Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dose-Response: An International Journal

ᮀ Prior work has provided incremental phases to a microdosimetry modeling program to describe the dose response behavior of the radio-protective adaptive response effect. We have here consolidated these prior works to provide a composite, comprehensive Microdose Model that is also herein modified to include the bystander effect. The nomenclature for the model is also standardized for the benefit of the experimental cellular radio-biologist. It extends the prior work to explicitly encompass separately the analysis of experimental data that is 1. ) only dose dependent and reflecting only adaptive response radio-protection, 2. ) both dose and dose-rate dependent data and reflecting only adaptive response radio-protection for spontaneous and challenge dose damage, 3. ) only dose dependent data and reflecting both bystander deleterious damage and adaptive response radio-protection (AR-BE model). The Appendix cites the various applications of the model. Here we have used the Microdose Model to analyze the, much more human risk significant, Elmore et al (2006) data for the dose and dose rate influence on the adaptive response radio-protective behavior of HeLa x Skin cells for naturally occurring, spontaneous chromosome damage from a Brachytherapy type 125 I photon radiation source. We have also applied the AR-BE Microdose Model to the Chromosome inversion data of Hooker et al (2004) reflecting both low LET bystander and adaptive response effects. The micro-beam facility data of Miller et al (1999), Nagasawa and Little (1999) and Zhou et al (2003) is also examined. For the Zhou et al (2003) data, we use the AR-BE model to estimate the threshold for adaptive response reduction of the bystander effect. The mammogram and diagnostic X-ray induction of AR and protective BE are observed. We show that bystander damage is reduced in the similar manner as spontaneous and challenge dose damage as shown by the Azzam et al (1996) data. We cite primary unresolved questions regarding adaptive response behavior and bystander behavior. The five features of major significance provided by the Microdose Model so far are 1. ) Single Specific Energy Hits initiate Adaptive Response, 2. ) Mammogram and diagnostic X-rays induce a protective Bystander Effect as well as Adaptive Response radio-protection. 3. ) For mammogram X-rays the Adaptive Response protection is retained at high primer dose levels. 4. ) The dose range of the AR protection depends on the value of the Specific Energy per Hit, <z 1 >. 5. ) Alpha particle induced deleterious Bystander damage is modulated by low LET radiation.
Assessment of Antibacterial Capability of Rhamnolipids Produced by Two Indigenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains

Background: In recent decades, biological properties of biosurfactants, particularly glycolipids, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-cellular effects have been projected in many research studies. The unique advantages of these compounds in terms of production and environment made them important as antimicrobial agents. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate probable antibacterial and antifungal properties of MR01 and MASH1 biosurfactants against several specified microorganisms. Materials and Methods: In this article antibacterial activities of two rhamnolipid mixtures of MR01 and MASH1 were studied. MR01 and MASH1 are glycolipid-type biosurfactants that are being produced by two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MR01 and MASH1, respectively. Antibacterial effects of two biosurfactants were assessed by disc diffusion test method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: They exhibit not only excellent surface activity but also remarkable inhibitory effect against Gram-positive bacteria. According to results, although none of two biosurfactants showed significant effects on Gram negative bacteria growth inhibition, both assessing methods confirmed the growth inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria by MR01 and MASH1 biosurfactants. Conclusions: According to results of this study, MR01 and MASH1 biosurfactants had antimicrobial efficacy against Gram positive bacterial groups. This effect is comparable to antibiotics and therefore the future use of these biosurfactants as broad spectrum antibiotics is highly promising. These features of biosurfactants (BS) should broaden its applications in new advanced technologies.rnFuture studies will be performed on characterization and isolation of biologically active fraction of the rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by P. aeruginosa strains. This bioactive compound may be evaluated as a potent antimicrobial agent to be applied against a panel of pathogenic micro-organisms including a few multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical pathogenic isolates such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other MDR pathogenic strains.
Human Lung Cancer Risks from Radon – Part I - Influence from Bystander Effects - A Microdose Analysis

Since the publication of the BEIR VI report in 1999 on health risks from radon, a significant amount of new data has been published showing various mechanisms that may affect the ultimate assessment of radon as a carcinogen, at low domestic and workplace radon levels, in particular the Bystander Effect (BE) and the Adaptive Response radio-protection (AR). We analyzed the microbeam and broadbeam alpha particle data of Miller et al. (1995, 1999), Zhou et al. (2001, 2003, 2004), Nagasawa and Little (1999, 2002), Hei et al. (1999), Sawant et al. (2001a) and found that the shape of the cellular response to alphas is relatively independent of cell species and LET of the alphas. The same alpha particle traversal dose response behavior should be true for human lung tissue exposure to radon progeny alpha particles. In the Bystander Damage Region of the alpha particle response, there is a variation of RBE from about 10 to 35. There is a transition region between the Bystander Damage Region and Direct Damage Region of between one and two microdose alpha particle traversals indicating that perhaps two alpha particle “hits” are necessary to produce the direct damage. Extrapolation of underground miners lung cancer risks to human risks at domestic and workplace levels may not be valid.
Recent advances in the medical therapy of high-grade gliomas

