A transfer learning framework based on motor imagery rehabilitation for stroke.

Deep learning networks have been successfully applied to transfer functions so that the models can be adapted from the source domain to different target domains. This study uses multiple convolutional neural networks to decode the electroencephalogram (EEG) of stroke patients to design effective motor imagery (MI) brain-computer interface (BCI) system. This study has introduced 'fine-tune' to transfer model parameters and reduced training time. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated by the abilities of the models for two-class MI recognition. The results show that the best framework is the combination of the EEGNet and 'fine-tune' transferred model. The average classification accuracy of the proposed model for 11 subjects is 66.36%, and the algorithm complexity is much lower than other models.These good performance indicate that the EEGNet model has great potential for MI stroke rehabilitation based on BCI system. It also successfully demonstrated the efficiency of transfer learning for improving the performance of EEG-based stroke rehabilitation for the BCI system.

Genetic basis of maize kernel oil-related traits revealed by high-density SNP markers in a recombinant inbred line population.

BACKGROUND: Maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) is the most abundantly cultivated and highly valued food commodity in the world. Oil from maize kernels is highly nutritious and important for the diet and health of humans, and it can be used as a source of bioenergy. A better understanding of genetic basis for maize kernel oil can help improve the oil content and quality when applied in breeding. RESULTS: In this study, a KUI3/SC55 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, consisting of 180 individuals was constructed from a cross between inbred lines KUI3 and SC55. We phenotyped 19 oil-related traits and subsequently dissected the genetic architecture of oil-related traits in maize kernels based on a high-density genetic map. In total, 62 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), with 2 to 5 QTLs per trait, were detected in the KUI3/SC55 RIL population. Each QTL accounted for 6.7% (qSTOL1) to 31.02% (qBELI6) of phenotypic variation and the total phenotypic variation explained (PVE) of all detected QTLs for each trait ranged from 12.5% (OIL) to 52.5% (C16:0/C16:1). Of all these identified QTLs, only 5 were major QTLs located in three genomic regions on chromosome 6 and 9. In addition, two pairs of epistatic QTLs with additive effects were detected and they explained 3.3 and 2.4% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Colocalization with a previous GWAS on oil-related traits, identified 19 genes. Of these genes, two important candidate genes, GRMZM2G101515 and GRMZM2G022558, were further verified to be associated with C20:0/C22:0 and C18:0/C20:0, respectively, according to a gene-based association analysis. The first gene encodes a kinase-related protein with unknown function, while the second gene encodes fatty acid elongase 2 (fae2) and directly participates in the biosynthesis of very long chain fatty acids in Arabidopsis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide insights on the genetic basis of oil-related traits and a theoretical basis for improving maize quality by marker-assisted selection.

Intrapleural hyperthermic perfusion using distilled water at 48 °C for malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of B-ultrasound-guided continuous circulatory intrapleural hyperthermic perfusion (IHP) with distilled water (DW) at 48 °C, for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). METHODS: Prospective, randomized interventional study in China (from December 2008 to December 2011) in adults with MPE originating from disseminated pleural tumor. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: thoracotomy or surgical resection, limited encapsulated pleural effusion or extensive pleural adhesions. Patients were randomly divided into DW (12 patients; B-ultrasound-guided IHP with 48 °C DW) and PSS-C (11 patients; B-ultrasound-guided IHP with 45 °C physiological saline solution and cisplatin) groups. Patients were followed up for assessment of objective MPE remission rate, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) scores and survival duration. RESULTS: Pleural effusion was controlled in 100 % of patients, and mean KPS score was increased by 40 % after therapy. Patients' median survival times in the DW and PSS-C groups were 13.0 and 12.9 months, respectively. No serious clinical complications were observed. There were no significant differences between groups in the total objective MPE remission rate, mean KPS score change or median survival time, demonstrating the achievement of significant clinical efficacy with our modified IHP. CONCLUSION: Intrapleural hyperthermic perfusion with 48 °C DW is feasible, easy to perform and relatively safe. This method may offer excellent local control for patients with MPE secondary to disseminated pleural lesions.

[Effect of Fuzheng Peiben therapy on dendritic cell in patients with breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the repairing mechanism of Fuzheng Peiben Therapy on cellular immunofunction in patients with breast cancer on cellar and molecular level. METHODS: The tumor tissue and axillary lymph node samples were evaluated with the flow cytometry for CD83, CD80, CD86 before and after neoadujvant therapy. RESULTS: The levels of CD83, CD80, CD86 were singificantly decreased in group A (treated with surgery only), B (treated with neoadujvant chemotherapy plus surgery) and C (treated with neoadujvant chemotherapy plus surgery with shenqi Fuzheng Injection) compared with that in normal team (P < 0.05 or 0.01); The levels of CD83, CD80, CD86 were significantly decreased in group A, B and C compared between before and after neoadujvant chemotherapy (P < 0.05 or 0.01); They were not significantly decreased between group A and group C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The cellular immunity was inpaired considerably by neoadujvant chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with Shenqi Fuzheng Injection can enhance the cellular immunity considerably.

[Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER-2 in breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2 expression in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: From 59 breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 33 without neoadjuvant therapy (control), core biopsy samples before the chemotherapy or surgery and surgical specimens were obtained for assay of ER, PR, and HER-2 expression. RESULTS: Quantitative alteration of ER expression occurred in 37.29% (22/59) of the patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in 15.15% (5/33) of the control patients, showing statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), but the changes in ER expression status (conversion between positivity/negativity ratio) exhibited no significant difference. After the surgery, quantitative changes in PR expression was noted in 23.73% (14/59) of patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, without significant difference from those in the control group or changes in the expression status. Similarly, the changes in HER-2 expression seen in 13.56% (8/59) of the patients with chemotherapy was also comparable with the control group, without significant changes in the expression status. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes occur in ER receptor expression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer, but such changes do not affect the ER status. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has no significant effects on PR and HER-2 expression in breast cancer patients.