Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistence of γ-H2AX and 53BP1 foci in proliferating and non-proliferating human mammary epithelial cells after exposure to γ-rays or iron ions

Purpose: To investigate γ-H2AX (phosphorylated histone H2AX) and 53BP1 (tumour protein 53 binding protein No. 1) foci formation and removal in proliferating and non-proliferating human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) after exposure to sparsely and densely ionising radiation under different cell culture conditions. Material and methods: HMEC cells were grown either as monolayers (2D) or in extracellular matrix to allow the formation of acinar structures in vitro (3D). Foci numbers were quantified by image analysis at various time points after exposure. Results: Our results reveal that in non-proliferating cells under 2D and 3D cell culture conditions, iron-ion induced γ-H2AX foci were still present at 72 h after exposure, although 53BP1 foci returned to control levels at 48 h. In contrast in proliferating HMEC, both γ-H2AX and 53BP1 foci decreased to control levels during the 24–48 h time interval after irradiation under 2D conditions. Foci numbers decreased faster after γ-ray irradiation and returned to control levels by 12 h regardless of marker, cell proliferation status, and cell culture condition. Conclusions: The disappearance of radiation-induced γ-H2AX and 53BP1 foci in HMEC has different dynamics that depend on radiation quality and proliferation status. Notably, the general patterns do not depend on the cell culture condition (2D versus 3D). We speculate that the persistent γ-H2AX foci in iron-ion irradiated non-proliferating cells could be due to limited availability of double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways in G0/G1-phase, or that repair of complex DSB requires replication or chromatin remodelling.
Long-term results of pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions: Doxycycline vs Bleomycin

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the response of doxycycline and bleomycin in pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions. Materials and Methods: The radiologic and clinical responses of doxycycline and bleomycin in pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions were compared in this randomized clinical trial. Forty-two patients were randomized to receive either bleomycin 45 mg or doxycycline 600 mg as the sclerotherapy agent. Chest X-rays were taken before and after intervention, 10 days and 2 months later to compare the radiologic response. Dyspnea and other side effects, before and after intervention, 10 days and 2 months later were recorded and compared. Chi-square test was applied to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of dyspnea and its different severities, 10 days and 2 months after intervention were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Analysis of pleural effusions revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between Doxycycline vs. Bleomycin 2 months after the intervention. Three months after pleurodesis, only one patient in bleomycin group needed pleural fluid drainage. Conclusion: Pleural effusions did not change with use of doxycycline and bleomycin in short time but long-term results of doxycycline sclerotherapy was better than bleomycin sclerotherapy in malignant pleural effusions that was supported by this study. However, additional studies with larger sample size are necessary to confirm the results.
Practical approach to electrodiagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome: A review

Despite being the most common entrapment neuropathy and the most common reason for referral to the electromyography (EMG) laboratory, the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) continues to be challenging due to a large number of electrodiagnostic (EDX) tests available. We present a flowchart and propose a practical approach to the diagnosis of CTS using the available literature and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) guidelines and the Practice Parameter for Electrodiagnostic Studies in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Radiation metabolomics and its potential in biodosimetry

Purpose: Radiation exposure triggers a complex network of molecular and cellular responses that impacts metabolic processes and alters the levels of metabolites. Such metabolites have potential as biomarkers for radiation dosimetry. This review provides an overview of radiation signalling and metabolism, of metabolomic approaches used in the discovery phase, and of instrumentation with the potential to assess radiation injury in the field. Approach: Recent developments in fast, high-resolution chromatography and mass spectrometry and new data analysis methods allow the quantitative assessment of thousands of metabolites based on biofluids obtained non-invasively. This complex analysis leads to the discovery-phase identification of groups of metabolites useful for screening and biodosimetry by targeted quantitative measurement. Instrumentation for target analysis can be simpler than that used for discovery, so we examine current technologies based on ion mobility. Conclusions: Recent published results and ongoing studies examine the complex changes in the levels of many metabolites caused by radiation exposure, and identify groups of small-molecule biomarkers for radiation biodosimetry. Based on results showing separation orthogonal to mass, chemical noise suppression, and high sensitivity, differential mobility mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) ion mobility spectrometry appears highly promising for the development of deployable instrumentation.
An ear punch model for studying the effect of radiation on wound healing

