LQG Control Over a Markov Communication Network

We formulate and solve a control problem where data are sent over a communication network that introduces random time delays. Past time delays are assumed known by the use of timestamps and the probability distribution of future delays are modeled with a Markov chain with continuous observation densities. We generalize previous results on LQG control of jump linear systems to cover this situation

Complement Diagnostics: Concepts, Indications, and Practical Guidelines

Aberrations in the complement system have been shown to be direct or indirect pathophysiological mechanisms in a number of diseases and pathological conditions such as autoimmune disease, infections, cancer, allogeneic and xenogeneic transplantation, and inflammation. Complement analyses have been performed on these conditions in both prospective and retrospective studies and significant differences have been found between groups of patients, but in many diseases, it has not been possible to make predictions for individual patients because of the lack of sensitivity and specificity of many of the assays used. The basic indications for serological diagnostic complement analysis today may be divided into three major categories: (a) acquired and inherited complement deficiencies; (b) disorders with complement activation; (c) inherited and acquired C1INH deficiencies. Here, we summarize indications, techniques, and interpretations for basic complement analyses and present an algorithm, which we follow in our routine laboratory

Insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects is associated with increased incidence of myocardial infarction and death.

AIMS: To compare the incidence of myocardial infarction and death in non-diabetic subjects with and without insulin resistance. METHODS: Population-based prospective cohort study, in Malmö, Sweden, of 4748 non-diabetic subjects (60% women), aged 46-68 years, with no history of myocardial infarction or stroke. The prevalence of insulin resistance was established by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and defined as values above the sex-specific 75th percentile (1.80 for women and 2.12 for men). Incidence of myocardial infarction and death is based on record linkage with local and national registers. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to assess the influence of insulin resistance after adjustment for age, sex, hyperglycaemia, raised arterial blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, central obesity, smoking and leisure-time physical activity. RESULTS: Sixty-two subjects suffered a coronary event, and 93 subjects died during the 6-year follow-up period. Insulin resistance was after adjustment for other factors included in the insulin resistance syndrome and other potential confounders, associated with an increased incidence of coronary events (relative risk (RR) 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-3.87; P = 0.008) and deaths (RR 1.62; 1.03-2.55; P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance, as assessed by the HOMA method, was in this cohort of middle-aged non-diabetic subjects associated with an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and death. This risk remained when smoking, low physical activity and factors included in the insulin resistance syndrome were taken into account in a stepwise regression model. Diabet. Med. 19, 470-475 (2002

Multiple anthropometric measures in relation to incidence of diabetes: a Swedish population-based cohort study.

Obesity is the major modifiable risk factor for diabetes. This study investigated the incidence of diabetes in relation to multiple anthropometric measures

Differences in presentation of symptoms between women and men with intermittent claudication

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>More women than men have PAD with exception for the stage intermittent claudication (IC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in disease characteristics between men and women when using current diagnostic criteria for making the diagnosis IC, defined as ABI < 0.9 and walking problems.</p> <p>Study Design</p> <p>Cohort study</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>5040 elderly (median age 71) subjects participated in a point-prevalence study 2004. They had their ABI measured and filled out questionnaires covering medical history, current medication, PAD symptoms and walking ability. The prevalence of IC was 6.5% for women and 7.2% for men (P = 0.09). A subset of subjects with IC (N = 56) was followed up four years later with the same procedures. They also performed additional tests aiming to determine all factors influencing walking ability.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Men with IC had more concomitant cardiovascular disease and a more profound smoking history than women. Women, on the other hand, reported a lower walking speed (P < 0.01) and more joint problems (P = 0.018). In the follow up cohort ABI, walking ability and amount of atherosclerosis were similar among the sexes, but women more often reported atypical IC symptoms.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Sex differences in the description of IC symptoms may influence diagnosis even if objective features of PAD are similar. This may influence accuracy of prevalence estimates and selection to treatment.</p

Psychosomatic complaints and sense of coherence among adolescents in a county in Sweden: a cross-sectional school survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Over the last five to ten years there has been an increase in psychosomatic complaints (PSC) in Swedish children. The objective of the study was to examine the relation between PSC and sense of coherence (SOC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional school survey in the county of Västmanland, Sweden. All 16- and 19-year old adolescents present at school on the day of the survey were asked to complete a questionnaire in their classrooms during a one-lesson hour session under the supervision of their teachers. Totally 3,998 students in both private and public schools, studying in ninth grade elementary school or third grade secondary school participated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results from our study show that there is a statistically significant relation between PSC and SOC among adolescents. It also shows that adolescents with a weak SOC score have more symptoms of PSC.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our study indicates that SOC can help the adolescents to choose a coping strategy that is appropriate for the situation and thereby may prevent them from developing PSC. However, additional studies are needed to confirm our findings.</p