Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanism of diallyl disulfide in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCT‐116 colon cancer cells

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is the most prevalent oil‐soluble sulfur compound in garlic and inhibits cell proliferation in many cancer cell lines. Here we examined DADS cytotoxicity in a redox‐mediated process, involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In the present study, p53‐independent cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase was observed with DADS treatment, along with time‐dependent increase of cyclin B1. In addition, apoptosis was also observed upon 24‐h DADS treatment accompanied by activation of p53. In HCT‐116 cells, DADS application induced a dose‐dependent increase and time‐dependent changes in ROS production. Scavenging of DADS‐induced ROS by N‐acetyl cysteine or reduced glutathione inhibited cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and p53 activation by DADS. These results suggest that ROS trigger the DADS‐induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and that ROS are involved in stress‐induced signaling upstream of p53 activation. Transfection of p53 small interfering RNA prevents the accumulation of cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and sub‐G1 cell population by 65% and 35%, respectively. Moreover, DADS‐induced apoptosis was also prevented by treatment with oligomycin, which is known to prevent p53‐dependent apoptosis by reducing ROS levels in mitochondria. These results suggest that mitochondrial ROS may serve as second messengers in DADS‐induced apoptosis, which requires activation of p53. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:71–79, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20266
Secretion of non‐cell‐bound phytase by the yeast Pichia kudriavzevii TY13

Mineral deficiencies cause several health problems in the world, especially for populations consuming cereal‐based diets rich in the anti‐nutrient phytate. Our aim was to characterize the phytate‐degrading capacity of the yeast Pichia kudriavzevii TY13 and its secretion of phytase.
Chondrocalcinosis and hypomagnesemia in a 26-year-old woman.

C alcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition is commonly associated with aging. Clinical presentations include asymptomatic chondrocalcinosis, acute arthritis (pseudogout), and chronic arthropathies that may mimic rheumatoid arthritis or severe osteoarthritis. In young adults, CPPD deposition is often secondary to metabolic diseases, including hemochromatosis, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatasia, and hyperparathyroidism.2 Hypomagnesemia is increasingly recognized as a cause of chondrocalcinosis and may be due to a familial syndrome or Gitelman syndrome, a hypocalciuric variant of Bartter syndrome. We describe a case of probable Gitelman syndrome discovered during evaluation of acute CPPD arthritis in a young adult.
Immobilization technique for enhanced production of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid by ultraviolet and gamma‐irradiated Penicillium roqueforti

Different entrapment matrices were screened to immobilize two strains of Penicillium roqueforti (AG101 and LG109) for more effective production of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Further improvement in the MPA productivity from immobilization of spores and mycelia was adopted by UV and gamma irradiation.
Physicochemical stability profile of Tulane virus: a human norovirus surrogate

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is estimated to cause 19–21 million illnesses each year in the US. A major limitation in HuNoV research is the lack of an in vitro culture system; therefore, surrogate viruses including murine norovirus (MNV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are used to study HuNoV. Here, we aim to establish the physiochemical properties of Tulane virus (TV)—a newer HuNoV surrogate.
Prophylactic role of D‐saccharic acid‐1,4‐lactone in tertiary butyl hydroperoxide induced cytotoxicity and cell death of murine hepatocytes via mitochondria‐dependent pathways

D‐Saccharic acid 1,4‐lactone (DSL) is a derivative of D‐glucaric acid. It is a beta‐glucuronidase inhibitor and possesses anticarcinogenic, detoxifying, and antioxidant properties. In the present study, the protective effects of DSL were investigated against tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) induced cytotoxicity and cell death in vitro using murine hepatocytes. Exposure of TBHP caused a reduction in cell viability, enhanced the membrane leakage, and disturbed the intracellular antioxidant machineries in murine hepatocytes. Investigating the signaling mechanism of TBHP‐induced cellular pathophysiology and protective action of DSL, we found that TBHP exposure disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, facilitated cytochrome c release in the cytosol, and led to apoptotic cell death via mitochondria‐dependent pathways. DSL counteracted these changes and maintained normalcy in hepatocytes. Combining, results suggest that DSL possesses the ability to ameliorate TBHP‐induced oxidative insult, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic cell death probably due to its antioxidant activity and functioning via mitochondria‐dependent pathways. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:341–354 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20393
Dosimetric properties of Gafchromic® EBT films in medical carbon ion beams

