Enhanced Classification Methods for the Depth of Cognitive Processing Depicted in Neural Signals

Analyzing brain states is a difficult problem due to high variability between subjects and trials, therefore improved techniques are requested to be developed for a better discrimination between the neural components. This paper investigates multiple enhanced classification methods for neurological feature selection and discrimination of the depth of cognitive processing. The aim is to detect the strengths and weaknesses of different classification methods and benefit from their highest performances, so that the neural information could optimally be detected. As a result, we obtained a classification rate improved by at least 5% by integrating complementary information that better describe the neural activity.EC/FP7/611570/EU/Symbiotic Mind Computer Interaction for Information Seeking/MindSeeBMBF, 01GQ0850, Verbundprojekt: Bernstein Fokus Neurotechnologie - Nichtinvasive Neurotechnologie für Mensch-Maschine Interaktion - Teilprojekte A1, A3, A4, B4, W3, Zentru

Decreased plasma phospholipid concentrations and increased acid sphingomyelinase activity are accurate biomarkers for community-acquired pneumonia

Background: There continues to be a great need for better biomarkers and host-directed treatment targets for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Alterations in phospholipid metabolism may constitute a source of small molecule biomarkers for acute infections including CAP. Evidence from animal models of pulmonary infections and sepsis suggests that inhibiting acid sphingomyelinase (which releases ceramides from sphingomyelins) may reduce end-organ damage. Methods: We measured concentrations of 105 phospholipids, 40 acylcarnitines, and 4 ceramides, as well as acid sphingomyelinase activity, in plasma from patients with CAP (n=29, sampled on admission and 4 subsequent time points), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation with infection (COPD, n=13) as a clinically important disease control, and 33 age- and sex-matched controls. Results: Phospholipid concentrations were greatly decreased in CAP and normalized along clinical improvement. Greatest changes were seen in phosphatidylcholines, followed by lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and cer‑ amides (three of which were upregulated), and were least in acylcarnitines. Changes in COPD were less pronounced, but also difered qualitatively, e.g. by increases in selected sphingomyelins. We identifed highly accurate biomark‑ ers for CAP (AUC≤0.97) and COPD (AUC≤0.93) vs. Controls, and moderately accurate biomarkers for CAP vs. COPD (AUC≤0.83), all of which were phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins were also markedly decreased in S. aureus-infected human A549 and diferentiated THP1 cells. Correlations with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were predominantly negative but only of mild-to-moderate extent, suggesting that these markers refect more than merely infammation. Consistent with the increased ceramide concentrations, increased acid sphingomyelinase activity accurately distinguished CAP (fold change=2.8, AUC=0.94) and COPD (1.75, 0.88) from Controls and normalized with clinical resolution Conclusions: The results underscore the high potential of plasma phospholipids as biomarkers for CAP, begin to reveal diferences in lipid dysregulation between CAP and infection-associated COPD exacerbation, and suggest that the decreases in plasma concentrations are at least partially determined by changes in host target cells. Furthermore, they provide validation in clinical blood samples of acid sphingomyelinase as a potential treatment target to improve clinical outcome of CAP

Decreased plasma phospholipid concentrations and increased acid sphingomyelinase activity are accurate biomarkers for community-acquired pneumonia

Background: There continues to be a great need for better biomarkers and host-directed treatment targets for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Alterations in phospholipid metabolism may constitute a source of small molecule biomarkers for acute infections including CAP. Evidence from animal models of pulmonary infections and sepsis suggests that inhibiting acid sphingomyelinase (which releases ceramides from sphingomyelins) may reduce end-organ damage. Methods: We measured concentrations of 105 phospholipids, 40 acylcarnitines, and 4 ceramides, as well as acid sphingomyelinase activity, in plasma from patients with CAP (n=29, sampled on admission and 4 subsequent time points), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation with infection (COPD, n=13) as a clinically important disease control, and 33 age- and sex-matched controls. Results: Phospholipid concentrations were greatly decreased in CAP and normalized along clinical improvement. Greatest changes were seen in phosphatidylcholines, followed by lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and cer‑ amides (three of which were upregulated), and were least in acylcarnitines. Changes in COPD were less pronounced, but also difered qualitatively, e.g. by increases in selected sphingomyelins. We identifed highly accurate biomark‑ ers for CAP (AUC≤0.97) and COPD (AUC≤0.93) vs. Controls, and moderately accurate biomarkers for CAP vs. COPD (AUC≤0.83), all of which were phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins were also markedly decreased in S. aureus-infected human A549 and diferentiated THP1 cells. Correlations with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were predominantly negative but only of mild-to-moderate extent, suggesting that these markers refect more than merely infammation. Consistent with the increased ceramide concentrations, increased acid sphingomyelinase activity accurately distinguished CAP (fold change=2.8, AUC=0.94) and COPD (1.75, 0.88) from Controls and normalized with clinical resolution Conclusions: The results underscore the high potential of plasma phospholipids as biomarkers for CAP, begin to reveal diferences in lipid dysregulation between CAP and infection-associated COPD exacerbation, and suggest that the decreases in plasma concentrations are at least partially determined by changes in host target cells. Furthermore, they provide validation in clinical blood samples of acid sphingomyelinase as a potential treatment target to improve clinical outcome of CAP