Université catholique de Louvain

About: Université catholique de Louvain is a education organization based out in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 25319 authors who have published 57360 publications receiving 2172080 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Louvain & UCLouvain.

A neurocognitive model of attention to pain: Behavioral and neuroimaging evidence

Abstract: READ – Unite de Readaptation et de Medecine physique, Universite catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve & Brussels, 1200 Brussels, Belgium Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Universiteit Gent, Ghent, Belgium Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, UK Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network & Department of Surgery and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Canada Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

A Novel Image Analysis Toolbox Enabling Quantitative Analysis of Root System Architecture

Abstract: We present in this paper a novel, semi-automated image analysis software to streamline the quantitative analysis of root growth and architecture of complex root systems. The software combines a vectorial representation of root objects with a powerful tracing algorithm which accommodates a wide range of image sources and quality. The root system is treated as a collection of roots (possibly connected) that are individually represented as parsimonious sets of connected segments. Pixel coordinates and grey level are therefore turned into intuitive biological attributes such as segment diameter and orientation, distance to any other segment or topological position. As a consequence, user interaction and data analysis directly operate on biologicalentities (roots) and are not hampered by the spatially discrete, pixel-based nature of the original image. The software supports a sampling-based analysis of root system images, in which detailed information is collected on a limited number of roots selected by the user according to specific research requirements. The use of the software is illustrated with a time-lapse analysis of cluster root formation in lupin (Lupinus albus) and with an architectural analysis of maize root system (Zea mays). The software, SmartRoot, is an operating system independent freeware based on ImageJ and relies on cross-platform standards for communication with data analysis softwares.

Two-Year, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Belimumab in Lupus Nephritis

Abstract: Background In adults with active lupus nephritis, the efficacy and safety of intravenous belimumab as compared with placebo, when added to standard therapy (mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide-azathioprine), are unknown. Methods In a phase 3, multinational, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 104-week trial conducted at 107 sites in 21 countries, we assigned adults with biopsy-proven, active lupus nephritis in a 1:1 ratio to receive intravenous belimumab (at a dose of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight) or matching placebo, in addition to standard therapy. The primary end point at week 104 was a primary efficacy renal response (a ratio of urinary protein to creatinine of ≤0.7, an estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] that was no worse than 20% below the value before the renal flare (pre-flare value) or ≥60 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area, and no use of rescue therapy), and the major secondary end point was a complete renal response (a ratio of urinary protein to creatinine of Results A total of 448 patients underwent randomization (224 to the belimumab group and 224 to the placebo group). At week 104, significantly more patients in the belimumab group than in the placebo group had a primary efficacy renal response (43% vs. 32%; odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 2.3; P = 0.03) and a complete renal response (30% vs. 20%; odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.7; P = 0.02). The risk of a renal-related event or death was lower among patients who received belimumab than among those who received placebo (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.77; P = 0.001). The safety profile of belimumab was consistent with that in previous trials. Conclusions In this trial involving patients with active lupus nephritis, more patients who received belimumab plus standard therapy had a primary efficacy renal response than those who received standard therapy alone. (Funded by GlaxoSmithKline; BLISS-LN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01639339.).