Robust disease module mining via enumeration of diverse prize-collecting Steiner trees.

MOTIVATION: Disease module mining methods (DMMMs) extract subgraphs that constitute candidate disease mechanisms from molecular interaction networks such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Irrespective of the employed models, DMMMs typically include non-robust steps in their workflows, i.e. the computed subnetworks vary when running the DMMMs multiple times on equivalent input. This lack of robustness has a negative effect on the trustworthiness of the obtained subnetworks and is hence detrimental for the widespread adoption of DMMMs in the biomedical sciences. RESULTS: To overcome this problem, we present a new DMMM called ROBUST (robust disease module mining via enumeration of diverse prize-collecting Steiner trees). In a large-scale empirical evaluation, we show that ROBUST outperforms competing methods in terms of robustness, scalability and, in most settings, functional relevance of the produced modules, measured via KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) gene set enrichment scores and overlap with DisGeNET disease genes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: A Python 3 implementation and scripts to reproduce the results reported in this article are available on GitHub: https://github.com/bionetslab/robust, https://github.com/bionetslab/robust-eval. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Plasma melatonin concentration during the early post-partum period in Thoroughbred mares and their foals.

The authors aimed to determine the plasma melatonin concentration in mares and their new-born foals in the early post-partum period. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 53 mare-foal pairs within twelve hours after parturition. Plasma melatonin levels were measured by ELISA. The melatonin concentration, adjusted for the moment of parturition using a generalised linear model, was 34.58 pg mL-1 in mares. It was significantly lower (27.63 pg mL-1) in the new-born foals. However, the melatonin concentration declined differently by the end of the twelve hours, it decreased less in the offspring than in the mothers. An artificial light supplementation at the end of gestation reduced the melatonin concentration both in mares and their foals by about 10 pg mL-1, compared to the controls. An elevated melatonin production may be related to preparation of mares for parturition and ensures the chances of survival of offspring, therefore the melatonin may reach its peak at the moment of foaling regardless of its actual time. The effect of low melatonin concentration in new-born foals might be associated with the foal's health and subsequent performance. The need to monitor the melatonin concentration in the offspring justifies further studies.

[Text and behavior - analysis of farewell notes - pilot study].

Studying suicide notes, - last personal documents before a suicide act - as well as investigation of media and internet texts on self-destruction (including contents, "messages") can have a great significance. Individual and cultural valuations appear in the way farewell notes, media letters and other personal documents present self-destruction. These "messages", ideas about life, death and suicide are deeply embedded within the public context of culture too. In the present content analysis formal, syntactic and grammatical characteristic features, as well as speech patterns and verbal expressions of selected notes, samples have been investigated. Suicidal - fatal (n=49) and nonfatal group (n=31) of farewell letters were compared with the sample of a control group (n=33). Results have been discussed, interpreted and concluded. These appear to be useful and important not only in understanding of suicidal phenomenon and its psychodynamic background in clinical work or in suicide hotlines, but also in prevention, social-, and clinical intervention of self-destruction. The investigation of these new data may provide a much broader perspective in understanding suicidal process.

[The role of socialisation in psychosexual development].

INTRODUCTION: In the recent research and interpretation of the genetical-biological and environmental-social factors shaping psychosexual development, in addition to scientific arguments, more and more ideological and political aspect have received unfortunate emphasis. OBJECTIVE: Since the literature investigating the development of gender identity and gender orientation has not only increased, but also polarized, it is timely to look at the scientific exchange of ideas and debates among the differing positions. METHOD: Exploring the significance of genetic, biological and social factors involved in the development of gender identity and gender orientation based on international literature data. RESULTS: Based on the current state of science it can be concluded that, in addition to the indisputably marked genetic-biological factors, education and social patterns, as well as the extremely complex environmental and media-related influence with its variable intensity and diverse emotional content also play a significant role in the psychosexual development. This is supported, among other observations, by the data indicating that homoerotic behavior is more common in people raised by same-sex couples. CONCLUSION: As psychosexual development is determined jointly by both genetic-biological and social factors (like education, media etc), belonging to a sexual minority group is not a choice, not the result of a personal decision. Therefore, any kind of discrimination in this regard is unacceptable. Further scientific studies are necessary to answer a large number of questions that still remain open.

