Analytical approaches for transplant research

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73605/1/j.1600-6135.2004.00402.x.pd

Simulating the Allocation of Organs for Transplantation

The demand for donated organs greatly exceeds supply and many candidates die awaiting transplantation. Policies for allocating deceased donor organs may address equity of access and medical efficacy, but typically must be implemented with incomplete information. Simulation-based analysis can inform the policy process by predicting the likely effects of alternative policies on a wide variety of outcomes of interest. This paper describes a family of simulations developed by the US Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and initial experience in the application of one member of this family, the Liver Simulated Allocation Model (LSAM).Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45816/1/10729_2004_Article_5277541.pd

Molecular Insights into the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease and Its Relationship to Normal Aging

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that diverges from the process of normal brain aging by unknown mechanisms. We analyzed the global structure of age- and disease-dependent gene expression patterns in three regions from more than 600 brains. Gene expression variation could be almost completely explained by four transcriptional biomarkers that we named BioAge (biological age), Alz (Alzheimer), Inflame (inflammation), and NdStress (neurodegenerative stress). BioAge captures the first principal component of variation and includes genes statistically associated with neuronal loss, glial activation, and lipid metabolism. Normally BioAge increases with chronological age, but in AD it is prematurely expressed as if some of the subjects were 140 years old. A component of BioAge, Lipa, contains the AD risk factor APOE and reflects an apparent early disturbance in lipid metabolism. The rate of biological aging in AD patients, which cannot be explained by BioAge, is associated instead with NdStress, which includes genes related to protein folding and metabolism. Inflame, comprised of inflammatory cytokines and microglial genes, is broadly activated and appears early in the disease process. In contrast, the disease-specific biomarker Alz was selectively present only in the affected areas of the AD brain, appears later in pathogenesis, and is enriched in genes associated with the signaling and cell adhesion changes during the epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) transition. Together these biomarkers provide detailed description of the aging process and its contribution to Alzheimer's disease progression

Role of Second-Trimester Genetic Sonography After Down Syndrome Screening

To estimate the effectiveness of second-trimester genetic sonography in modifying Down syndrome screening test results

Mahomet Aquifer Protection Task Force: Findings and Recommendations

The Mahomet Aquifer is one of Illinois’ most important groundwater resources, serving as the primary source of drinking water for more than 500,000 people in 15 Illinois counties and providing an estimated 220 million gallons of water per day to communities, agriculture, industry, and rural wells. In 2017, the Illinois General Assembly created the Mahomet Aquifer Protection Task Force (Task Force) to identify gaps in existing aquifer-protection regulations and efforts, specifically by: Developing a state plan to maintain the groundwater quality of the Mahomet Aquifer; Identifying current and potential contamination threats to the water quality of the Mahomet Aquifer; Identifying actions that might be taken to ensure the long-term protection of the Mahomet Aquifer; and Making legislative recommendations for the protection of the Mahomet Aquifer. The Task Force investigated and considered various actions, including legislative actions, to ensure the long-term protection of the Mahomet Aquifer and makes the following prioritized recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor: 1. Provide 19.8 million dollars to the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) to use helicopter-based time-domain electromagnetics (HTEM) technology to more accurately map and characterize the Mahomet Aquifer to aid in identifying the connections with other aquifers and surface waters. 2. Use HTEM and other techniques to identify areas where the Mahomet Aquifer is recharged. 3. Integrate data collected via HTEM into next-generation groundwater flow models. 4. Develop and implement source water protection plans pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 604 Subpart C, after the effective date of adoption, for the community water supplies determined to be susceptible to groundwater contamination. 5. Implement the recommendations outlined for each identified threat and potential threat (as detailed below and in Section III.A) and provide additional funding (1 million dollars for one-time equipment acquisition and an additional 2.3 million annually) to PRI to deploy state-of-the-art monitoring networks and create the analytical capability to identify emerging contaminants of concern. 6. Improve education and outreach regarding the Mahomet Aquifer such that all stakeholders are better informed about water resources, water demand, and water supply planning and management, particularly when plans are made, reviewed, and updated. 7. Develop a group with a mission similar to the Mahomet Aquifer Protection Task Force that is a blend of other select individuals that serve in a quasi-government or government capacity to provide leadership, administrative stature, or process for regional water supply. 8. Plan cooperative research and data collection, analysis, management, and exchange by academic institutions, units of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders. 9. Use the established water supply planning process to review and update regional and local water supply plans at least every five years. 10. Ensure comprehensive use reporting by consistently and fully funding the Illinois Water Inventory Program.Illinois General AssemblyOpe

Preconceptional Folate Supplementation and the Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A Cohort Study

In an analysis of a cohort of pregnant women, Radek Bukowski and colleagues describe an association between taking folic acid supplements and a reduction in the risk of preterm birth

Bostonia: 1997-1998, no. 1-4

Founded in 1900, Bostonia magazine is Boston University's main alumni publication, which covers alumni and student life, as well as university activities, events, and programs

Bostonia: 1997-1998, no. 1-4

Founded in 1900, Bostonia magazine is Boston University's main alumni publication, which covers alumni and student life, as well as university activities, events, and programs