bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Versus Delayed Initiation of Concurrent Palliative Oncology Care: Patient Outcomes in the ENABLE III Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bakitas Marie A. , Tosteson Tor D. , Li Zhigang , Lyons Kathleen D. , Hull Jay G. , Li Zhongze , Dionne-Odom J. Nicholas , Frost Jennifer , Dragnev Konstantin H. , Hegel Mark T. , Azuero Andres , Ahles Tim A.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Randomized controlled trials have supported integrated oncology and palliative care (PC); however, optimal timing has not been evaluated. We investigated the effect of early versus delayed PC on quality of life (QOL), symptom impact, mood, 1-year survival, and resource use.

Patients and Methods

Between October 2010 and March 2013, 207 patients with advanced cancer at a National Cancer Institute cancer center, a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and community outreach clinics were randomly assigned to receive an in-person PC consultation, structured PC telehealth nurse coaching sessions (once per week for six sessions), and monthly follow-up either early after enrollment or 3 months later. Outcomes were QOL, symptom impact, mood, 1-year survival, and resource use (hospital/intensive care unit days, emergency room visits, chemotherapy in last 14 days, and death location).

Results

Overall patient-reported outcomes were not statistically significant after enrollment (QOL, P = .34; symptom impact, P = .09; mood, P = .33) or before death (QOL, P = .73; symptom impact, P = .30; mood, P = .82). Kaplan-Meier 1-year survival rates were 63% in the early group and 48% in the delayed group (difference, 15%; P = .038). Relative rates of early to delayed decedents' resource use were similar for hospital days (0.73; 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.27; P = .26), intensive care unit days (0.68; 95% CI, 0.23 to 2.02; P = .49), emergency room visits (0.73; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.19; P = .21), chemotherapy in last 14 days (1.57; 95% CI, 0.37 to 6.7; P = .27), and home death (27 [54%] v 28 [47%]; P = .60).

Conclusion

Early-entry participants' patient-reported outcomes and resource use were not statistically different; however, their survival 1-year after enrollment was improved compared with those who began 3 months later. Understanding the complex mechanisms whereby PC may improve survival remains an important research priority.
Benefits of Early Versus Delayed Palliative Care to Informal Family Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer: Outcomes From the ENABLE III Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dionne-Odom J. Nicholas , Azuero Andres , Lyons Kathleen D. , Hull Jay G. , Tosteson Tor , Li Zhigang , Li Zhongze , Frost Jennifer , Dragnev Konstantin H. , Akyar Imatullah , Hegel Mark T. , Bakitas Marie A.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To determine the effect of early versus delayed initiation of a palliative care intervention for family caregivers (CGs) of patients with advanced cancer.

Patients and Methods

Between October 2010 and March 2013, CGs of patients with advanced cancer were randomly assigned to receive three structured weekly telephone coaching sessions, monthly follow-up, and a bereavement call either early after enrollment or 3 months later. CGs of patients with advanced cancer were recruited from a National Cancer Institute cancer center, a Veterans Administration Medical Center, and two community outreach clinics. Outcomes were quality of life (QOL), depression, and burden (objective, stress, and demand).

Results

A total of 122 CGs (early, n = 61; delayed, n = 61) of 207 patients participated; average age was 60 years, and most were female (78.7%) and white (92.6%). Between-group differences in depression scores from enrollment to 3 months (before delayed group started intervention) favored the early group (mean difference, −3.4; SE, 1.5; d = −.32; P = .02). There were no differences in QOL (mean difference, −2; SE, 2.3; d = −.13; P = .39) or burden (objective: mean difference, 0.3; SE, .7; d = .09; P = .64; stress: mean difference, −.5; SE, .5; d = −.2; P = .29; demand: mean difference, 0; SE, .7; d = −.01; P = .97). In decedents' CGs, a terminal decline analysis indicated between-group differences favoring the early group for depression (mean difference, −3.8; SE, 1.5; d = −.39; P = .02) and stress burden (mean difference, −1.1; SE, .4; d = −.44; P = .01) but not for QOL (mean difference, −4.9; SE, 2.6; d = −.3; P = .07), objective burden (mean difference, −.6; SE, .6; d = −.18; P = .27), or demand burden (mean difference, −.7; SE, .6; d = −.23; P = .22).

Conclusion

Early-group CGs had lower depression scores at 3 months and lower depression and stress burden in the terminal decline analysis. Palliative care for CGs should be initiated as early as possible to maximize benefits.
Duration of culture and sonic hedgehog signaling differentially specify PV versus SST cortical interneuron fates from embryonic stem cells
Authors: Tyson Jennifer A. , Goldberg Ethan M. , Maroof Asif M. , Xu Qing , Petros Timothy J. , Anderson Stewart A.
Published: March 2015

