bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Study of the Efficacy of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Mammographic Screening in Survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Ng Andrea K. , Garber Judy E. , Diller Lisa R. , Birdwell Robyn L. , Feng Yang , Neuberg Donna S. , Silver Barbara , Fisher David C. , Marcus Karen J. , Mauch Peter M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Current guidelines recommend breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an adjunct to mammography for breast cancer screening in female cancer survivors treated with chest irradiation at a young age, beginning 8 to 10 years after treatment. Prospective data evaluating its efficacy in female cancer survivors are lacking. This study sought to compare the sensitivity and specificity of breast MRI with those of mammography in women who received chest irradiation for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Patients and Methods

We enrolled 148 women treated with chest irradiation for HL at age ≤ 35 years who were > 8 years beyond treatment. Yearly breast MRI and mammogram were performed over a 3-year period. Sensitivity and specificity of the two screening modalities were compared.

Results

With the screening, 63 biopsies were performed in 45 women; 18 (29%) showed a malignancy. All but one of the screen-detected malignancies were preinvasive or subcentimeter node-negative breast cancers. After excluding first-screen MRI and mammogram, mammogram sensitivity was 68% as compared with 67% for MRI (P = 1.0). Sensitivity increased to 94% using both screening modalities. The specificities of mammogram alone, MRI alone, and both were 93%, 94%, and 90%, respectively.

Conclusion

In contrast to women with genetic or familial risk, in HL survivors breast MRI was not more sensitive than mammogram for breast cancer detection. However, the two screening modalities complement each other in the detection of early cases of disease. Early diagnosis is particularly important in these patients, given the breast cancer treatment challenges in patients who have received prior cancer therapy.
Creation of Fibrous Nanotubes of Green Fluorescent Protein by Conjugation with pH-Responsive Polymer, Poly(2-vinylpyridine), and Use of Microfluidic Synthesis
Authors: Okiyama Naoya , Ota Eriko , Sumino Ayumi , Noji Tomoyasu , Yamamoto Katsuhiro , Oku Jun-ichi , Dewa Takehisa , Tanaka Toshiki , Mizuno Toshihisa
Published: April 2013

We succeeded in preparing a fibrous nanotube of green fluorescent protein by conjugation with poly(2-vinylpyridine) and use of a microfluidic synthesis technique. By inducing a sudden pH change in the acidic solution (pH 4.5) by injection into a neutral buffer using a microsyringe, the fibrous nanotube could be selectively formed. Its diameter and length were about 200 nm and 1–10 µm, respectively.
Nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Isocyanates with 1,3-Dienes
Authors: Morimoto Masao , Nishida Yui , Miura Tomoya , Murakami Masahiro
Published: April 2013

Two molecules of an isocyanate react with one molecule of a 1,3-diene in the presence of a nickel(0) catalyst to give a 6-substituted dihydropyrimidine-2,4-dione. A five-membered azanickelacyclic intermediate is initially generated through oxidative cyclization of a hetero-pair of the isocyanate and the 1,3-diene onto nickel(0). Another molecule of the isocyanate is subsequently incorporated therein and reductive elimination follows.
Convenient Preparation of Primary Amides via Activation of Carboxylic Acids with Ethyl Chloroformate and Triethylamine under Mild Conditions
Authors: Noguchi Takuya , Sekine Masahiro , Yokoo Yuki , Jung Seunghee , Imai Nobuyuki
Published: April 2013

Primary amides were easily prepared in 22–99% yields from the corresponding carboxylic acids 1 or 5 with NH4Cl via activation with ClCO2Et and Et3N. The enantiomers of the corresponding primary amides of Cbz-, Boc-, or Fmoc-α-amino acids can be separated by using a chiral column.
Strained and Fluxional Macrocyclic Framework of Anthracene–Diacetylene Cyclic Pentamers
Authors: Yoshikawa Manami , Imigi Sakiko , Wakamatsu Kan , Iwanaga Tetsuo , Toyota Shinji
Published: April 2013

Macrocyclic oligomers with five 1,8-anthrylene units and five diacetylene linkers were synthesized by successive coupling reactions. DFT calculations and variable temperature NMR measurements revealed that the cyclic framework is stained and fluxional, and each anthracene unit moves rapidly around all possible orientations.
Oxidation States of [5]Radialene with Five 1,3-Dithiol-2-ylidenes and Its Oxygen Adduct
Authors: Ueda Masafumi , Shirahata Takashi , Misaki Yohji
Published: April 2013

Spectroelectrochemistry of [5]radialenes with five 1,3-dithiol-2-ylidenes (DTs) (1) was carried out. The UV–vis–NIR spectra of 12+ suggest delocalization of two positive charges over three DT units. X-ray structure analysis of an oxygen adduct (2)2+(AsF6−)2(PhCl)1.5 reveals that 22+ has a cyclopentadienide structure in the central five-membered ring.
Rheumatic fever in Ireland: the role of Dr Monica Lea Wilson (1889–1971)
Authors: Ward O Conor
Published: April 2013

