First trimester PAPP-A in the detection of non-Down syndrome aneuploidy

Combined first trimester screening using pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin, and nuchal translucency (NT), is currently accepted as probably the best combination for the detection of Down syndrome (DS). Current first trimester algorithms provide computed risks only for DS. However, low PAPP-A is also associated with other chromosome anomalies such as trisomy 13, 18, and sex chromosome aneuploidy. Thus, using currently available algorithms, some chromosome anomalies may not be detected. The purpose of the present study was to establish a low-end cut-off value for PAPP-A that would increase the detection rates for non-DS chromosome anomalies. The study included 1408 patients who underwent combined first trimester screening. To determine a low-end cut-off value for PAPP-A, a Receiver–Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. In the entire study group there were 18 cases of chromosome anomalies (trisomy 21, 13, 18, sex chromosome anomalies), 14 of which were among screen-positive patients, a detection rate of 77.7% for all chromosome anomalies (95% CI: 55.7–99.7%). ROC curve analysis detected a statistically significant cut-off for PAPP-A at 0.25 MoM. If the definition of screen-positive were to also include patients with PAPP-A<0.25 MoM, the detection rate would increase to 88.8% for all chromosome anomalies (95% CI: 71.6–106%). This low cut-off value may be used until specific algorithms are implemented for non-Down syndrome aneuploidy. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

First trimester serum screening for down's syndrome

Screening for Down's Syndrome has been shown to be effective at 10 weeks of pregnancy. A multicentre study (the First trimester serum screening study) has shown that there are two biochemical markers of choice at this time in pregnancy, namely pregnancy associated placental protein A (PAPP-A) and the free β-sub-unit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (free β-hCG). When used together with maternal age these two biochemical markers have an estimated detection rate of 62% and a 5% false-positive rate. The results are consistent with those obtained from a systematic review of the world literature. Other markers are less predictive of Down's syndrome though there is still some uncertainty over the value of dimeric inhibin-A at 10 weeks of pregnancy. Nuchal translucency measurement, from an ultrasound examination performed at about 10 weeks of pregnancy, is associated with Down's syndrome and is emerging as an important potential screening marker. At present there is uncertainty over its quantitative performance and performance when combined with biochemical markers. The resolution of these issues is currently the subject of active research. Ten week screening for Down's syndrome is an advance that is now technically possible though there is still insufficient information to justify its use in routine screening practice.     

Employment and structural impacts of material efficiency strategies: results from five case studies

In order to come up with a sound assessment of the effects of material efficiency innovations on growth, employment and competitiveness, different economic mechanisms have to be considered. From a methodological point of view, the analysis must be able to account for technology specific aspects. The employment impacts of five innovations are analyzed: plastic and paper recycling, increased life span of automobiles, car sharing, and bio-based products. Time horizons for all strategies are scenarios until 2020.The economic impacts are context specific with regard to innovation, technology and country. The economic impacts highlight substantial structural adjustments. The overall economic net impact on employment tends to be neutral to positive. Stronger positive economic impacts result if first mover advantages can be established.     

金沙江一期工程蓄水前长江上游产漂流性卵鱼类产卵场现状

2010~2012年每年5~7月在长江上游江津江段开展鱼类产卵场调查。结果表明长江上游现有产漂流性卵鱼类21种,其中特有鱼类6种,分别为长薄鳅(Leptobotia elongata)、红唇薄鳅(Leptobotia rubrilabris)、中华金沙鳅(Jinshaia sinensis)、长鳍吻鮈(Rhinogobio ventralis)、圆筒吻鮈(Rhinogobio cylindricus)和异鳔鳅鮀(Gobiobotia boulengeri)。产漂流性卵鱼类的产卵量分别为32.42×10⁸粒、46.72×10⁸粒和39.71×10⁸粒,其中四大家鱼产卵量分别为3.21×10⁸粒、4.52×10⁸粒和2.69×10⁸粒,铜鱼产卵量分别为1.45×10⁸粒、3.33×10⁸粒和3.87×10⁸粒,长薄鳅产卵量分别为0.29×10⁸粒、0.99×10⁸粒和0.58×10⁸粒。产漂流性卵鱼类产卵高峰出现在5月底~7月初,产卵量日变化与流量和水温日变化显著相关,调查期间日均水位上涨率大于0.24 m/d产卵高峰最为集中。经推算,长江上游榕山镇、合江县和弥沱镇三江段为产漂流性卵鱼类的主要产卵场。金沙江一期工程蓄水后可能会对产漂流卵鱼类的繁殖产生影响。     

华北异常初终霜冻气候特征的研究

本文利用１９５３￣１９９０年地面最低温度资料，并以≤０℃作为霜冻指标，定量地确定出现异常霜冻判别标准，研究了华北地区初、终霜冻异常的气候特征。结果表明：异常初、终霜冻发生频率地理分布差异显著；其年际变化具有明显的周期波动，主要周期有２年、６年和８￣１２年等；当初，终霜冻出现异常后，其均值持续时间，分别为１．０￣３．４天和１．０￣１．３天；初、终霜冻波动位相特征及其长期变化趋势大致可分为三种类型：（