Medial ganglionic eminence (MGE)-derived GABAergic cortical interneurons (cINs) consist of multiple subtypes that are involved in many cortical functions. They also have a remarkable capacity to migrate, survive and integrate into cortical circuitry after transplantation into postnatal cortex. These features have engendered considerable interest in generating distinct subgroups of interneurons from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) for the study of interneuron fate and function, and for the development of cell-based therapies. Although advances have been made, the capacity to generate highly enriched pools of subgroup fate-committed interneuron progenitors from PSCs has remained elusive. Previous studies have suggested that the two main MGE-derived interneuron subgroups – those expressing somatostatin (SST) and those expressing parvalbumin (PV) – are specified in the MGE from Nkx2.1-expressing progenitors at higher or lower levels of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, respectively. To further explore the role of Shh and other factors in cIN fate determination, we generated a reporter line such that Nkx2.1-expressing progenitors express mCherry and postmitotic Lhx6-expressing MGE-derived interneurons express GFP. Manipulations of Shh exposure and time in culture influenced the subgroup fates of ESC-derived interneurons. Exposure to higher Shh levels, and collecting GFP-expressing precursors at 12 days in culture, resulted in the strongest enrichment for SST interneurons over those expressing PV, whereas the strongest enrichment for PV interneurons was produced by lower Shh and by collecting mCherry-expressing cells after 17 days in culture. These findings confirm that fate determination of cIN subgroups is crucially influenced by Shh signaling, and provide a system for the further study of interneuron fate and function.
Activity-dependent FMRP requirements in development of the neural circuitry of learning and memory
Authors: Doll Caleb A. , Broadie Kendal
Published: March 2015

The activity-dependent refinement of neural circuit connectivity during critical periods of brain development is essential for optimized behavioral performance. We hypothesize that this mechanism is defective in fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Here, we use optogenetic tools in the Drosophila FXS disease model to test activity-dependent dendritogenesis in two extrinsic neurons of the mushroom body (MB) learning and memory brain center: (1) the input projection neuron (PN) innervating Kenyon cells (KCs) in the MB calyx microglomeruli and (2) the output MVP2 neuron innervated by KCs in the MB peduncle. Both input and output neuron classes exhibit distinctive activity-dependent critical period dendritic remodeling. MVP2 arbors expand in Drosophila mutants null for fragile X mental retardation 1 (dfmr1), as well as following channelrhodopsin-driven depolarization during critical period development, but are reduced by halorhodopsin-driven hyperpolarization. Optogenetic manipulation of PNs causes the opposite outcome – reduced dendritic arbors following channelrhodopsin depolarization and expanded arbors following halorhodopsin hyperpolarization during development. Importantly, activity-dependent dendritogenesis in both neuron classes absolutely requires dfmr1 during one developmental window. These results show that dfmr1 acts in a neuron type-specific activity-dependent manner for sculpting dendritic arbors during early-use, critical period development of learning and memory circuitry in the Drosophila brain.
WT1 targetsGas1to maintain nephron progenitor cells by modulating FGF signals
Authors: Kann Martin , Bae Eunnyung , Lenz Maximilian O. , Li Liangji , Trannguyen BaoTran , Schumacher Valerie A. , Taglienti Mary E. , Bordeianou Liliana , Hartwig Sunny , Rinschen Markus M. , Schermer Bernhard , Benzing Thomas , Fan Chen-Ming , Kreidberg Jordan A.
Published: March 2015

Development of the metanephric kidney depends on tightly regulated interplay between self-renewal and differentiation of a nephron progenitor cell (NPC) pool. Several key factors required for the survival of NPCs have been identified, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling and the transcription factor Wilms' tumor suppressor 1 (WT1). Here, we present evidence that WT1 modulates FGF signaling by activating the expression of growth arrest-specific 1 (Gas1), a novel WT1 target gene and novel modulator of FGF signaling. We show that WT1 directly binds to a conserved DNA binding motif within the Gas1 promoter and activates Gas1 mRNA transcription in NPCs. We confirm that WT1 is required for Gas1 expression in kidneys in vivo. Loss of function of GAS1 in vivo results in hypoplastic kidneys with reduced nephron mass due to premature depletion of NPCs. Although kidney development in Gas1 knockout mice progresses normally until E15.5, NPCs show decreased rates of proliferation at this stage and are depleted as of E17.5. Lastly, we show that Gas1 is selectively required for FGF-stimulated AKT signaling in vitro. In summary, our data suggest a model in which WT1 modulates receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in NPCs by directing the expression of Gas1.
Educação continuada em unidade de terapia intensiva: revisão da literatura
Authors: Souza Laurindo Pereira de , Lima Marcia Guerino de
Published: March 2015

Introdução: A educação continuada é um processo dinâmico de ensino-aprendizagem, ativo e permanente destinado a atualizar e melhorar a capacitação de pessoas. Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou fazer uma revisão bibliográfica acerca da importância da educação continuada em unidade de terapia intensiva-UTI, revelar o ano dos artigos publicados, autores e os Estados em que foram publicados. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quantiqualitativo, descritivo realizado por meio de revisão bibliográfica publicada nos bancos de dados: LILACS (Literatura Latino Americano e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), SciELO (Scientific Eletronic Library On-line) e BDENF(Banco de Dados em Enfermagem), tendo por descritores Decs: “educação continuada”, “unidade de terapia intensiva”, “enfermagem”, “educação permanente”. Estabeleceu como critérios de inclusão os artigos publicados nacionalmente, nos período compreendido entre 2000 a 2011, com uma amostra de 21 artigos. Resultados: Desse modo, a análise dos dados possibilitou identificar muita semelhança entre os estudos; o ano que obteve maior publicação foi 2006 com (19,04%), sendo a maioria dos pesquisadores (46.66%) com doutorado em enfermagem. Revelou também que o maior número de artigos publicados sobre o tema proposto, foi o estado de São Paulo, com 52,38% dos 21 artigos analisados, o que se justifica pelo fato de São Paulo ser uma região de referência na área acadêmica e de Saúde. Além disso, foi possível constatar que a unidade de terapia intensiva é um cenário para o qual toda a equipe multiprofissional deverá estar capacitada e qualificada a fim de exercer e executar suas funções com mais segurança. Considerações Finais: Acredita-se que o estudo fornecerá subsídio para a melhoria e a reflexão frente à tamanha importância da educação continuada voltada para a unidade de terapia intensiva.
A new hypothesis on HIV cure
Authors: Hladik Florian
Published: March 2015