In 1869 William Stokes pointed out that the severity of rheumatic fever in Dublin had declined over recent decades. Similar worldwide decline led to the closure of many internationally famous rheumatic fever centres. The discovery by Robert Collis that rheumatic fever was a sequel to haemolytic streptococcal infection and the subsequent discovery of penicillin accelerated the decline. St Gabriel's Hospital in Dublin opened in 1951 under the clinical direction of Dr Monica Lea Wilson. Contrary to contemporary medical opinion a regimen of very prolonged bed rest was enforced. From 1961 the family doctors became concerned at the adverse psychological effects of the unnecessarily prolonged hospital stay. Twenty-seven of the 56 inpatients were re-assessed. None of them showed any evidence of active rheumatic fever and their parents took them home. The hospital closed in 1968. Dr Lea Wilson distanced herself from mainstream medicine and she is best remembered for having presented an unrecognized Caravaggio painting to the Jesuit Order in recognition of their pastoral support at the time of the controversial assassination in 1920 of her husband Percival, an Inspector in the Royal Irish Constabulary.
Dr Walter Henry Anderson (1870–1937) and the Mission Hospital at Safed, Palestine
Authors: Stokes Gordon S
Published: April 2013

Walter Henry Anderson, a brewer's clerk in Burton-upon-Trent, became a missionary doctor, supported by a society promoting welfare and evangelism in Jewish communities abroad. His family background was rich in pastoral ministry at home and adventure abroad. Arguably, this background played a part in his decision to serve the Jews of Safed. His life in Palestine entailed much enterprise and hardship as he raised a family, fought disease and set up a mission hospital serving not only the Jewish community but persons of all faiths. His years in Palestine, from 1894 to 1915, were times of peace in the Middle East before the turmoil unleashed by the Great War. Jews from the Diaspora were gaining an increasing foothold in Palestine, their ‘Promised Land’. Themes of that era – the rise of Zionism, confrontation between Judaism and evangelical Christianity, conflict between immigrant Jew and Palestinian Arab and the remarkable travels of Lawrence of Arabia were interwoven with the lives of Dr Anderson and his family.
Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa (1864–1901): artistic genius and medical curiosity
Authors: Leigh F W
Published: April 2013

Toulouse-Lautrec was born in Albi in South West France. His parents were first cousins; this consanguineous marriage was responsible for his ugly deformities. Lautrec's life in Montmartre became the setting for much of his art and for his deliberate slow self-destruction. In addition to his artistic ability he was courageous, a natural leader, an accomplished chef, a connoisseur of fine wine, intelligent, humorous and very generous.
Comparative evaluation of leasing as a source of financing of the company
Authors: Кучеренко  , Kucherenko Anna
Published: April 2013

The author provides a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of various sources of financing: credit, leasing and purchase at their own expense. Represent an algorithm for evaluating the effectiveness of various sources of funding.
Myths of economics: the problems of effective
Authors: Свирчевский  , Svirchevskiy Vadim
Published: April 2013

The article critically assessed tenets of economic theory related to determining the effectiveness of economic processes. Substantiates the view to assess the effectiveness of economic systems, when not only the cost-effectiveness is the main criterion of effectiveness as the degree of achievement. From this perspective, examining the use of the techniques by which attempts to describe a number of states, which depends on many factors.
Price Competition Under Mixed Multinomial Logit Demand Functions
Authors: Aksoy-Pierson Margaret , Allon Gad , Federgruen Awi
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we postulate a general class of price competition models with mixed multinomial logit demand functions under affine cost functions. In these models, the market is partitioned into a finite set of market segments. We characterize the equilibrium behavior of this class of models in the case where each product in the market is sold by a separate, independent firm. We identify a simple and very broadly satisfied condition under which a pure Nash equilibrium exists and the set of Nash equilibria coincides with the solutions of the system of first-order-condition equations, a property of essential importance to empirical studies. This condition specifies that in every market segment, each firm captures less than 50% of the potential customer population when pricing at a specific level that, under the condition, is an upper bound for a rational price choice for the firm irrespective of the competitors' prices. We show that under a somewhat stronger, but still broadly satisfied, version of the above condition, a unique equilibrium exists. We complete the picture by establishing the existence of a Nash equilibrium, indeed a unique Nash equilibrium, for markets with an arbitrary degree of concentration, under sufficiently tight price bounds. We discuss how our results extend to a continuum of customer types. A discussion of the multiproduct case is included. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications for structural estimation methods.