Screening and monitoring of the BTKC481S mutation in a real-world cohort of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia during ibrutinib therapy.

The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib has revolutionised the therapeutic landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Acquired mutations emerging at position C481 in the BTK tyrosine kinase domain are the predominant genetic alterations associated with secondary ibrutinib resistance. To assess the correlation between disease progression, and the emergence and temporal dynamics of the most common resistance mutation BTKC481S , sensitive (10-4 ) time-resolved screening was performed in 83 relapsed/refractory CLL patients during single-agent ibrutinib treatment. With a median follow-up time of 40 months, BTKC481S was detected in 48·2% (40/83) of the patients, with 80·0% (32/40) of them showing disease progression during the examined period. In these 32 cases, representing 72·7% (32/44) of all patients experiencing relapse, emergence of the BTKC481S mutation preceded the symptoms of clinical relapse with a median of nine months. Subsequent Bcl-2 inhibition therapy applied in 28/32 patients harbouring BTKC481S and progressing on ibrutinib conferred clinical and molecular remission across the patients. Our study demonstrates the clinical value of sensitive BTKC481S monitoring with the largest longitudinally analysed real-world patient cohort reported to date and validates the feasibility of an early prediction of relapse in the majority of ibrutinib-treated relapsed/refractory CLL patients experiencing disease progression.

A Real-World Rheumatology Registry and Research Consortium: The German RheumaDatenRhePort (RHADAR) Registry.

Real-world data are crucial to continuously improve the management of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The German RheumaDatenRhePort (RHADAR) registry encompasses a network of rheumatologists and researchers in Germany providing pseudonymized real-world patient data and allowing timely and continuous improvement in the care of RMD patients. The RHADAR modules allow automated anamnesis and adaptive coordination of appointments regarding individual urgency levels. Further modules focus on the collection and integration of electronic patient-reported outcomes in between consultations. The digital RHADAR modules ultimately allow a patient-centered adaptive approach to integrated medical care starting as early as possible in the disease course. Such a closed-loop system consisting of various modules along the whole patient pathway enables comprehensive and timely patient management in an unprecedented manner.

Untreated depressive symptoms significantly worsen quality of life in old age and may lead to the misdiagnosis of dementia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies demonstrated the role of depressive mood and cognitive impairment in the background of elevated mortality and decreased Quality of Life (QoL) in old age. Our aim was to assess depressive and cognitive symptoms among older people in order to determine if those are recognized and treated or not, to elucidate the association between them and to investigate their impact on QoL. METHODS: In the framework of the ICT4Life project self-administered questionnaires and clinical screening tools were used to assess QoL, depressive symptoms and cognitive functions of 60 older persons over the age of 65. RESULTS: Males found to be depressed (53.8 vs. 40.4%) and cognitively declined (53.8 vs. 48.9%) more frequently; and had higher scores on the depression (6.85 vs. 5.32) and lower on the QoL (47.38 vs. 50.19) scales. Depressed older persons had lower cognitive levels (24.39 vs. 21.52) and their QoL was significantly poorer (53.97 vs. 43.85) than that of the non-depressed subjects. Depressive symptoms were detected in almost half of the older adults (43.9%), and the majority (80.77%) did not receive antidepressant medication. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive and cognitive symptoms found to be common among older people, but were not recognized and treated in most cases. Close correlation between depression and cognitive impairment was also confirmed, as well as the key role of depression in the background of pseudo-dementia and QoL decline. Early recognition of depressive symptoms is important not only to treat the underlying mood disorder, but also to improve QoL of older persons.