In this opinion article, I provide the rationale for my hypothesis that nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) may prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure by promoting the survival of cells with integrated provirus. If correct, we may be closer to a cure than we realize.
Challenges and opportunities for early-career Teaching-Focussed academics in the biosciences
Authors: Hubbard Katharine , Gretton Sarah , Jones Katherine , Tallents Lucy
Published: March 2015

Twenty-seven percent of academics in UK Higher Education (HE) are in Teaching-Focussed positions, making major contributions to undergraduate programmes in an era of high student expectations when it comes to teaching quality. However, institutional support for Teaching-Focussed academics is often limited, both in terms of peer networking and opportunities for career development. As four early-career stage Teaching-Focussed academics working in a variety of institutions, we explore what motivated our choices to make teaching our primary academic activity, and the challenges that we have faced in doing so. In addition to highlighting the need for universities to fully recognise the achievements of teaching staff, we discuss the role that the various biosciences learned societies have in supporting Teaching-Focussed academics. We identify that there is a need for the learned societies to come together and pool their expertise in this area. The fragmented nature of the Teaching-Focussed academic community means that clear sources of national support are needed in order to best enable the next generation of bioscience educators to reach their full potential.
Auroral oval as a beautiful but outdated paradigm
Authors: Лазутин Леонид , Lazutin Leonid
Published: March 2015

Being an important region of the polar ionosphere, the auroral oval is considered in many studies on the disturbed magnetosphere. The oval seems to be thoroughly known to all researchers, but there is evidence of misunderstanding in some papers, so it is time to review this matter. Most works describing the auroral position and dynamics were published more than a half-century ago and became a rarity. In this paper, we tell the history of studies on distribution of auroras before the oval was discovered. We also touch upon the discovery of the oval and tell how it changed our viewpoint on the magnetospheric processes. Besides, we describe how the oval paradigm developed and became non-productive (from our point of view) for studying the structure of the magnetosphere and magnetospheric disturbances. Finally we show the position of the aural zone and auroral magnetosphere among the main domains of the magnetosphere.
Relationship between plasma flow Doppler velocities and magnetic field parameters during the appearance of active regions at the solar photospheric level
Authors: Хлыстова Анна , Khlystova Anna
Published: March 2015

Using data obtained with the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) onboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), we have conducted a statistical study of the relationship between plasma flow Doppler velocities and magnetic field parameters during the appearance of active regions at the solar photospheric level. We have examined 224 emerging active regions having different spatial scales and positions on the solar disc. The following relationships have been analysed: 1) those between the negative Doppler velocities and the position of active regions emerging on the solar disc; 2) those between the negative and positive Doppler velocities and the magnetic field parameters in the ac-tive regions emerging near the solar disc centre (the vertical component); 3) those between the negative and positive Doppler velocities and the magnetic field pa-rameters in the active regions emerging near the limb (the horizontal component); 4) those between the mag-netic flux growth rate and the strength of emerging magnetic fields; 5) those between the Doppler velocities and the magnetic field parameters during the first hours after the appearance of active regions with the total unsigned magnetic flux at the peak of their development.
Shock waves raised by explosions in space as sources of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays
Authors: Кичигин Геннадий , Kichigin Gennadiy
Published: March 2015

The paper discusses the possibility of particle acceleration up to ultrahigh energies in the relativistic waves generated by various explosive processes in the interstellar medium. We propose to use the surfatron mechanism of acceleration (surfing) of charged particles trapped in the front of relativistic waves as a generator of high-energy cosmic rays (CRs). Conditions under which surfing in these waves can be made are studied thoroughly. Ultra-high-energy CRs are shown to be obtained due to the surfing in the relativistic plane and spherical waves. Surfing is supposed to take place in nonlinear Langmuir waves excited by powerful electromagnetic radiation or relativistic beams of charged particles, as well as in strong shock waves generated by relativistic jets or spherical formations that expand fast (fireballs).
The Supply Chain Effects of Bankruptcy
Authors: Yang S. Alex , Birge John R. , Parker Rodney P.
Published: March 2015

