Introduction We discuss optimization and validation of composite end points for presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. Optimized composites offer hope of substantial gains in statistical power or reduction in sample size. But there is tradeoff between optimization and face validity such that optimization should only be considered if there is a convincing rationale. As with statistical

Background: The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines advise against inappropriate weight match (IWM) for heart transplant, defined as donor weight

Recent epidemiological studies have revealed novel relationships between low water intake or high vasopressin (AVP) and the risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. AVP V1A and V1B receptors (R) are expressed in the liver and pancreatic islets, respectively. The present study was designed to determine the impact of different levels of circulating AVP on glucose homeostasis in normal Sprague-Dawley rats

The article deals with internal crises and external risks and challenges that Iraqi Kurdistan is been experiencing. The methodology of the essay is an integrated model of different levels of analyses local, national, regional and international. The article argues that the post-Mosul era could imply new challenges for Iraq and the Kurdish region in the country.

The literature on extracellular vesicles consists of rapidly expanding and often contradictory information. In this paper we attempt to review what is currently known regarding extracellular vesicles released specifically from human placental syncytiotrophoblast cells with a focus on the common but complex pregnancy-associated syndrome pre-eclampsia, where the level of syncytiotrophoblast extracel

Objectives: Here, we tested the hypothesis that human M-CSF (hM-CSF) overexpressed in cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells would induce differentiation and survival of monocytes and osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Human M-CSF was overexpressed in cord blood CD34+ cells using a lentiviral vector. Results: We show that LV-hM-CSF-transduced CB CD34+ cells expand 3.6- and 8.5-fold more with one or t

Background: Myocardial scar burden quantification is an emerging clinical parameter for risk stratification of sudden cardiac death and prediction of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. We investigated the relationships among semiautomated Selvester score burden and late gadolinium enhancement-cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) assessed scar burden and c

Purpose: We assessed the performance of a 4-kallikrein panel with and without microseminoprotein-β to predict high grade (Gleason 7+/Gleason Grade Group 2+) prostate cancer on biopsy in a multiethnic cohort from PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial). Materials and Methods: Levels of free, intact, total prostate specific antigen, human kallikrein-2 and microseminoprot

During the last 25 years the elementary school sector in Sweden has undergone radical change due to decentralization and deregulation. The logic of professionalism in the organizational structure of the public professional bureaucracy has been challenged, giving way for more of market logic. In tandem, at least from year 2000, the results in the PISA ranking have declined dramatically, leading the

Det har historiskt funnits stora förhoppningar på eu som fredsbyggare i Israel- Palestinakonflikten, både i regionen och inom unionen. Många människor i regionen, både israeler och palestinier, har länge velat ha närmare relationer med eu. Samtidigt har det alltid funnits stor misstänksamhet gentemot eu bland både israeler och palestinier, givet den långa historien av europeisk kolonialism i regio

This thesis employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods of linguistic analysis to investigate how business organizations use discourse as a strategic tool to build and repair stakeholders’ trust. In addition, the thesis makes a methodological contribution by developing a novel corpus annotation method that offers solutions to some of the most significant challenges involved in re