Showing papers by "Katholieke Universiteit Leuven published in 2000"
TL;DR: Pathological angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer and various ischaemic and inflammatory diseases and integrated understanding is leading to the development of a number of exciting and bold approaches to treat cancer and other diseases, but owing to several unanswered questions, caution is needed.
Abstract: Pathological angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer and various ischaemic and inflammatory diseases Concentrated efforts in this area of research are leading to the discovery of a growing number of pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules, some of which are already in clinical trials The complex interactions among these molecules and how they affect vascular structure and function in different environments are now beginning to be elucidated This integrated understanding is leading to the development of a number of exciting and bold approaches to treat cancer and other diseases But owing to several unanswered questions, caution is needed
8,561 citations
TL;DR: The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of endothelium-lined channels and their maturation via recruitment of smooth muscle cells (arteriogenesis) during physiological and pathological conditions are summarized, alongside with possible therapeutic applications.
Abstract: Endothelial and smooth muscle cells interact with each other to form new blood vessels. In this review, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of endothelium-lined channels (angiogenesis) and their maturation via recruitment of smooth muscle cells (arteriogenesis) during physiological and pathological conditions are summarized, alongside with possible therapeutic applications.
4,154 citations
Book•
01 Jan 2000TL;DR: This report builds on the accumulated taxonomic construction of the eight previous reports dating back to 1971 and records the proceedings of the Committee since publication of the last report in 2005.
Abstract: The practical need to partition the world of viruses into distinguishable, universally agreed upon entities is the ultimate justification for developing a virus classification system. Since 1971, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) operating on behalf of the world community of virologists has taken on the task of developing a single, universal taxonomic scheme for all viruses infecting animals (vertebrate, invertebrates, and protozoa), plants (higher plants and algae), fungi, bacteria, and archaea. The current report builds on the accumulated taxonomic construction of the eight previous reports dating back to 1971 and records the proceedings of the Committee since publication of the last report in 2005. Representing the work of more than 500 virologists worldwide, this report is the authoritative reference for virus organization, distinction, and structure.
2,905 citations
Fukuoka University1, McMaster University2, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research3, Fox Chase Cancer Center4, National Institutes of Health5, University of Leeds6, University of Cincinnati7, University of Paris8, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven9, Shiga University of Medical Science10, Niigata University11, Seoul National University12, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg13, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital14, University of Florida15, University of California, Los Angeles16, University of Vienna17, University of Innsbruck18, Northwick Park Hospital19, Karolinska Institutet20, Hokkaido University21, University of Helsinki22, Kyoto University23
TL;DR: The differences between Western and Japanese pathologists in the diagnostic classification of gastrointestinal epithelial neoplastic lesions can be resolved largely by adopting the proposed terminology, which is based on cytological and architectural severity and invasion status.
Abstract: Background—Use of the conventional Western and Japanese classification systems of gastrointestinal epithelial neoplasia results in large diVerences among pathologists in the diagnosis of oesophageal, gastric, and colorectal neoplastic lesions. Aim—To develop common worldwide terminology for gastrointestinal epithelial neoplasia. Methods—Thirty one pathologists from 12 countries reviewed 35 gastric, 20 colorectal, and 21 oesophageal biopsy and resection specimens. The extent of diagnostic agreement between those with Western and Japanese viewpoints was assessed by kappa statistics. The pathologists met in Vienna to discuss the results and to develop a new consensus terminology. Results—The large diVerences between the conventional Western and Japanese diagnoses were confirmed (percentage of specimens for which there was agreement and kappa values: 37% and 0.16 for gastric; 45% and 0.27 for colorectal; and 14% and 0.01 for oesophageal lesions). There was much better agreement among pathologists (71% and 0.55 for gastric; 65% and 0.47 for colorectal; and 62% and 0.31 for oesophageal lesions) when the original assessments of the specimens were regrouped into the categories of the proposed Vienna classification of gastrointestinal epithelial neoplasia: (1) negative for neoplasia/dysplasia, (2) indefinite for neoplasia/dysplasia, (3) non-invasive low grade neoplasia (low grade adenoma/ dysplasia), (4) non-invasive high grade neoplasia (high grade adenoma/ dysplasia, non-invasive carcinoma and suspicion of invasive carcinoma), and (5) invasive neoplasia (intramucosal carcinoma, submucosal carcinoma or beyond). Conclusion—The diVerences between Western and Japanese pathologists in the diagnostic classification of gastrointestinal epithelial neoplastic lesions can be resolved largely by adopting the proposed terminology, which is based on cytological and architectural severity and invasion status. (Gut 2000;47:251‐255)
1,940 citations
TL;DR: This paper surveys the research in the area of Web mining, point out some confusions regarded the usage of the term Web mining and suggest three Web mining categories, which are then situate some of the research with respect to these three categories.
