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Biomedical subjects

M Janssens

Publications and source records attributed to M Janssens.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A multidisciplinary selection model for youth soccer: the Ghent Youth Soccer Project.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationships between physical and performance characteristics and level of skill in youth soccer players aged 12-16 years. METHODS: Anthropometry, maturity status, functional and sport-specific parameters were assessed in elite, sub-elite, and non-elite youth players in four age groups: U13 (n = 117), U14 (n = 136), U15 (n = 138) and U16 (n = 99). RESULTS: Multivariate analyses of covariance by age group with maturity status as the covariate showed that elite players scored better than the non-elite players on strength, flexibility, speed, aerobic endurance, anaerobic capacity and several technical skills (p<0.05). Stepwise discriminant analyses showed that running speed and technical skills were the most important characteristics in U13 and U14 players, while cardiorespiratory endurance was more important in U15 and U16 players. The results suggest that discriminating characteristics change with competitive age levels. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics that discriminate youth soccer players vary by age group. Talent identification models should thus be dynamic and provide opportunities for changing parameters in a long-term developmental context.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Nocardia spp. from clinical specimens by Etest.

Susceptibilities to 11 antimicrobial agents were determined by Etest for 93 Nocardia isolates from clinical specimens and 15 type strains belonging to different Nocardia spp. All isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, amikacin and linezolid, but susceptibilities of the various Nocardia spp. to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin varied markedly. Overall, there was a good correlation between the drug resistance patterns and the species identification established by conventional phenotypic tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. Among the different species encountered, Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia brasiliensis displayed the most multiresistant profiles, with resistance to imipenem occurring mainly among isolates of N. brasiliensis and Nocardia abscessus. The species variability in susceptibility profiles and the numerous recent taxonomic changes means that in-vitro susceptibility tests may be a complementary tool for the identification of Nocardia isolates from human clinical specimens. Further studies on a larger number of species from more diverse geographical sources, including species that are found less commonly among clinical isolates, are required to validate and extend the results.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2001

Management of difficult intubation.

Appropriate airway management is an essential part of the anaesthetist's role. Difficult intubation, which can now be quantified using the 'Intubation Difficulty Scale', should be anticipated whenever possible. A strategy needs to be developed in order to anticipate problems. The first part of this paper reviews the different factors that contribute to make intubation and/or ventilation difficult. Problems with intubation (or ventilation of the lungs) can be caused by abnormal laryngeal structures (e.g. tumour, stenosis), or by difficulty in seeing the glottis. The clinical history will usually help identify the former problem, while physical examination of the airway is required to reveal either disproportion between the various structures of the airway (e.g. tongue, larynx), and/or difficulties in aligning the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes. The different techniques used to diagnose these problems are described. The second part of this paper summarizes the algorithms used by the anaesthetist when management of the airway is found difficult. Three situations are considered: (a) anticipated difficult intubation, for which awake fibreoptic intubation would appear to be the technique of choice in the majority of cases, (b) unforeseen difficult intubation in a patient whose lungs can be ventilated; here, various techniques for control of the airway will be briefly described, and (c) both tracheal intubation and lung ventilation are impossible; this is a life-threatening emergency, for which three solutions are proposed. These include use of the laryngeal mask airway, the Combitube, or transtracheal ventilation. These situations will be analysed with the aim of proposing management strategies that always guarantee the safety of the patient.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Anthropometric characteristics of elite female junior rowers.

During the 1997 Federation Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron (FISA) World Junior Rowing Championships, the anthropometric characteristics of 245 female junior rowers aged 17.5 +/- 0.8 years (mean +/- s) were assessed. Twenty-seven body dimensions (body mass, 6 heights or lengths, 4 breadths, 10 girths and 6 skinfolds) were measured in total. The elite female junior rowers were taller (174.5 +/- 6.2 cm) and heavier (69.5 +/- 6.2 kg), with greater length, breadth and girth dimensions, but lower skinfold thicknesses than a representative sample of Flemish (Belgian) girls of the same chronological age. An anthropometric profile chart was constructed that was rowing-specific and norms were established. Compared with scullers, sweep rowers were heavier (+4.2 kg) and taller (+2.8 cm), with greater length, breadth (except for femur width) and girth dimensions (except for calf girth). Sweep rowers also had greater skinfold thicknesses (except for the thigh and calf skinfolds). Finalists were heavier (+3.6 kg) and taller (+3.9 cm), with greater length, breadth (except for femur width) and girth dimensions (except for calf girth) than non-finalists. No significant differences were found for skinfold thicknesses between finalists and non-finalists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Brevibacterium paucivorans sp. nov., from human clinical specimens.