Malignant glial neoplasms, including glioblastoma, are amongst the most devastating and intractable of solid tumors. Until recently the standard of care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma was surgical resection to the extent feasible followed by conventional fractionated radiotherapy. When administered for disease progression, chemotherapy had modest benefit and its use in the adjuvant setting was controversial. Temozolomide, an oral alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, has now been demonstrated to increase survival time in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma when used concurrently with radiotherapy and as adjuvant or maintenance treatment for six cycles thereafter. Correlative molecular studies suggested that the benefit of temozolomide is largely restricted to patients whose tumor has silenced the gene for methylguanine methyltransferase, a repair enzyme implicated in resistance to alkylator chemotherapy. Use of temozolomide chemotherapy upfront in the management of glioblastoma is now considered the.
Screening, Diagnosis, and Pharmacotherapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence. It is pragmatic to screen patients for diagnostic testing. Diet, exercise, and oral therapy remain the primary treatment modalities for type 2 diabetes. First generation sulfonylureas have fallen out of favor due to adverse effects. Second generation sulfonylureas, metformin, or their combinations are recommended first-line. Glipizide and glimepiride are preferred in elderly, hepatically, and renally impaired patients. Metformin is not recommended with chronic heart failure, renal insufficiency, and in the elderly due to lactic acidosis risks. Glitazones are for second-line therapy, should be used cautiously with cardiac insufficiencies, and require routine monitoring of liver enzymes. Meglitinides, not first-line, may offer an alternative to sulfonylureas. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, most effective with impaired glucose tolerance, may be combined with sulfonylureas or metformin. Pharmacists play an integral role in management and pharmacotherapy services in diabetes may be implemented in collaborative drug therapy monitoring for maximizing cost effectiveness.
Osteoporosis from genes to phenotypes

textabstractOsteoporosis is a leading public health problem in our rapidly growing, aging population. It is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Family and twin studies have shown that osteoporosis and its associated phenotypes are under strong genetic control. In addition, it has been shown than not one major locus is responsible of the susceptibility to develop osteoporosis; instead, diverse genetic and environmental factors involved with the disease have confi rmed its complex multifactorial nature.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs in Jinzhou City, Northeast China

To investigate the prevalence of dogs exposed to Toxoplasma gondii in Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, northeast China, 304 dogs were screened for specific antibodies to T. gondii by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercially-marketed kit. The overall prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 82 of 304 (26.97%) dogs with regional variations, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The study also showed that prevalence increased significantly with age ranging from 18.49 to 45.20%, of which, the prevalence of dogs >3 years was significantly higher than those <1 year (P < 0.01). The results of our study indicated that dogs in Jinzhou had a relatively high T. gondii seroprevalence, which has implications for public health in this region.
Practical experience with sonographically guided phenol instillation of stump neuroma: predictors of effects, success, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE Phantom limb pain and stump pain frequently occur after limb amputation, and stump neuromas play an important role in generation of the pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a previously described optimized procedure for sclerosis of painful stump neuromas under real-time high-resolution sonographic guidance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In this prospective study, neurosclerosis was performed on 82 patients by means of high-resolution sonographically guided injection of up to 0.8 mL of 80% phenol solution according to a standardized protocol. RESULTS During treatment all patients had marked improvement in terms of reduction of pain measured with a visual analog scale. Twelve (15%) of the subjects were pain free after one to three treatments, nine of the 12 achieving relief with the initial instillation. At 6-month follow-up evaluation, 52 patients assessed their present pain quantity with a simplified three-step score. Twenty (38%) of the 52 patients reported almost unnoticeable pain, and 33 (64%) reported pain equal to the minimum reached during therapy. In 18 (35%) of the 52 patients, the incidence of painful periods had markedly decreased. The neurosclerosis procedure had a low complication rate (5% rate of minor complications, 1.3% rate of major complications). CONCLUSION The high-resolution sonographically guided neurosclerosis procedure had a significantly better outcome than other documented treatments. Sonographically guided neurosclerosis should be included in the management of chronic phantom limb and stump pain.
Screening of cytomegalovirus seroprevalence among pregnant women in Ankara, Turkey: A controversy in prenatal care