This paper examines how a firm’s financial distress and the legal environment regarding the ease of bankruptcy reorganization can alter product market competition and supplier–buyer relationships. We identify three effects—predation, bail-out, and abetment—that can change firms’ behavior from their actions in the absence of financial distress. The predation effect increases competition before potential bankruptcy as the nondistressed competitor behaves as if it has some first-mover advantage that could benefit a supplier with price control. The bail-out effect reflects the supplier’s incentive to grant the distressed firm concessions to preserve competition, improving supply chain efficiency and providing support for the exclusivity rule in Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code when the supplier and the distressed firm are financially linked. The abetment effect is that the supplier may deliberately abet the competitor’s predation, leading to increased operational disadvantages for the distressed firm before bankruptcy. Together these effects stress that a firm’s bankruptcy potential can hurt its competitors and benefit its suppliers/customers. They also provide guidelines for firms’ operational decisions in such situations, a rationale for observed firm actions surrounding bankruptcies, and motivation for policies supporting reorganization and relaxing broad enforcement of nondiscriminatory pricing regulations.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
UV spectroscopy and multi-product multivariate calibration in the determination of the total acidity in industrialized juices
Authors: Dos Santos Dayane Aparecida , De Lima Karen Priscila , Março Paulo Henrique , Valderrama Patrícia
Published: March 2015

The determination of the total acid using UV spectroscopy and multi-product multivariate calibration is presented as an alternative to the conventional method through potentiometric titration. The model was developed including different products (fruit nectar of different flavors and light fruit nectar) where outliers samples were identified and excluded. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used in order to build the model. Accuracy, represented by the values of the Root Mean Squared Errors of Calibration (RMSEC) and Prediction (RMSEP) were 0.0641 and 0.0534 mg/100 mL, respectively. The confidence ellipse confirms that accuracy was achieved at 99 % confidence, while residues showed random behavior, confirming linearity for the model developed. The proposed methodology shows advantages as fastness, does not requires sample preparation and does not generate toxic waste, being an alternative to the conventional method based on potentiometry.

 

DOI: 10.14685/rebrapa.v6i1.177
Study of adsorption of lead II in lignin modified from corn waste
Authors: Schafhauser Bruno Henrique , Gonçalves Thays Raphaella , Consolin Marcilene Ferrari Barriquello , Almeida Vitor Cinque de , Pineda Edgardo Alfonso Gomez , Consolin-Filho Nelson
Published: March 2015

The use of heavy metals, especially in the industrial sector, has attracted attention for the impacts generated by the use of potentially toxic metals to the environment and public health. Adsorption is a process in which a substance (adsorbate) is physically or chemically attached to the surface of the adsorbent component and currently this process can be seen as an alternative to remove toxic metals from waste of agro-industrial sectors. This article aims to conduct a study about the adsorption of lead II (Pb II) on a modified natural polymer (lignin) obtained from corn stover. For the extraction of the lignin from lignocellulosic material, it was isolated by pulping with formic acid (CH2O2) at 80% concentration, obtaining lignin formica (LFOR). LFOR already been crosslinked with hydrochloric acid (HCl) 37.0% to give the polymer adsorbent used in this study crosslinked lignin formica (LFRT). Adsorption tests were performed with different times of contact between adsorbent and the solution of 10.0 mgL-1 lead II, and the final concentration of the solution was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results which was obtained with atomic adsorption proved the adsorbent polymer show a capability to retain ions of lead II, removing after 100 minutes 98.87% of the heavy metal in the initial solution. Therefore, the polymer LFRT can be used as a possible means to remove heavy metal from agro-industrial effluents.

 

DOI: 10.14685/rebrapa.v6i1.186
Violence in Illicit Markets: Unintended Consequences and the Search for Paradoxical Effects of Enforcement
Authors: Prieger James E. , Kulick Jonathan
Published: March 2015

The textbook competitive model of drug markets predicts that greater law enforcement leads to higher black market prices, but also to the unintended consequences of greater revenue and violence. These predictions are not in accord with the paradoxical outcomes evinced by recent history in some drug markets, where enforcement rose even as prices fell. We show that predictions of the textbook model are not unequivocal, and that when bandwagon effects among scofflaws are introduced, the simple predictions are more likely to be reversed. We next show that even simple models of noncompetitive black markets can elicit paradoxical outcomes. Therefore, we argue that instead of searching for assumptions that lead to paradoxical outcomes, which is the direction the literature has taken, it is better for policy analysis to choose appropriate assumptions for the textbook model. We finish with performing such an analysis for the case of banning menthol cigarettes. Under the most plausible assumptions enforcement will indeed spur violence, although the legal availability of electronic cigarettes may mitigate or reverse this conclusion.
The contribution of methionine to the stability of the Escherichia coli MetNIQ ABC transporter-substrate binding protein complex
Authors: Nguyen Phong T. , Li Qi Wen , Kadaba Neena S. , Lai Jeffrey Y. , Yang Janet G. , Rees Douglas C.
Published: March 2015