High spatial resolution is desired for dosimetrical verification of patient plans for radiotherapy treatments employing scanned ion beams. This is provided by Gafchromic EBT film, the ancestor of currently available EBT2 films. In this contribution, dosimetric properties of EBT films were investigated. Measurements of depth response were performed for monoenergetic fields (250 MeV/u) for different ion fluences as well as for an energy-modulated spread-out Bragg peak of 5 × 5 × 5 cm3 in 10 cm depth. The films were positioned perpendicular to the incoming carbon ion beams. The observed quenching of the response relative to the same dose of photons was quantified by the relative efficiency. In monenenergetic beams, a relative efficiency of about 0.73 was found in the plateau, 0.4 in the peak and 0.55 in the tail region. No dependence of the relative efficiency on the ion fluence was observed well beyond the clinically used levels. This gives a constant peak to plateau ratio, which is about 1.8 times lower than that for the delivered dose. In the spread-out Bragg peak, the relative efficiency was found to decrease from 0.64 to 0.54 toward the distal end. Thus when aiming for a prediction of the film response in mixed ion beams, the efficiency of the film has to be parametrized as a function of the ion type and energy over the whole ion spectrum. In addition, the relative water-equivalent range of EBT films was measured here to be 1.291 ± 0.015.
A prevalência de incapacidade funcional em idosos no Brasil

O processo de envelhecimento brasileiro tende a se intensificar nas proximas decadas, de tal forma que, em 2050, projeta-se um numero absoluto de idosos em torno de 64 milhoes. Considerando que os estudos internacionais vem apontando reducao do declinio funcional entre os idosos nos paises desenvolvidos, este estudo tem por finalidade analisar como vem ocorrendo as mudancas na incapacidade funcional dos idosos, no Brasil, segundo alguns indicadores sociodemograficos selecionados. Foram utilizadas as informacoes dos Suplementos de Saude da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicilios (PNAD), de 1998 e 2003, realizados pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE). Os microdados, para o calculo das taxas de prevalencia de incapacidade funcional, foram processados usando o Banco Multidimensional Estatistico (BME/IBGE). Os resultados apontam que houve reducao nas taxas de prevalencia de incapacidade funcional dos idosos, embora diferenciada entre os grupos sociodemograficos.
An Uncommon Liver Mass and Hypereosinophilia: Acute Fascioliasis

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica , a liver fluke. Its usual hosts are sheep and cattle, in which it causes a disease of economic importance. Humans are accidental hosts who become infected after eating uncooked aquatic plants on which encysted organisms are present. In Turkey, clinical cases are seen in sporadic and it is difficult to recognize them; there might be delays in diagnosis and therapy. By scanning the literature, it is understood that most fascioliasis cases have been diagnosed in the biliary phase (chronic phase). Here, we presented a case of acute fascioliasis with hypereosinophilia that had mass in liver. The patient was successfully treated with triclabendazole, 10 mg/kg/day for single oral dose. J Med Cases • 2013;4(12):785-788 doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.4021/jmc1534w
Injury to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament: Diagnosis and Treatment

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is commonly injured in sports that require an overhead motion, such as throwing a ball. This imparts a valgus stress upon the elbow, which is resisted by the UCL. However, repeated or excessive stress to the ligament may result in injury to the ligament. Injury to the UCL may result in secondary injury to other areas of the elbow, including the ulnar nerve, the flexor–pronator musculotendinous unit, the radiocapitellar joint, and the posterior compartment of the elbow, in addition to being the cause of loose bodies within the elbow. This manuscript briefly reviews the anatomy, biomechanics, and pathophysiology of injury to the UCL and injuries to the other structures that are a direct result of UCL injury. Further, this paper discusses the patient's history, examination techniques, and tests that help confirm the diagnosis of UCL injury. Lastly, it discusses the treatment of UCL injury.
A Community-Based Study on the Prevalence of Spondyloarthritis and Inflammatory Back Pain in Mexicans

BackgroundThe prevalence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) varies across populations. In Mexicans, the prevalence of SpA is still unknown. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of SpA in the community as well as that of inflammatory back pain (IBP) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsWe identified individuals older than 18 years with nontraumatic back pain (BP) in a door-to-door nurse survey using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases. Then, general physicians and rheumatology fellows selected those likely to have IBP (Berlin criteria). Finally, 2 expert rheumatologists assessed IBP individuals according to clinical data and classification criteria and requested HLA-B27 and radiographic studies to determine the clinical condition of the individual and SpA (European SpA Study Group) classification. ResultsThe prevalence of BP among 4059 individuals was 14.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.6–15.8). The prevalence of IBP and SpA was 1.3% (95% CI, 1.0–1.7) and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4–0.9), respectively. Ankylosing spondylitis prevalence was 0.1% (95% CI, 0.02–0.2). Inflammatory back pain and SpA percentage of males and females was similar. The percentage of individuals with IBP according to the 2 experts was lower than that determined by general physicians and rheumatology fellows, but all cases with HLA-B27, radiographic sacroiliitis, SpA, and AS had previous IBP confirmation by the expert. ConclusionsThe prevalence and sex distribution of patients classified with SpA in this community study—as well as that of patients diagnosed with AS—are consistent with those found in recent studies. Expert assessment of individuals with positive responses to questionnaires is relevant for the classification of IBP and SpA.
Modeling silicon diode dose response factors for small photon fields