Abstract: With the huge amount of information available online, the World Wide Web is a fertile area for data mining research. The Web mining research is at the cross road of research from several research communities, such as database, information retrieval, and within AI, especially the sub-areas of machine learning and natural language processing. However, there is a lot of confusions when comparing research efforts from different point of views. In this paper, we survey the research in the area of Web mining, point out some confusions regarded the usage of the term Web mining and suggest three Web mining categories. Then we situate some of the research with respect to these three categories. We also explore the connection between the Web mining categories and the related agent paradigm. For the survey, we focus on representation issues, on the process, on the learning algorithm, and on the application of the recent works as the criteria. We conclude the paper with some research issues.
1,699 citations
TL;DR: Drug treatment is justified in older patients with isolated systolic hypertension whose systolics blood pressure is 160 mm Hg or higher and in those with previous cardiovascular complications or wider pulse pressure, suggesting the coronary protection may have been underestimated.
1,159 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this international Working Party was to develop a simple classification of Crohn's disease based on objective variables, and the allocation of patients to these 24 subgroups proved feasible and resulted in specific disease clusters.
Abstract: Crohn's disease is a heterogeneous entity. Previous attempts of classification have been based primarily on anatomic location and behavior of disease. However, no uniform definition of patient subgroups has yet achieved broad acceptance. The aim of this international Working Party was to develop a simple classification of Crohn's disease based on objective variables. Eight outcome-related variables relevant to Crohn's disease were identified and stepwise evaluated in 413 consecutive cases, a database survey, and by clinical considerations. Allocation of variables was conducted with well-defined Crohn's disease populations from Europe and North America. Cross-table analyses were performed by chi-square testing. Three variables were finally elected: Age at Diagnosis [below 40 years (A1), equal to or above 40 years (A2)], Location [terminal ileum (L1), colon (L2), ileocolon (L3), upper gastrointestinal (L4)], and Behavior [nonstricturing nonpenetrating (B1), stricturing (B2), penetrating (B3)]. The allocation of patients to these 24 subgroups proved feasible and resulted in specific disease clusters. Cross-table analyses revealed associations between Age at Diagnosis and Location, and between Behavior and Location (all p < 0.001). The Vienna classification of Crohn's disease provides distinct definitions to categorize Crohn's patients into 24 subgroups. Operational guidelines should be used for the characterization of patients in clinical trials as well as for correlation of particular phenotypes with putative biologic markers or environmental factors.
1,152 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the impact of different measures of relationship strength on price and nonprice terms of the loan contract and test for the possibility of rent shifting by banks.
988 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a new ultrasonic method of quantifying regional deformation has been introduced based on the principles of "strain" and'strain rate' imaging, which introduces concepts derived from mechanical engineering which most echocardiographers are not familiar with.