Seven isolates from various human body sites displayed general chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics of the genus Brevibacterium. This was corroborated by the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain CF62T, showing a sequence similarity of 99% to Brevibacterium mcbrellneri. However, DNA-DNA hybridization, a peculiar amino acid content of the cell wall and some phenotypic properties clearly suggested that these strains belong to a new species, for which the name Brevibacterium paucivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of B. paucivorans is CF62T (= DSM 13657T = LMG 19814T). The DNA G+C content of the type strain is 55.8 mol%.

Brevibacterium↗
PubMed2000

[Patients without referral treated in the emergency room: patient characteristics and motives].

OBJECTIVES: To determine the motives of patients to directly visit the Emergency Department for medical treatment without seeing their family practitioner first and to establish the characteristics of this group. DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive. METHOD: Of the surgical patients attending the Emergency Room (ER) of Utrecht University Hospital, the Netherlands, between 1st April and 25th June 1997, the demographic and diagnostic data of the non-referred patients were compared with those of patients referred by the general practitioner (GP). The non-referred patients were asked about their reasons to attend without referral. RESULTS: A total of 1026 patients visited the ER at their own initiative: 603 males and 423 females. The most frequent reasons for the direct visits were 'had not thought of their family practitioner' (48%) and 'wants help that can only be provided in a hospital' (30%). The self-referring patients differed from the 962 referred patients in severity of the trauma: 76% versus 39% had a relatively minor trauma; sort of trauma: 19% versus 4% had a sport trauma; place of residence: 57% versus 45% lived in the near vicinity of the hospital. Of the self-referring patients 57% visited the hospital out of office hours, versus 39% of the referred patients. CONCLUSION: A large part of the non-referred patients visited the ER unnecessarily and should actually have consulted their GP. These were mainly young adults with minor injuries or sports injuries who lived close to the hospital. Important factors were unfamiliarity with or lack of understanding of the existing regulations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Corynebacterium simulans sp. nov., a non-lipophilic, fermentative Corynebacterium.

Three coryneform strains isolated from clinical samples were analysed. These strains fitted the biochemical profile of Corynebacterium striatum by conventional methods. However, according to recently described identification tests for fermenting corynebacteria, the strains behaved rather like Corynebacterium minutissimum. The three isolates could be distinguished from C. minutissimum by a positive nitrate and nitrite reductase test and by not fermenting maltose; from C. striatum by their inability to acidify ethylene glycol and to grow at 20 degrees C. Genetic studies based on 16S rRNA showed that the three strains were in fact different from C. minutissimum and C. striatum (96.9 and 98% similarity, respectively) and from other corynebacteria. They represent a new species for which the name Corynebacterium simulans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DSM 44415T (= UCL 553T = Co 553T).

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗
PubMed2000

Identification of Arthrobacter oxydans, Arthrobacter luteolus sp. nov., and Arthrobacter albus sp. nov., isolated from human clinical specimens.

Five Arthrobacter isolates from clinical specimens were studied by phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genetic characterization. Two strains had characteristics consistent with those of Arthrobacter oxydans. One strain was related to A. citreus; however, DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic characteristics indicated that this strain belongs to a new species, for which the name Arthrobacter luteolus sp. nov. is proposed. Two strains were closely related to A. cumminsii by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, but DNA-DNA hybridization, peptidoglycan type, and some phenotypic features indicated that they should be assigned to a new species, for which the name Arthrobacter albus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of A. luteolus is CF25 (DSM 13067). The type strain of A. albus is CF43 (DSM 13068).

Arthrobacter↗
PubMed2000

Anthropometric characteristics of elite male junior rowers.