This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Die bayerische Judenpolitik in der ersten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts und deren Folgen für das schwäbische Landjudentum
Authors: Ried Claudia
Published: April 2013

Over several centuries, the Bavarian dukes and electors pursued the aim of preventing Jewish settlements in their territory. From the expulsion of the Jews by Albrecht V. in 1553 until the beginning of the 18
Zwischen Ausgrenzung und Duldung. Die Geschichte der TH Darmstadt und ihrer jüdischen Studierenden 1933–1950
Authors: Hanel Melanie , Schmidt Isabel
Published: April 2013

In their article Melanie Hanel and Isabel Schmidt analyze the situation of the Jewish students at the Technische Hochschule Darmstadt (THD) between 1933 and 1950. Consciously leaving out the political caesura of 1945, the authors focus on two periods that represent different realities: the exclusion of the Jewish students, divided in »Voll-« and »Mischlingsjuden« during National Socialism, and, successively, the acceptance of the Jewish students among DP-students after 1945. Based on the fact that the THD had the possibility to choose between different courses of action – before as well as after 1945 – the main focus is on the active role and motives of the Hochschule.
Corporate Political Action: Rethinking the Economic and Organizational Influences
Authors: Schuler Douglas A.
Published: April 2013

Although the influence of economic factors has long dominated the analysis of corporate political action, the role of organizational factors is increasingly seen as important in explaining the phenomenon. Building upon a recent study (Martin 1995) that emphasizes the prominence of organizational factors in political decision-making, we revisit a previously used literature, reconceptualize the relationship between economic and organizational factors and corporate political action as one of mediation, and employ new data and methods to test this relationship. Our findings demonstrate emphatically the importance of organizational factors in understanding corporate political action.
Latin American Trade Strategy at Century's End
Authors: Wise Carol
Published: April 2013

This paper tackles the question of trade strategy and differential economic performance in Latin America, with a focus on the four countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico—most important for the successful completion of a full Western Hemispheric integration scheme. The analysis distinguishes between a ‘standard’ market strategy that assigns the task of economic adjustment to market forces, and a ‘competitive’ strategy that more actively employs a range of public policies to facilitate adjustment and correct for instances of market failure. The choices of strategy are explored against the backdrop of international pressures, government business relations, and institutional reform within the state. Two main conclusions are drawn: first, the competitive strategy strongly correlates with more favorable macro- and microeconomic outcomes and, second, mediocre economic performance under a standard market strategy has undermined the spirit of collective action that will be necessary to forge ahead at the hemispheric level.
Politics Matter: The 1997 Derailment of Fast-Track Trade Authority
Authors: Schnietz Karen E. , Nieman Timothy
Published: April 2013

In 1997, President Clinton became the first President not awarded fast-track trade negotiating authority since this congressional delegation of trade policymaking authority first began in 1934. Fast-track's failure also represents a case of an unsuccessful business political strategy since business supporters of the measure were easily defeated by labor and environmental opponents, despite the many political ‘privileges’ that business possessed. This case study describes why fast-track is important to the future of US and global trade policy and examines the main reasons for its failure. In doing so, it illustrates theories of pivotal politics, the median voter, collective action, issue framing, international trade's welfare costs and benefits, and international relations that often arise in research and courses on the non-market environment of business, international trade, and international political economy.
On inductively free reflection arrangements
Authors: Hoge Torsten , Röhrle Gerhard
Published: April 2013

Suppose that W is a finite, unitary
reflection group acting on the complex
vector space V.
Let 𝒜 = 𝒜(W) be the associated
hyperplane arrangement of W.
Terao [J. Fac. Sci. Univ. Tokyo 27 (1980), 293–320] has shown that
each such reflection
arrangement 𝒜 is free.
There is the stronger notion of an inductively free arrangement.
In 1992, Orlik and Terao [Arrangements of hyperplanes, Springer-Verlag, Berlin 1992, Conjecture 6.91]
conjectured that each reflection arrangement is inductively free.
It has been known for quite some time that
the braid arrangement
as well as the
Coxeter arrangements of type B
ℓ
and type D
ℓ
are inductively free.
Barakat and Cuntz [Adv. Math. 229 (2012), 691–709]
completed this list only recently by showing
that every Coxeter arrangement is inductively free.

Nevertheless, Orlik and Terao's conjecture is false in general.
In a paper which will appear in Tôhoku Math. J., we already gave
two counterexamples to this conjecture among the exceptional
complex reflection groups.

In this paper we
classify all inductively free reflection arrangements.
In addition, we show that the notions of inductive freeness
and that of hereditary inductive freeness
coincide for reflection arrangements.