Despite the ubiquitous role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) importers in nutrient uptake, only the Escherichia coli maltose and vitamin B12 ABC transporters have been structurally characterized in multiple conformations relevant to the alternating access transport mechanism. To complement our previous structure determination of the E. coli MetNI methionine importer in the inward facing conformation (Kadaba et al. (2008) Science 321, 250–253), we have explored conditions stabilizing the outward facing conformation. Using two variants, the Walker B E166Q mutation with ATP+EDTA to stabilize MetNI in the ATP-bound conformation and the N229A variant of the binding protein MetQ, shown in this work to disrupt methionine binding, a high affinity MetNIQ complex was formed with a dissociation constant measured to be 27 nm. Using wild type MetQ containing a co-purified methionine (for which the crystal structure is reported at 1.6 Å resolution), the dissociation constant for complex formation with MetNI is measured to be ∼40-fold weaker, indicating that complex formation lowers the affinity of MetQ for methionine by this amount. Preparation of a stable MetNIQ complex is an essential step towards the crystallographic analysis of the outward facing conformation, a key intermediate in the uptake of methionine by this transport system.
Co-optimization of Energy and Demand-Side Reserves in Day-Ahead Electricity Markets
Authors: Surender Reddy S. , Abhyankar A. R. , Bijwe P. R.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a new multi-objective day-ahead market clearing (DAMC) mechanism with demand-side reserves/demand response (DR) offers, considering realistic voltage-dependent load modeling. The paper proposes objectives such as social welfare maximization (SWM) including demand-side reserves, and load served error (LSE) minimization. In this paper, energy and demand-side reserves are cleared simultaneously through co-optimization process. The paper clearly brings out the unsuitability of conventional SWM for DAMC in the presence of voltage-dependent loads, due to reduction of load served (LS). Under such circumstances multi-objective DAMC with DR offers is essential. Multi-objective Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2+ (SPEA 2+) has been used to solve the optimization problem. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is confirmed with results obtained from IEEE 30 bus system.
Multipurpose Power Converter for Non-Grid-Connected Microsystems
Authors: Vovos Panagis N. , Georgakas Konstantinos G.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to present a multipurpose converter, appropriate for non-grid-connected microsystems, which are prone to harmonic distortion. The converter suppresses harmonics by injecting mirror harmonics in the modulation stage. An important property is that it continuously monitors and significantly reduces the harmonic content without the use of active or passive low-frequency filters. This is under constant switching frequency, no matter if the harmonics are mainly created by the source, the loads or even its own operation. The converter is regulating output voltage using typical fuzzy control. The two types of control (harmonic and voltage) do not seem to affect each other during operation. Furthermore, it can supply either dc or ac loads from a dc source. The versatility of the converter is a useful property for remote or mobile micropower systems, where neither sources nor loads are of a single type. The converter has been tested successfully for a combination of harmonic-injecting electric appliances and various load step changes.
How effective is ultrasound-based screening for trisomy 18 without the addition of biochemistry at the time of late first trimester?
Authors: Wiechec Marcin , Knafel Anna , Nocun Agnieszka , Matyszkiewicz Anna , Wiercinska Ewa , Latała Emilia
Published: March 2015

Trisomy 18 (T18) remains the second most common aneuploidy. It is associated with multiple congenital anomalies and causes intrauterine fetal demise in the most severe cases.

To examine the screening performance of ultrasound-based protocols for detecting T18, we aimed to determine the most common signs and their prevalence in fetuses with T18 to develop logistic regression model.

This was a prospective study based on singleton pregnancies examined at gestation 11+0 to 13+6. The referrals constituted 6210 patients. Scan protocol enclosed a systematic review of the entire early fetal anatomy, including fetal cardiac evaluation and sonographic signs of aneuploidy.

Our study population comprised 5650 pregnancies: 5613 cases with a normal karyotype and 37 cases with T18. The mean nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in the subgroup of euploidy was 1.7 and in the subgroup of T18 it was 5.4. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of maternal age. One case of T18 (2.7%) demonstrated no markers of aneuploidy as opposed to 5111 cases of euploidy (91.1%). Extracardiac malformations were identified in 13 cases of T18 (35.1%) and in 48 cases of euploidy (0.8%). Congenital heart defects were observed in 26 cases of T18 (70.3%) and in 27 cases of euploidy (0.5%).

Our results showed good screening performance of ultrasound-based risk calculation models. When the first trimester pattern of T18 is considered, an increased NT, tricuspid regurgitation, single umbilical artery, omphalocele and right dominant heart should be specifically searched for.
Qualitätssicherung der Analytik von Wachstumshormon und Insulin-Like Growth Factor I bei Erkrankungen der somatotropen Achse
Authors: Bidlingmaier Martin , Hauffa Berthold P. , Trainer Peter J. , Etzrodt-Walter Gwendolin , Sauer Joachim , Kratzsch Jürgen , Petersenn Stephan , Ranke Michael B. , Wallaschofski Henri , Strasburger Christian J.
Published: March 2015

Hintergrund: Eine zuverlässige Laboranalytik bildet einen Grundpfeiler für die Diagnostik, Therapie und Verlaufskontrolle von Wachstumsstörungen und Störungen der Sekretion von Wachstumshormon (GH) und Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I). Die gegenwärtig verfügbaren kommerziellen Assays weisen jedoch Defizite auf, die zu großen Unterschieden der gemessenen Hormonkonzentrationen führen.

Methode: Empfehlungen eines Expertenworkshops mit klinisch tätigen Endokrinologen aus Pädiatrie und Innerer Medizin sowie mit Labormedizinern unter Bezugnahme auf die Ergebnisse der interdisziplinären Konsensus-Konferenz in Keswick (Virginia, USA) aus dem Jahr 2009.