The dosimetry of small fields is important for the use of high resolution photon radiotherapy. Silicon diodes yield a high signal from a small detecting volume which makes them suitable for use in small fields and high dose gradients. Unshielded diodes used in large fields are known to give a varying dose response depending on the proportion of low energy scattered photons in the field. Response variations in small fields can be caused by both spectral variations, and disturbances of the local level of lateral electron equilibrium. We present a model that includes the effects from lack of charged particle equilibrium. The local spectra are calculated by use of fluence pencil kernels and divided into a low and a high energy component. The low energy part is treated with large cavity theory and the high energy part with the Spencer–Attix small cavity theory. Monte Carlo-derived correction factors are used to account for both the local level of electron equilibrium in the field, and deviations from this level in the silicon disk cavity. Results for field sizes ranging from 0.5 × 0.5 to 20 × 20 cm2 are compared to data from full Monte Carlo simulations and measurements. The achieved dose response accuracy is for the smallest fields 1–2%, and for larger fields 0.5%. Spectral variations were of little importance for the small field response, implying that volume averaging, and to some extent interface transient effects, are of importance for use of unshielded diodes in non-equilibrium conditions. The results indicate that diodes should preferably be designed to have the thin layer of active volume padded in between inactive layers of the silicon base material.
The use of a realistic VMAT delivery emulator to optimize dynamic machine parameters for improved treatment efficiency

The delivery of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) requires the simultaneous movement of the linear accelerator gantry, multi-leaf collimators and jaws while the dose rate is varied. In this study, a VMAT delivery emulator was developed to accurately predict the characteristics of a given treatment plan, incorporating realistic parameters for gantry inertia and the variation in leaf speed with respect to gravity. The emulator was used to assess the impact of dynamic machine parameters on the delivery efficiency, using a set of prostate and head and neck VMAT plans. Initially, assuming a VMAT system with fixed dose rate bins, the allowable leaf and jaw speeds were increased and a significant improvement in treatment time and average dose rate was observed. The software was then adapted to simulate a VMAT system with continuously varying dose rate, and the increase in delivery efficiency was quantified, along with the impact of an increased leaf and jaw speed. Finally, a set of optimal dynamic machine parameters was derived assuming an idealized scenario in which the treatment is delivered in a single arc at constant maximum gantry speed.
Bone marrow and adipose mesenchymal stem cells attenuate cardiac fibrosis induced by methotrexate in rats