As a consequence of our classification, we get an
easy, purely combinatorial characterization of
inductively free reflection arrangements 𝒜
in terms of exponents of the restrictions
to any hyperplane of 𝒜.
Critical Behaviour of the Heat Capacity Near the α-β Phase Transition in Quartz
Authors: Yurtseven H. , Desticioğlu M.
Published: April 2013

The α-β transition (TQ = 578°C) is studied in quartz by analyzing the experimental heat capacity Cp data taken from the literature, using a power-law formula. Values of the critical exponent α for Cp are extracted below and above TQ, which describe the α-β transition as a second order transition in quartz. The α values obtained here are compared with the predictions of the theoretical models.
New Phenomenological Model of Hot Mean Flow Stress
Authors: Schindler Ivo , Kawulok Petr , Rusz Stanislav , Plura Jiří , Vašek Zdeňek , Pachlopník Radim
Published: April 2013

Based on the measurement of roll forces during the laboratory hot rolling of flat samples graded in thickness, the new phenomenological type of mean flow stress model was developed and applied on plain-carbon and HSLA steels. The obtained models describe with a very good accuracy the hot deformation resistance characteristics in the temperature range 1123 to 1463 K, large effective strain, and strain rate in the useful range of approximately 10 to 100 s−1. Difficulty in the mathematical description of the influence of temperature on mean flow stress in the wide range of temperature by a single equation was solved by introducing another constant in the temperature member of the conventional model. The newly proposed model solves by phenomenological means a frequent problem of heteroscedasticity of relative deviations between the calculated and experimental values of mean flow stress values depending on temperature. It becomes more reliable from the viewpoint of the operational application, e.g. fast prediction of mean flow stress values and power/force parameters necessary in the steering systems of hot rolling mills.
Hyperandrogenemia in male autistic children and adolescents: relation to disease severity
Authors: El-Baz Farida , Hamza Rasha T. , Ayad Mohamed S.E. , Mahmoud Nermine H.
Published: April 2013

Background: It has been suggested that autistic patients have elevated blood androgens, and although signs of precocious puberty have been reported in autistic patients, such a relation has not yet been clarified.

Objectives: To assess serum androgen levels in a group of Egyptian male autistic children and adolescents and their relation to disease severity. In addition, the risk for association of androgens with autism was estimated.

Methods: In comparison to 20 controls, 30 male autistic children were studied. All subjects were subjected to clinical evaluation, intelligence quotient (IQ) assessment and measurement of serum free testosterone (FT), dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA) and Δ4-androstenedione (Δ4-A).

Results: Androgens were higher in autistic patients than in controls and increased with increased autistic severity. Of the patients, 11 (36.66%) had high FT, 9 (30%) had high DHEA, 12 (40%) had high Δ4-A and 8 (26.66%) showed elevation of all androgen levels. FT (OR: 38.45, 95% CI: 2.14–688.93, p=0.013) and Δ4-A (OR: 13.6, 95%CI: 2.25–22.89, p=0.04) had a significant risk for association with autism.

Conclusions: Hyperandrogenemia is prevalent in autistic patients and increases with autistic severity. Thus, androgen levels should be assessed in autistic patients with signs of early puberty. Further studies are warranted regarding trials of anti-androgen therapy in such patients.
Robust Global Control Strategies for Improvement of Angular Stability using FACTS and HVDC Devices
Authors: Agnihotri P. , Kulkarni A.M. , Gole A.M.
Published: April 2013

System-wide feedback signals made available by Wide-Area Measurement Systems technology can be used in FACTS/HVDC based controllers for the improvement of angular stability. These global signals can facilitate the efficient use of controller effort to stabilize critical swing modes. This paper introduces a restricted global strategy which involves the use of specific global feedback signals which are available at the HVDC/FACTS locations. The strategy is expected to be robust to changes in the power grid as well as communication uncertainties. This paper presents a heuristic introduction to this strategy using a circuit analogy of a simplified model of a power system. Preliminary results on a small system are also presented.
Improving Power Quality in Low-Voltage Networks Containing Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Mazumder Sumit , Ghosh Arindam , Zare Firuz
Published: April 2013

Severe power quality problems can arise when a large number of single-phase distributed energy resources (DERs) are connected to a low-voltage power distribution system. Due to the random location and size of DERs, it may so happen that a particular phase generates excess power than its load demand. In such an event, the excess power will be fed back to the distribution substation and will eventually find its way to the transmission network, causing undesirable voltage–current unbalance. As a solution to this problem, the article proposes the use of a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM), which regulates voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC), thereby ensuring balanced current flow from and to the distribution substation. Additionally, this device can also support the distribution network in the absence of the utility connection, making the distribution system work as a microgrid. The proposals are validated through extensive digital computer simulation studies using PSCADTM.
Point of Connection Transmission Pricing in India
Authors: Soonee S.K. , Barpanda S.S. , Joshi Mohit , Mishra Nripen , Bhardwaj Vaishally
Published: April 2013

The National Electricity Policy (NEP) [1], issued by the Government of India, mandates transmission prices to be distance and direction sensitive and capture utilization of the network by each network user. In line with the mandate, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) [2] has issued Sharing of Interstate Transmission Charges and Losses Regulations, 2010 [3], to introduce point of connection (PoC)-based transmission pricing methodology in India. The methodology under the above regulations introduces one of the major reforms of its kind in the Indian power sector and seeks to share the total transmission charges in proportion to respective utilization of the transmission system by different entities. In this paper, the authors have enumerated their experience gained from the implementation of PoC-based transmission pricing regime in India. Authors have also discussed various issues encountered in the process of implementation and the methodology adopted.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in nutritionally obese children and metabolic co-morbidity
Authors: Aypak Cenk , Türedi Özlem , Yüce Adnan , Görpelioğlu Süleyman
Published: April 2013

