Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Human Monocytes by Double Gradient Centrifugation and Their Differentiation to Macrophages in Teflon-coated Cell Culture Bags

Human macrophages are involved in a plethora of pathologic processes ranging from infectious diseases to cancer. Thus they pose a valuable tool to understand the underlying mechanisms of these diseases. We therefore present a straightforward protocol for the isolation of human monocytes from buffy coats, followed by a differentiation procedure which results in high macrophage yields. The technique relies mostly on commonly available lab equipment and thus provides a cost and time effective way to obtain large quantities of human macrophages. Briefly, buffy coats from healthy blood donors are subjected to a double density gradient centrifugation to harvest monocytes from the peripheral blood. These monocytes are then cultured in fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) Teflon-coated cell culture bags in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). The differentiated macrophages can be easily harvested and used for subsequent studies and functional assays. Important methods for quality control and validation of the isolation and differentiation steps will be highlighted within the protocol. In summary, the protocol described here enables scientists to routinely and reproducibly isolate human macrophages without the need for cost intensive tools. Furthermore, disease models can be studied in a syngeneic human system circumventing the use of murine macrophages.
Neutrons and the Plaque: AMI (n-8920) at Days of Zero GMA/High Neutron Activity (n-36) and the Following Days and Week. Kaunas, Lithuania, 2000-2007

The timing and outcomes of cardiovascular diseases are linked with surrounding power fields. In recent publications it was shown that occurrence and deaths from AMI, a pathology in 3/4, or more connected with atheroma- plaque rupture or fissuring, is significantly connected with Cosmic Ray (CRA) activity, measured by Neutron activity (imp/min) on the Earth surface and inverse related to Solar (S.A.) and Geomagnetic (GMA) activity, serving as shields of the Earth from Cosmic Rays. Aim: of this study was to check if AMI number is changing after days of Zero GMA/high Neutron activity in years 2000-2007. Patients and Methods: 8920 AMI patients (5307, 59.5%, men) daily admissions at the departments of Cardiology of Kaunas Medical Sciences University Hospital were studied. This data was compared with daily GMA and CRA levels. We found 36 days with Zero GMA, accompanied by High CRA (Neutron) activity. AMI daily number at day of Zero GMA, 1, 2 days after the Zero day, and 7 days (including Zero day) and 6 days after (excluding Zero day) were accounted and compared with AMI on Zero day of GMA. The cosmophysical data came from Space science Institutions in the USA, Russia and Finland . Results: the daily average for Neutrons for the whole period (2000-2007) was 8883+-518 imp/min.For days of Zero GMA 9247+-402, p<0.0001. The daily AMI on day Zero was 2.51+-1.463, n-88; next day 3.09+-1.931,n-108, (p=0.01); second day post Zero-3.09+-1.579, n-108, (p=0.008); 6 days post Zero 2.98+-0.819 daily, p=0.008 compared to Zero day). It was a 23% raise of AMI at 1 and 2 days post Zero GMA/High Neutron day and 18% rise in average at 6 days post the studied event. Discussion: it’s presumed that high Neutron activity may be one of factors involved in the damaging process of the Coronary plaque, one of the important pathogenesis factors in AMI occurrence. Conclusion: at6 days following Zero GMA/high Neutron (CRA) it’s a significant raise of AMI patients. Neutron activity can be involved in the process of atheroma - plaque damaging and development of Atherothrombosis and AMI, explaining observed in many studies timing of the disease.
A Novel Knowledge Base Decision Support System Model for Breast Cancer Treatment

Changing trends and adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in healthcare settings have equipped modern healthcare providers a method to resolve their day to day challenges in enhancing quality decision making and patient care. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. The control and prevention of it is largely depends on instant access and availability of patients information and domain knowledge to the clinicians. Unavailability or delay in receiving this information leads to medical error, unnecessary complications and suffering to the patient. As an important application of Information and communication technology, Clinical Decision Support System supports the clinicians in providing easy and instant access of accurate, complete and adequate patient's information and domain knowledge for quality decision making, reducing medical errors and promoting evidence based practice. This paper focuses on the design, development and implementation of a Novel Knowledge Based Decision Support System model in breast cancer treatment for improving the accessibility of domain specific clinical data for faster and more efficient use. Key word: Clinical decision support system, breast cancer, Information and communication technology Sri Lanka Journal of Bio-Medical Informatics 2010; 1 (2):97-103. DOI: 10.4038/sljbmi.v1i2. 1609
Physician-Patient Colorectal Cancer Screening Discussions by Physicians' Screening Rates

