Distance Correlation-Based Feature Selection in Random Forest.

The Pearson correlation coefficient (ρ) is a commonly used measure of correlation, but it has limitations as it only measures the linear relationship between two numerical variables. The distance correlation measures all types of dependencies between random vectors X and Y in arbitrary dimensions, not just the linear ones. In this paper, we propose a filter method that utilizes distance correlation as a criterion for feature selection in Random Forest regression. We conduct extensive simulation studies to evaluate its performance compared to existing methods under various data settings, in terms of the prediction mean squared error. The results show that our proposed method is competitive with existing methods and outperforms all other methods in high-dimensional (p≥300) nonlinearly related data sets. The applicability of the proposed method is also illustrated by two real data applications.

Mapping the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Cerebellar Strokes.

The cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS) has been consistently described in patients with acute/subacute cerebellar injuries. However, studies with chronic patients have had controversial findings that have not been explored with new cerebellar-target tests, such as the CCAS scale (CCAS-S). The objective of this research is to prove and contrast the usefulness of the CCAS-S and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test to evaluate cognitive/affective impairments in patients with chronic acquired cerebellar lesions, and to map the cerebellar areas whose lesions correlated with dysfunctions in these tests. CCAS-S and MoCA were administrated to 22 patients with isolated chronic cerebellar strokes and a matched comparison group. The neural bases underpinning both tests were explored with multivariate lesion-symptom mapping (LSM) methods. MoCA and CCAS-S had an adequate test performance with efficient discrimination between patients and healthy volunteers. However, only impairments determined by the CCAS-S resulted in significant regional localization within the cerebellum. Specifically, patients with chronic cerebellar lesions in right-lateralized posterolateral regions manifested cognitive impairments inherent to CCAS. These findings concurred with the anterior-sensorimotor/posterior-cognitive dichotomy in the human cerebellum and revealed clinically intra- and cross-lobular significant regions (portions of right lobule VI, VII, Crus I-II) for verbal tasks that overlap with the "language" functional boundaries in the cerebellum. Our findings prove the usefulness of MoCA and CCAS-S to reveal cognitive impairments in patients with chronic acquired cerebellar lesions. This study extends the understanding of long-term CCAS and introduces multivariate LSM methods to identify clinically intra- and cross-lobular significant regions underpinning chronic CCAS.

Membrane interactions of Ocellatins. Where do antimicrobial gaps stem from?

The antimicrobial peptides Ocellatin-LB1, -LB2 and -F1, isolated from frogs, are identical from residue 1 to 22, which correspond to the -LB1 sequence, whereas -LB2 carries an extra N and -F1 additional NKL residues at their C-termini. Despite the similar sequences, previous investigations showed different spectra of activities and biophysical investigations indicated a direct correlation between both membrane-disruptive properties and activities, i.e., ocellatin-F1 > ocellatin-LB1 > ocellatin-LB2. This study presents experimental evidence as well as results from theoretical studies that contribute to a deeper understanding on how these peptides exert their antimicrobial activities and how small differences in the amino acid composition and their secondary structure can be correlated to these activity gaps. Solid-state NMR experiments allied to the simulation of anisotropic NMR parameters allowed the determination of the membrane topologies of these ocellatins. Interestingly, the extra Asn residue at the Ocellatin-LB2 C-terminus results in increased topological flexibility, which is mainly related to wobbling of the helix main axis as noticed by molecular dynamics simulations. Binding kinetics and thermodynamics of the interactions have also been assessed by Surface Plasmon Resonance and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry. Therefore, these investigations allowed to understand in atomic detail the relationships between peptide structure and membrane topology, which are in tune within the series -F1 > > -LB1 ≥ -LB2, as well as how peptide dynamics can affect membrane topology, insertion and binding.

Types of Cerebral Herniation and Their Imaging Features.

Cerebral herniation, defined as a shift of cerebral tissue from its normal location into an adjacent space, is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis. The imaging spectrum can range from subtle changes to clear displacement of brain structures. For radiologists, it is fundamental to be familiar with the different imaging findings of the various subtypes of brain herniation. Brain herniation syndromes are commonly classified on the basis of their location as intracranial and extracranial hernias. Intracranial hernias can be further divided into three types: (a) subfalcine hernia; (b) transtentorial hernia, which can be ascending or descending (lateral and central); and (c) tonsillar hernia. Brain herniation may produce brain damage, compress cranial nerves and vessels causing hemorrhage or ischemia, or obstruct the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, producing hydrocephalus. Owing to its location, each type of hernia may be associated with a specific neurologic syndrome. Knowledge of the clinical manifestations ensures a focused imaging analysis. To make an accurate diagnosis, the authors suggest a six-key-point approach: comprehensive analysis of a detailed history of the patient and results of clinical examination, knowledge of anatomic landmarks, direction of mass effect, recognition of displaced structures, presence of indirect radiologic findings, and possible complications. CT and MRI are the imaging modalities of choice used for establishing a correct diagnosis and guiding therapeutic decisions. They also have important prognostic implications. The preferred imaging modality is CT: the acquisition time is shorter and it is less expensive and more widely available. Patients with brain herniation are generally in critical clinical condition. Making a prompt diagnosis is fundamental for the patient's safety.©RSNA, 2019.