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity is common amon g pregnant women. CMV is the most common of the teratogenic viruses and is a leading cause of n eurological impairment in newborns, especially sensorineural deafness. The aim of this study was t o determine the seroprevalence of CMV among pregnant women in a tertiary maternity hospital set ting in Ankara, Turkey. The study was conducted on 11,360 pregnant women in the first trimester admitt ed to Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Education and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey, between th e years 2008 to 2010. Of the 11360 women, 11189 (98.5%) and 35 (0.3%) were seropositive for Immunog lobulinG (IgG) and ImmunoglobulinM (IgM) antiCMV antibodies, respectively. Evaluations of age-sp ecific subgroups indicated high CMV seropositivity rates for all age groups. CMV seropositivity is com mon among pregnant women. Widespread population screening may aid in preventing congenital infectio ns by this agent. Seroprevalence studies are needed to assess the burden of infection, to identify grou ps at special risk and to aid in the design of futu re preventive measures and vaccine strategies.
Symptomatic simple renal cyst: comparison of continuous negative-pressure catheter drainage and single-session alcohol sclerotherapy.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether continuous percutaneous catheter drainage with negative pressure yields better results than single-session alcohol sclerotherapy in the management of symptomatic simple renal cysts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Eighty-five patients with 92 simple renal cysts were randomly assigned to two groups in a prospective controlled trial. One group was treated with sonographically guided continuous catheter drainage with negative pressure and the other group with single-session alcohol sclerotherapy. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment outcome, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS The initial volume of the cysts did not differ significantly between the groups, but the final volume was significantly smaller in the continuous drainage group (p = 0.026). During the 24-month follow-up period, 37 (40%) of the cysts disappeared completely: 24 (52%) of the 46 cysts in the drainage group and 13 (28%) of the 46 cysts in the sclerotherapy group (p = 0.033). In the sclerotherapy group, the probability of disappearance of the cysts was highly dependent on cyst size, being less for giant cysts (p = 0.01). Cyst size was not a significant factor in probability of disappearance in the drainage group (p = 0.15). The probability of disappearance of giant cysts (volume > 500 mL) differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.009), but there was no difference in probability of disappearance of moderately large cysts (p = 0.16). Three of 14 patients with giant cysts in the drainage group and 10 of 13 such patients in the sclerotherapy group had recurrences that necessitated additional treatment (p = 0.007). They were successfully treated with continuous catheter drainage. CONCLUSION Continuous catheter drainage with negative pressure is more efficient than single-session alcohol sclerotherapy in the management of giant cysts. For moderately large cysts, the two methods have similar results.
Desigualdades socioeconómicas en salud bucal: caries dental en niños de seis a 12 años de edad

Objective. To explore the association between caries indices in primary and permanent dentition and socioeconomic indicators at the individual and ecologic levels in 6-12 year old children. Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of two datasets depicting oral health status in Campeche, Mexico, with 2,939 children distributed equally by age and sex, was carried out. Oral health indices were contrasted at different cut-off points in primary and permanent dentitions (dmft, DMFT, dmft+DMFT and SiC indices) with independent variables such as place of residence (urban, marginal-urban) and mother’s highest level of schooling (years of formal education) as socioeconomic variables (SES), as well as other sociodemographic variables using models of binary logistic regression in STATA 8.2®. Results. The mean age was 8.85 ± 1.83 years and 56.6% were girls. Nine models were generated in which changes in socioeconomic variables were linked to changes in oral health features in this community (both in terms of prevalence and severity), except for DMFT > 0 at 12 years of age. Conclusions. In general, children of lower SES had greater caries experience and higher caries severity, in both primary and permanent dentitions. The relationships between oral health disparities and independent variables were confirmed in children living in geographically contiguous areas.
‘I often worry about the older person being in that system’: exploring the key influences on the provision of dignified care for older people in acute hospitals

ABSTRACT Older age is one stage of the lifecourse where dignity maybe threatened due to the vulnerability created by increased incapacity, frailty and cognitive decline in combination with a lack of social and economic resources. Evidence suggests that it is in contact with health and welfare services where dignity is most threatened. This study explored the experiences of older people in acute National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in relation to dignified care and the organisational, occupational and cultural factors that affect it. These objectives were examined through an ethnography of four acute hospital Trusts in England and Wales, which involved interviews with older people (65+) recently discharged from hospital, their relatives/carers, and Trust managers, practitioners and other staff, complemented by evidence from non-participant observation. The picture which emerged was of a lack of consistency in the provision of dignified care which appears to be explained by the dominance of priorities of the system and organisation tied together with the interests of ward staff and clinicians. The emphasis on clinical specialism meant that staff often lacked the knowledge and skills to care for older patients whose acute illness is often compounded by physical and mental co-morbidities. The physical environment of acute wards was often poorly designed, confusing and inaccessible, and might be seen as ‘not fit for purpose’ to treat their main users, those over 65 years, with dignity. Informants generally recognised this but concluded that it was the older person who was in the ‘wrong place’, and assumed that there must be a better place for ‘them’. Thus, the present system in acute hospitals points to an inbuilt discrimination against the provision of high-quality care for older people. There needs to be a change in the culture of acute medicine so that it is inclusive of older people who have chronic co-morbidities and confusion as well as acute clinical needs.
Maternal Literacy and Child Malnutrition in India