Abstract: The non-invasive quantification of regional myocardial function is an important goal in clinical cardiology. Myocardial thickening/thinning indices is one method of attempting to define regional myocardial function. A new ultrasonic method of quantifying regional deformation has been introduced based on the principles of 'strain' and 'strain rate' imaging. These new imaging modes introduce concepts derived from mechanical engineering which most echocardiographers are not familiar with. In order to maximally exploit these new techniques, an understanding of what they measure is indispensable. This paper will define each of these modalities in terms of physical principles and will give an introduction to the principles of data acquisition and processing required to implement ultrasonic strain and strain rate imaging. In addition, the current status of development of the technique and its limitations will be discussed, together with examples of potential clinical applications.
971 citations
TL;DR: Four aspects of the Azospirillum-plant root interaction are highlighted: natural habitat, plant root interaction, nitrogen fixation and biosynthesis of plant growth hormones, and the relevance of each of these four aspects for plant growth promotion by AzospIRillum is discussed.
Abstract: Azospirillum represents the best characterized genus of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Other free-living diazotrophs repeatedly detected in association with plant roots, include Acetobacter diazotrophicus, Herbaspirillum seropedicae, Azoarcus spp. and Azotobacter. Four aspects of the Azospirillum–plant root interaction are highlighted: natural habitat, plant root interaction, nitrogen fixation and biosynthesis of plant growth hormones. Each of these aspects is dealt with in a comparative way. Azospirilla are predominantly surface-colonizing bacteria, whereas A. diazotrophicus, H. seropedicae and Azoarcus sp. are endophytic diazotrophs. The attachment of Azospirillum cells to plant roots occurs in two steps. The polar flagellum, of which the flagellin was shown to be a glycoprotein, mediates the adsorption step. An as yet unidentified surface polysaccharide is believed to be essential in the subsequent anchoring phase. In Azoarcus sp. the attachment process is mediated by type IV pili. Nitrogen fixation structural genes (nif) are highly conserved among all nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and in all diazotrophic species of the class of proteobacteria examined, the transcriptional activator NifA is required for expression of other nif genes in response to two major environmental signals (oxygen and fixed N). However, the mechanisms involved in this control can vary in different organisms. In Azospirillum brasilense and H. seropedicae (α- and β-subgroup, respectively), NifA is inactive in conditions of excess nitrogen. Activation of NifA upon removal of fixed N seems to involve, either directly or indirectly, the signal transduction protein PII. The presence of four conserved cysteine residues in the NifA protein might be an indication that NifA is directly sensitive to oxygen. In Azotobacter vinelandii (γ-subgroup) nifA is cotranscribed with a second gene nifL. The nifL gene product inactivates NifA in response to high oxygen tension and cellular nitrogen-status. NifL was found to be a redox-sensitive flavoprotein. The relief of NifL inhibition on NifA activity, in response to N-limitation, is suggested to involve a PII-like protein. Moreover, nitrogenase activity is regulated according to the intracellular nitrogen and O2 level. In A. brasilense and Azospirillum lipoferum posttranslational control of nitrogenase, in response to ammonium and anaerobiosis, involves ADP-ribosylation of the nitrogenase iron protein, mediated by the enzymes DraT and DraG. At least three pathways for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis in A. brasilense exist: two Trp-dependent (the indole-3-pyruvic acid and presumably the indole-3-acetamide pathway) and one Trp-independent pathway. The occurrence of an IAA biosynthetic pathway not using Trp (tryptophan) as precursor is highly unusual in bacteria. Nevertheless, the indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase encoding ipdC gene is crucial in the overall IAA biosynthesis in Azospirillum. A number of genes essential for Trp production have been isolated in A. brasilense, including trpE(G) which codes for anthranilate synthase, the key enzyme in Trp biosynthesis. The relevance of each of these four aspects for plant growth promotion by Azospirillum is discussed.
901 citations
TL;DR: The steering committee for the study held special meetings to discuss the problems of standardization and to formulate terms and procedures to derive morphologic end- points by Bmode imaging and end-points of vascularity and blood flow by color Doppler imaging.
