Entropy-Based Approach in Selection Exact String-Matching Algorithms.

The string-matching paradigm is applied in every computer science and science branch in general. The existence of a plethora of string-matching algorithms makes it hard to choose the best one for any particular case. Expressing, measuring, and testing algorithm efficiency is a challenging task with many potential pitfalls.

Cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular magnetic resonance and single-photon emission computed tomography for diagnosis of coronary artery disease in Germany.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated a superior diagnostic accuracy of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to determine the comparative cost-effectiveness of CMR versus single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Methods: Based on Bayes' theorem, a mathematical model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness and utility of CMR with SPECT in patients with suspected CAD.

Outcome analysis of 189 consecutive cancer patients referred to the intensive care unit as emergencies during a 2-year period.

The referral of critically ill cancer patients to an intensive care unit (ICU) is a matter of controversial debate. This study was conducted by an interdisciplinary clinical group to evaluate the outcome of ICU treatment in cancer patients according to their characteristics at the time of referral. A retrospective analysis was used to identify relevant subgroups among 189 consecutive cancer patients referred as emergencies to one of four ICUs during a 2-year period.

Influence of sustained mechanical stress on Egr-1 mRNA expression in cultured human endothelial cells.

Restenosis after initially successful balloon angioplasty of coronary artery stenosis remains a major problem in clinical cardiology. Previous studies have identified pathogenetic factors which trigger cell proliferation and vascular remodeling ultimately leading to restenosis. Since there is evidence that endothelial cells adjacent to the angioplasty wound area synthesize factors which may initiate this process, we investigated the effects of mechanical stimulation on endothelial gene expression in vitro and focussed on the influence of sustained mechanical stress on expression of immediate early genes which have previously been shown to be induced in the vascular wall in vivo.

Interaction of the renin-angiotensin system and the endothelin system in cardiac hypertrophy.

It has been suggested that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) interacts with the endothelin system in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling. We examined endothelin system regulation in a model of chronic RAS dysfunction, which is believed to be an important factor in cardiac remodeling. We used the transgenic rat line TGR(mRen2)27, which overexpresses the mouse Renin-2 gene and shows hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.