hügle Thomas
Published: April 2024

Objective

Automated machine learning (autoML) platforms allow health care professionals to play an active role in the development of machine learning (ML) algorithms according to scientific or clinical needs. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate such a model for automated detection and grading of distal hand osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A total of 13,690 hand radiographs from 2,863 patients within the Swiss Cohort of Quality Management (SCQM) and an external control data set of 346 non‐SCQM patients were collected and scored for distal interphalangeal OA (DIP‐OA) using the modified Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) score. Giotto (Learn to Forecast [L2F]) was used as an autoML platform for training two convolutional neural networks for DIP joint extraction and subsequent classification according to the K/L scores. A total of 48,892 DIP joints were extracted and then used to train the classification model. Heatmaps were generated independently of the platform. User experience of a web application as a provisional user interface was investigated by rheumatologists and radiologists.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of this model for detecting DIP‐OA were 79% and 86%, respectively. The accuracy for grading the correct K/L score was 75%, with a κ score of 0.76. The accuracy per DIP‐OA class differed, with 86% for no OA (defined as K/L scores 0 and 1), 71% for a K/L score of 2, 46% for a K/L score of 3, and 67% for a K/L score of 4. Similar values were obtained in an independent external test set. Qualitative and quantitative user experience testing of the web application revealed a moderate to high demand for automated DIP‐OA scoring among rheumatologists. Conversely, radiologists expressed a low demand, except for the use of heatmaps.

Conclusion

AutoML platforms are an opportunity to develop clinical end‐to‐end ML algorithms. Here, automated radiographic DIP‐OA detection is both feasible and usable, whereas grading among individual K/L scores (eg, for clinical trials) remains challenging.
Out‐Of‐Phase Articulation Strategy of CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5 Perovskite for High Sensitivity X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Wan Changmao , Wang Zihan , Zhang Hui , Tie Shujie , Liang Zheng , Xu Huifen , Ma Yuanbo , Wang Zhengyu , Zheng Xiaojia , Pan Xu , Ye Jiajiu
Published: April 2024

Polycrystalline CsPbBr3 perovskite materials exhibit exemplary stability, and desirable optoelectronic characteristics are promising for direct X‐ray detection. In this study, polycrystalline 2D phase of CsPb2Br5 hinged on CsPbBr3 is investigated for X‐ray array detector. The incorporation of CsPb2Br5 will modify the carrier transport environment, acting as an amplification factor that significantly enhances carrier mobility and response sensitivity. Finally, the devices demonstrates excellent performance growth. Carrier mobility of CsPbBr3 is improved by a significant 2 orders of magnitude, leading to the sensitivity increased from 2.64 × 104 to 2.58 × 105 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 at a bias voltage of 25 V mm−1. Even at a low bias voltage of 2 V mm−1, still got the value of 3.075 × 103 µC Gyair−1 cm−2, accompanied by a notable increase in the minimum detection limit of 127.9 nGyair s−1 at 0.5 V. Furthermore, a high modulation transfer function (MTF) of 1.57 lp mm−1 is obtained, and achieved a clear and high contrast X‐ray imaging with 64 × 64 TFT board. The perovskite exhibits outstanding light stability (RH ≈ 70 ± 5%) in the atmosphere following the introduction of 2D phase. This excellent carrier transport effect and good long‐term stability present significant commercial potential.
Activable Nano‐Immunomodulator Assembled from π‐Extended Naphthalenediimide for Precision Photothermal Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhong Wenbin , Yuan Wei , Chen Yun , Ma Zhaoyu , Ma Mengmeng , Tan Brynne Shu Ni , Yang Jie , Zhao Yanli
Published: April 2024

A nano‐immunomodulator (R‐NPT NP) comprising a tumor microenvironment (TME) activable resiquimod (R848) and a π‐extended NIR‐absorbing naphthophenanthrolinetetraone (NPT) has been engineered for spatiotemporal controlled photothermal immunotherapy. R‐NPT NP demonstrated excellent photostability, while R848 promoted synergistic immunity as a toll‐like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonist. Upon accumulation at the tumor site, R‐NPT NP released R848 in response to redox metabolite glutathione (GSH), triggering dendritic cell (DC) activation. The photothermal effect endowed by R‐NPT NP can ablate tumors directly and trigger immunogenic cell death to augment immunity after photoirradiation. The synergistic effect of GSH‐liable TLR7/8 agonist and released immunogenic factors leads to a robust evocation of systematic immunity through promoted DC maturation and T cell infiltration. Thus, R‐NPT NP with photoirradiation achieved 99.3 % and 98.2 % growth inhibition against primary and distal tumors, respectively.
Light Induced Proton Coupled Charge Transfer Triggers Counterion Directional Translocation
Authors: Chang Kai‐Hsin , Yang Yu‐Hsuan , Su Kuan‐Hsuan , Chen Yi , Lin Ta‐Chun , Li Jian‐Liang , Liu Zong‐Ying , Shi Jing‐Han , Wang Tzu‐Fang , Chang Yi‐Tyng , Demchenko Alexander P. , Yang Hsiao‐Ching , Chou Pi‐Tai
Published: April 2024

We demonstrate directed translocation of ClO4− anions from cationic to neutral binding site along the synthetized BPym‐OH dye molecule that exhibits coupled excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) and charge‐transfer (CT) reaction (PCCT). The results of steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopy together with computer simulation and modeling show that in low polar toluene the excited‐state redistribution of electronic charge enhanced by ESIPT generates the driving force, which is much stronger than by CT reaction itself and provides more informative gigantic shifts of fluorescence spectra signaling on ultrafast ion motion. The associated with ion translocation red‐shifted fluorescence band (at 750 nm, extending to near‐IR region) appears at the time ~83 ps as a result of electrochromic modulation of PCCT reaction. It occurs at substantial delay to PCCT that displayed fluorescence band at 640 nm and risetime of <200 fs. Thus, it becomes possible to visualize the manifestations of light‐triggered ion translocation and of its driving force by fluorescence techniques and to separate them in time and energy domains.
Beyond Tertiary Amines: Introducing Secondary Amines by Palladium/Norbornene‐Catalyzed Ortho Amination
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhu Qi , Dong Guangbin
Published: April 2024

Since the discovery of the palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE)‐catalyzed ortho amination in 2013, escaping the limitation of only yielding tertiary anilines has been a long‐standing challenge. Here, we describe that, by carefully choosing the phosphine ligand and NBE mediator, the installation of a N‐mono‐alkylamino group becomes feasible. The reaction tolerates a wide range of aryl iodide substrates and various N‐mono‐tertiary alkylamine‐derived electrophiles. Both ipso alkenylation and alkynylation can be realized. The synthetic utility of this method is exemplified by the formation of primary amino group via selective deprotection and streamlined access to N‐heterocycles. Preliminary success of installing a bulky N‐secondary alkylamino group and a mechanistic understanding of the decomposition pathways of mono N‐alkylamine electrophiles have been obtained.
Catalytic Access to Diastereometrically Pure Four‐ and Five‐Membered Silyl‐Heterocycles Using Transborylation
Authors: Willcox Dominic R. , Cocco Emanuele , Nichol Gary S. , Carlone Armando , Thomas Stephen P.
Published: April 2024

Silyl‐heterocycles offer a unique handle to expand and explore chemical space, reactivity, and functionality. The shortage of catalytic methods for the preparation of diverse and functionalized silyl‐heterocycles however limits widespread exploration and exploitation. Herein the borane‐catalyzed intramolecular 1,1‐carboboration of silyl‐alkynes has been developed for the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydrosilolyl and silylcyclobut‐2‐enyl boronic esters. Successful, catalytic carboboration has been achieved on a variety of functionally diverse silyl‐alkynes, using a borane catalyst and transborylation‐enabled turnover. Mechanistic studies, including 13C‐labelling, computational studies, and single‐turnover experiments, suggest a reaction pathway proceeding by 1,2‐hydroboration, 1,1‐carboboration, and transborylation to release the alkenyl boronic ester product and regenerate the borane catalyst.
Germaaluminocenes—Masked Heterofulvenes
Authors: Geibel Nadeschda , Bührmann Lukas , Albers Lena , Schmidtmann Marc , Weiz Alexander , Müller Thomas
Published: April 2024

Germaaluminocenes are formed by salt metathesis reactions of dipotassium germacyclopentadienediides with pentamethylcyclopentadienylaluminum dichloride. The reactivity pattern of these sandwich complexes is determined by the electrophilic central aluminum atom and by the nucleophilic dicoordinated germanium center. Surprisingly, the products formed by reactions with Lewis acids, Lewis bases, amphiphiles and compounds with polar double bonds are those expected from the reaction of a hypothetical aluminagermapentafulvene with these types of reagents. This suggests that germaaluminocenes are synthetic equivalents to these pentafulvenes.
Habitat characterization, anthropogenic impacts and conservation of rhodolith beds off southeastern Malta
Authors: Tabone Luke , Knittweis Leyla , Aguilar Ricardo , Alvarez Helena , Borg Joseph A. , Garcia Silvia , Schembri Patrick J. , Evans Julian
Published: April 2024

Rhodolith beds, including maerl, are structurally complex perennial habitats that support a high species diversity but are threatened by numerous human activities, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite their global ecological importance, increased research efforts are needed to facilitate development of effective measures to conserve these habitats.