Ergebnisse: Zu den von den Workshopteilnehmern geforderten Qualitätskriterien für GH- und IGF-I-Assays zählen die Verwendung einheitlicher Referenzstandards, die Dokumentation der analytischen Bedingungen – unter anderem in Bezug auf Kalibratoren, Bindungsepitope, Kreuzreaktivität und Methoden zur Trennung von Bindungsproteinen –, die Chargenkonstanz und eine geringe Interassay-Variabilität. Die Teilnehmer empfehlen, Grenzwerte und Referenzintervalle assayspezifisch unter Verwendung großer und gut charakterisierter Referenzpopulationen zu erarbeiten und die Assayqualität insbesondere im Bereich klinisch wichtiger Entscheidungsgrenzen zu beschreiben.

Schlussfolgerungen: Diagnostikahersteller sollten verpflichtet werden, die Umsetzung der Qualitätskriterien regelmäßig zu überwachen und darüber Bericht zu erstatten. Nur Assays, die nach einheitlichen Qualitätsstandards evaluiert sind und im klinischen Kontext eingesetzt werden, erlauben eine rational begründete Diagnostik und Therapie von Patienten mit Störungen der GH-Sekretion und vermeiden unnötige Belastungen der Patienten und Kostenträger.
Soret and Dufour Effects in the Flow of Williamson Fluid over an Unsteady Stretching Surface with Thermal Radiation
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Saeed Yusra , Asad Sadia , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: March 2015

This paper looks at the simultaneous effects of heat and mass transfer in the flow of Williamson fluid over an unsteady stretching surface. The effects of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation are considered in an energy equation. Besides, the energy and concentration equations are coupled with the combined effects of Soret and Dufour. The convective conditions for both temperature and mass concentration are employed. The transformation procedure reduces the time-dependent boundary layer equations of momentum, energy, and concentration to the non-linear ordinary differential equations. Through graphs and numerical values, the velocity, temperature, and concentration fields are discussed for different physical parameters. It is found that the thermal and concentration Biot numbers have an increasing impact on both temperature and concentration fields, respectively.
The clinical heterogeneity of coenzyme Q10 deficiency results from genotypic differences in the Coq9 gene
Authors: Luna‐Sánchez Marta , Díaz‐Casado Elena , Barca Emanuele , Tejada Miguel Ángel , Montilla‐García Ángeles , Cobos Enrique Javier , Escames Germaine , Acuña‐Castroviejo Dario , Quinzii Catarina M , López Luis Carlos
Published: March 2015

Primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is due to mutations in genes involved in CoQ biosynthesis. The disease has been associated with five major phenotypes, but a genotype–phenotype correlation is unclear. Here, we compare two mouse models with a genetic modification in Coq9 gene (Coq9Q95X and Coq9R239X), and their responses to 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4‐diHB). Coq9R239X mice manifest severe widespread CoQ deficiency associated with fatal encephalomyopathy and respond to 2,4‐diHB increasing CoQ levels. In contrast, Coq9Q95X mice exhibit mild CoQ deficiency manifesting with reduction in CI+III activity and mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle, and late‐onset mild mitochondrial myopathy, which does not respond to 2,4‐diHB. We show that these differences are due to the levels of COQ biosynthetic proteins, suggesting that the presence of a truncated version of COQ9 protein in Coq9R239X mice destabilizes the CoQ multiprotein complex. Our study points out the importance of the multiprotein complex for CoQ biosynthesis in mammals, which may provide new insights to understand the genotype–phenotype heterogeneity associated with human CoQ deficiency and may have a potential impact on the treatment of this mitochondrial disorder.
Development and characterization of a novel rat model of estrogen-induced mammary cancer
Authors: Dennison Kirsten L , Samanas Nyssa Becker , Harenda Quincy Eckert , Hickman Maureen Peters , Seiler Nicole L , Ding Lina , Shull James D
Published: March 2015

The ACI rat model of 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced mammary cancer is highly relevant for use in establishing the endocrine, genetic, and environmental bases of breast cancer etiology and identifying novel agents and strategies for preventing breast cancer. E2 treatment rapidly induces mammary cancer in female ACI rats and simultaneously induces pituitary lactotroph hyperplasia and adenoma. The pituitary tumors can result in undesired morbidity, which compromises long-term studies focused on mammary cancer etiology and prevention. We have defined the genetic bases of susceptibility to E2-induced mammary cancers and pituitary tumors and have utilized the knowledge gained in these studies to develop a novel inbred rat strain, designated ACWi, that retains the high degree of susceptibility to E2-induced mammary cancer exhibited by ACI rats, but lacks the treatment-related morbidity associated with pituitary lactotroph hyperplasia/adenoma. When treated with E2, female ACWi rats developed palpable mammary cancer at a median latency of 116 days, an incidence of 100% by 161 days and exhibited an average of 15.6 mammary tumors per rat following 196 days of treatment. These parameters did not differ from those observed for contemporaneously treated ACI rats. None of the E2-treated ACWi rats were killed before the intended experimental end point due to any treatment-related morbidity other than mammary cancer burden, whereas 20% of contemporaneously treated ACI rats exhibited treatment-related morbidity that necessitated premature killing. The ACWi rat strain is well suited for use by those in the research community, focusing on breast cancer etiology and prevention.
Vitamin B-12, Folic Acid, and Growth in 6- to 30-Month-Old Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Strand Tor A. , Taneja Sunita , Kumar Tivendra , Manger Mari S. , Refsum Helga , Yajnik Chittaranjan S. , Bhandari Nita
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND:

Folate and vitamin B-12 are important for growth. Many children in low- and middle-income countries have inadequate intakes of these nutrients.

