University of Amsterdam

About: University of Amsterdam is a education organization based out in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 59309 authors who have published 140894 publications receiving 5984137 citations. The organization is also known as: UvA & Universiteit van Amsterdam.

Biochemistry of mammalian peroxisomes revisited.

Abstract: In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge about the biochemistry of mammalian peroxisomes, especially human peroxisomes. The identification and characterization of yeast mutants defective either in the biogenesis of peroxisomes or in one of its metabolic functions, notably fatty acid beta-oxidation, combined with the recognition of a group of genetic diseases in man, wherein these processes are also defective, have provided new insights in all aspects of peroxisomes. As a result of these and other studies, the indispensable role of peroxisomes in multiple metabolic pathways has been clarified, and many of the enzymes involved in these pathways have been characterized, purified, and cloned. One aspect of peroxisomes, which has remained ill defined, is the transport of metabolites across the peroxisomal membrane. Although it is clear that mammalian peroxisomes under in vivo conditions are closed structures, which require the active presence of metabolite transporter proteins, much remains to be learned about the permeability properties of mammalian peroxisomes and the role of the four half ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters therein.

Rectal Cancer: Local Staging and Assessment of Lymph Node Involvement with Endoluminal US, CT, and MR Imaging—A Meta-Analysis

Abstract: PURPOSE: To perform a meta-analysis to compare endoluminal ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in rectal cancer staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant articles published between 1985 and 2002 were included if more than 20 patients were studied, histopathologic findings were the reference standard, and data were presented for 2 × 2 tables; articles were excluded if data were reported elsewhere in more detail. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics and results. Bivariate random-effects approach was used to obtain summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity for invasion of muscularis propria, perirectal tissue, and adjacent organs and for lymph node involvement. Summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were fitted for perirectal tissue invasion and lymph node involvement. RESULTS: Ninety articles fulfilled all inclusion criteria. For muscularis propria invasion, US and MR imaging had similar sensitivities; speci...

Natalizumab induction and maintenance therapy for Crohn's disease.

Abstract: BackgroundNatalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against α4 integrin, inhibits leukocyte adhesion and migration into inflamed tissue. MethodsWe conducted two controlled trials to evaluate natalizumab as induction and maintenance therapy in patients with active Crohn's disease. In the first trial, 905 patients were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg of natalizumab or placebo at weeks 0, 4, and 8. The primary outcome was response, defined by a decrease in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of at least 70 points, at week 10. In the second trial, 339 patients who had a response to natalizumab in the first trial were randomly reassigned to receive 300 mg of natalizumab or placebo every four weeks through week 56. The primary outcome was a sustained response through week 36. A secondary outcome in both trials was disease remission (a CDAI score of less than 150). ResultsIn the first trial, the natalizumab and placebo groups had similar rates of response (56 percent and 49 percent, respective...