Adult Social Capital and Track Placement of Ethnic Groups in Germany

The dictum that “context matters” notwithstanding, few researchers have focused on how social capital affects educational outcomes for ethnic groups outside of the United States. Using German Socioeconomic Panel (GSOEP) data, analyses highlight the group-specific effects of parental social capital on track placement among 11–16-year-old German and non-German students. For both groups, parents’ family ties fail to affect track placement. Parents’ community ties have mixed effects. Among Germans, parental involvement in sports affects children’s tracking positively. Among non-Germans, parental socializing with peers affects track placement negatively, while parental involvement in religion-based community groups and interethnic ties with Germans improve track placement chances. We relate these findings to different strands of social capital theory

Bruegel: His Influences and Consequences

Pieter Bruegel the elder, whose work is as modern today as centuries ago, and whose reputation as a major genius in the realm of visual, spiritual and sociological reality is lately emerging in a fashion which seems to do greater justice at a scale eminently deserved. I feel that in times to come, men like Bruegel and Caravaggio will possibly emerge as the most significant philosophers of visual arts. The fact that Bruegel is now being increasingly appreciated on a wider scale testifies to his greatness as a prophet and as a man who looked into the future, deeply and intensely, and made it seen

Comparative study of ultrasound images obtained with 10MHz and 20 MHz probes in the evaluation of the abnormalities of the posterior segment of the globe

A ecografia se constitui em método importante na avaliação de anormalidades do segmento posterior do globo ocular. OBJETIVO: Comparar as vantagens e desvantagens da sonda de 10 e 20 MHz da ultra-sonografia B-scan, na avaliação de imagens do segmento posterior do globo ocular. MÉTODOS: Pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório do Hospital das Clínicas da USP (HCFMUSP) entre fevereiro de 2006 e abril de 2007 foram submetidos a exame ultra-sonográfico usando o aparelho CINE-Scan® (Quantel Medical Inc.) com sondas de 10 e 20 MHz. Os pacientes foram examinados por três oftalmologistas experientes, em decúbito dorsal, após instilação de colírio de tetracaína a 1%, inicialmente com a sonda sobre as pálpebras e em seguida diretamente em contato com a esclera ou córnea. As imagens obtidas com sondas de 10 e 20 MHz foram comparadas entre si, durante e após a realização do exame. RESULTADOS: A sonda de 20 MHz mostrou-se superior na avaliação da detecção, forma e limites de estruturas do pólo posterior e a de 10 MHz avaliou com mais detalhes o humor vítreo. Não foram encontradas diferenças nas imagens obtidas com exame transpalpebral ou transescleral com a sonda de 10 MHz. Com a sonda de 20 MHz, as imagens obtidas em contato direto com o globo ocular apresentaram melhor qualidade. CONCLUSÕES: As sondas de 10 e 20 MHz têm diferentes intervalo de alcance ideal, assim como diferentes meios específicos de aquisição de melhores imagens.The ultrasound is an important method in the evaluation of abnormalities of the posterior segment of the eye. PURPOSE: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of 10 and 20 MHz probe on B- scanning ultra-sonography in evaluation of vitreous and posterior pole diseases, providing recommendations for their use. METHODS: Patients from Hospital das Clinicas of the University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), attended between February 2006 and April 2007, were submitted to ultrasound exams using CINE-Scan® (Quantel Medical Inc) B-scan with 10 and 20MHz probe. The patients were examined by three experienced ophthalmologists, in horizontal dorsal position, after instillation of tetracaine 1% drops, first with the probe in direct contact with eyelids, and then with the probe placed directly in contact with the sclera or cornea. Theimages obtained were compared immediately during and after the examination. RESULTS: The 20 MHz probe reveled a superior resolution to study details, like shape and limits, on the posterior pole, and the 10 MHz probe provided better evaluation on vitreous humor. There were no differences if the exam was performed on eyelids or directly on sclera with the 10 MHz probe, but with the 20 MHz probe, the images had better resolution when the probe was used in direct contact with the eye. CONCLUSIONS: The 10 and 20 probes have different ideal range of reach, as different better specific means of image achieving

Dorsal turning of motor corticospinal axons at the pyramidal decussation requires plexin signaling