Abstract: the problem became more apparent to us during the planning stage of an international, multicenter study to characterize adnexal masses by ultrasonographic criteria using the histologic and surgical classification of each mass as the reference procedure. A detailed review of the literature had revealed considerable variation in the diagnostic accuracy of test procedures 2 . There had also been much discussion and more recently a report that the use of diagnostic algorithms derived from the retrospective analysis of data in a particular center 3‐5 does not produce such good results when used prospectively in another center 6 . The possibility arose that both findings might be explained, at least in part, by differences in the interpretation and use of terms and definitions of the diagnostic end-points. Consequently, a new initiative was started to address the problem, which of necessity involved the participation of researchers from different centers; the participants comprise the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group (see list below). The steering committee for the study held special meetings to discuss the problems of standardization and to formulate terms and procedures to derive morphologic end-points by Bmode imaging and end-points of vascularity and blood flow by color Doppler imaging. The recommendations of the steering committee were distributed to each participating center and subsequently refined after meeting with the principal investigators. The following consensus opinion is being used in the multicenter study and in our routine practices. We hope that the outcome of our deliberations will stimulate further debate, which will eventually lead to internationally agreed terms and definitions within our speciality.
TL;DR: A histological activity system was developed for ulcerative colitis that showed good reproducibility and modest agreement with the endoscopic grading system which it complemented and has potential value both clinically and in clinical trials.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Evaluation of histological activity in ulcerative colitis needs to be reproducible but has rarely been tested. This could be useful both clinically and in clinical trials. AIM To develop reproducible criteria which are valid in the assessment of acute inflammation (activity) and chronicity, and to evaluate these features in an interobserver variability study. METHODS A six grade classification system for inflammation was developed which could also be fine tuned within each grade. The grades were: 0, structural change only; 1, chronic inflammation; 2, lamina propria neutrophils; 3, neutrophils in epithelium; 4, crypt destruction; and 5, erosions or ulcers. Ninety nine haematoxylin-eosin sections from endoscopically inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa from patients with distal ulcerative colitis were assessed in two separate readings by three pathologists independently and without knowledge of the clinical status. Interobserver agreement was compared pairwise using kappa statistics. RESULTS Initially, kappa values between the observers were 0.20, 0.42, and 0.26, which are too low to be of value. Following development of a semiquantitative pictorial scale for each criterion, kappa values improved to 0.62, 0.70, and 0.59. For activity defined by neutrophils between epithelial cells, kappa values were 0.903, 1.000, and 0.907. Complete agreement was reached in 64% of samples of endoscopically normal and in 66% of endoscopically inflamed tissue. Neutrophils in epithelium correlated with the presence of crypt destruction and ulceration. CONCLUSION A histological activity system was developed for ulcerative colitis that showed good reproducibility and modest agreement with the endoscopic grading system which it complemented. It has potential value both clinically and in clinical trials.
TL;DR: Since the cytoplasmic domain of APP is anchored to a complex protein network that might function in axonal elongation, dendritic arborisation and neuronal cell migration, the proteolysis of APP might be critically involved in intracellular signalling events.
Abstract: Recent research has identified some key players involved in the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to amyloid beta-peptide, the principal component of the amyloid plaques in Alzheimer patients. Interesting parallels exists with the proteolysis of other proteins involved in cell differentiation, cholesterol homeostasis and stress responses. Since the cytoplasmic domain of APP is anchored to a complex protein network that might function in axonal elongation, dendritic arborisation and neuronal cell migration, the proteolysis of APP might be critically involved in intracellular signalling events.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a data set on a panel of 1450 households in different communities in rural Ethiopia, surveyed thrice, over 18 months, and found high variability in consumption and poverty, over the seasons and year-by-year.
Abstract: Most studies examining the dynamics of welfare have found large fluctuations in consumption over relatively short periods, suggesting substantial short‐run movements in and out of poverty. The consequence is that cross‐section poverty research may not be able to identify the poor. In this study, we explore this short‐run variability further. We use a data set on a panel of 1450 households in different communities in rural Ethiopia, surveyed thrice, over 18 months. On average year‐to‐year poverty is very similar. However, we find high variability in consumption and poverty, over the seasons and year‐by‐year. Econometric analysis suggests that consumption is affected by idiosyncratic and common shocks, including rainfall and household‐specific crop failure, while households respond to seasonal incentives related to changing labour demand and prices. The results imply that a larger number of households are vulnerable to shocks than implied by the standard poverty statistics, while some of the non‐poor in the...