This study uses unit-record data on over 50,000 rural children, from the sixteen major states of India, to analyse the determinants of the risks of severe stunting and of being severely underweight. The importance of this study derives from the fact that the prevalence of under-nourishment in India is, even relative to other poor countries, shockingly high. The study focuses on the role of maternal literacy in reducing the risk of child malnourishment. It concludes that when the mother is literate, real benefits flow to children in terms of reduced risk; the same benefits, however, do not flow when the father, but not the mother, is literate. Literate mothers make more effective use of health-care institutions, like anganwadis and hospitals. Consequently, the benefits to children from expanding the supply of such institutions are greater when these institutions interact with mothers who are literate.
Can malignant and benign pulmonary nodules be differentiated with diffusion-weighted MRI?

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to evaluate whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with a high b factor can be used to differentiate malignancies from benign pulmonary nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 54 pulmonary nodules (>or= 5 mm in diameter) in 51 consecutive patients (37 men, 14 women; mean age, 65.7 years; age range, 31-88 years). Thirty-six (67%) of the 54 pulmonary nodules were malignant, and 18 (33%) were benign. Two radiologists independently reviewed the signal intensity of the nodules on DWI with a b factor of 1,000 s/mm(2) using a 5-point rank scale without knowledge of clinical data. This scale was based on the following scores: 1, nearly no signal intensity; 2, signal intensity between 1 and 3; 3, signal intensity almost equal to that of the thoracic spinal cord; 4, higher signal intensity than that of the spinal cord; and 5, much higher signal intensity than that of the spinal cord. The Mann-Whitney U test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to calculate the difference between the scores of malignant and benign nodules. RESULTS On DWI, the mean score of malignant pulmonary nodules (4.03 +/- 1.16 [SD]) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of benign nodules (2.50 +/- 1.47), with an area under the ROC curve of 0.796 (95% CI, 0.665-0.927). When a score of 3 was considered as a threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.9% (95% CI, 78.6-99.2%), 61.1% (38.6-83.6%), and 79.6% (68.9-90.3%), respectively. Three small metastatic nodules (13, 16, and 20 mm) and one bronchioloalveolar carcinoma scored 1 or 2 on the 5-point rank scale. Three granulomas, two active inflammatory lung nodules, and one fibrous nodule scored 4 or 5. CONCLUSION The signal intensity of pulmonary nodules may be useful for malignant and benign differentiation on DWI. However, the interpretation of small metastatic nodules, nonsolid adenocarcinoma, some granulomas, and active inflammatory nodules should be approached with caution.
O-061 Cell-based Therapy For Hypoxic-ischaemic Injury In The Preterm Brain

Background and aims Preterm infants are prone to hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. No therapy exists to treat this brain injury. The objective of this study was to assess the neuroprotective effect of exogenous administration of stem cells and the mobilisation of endogenous stem cells in the ovine preterm brain after global hypoxia-ischemia. Methods Instrumented preterm sheep were subjected to global hypoxia-ischemia by 25 min of umbilical cord occlusion at a gestational age of 104 (term is 150) days. During a 7 day reperfusion period all vital parameters, including (amplitude-integrated) electroencephalogram, were recorded. At the end of the experiment, the preterm brain was assessed by histology and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results Systemic administration of exogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduced cerebral inflammation (i.e. microglia proliferation) and white matter injury. MSCs induced T-cell tolerance, which was paralleled with diminished mobilisation and invasion of these cells in the preterm brain. In addition, MSCs decreased number of seizures after global hypoxia-ischemia, indicating functional improvement. Similarly, mobilisation of endogenous stem cells using systemic granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduced cerebral inflammation and white matter injury. However, G-CSF did not reduce the number of seizures after global hypoxia-ischemia. Conclusion We have shown for the first time in a translational animal model that cell-based therapy is effective in protecting the preterm brain against the cerebral and peripheral inflammatory responses which are involved in the aetiology of white matter injury in the preterm brain after global hypoxia-ischemia. Our studies form the basis for future clinical trials studying feasibility of cell-based therapy in preterm infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.