A reproducible and quantitative imaging biomarker to standardize the evaluation of changes in bone scans is an unmet need for prostate cancer patients with skeletal metastasis. Here we have performed a series of analytical validation studies to evaluate the performance of the automated Bone Scan Index (BSI) as an imaging biomarker in patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa).

Nitrogen is an essential soil nutrient for plants, and lack of nitrogen commonly limits plant growth. Soil nitrogen is typically available to plants in two inorganic forms: nitrate and ammonium. To better understand how nitrate and ammonium differentially affect plant metabolism and development, we performed transcriptional profiling of the shoots of ammonium-supplied and nitrate-supplied Arabidop

After apartheid, South Africa has stepped up to the challenge of reforming an inequitable water service delivery system to meet the needs of all citizens. We frame this systematic societal change as a transition in water governance. We argue that when evaluating this pathway of transition, we should not only look at the changes in water legislation and number with improved access, but also analyze

Alpha-1-microglobulin (A1M) is a small protein found intra- and extracellularly in all tissues of vertebrates. The protein was discovered 40 years ago and its physiological role remained unknown for a long time. A series of recent publications have demonstrated that A1M is a vital part of tissue housekeeping. A strongly electronegative free thiol group forms the structural basis of heme-binding, r

The efficacy of bendamustine versus chlorambucil in a phase III trial of previously untreated patients with Binet stage B/C chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was re-evaluated after a median observation time of 54months in May 2010. Overall survival (OS) was analysed for the first time. At follow-up, investigator-assessed complete response (CR) rate (21.0% vs 10.8%), median progression-free survi

Functionalized polymer nanoparticles are used as binders for inorganic materials in everyday technologies such as paper and coatings. However, the functionalization can give rise to two opposing effects: It can promote adhesion via specific interactions to the substrate, but a high degree of functionalization can also hamper spreading on substrates. Here, we studied the spreading kinetics of indiv

Injury to the peripheral nerves in the upper extremity results in changes in the nerve, and at multiple sites throughout the central nervous system (CNS). We studied the long-term effects of an injury to the median nerve in the forearm with a focus on changes in the CNS. Four patients with isolated injuries of the median nerve in their 20s were examined a mean of 14 years after the injury. Cortica

Objective. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive technique that has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of angina pectoris. Little is known how EECP affects the blood pressure. Methods. 153 patients with refractory angina were treated with either EECP or retained on their pharmacological treatment (reference group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood p

Purpose: To investigate rates of visual field progression and factors associated with progression rate in open-angle glaucoma in clinical glaucoma care. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with manifest primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) followed ≥ 5 years with ≥5 SITA Standard fields. Exclusion criteria were minimal. Demographic

Measuring the thermopower of a confined quantum system reveals important information about its excitation spectrum. Our simulations show how this kind of transport spectroscopy is able to extract a clear signal for the onset of Wigner localization in a nanowire segment. This demonstrates that thermopower measurements provide a tool for investigating complex many-body quantum effects, which is less

The aim of this study was to investigate heterogenic ventilation in the acinar (Sacin) and conductive (Scond) airways of patients with varying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity and how these relates to advanced lung function parameters, primarily measured by impulse oscillometry (IOS). A secondary aim was to investigate the effects of a short acting beta2-agonist and a muscarin

To modify the hand mobility in scleroderma (HAMIS) test by reducing the number of items and amount of equipment needed, and to evaluate the construct validity of this modified HAMIS (mHAMIS).

To investigate gaze behavior during communication between children with hearing impairment (HI) and normal-hearing (NH) peers.

Urban areas adjacent to surface water are exposed to soil movements such as erosion and slope failures (landslides). A landslide is a potential mechanism for mobilisation and spreading of pollutants. This mechanism is in general not included in environmental risk assessments for contaminated sites, and the consequences associated with contamination in the soil are typically not considered in lands

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the main protein constituent of HDL, has a central role in the reverse cholesterol-transport pathway, which together with the anti-inflammatory properties of apoA-I/HDL provide cardioprotection. Recent findings of direct stimulation of glucose uptake in muscle by apoA-I/HDL suggest that altered apoA-I and HDL functionality may be a contributing factor to the developmen

Gonyostmum semen is a freshwater raphidophyte that has increased in occurrence and abundance in several countries in northern Europe since the 1980s. More recently, the species has expanded rapidly also in north-eastern Europe, and it is frequently referred to as invasive. To better understand the species history, we have explored the phylogeography of G. semen using strains from northern Europe,

Citizenship education is a popular and contested phenomenon in liberal democratic societies. It is difficult to imagine a school system that does not contribute to the preservation and improvement of society through education of democratic, responsible and tolerant citizens. On the contrary, the execution of such education is full of caveats, controversy and resistance. This special issue examines

Recent research has demonstrated that physical therapy may benefit the physical and mental health of people with eating disorders (EDs). Because this is a new and developing field, this study aimed to investigate the experience, practices and knowledge of international physical therapy experts to inform clinical practice, education and research.