TL;DR: The theory of locally compact quantum groups that are studied in the framework of operator algebras, i.e., C*-alges and von Neumann alges, is introduced in this paper.
Abstract: These lecture notes are intended as an introduction to the theory of locally compact quantum groups that are studied in the framework of operator algebras, i.e. C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras. The presentation revolves around the definition of a locally compact quantum group as given in [KuV00a] and [KuV03].
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a dynamical friction model structure which allows accurate modeling both in the sliding and the presliding regimes, and the transition between these two regimes is accomplished without a switching function.
Abstract: Presents a dynamical friction model structure which allows accurate modeling both in the sliding and the presliding regimes. Transition between these two regimes is accomplished without a switching function. The model incorporates a hysteresis function with nonlocal memory and arbitrary transition curves. These last aspects prove essential for modeling presliding friction that is encountered in real physical situations. The model as a whole can also handle the Stribeck effect and stick-slip behavior as has been demonstrated by validation on a KUKA IR 361 robot. In this sense, this model can be considered as more complete in comparison with others found in the literature. The general friction model allows modeling of individual friction systems through the identification of a set of parameters that determine the complete behavior of the system. In this way, the model structure has been used to identify the friction behavior of a linear slide as well as that of the above mentioned KUKA robot. The results of the latter identification have been consequently used for feedforward friction compensation to obtain the most accurate tracking.
01 Dec 2000
TL;DR: This survey presents an overview of recent advances in the state of the art for computer-aided design (CAD) tools for analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) and outlines progress on the various design problems involved.
Abstract: This survey presents an overview of recent advances in the state of the art for computer-aided design (CAD) tools for analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs). Analog blocks typically constitute only a small fraction of the components on mixed-signal ICs and emerging systems-on-a-chip (SoC) designs. But due to the increasing levels of integration available in silicon technology and the growing requirement for digital systems to communicate with the continuous-valued external world, there is a growing need for CAD tools that increase the design productivity and improve the quality of analog integrated circuits. This paper describes the motivation and evolution of these tools and outlines progress on the various design problems involved: simulation and modeling, symbolic analysis, synthesis and optimization, layout generation, yield analysis and design centering, and test. This paper summarizes the problems for which viable solutions are emerging and those which are still unsolved.
University of Leicester1, Estonian Biocentre2, University of Belgrade3, University of Porto4, University of Cambridge5, Guardia Civil6, Complutense University of Madrid7, University of Ferrara8, Umeå University9, Pompeu Fabra University10, Trinity College, Dublin11, University of Oslo12, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge13, Leiden University Medical Center14, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven15, Russian Academy16, University of Kiel17, Medical University of Łódź18, Edith Cowan University19, Humboldt University of Berlin20, University of Oxford21, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine22, University of Rome Tor Vergata23, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics24, Pasteur Institute25, University of Tartu26, La Trobe University27, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center28, University of Copenhagen29, University of Ljubljana30, Boğaziçi University31
TL;DR: These patterns retain a strong signal of expansion from the Near East but also suggest that the demographic history of Europe has been complex and influenced by other major population movements, as well as by linguistic and geographic heterogeneities and the effects of drift.