Objective: In recent years, there has been increasing focus on thyroid function in pediatric obese patients. Our aims were to investigate whether there is an association between serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) within the normal range and body mass index (BMI), and to determine if TSH levels correlate with metabolic risk factors in children.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was carried out on 528 euthyroid, age- and sex-matched lean, overweight, or obese children. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, hepatic enzymes, lipid profiles, TSH, free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) were assessed from medical records and compared among groups. Subjects with known presence of diabetes, using medications altering blood pressure and glucose or lipid metabolism, with TSH levels >97.5 or <2.5 percentile, or with autoimmune thyroid disease were excluded.

Results: Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated levels of hepatic enzymes were found to be more common in overweight and obese children (p<0.001), and those metabolic changes were significantly correlated with the increase in BMI (p<0.05). Serum concentrations of TSH and fT3 within the normal range were higher in overweight and obese children (p<0.01), and TSH was positively correlated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that obese children have higher serum TSH and fT3 levels even within the normal range, and that an increase in TSH is associated with dyslipidemia and higher systolic blood pressure. It remains to be seen whether TSH might serve as a potential marker of metabolic risk factors in obese pediatric patients.
Is there a relationship between fetal brain function and the fetal behavioral state? A fetal MEG-study
Authors: Kiefer-Schmidt Isabelle , Raufer Julia , Brändle Johanna , Münßinger Jana , Abele Harald , Wallwiener Diethelm , Eswaran Hari , Preissl Hubert
Published: April 2013

Aim: Fetal magnetography enables the recording of biomagnetic fetal signals, including fetal heart and fetal brain signals. These signals allow the determination of fetal behavioral states and functional brain signals with auditory evoked responses (AER). In the current study, we investigated how the behavioral state influences the AER and how stimulation affects fetal state.

Methods: One hundred and four fetuses in three age groups (28–31 weeks, 32–35 weeks and 36–41 weeks) were recorded with and without auditory stimulation. Both sessions were scored for fetal states. The AER latency was determined for each state separately. Forty-five additional subjects were recorded with two sessions of 10 min without stimulation to investigate a possible time effect on state changes.

Results: The state distribution was significantly different between stimulation and no stimulation conditions. The AER latencies were significantly shorter in active sleep (P=0.013) and active wakefulness (P=0.004) compared to quiet sleep.

Conclusion: Auditory stimulation has an effect on fetal states. The state information should be taken into account for the analysis of AER latencies.
Performance of salivary cortisol in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, adrenal incidentaloma, and adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Ceccato Filippo , Barbot Mattia , Zilio Marialuisa , Ferasin Sergio , Occhi Gianluca , Daniele Andrea , Mazzocut Sara , Iacobone Maurizio , Betterle Corrado , Mantero Franco , Scaroni Carla
Published: April 2013

Objective

Salivary cortisol has recently been suggested for studies on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The lack of circadian rhythm is a marker of Cushing's syndrome (CS), and some authors have reported that low salivary cortisol levels may be a marker of adrenal insufficiency. The aim of our study was to define the role of salivary cortisol in specific diagnostic settings of HPA axis disease.

Subjects and methods

We analyzed morning salivary cortisol (MSC) and late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) levels in 406 subjects: 52 patients with Cushing's disease (CD), 13 with ectopic CS, 17 with adrenal CS, 27 with CD in remission (a mean follow-up of 66±39 months), 45 with adrenal incidentaloma, 73 assessed as having CS and then ruled out for endogenous hypercortisolism, 75 with adrenal insufficiency, and 104 healthy subjects.

Results

A LNSC value above 5.24 ng/ml differentiated CS patients from controls with high sensitivity (96.3%) and specificity (97.1%); we found higher LNSC levels in ectopic CS patients than in CD patients. We found no difference in MSC and LNSC levels between patients with CD in remission and healthy subjects. Both MSC and LNSC levels were higher in patients with adrenal incidentaloma than in healthy controls. A MSC value below 2.65 ng/ml distinguished patients with adrenal insufficiency from controls with high sensitivity (97.1%) and specificity (93.3%).