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The development of the corticospinal tract (CST) in higher vertebrates relies on a series of axon guidance decisions along its long projection pathway. Several guidance molecules are known to be involved at various decision points to regulate the projection of CST axons. However, previous analyses of the CST guidance defects in mutant mice lacking these molecules have suggested that there are other molecules involved in CST axon guidance that are yet to be identified. In this study, we investigate the role of plexin signaling in the guidance of motor CST axons <it>in vivo</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Expression pattern studies show that <it>plexin-A3</it>, <it>plexin-A4</it>, and <it>neuropilin-1 </it>are expressed in the developing cerebral cortex when the motor CST axons originating from layer V cortical neurons are guided down to the spinal cord. By analyzing mutant mice, we show that motor CST axons that turn dorsally to cross the midline at the pyramidal decussation require plexin-A3 and plexin-A4 signaling. Although other CST guidance defects are found in neuropilin-1 mutants, this dorsal turning defect is not observed in either neuropilin-1 or neuropilin-2 mutants, suggesting that the local cues that activate plexin signaling at the dorsal turning point are membrane-bound semaphorins. Further expression pattern study and mutant analysis indicate that Sema6A is one of the local cues for motor CST axon turning at the pyramidal decussation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Dorsal turning and midline crossing at the pyramidal decussation is a crucial step to properly direct CST axons into the dorsal spinal cord. We show that the signaling of plexin-A3, plexin-A4, and Sema6A is at least partially required for dorsal turning of the CST axons, while neuropilin-1 is required for proper fasciculation of the tract at midline crossing. Together with previous reports, these results demonstrate that several guidance cues are specifically utilized to regulate the dorsal turning and midline crossing of developing CST axons.</p

Noninferiority of cetuximab every-2-weeks versus standard once-weekly administration schedule for the first-line treatment of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract Aim This study assessed whether cetuximab 500 mg/m2 administered every 2 weeks (Q2W), when combined with chemotherapy as a first-line (1L) treatment, was noninferior to the approved dose (400 mg/m2 followed by 250 mg/m2 once weekly [Q1W]) for overall survival (OS) in adults with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods This pooled analysis included patients receiving 1L treatment with cetuximab Q1W or Q2W in combination with chemotherapy from post-authorisation studies with patient-level data available to the sponsor. Baseline characteristics were adjusted with a propensity score using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Noninferiority in terms of OS was tested with a noninferiority margin for the hazard ratio (HR) of 1.25 using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) and rates of lung/liver metastases resection and serious adverse events. Results OS time was noninferior in the Q2W cohort (n = 554) compared to the Q1W cohort (n = 763), with a HR after IPTW (95% confidence interval) of 0.827 (0.715–0.956) and median OS times of 24.7 (Q1W) and 27.9 (Q2W) months. There were no major differences in PFS (HR: 0.915 [0.804–1.042]). The odds ratios (ORs) after IPTW for ORR (1.292 [1.031–1.617]) and the rates of lung/liver metastases resection (1.419 [1.043–1.932]) favoured the Q2W regimen. No differences were noted in the occurrence rate of any SAE between groups; the OR after IPTW was 1.089 (0.858–1.382). Conclusions The cetuximab Q2W regimen was noninferior to the Q1W regimen for OS in the 1L treatment of mCRC

Deep Functional and Molecular Characterization of a High-Risk Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma.

Nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a class of 50+ cancers arising in muscle and soft tissues of children, adolescents, and adults. Rarity of each subtype often precludes subtype-specific preclinical research, leaving many STS patients with limited treatment options should frontline therapy be insufficient. When clinical options are exhausted, personalized therapy assignment approaches may help direct patient care. Here, we report the results of an adult female STS patient with relapsed undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) who self-drove exploration of a wide array of personalized Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIAs) level and research-level diagnostics, including state of the art genomic, proteomic

Enhancing teaching and learning of evidence-based practice via game-based learning

Introduction: The Singapore Institute of Technology-University of Glasgow (SIT-UofG) Nursing Programme has traditionally taken a didactic teaching approach in the delivery of the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) module. A hybrid approach was introduced using Game-Based Learning (GBL) to encourage active learning through gameplay. Methods: A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) was undertaken encompassing a cohort of 100 Nursing students taking the EBP module in their first year at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) in the 2021/22 academic year. The experimental group (n=27) worked through the online GBL intervention and the EBP module, while the control group (n=27) took the EBP module alone. The GBL included five Learning Quests and three case studies. Results: High levels of satisfaction were reported by both the experimental group (n=22) and the control group (n=15) on the traditional content and delivery of the EBP module. High levels of engagement were reported by the experimental group on the GBL intervention; a one-sample statistics analysis confirming a significant level of engagement (p&lt;0.001). A Mann-Whitney U Test, however, found no significant difference in the Continuous Assessment (CA) scores of the two groups (p=0.507 and 0.461). Conclusion: The introduction of GBL designed to deliver educational content directly associated with the learning outcomes increased the nursing student engagement in the EBP module. These findings and discoveries can be utilised to improve the GBL intervention to the EBP module to have a more positive impact the student CA scores and therefore on student learning