Abstract: Clinal patterns of autosomal genetic diversity within Europe have been interpreted in previous studies in terms of a Neolithic demic diffusion model for the spread of agriculture; in contrast, studies using mtDNA have traced many founding lineages to the Paleolithic and have not shown strongly clinal variation. We have used 11 human Y-chromosomal biallelic polymorphisms, defining 10 haplogroups, to analyze a sample of 3,616 Y chromosomes belonging to 47 European and circum-European populations. Patterns of geographic differentiation are highly nonrandom, and, when they are assessed using spatial autocorrelation analysis, they show significant clines for five of six haplogroups analyzed. Clines for two haplogroups, representing 45% of the chromosomes, are continentwide and consistent with the demic diffusion hypothesis. Clines for three other haplogroups each have different foci and are more regionally restricted and are likely to reflect distinct population movements, including one from north of the Black Sea. Principal-components analysis suggests that populations are related primarily on the basis of geography, rather than on the basis of linguistic affinity. This is confirmed in Mantel tests, which show a strong and highly significant partial correlation between genetics and geography but a low, nonsignificant partial correlation between genetics and language. Genetic-barrier analysis also indicates the primacy of geography in the shaping of patterns of variation. These patterns retain a strong signal of expansion from the Near East but also suggest that the demographic history of Europe has been complex and influenced by other major population movements, as well as by linguistic and geographic heterogeneities and the effects of drift.
TL;DR: A novel modelling approach is developed, fulfilling all formulated structural model requirements, and based on a careful analysis of literature knowledge of the shoulder and tailing phenomenon, which incorporates the possibility of a straightforward interpretation within this framework.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the transcriptional response to osmotic shock in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and found that the mRNA level of 186 genes increased at least 3-fold after a shift to NaCl or sorbitol whereas that of more than 100 genes was at least 1.5-fold diminished.
TL;DR: PET significantly improves the detection of stage IV disease in EC compared with the conventional staging modalities and improves diagnostic specificity for LN staging.
Abstract: PURPOSE: A prospective study of preoperative tumor-node-metastasis staging of patients with esophageal cancer (EC) was designed to compare the accuracy of 18-F-fluoro-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) with conventional noninvasive modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients with carcinomas of the esophagus (n = 43) or gastroesophageal junction (n = 31) were studied. All patients underwent attenuation-corrected FDG-PET imaging, a spiral computed tomography (CT) scan, and an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). RESULTS: FDG-PET demonstrated increased activity in the primary tumor in 70 of 74 patients (sensitivity: 95%). False-negative PET images were found in four patients with T1 lesions. Thirty-four patients (46%) had stage IV disease. FDG-PET had a higher accuracy for diagnosing stage IV disease compared with the combination of CT and EUS (82% v 64%, respectively; P = .004). FDG-PET had additional diagnostic value in 16 (22%) of 74 patients by upstaging 11 (15%) and downstaging...
01 Jan 2000
TL;DR: This work presents an alternative method for extracting invariant regions that does not depend on the presence of edges or corners in the image but is purely intensity-based, and demonstrates the use of such regions for another application, which is wide baseline stereo matching.
Abstract: ‘Invariant regions’ are image patches that automatically deform with changing viewpoint as to keep on covering identical physical parts of a scene. Such regions are then described by a set of invariant features, which makes it relatively easy to match them between views and under changing illumination. In previous work, we have presented invariant regions that are based on a combination of corners and edges. The application discussed then was image database retrieval. Here, an alternative method for extracting (affinely) invariant regions is given, that does not depend on the presence of edges or corners in the image but is purely intensity-based. Also, we demonstrate the use of such regions for another application, which is wide baseline stereo matching. As a matter of fact, the goal is to build an opportunistic system that exploits several types of invariant regions as it sees fit. This yields more correspondences and a system that can deal with a wider range of images. To increase the robustness of the system even further, two semi-local constraints on combinations of region correspondences are derived (one geometric, the other photometric). They allow to test the consistency of correspondences and hence to reject falsely matched regions.
