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Mathematical modeling of intracellular signaling pathways.

BMC Neurosci. 2006;7 Suppl 1:S10

Authors: Klipp E, Liebermeister W

Dynamic modeling and simulation of signal transduction pathways is an important topic in systems biology and is obtaining growing attention from researchers with experimental or theoretical background. Here we review attempts to analyze and model specific signaling systems. We review the structure of recurrent building blocks of signaling pathways and their integration into more comprehensive models, which enables the understanding of complex cellular processes. The variety of mechanisms found and modeling techniques used are illustrated with models of different signaling pathways. Focusing on the close interplay between experimental investigation of pathways and the mathematical representations of cellular dynamics, we discuss challenges and perspectives that emerge in studies of signaling systems.

PMID: 17118154 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Altered lumbopelvic movement control but not generalized joint hypermobility is associated with increased injury in dancers. A prospective study.

Man Ther. 2009 Dec;14(6):630-5

Authors: Roussel NA, Nijs J, Mottram S, Van Moorsel A, Truijen S, Stassijns G

Dancers experience significant more low back pain (LBP) than non-dancers and are at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries. Literature concerning the relationship between joint hypermobility and injury in dancers remains controversial. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine whether lumbopelvic movement control and/or generalized joint hypermobility would predict injuries in dancers. Four clinical tests examining the control of lumbopelvic movement during active hip movements were used in combination with joint hypermobility assessment in 32 dancers. Occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries, requiring time away from dancing, was recorded during a 6-month prospective study. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the probability of developing lower limb and/or lumbar spine injuries. Twenty-six injuries were registered in 32 dancers. Forty-four percent of the dancers were hypermobile. A logistic regression model using two movement control tests, correctly allocated 78% of the dancers. The results suggest that the outcome of two lumbopelvic movement control tests is associated with an increased risk of developing lower extremities or lumbar spine injuries in dancers. Neither generalized joint hypermobility, evaluated with the Beighton score, nor a history of LBP was predictive of injuries. Further study of these interactions is required.

PMID: 19179101 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Unrealistic weight-loss goals among obese patients are associated with age and causal attributions.

J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):1903-8

Authors: Wamsteker EW, Geenen R, Zelissen PM, van Furth EF, Iestra J

Unrealistic weight-loss goals may impede the success of weight-loss attempts. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of unrealistic goals and their association with other patient characteristics at the start of a weight-loss program. For patients with a body mass index (calculated as kg/m(2)) of 30 to 35, 35 to 40, or 40 to 50, medically advised weight-loss goals were set at 10%, 15%, and 20% of current weight, respectively. Personal weight-loss goals exceeding the medically advised goal by >50% were considered unrealistic. Obesity-related beliefs were measured by the “Obesity Cognition Questionnaire” and the eating-behavior self-efficacy scale of the “Obesity Psychosocial State Questionnaire.” From September 2003 until March 2006, 90 patients were enrolled in the study, 26 men and 64 women, with a mean age of 43 years (range=18 to 68 years) and body mass indexes ranging from 30 to 50. Unrealistic goals were observed in 49% of the patients and were more frequent in younger patients (P=0.03), in patients attributing their obesity to physical causes (r=0.35, P=0.001), and in patients not attributing their obesity to behavioral causes (r=-0.28, P=0.008). This study confirms that discrepancies in weight-loss goals between obese patients and professionals occur frequently. Because unrealistic goals can hamper long-term outcomes of weight-loss programs, better outcomes could possibly be achieved by addressing unrealistic weight-loss goals before treatment.

PMID: 19857632 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Do food provisions packaged in single-servings reduce energy intake at breakfast during a brief behavioral weight-loss intervention?

J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):1922-5

Authors: Raynor HA, Van Walleghen EL, Niemeier H, Butryn ML, Wing RR

Larger portion sizes increase energy intake, yet it is unclear whether single-serving packages can reduce intake. This study examined the effects of providing breakfast foods in single-serving packages and nonportioned packages on energy intake of these foods during an 8-week behavioral weight-loss program. In fall 2005, 19 adults (mean body mass index [calculated as kg/m(2)]=31.8+/-4.0) were randomized to conditions that provided foods in single-serving packages (Single-Serving) or in nonportioned packages (Standard). Overall amounts and types of foods provided were consistent across conditions: cereal and peaches (weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7) and applesauce and cheese (weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8). Participants were instructed to eat one serving of each food for breakfast and not to consume the provided foods at other times. Mean daily energy intake of the provided foods was the primary dependent variable. The Single-Serving group ate less energy from the combined pairs of foods provided together as compared to Standard (cereal and peaches, 117.0+/-3.2 kcal/day vs 143.5+/-39.3 kcal/day; P<0.05 and applesauce and cheese, 174.2+/-13.5 kcal/day vs 199.0+/-29.4 kcal/day; P<0.05). This effect was a result of less energy consumed from cereal and applesauce in Single-Serving compared to Standard conditions (cereal, 80.2+/-2.9 kcal/day vs 106.3+/-22.9 kcal/day; P<0.01 and applesauce, 44.5+/-0.6 kcal/day vs 59.3+/-5.0 kcal/day; P<0.01), with no differences in energy consumption for peaches and cheese (P>0.10). This suggests that single-serving packages may help reduce energy intake at breakfast within the context of a behavioral weight-control program.

