Preparation of alpha-labeled aldehydes by base-catalyzed exchange reactions

A simple, efficient protocol for the preparation of α-labeled aldehydes based on H/D exchange catalyzed by 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine or Et3N is described. High chemical yields and ratios of isotope incorporation were obtained even when small amounts (1 mmol) of aldehyde were used.

Points to consider for prioritizing clinical genetic testing services: a European consensus process oriented at accountability for reasonableness.

Given the cost constraints of the European health-care systems, criteria are needed to decide which genetic services to fund from the public budgets, if not all can be covered. To ensure that high-priority services are available equitably within and across the European countries, a shared set of prioritization criteria would be desirable. A decision process following the accountability for reasonableness framework was undertaken, including a multidisciplinary EuroGentest/PPPC-ESHG workshop to develop shared prioritization criteria. Resources are currently too limited to fund all the beneficial genetic testing services available in the next decade. Ethically and economically reflected prioritization criteria are needed. Prioritization should be based on considerations of medical benefit, health need and costs. Medical benefit includes evidence of benefit in terms of clinical benefit, benefit of information for important life decisions, benefit for other people apart from the person tested and the patient-specific likelihood of being affected by the condition tested for. It may be subject to a finite time window. Health need includes the severity of the condition tested for and its progression at the time of testing. Further discussion and better evidence is needed before clearly defined recommendations can be made or a prioritization algorithm proposed. To our knowledge, this is the first time a clinical society has initiated a decision process about health-care prioritization on a European level, following the principles of accountability for reasonableness. We provide points to consider to stimulate this debate across the EU and to serve as a reference for improving patient management.

Preparation of alpha-labeled aldehydes by base-catalyzed exchange reactions

A simple, efficient protocol for the preparation of α-labeled aldehydes based on H/D exchange catalyzed by 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine or Et3N is described. High chemical yields and ratios of isotope incorporation were obtained even when small amounts (1 mmol) of aldehyde were used.

Metabolic origin of δ15N values in nitrogenous compounds from Brassica napus L. leaves

Nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N) in plant organic matter is currently used as a natural tracer of nitrogen acquisition efficiency. However, the δ15N value of whole leaf material does not properly reflect the way in which N is assimilated because isotope fractionations along metabolic reactions may cause substantial differences among leaf compounds. In other words, any change in metabolic composition or allocation pattern may cause undesirable variability in leaf δ15N. Here, we investigated the δ15N in different leaf fractions and individual metabolites from rapeseed (Brassica napus) leaves. We show that there were substantial differences in δ15N between nitrogenous compounds (up to 30 ) and the content in (15N enriched) nitrate had a clear influence on leaf δ15N. Using a simple steady-state model of day metabolism, we suggest that the δ15N value in major amino acids was mostly explained by isotope fractionation associated with isotope effects on enzyme-catalysed reactions in primary nitrogen metabolism. δ15N values were further influenced by light versus dark conditions and the probable occurrence of alternative biosynthetic pathways. We conclude that both biochemical pathways (that fractionate between isotopes) and nitrogen sources (used for amino acid production) should be considered when interpreting the δ15N value of leaf nitrogenous compounds

Quality of life in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients

Currently, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK Tx) is the treatment of choice in selected patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and terminal kidney failure (TRF). A functioning SPK transplant allows dialysis and insulin therapy to be discontinued and stabilizes or improves the complications of DM1. Nevertheless, to a greater or lesser degree, these complications (physical and psychological alterations, secondary effects of immunosuppressive therapy and the need for lifelong medication and medical follow-up) can persist after SPK Tx. Health professionals have mainly investigated the clinical features of transplant recipients. However, in the last few years, interest in analyzing perceived health and health-related quality of life (QoL) has increased. This latter concept includes the features of QoL most closely associated with a particular disease, its treatment and follow-up and therefore those elements most susceptible to modification by the health system. The general aim of this study was to measure health-related QoL in our population with SPK Tx and to determine whether there are significant differences between these patients and those with DM1 and TRF who continue to receive renal replacement therapy (RRT) and insulin therapy. More specific aims were to evaluate whether there are significant differences between the study groups and the means of the Spanish reference population in the distinct dimensions of a QoL questionnaire and whether other variables such as age, sex, years" duration of DM1, length of dialysis, and time since SPK Tx significantly affect health-related QoL.

Quality of life in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients

Currently, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK Tx) is the treatment of choice in selected patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and terminal kidney failure (TRF). A functioning SPK transplant allows dialysis and insulin therapy to be discontinued and stabilizes or improves the complications of DM1. Nevertheless, to a greater or lesser degree, these complications (physical and psychological alterations, secondary effects of immunosuppressive therapy and the need for lifelong medication and medical follow-up) can persist after SPK Tx. Health professionals have mainly investigated the clinical features of transplant recipients. However, in the last few years, interest in analyzing perceived health and health-related quality of life (QoL) has increased. This latter concept includes the features of QoL most closely associated with a particular disease, its treatment and follow-up and therefore those elements most susceptible to modification by the health system. The general aim of this study was to measure health-related QoL in our population with SPK Tx and to determine whether there are significant differences between these patients and those with DM1 and TRF who continue to receive renal replacement therapy (RRT) and insulin therapy. More specific aims were to evaluate whether there are significant differences between the study groups and the means of the Spanish reference population in the distinct dimensions of a QoL questionnaire and whether other variables such as age, sex, years" duration of DM1, length of dialysis, and time since SPK Tx significantly affect health-related QoL.