Two areas hosting rhodolith beds are known to occur off the coast of Malta (central Mediterranean), but only one has been previously studied. Through analysis of video footage collected from 56 different stations coupled with a desk study on human activities, the present study characterized the rhodolith bed located off the southeastern coast of Malta, including its extent, rhodolith morphotype composition, associated megabiota and impacts of anthropogenic activities thereon.

The bed occurred at depths of 60–95 m and covered an area of approximately 200 km2, making it the second most extensive rhodolith area reported for the Mediterranean to date. It was dominated by spherical and branched rhodoliths whose cover reached a maximum of 74% but was more often <50%, similar to other Mediterranean rhodolith beds. A total of 84 different megafaunal species were recorded, suggesting that the diversity of megafauna associated with rhodolith bed habitats has been previously underestimated. A number of human activities, including extensive vessel anchoring and officially designated areas for aquaculture, bunkering and trawling, overlap with the mapped rhodolith distribution, highlighting the risk of habitat degradation.

A holistic approach to the management of all the competing activities and interests relative to the southeastern coast of Malta that gives due consideration to this newly characterized rhodolith bed and the threats it faces is therefore recommended. The legal framework and policy recommendations for better conservation of rhodolith bed habitats in the Mediterranean and European Seas are also discussed.
An Air‐Stable Storage Compound for White Phosphorus: Reversible Addition to a Stannylene and Chemical Release of P4
Authors: Steller Beate G. , Roller Clara A. , Flock Michaela , Fischer Roland C.
Published: April 2024

Controlled insertion into a single P−P bond of white phosphorus (P4) was achieved by employing a diaryl stabilized stannylene, Ar*2Sn (Ar*=2,6‐bis(benzhydryl)‐4‐iPr‐phenyl). Conversions of the stannylene with P4 gave a non‐pyrophoric, air‐stable storage compound, which releases P4 quantitively upon irradiation with light (354 or 455 nm). Alternatively, the phosphorus cage is detached by reacting the storage compound with PhChChPh (Ch=Se, Te). Despite the recent advances in the directed conversion of P4 using main group element compounds, Ar*2Sn constitutes only the second structurally characterized example of a stannylene capable of performing controlled, reversible addition and release of white phosphorus.
Recent Advances in Photosensitizer Materials for Light‐Mediated Tumor Therapy
Authors: Chen Minle , Zhu Qianru , Zhang Zhenzhen , Chen Qiushui , Yang Huanghao
Published: April 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an emerging therapeutic method has drawn much attention in the treatment field for cancer. Photosensitizer, which can convert photon energy into cytotoxic species under light irradiation, is the core component in PDT. The design of photosensitizers still faces problems of light absorption, targeting, penetration and oxygen dependence. With the rapid progress of material science, various photosensitizers have been developed to produce cytotoxic species for treatment of tumor with high selectivity, safety, and noninvasiveness. Besides, the applications of photosensitizers have been expanded to diverse cancer treatments such as drug release, optogenetics and immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of photosensitizers in various therapeutic methods for cancer. Prevailing challenges and further prospects associated with photosensitizers are also discussed.
Regional economic aspects of carbon markets and anaerobic digesters in the USA: the case of swine production
Authors: Dumortier Jerome , Crespi John , Hayes Dermot J. , Burress Molly , Valcu‐Lisman Adriana , Lewandrowski Jan
Published: April 2024

The USA has significant potential to produce energy from anaerobic digesters (AD) due to the size of its agricultural sector. The use of ADs reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manure management. The financial benefits to farmers come from the on‐farm use, or off‐farm sales, of biogas and its end products, namely renewable natural gas (RNG) or electricity. Current energy prices and policies in the USA are insufficient to trigger large‐scale construction of ADs; however, payments to avoid GHG emissions and sequester carbon could become sufficiently high to prompt investment. This analysis quantifies the economic incentives necessary for the construction of ADs for swine producers and can easily be expanded to include other feedstocks. Various end‐use pathways to produce RNG and electricity are considered to account for location, herd size, and other parameters to deliver a comprehensive analysis for the USA. The analysis and results are composed of a generic part to illustrate the effects of carbon payment on profitability in general as well as a specific analysis for states representing 83.6% of the US hog inventory. Our results indicate that carbon payments would be a stronger determinant than energy prices in farm‐level decisions to install ADs, but that energy prices would be influential in determining the optimal biogas end use. The potential need for long‐term contracts – both for energy and carbon payments – to reduce investment uncertainty and increase investment in ADs is also discussed.