The impact of depressive mood and cognitive impairment on quality of life of the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The quality of life (QOL) of the elderly can be influenced by numerous factors. We assessed QOL, cognitive functions, depression and clinical data in elderly aged 65 and over with the aim of analysing factors affecting their QOL. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with elderly over the age of 65, and their QOL, cognitive functions and depressive symptoms were assessed by validated clinical tests and screening tools. RESULTS: The correlation between QOL scales and cognitive tests was not significant. In contrast, the results of depression scales showed significant negative correlation with the scores of the QOL scales. A better QOL was determined by lower age, lack of depressive symptoms, and higher scores in the QOL-AD (Alzheimer's disease) scale. Depressive mood has much more negative impact on the QOL of the elderly than cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a close correlation between QOL and depressive mood in the elderly. The early detection and effective management of affective and cognitive symptoms in the elderly can not only restore mental health but may also improve their QOL.

[Werther- and Papageno-effects in suicidology notes].

No abstract avalilable.

[Suicide risk assessment and suicide-specific syndromes].

Although more and more data is now available on the background of suicidal behaviour, classical suicidal risk factors have only limited clinical predictive value because they provide little reliable information on the acute psychological processes leading to suicidal behaviour. As the lack of recognition of acute suicidal risk limits the ability to provide adequate care, intense research has begun to develop validated methods for risk analysis and risk assessment that provide more accurate predictions of suicidal behaviour. In recent years, two specific syndromes have been described that may assist in the more accurate assessment of presuicidal psychopathology and thus in the prediction of suicidal behaviour. Researchers from the United States suggest the introduction and the clinical use of two suicide-specific syndromes, the Acute Suicidal Affective Disorder (ASAD) and Suicidal Crisis Syndrome (SCS). In this paper, we present the most important features of these newly described suicide-specific syndromes, the experience with their clinical application, and the major research findings about them. Then these syndromes are compared with the classical psychological features of pre-suicidal crisis to find out whether these are really new transdiagnostic interpretations of the symptoms of suicidal behaviour or those are merely the well-known classical symptoms with new terminology.

[Aging - integration - wisdom Tringer 80].

No abstract available.

[The Papageno-Effect in suicidology].

No abstract available.

[Information and communication technologies in the integrated care of people with dementia]. / Információs és kommunikációs technológiák alkalmazása dementiában szenvedok komplex ellátásában.

Modern information and communication tools have increasingly become an indispensable part of our everyday life. Research data demonstrate that it can be used effectively to preserve and restore health, not just among young people but also among the elderly, as for nowadays the use of the internet is widespread among the elderly, but healthcare applications are less well-known. This supports the significance of our project since it is important to develop and introduce disease-specific healthcare applications. Our preliminary results also indicated that men are less open to these new technologies, so in their case, specific methods are needed to facilitate the use of electronic devices. The high level of internet activity and the interest in information and communication technologies provide a reliable basis for applying these new technologies to the elderly. Thus, based on our research, we can develop a complex model of care based on the bio-psycho-social principles, which can be a significant advance in the prevention and early detection of age-related mental disorders and in alleviating the physical and psychological burdens of people with dementia and their families. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(24): 965-973.

[Competence - Congruent - Co-operation (Comment to article of Attila Nemeth)].

No abstract available.

[Experiences of a Extreme, absolutist expressions may be marker-specific to depressive or anxious states and suicide].

No abstract available.

[Design and development of a new information technology platform for patients with dementia].

AIM: As dementia, including Alzheimer's disease is a major public health issue worldwide, there are many efforts at European level to promote active and healthy ageing. University of Pecs joined the ICT4Life project - supported by the European Union H2020 programme - in 2016. The aim of this three-years project is to improve qualityof- life and autonomy of patients with mild or moderate dementia with developing a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform, which may provide help for patients, caregivers and professionals. METHOD: The ICT4Life research is conducted among patients with cognitive decline, their relatives, caregivers, and professionals involved in their care. The needs of the different actors are assessed with semi-structured interviews and clinical scales (cognitive and affective scales, quality-of-life measurements, functionality, caregiver burden), which help to develop a user-friendly, adaptive and personalized platform. RESULT: Using the integrated ICT platform (bio-sensors, smart TV, tablet, mobile, bracelet) may contribute to monitor (physical, psycho-motor and emotional states) elderly with cognitive decline and to provide better and personalized care for them. The platform includes cognitive enhancement with gamification, and focuses also on the decrease of professional and caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: Here we report on the ICT4Life programme, which develops an ICT solution for individuals with early stage cognitive impairment while contributing in a user-friendly way to extending their independence and improve their quality-of-life.