Stop and Sbottom Searches in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron

We estimate the Tevatron Run II potential for top and bottom squark searches. We find an impressive reach in several of the possible discovery channels. We also study some new channels which may arise in non-conventional supersymmetry models. In each case we rely on a detailed Monte Carlo simulation of the collider events and the CDF detector performance in Run I.Comment: 30 pages, LaTeX, 10 figure

Comparative efficacy of low-dose versus standard-dose azithromycin for patients with yaws: a randomised non-inferiority trial in Ghana and Papua New Guinea

Background: A dose of 30 mg/kg of azithromycin is recommended for treatment of yaws, a disease targeted for global eradication. Treatment with 20 mg/kg of azithromycin is recommended for the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. In some settings, these diseases are co-endemic. We aimed to determine the efficacy of 20 mg/kg of azithromycin compared with 30 mg/kg azithromycin for the treatment of active and latent yaws. Methods: We did a non-inferiority, open-label, randomised controlled trial in children aged 6–15 years who were recruited from schools in Ghana and schools and the community in Papua New Guinea. Participants were enrolled based on the presence of a clinical lesion that was consistent with infectious primary or secondary yaws and a positive rapid diagnostic test for treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either standard-dose (30 mg/kg) or low-dose (20 mg/kg) azithromycin by a computer-generated random number sequence. Health-care workers assessing clinical outcomes in the field were not blinded to the patient's treatment, but investigators involved in statistical or laboratory analyses and the participants were blinded to treatment group. We followed up participants at 4 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome was cure at 6 months, defined as lesion healing at 4 weeks in patients with active yaws and at least a four-fold decrease in rapid plasma reagin titre from baseline to 6 months in patients with active and latent yaws. Active yaws was defined as a skin lesion that was positive for Treponema pallidum ssp pertenue in PCR testing. We used a non-inferiority margin of 10%. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02344628. Findings: Between June 12, 2015, and July 2, 2016, 583 (65·1%) of 895 children screened were enrolled; 292 patients were assigned a low dose of azithromycin and 291 patients were assigned a standard dose of azithromycin. 191 participants had active yaws and 392 had presumed latent yaws. Complete follow-up to 6 months was available for 157 (82·2%) of 191 patients with active yaws. In cases of active yaws, cure was achieved in 61 (80·3%) of 76 patients in the low-dose group and in 68 (84·0%) of 81 patients in the standard-dose group (difference 3·7%; 95% CI −8·4 to 15·7%; this result did not meet the non-inferiority criterion). There were no serious adverse events reported in response to treatment in either group. The most commonly reported adverse event at 4 weeks was gastrointestinal upset, with eight (2·7%) participants in each group reporting this symptom. Interpretation: In this study, low-dose azithromycin did not meet the prespecified non-inferiority margin compared with standard-dose azithromycin in achieving clinical and serological cure in PCR-confirmed active yaws. Only a single participant (with presumed latent yaws) had definitive serological failure. This work suggests that 20 mg/kg of azithromycin is probably effective against yaws, but further data are needed

CRX controls retinal expression of the X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (RS1) gene

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis is a heritable condition of the retina in males caused by mutations in the RS1 gene. Still, the cellular function and retina-specific expression of RS1 are poorly understood. To address the latter issue, we characterized the minimal promoter driving expression of RS1 in the retina. Binding site prediction, site-directed mutagenesis, and reporter assays suggest an essential role of two nearby cone-rod homeobox (CRX)-responsive elements (CRE) in the proximal −177/+32 RS1 promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation associates the RS1 promoter in vivo with CRX, the coactivators CBP, P300, GCN5 and acetylated histone H3. Transgenic Xenopus laevis expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter under the control of RS1 promoter sequences show that the −177/+32 fragment drives GFP expression in photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Mutating either of the two conserved CRX binding sites results in strongly decreased RS1 expression. Despite the presence of sequence motifs in the promoter, NRL and NR2E3 appear not to be essential for RS1 expression. Together, our in vitro and in vivo results indicate that two CRE sites in the minimal RS1 promoter region control retinal RS1 expression and establish CRX as a key factor driving this expression