Background: Most physicians report routinely recommending colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but many eligible patients are not screened. To better understand this finding, we explored the relationship between the content of hypothetical patient-physician CRC screening discussions and CRC screening rates in physicians' practices. Methods: Semistructured interviews, including role-playing, with 24 primary care physicians explored their CRC screening approach with average-risk patients. Qualitative analysis examined physician-reported components of the CRC screening discussion, then compared findings between physicians with high (≥60%, n = 16) and low (≤45%, n = 8) CRC screening rates (based on HEDIS criteria). We conducted no statistical tests because of the small sample size and its exploratory aims. Results: High screeners used dramatic language (eg, patient stories) and mentioned risk of death, disability, or surgery from CRC in screening discussion role-plays more often than low screeners. High screeners frequently offered fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy as equally acceptable screening options. High screeners more commonly described solutions for overcoming CRC screening barriers. Conclusions: Encouraging providers to use risk-specific messaging about the consequences of CRC, offering screening option choices, and promoting a problem-solving approach to surmount barriers are potential strategies for increasing CRC screening rates.
The sexuality and disability of males with multiple sclerosis in Poland

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. In the world 2.1 mil lion people suffer from MS. Usually MS is diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years old and may be the cause of disability. Sexual problems are very common in male patients with MS although they are less frequent than they used to be. Aim of the research study: To describe the level of disability and sexual life in males with MS. Material and methods: The study was carried out on a total of 72 MS patients. MS subtypes included 30.55% (n = 22) secondary progressive; 27.77% (n = 20) relapsing-remitting; 22.22% (n = 16) primary progressive; and 16.66% (n = 12) progressive relapsing. The research tools consisted of our own questionnaires. Neurological disability was assessed by the Regional Committee for Adjudication of Disability and by the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Results: 8.33% (n = 6) of patients reported sexual activity every day, most reported either several times a week 25% (n = 18), several times a month 33.33% (n = 24), once a month 16.66% (n = 12), a few times a year 5.55% (n = 4) or once a year 11.11% (n = 8). Our findings conclude that neurological disability, low sexual activity and frequent use of sildenafil citrate or similar were common in the patients tested. Conclusions: These problems are permanently overlooked by medical professionals. In this aspect, cooperation between neurologists and sexologists could be important. Further research is needed for better understanding of the sexuality of this particular population.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the sleepy cod (Oxyeleotris lineolatus)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the sleepy cod (Oxyeleotris lineolatus) is determined for the first time in this study. It is a circular molecule of 16,519 bp in length, consisting 37 genes, typically found in other vertebrates. The AT content of the overall base composition of the whole mitogenome was 53.90%, while the control region was 62.59%. The protein-coding genes and 6 CSBs were identified. The sequence information could play an important role in the study of phylogenetic relationships between the sleepy cod and its related species.
Assessment of nasal tip projection

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare Goode′s and Byrd′s method in objectively assessing nasal tip projection. Materials and methods This study included 20 patients from the ENT outpatient clinic, Cairo university hospital, who underwent augmentation tip rhinoplasty, closed technique, using Sheen graft, during the period from January 2008 until December 2011. Two objective methods, Goode′s method and Byrd′s method, were used to assess nasal tip projection preoperatively and postoperatively. Results There was statistically significant difference between the gain in projection by Goode′s method compared with Byrd′s method. The mean gain in projection was 11.6 using Goode′s method, whereas it was only 9.55 when measured by Byrd′s method. Goode′s method correlated more with patients′ and surgeon′s subjective assessment and satisfaction. Conclusion In our study, Goode′s method proved to be more accurate in representing the final outcome compared with Byrd′s method in the Egyptian population.
An assessment of allopathic and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) provider's perceptions of their patients health literacy

The purpose of this study was to explore how allopathic and Complementary and Alternative Medicine CAM) clinicians address health literacy in their practices. The research questions guiding this study were 1. ) How do clinicians convey complex health information to their patients? 2. ) Do clinicians believe health literacy is the responsibility of the health care provider, the patient, or the health care system? 3. ) Do allopathic and CAM clinicians think differently about where the responsibility rests? The research regarding the impact of low health literacy in the U.S. is prolific but the literature is less rich regarding what clinicians are doing to improve the literacy levels of their patients in their practices. The Institute of Medicine’s Health Literacy model provided the underlying conceptual framework for this study. The data collection procedure was two focus group interviews of health care providers, one group of allopathic providers and the other group (CAM) providers. The results indicated that all clinicians used an educational strategy during their patient visits with the intent to improve their patients’ health literacy. Common themes regarding the way clinicians present health information were identified based on discussions and comments during the focus groups. These themes are direct questioning, health contexts, trust development, educational materials, and analogies. The practice implications for this study include a) consider incorporating simple health literacy screening or measurement practices during every patient contact, b) openly support public health efforts to increase awareness of the prevalence and depth of limited health literacy at state and local levels c) conduct health literacy lectures in both professional and public forums to help decrease the roadblock of shame for individuals with limited literacy. The research implications of this study include a need for further research determining what clinicians and health care organizations are doing to embrace a health literacy agenda among private practitioners and the health care system. Further research exploring practical and effective ways to measure health literacy could improve clinician strategies to promote health literacy, numeracy, and language skills necessary for patients to become empowered as they navigate the health care system.
Association of Concentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy With Subsequent Change in Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Volume: The Dallas Heart Study