Word Use and Content Analysis of the First Verses of Six National Anthems: A Transcultural Aspect of Suicidal Behaviour.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a major health concern worldwide, although suicide rates widely differ among different countries and cultures. Transcultural studies suggest that national anthems reflect national attitudes towards self-harming behaviour as well. Our aim was to analyse the linguistic characteristics of six national anthems, and compare these results with national suicide rates. METHODS: Word use assessment and content analysis of six national anthems were performed. RESULTS: In the anthems of countries with similar historical or cultural background, similar linguistic patterns were found in word use and in content. Anthems of countries with lower suicide rates tend to contain relatively more positive contents, emotions and intentions, while in the anthems of countries with higher suicide rates more ambivalence, denial, loss or even aggressive and self-destructive implications were found. CONCLUSION: This transcultural analysis strengthens previous data that anthems could be indicators for national attitudes toward self-harm.

[MENTALIZING DEFICIT IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS: A REVIEW ARTICLE]. / MENTALIZÁCIÓS DEFICIT NEUROLÓGIAI BETEGSÉGEKBEN: ÖSSZEFOGLALÓ KÖZLEMÉNY.

INTRODUCTION: Mentalization is the ability to attribute mental states (intentions, desires, thoughts, emotions) to others, and hence to predict their behaviour. This ability fundamentally determines our participation in social relationships and adaptation to society. A significant proportion of the disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) affects those brain structures and neurotransmitter systems that play a role in the mentalizing processes. Accordingly, a number of CNS disorders may be associated with mentalizing deficits, which may affect the outcome of these diseases. Here, we review recent research on mentalizing abilities in neurological diseases. METHODS: An internet database search was performed to identify publications on the subject. RESULTS: Sixty-two publications in English corresponded to the search criteria. These publications reported impaired mentalization in several neurological disorders (e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementias, traumatic brain injury). DISCUSSION: The results indicate that a number of neurological disorders associate with mentalizing deficit. This deficit is often present in the early stages of the diseases and has a prognostic value, which in turn emphasizes the importance of the early detection and adequate rehabilitation.

[Good general cognitive skills on irony understanding in schizophrenia - an fMRi study]. / Jó általános kognitív készségek hatása az irónia megértesére szkizofréniában. Funkcionális MRI vizsgálat.

In this study we have examined a group of schizophrenia patients during the understanding of irony tasks, who had normal IQ. 14 patients and 14 healthy control subjects were included, 15 irony and 15 control tasks were invertigated during an fMRI investigation. During the contextual phase patients had shown a higher activitation in different brain regions. The healthy controls had shown deactivitation during this phase, while this couldn't be seen in the patiens group. During the irony phase healthy subjects activated brain regions known as mentalisation areas, while patients didn't. Our results can support the view, that behind schizophrenia patients mentalisation deficit the contextual phase can play the central role.

Electronic monitoring of rumination activity as an indicator of health status and production traits in high-yielding dairy cows.

In view of the demonstrated relationship between rumination time and health status, the general welfare and metabolic condition of ruminants are often assessed by the examination of rumen function. The main goal of this study was to monitor the daily rumination activity (RA) and its connection with actual liveweight (LW), milk yield (MY) and with two diseases (subclinical hyperketonaemia - SHK, uterine disease - UD) in 96 cows on the basis of a total of 1638 observations in Israel. The studied sample gave a highly significant response, showing that the selected diseases had a diminishing impact on RA and LW and no influence on MY. It can be concluded that the change of RA as determined by electronic monitoring, complemented by the change of LW, is a useful general indicator of health status and subclinical disease before the appearance of clinical signs.