Purpose: Radiation and wound combined injury represents a major clinical challenge because of the synergistic interactions that lead to higher morbidity and mortality than either insult would produce singly. The purpose of this study was to develop a mouse ear punch model to study the physiological mechanisms underlying radiation effects on healing wounds. Materials and methods: Surgical wounds were induced by a 2 mm surgical punch in the ear pinnae of MRL/MpJ mice. Photographs of the wounds were taken and the sizes of the ear punch wounds were quantified by image analysis. Local radiation to the ear was delivered by orthovoltage X-ray irradiator using a specially constructed jig that shields the other parts of body. Results: Using this model, we demonstrated that local radiation to the wound area significantly delayed the healing of ear punch wounds in a dose-dependent fashion. The addition of sublethal whole body irradiation (7 Gy) further delayed the healing of ear punch wounds. These results were replicated in C57BL/6 mice; however, wound healing in MRL/MpJ mice was accelerated. Conclusions: These data indicate that the mouse ear punch model is a valuable model to study radiation and wound combined injury.
DNA double-strand breaks induced by mammographic screening procedures in human mammary epithelial cells

Abstract Purpose: To assess in vitro mammographic radiation-induced DNA damage in mammary epithelial cells from 30 patients with low (LR) or high (HR) family risk of breast cancer. Materials and methods: Spontaneous and radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) were quantified by using immunofluorescence of the phosphorylated H2AX histone (γH2AX) in different conditions of mammography irradiation (2, 4, 2 + 2 mGy). Results: HR patients showed significantly more spontaneous γH2AX foci than LR patients (p = 0.014). A significant dose-effect was observed, with an exacerbation in HR patients (p = 0.01). The dose repetition (2 + 2 mGy) provided more induced and more unrepaired DSB than 2 mGy and 4 mGy, and was exacerbated in HR (p = 0.006). Conclusions: This study highlights the existence of DSB induced by mammography and revealed by γH2AX assay with two major radiobiological effects occurring: A low-dose effect, and a LOw and Repeated Dose (LORD) effect. All these effects were exacerbated in HR patients. These findings may lead us to re-evaluate the number of views performed in screening using a single view (oblique) in women whose mammographic benefit has not properly been proved such as HR patients.
Pneumonia among COPD patients using inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators.

AIM To assess the risk of pneumonia among COPD patients using salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination inhalers (SFC), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), or long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), alone or in combination, compared to those using only short-acting bronchodilators (SABD). METHOD The study population comprised 5245 individuals using inhaled treatment for COPD, identified from the databases of three large regional managed care organisations from different parts of the USA. Longitudinally-collected administrative data were obtained on their clinical histories and treatments. Nested case-control methods were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the risk of pneumonia while on therapy. RESULTS 2154 patients had at least one diagnosed case of pneumonia between 1st September 2001 and 31st August 2003. Relative to SABD, the only treatment associated with a non-significant increased risk of pneumonia was ICS used alone (OR=1.29; 95%CI: 0.96-1.73; p=0.09). Users of LABA alone (OR=0.92; 95%CI: 0.69-1.22) or SFC (OR=1.03; 95%CI: 0.74-1.42) had no increased risk for pneumonia relative to SABD. Advanced age and severity of lung disease were strongly associated with increased risk for pneumonia. CONCLUSION Treatment with ICS or an ICS/LABA combination inhaler was not associated with a significantly increased risk of developing pneumonia.
Disease severity and symptoms among patients receiving monotherapy for COPD.

AIM To examine the burden of respiratory symptoms, quality of life and co-morbid illness in COPD patients receiving maintenance treatment in a real world setting. METHODS In a single visit, patients with a physician's diagnosis of COPD who were receiving monotherapy with a long-acting bronchodilator (LABD) performed spirometry, completed symptom questionnaires, and reported their treatments, history of exacerbations and co-morbidities. RESULTS We enrolled 1084 patients of whom 1072 had acceptable spirometry. 689 (64%) had airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC≤0.70) while 383 (36%) failed to meet spirometric criteria for COPD despite receiving maintenance therapy and having comparable symptoms and comorbid illness. Among those with confirmed COPD, dyspnoea was worse in those with more severe airflow limitation though exacerbation frequency was comparable across COPD stages. CONCLUSIONS COPD is commonly diagnosed and treated in patients without airflow obstruction. Many COPD patients receiving LABD monotherapy continue to suffer significant symptoms, exacerbations and poor quality of life.
Molecular testing in transfusion medicine.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Molecular blood group prediction, including mass scale donor genotyping, is becoming a routine part of transfusion medicine. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW This review covers transfusion-related applications of the molecular prediction of antigens of red blood cells. Forensic and prenatal applications are not covered. The review is mainly based on the personal experience of the author in the field. A PubMed literature search without temporal limit was performed using the search item 'molecular testing transfusion' and complemented by 'related articles' searches of key publications. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN The readers will understand the general principles and specific problems arising from the use of molecular testing for blood group antigen prediction, get an overview of methods used at present, and learn which methods are suitable for which specific applications. TAKE HOME MESSAGE At present, molecular methods complement serologic antigen determination and are an invaluable tool for specific diagnostic problems. Mass-scale molecular antigen prediction of blood donors is beginning to improve blood supply for specific patient groups.
Effect of tiotropium on quality of life in COPD: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) greatly affects quality of life (QoL). Although QoL is a key concern for the patient, primary endpoints in most clinical trials are objective measures of disease progression. METHODS A systematic review of double-blind randomised controlled trials was undertaken to identify data relating to the effect of tiotropium on QoL in patients with COPD. RESULTS A total of 24 publications met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, in the majority of studies tiotropium statistically significantly improved the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score, although improvement beyond the accepted minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 4 units was only achieved in three studies, all of which were of less than nine months' duration. Tiotropium also statistically significantly improved the Transition Dyspnoea Index (TDI) focal score, equating to clinically meaningful improvements, in almost all the studies that assessed TDI. In general, higher proportions of patients receiving tiotropium achieved clinically meaningful responses. The addition of other therapies (dual therapy, triple therapy) to tiotropium provided benefits that exceeded the SGRQ MCID and provided further benefit with regard to the TDI. CONCLUSIONS Tiotropium improves QoL for patients with COPD requiring long-acting bronchodilators, with other additional therapies providing further benefits, depending on the population.
Prescription pattern of drugs in pregnancy induced hypertension in a tertiary care hospital