METHODS:

We undertook a randomized, placebo controlled double-blind trial in 1000 North Indian children, 6 to 35 months of age, providing twice the recommended daily allowance of folic acid and/or vitamin B-12, or placebo, daily for 6 months. By using a factorial design, we allocated children in a 1:1:1:1 ratio in blocks of 16. We measured the effect of giving vitamin B-12, folic acid, or the combination of both on linear and ponderal growth. We also identified predictors for growth in multiple linear regression models and effect modifiers for the effect of folic acid or vitamin B-12 supplementation on growth.

RESULTS:

The overall effect of either of the vitamins was significant only for weight; children who received vitamin B-12 increased their mean weight-for-age z scores by 0.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 0.13). Weight-for-age z scores and height-for-age z scores increased significantly after vitamin B-12 supplementation in wasted, underweight, and stunted children. These subgrouping variables significantly modified the effect of vitamin B-12 on growth. Vitamin B-12 status at baseline predicted linear and ponderal growth in children not receiving vitamin B-12 supplements but not in those who did (P-interaction < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

We provide evidence that poor vitamin B-12 status contributes to poor growth. We recommend studies with larger doses and longer follow-up to confirm our findings.
Safety and Efficacy of Pimecrolimus in Atopic Dermatitis: A 5-Year Randomized Trial
Authors: Sigurgeirsson Bardur , Boznanski Andrzej , Todd Gail , Vertruyen André , Schuttelaar Marie-Louise A. , Zhu Xuejun , Schauer Uwe , Qaqundah Paul , Poulin Yves , Kristjansson Sigurdur , von Berg Andrea , Nieto Antonio , Boguniewicz Mark , Paller Amy S. , Dakovic Rada , Ring Johannes , Luger Thomas
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) primarily affects infants and young children. Although topical corticosteroids (TCSs) are often prescribed, noncorticosteroid treatments are needed because compliance with TCSs is poor due to concerns about their side effects. In this longest and largest intervention study ever conducted in infants with mild-to-moderate AD, pimecrolimus 1% cream (PIM) was compared with TCSs.

Methods:

A total of 2418 infants were enrolled in this 5-year open-label study. Infants were randomized to PIM (n = 1205; with short-term TCSs for disease flares) or TCSs (n = 1213). The primary objective was to compare safety; the secondary objective was to document PIM’s long-term efficacy. Treatment success was defined as an Investigator’s Global Assessment score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear).

Results:

Both PIM and TCSs had a rapid onset of action with >50% of patients achieving treatment success by week 3. After 5 years, >85% and 95% of patients in each group achieved overall and facial treatment success, respectively. The PIM group required substantially fewer steroid days than the TCS group (7 vs 178). The profile and frequency of adverse events was similar in the 2 groups; in both groups, there was no evidence for impairment of humoral or cellular immunity.

Conclusions:

Long-term management of mild-to-moderate AD in infants with PIM or TCSs was safe without any effect on the immune system. PIM was steroid-sparing. The data suggest PIM had similar efficacy to TCS and support the use of PIM as a first-line treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in infants and children.
Mortality After Burn Injury in Children: A 33-year Population-Based Study
Authors: Duke Janine M. , Rea Suzanne , Boyd James H. , Randall Sean M. , Wood Fiona M.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the impact of burn injury sustained during childhood on long-term mortality and to quantify any increased risk of death attributable to burn injury.

METHODS:

A population-based cohort study of children younger than 15 years hospitalized for burn injury in Western Australia (1980–2012) and a matched noninjured comparison group. Deidentified extraction of linked hospital morbidity and death records for the period 1980–2012 were provided by the Western Australian Data Linkage System. An inception cohort (1980–2012) of burn cases younger than 15 years of age when hospitalized for a first burn injury (n = 10 426) and a frequency matched noninjured comparison cohort (n = 40 818) were identified. Survival analysis was conducted by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. Mortality rate ratios and attributable risk percent adjusted for sociodemographic and preexisting heath factors were generated.

RESULTS:

The median follow-up time for the pediatric burn cohort was 18.1 years after discharge. The adjusted all-cause mortality rate ratios for burn injury was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.0); children with burn injury had a 1.6 times greater rate of mortality than those with no injury. The index burn injury was estimated to account for 38% (attributable risk percent) of all recorded deaths in the burn injury cohort during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Burn injury sustained by children is associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality. Estimates of the total mortality burden based on in-hospital deaths alone underestimates the true burden from burn injury.
Executive Function in Adolescents Born <1000 g or <28 Weeks: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Burnett Alice C. , Scratch Shannon E. , Lee Katherine J. , Cheong Jeanie , Searle Karissa , Hutchinson Esther , De Luca Cinzia , Davey Mary-Ann , Roberts Gehan , Doyle Lex W. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks) birth and extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) are risk factors for poor cognitive outcomes, including in executive function (EF; higher-order cognitive skills necessary for goal-directed, adaptive functioning and important for academic and behavioral-emotional outcomes). We aimed to (1) extend the limited data on EF in EP/ELBW survivors in adolescence compared with normal birth weight controls, and (2) determine changes in EF between ages 8 and 17 years in both groups.

