Publications by authors named "A Leeuw"

Purpose: Neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) has been recognized as a distinct disease, yet treatment options remain limited. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the effectiveness of extranasal neurostimulation (EXNS) as a potential pain relief strategy for individuals with the peripheral component of NCP.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed to identify patients who were diagnosed with refractory peripheral or mixed NCP and subsequently underwent a single session of EXNS.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: To report on quality assurance (QA) and protocol adherence (PA) in a multicentre phase III trial for head and neck cancer, evaluate patterns of protocol deviations and investigate the effect of PA on study outcomes.

Methods: All 221 patients from the ARTFORCE trial (NCT01504815) were included in this study. Pre- and per-treatment QA measures included protocol guidelines, a dummy run, early case reviews and trial meetings.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Intracellular calcium overload contributes to heart dysfunction, and understanding how to regulate calcium levels could help develop better heart failure therapies.
  • The transcription factor ZEB2, induced by HIF1α in low-oxygen conditions, helps manage genes related to calcium handling and heart contraction, thus protecting against heart issues.
  • ZEB2 enhances calcium uptake by increasing phosphorylation of phospholamban, while also reducing harmful signaling that leads to heart remodeling, making it a key player in maintaining heart function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide risk estimations for vaginal morbidity with regard to vaginal dilation (summarizing the use of dilators and/or sexual activity) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with definitive radiochemotherapy and image guided adaptive brachytherapy within the prospective, multi-institutional EMBRACE-I study.

Methods And Materials: Physician-assessed vaginal morbidity (National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0), use of vaginal dilators, and patient-reported sexual activity (EORTC-CX24) were prospectively assessed at baseline and during regular follow-ups.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Patellofemoral instability results from impaired engagement of the patella in the trochlear groove at the start of flexion and may lead to pain and lateral patellar dislocation. It occurs most frequently in adolescents and young adults during sporting activities. Trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and excessive lateralization of the tibial tuberosity are the most common risk factors for patellar instability.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF