Neural network for estimating conditional distributions.

Neural networks for estimating conditional distributions and their associated quantiles are investigated in this paper. A basic network structure is developed on the basis of kernel estimation theory, and consistency is proved from a mild set of assumptions. A number of applications within statistics, decision theory, and signal processing are suggested, and a numerical example illustrating the capabilities of the elaborated network is given.

Excretion of urinary collagen metabolites correlates to severity of pulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis.

The urinary excretion of collagen metabolites (hydroxylysine, hydroxyproline and proline) was significantly increased in 10 patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic broncho-pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection as compared with 14 age matched controls. The increase was significantly correlated to impaired pulmonary function (FVC and FEV1). The results indicate that urinary collagen metabolites reflect degradation of lung connective tissue and may be an indicator of the severity of pulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis. Parts of the excreted hydroxyproline may be degradation products of elastin.

Biliary calculi in chronic Salmonella carriers and healthy controls: a controlled study.

A controlled study was performed to evaluate the incidence of gall bladder and biliary duct disease in chronic typhoid and paratyphoid carriers. Eight chronic carriers were compared with a comparable group of control persons who had previously had acute typhoid or paratyphoid fever without developing a chronic carrier state. By combined surgical and radiological evaluation biliary calculi were detected in 88% of the carrier group and in 11% in the control group. This difference is statistically significant (p less than 0.02). No difference in biliary function was found between the two groups.

Jaccoud's syndrome. A nosographic entity associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Six Scandinavian cases of Jaccoud's syndrome, resulting from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are described; 1 patient suffered from both SLE and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Clinically, the patients showed hand deformities similar to those of RA with pronounced ulnar deviation and swan-neck configuration. Clinically, however, the hands in cases of Jaccoud's syndrome differ from those in RA because the deformities develop more slowly, without much pain, and hand function is well-preserved. Radiologically, subluxation develops in the metacarpophalangeal joints without the typical rheumatoid joint-associated osseous destruction. The presence of erosions and hooks are exceptional and, if present, they are not typical of RA. It is important that Jaccoud's syndrome be recognized and differentiated from RA because an incorrect diagnosis could lead to a choice of therapy inappropriate for patients with SLE.