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prescription pattern of drugs in pregnancy induced hypertension in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted by department of Pharmacology in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics in Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally after taking permission from the Institutional Review Board. WHO basic indicators were indicators were used for studying the prescribing pattern of drugs. Results: Out of the total prescriptions studied the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive was Methyldopa, followed by Nifedipine. Amlodipine, Atenolol and Magnesium sulphate were the other drugs prescribed. Majority drugs prescribed were from category B and C. Single drug therapy was prescribed in 46.94% patients. The use of fixed dose combinations was low. Conclusion: The incidence of single drugs therapy and two drugs was high. Irrational prescriptions were few. The present pattern of prescriptions can be improved by advocating rational drug prescription and awareness regarding safe use of drugs to the obstetricians.
The clinical and laboratory diagnosis of acute meningitis and acute encephalitis.

INTRODUCTION Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a life-threatening infectious disease requiring prompt antimicrobial therapy. ABM must be differentiated from systemic disorders with CNS manifestations that may mimic ABM. ABM should also be differentiated from acute meningoencephalitis (AME) and acute viral encephalitis (AVE). Nonviral causes of AME are treatable. Among the causes of AVE, Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is treatable. This article reviews the clinical diagnostic approach to ABM, AME and AVE. AREAS COVERED The differential diagnostic (DDx) approach to ABM, AME and AVE is based on clinical and laboratory findings. A specific pathogen diagnosis is based on serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests. This overview presents the diagnostic approach to ABM, AME and AVE in normal hosts (excluding brain abscesses and chronic CNS infections). EXPERT OPINION It is time critical to diagnose ABM and begin empiric antimicrobial therapy based on the known/most likely pathogen. The diagnosis of ABM depends on clinical features and the CSF profile. The CSF Gram stain and CSF lactic acid (LA) levels provide the most rapid, reliable and cost-effective tests to diagnose ABM. CSF LA levels are also the best way to diagnose partially treated acute bacterial meningitis (PTABM). In those cases of AME/AVE due to viruses with a CSF profile mimicking ABM, for example, HSE, unelevated CSF LA levels rapidly/reliably rule out ABM as a diagnostic possibility.
p25/CDK5 is partially involved in neuronal injury induced by radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure

Abstract Purpose: Several studies suggest that radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure can induce neuronal injury. The aim of the present work was to investigate whether the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) pathway is involved in neuronal injury induced by RF-EMF exposure. Materials and methods: Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats’ primary cultured cortical neurons were exposed to pulsed 2.45 GHz RF-EMF for 10 min. The cellular viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst 33342 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling co-staining. The protein expressions of CDK5, p35, p25, and phosphorylated tau at Ser404 were examined by Western blot analysis. The CDK5 activity was detected using a histone-H1 kinase assay. Results: The cellular viability of neurons was significantly decreased (p < 0.01, Partial Eta Squared [ηp2]: 0.554), and the percentage of apoptotic nuclei (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.689), activity of CDK5 (p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.589), ratio of p25 and p35 (p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.670), levels of tau phosphorylation at Ser404 (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.896) were significantly increased after RF-EMF exposure. No significant change was detected in CDK5 expression after RF-EMF exposure. Pretreatment with Roscovitine (a CDK5 inhibitor) significantly blocked the RF-EMF-induced decrease of cellular viability (p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.398) and tau hyperphosphorylation at Ser404 (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.917), but did not significantly block the RF-EMF-induced apoptosis (p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.130). Conclusions: These results suggest that abnormal activity of p25/CDK5 is partially involved in primary cultured cortical neuron injury induced by RF-EMF exposure.
Proposed Method for Evaluating the Relevance of Publications by Faculty Members from Tel-Hai Academic College Compared to the Academic Status of Full Professors in the Same Field in Israeli Research Universities