Conclusions

Salivary cortisol is a useful tool to assess endogenous cortisol excess or adrenal insufficiency and to evaluate stable CD in remission.
Multiple signaling pathways mediate ghrelin-induced proliferation of hippocampal neural stem cells
Authors: Chung Hyunju , Li Endan , Kim Yumi , Kim Sehee , Park Seungjoon
Published: April 2013

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), has been implicated in several physiologic processes involving the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ghrelin-stimulated neurogenesis using cultured adult rat hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs). The expression of GHS-R1a was detected in hippocampal NSCs, as assessed by western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Ghrelin treatment increased the proliferation of cultured hippocampal NSCs assessed by BrdU incorporation. The exposure of cells to the receptor-specific antagonist d-Lys-3-GHRP-6 abolished the proliferative effect of ghrelin. By contrast, ghrelin showed no significant effect on cell differentiation. The expression of GHS-R1a was significantly increased by ghrelin treatment. The analysis of signaling pathways showed that ghrelin caused rapid activation of ERK1/2 and Akt, which were blocked by the GHS-R1a antagonist. In addition, ghrelin stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt downstream effectors, such as glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6K. The activation of STAT3 was also caused by ghrelin treatment. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with specific inhibitors of MEK/ERK1/2, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mTOR, and Jak2/STAT3 attenuated ghrelin-induced cell proliferation. Taken together, our results support a role for ghrelin in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and suggest the involvement of the ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt, and STAT3 signaling pathways in the mediation of the actions of ghrelin on neurogenesis. Our data also suggest that PI3K/Akt-mediated inactivation of GSK-3β and activation of mTOR/p70S6K contribute to the proliferative effect of ghrelin.
Is Structural Equation Modeling Advantageous for the Genetic Improvement of Multiple Traits?
Authors: Valente Bruno D , Rosa Guilherme J M , Gianola Daniel , Wu Xiao-Lin , Weigel Kent
Published: April 2013

Structural equation models (SEMs) are multivariate specifications capable of conveying causal relationships among traits. Although these models offer insights into how phenotypic traits relate to each other, it is unclear whether and how they can improve multiple-trait selection. Here, we explored concepts involved in SEMs, seeking for benefits that could be brought to breeding programs, relative to the standard multitrait model (MTM) commonly used. Genetic effects pertaining to SEMs and MTMs have distinct meanings. In SEMs, they represent genetic effects acting directly on each trait, without mediation by other traits in the model; in MTMs they express overall genetic effects on each trait, equivalent to lumping together direct and indirect genetic effects discriminated by SEMs. However, in breeding programs the goal is selecting candidates that produce offspring with best phenotypes, regardless of how traits are causally associated, so overall additive genetic effects are the matter. Thus, no information is lost in standard settings by using MTM-based predictions, even if traits are indeed causally associated. Nonetheless, causal information allows predicting effects of external interventions. One may be interested in predictions for scenarios where interventions are performed, e.g., artificially defining the value of a trait, blocking causal associations, or modifying their magnitudes. We demonstrate that with information provided by SEMs, predictions for these scenarios are possible from data recorded under no interventions. Contrariwise, MTMs do not provide information for such predictions. As livestock and crop production involves interventions such as management practices, SEMs may be advantageous in many settings.
Bone Lesions in an Infant With Congenital Parvovirus B19 Infection
Authors: Cantey Joseph B. , Pritchard Marcia A. , Sánchez Pablo J.
Published: April 2013

Bone lesions on radiographs of newborns often suggest congenital infections. Skeletal roentgenograms are recommended in the evaluation of suspected congenital syphilis, but bone lesions have been recognized in other congenital infections. We report the case of an infant with hydrops fetalis secondary to congenital parvovirus B19 infection who was found to have bone lesions in multiple long and axial bones on admission to the neonatal ICU. Both the infant and her mother were evaluated for other causes of congenital infection, but no other agents were identified. The bone lesions had nearly completely resolved by 10 weeks of age. Screening of neonates with congenital parvovirus B19 infection for bone lesions may provide additional insight into the incidence and pathophysiology of these lesions.
Systematic Review of Positive Youth Development Programs for Adolescents With Chronic Illness
Authors: Maslow Gary R. , Chung Richard J.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework has been successfully used to support at-risk youth. However, its effectiveness in fostering positive outcomes for adolescents with chronic illness has not been established. We performed a systematic review of PYD-consistent programs for adolescents with chronic illness.

METHODS:

Data sources included PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO. Guided by an analytic framework, we searched for studies of PYD-consistent programs serving adolescents and young adults aged 13 through 24 with chronic illness. References were screened iteratively with increasing depth until a focused cohort was obtained and reviewed in full. The authors separately reviewed the studies using structured analysis forms. Relevant study details were abstracted during the review process.

RESULTS:

Fifteen studies describing 14 programs were included in the analysis. Three comprehensive programs included all 3 core components of a PYD program, including opportunities for youth leadership, skill building, and sustained connections between youth and adults. Four programs were primarily mentoring programs, and 7 others focused on youth leadership. Programs served youth with a variety of chronic illnesses. The quality and type of evaluation varied considerably, with most reporting psychosocial outcomes but only a few including medical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PYD-consistent programs identified in this review can serve as models for the development of youth development programs for adolescents with chronic illness. Additional study is needed to evaluate such programs rigorously with respect to both psychosocial and health-related outcomes. PYD-consistent programs have the potential to reach youth with chronic illness and promote positive adult outcomes broadly.
Survival of Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
Authors: Gregoretti Cesare , Ottonello Giancarlo , Chiarini Testa Maria Beatrice , Mastella Chiara , Ravà Lucilla , Bignamini Elisabetta , Veljkovic Aleksandar , Cutrera Renato
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND:

Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is a progressive disease and is usually fatal in the first year of life.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was performed of SMA1 patients and their outcomes according to the following choices: letting nature take its course (NT); tracheostomy and invasive mechanical ventilation (TV); continuous noninvasive respiratory muscle aid (NRA), including noninvasive ventilation; and mechanically assisted cough.