METHODS:

Two hundred twenty-eight EP/ELBW and 166 control adolescents (mean age, 17 years) from a prospective geographical cohort were assessed with multiple EF tasks, and parent- and self-ratings of behavioral EF. The Rey Complex Figure and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function parent report were also administered at age 8 years, enabling examination of change in scores between childhood and adolescence.

RESULTS:

EP/ELBW adolescents performed more poorly than controls in verbal processing speed, attentional control, cognitive flexibility, and goal-setting (effect sizes, −0.7 to −0.2 SD), but not psychomotor reaction time. Group differences were of similar magnitude across tasks. From childhood to late adolescence, EP/ELBW children improved their accuracy of the Rey Complex Figure copy more than controls. According to parents, executive behaviors were largely stable over time in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adolescents born EP/ELBW have poorer EF skills across multiple domains than controls. From childhood to late adolescence, different aspects of EF improved, but others did not, underscoring the need for multidomain, longitudinal assessments in this high-risk population.
La categoría Oposición Política: reflexiones para su conceptualización
Authors: Cristancho Altuzarra José Gabriel
Published: March 2015

En este trabajo se ejerce una reflexión conceptual acerca de la categoría oposición política, fundamental en cualquier contexto que desee garantizar que la democracia se consolide como forma de gobierno. Una de las tesis de este artículo es que ese concepto está enmarcado en procesos sociales e históricos los cuales a su vez han configurado las maneras de ver y de pensar lo político en general. De este modo, el trabajo se divide en dos partes: en la primera, se ejerce un diálogo sociológico e histórico con Aristóteles, Hobbes y Mouffe, acerca del concepto de lo político para entenderlo como una constante tensión entre el ejercicio y la disputa por el poder; derivado de ésta, en la segunda parte, se matiza la categoría oposición política y los modos como suele asumirse.
DIMENSIONES DEL EXTRACTIVISMO MINERO EN COLOMBIA. ANÁLISIS DE LAS RACIONALIDADES DE GOBIERNO DURANTE LA ÚLTIMA DÉCADA
Authors: Vélez Torres Irene
Published: March 2015

Este artículo analiza el boom minero desde el año 2000 en Colombia; en primer lugar, a partir del diseño institucional y fiscal que se ha legislado durante la última década; en segundo lugar, en relación con las dimensiones políticas y territoriales de la securitización militar de los recursos mineros; y, finalmente, en términos de los conflictos socio-ambientales y la organización social que ha entrado a disputar el control jurídico y militar (legal e ilegal) de las geografías extractivas. De esta forma, el artículo contribuye al debate sobre el extractivismo analizando los mecanismos económicos y coercitivos que han jugado en la ampliación de la frontera minera en Colombia.
BALANCE DE LA TEORÍA DE LOS MICROFUNDAMENTOS DE LA VIOLENCIA EN LAS GUERRAS CIVILES: UN ESTUDIO DEL CONFLICTO EN EL NORORIENTE DEL CAUCA
Authors: Jiménez Hurtado Luis Johnny
Published: March 2015

En la literatura reciente sobre el conflicto armado, el trabajo de Stathis Kalyvas sobre la lógica de la violencia en las guerras civiles se ha convertido en una referencia permanente, no obstante, debido a la visión parcializada en la teoría, en la que privilegia la violencia sobre otras dimensiones, limita el análisis empírico del conflicto armado y su alcance explicativo. Este artículo busca mostrar esta limitación, a la vez teórica y metodológica, en las formas singulares de la dinámica local del conflicto armado colombiano, en el nororiente del Departamento del Cauca.
COLOMBIA: LOGROS EN DOS DECADAS DE MODELO DE DESARROLLO APERTURISTA - ANALISIS SEGÚN RESULTADOS DE BALANZA COMERCIAL
Authors: Torres González Jaime
Published: March 2015

Colombia ha seguido durante las dos últimas décadas un modelo de mayor apertura al comercio y los flujos internacionales de capital. Indicadores como la inversión en infraestructura, exportaciones industriales, tasas de educación y apertura al comercio exterior, muestran débiles resultados. Se realiza en este artículo un análisis de la balanza comercial a nivel sectorial: la mayor generación de divisas está constituida por la exportación de petróleo crudo, carbón, níquel y oro, que equilibran la balanza y aportan los recursos para importar grandes cantidades de bienes industriales que el país difícilmente produce. Esto implica que no se crean mayores opciones para desarrollar capacidades y adquirir conocimientos tecnológicos. La emergencia de fuertes flujos comerciales de la China coloca otro gran reto a nuestra capacidad para renovar estrategias de desarrollo.