This study proposed a method using publication downloads from Research Gate (RG) and Google Scholar (GS)to evaluate scientists based on publications they made in the Faculty of Science, Environment and Community at Tel-Hai Academic College and MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute to the status of full professors in the same field in Israeli research universities. The results show that in evaluating the mean publication downloads from March 15-April 26, 2015 by full professors from Israeli universities and from Tel-Hai Academic College and MIGAL, differences exist between the average of all parameters (number of publications and citations) in the different fields of research, such as organic chemistry, medicine and biochemistry, animal science and the environment. In the different parameters used for evaluating the faculty members and their downloads, the relevance of publications during the period examined might be seen.
Free Energy of Three-Dimensional Uniaxial Magnet in the Higher Non-Gaussian Approximation and in the Presence of an External Field

A three-dimensional Ising-like system in a homogeneous external field is studied on the basis of the higher non-Gaussian measure density (the 𝜌6 model). The presented solutions of recurrence relations for the coefficients of the effective measure densities and the generalized point of exit of the system from the critical regime are used for calculating the free energy of the system at temperatures 𝑇>𝑇𝑐 (𝑇𝑐 is the phase transition temperature in the absence of an external field). A calculation technique is based on the first principles of statistical physics and is naturally realized without any general assumptions and without any adjustable parameters. The obtained expression for the free energy does not involve series expansions in the scaling variable and is valid near the critical point not only in the regions of the so-called weak and strong external fields, but also in the crossover region between these fields, where power series in the scaling variable are not effective.
Eating Patterns of the Rural Families of Overweight Preschool Children: A Pilot Study

Childhood obesity is one of the most multifaceted public health problems currently challenging the nation with serious medical and economic consequences for the future. Recognition of the increasing overweight status of children has prompted the need to identify factors associated with this trend. This study is the first to qualitatively examine eating patterns of families of overweight preschool children, aged three to five years, living in a predominantly rural agricultural area in the Northern Plains of the United States. This article presents the findings from an initial focus group interview. Ten parents of ten preschool children who were three to five years of age designated as being overweight or obese using body mass index measurements were recruited and interviewed. This paper presents preliminary findings (eating patterns) of a dually focused study related to healthy eating and physical activity in this selected population. The results of this study suggest that intervention focused on overweight parents of young children is warranted. Further focus group interviews and participant observation are required to add to the depth and scope of knowledge about strategies to prevent children from becoming overweight or obese.
Severity of periodontal disease and number of remaining teeth are related to the prevalence of myocardial infarction and hypertension in a study based on 4,254 subjects.

BACKGROUND During the past 15 years, mounting evidence for the association between periodontal and cardiovascular disease has been presented in epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to investigate how the severity of periodontal disease and number of remaining teeth relates to myocardial infarction (MI) and hypertension (HT). METHODS Self-reported history of HT and MI was collected in 3,352 patients referred to the Department of Periodontology, Gävle County Hospital, and in 902 subjects randomly selected from the general population. Severity of periodontitis was estimated by a combination of the amount of bone loss around each tooth investigated from a full-mouth x-ray, the presence or absence of bleeding on probing (BOP), and involvement of furcations. RESULTS The severity of periodontitis was significantly associated with HT (prevalence 16%; P<0.0005), even after adjustment for age, gender, number of teeth, and smoking in the total sample, and with MI (prevalence 1.7%, P<0.03) after above-mentioned adjustments, but in middle-aged (40 to 60 years) subjects only. The number of diseased periodontal pockets was related to HT only (P<0.0001), and this relationship remained after the above-mentioned adjustments. The number of teeth was associated with MI (P<0.03) even after correction for age, gender, and smoking but was not related to hypertension. CONCLUSIONS The severity of periodontal disease was related to HT independent of age but to the prevalence of MI in middle-aged subjects only. The number of diseased pockets was significantly related to HT only. On the other hand, the number of teeth was associated with the prevalence of MI independent of age but not to HT. These data support the view that oral health is related to cardiovascular disease in a dose-dependent manner.