Objective Supervised Machine Learning-Based Classification and Inference of Biological Neuronal Networks.

The classification of biological neuron types and networks poses challenges to the full understanding of the human brain's organisation and functioning. In this paper, we develop a novel objective classification model of biological neuronal morphology and electrical types and their networks, based on the attributes of neuronal communication using supervised machine learning solutions. This presents advantages compared to the existing approaches in neuroinformatics since the data related to mutual information or delay between neurons obtained from spike trains are more abundant than conventional morphological data.

On the blind recovery of cardiac and respiratory sounds.

We present a method for smart auscultation by proposing a novel blind recovery of the original cardiac and respiratory sounds from a single observation mixture, in the framework of nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF). The method learns the basis spectra of the mixing sources in unsupervised or semisupervised fashion depending upon the applications. A modified NMF technique is proposed, which enforces the spectral structure of the target sources in mixture factorization, resulting in good separation of target sources, even in the presence of nonstationary noise.

Endometriosis and other benign and malignant müllerian lesions in pelvic and extrapelvic organs.

Objective: To conduct a retrospective study on case reports found in literature across the world on benign müllerian lesions of the urogenital tract and on cases of malignant transformation from müllerian duct remnants in order to better understand these rare anatomopathologic entities and to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Study Design: We reviewed a number of case reports on benign and malignant müllerian lesions and compared the developments associated with endometriosis, endosalpingiosis and endocervicosis.

Results: Our sampling of case reports confirm the suggestion that both malignant neoplasms and benign müllerian lesions can arise in foci of endometriosis in both pelvic and extrapelvic sites.

Thyroid function and postpartum mood disturbances in Greek women.

Background: Postpartum mood disturbances are very common with postpartum blues being as high as 44.5% among Greek women. This study aimed to investigate whether thyroid function within the normal range affects the incidence of postpartum mood disturbances.

Measurable serum markers of oxidative stress response in women with endometriosis.

Objective: To evaluate the hypothesis of increased systemic oxidative stress in patients with endometriosis.

Setting: Tertiary care university hospital.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Elevated circulating IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and unaltered IL-6 in first-trimester pregnancies complicated by threatened abortion with an adverse outcome.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the profile of selected proinflammatory cytokines in maternal serum of first-trimester pregnancies complicated by threatened abortion (TACP) and its relevance to obstetric outcome. Serum levels of Th1-type cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and Th2-type cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured, by ELISA, in 22 women with TACP and adverse outcome at admission (group A) and compared with the corresponding levels of 31 gestational age-matched women with TACP and successful outcome at admission (group B1) and discharge (group B2) and 22 gestational age-matched women with first-trimester uncomplicated pregnancy (group C) who served as controls. Mann-Whitney U or Wilcoxon test was applied as appropriate to compare differences between groups.

Circulating chemoattractants RANTES, negatively related to endogenous androgens, and MCP-1 are differentially suppressed by hormone therapy and raloxifene.

Background: The cardinal role of chronic inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis is increasingly being recognized. Estrogens may prevent the evolution of atherosclerosis by suppressing immune response. Furthermore, the conflicting reports on the cardiovascular effects of hormone therapy between observational and clinical trials have triggered interest on the effect of alternative therapies on the cardiovascular system.

Differential effect of hormone therapy and tibolone on lipids, lipoproteins, and the atherogenic index of plasma.

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of various regimens and doses of hormone therapy and tibolone on the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). A total of 519 postmenopausal women attending our menopause clinic were studied in a prospective design. Women with climacteric symptoms were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the following regimens: tibolone 2.

Effect of hormone therapy and raloxifene on serum VE-cadherin in postmenopausal women.

Objective: To investigate the effect of continuous combined hormone therapy and raloxifene on serum VE-cadherin.

Design: The study was double blinded, with a placebo run-in period of 28-50 days.

Setting: University menopause clinic.