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an ideal adult stem cell with capacity for self‐renewal and differentiation with an extensive tissue distribution. The present study evaluates the therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) or adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD‐MSCs) against the development of methotrexate (MTX)‐induced cardiac fibrosis versus dexamethasone (DEX). Rats were allocated into five groups; group 1, received normal saline orally; group 2, received MTX (14 mg/kg/week for 2 weeks); groups 3 and 4, treated once with 2 × 106 cells of MTX + BM‐MSCs and MTX + AD‐MSCs, respectively; and group 5, MTX + DEX (0.5 mg/kg, for 7 days, P.O.). MTX induced cardiac fibrosis as marked changes in oxidative biomarkers and elevation of triglyceride, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, creatine kinase, and caspase‐3, as well as deposited collagen. These injurious effects were antagonized after treatment with MSCs. So, MSCs possessed antioxidant, antiapoptotic, as well antifibrotic effects, which will perhaps initiate them as notable prospective for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
Evaluation of Variable Density and Data-Driven K-Space Undersampling for Compressed Sensing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of variable density and data-driven k-space undersampling patterns on reconstruction quality for compressed sensing (CS) magnetic resonance imaging to provide recommendations on how to avoid suboptimal CS reconstructions. Materials and MethodsFirst, we investigated the influence of randomness and sampling density on the reconstruction quality when using random variable density and variable density Poisson disk undersampling. Compressed sensing reconstructions on 1 knee and 2 brain data sets were compared with fully sampled data sets and reconstruction errors were measured. Sampling coherence was evaluated on the undersampling patterns to investigate whether there was a relation between this coherence measure and reconstruction error.Second, we investigated whether data-driven undersampling methods could improve reconstruction quality when 1 or more fully sampled scans are available as a training set. We implemented 3 different data-driven undersampling methods: (1) Monte Carlo optimization of variable density and variable density Poisson disk undersampling, (2) calculating sampling probabilities directly from the k-space power spectra of the training data, and (3) iterative design of undersampling patterns based on CS reconstruction errors in k-space.Two cross-validation experiments were set up using retrospective undersampling to evaluate the 3 data-driven methods and the influence of the size of the training set. Furthermore, in an experiment that included prospective under sampling, we show the practical applicability of 2 of the data-driven methods. Compressed sensing reconstruction quality was measured with both the normalized root-mean-square error metric and the mean structural similarity index measure. ResultsDifferent optimal variable sampling densities were found for each of the data sets, showing that the optimal sampling density is data dependent. Choosing a sampling density other than the optimal density decreased reconstruction quality. These results suggest that choosing a sampling density without having any reference scans is likely suboptimal. Furthermore, no meaningful correlation was found between sampling coherence and reconstruction error.For the data-driven methods, the iterative method yielded statistically significantly higher reconstruction quality in both retrospective and prospective experiments. In retrospective experiments, the power spectrum method yielded a reconstruction quality that was comparable with the data-driven variable density method. The size of the training set had only a minor influence on the reconstruction quality. ConclusionsData-driven undersampling methods can be used to avoid suboptimal reconstruction quality in CS magnetic resonance imaging, provided that at least 1 fully sampled scan is available to train the data-driven method. The iterative design method resulted in the highest reconstruction quality.
Rapid increases in parasitemia following red cell exchange for malaria

Exchange transfusion is frequently used as an adjunctive treatment of severe malaria, although the efficacy of exchange transfusion as therapy for severe malaria remains controversial. The major perceived benefit of exchange transfusion is the rapid reduction of parasite load. However, no previous report has shown the dynamic change in parasitemia shortly following an acute load reduction. We report a 20‐year‐female who developed cerebral malaria and 30% parasitemia after traveling to Africa. In addition to antimalarial treatment, red cell exchange (RCX) was begun emergently with an automated blood‐cell separator. Parasitemia dropped from 30 to 15% immediately after the procedure but rapidly increased to 25% after 50 min. The second procedure was performed 12 h after the first procedure. Her neurologic status returned to baseline on Day 2, and she was discharged on Day 6. Rapid increases in parasitemia can be observed after mechanical load reduction following RCX. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in the elderly: Experience at a tertiary center

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a beneficial albeit complicated method of therapy. The elderly, persons 65 years or older are growing in number, with increasing need for different therapeutic interventions including TPE. The elderly are more likely to have complications and pose challenges when considering TPE—both in terms of indications and outcomes. We retrospectively investigated the utility of TPE in terms of indications and mortality in the elderly (65 and above) versus a younger cohort (18–64 years) between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2010. During this period, 581 patients required 4,722 TPE treatment sessions. Of them, 185 were elderly (31.8%) requiring 1,289 TPE sessions. The indications for TPE were neurological 14.1%, hematological 10.5%, renal 6.9%, and miscellaneous 2.0% in the elderly versus 22.7%, 20.8%, 20.7%, and 4.0% in the younger population undergoing TPE for neurological, hematological, renal and miscellaneous indications, respectively. We further investigated the mortality within 30 days of admission and a year later. The mortality figures within 30 days of admission and a year later in the elderly were 16.2% and 33.5%, respectively; higher than in the younger patients; 10.3% and 17.2%, respectively. We conclude that TPE is not an uncommon procedure in elderly, with more neurological indications, and is associated with higher mortality than younger patients. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Milestones for Apheresis education

Milestones represent the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for the practice of a medical discipline. Defining these milestones for each medical specialty has become a focus for the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Practitioners of Apheresis Medicine come from a variety of medical specialties making it challenging to establish the essential educational milestones for all. The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) has an interest in promoting standards of excellence for Apheresis Medicine. ASFA's Physician's Curriculum Content Committee is a group of physician educators in the field of Apheresis Medicine, both donor and therapeutic, from across the United States, who have met regularly for several years to discuss the appropriate educational milestones in Apheresis training. The committee members teach residents and fellows from Pathology, Transfusion Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Nephrology and other specialties. In this document, we have outlined the basic set of Apheresis milestones required in the ACGME defined competency areas of Patient Care and Medical Knowledge. We have also recommended methods of evaluation and estimated the time necessary for the acquisition of these cognitive and behavioral elements. J. Clin. Apheresis 27:242–246, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.