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We present a dataset that combines multimodal biosignals and eye tracking information gathered under a human-computer interaction framework. The dataset was developed in the vein of the MAMEM project that aims to endow people with motor disabilities with the ability to edit and author multimedia content through mental commands and gaze activity. The dataset includes EEG, eye-tracking, and physiological (GSR and Heart rate) signals collected from 34 individuals (18 able-bodied and 16 motor-impaired). Data were collected during the interaction with specifically designed interface for web browsing and multimedia content manipulation and during imaginary movement tasks. The presented dataset will contribute towards the development and evaluation of modern human-computer interaction systems that would foster the integration of people with severe motor impairments back into society.

Objectives: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is one of the most common manifestations of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We evaluated the prognostic role of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at presentation and peak cardiac troponin I in patients with NSTEMI. Methods: We consecutively enrolled 215 subjects presenting with NSTEMI. Subjects were followed up for 1 year. cTnI at presentation and the peak value of cTnI were measured. The primary end point was defined as cardiovascular death, readmission to hospital with heart failure and new ACS. Results: The subjects who presented the primary end point (49 subjects) had significantly increased values of peak cTnI compared to subjects free of cardiovascular events [7.19 (2.97-21.32) vs. 4.09 (1.18-11.85) ng/l; p = 0.002]. Nevertheless, cTnI at presentation did not differ between subjects who presented the primary end point and those free of events (p = 0.39). Multivariate Cox regression analysis after adjustment for confounders revealed by the univariate analysis showed that for an increase in peak cTnI from 1 to 10 ng/l, there is a 60% anticipated increase in the relative risk to present the primary end point (p = 0.04). Conclusion: These findings documented the different prognostic significance of cTnI at presentation and peak cTnI in patients presenting with NSTEMI, and highlighted the importance of monitoring the levels of cTnI in this high-risk population. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel

Objective: Endothelial function is an independent predictor of prognosis in heart failure (HF) subjects. Statins, beyond their lipid lowering role, exert beneficial effect in patients with atherosclerosis. In the present study we examined the impact of low and intermediate dose atorvastatin treatment on endothelial function, bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) mobilization and inflammatory status according to HF patient status. Methods: We studied the effect of 4 weeks administration of atorvastatin in 26 patients with ischemic HF. The study was carried out on two separate arms, one with atorvastatin 40 mg/d and one with atorvastatin 10 mg/d (randomized, double-blind, cross-over design). The number of circulating CD34(+)/CD133(+)/KDR(+) EPCs was evaluated by flow cytometry. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by ELISA. Results: Treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg/d significantly increased circulating EPC (p = 0.002), FMD (p = 0.001) and reduced TNF-alpha (p = 0.01) compared to baseline. Similarly, treatment with atorvastatin 10 mg/day increased circulating EPC (p = 0.01), FMD (p = 0.08) and reduced TNF-alpha (p = 0.01) compared to baseline. Interestingly, with 40 mg/day atorvastatin treatment the increase in EPC was higher in subjects categorized as NYHA class II compared to subjects categorized as NYHA class III (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Our results confirmed the distinct impact of atorvastatin treatment on the restoration of endothelial function due to EPC mobilization in ischemic HF subjects. Moreover, these findings provide the potential clinical significance of EPC status monitoring to individualize treatment in HF subjects. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.