RESULTS:

Of 194 consecutively referred patients enrolled in this study (103 males, 91 females), NT, TV, and NRA were chosen for 121 (62.3%), 42 (21.7%), and 31 (16%) patients, respectively. Survival at ages 24 and 48 months was higher in TV than NRA users: 95% (95% confidence interval: 81.8%–98.8%) and 67.7% (95% confidence interval: 46.7%–82%) at age 24 months (P < .001) and 89.43% and 45% at age 48 months in the TV and NRA groups, respectively (P < .001). The choice of TV decreased from 50% (1992–1998) to 12.7% (2005–2010) (P < .005) with a nonstatistically significant increase for NT from 50% to 65%. The choice of NRA increased from 8.1% (1999–2004) to 22.7% (2005–2010) (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Long-term survival outcome is determined by the choice of the treatment. NRA and TV can prolong survival, with NRA showing a lower survival probability at ages 24 and 48 months.
Heated, Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Nasal CPAP for Respiratory Support in Neonates
Authors: Yoder Bradley A. , Stoddard Ronald A. , Li Ma , King Jerald , Dirnberger Daniel R. , Abbasi Soraya
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) is commonly used as a noninvasive mode of respiratory support in the NICU. The safety and efficacy of HHHFNC have not been compared with other modes of noninvasive support in large randomized trials. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of HHHFNC compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) for noninvasive respiratory support in the NICU.

METHODS:

Randomized, controlled, unblinded noncrossover trial in 432 infants ranging from 28 to 42 weeks’ gestational age with planned nCPAP support, as either primary therapy or postextubation. The primary outcome was defined as a need for intubation within 72 hours of applied noninvasive therapy.

RESULTS:

There was no difference in early failure for HHHFNC (23/212 [10.8%]) versus nCPAP (18/220 [8.2%]; P = .344), subsequent need for any intubation (32/212 [15.1%] vs 25/220 [11.4%]; P = .252), or in any of several adverse outcomes analyzed, including air leak. HHHFNC infants remained on the study mode significantly longer than nCPAP infants (median: 4 vs 2 days, respectively; P < .01), but there were no differences between study groups for days on supplemental oxygen (median: 10 vs 8 days), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (20% vs 16%), or discharge from the hospital on oxygen (19% vs 18%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among infants ≥28 weeks’ gestational age, HHHFNC appears to have similar efficacy and safety to nCPAP when applied immediately postextubation or early as initial noninvasive support for respiratory dysfunction.
Differences in Health Care Access and Utilization Between Adolescents and Young Adults With Asthma
Authors: Chua Kao-Ping , Schuster Mark A. , McWilliams J. Michael
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Studies suggest that young adults have worse health care access, use less primary care, and visit emergency departments more frequently than adolescents. We examined whether these differences existed between older adolescents and young adults with asthma.

METHODS:

Using nationally representative data from the 1999 to 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we performed cross-sectional comparisons of access and utilization between older adolescents (ages 14–17) and young adults (ages 19–25) with asthma. In longitudinal analyses, we assessed whether changes in health insurance coverage, schooling, and adult presence at home predicted changes in access and utilization.

RESULTS:

Young adults with asthma were less likely to have a usual source of care (–13.7 percentage points; P < .001) or primary care visit within the past year (–13.9 percentage points; P = .006). They were less likely to fill a short-acting beta-agonist prescription (–10.6 percentage points; P = .02) and more likely to visit the emergency department within the past year (+9.7 percentage points; P = .01). Adjusting for differences in insurance coverage reduced differences in usual source of care and primary care use by 32.4% to 38.0% but reduced the difference in emergency department use by only 10.3%. Among participants aged 16 to 19 in the first survey year, becoming uninsured strongly predicted losing a usual source of care (change relative to no coverage loss: –25.2 percentage points; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with older adolescents with asthma, young adults with asthma have worse health care access and may use care less optimally. These differences were associated with but were not completely explained by differences in insurance coverage.
Food-Related Parenting Practices and Adolescent Weight Status: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Loth Katie A. , MacLehose Richard F. , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Crow Scott , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To examine food-related parenting practices (pressure-to-eat and food restriction) among mothers and fathers of adolescents and associations with adolescent weight status within a large population-based sample of racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse parent-adolescent pairs.