During the 1997 Federation Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron World Junior Rowing Championships, anthropometric data on 383 male junior rowers were assessed. With 430 participating athletes, the sample represented 89% of the population. In addition to age, 27 dimensions were measured: body mass, six heights or lengths, four breadths, 10 girths, and six skinfolds. The elite male junior rowers were tall (187.4 (5.8) cm; mean (SD)) and heavy (82.2 (7.4) kg), with larger length, breadth, and girth dimensions than a nationally representative sample of Belgian boys of the same chronological age. A rowing specific anthropometric profile chart with norms was constructed. The stature of the junior rowers is similar to that of adult heavyweight elite rowers, except that the junior rowers are lighter. Compared with non-finalists, finalists are heavier (but still lighter than the adult heavyweight elite rower) and taller, with greater length, breadth (except for the bicristal diameter), and girth dimensions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Injuries missed in diagnosing severely injured accident victims in the emergency room].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of injuries missed in the emergency room (ER) and the factors involved. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHOD: Of patients with an Hospital trauma index-injury severity score (HTI-ISS) > or = 14 who were treated in 1996 in the ER of the Academic Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands, it was studied in the computerized database whether injuries had been missed. A missed injury was defined as an injury not identified during assessment in the Emergency department, but identified later in the hospital or rehabilitation centre. The groups of patients with and without missed injuries were compared with each other regarding possible risk factors for missing injuries. RESULTS: Of 376 severely injured patients in 1996, 329 patients had sufficient follow-up documentation. In 37 patients (11%) of these 329 patients 47 injuries were missed. Fractures were the injuries most frequently missed (n = 25), followed by nerve tissue injuries (n = 14). There were consequences for the treatment in 13 of these patients (35%). Patients with missed injuries had a higher HTI-ISS, were more often primarily referred to the ER and arrived more often at night compared with patients without missed injuries. The two patient groups did not differ at to experience of the physicians.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Intercepting moving objects during self-motion: effects of environmental changes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of background texture on an interception task during self-motion. Twenty-six participants modulated tricycle speed along one arm of a V-shaped track so as to intercept a ball approaching horizontally on the other arm of the V. Either a plain or a textured background (consisting of contrasting vertical stripes) was used. Velocity modulations occurred so as to keep the angle beta between the direction of heading and the line head-ball constant (constant bearing angle, or CBA strategy), indicating that this observer-environment relation might regulate the approach phase. In the textured condition, participants initially drove faster than predicted by the CBA model and compensated by slowing down in the second half. This is in line with the texture-induced overestimation of the ball velocity and implies that absolute velocity information is also used.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 produces a defect in CD3-gamma gene transcripts similar to that observed for human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

T cells are central players in the immune response to infectious disease, with the specificity of their responses controlled by the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex on the cell surface. Impairment of TCR/CD3-directed CD4(+) T-cell immune responses is frequently observed in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2). Virus replication is also regulated by T-cell activation factors, with HIV-1 and HIV-2 responding to different TCR/CD3-directed cellular pathways. We previously demonstrated that HIV-1 infection of the human interleukin-2-dependent CD4(+) T-cell line WE17/10 abrogates TCR/CD3 function and surface expression by a specific loss of CD3-gamma gene transcripts. In this study, we show that HIV-2 provokes the same molecular defect in CD3-gamma gene transcripts, resulting in a similar but delayed progressive loss of TCR/CD3 surface expression after infection.

CD4 Antigens↗
PubMed1999

Multicentre European study of thalamic stimulation in parkinsonian and essential tremor.

OBJECTIVES: Thalamic stimulation has been proposed to treat disabling tremor. The aims of this multicentre study were to evaluate the efficacy and the morbidity of thalamic stimulation in a large number of patients with parkinsonian or essential tremor. METHODS: One hundred and eleven patients were included in the study and 110 were implanted either unilaterally or bilaterally. Patients were evaluated with clinical scales, before and up to 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Upper and lower limb tremor scores were reduced in both groups. Eighty five per cent of the electrodes satisfied the arbitrary criteria of two point reduction in rest tremor reduction in the parkinsonian tremor group and 89% for postural tremor reduction in the essential tremor group. In the parkinsonian tremor group, limb akinesia and limb rigidity scores were moderately but significantly reduced. Axial scores were unchanged. In the essential tremor group, head tremor was significantly reduced only at 3 months and voice tremor was non-significantly reduced. Activities of daily living were improved in both groups. Changes in medication were moderate. Adverse effects related to the surgery were mild and reversible. CONCLUSIONS: Thalamic stimulation was shown to be an effective and relatively safe treatment for disabling tremor. This procedure initially applied in a very limited number of centres has been successfully used in 13 participating centres.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1999

Use of Anaesthesia Simulator: initial impressions of its use in two Belgian University Centers.

