University of Barcelona

About: University of Barcelona is a education organization based out in Barcelona, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 46197 authors who have published 108576 publications receiving 3723377 citations. The organization is also known as: Universitat de Barcelona & UB.

Gaia Data Release 2. Catalogue validation

Abstract: Context. The second Gaia data release (DR2) contains very precise astrometric and photometric properties for more than one billion sources, astrophysical parameters for dozens of millions, radial velocities for millions, variability information for half a million stars from selected variability classes, and orbits for thousands of solar system objects.Aims. Before the catalogue was published, these data have undergone dedicated validation processes. The goal of this paper is to describe the validation results in terms of completeness, accuracy, and precision of the various Gaia DR2 data.Methods. The validation processes include a systematic analysis of the catalogue content to detect anomalies, either individual errors or statistical properties, using statistical analysis and comparisons to external data or to models.Results. Although the astrometric, photometric, and spectroscopic data are of unprecedented quality and quantity, it is shown that the data cannot be used without dedicated attention to the limitations described here, in the catalogue documentation and in accompanying papers. We place special emphasis on the caveats for the statistical use of the data in scientific exploitation. In particular, we discuss the quality filters and the consideration of the properties, systematics, and uncertainties from astrometry to astrophysical parameters, together with the various selection functions.

Mediators of vascular remodelling co-opted for sequential steps in lung metastasis

Abstract: Metastasis entails numerous biological functions that collectively enable cancerous cells from a primary site to disseminate and overtake distant organs. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we show that the epidermal growth factor receptor ligand epiregulin, the cyclooxygenase COX2, and the matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2, when expressed in human breast cancer cells, collectively facilitate the assembly of new tumour blood vessels, the release of tumour cells into the circulation, and the breaching of lung capillaries by circulating tumour cells to seed pulmonary metastasis. These findings reveal how aggressive primary tumorigenic functions can be mechanistically coupled to greater lung metastatic potential, and how such biological activities may be therapeutically targeted with specific drug combinations.

Thrombin-Receptor Antagonist Vorapaxar in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract: In patients with acute coronary syndromes, the addition of vorapaxar to standard therapy did not significantly reduce the primary composite end point but significantly increased the risk of major bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage. (Funded by Merck; TRACER ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00527943.).

Epidemiology and costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: SERIES “THE GLOBAL BURDEN OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE” Edited by K.F. Rabe and J.B. Soriano Number 1 in this Series Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading but under-recognised cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide 1. The prevalence of COPD in the general population is estimated to be ∼1% across all ages rising steeply to >10% amongst those aged ≥40 yrs. The prevalence climbs appreciably higher with age. The 30-yr projections for the global increase in COPD from 1990–2020 are startling. COPD is projected to move from the sixth to the third most common cause of death worldwide, whilst rising from fourth to third in terms of morbidity within the same time-frame 2. The cofactors responsible for this remarkable increase are the continued use of tobacco, coupled with the changing demographics of the world, such that many more people, especially those in developing countries, are living into the COPD age range. COPD is under-diagnosed not only in its early stages, but even when lung function is severely impaired. This is perhaps surprising, since simple and inexpensive spirometers that are suitable in clinical practice are now available, and lung function is a powerful predictor of all-cause mortality, regardless of smoking status. No other disease that is responsible for comparable morbidity, mortality and cost is neglected by healthcare providers as much as COPD. It may well be that the true burden of the disease is not fully appreciated, and the message that COPD is both preventable and treatable has yet to be fully understood by most healthcare providers. The hope is that highlighting these facts will help to raise the profile of COPD and begin to change long-held attitudes. Up to 2001, only 32 prevalence surveys of COPD had been reported 3. This is remarkable given the hundreds …

Right Bundle-Branch Block and ST-Segment Elevation in Leads V1 Through V3 A Marker for Sudden Death in Patients Without Demonstrable Structural Heart Disease

Abstract: Background—Five years ago, we described a specific ECG pattern of right bundle-branch block and ST-segment elevation in leads V1 through V3 associated with sudden death in patients without demonstrable structural heart disease. Information on long-term outcome has become available due to pooled data on a large cohort of patients with this syndrome who are followed at 33 centers worldwide. Methods and Results—Data on 63 patients (57 men; mean age, 38±17 years) with the described ECG pattern were analyzed in terms of arrhythmic events and sudden death. Events were analyzed for patients with at least one episode of aborted sudden death or syncope of unknown origin before recognition of the syndrome (symptomatic patients, n=41) and for patients in whom the ECG pattern was recognized by chance or because of screening related to sudden death of a relative (asymptomatic patients, n=22). During a mean follow-up of 34±32 months, an arrhythmic event occurred in 14 symptomatic patients (34%) and 6 asymptomatic patie...