Linear regression models and k-means clustering for statistical analysis of fNIRS data.

We propose a new algorithm, based on a linear regression model, to statistically estimate the hemodynamic activations in fNIRS data sets. The main concern guiding the algorithm development was the minimization of assumptions and approximations made on the data set for the application of statistical tests. Further, we propose a K-means method to cluster fNIRS data (i.

[Interview with Vittorio Bonomini (1928-2008) one of the charter members of Italian nephrology, by A. Losito].

The author reports his interview with Vittorio Bonomini recorded the 5th of February 2005 on the occasion of the 50 th anniversary of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN). The interview gathers first-hand information about people and facts related to the early days of Italian nephrology. Bonomini also expresses his views on the future of our medical specialty.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus compared with ciclosporin A in renal transplantation: three-year observational results.

Background: The European tacrolimus versus ciclosporin A microemulsion (CsA-ME) renal transplantation study showed that tacrolimus was significantly more effective in preventing acute rejection and had a superior cardiovascular risk profile at 6 months.

Methods: The endpoints of this investigator-initiated, observational, 36-month follow-up were acute rejection incidence rates, rates of patient and graft survival and renal function. An additional analysis was performed using the combined endpoints BPAR, graft loss and patient death.