PMID: 19857636 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Reduced early auditory evoked gamma-band response in patients with schizophrenia.

Biol Psychiatry. 2010 Feb 1;67(3):224-31

Authors: Leicht G, Kirsch V, Giegling I, Karch S, Hantschk I, Möller HJ, Pogarell O, Hegerl U, Rujescu D, Mulert C

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence for abnormalities of certain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons and their interaction with glutamatergic pyramidal cells in schizophrenia. These interneurons are critically involved in generating neural activity in the gamma-band (30-100 Hz) of the electroencephalogram. One example of such gamma oscillations is the early auditory evoked gamma-band response (GBR). Although auditory processing is obviously disturbed in schizophrenia, there is no direct evidence providing a reduced early auditory evoked GBR so far. We addressed two questions: 1) Is the early auditory evoked GBR decreased regarding power and phase-locking in schizophrenic patients?; and 2) Is this possible decrease a result of reduced activity in the auditory cortex and/or the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which were identified as sources of the GBR previously? METHODS: We investigated the early auditory evoked GBR and its sources in the ACC and the auditory cortex in 90 medicated patients with schizophrenia and in age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy control subjects with an auditory reaction task. RESULTS: Patients with schizophrenia showed a significant reduction of power and phase-locking of the early auditory evoked GBR. This effect was due to a reduced activity in the auditory cortex and the ACC/medial frontal gyrus region (low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography analysis). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, these findings are in line with earlier reports on the impaired ability of schizophrenic patients in generating gamma activity. In addition, this is the first study to demonstrate disturbance of gamma activity in auditory processing as assessed by the early auditory GBR power.

PMID: 19765689 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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No change in rectal sensitivity after gut-directed hypnotherapy in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome.

Am J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jan;105(1):213-8

Authors: Vlieger AM, van den Berg MM, Menko-Frankenhuis C, Bongers ME, Tromp E, Benninga MA

OBJECTIVES: Gut-directed hypnotherapy (HT) has recently been shown to be highly effective in treating children with functional abdominal pain (FAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study was conducted to determine the extent to which this treatment success is because of an improvement in rectal sensitivity. METHODS: A total of 46 patients (aged 8-18 years) with FAP (n=28) or IBS (n=18) were randomized to either 12 weeks of standard medical therapy (SMT) or HT. To assess rectal sensitivity, a pressure-controlled intermittent distension protocol (barostat) was performed before and after the therapy. RESULTS: Rectal sensitivity scores changed in SMT patients from 15.1+/-7.3 mm Hg at baseline to 18.6+/-8.5 mm Hg after 12 weeks of treatment (P=0.09) and in HT patients from 17.0+/-9.2 mm Hg to 22.5+/-10.1 mm Hg (P=0.09). The number of patients with rectal hypersensitivity decreased from 6 of 18 to 0 of 18 in the HT group (P=0.04) vs. 6 of 20 to 4 of 20 in the SMT group (P=0.67). No relationship was established between treatment success and rectal pain thresholds. Rectal sensitivity scores at baseline were not correlated with intensity, frequency, or duration of abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical success achieved with HT cannot be explained by improvement in rectal sensitivity. Furthermore, no association could be found between rectal barostat findings and clinical symptoms in children with FAP or IBS. Further studies are necessary to shed more light on both the role of rectal sensitivity in pediatric FAP and IBS and the mechanisms by which hypnotherapy results in improvement of clinical symptoms.

PMID: 19861956 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Peer evaluation in reciprocal learning with task cards for acquiring Basic Life Support (BLS).

Resuscitation. 2009 Dec;80(12):1394-8

Authors: Iserbyt P, Elen J, Behets D

BACKGROUND: Research emphasises the need for instructional methods and tools which can improve Basic Life Support (BLS) performance or reduce instructional time. AIM: To investigate the effect of peer evaluation to improve reciprocal learning with task cards as instructional tools for acquiring BLS. METHODS: A total of 78 kinesiology students from a Belgian university were paired and randomised across two groups to learn BLS in 20min with task cards. In the control group, students worked together in a defined doer-helper relationship and switched roles every 5min. In the peer evaluation group, students followed the same co-operation procedure as in the control group. In addition, 1min before every switching of roles, the helper evaluated the doer’s performance. All BLS skills were individually assessed on a Laerdal AED Resusci Anne mannequin (Laerdal Medical, Vilvoorde, Belgium) using the Laerdal PC-Skill reporting system. A total BLS score was calculated and performance was measured before training (baseline), immediately after training (intervention) and 2 weeks later (retention). RESULTS: Significantly more students from the evaluation group remembered and consequently performed all BLS skills at intervention (P=0.03). No significant differences were found between groups for main cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) variables and total BLS scores at baseline, intervention and retention. Both groups achieved more than 70% of the maximum BLS score at intervention and retention. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 20min reciprocal-learning setting with task cards is an effective method to learn BLS. The implementation of peer evaluation in this setting has an immediate, however small, positive impact on BLS skill learning.