Background In the conventional paradigm of the progression of left ventricular hypertrophy, a thick-walled left ventricle (LV) ultimately transitions to a dilated cardiomyopathy. There are scant data in humans demonstrating whether this transition occurs commonly without an interval myocardial infarction. Methods and Results Participants (n=1282) from the Dallas Heart Study underwent serial cardiac magnetic resonance ≈7 years apart. Those with interval cardiovascular events and a dilated LV (increased LV end-diastolic volume [EDV] indexed to body surface area) at baseline were excluded. Multivariable linear regression models tested the association of concentric hypertrophy (increased LV mass and LV mass/volume0.67) with change in LVEDV. The study cohort had a median age of 44 years, 57% women, 43% black, and 11% (n=142) baseline concentric hypertrophy. The change in LVEDV in those with versus without concentric hypertrophy was 1 mL (−9 to 12) versus −2 mL (−11 to 7), respectively, P<0.01. In multivariable linear regression models, concentric hypertrophy was associated with larger follow-up LVEDV (P⩽0.01). The progression to a dilated LV was uncommon (2%, n=25). Conclusions In the absence of interval myocardial infarction, concentric hypertrophy was associated with a small, but significantly greater, increase in LVEDV after 7-year follow-up. However, the degree of LV enlargement was minimal, and few participants developed a dilated LV. These data suggest that if concentric hypertrophy does progress to a dilated cardiomyopathy, such a transition would occur over a much longer timeframe (eg, decades) and may be less common than previously thought. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00344903.
Cancer esearch cular and Cellular Pathobiology genomic Effects of Cisplatin : Acute Inhibition echanosensitive Transporters and Channels R out Actin Remodeling

ownloade latin is an antineoplastic drug, mostly documented to cause cell death through the formation of DNA ts. In patients, it exhibits a range of short-term side effects that are unlikely to be related to its genomic . As cisplatin has been shown to modify membrane properties in different cell systems, we investigated cts on mechanosensitive ion transporters and channels. We show here that cisplatin is a noncompeinhibitor of the mechanosensitive Na/H exchanger NHE-1, with a half-inhibition concentration of mL associated with a decrease in Vmax and Hill coefficient. We also showed that it blocks the Cl − and chanosensitive channels VSORC and TREK-1 at similar concentrations. In contrast, the nonmechanosenCl and K channels CFTR and TASK-1 and the Na-coupled glucose transport, which share functional es with VSORC, TREK-1, and NHE-1, respectively, were insensitive to cisplatin. We next investigated er cisplatin action was due to a direct effect onmembrane or to cortical actin remodeling that would affect nosensors. Using scanning electron microscopy, in vivo actin labeling, and atomic force microscopy, we t observe any modification of the Young's modulus and actin cytoskeleton for up to 60 and 120 μg/mL in, whereas these concentrations modified membrane morphology. Our results reveal a novel mechanism platin, which affects mechanosensitive channels and transporters involved in cell fate programs and/or sed in mechanosensitive organs in which cisplatin elicits strong secondary effects, such as the inner ear or expres the peripheral nervous system. These results might constitute a common denominator to previously unrelated effects of this drug. Cancer Res; 70(19); OF1–9. ©2010 AACR.
Establishment and application of antioxidant capacity screening model of natural Chinese herbal medicines

Ethylene was measured by gas chromatography to determine total oxyradical scavenging capacity of water extracts for 20 kinds of natural Chinese herbal medicines. The result showed that the water extracts of 20 kinds of Chinese herbal medicines had good antioxidant capacity. Among them, Green tea, Laminaria japonica Aresch, L. japonicaThumb, Carthamus tinctorius L. , Semen Persicae, Myristica fraguans, Scutellariabaicalensis Georgi had higher TOSC value and stronger antioxidant capacity. TOSC method was a rapid and sensitive method with better repeatability and it was applicable to preliminary screening of antioxidant capacity of Chinese herbal medicines. Keywords: Chinese herbal medicines, antioxidant capacity, gas chromatography, total oxyradical scavenging capacity .
Morphine sulfate extended-release capsules for the treatment of chronic, moderate-to-severe pain