Double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial on analgesic efficacy of local anesthetics articaine and bupivacaine after impacted third molar extraction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) was to compare the effect of bupivacaine and articaine at habitual doses on pain intensity and the need for analgesics after lower third molar extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The final study sample comprised 50 Caucasian volunteers (26 males and 24 females; age range, 18-30 years) undergoing scheduled surgical extraction of impacted lower third molar. A computer-generated random sequence was used to allocate participants to the articaine (4%) or bupivacaine (0.5%) group. Surgeons and patients were blinded by labeling the articaine and bupivacaine carpules with numbers (1 and 2, respectively). Postoperative pain intensity (primary outcome) was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS), while the requirement for and timing of rescue medication and the quality of intraoperative anesthesia were also measured (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: VAS-measured pain intensity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the articaine group than in the bupivacaine group at all time points except for 8 h post-surgery (p = 0.052). Rescue medication was required by 13 (52%) patients in the articaine group and 8 (32%) patients in the bupivacaine group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.252). The groups did not significantly differ (p = 0.391) in the quality of the intraoperative anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Bupivacaine is a valid alternative to articaine in third molar surgery and may offer residual anesthesia as a means of reducing postoperative pain. However, further well-designed RCTs are required in larger study populations to verify the effectiveness of bupivacaine to achieve residual analgesia after oral surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that bupivacaine may be useful as a coadjuvant to control acute postoperative pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12617001138370.

Therapeutic Effects of Resiniferatoxin Related with Immunological Responses for Intestinal Inflammation in Trichinellosis.

The immune response against Trichinella spiralis at the intestinal level depends on the CD4+ T cells, which can both suppress or promote the inflammatory response through the synthesis of diverse cytokines. During the intestinal phase, the immune response is mixed (Th1/Th2) with the initial predominance of the Th1 response and the subsequent domination of Th2 response, which favor the development of intestinal pathology. In this context, the glucocorticoids (GC) are the pharmacotherapy for the intestinal inflammatory response in trichinellosis. However, its therapeutic use is limited, since studies have shown that treatment with GC suppresses the host immune system, favoring T. spiralis infection. In the search for novel pharmacological strategies that inhibit the Th1 immune response (proinflammatory) and assist the host against T. spiralis infection, recent studies showed that resiniferatoxin (RTX) had anti-inflammatory activity, which decreased the serum levels of IL-12, INF-γ, IL-1ß, TNF-α, NO, and PGE2, as well the number of eosinophils in the blood, associated with decreased intestinal pathology and muscle parasite burden. These researches demonstrate that RTX is capable to inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines, contributing to the defense against T. spiralis infection, which places it as a new potential drug modulator of the immune response.

Photoprotection of Buddleja cordata extract against UVB-induced skin damage in SKH-1 hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been considerable interest in using botanical agents to prevent skin damage resulting from solar UV-irradiation. Buddleja cordata is a plant that is known as "tepozan". Some people in Mexico use the leaves of this plant to treat tumours, abscesses, sores and burns. The purpose of this study is to investigate the photoprotective properties of Buddleja cordata methanolic extract (BCME) against UVB-induced skin damage in SKH-1 hairless mice at the macroscopic and histological levels. METHODS: BCME was characterised to determine its spectroscopic, chromatographic and antioxidant (DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals) properties. To conduct the photoprotection studies, BCME was applied topically to the skin of SKH-1 mice before acute exposure to UVB for 10 minutes. The murine skin samples were used for macroscopic and histological studies to assess tissue damage. Penetration of active components of BCME into stratum corneum on the dorsal area of mice was investigated in vivo by the tape stripping method. Moreover, genotoxicity of BCME was evaluated in a Vicia faba cell root micronucleus model. RESULTS: BCME displayed absorbance over the entire UVB spectrum, and its principal components included verbascoside and linarin. BCME exhibited antioxidant activity and significantly scavenged hydroxyl radicals. BCME reduced erythema, sunburn cell production, vessel congestion and epidermal thickening of UVB irradiated mouse skin. BCME penetrate the skin of mice. BCME did not exhibit genotoxic activity in the micronucleus test. CONCLUSION: The topical administration of BCME protected against acute UVB-induced damage in mouse SKH-1 skin, and our results suggest that BCME may potentially prevent photodamage.

Procedimientos para el manejo de la vía venosa / Procedures for the management of the venous tract

Se describen los procedimientos generales y específicos para conseguir obtener una vía venosa efectiva. Se hace incapie en que la mejor vía en una situación de emergencia es aquella que se consigue canalizar en el menor tiempo (AU)

Procedimientos en emergencia. Emergencias limitadas : Concepto, idea fuerza / Emergency procedures : Limited emergency : Concept, main idea

Se trata de simplicar en forma de tópicos principales, los principios de asistencia en las emergencias limitadas (AU)

Características de la planificación integrada de las emergencias / Characteristics of integrated planning in emergencies

Las claves para resolver con éxito una situación de emergencia están en las características del SISTEMA prevista para atenderlas, ymás concretamente, en la precisión con la que previamente esten identificadas las funciones y tareas de cada uno de sus miembros (AU)