METHODS:

Adolescents (N = 2231; 14.4 years old [SD = 2.0]) and their parents (N = 3431) participated in 2 coordinated population-based studies designed to examine factors associated with weight status and weight-related behaviors in adolescents. Adolescents completed anthropometric measurements and surveys at school. Parents (or other caregivers) completed questionnaires via mail or phone.

RESULTS:

Findings suggest that the use of controlling food-related parenting practices, including pressure-to-eat and restriction, is common among parents of adolescents. Mean restriction levels were significantly higher among parents of overweight and obese adolescents compared with nonoverweight adolescents. However, levels of pressure-to-eat were significantly higher among nonoverweight adolescents. Results indicate that fathers are more likely than mothers to engage in pressure-to-eat behaviors and boys are more likely than girls to be on the receiving end of parental pressure-to-eat. Parental report of restriction did not differ significantly by parent or adolescent gender. No significant interactions by race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status were seen in the relationship between restriction or pressure-to-eat and adolescent weight status.

CONCLUSIONS:

Given that there is accumulating evidence for the detrimental effects of controlling feeding practices on children’s ability to self-regulate energy intake, these findings suggest that parents should be educated and empowered through anticipatory guidance to encourage moderation rather than overconsumption and emphasize healthful food choices rather than restrictive eating patterns.
Treatment of Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Jackson Brian J. , Slavin Mark R.
Published: April 2013

Dentists have several treatment options when restoring patients with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors. Endosseous implant therapy combined with orthodontics can achieve predictable outcomes while meeting patient expectations. This case report exhibits an interdisciplinary approach involving orthodontics, implant surgery, and prosthodontics to resolve this common dental concern.
Widening of the M1 motorway, UK, from junctions 31 to 32
Authors: Burton Andrew
Published: April 2013

The UK Highways Agency awarded a contract to Jackson Civil Engineering in July 2006 to widen the M1 motorway between junction 31 and junction 32 in South Yorkshire to a dual 4-lane motorway standard with provision for a future fifth lane on the southbound carriageway. This was a design-and-build contract, with the design being a development of an outline design produced by Hyder on behalf of the Highways Agency. Jackson Civil Engineering employed URS Corporation as its designer; the design team was based in its office in Bedford. The design period was 18 weeks with a 42-week construction period. The scheme was constructed within the existing corridor to negate the requirement for land take, thus enabling the scheme to be brought to construction phase much more quickly. This led to some interesting challenges on slope design and the scheme also required a number of Departures from Standards especially on alignment, including setback, with some relaxations also being required. Construction commenced in January 2007 and the works were substantially complete to allow for all lanes to be open to traffic by Christmas 2007, albeit under a temporary 50 miles/h (80 km/h) speed limit due to communications equipment issues; works were fully completed in January 2008. This paper describes both the design and construction phases.
Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding on Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolism
Authors: Magkos Faidon , Bradley David , Schweitzer George G. , Finck Brian N. , Eagon J. Christopher , Ilkayeva Olga , Newgard Christopher B. , Klein Samuel
Published: April 2013

It has been hypothesized that a greater decline in circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) after weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery than after calorie restriction alone has independent effects on glucose homeostasis, possibly by decreased signaling through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We evaluated plasma BCAAs and their C3 and C5 acylcarnitine metabolites, muscle mTOR phosphorylation, and insulin sensitivity (insulin-stimulated glucose Rd) in obese subjects before and after ∼20% weight loss induced by RYGB (n = 10, BMI 45.6 ± 6.7 kg/m2) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) (n = 10, BMI 46.5 ± 8.8 kg/m2). Weight loss increased insulin-stimulated glucose Rd by ∼55%, decreased total plasma BCAA and C3 and C5 acylcarnitine concentrations by 20–35%, and did not alter mTOR phosphorylation; no differences were detected between surgical groups (all P values for interaction >0.05). Insulin-stimulated glucose Rd correlated negatively with plasma BCAAs and with C3 and C5 acylcarnitine concentrations (r values −0.56 to −0.75, P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that weight loss induced by either LAGB or RYGB causes the same decline in circulating BCAAs and their C3 and C5 acylcarnitine metabolites. Plasma BCAA concentration is negatively associated with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, but the mechanism(s) responsible for this relationship is not known.
Current Legislation and Recommended Procedures / Tvorba národného plánu starostlivosti o pacientov so zriedkavými chorobami, súčasná legislatíva a odporúčané postupy
Authors: Cisarik F.
Published: April 2013

The author elaborates on the requirements for the creation of a national plan for rare disease on the basis of three fundamental parts of the problem: Centres of expertise - European reference network - European registers of rare diseases. He presents some positive examples of the latest developments and points out the difficulties of creation of registers of rare diseases in Europe, as well as in the SR. He emphasizes the role and engagement of the Ministry of Health in the implementation of partial tasks in the process of creation of the national plan and stresses the need to concentrate on a small number of fundamental tasks.