A large synoptic dataset of coastal in situ observations

Since the beginning of 2004 MUMM has performed a series of moorings in the Belgian Coastal Zone with a tripod or benthic lander, equipped with a series of oceanographic sensors. Current meters such as an Acous1c Doppler Profiler (ADP) and an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), a CT-­sensor capable of measuring temperature and salinity, op1cal (OBS) and acous1c backsca\er sensors (ADP and ADV) to measure suspended sediment concentra1on, a LISST 100 suspended par1cle sizer, a passive Cetacean monitoring device (C-­PoD) and a passive sampling device for chemical monitoring have ever since been moored for more than 1750 days. From autumn 2009 a permanent coastal observatory has been installed at MOW1, located to the west of the entrance to the Zeebrugge harbor. Other mooring sites include more offshore loca1ons, such as the Kwintebank, Gootebank, MOW0 and the offshore windmill farms and a very nearshore loca1on (Blankenberge)

Randomised non-inferiority trial: 1600 mg versus 400 mg tablets of mesalazine for the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis

High concentration mesalazine formulations are more convenient than conventional low concentration formulations for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). To compare the efficacy and safety of 1600 mg and 400 mg tablet mesalazine formulations. Patients with mild-to-moderate active UC (Mayo Clinic Score >5; N=817) were randomised to 3.2 g of oral mesalazine, administered as two 1600 mg tablets once, or four 400 mg tablets twice daily. We hypothesised that treatment with the 1600 mg tablet was non-inferior (within a 10% margin) to the 400 mg tablet for induction of clinical and endoscopic remission at week 8. Open-label treatment with the 1600 mg tablet continued for 26-30 weeks based on induction response. Predictors of treatment response were also explored. At week 8, remission occurred in 22.4% and 24.6% of patients receiving the 1600 mg and 400 mg tablets, respectively (absolute difference -2.2%, 95% CI: -8.1% to 3.8%, non-inferiority P=.005). Endoscopic and histopathologic disease activity, leucocyte concentration and age were significantly associated with clinical remission (P=.022, .042, .014 and .023, respectively). At week 38, 43.9% (296/675) of patients who continued treatment with the 1600 mg formulation were in remission, including 70.3% (142/202) of patients who received a reduced dose of mesalazine (1.6 g/d). The overall incidence of serious adverse events was low. Induction therapy with 3.2 mg mesalazine using two 1600 mg tablets once-daily was statistically and clinically non-inferior to a twice-daily regimen using four 400 mg tablets (NCT01903252

Third European evidence-based consensus on diagnosis and management of ulcerative colitis. Part 1: Definitions, diagnosis, extra-intestinal manifestations, pregnancy, cancer surveillance, surgery, and ileo-anal pouch disorders

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The development of a magnetic resonance imaging index for fistulising Crohn's disease

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for assessment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease (CD). The Van Assche index is the most commonly used MRI fistula index. To assess the reliability of the Van Assche index, and to modify the instrument to improve reliability and create a novel index for fistulising CD. A consensus process developed scoring conventions for existing Van Assche index component items and new items. Four experienced radiologists evaluated 50 MRI images in random order on three occasions. Reliability was assessed by estimates of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Common sources of disagreement were identified and recommendations made to minimise disagreement. A mixed effects model used a 100 mm visual anologue scale (VAS) for global severity as outcome and component items as predictors to create a modified Van Assche index. Intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals) for intra-rater reliability of the original and modified Van Assche indices and the VAS were 0.86 (0.81-0.90), 0.90 (0.86-0.93) and 0.86 (0.82-0.89). Corresponding ICCs for inter-rater reliability were 0.66 (0.52-0.76), 0.67 (0.55-0.75) and 0.58 (0.47-0.66). Sources of disagreement included number, location, and extension of fistula tracts, and rectal wall involvement. A modified Van Assche index (range 0-24) was created that included seven component items. Although "almost perfect" intra-rater reliability was observed for the assessment of MRI images for fistulising CD using the Van Assche index, inter-rater reliability was considerably lower. Our modification of this index should result in a more optimal instrumen