PMID: 19900743 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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The effects of sleep deprivation on information-integration categorization performance.

Sleep. 2009 Nov 1;32(11):1439-48

Authors: Maddox WT, Glass BD, Wolosin SM, Savarie ZR, Bowen C, Matthews MD, Schnyer DM

BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation is a serious problem facing individuals in many critical societal roles. One of the most ubiquitous tasks facing individuals is categorization. Sleep deprivation is known to affect rule-based categorization in the classic Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, but, to date, information-integration categorization has not been examined. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on information-integration category learning. DESIGN: Participants performed an information-integration categorization task twice, separated by a 24-hour period, with or without sleep between testing sessions. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one West Point cadets participated in the sleep-deprivation group and 28 West Point cadets participated in a control group. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Sleep deprivation led to an overall performance deficit during the second testing session-that is, whereas participants allowed to sleep showed a significant performance increase during the second testing session, sleepless participants showed a small (but nonsignificant) performance decline during the second testing session. Model-based analyses indicated that a major contributor to the sleep-deprivation effect was the poor second-session performance of a subgroup of sleep-deprived participants who shifted from optimal information-integration strategies at the end of the first session to less-optimal rule-based strategies at the start of the second session. Sleep-deprived participants who used information-integration strategies in both sessions showed no drop in performance in the second session, mirroring the behavior of control participants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the neural systems underlying information-integration strategies are not strongly affected by sleep deprivation but, rather, that the use of an information-integration strategy in a task may require active inhibition of rule-based strategies, with this inhibitory process being vulnerable to the effects of sleep deprivation.

PMID: 19928383 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Neural interface technology for rehabilitation: exploiting and promoting neuroplasticity.

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2010 Feb;21(1):157-78

Authors: Wang W, Collinger JL, Perez MA, Tyler-Kabara EC, Cohen LG, Birbaumer N, Brose SW, Schwartz AB, Boninger ML, Weber DJ

This article reviews neural interface technology and its relationship with neuroplasticity. Two types of neural interface technology are reviewed, highlighting specific technologies that the authors directly work with: (1) neural interface technology for neural recording, such as the micro-ECoG BCI system for hand prosthesis control, and the comprehensive rehabilitation paradigm combining MEG-BCI, action observation, and motor imagery training; (2) neural interface technology for functional neural stimulation, such as somatosensory neural stimulation for restoring somatosensation, and non-invasive cortical stimulation using rTMS and tDCS for modulating cortical excitability and stroke rehabilitation. The close interaction between neural interface devices and neuroplasticity leads to increased efficacy of neural interface devices and improved functional recovery of the nervous system. This symbiotic relationship between neural interface technology and the nervous system is expected to maximize functional gain for individuals with various sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments, eventually leading to better quality of life.

PMID: 19951784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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The effectiveness of behavioural and psychosocial HIV/STI prevention interventions for MSM in Europe: A systematic review.

Euro Surveill. 2009;14(48):

Authors: Berg R

Given the need of programme planners and policy makers for descriptions of specific interventions and quantitative estimates of intervention effects to make informed decisions concerning prevention funding and research, there is a need for a systematic review that updates the current knowledge base about HIV/STI preventive interventions targeted at men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. The aim was to summarise and assess the effectiveness of HIV/STI prevention interventions for MSM living in Europe, and to identify intervention characteristics associated with effectiveness as well as potential gaps in the evidence base. A systematic search for relevant literature in eight international databases and in reference lists of relevant reviews and included studies was performed. Studies were selected according to pre-specified criteria and appraised for risk of bias. We summarised results using tables and calculated effect estimates for sexual behaviour outcomes. Results from six controlled studies, involving a total of 4,111 participants at entry from four different European countries were summarised. The results showed that there was ‘high’ or ‘unclear’ risk of bias in one or more of the assessed domains in all studies. The pooled effect estimate of the four interventions for which data were available suggested that MSM who participate in HIV/STI prevention initiatives may be somewhat less likely to report unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). The evidence base was insufficient to examine characteristics of interventions most closely associated with magnitude of effect and to draw solid conclusions about unique gaps in the evaluation literature. Despite the maturity of the HIV epidemic, rigorous outcome evaluations of any form of behavioural HIV/STI intervention for MSM in Europe are scarce. The results point to possible short term effects of interventions in terms of reductions in the proportion of MSM who engage in UAI, but the paucity of controlled studies demonstrates the need for research in this area. There is an overall deficit in outcome evaluations of interventions aimed at reducing HIV/STI risk behaviour among MSM in Europe. Designing behavioural HIV/STI preventive strategies to avert new infections, and the evaluation of such prevention programmes for MSM is an important component of a comprehensive HIV/STI containment strategy across the continuum of prevention and care.

PMID: 20003895 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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