AIM: To predict MHC class Ⅰ binding peptides by using neural network ensembles. METHODS: As a combination of neural networks, neural network ensemble (NNE) was here used to improve the predictive performance. Based on a database of 628 nonamers and their classified binding capacities, the generalized NNEs were used to classify peptides respectively with non, low, moderate and high binding capacities to MHC class I molecule encoded by gene HLA-A*0201. The predictive power of NNE was further evaluated by running generalized NNE on a set of actual T-cell epitopes. RESULTS: The generalized NNEs achieved an average predictive hit rate of 0.8 for the above classifications. In addition, NNE was also efficient in the prediction of the potential T-cell epitopes, and about 84% of the actual T-cell epitopes were among the potentially antigenic peptides with high and moderate affinities. CONCLUSION: The NNEs can be applied in the prediction of MHC class Ⅰ binding peptides, and moreover, after proper modifications, they can be conveniently extended to cover peptides with any length and thus suitable for the prediction of peptides binding to other MHC class Ⅰ or even class Ⅱ molecules.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It has been reported that taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may increase the risk of atherosclerosis. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) as a surrogate factor for atherosclerosis in epileptic patients. METHODS: We searched NCBI (PubMed), ISI Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases for studies of the association between AEDs and CA-IMT in epileptic patients. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results across studies. RESULTS: Fifteen studies involving 1,775 epileptic patients were included in the analysis. The overall CA-IMT was significantly larger among users of AEDs [mean difference (MD)=0.09 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.06–0.12 mm). When stratified by age, the MD was similar in adult patients (MD=0.09 mm, 95% CI=0.06–0.13 mm), but no significant difference was observed in children (MD=0.03 mm, 95% CI=0.00–0.07 mm). Regarding specific AEDs, monotherapy with carbamazepine (CBZ) or valproic acid (VPA) was associated with a larger CA-IMT, while phenytoin monotherapy was not and the result for lamotrigine was inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that using AEDs is associated with the CA-IMT in patients with epilepsy, particularly for adult patients. In particular, CBZ and VPA may be related to a significant increase in CA-IMT.
Adult ; Anticonvulsants* ; Atherosclerosis ; Carbamazepine ; Carotid Arteries* ; Child ; Epilepsy ; Humans ; Phenytoin ; Valproic Acid