Quality of life in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients

Currently, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK Tx) is the treatment of choice in selected patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and terminal kidney failure (TRF). A functioning SPK transplant allows dialysis and insulin therapy to be discontinued and stabilizes or improves the complications of DM1. Nevertheless, to a greater or lesser degree, these complications (physical and psychological alterations, secondary effects of immunosuppressive therapy and the need for lifelong medication and medical follow-up) can persist after SPK Tx. Health professionals have mainly investigated the clinical features of transplant recipients. However, in the last few years, interest in analyzing perceived health and health-related quality of life (QoL) has increased. This latter concept includes the features of QoL most closely associated with a particular disease, its treatment and follow-up and therefore those elements most susceptible to modification by the health system. The general aim of this study was to measure health-related QoL in our population with SPK Tx and to determine whether there are significant differences between these patients and those with DM1 and TRF who continue to receive renal replacement therapy (RRT) and insulin therapy. More specific aims were to evaluate whether there are significant differences between the study groups and the means of the Spanish reference population in the distinct dimensions of a QoL questionnaire and whether other variables such as age, sex, years" duration of DM1, length of dialysis, and time since SPK Tx significantly affect health-related QoL.

A Study on the Reversed Lack of Memory Property and its Generalizations

In this thesis, the concept of reversed lack of memory property and its generalizations is studied.We we generalize this property which involves operations different than the ”addition”. In particular an associative, binary operator ” * ” is considered. The univariate reversed lack of memory property is generalized using the binary operator and a class of probability distributions which include Type 3 extreme value, power function, reflected Weibull and negative Pareto distributions are characterized (Asha and Rejeesh (2009)). We also define the almost reversed lack of memory property and considered the distributions with reversed periodic hazard rate under the binary operation. Further, we give a bivariate extension of the generalized reversed lack of memory property and characterize a class of bivariate distributions which include the characterized extension (CE) model of Roy (2002a) apart from the bivariate reflected Weibull and power function distributions. We proved the equality of local proportionality of the reversed hazard rate and generalized reversed lack of memory property. Study of uncertainty is a subject of interest common to reliability, survival analysis, actuary, economics, business and many other fields. However, in many realistic situations, uncertainty is not necessarily related to the future but can also refer to the past. Recently, Di Crescenzo and Longobardi (2009) introduced a new measure of information called dynamic cumulative entropy. Dynamic cumulative entropy is suitable to measure information when uncertainty is related to the past, a dual concept of the cumulative residual entropy which relates to uncertainty of the future lifetime of a system. We redefine this measure in the whole real line and study its properties. We also discuss the implications of generalized reversed lack of memory property on dynamic cumulative entropy and past entropy.In this study, we extend the idea of reversed lack of memory property to the discrete set up. Here we investigate the discrete class of distributions characterized by the discrete reversed lack of memory property. The concept is extended to the bivariate case and bivariate distributions characterized by this property are also presented. The implication of this property on discrete reversed hazard rate, mean past life, and discrete past entropy are also investigated.

Friendly amendment: a commentary on Doyle and Ford's proposed re-definition of 'mental model'

Some amendments are proposed to a recent redefinition of the mental model concept in system dynamics. First, externalised, or articulated mental models should not be called cognitive maps; this term has a well established, alternative meaning. Second, there can be mental models of entities not yet existing beyond an individual's mind; the modelling of planned or desired systems is possible and recommended. Third, saying that mental models maintain social systems connects with some exciting research opportunities for system dynamics; however, it is probably an accidental distraction from the intended meaning of the redefinition. These minor criticisms apart, the new definition of mental model of a dynamic system is welcomed as a useful contribution to both research and practice.

Compsodactylus, a new South American genus with one new species and two new combinations (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)

Compsodactylus new genus and C. scabrosus new species are described and C. martinezi (Frey, 1972) new combination and C. parvulus (Frey, 1970) new combination are redescribed and transferred from Dicrania LePeletier & Audinet-Serville, 1828. The new genus is placed in Macrodactylini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) and occurs in the South American Andean and Preandean regions. A key to the species, modification on the recent generic key to Macrodactylini, and distributional map are presented.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of naltrexone in outpatients with bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence is extremely common in patients with bipolar disorder and is associated with unfavorable outcomes including treatment nonadherence, violence, increased hospitalization, and decreased quality of life. While naltrexone is a standard treatment for alcohol dependence, no controlled trials have examined its use in patients with co-morbid bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence. In this pilot study, the efficacy of naltrexone in reducing alcohol use and on mood symptoms was assessed in bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence. METHODS: Fifty adult outpatients with bipolar I or II disorders and current alcohol dependence with active alcohol use were randomized to 12 weeks of naltrexone (50 mg/d) add-on therapy or placebo. Both groups received manual-driven cognitive behavioral therapy designed for patients with bipolar disorder and substance-use disorders. Drinking days and heavy drinking days, alcohol craving, liver enzymes, and manic and depressed mood symptoms were assessed. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar in baseline and demographic characteristics. Naltrexone showed trends (p < 0.10) toward a greater decrease in drinking days (binary outcome), alcohol craving, and some liver enzyme levels than placebo. Side effects were similar in the 2 groups. Response to naltrexone was significantly related to medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest the potential value and acceptable tolerability of naltrexone for alcohol dependence in bipolar disorder patients. A larger trial is needed to establish efficacy.

Péchi Simon szombatos imádságos könyve

Péchi Simon. Közzéteszik Guttmann Mihály és Harmos Sándor

Feldgebetbuch für die jüdischen Mannschaften des Heeres

Hrsg. vom Verband der Deutschen Juden