Background: Morphine sulfate extended-release capsules (KADIAN®) contain polymer-coated morphine sulfate pellets that are formulated to deliver sustained plasma morphine levels with minimal fluctuation. Morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, the only opioid formulation indicated in the US for both once- and twice-daily (every 12 and every 24 h) dosing, is approved in eight dosage strengths and is effective against pain from diverse sources in a variety of patient types. The formulation of morphine sulfate extended-release capsules allows flexible dosing options: capsules can be taken whole or the contents can be sprinkled on apple sauce or delivered via a gastrostomy tube. Morphine sulfate extended-release capsules have no immediate-release component and no components that would limit high doses. Results/conclusion: The bioavailability of morphine sulfate extended-release capsules is not compromised when taken with food and dose dumping (immediate elevations in dose) does not occur when morphine sulfate extended-release capsules are taken concomitantly with alcohol. Nearly all patients taking morphine sulfate extended-release capsules for pain relief adhere to the recommended dosing frequency. The flexibility available with morphine sulfate extended-release capsules may offer clinical advantages for pain management.
A Case Study on the Power-Aware Protocol Framework for Wireless Sensor Networks

The proliferation of wireless sensor networks is one of the main hardware components enabling the creation of the Internet of Things. As sensor nodes are being deployed in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor environments, they are in general battery-powered devices. In fact, power provisioning is one of the main challenges faced by engineers when deploying IoT-based applications. This paper develops crosslayer architecture, integrating smart and power-aware protocols with a low-cost and high-efficiency power management module, which is the basis of long-lasting of self-powered WSNs. The main physical components of the proposed architecture are a wireless node comprising a set of small solar cells responsible for harvesting the energy and an ultracapacitor as storage device. Energy consumption is reduced significantly by varying the sleep/wake duty cycle of the radio module. For environments with only a few hours of sunlight per day we present the feasibility of ensuring long-lasting operation by means of adapting the duty cycle scheme according to the energy stored in the ultracapacitor. Our experiments prove the feasibility of a long-endurance outdoors operation with a low-complexity power management unit. This is an important advance towards the development of novel IoT-based applications.
CXC-Chemokine Receptor 4 Antagonist AMD3100 Promotes Cardiac Functional Recovery After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase–Dependent Mechanism

Background— CXC-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) regulates the retention of stem/progenitor cells in the bone marrow (BM), and the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 improves recovery from coronary ligation injury by mobilizing stem/progenitor cells from the BM to the peripheral blood. Thus, we investigated whether AMD3100 also improves recovery from ischemia/reperfusion injury, which more closely mimics myocardial infarction in patients, because blood flow is only temporarily obstructed. Methods and Results— Mice were treated with single subcutaneous injections of AMD3100 (5 mg/kg) or saline after ischemia/reperfusion injury. Three days later, histological measurements of the ratio of infarct area to area at risk were smaller in AMD3100-treated mice than in mice administered saline, and echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular function were greater in the AMD3100-treated mice at week 4. CXCR4+ cells were mobilized for just 1 day in both groups, but the mobilization of sca1+/flk1+ cells endured for 7 days in AMD3100-treated mice compared with just 1 day in the saline-treated mice. AMD3100 upregulated BM levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and 2 targets of eNOS signaling, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and soluble Kit ligand. Furthermore, the loss of BM eNOS expression abolished the benefit of AMD3100 on sca1+/flk1+ cell mobilization without altering the mobilization of CXCR4+ cells, and the cardioprotective effects of AMD3100 were retained in eNOS-knockout mice that had been transplanted with BM from wild-type mice but not in wild-type mice with eNOS-knockout BM. Conclusions— AMD3100 prolongs BM progenitor mobilization and improves recovery from ischemia/reperfusion injury, and these benefits appear to occur through a previously unidentified link between AMD3100 and BM eNOS expression.
Performance Analysis of the FFT Algorithm on a Shared-Memory Parallel Architecture

This paper presents a model for the performance prediction of FFT algorithms executed on a shared-memory parallel computer consisting of N processors an the same number of memory modules. The model applies a deterministic analysis to estimate the communication delay through the interconnection network by assuming that all requests arrive at the network in bursts. Our results indicate that the communication delay is significantly affected by the method applied to allocate data to memory modules. For the case in which all data items referenced by a processor during an iteration are allocated to a single memory module, the best-case communication time complexity grows as O[(log N) 2 /N]. The worst-case communication time complexity for this case, obtained by a different allocation of data to memory modules, is increased to O[(log N)/√N] due to high network contention. For the case in which the data items referenced by different processors during an iteration are allocated to the same memory module, the communication time complexity is further increased to O(log N) since all N requests generated by processors are serialized at a single memory module. The methods developed in this paper can be applied for the performance prediction of other well-structured parallel iterative algorithms.