OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori infections in patients with idiopathic permanent atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sera from 72 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation without structural heart disease (mean age 69.6 years, 23 women) were analysed for IgG antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobact

A major function of the immune system is to protect the host from microbial infections. The complement system plays important roles in both the innate and the adaptive immune defense and also acts as a bridge between these arms of immunity. This is obvious from complement deficiencies which in varying degree, depending on which factor is missing, are associated with increased infection susceptibil

Telecommunications industries are investing tremendously to meet the ever-increasing demands for higher data rates and capacity. In particular to develop standardization for 5G, which is expected around 2020. The existing spectrum for traditional mobile networks is limited to highly occupied bands at microwave frequencies below 6 GHz. It is expected that 5G will use millimeter-waves to enable high

A model for motion detection is presented. In this approach, motion is viewed as a stable pattern propagating over the image - a technique that makes the model unusually insensitive to noisy input sequences. The model is based on a neural network and requires spontaneous activation of the nodes in order to be operative. The model has been tested in computer simulations with over 300 000 nodes and

Depression and anxiety disorders are increasing among the general population in the Western world. Individuals may need several kinds of treatment in order to maintain health, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and drug treatment. However, having an everyday life that "works" is also important, suggesting a need for interventions based on activities that facilitate a satisfying everyday l

Data are reported on atmospheric mercury flux measured by a lidar system at a chlor-alkali plant located in central Italy. Two mercury sources were identified over the electrolytic cell rooms. A flux value of 36 g h-1 was determined during the daytime while at night the value increase to 56 g h-1. The mercury emitted into the atmosphere was found to be 4 g per 1000 kg of chlorine produced. Atmosph

Abstract In the field of occupational hygiene much consideration is devoted to the uptake through the human airways, but there are also reports of irritations, complaints and hazards or potential hazards due to particle deposition onto the eyes. There is a need for data regarding the dependence of the deposition rate on particle size and environmental parameters in order to formulate sampling crit

In. this study, particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to investigate the physical process of separated flow in a square channel roughened with periodically transverse ribs on one wall. The ribs obstruct the channel by 15% of its height and are arranged 12 rib heights apart. The Reynolds number based on the bulk-mean velocity and the corresponding hydraulic diameter of the channel, is fixed at 2

The aim of this study was to make an inventory of various aspects of end-of-life care of the old people. An additional aim was to illuminate gaps in existing knowledge. A systematic literature review focusing on intervention studies was carried out. Three concepts were of special interest: end-of-life care, palliative care, and terminal care. The result encompassed 29 studies, and the articles wer

Nerve injuries induce severe disability and suffering for patients. Profound alterations in nerve trunks, neurons, and the central nervous system are induced rapidly after injury. This includes activation of intracellular signal transduction mechanisms aiming at the transfer of the cells into a regenerative state through the induction of the appropriate gene programs. The understanding of the neur

Clothes, culture, identity

Overall, 4-10% of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) present with venous tumour thrombus. It is uncertain which surgical technique is best for these patients. Appraisal of outcomes with differing techniques would guide practice.

Elevated plasma cytokines is a common finding in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), although not consistent. It is currently not known whether the inflammatory changes are confined to any specific subgroup of depressive patients. We here analyzed three inflammatory markers in suicidal and non-suicidal depressive patients, as well as healthy controls. Plasma interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and tumor necrosi

Critical note on the tendency to work unpaid overtime as an university teacher cf an article in LUM interviewing a teacher