459 trainees in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, accompanied by fully certified specialists from several Belgian University Hospital Centers, spend at least a 3 hour session at the Anaesthesia Simulator. Each session comprises three segments: the briefing, the simulation session and the debriefing. The use of simulations allows significant individualization of the learning experience. The simulator helps to develop the capacity to understand, explain a phenomenon and to resolve problems. Another important aspect of the use of the simulator involves the trainee's "right to make mistakes". This allows to widen the spectrum of executional situations, and decreases the number of dangerous situations. Two University Centers (ULg and UCL) have each organized simulator sessions despite some differences in their approaches. The simulator is a teaching tool worthy of an obligatory role in the most up-to-date training possible of modern anesthesiologist. This is all the more important given that the current practice of anesthesiology is so complex that any error could cost a human life.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed1998

Liarozole--a novel treatment approach for advanced prostate cancer: results of a large randomized trial versus cyproterone acetate. Liarozole Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of oral liarozole, the first retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agent (RAMBA) to be developed as differentiation therapy for human solid tumors, with that of cyproterone acetate (CPA), an antiandrogen for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Liarozole promotes differentiation of cancer cells by increasing the intratumoral levels of retinoic acid. METHODS: A total of 321 patients with metastatic prostate cancer in relapse after first-line endocrine therapy entered a Phase III international multicenter study (recruitment from February 1992 to August 1994) comparing liarozole (300 mg two times daily) with CPA (100 mg two times daily). RESULTS: Accounting for differences in baseline prognostic factors, the adjusted hazard ratio for survival was 0.74 in favor of liarozole (P = 0.039), indicating a 26% lower risk of death than in patients treated with CPA. Median crude (unadjusted) survival time was the same in the liarozole group as in the CPA group (10.3 months). More patients showed a PSA response (at least 50% reduction in PSA from baseline) when treated with liarozole (20%) than with CPA (4%) (P < 0.001). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responders had a median survival benefit of 10 months over nonresponders, irrespective of treatment (hazard ratio 0.43; P = 0.0018). PSA response was apparent within 3 months in approximately 90% of patients who responded. Pain improved more in the liarozole group than in the CPA group (P = 0.03). PSA responders had lower median pain scores than nonresponders (1.7 versus 2.5) and better quality of life (median Functional Living Index-Cancer score 108 versus 98) at end point, ie, treatment discontinuation, as well as throughout the treatment period. Among the most frequently occurring adverse events in the liarozole group were dry skin (51% of patients), pruritus (25%), rash (16%), nail disorders (16%), and hair loss (15%). These adverse events were generally mild to moderate in severity and did not affect the overall quality of life score. There were no detectable effects of either treatment on vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, and body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Liarozole is superior to CPA in terms of PSA response, PSA progression, and survival, and is capable of maintaining patients' quality of life. The observed adverse events were mild to moderate in nature. These results show that liarozole is a possible treatment option after first-line endocrine therapy has failed.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Prospective study of catalase-positive coryneform organisms in clinical specimens: identification, clinical relevance, and antibiotic susceptibility.

During a 6-month period, all clinical isolates of catalase-positive coryneform organisms, which were isolated during the routine processing of clinical specimens, were characterized in the laboratory of the 1800-bed University Hospital of Leuven. The distribution of the species in the corynebacteria was: Corynebacterium amycolatum 70 (53%), Corynebacterium jeikeium 16 (12%), Corynebacterium striatum 11 (8%), Corynebacterium afermentans 10 (7%), Corynebacterium minutissimum 9 (6%), CDC coryneform group G 4 (3%), Corynebacterium urealyticum 4 (3%), Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum 1 (0.7%), and Corynebacterium xerosis 1 (0.7%). Of the 150 isolates, 37 (25%) were considered to be infection related and the remaining 113 (75%) were of questionable clinical significance. Susceptibility of the corynebacteria to 12 antibiotics active against Gram-positive organisms was evaluated. C. amycolatum, C. jeikeium, and C. urealyticum were multiresistant, but all isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin and vancomycin. Most of the C. amycolatum strains, and all strains of C. jeikeium and C. striatum, were susceptible to the vibrocidal compound O/129.

Actinomycetales↗