TL;DR: All three investigated regimens demonstrate modest clinical efficacy and should not be regarded as standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer, with neutropenia being the major toxicity for all three regimens.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of etoposide, leucovorin, and bolus fluorouracil (ELF) or infusional fluorouracil plus cisplatin (FUP) with that of the reference protocol of fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and methotrexate (FAMTX) in advanced gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 399 patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach were randomized and analyzed for toxicity, tumor response, and progression-free and overall survival. Only reviewed and confirmed responses were considered. The analysis of remission was based on assessable patients with documented measurable lesions. The intent-to-treat principle, log-rank test, and Cox regression model were used for the statistical analysis of time-to-event end points. RESULTS: The overall response rate for 245 eligible patients with measurable disease was 9% with ELF, 20% with FUP, and 12% with FAMTX, with no significant differences. One hundred twelve patients were eligible for efficacy in assessable, nonmeasurable disease. No ch...
TL;DR: Outpatient training in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease resulted in significant and clinically relevant changes in 6-minute walking distance, maximal exercise performance, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life.
TL;DR: The results show that GATA3 is essential in the embryonic development of the parathyroids, auditory system and kidneys, and indicate that other GATA family members may be involved in the aetiology of human malformations.
Abstract: Terminal deletions of chromosome 10p result in a DiGeorge-like phenotype that includes hypoparathyroidism, heart defects, immune deficiency, deafness and renal malformations. Studies in patients with 10p deletions have defined two non-overlapping regions that contribute to this complex phenotype. These are the DiGeorge critical region II (refs 1, 2), which is located on 10p13-14, and the region for the hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, renal anomaly (HDR) syndrome (Mendelian Inheritance in Man number 146255), which is located more telomeric (10p14-10pter). We have performed deletion-mapping studies in two HDR patients, and here we define a critical 200-kilobase region which contains the GATA3 gene. This gene belongs to a family of zinc-finger transcription factors that are involved in vertebrate embryonic development. Investigation for GATA3 mutations in three other HDR probands identified one nonsense mutation and two intragenic deletions that predicted a loss of function, as confirmed by absence of DNA binding by the mutant GATA3 protein. These results show that GATA3 is essential in the embryonic development of the parathyroids, auditory system and kidneys, and indicate that other GATA family members may be involved in the aetiology of human malformations.
TL;DR: Thrombocytopenia is common in ICUs and constitutes a simple and readily available risk marker for mortality, independent of and complementary to established severity of disease indices.
Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the incidence and prognosis of thrombocytopenia in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients.DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingThe medical ICU of a university hospital and the combined medical-surgical ICU of a regional hospital.PatientsAll patients consecutively a
TL;DR: In this article, a spatially distributed water and tillage erosion model that allows the incorporation of landscape structure is presented, which is applied to three study sites in the Belgian Loam Belt where significant changes in landscape structure occurred over the last fifty years.
Abstract: Landscape structure, or the spatial organization of different land units, has an impact on erosion and sedimentation on agricultural land. However, current erosion models emphasize the temporal, and less the spatial, variability of relevant parameters so that the effects of changes in landscape structure have hitherto not been studied in detail. Therefore, a spatially distributed water and tillage erosion model that allows the incorporation of landscape structure is presented. The model is applied to three study sites in the Belgian Loam Belt where significant changes in landscape structure occurred over the last fifty years. Erosion rates were shown to change by up to 28% however, with decreases as well as increases occurring. These could be explained by the interaction of changes in land use with changes in the position of field boundaries. Thus, landscape structure is an important control when the effect of environmental change on erosion risk is to be assessed.
TL;DR: The emerging technique of independent component analysis, also known as blind source separation, is proposed as an interesting tool for the extraction of the antepartum fetal electrocardiogram from multilead cutaneous potential recordings.
Abstract: We propose the emerging technique of independent component analysis, also known as blind source separation, as an interesting tool for the extraction of the antepartum fetal electrocardiogram from multilead cutaneous potential recordings. The technique is illustrated by means of a real-life example.
TL;DR: Subcutaneous rhuIL-10 administered daily for 28 days to patients with mild to moderately active Crohn's disease is safe, well-tolerated, and shows clinical and endoscopic improvement.
TL;DR: The role of transforming growth factor-beta(1) in the production and deposition of collagens and in the induction of gene expression in the myocardium in relation to the development of myocardial fibrosis will be discussed.