Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cone beam CT imaging with limited angle of projections and prior knowledge for volumetric verification of non-coplanar beam radiation therapy: a proof of concept study

Non-coplanar beams are important for treatment of both cranial and noncranial tumors. Treatment verification of such beams with couch rotation/kicks, however, is challenging, particularly for the application of cone beam CT (CBCT). In this situation, only limited and unconventional imaging angles are feasible to avoid collision between the gantry, couch, patient, and on-board imaging system. The purpose of this work is to develop a CBCT verification strategy for patients undergoing non-coplanar radiation therapy. We propose an image reconstruction scheme that integrates a prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) technique with image registration. Planning CT or CBCT acquired at the neutral position is rotated and translated according to the nominal couch rotation/translation to serve as the initial prior image. Here, the nominal couch movement is chosen to have a rotational error of 5° and translational error of 8 mm from the ground truth in one or more axes or directions. The proposed reconstruction scheme alternates between two major steps. First, an image is reconstructed using the PICCS technique implemented with total-variation minimization and simultaneous algebraic reconstruction. Second, the rotational/translational setup errors are corrected and the prior image is updated by applying rigid image registration between the reconstructed image and the previous prior image. The PICCS algorithm and rigid image registration are alternated iteratively until the registration results fall below a predetermined threshold. The proposed reconstruction algorithm is evaluated with an anthropomorphic digital phantom and physical head phantom. The proposed algorithm provides useful volumetric images for patient setup using projections with an angular range as small as 60°. It reduced the translational setup errors from 8 mm to generally <1 mm and the rotational setup errors from 5° to <1°. Compared with the PICCS algorithm alone, the integration of rigid registration significantly improved the reconstructed image quality, with a reduction of mostly 2–3 folds (up to 100) in root mean square image error. The proposed algorithm provides a remedy for solving the problem of non-coplanar CBCT reconstruction from limited angle of projections by combining the PICCS technique and rigid image registration in an iterative framework. In this proof of concept study, non-coplanar beams with couch rotations of 45° can be effectively verified with the CBCT technique.
The important role of the apoptotic effects of zinc in the development of cancers

Zinc is a trace element that is essential for the normal function of cells. It is a cofactor for the structure and function of a wide range of cellular proteins including enzymes, transcription factors, and structural proteins. Recent studies have shown that zinc plays a role in the development of various cancers. Unfortunately no established common relationships of zinc with cancer development and progression have been identified. Zinc is known to have systemic effects such as regulation of the immune system as well as direct cellular effects resulting in regulation of gene expression, bioenergetics, metabolic pathways, signal transduction and cell invasion. Zinc is also reported to regulate cell proliferation and growth. In this review presentation we focus on the effects of zinc that are involved in the regulation of apoptosis in malignant cells. We selected the apoptotic effects of zinc because zinc is reported to both induce apoptosis in some cancers and to protect other cancer cells against apoptosis induced by other factors. The effects of zinc in the regulation of apoptosis appear to be cell type specific. More importantly the reported effects of zinc on cancer cells must be viewed from the perspective of the physiological regulation of zinc homeostasis. Thus one must be mindful of the experimental conditions under which zinc effects are investigated relative to the physiological and pathological conditions of cellular zinc distribution and concentrations that can exist in situ. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 750–757, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A qualitative study of older and middle-aged adults' perception and attitudes towards dementia and dementia risk reduction.

AIM To investigate perceptions of dementia and dementia risk reduction held by people without dementia. BACKGROUND Dementia does not only affect individuals with dementia, but also has an impact on family and friends, society and healthcare professionals. Recent research has identified modifiable risk and protective factors for dementia. However, it is unclear what knowledge people without dementia have about these risk factors and their attitudes towards addressing these risk factors to achieve dementia risk reduction are not known. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive study using focus group methodology. METHOD A focus group study was conducted in February 2011 with 34 older adults aged between 52-90 years. The long-table approach was used to identify themes and categorize data on dementia knowledge, risk and attitudes. FINDINGS Participants correctly identified dementia risk factors as a group. Participants' responses about their perceived likelihood of developing dementia could be classified into three distinctive themes; fear, rational and cynical perceptions. Both fear of developing dementia and the need to improve dementia knowledge were considered major motivators towards adopting healthier lifestyle and health behaviours. Lack of knowledge on risk factors for dementia was identified as a major barrier for behavioural and lifestyle change. CONCLUSION These findings can be used to develop effective and personalized interventions that increase motivators and reduce barriers by tailoring interventions to individual's dementia risk reduction literacy and motivations to change behaviours. Greater public-health promotion and education about risk and protective factors for dementia are also necessary to increase dementia health literacy and to reduce overall dementia prevalence.
Pain and Blood Pressure

THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION 359 We are living in the Decade of Pain Control and Research, as officially designated by Congress in January 2001. There was no new legislation or funding attached to this designation, unfortunately, but it may, at least, raise awareness of the issue. Pain is a phenomenon that we all experience to a greater or lesser extent, and the associations between pain and blood pressure are potentially of great interest but poorly understood. There are a number of issues here, some practical and others of more theoretical interest. It is well recognized that pain can raise blood pressure acutely, but it is not so well known that hypertension is associated with a diminished sensitivity to pain (hypalgesia). We know relatively little about the relationships between blood pressure and chronic pain like that in arthritis, and there is also the issue of whether high blood pressure can cause pain like headache. Headache has been discussed previously in this column,1 but there are surprising new data on the subject.
Temperature and pressure effects on GFP mutants: explaining spectral changes by molecular dynamics simulations and TD-DFT calculations.

By combining spectroscopic measurements under high pressure with molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanics calculations we investigate how sub-angstrom structural perturbations are able to tune protein function. We monitored the variations in fluorescence output of two green fluorescent protein mutants (termed Mut2 and Mut2Y, the latter containing the key T203Y mutation) subjected to pressures up to 600 MPa, at various temperatures in the 280-320 K range. By performing 150 ns molecular dynamics simulations of the protein structures at various pressures, we evidenced subtle changes in conformation and dynamics around the light-absorbing chromophore. Such changes explain the measured spectral tuning in the case of the sizable 120 cm(-1) red-shift observed for pressurized Mut2Y, but absent in Mut2. Previous work [Barstow et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. , 2008, 105, 13362] on pressure effects on GFP also involved a T203Y mutant. On the basis of cryocooling X-ray crystallography, the pressure-induced fluorescence blue shift at low temperature (77 K) was attributed to key changes in relative conformation of the chromophore and Tyr203 phenol ring. At room temperature, however, a red shift was observed at high pressure, analogous to the one we observe in Mut2Y. Our investigation of structural variations in compressed Mut2Y also explains their result, bridging the gap between low-temperature and room-temperature high-pressure effects.
Simultaneous Tc-99m/I-123 dual-radionuclide myocardial perfusion/innervation imaging using Siemens IQ-SPECT with SMARTZOOM collimator

Simultaneous dual-radionuclide myocardial perfusion/innervation SPECT imaging can provide important information about the mismatch between scar tissue and denervated regions. The Siemens IQ-SPECT system developed for cardiac imaging uses a multifocal SMARTZOOM collimator to achieve a four-fold sensitivity for the cardiac region, compared to a typical parallel-hole low-energy high-resolution collimator, but without the data truncation that can result with conventional converging-beam collimators. The increased sensitivity allows shorter image acquisition times or reduced patient dose, making IQ-SPECT ideal for simultaneous dual-radionuclide SPECT, where reduced administrated activity is desirable in order to reduce patient radiation exposure. However, crosstalk is a major factor affecting the image quality in dual-radionuclide imaging. In this work we developed a model-based method that can estimate and compensate for the crosstalk in IQ-SPECT data. The crosstalk model takes into account interactions in the object and collimator-detector system. Scatter in the object was modeled using the effective source scatter estimation technique (ESSE), previously developed to model scatter with parallel-hole collimators. The geometric collimator-detector response was analytically modeled in the IQ-SPECT projector. The estimated crosstalk was then compensated for in an iterative reconstruction process. The new method was validated with data from both Monte Carlo simulations and physical phantom experiments. The results showed that the estimated crosstalk was in good agreement with simulated and measured results. After model-based compensation the images from simultaneous dual-radionuclide acquisitions were similar in quality to those from single-radionuclide acquisitions that did not have crosstalk contamination. The proposed model-based method can be used to improve simultaneous dual-radionuclide images acquired using IQ-SPECT. This work also demonstrates that ESSE scatter modeling can be applied to non-parallel-beam projection geometries.
Quantitative AP‐1 gene regulation by oxidative stress in the human retinal pigment epithelium

The purpose of this study was to characterize the early molecular responses to quantified levels of oxidative stress (OS) in the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Confluent ARPE‐19 cells were cultured for 3 days in defined medium to stabilize gene expression. The cells were exposed to varying levels of OS (0–500 µM H2O2) for 1–8 h and gene expression was followed for up to 24‐h after OS. Using real‐time qPCR, we quantified the expression of immediate early genes from the AP‐1 transcription factor family and other genes involved in regulating the redox status of the cells. Significant and quantitative changes were seen in the expression of six AP‐1 transcription factor genes, FosB, c‐Fos, Fra‐1, c‐Jun, JunB, and ATF3 from 1–8 h following OS. The peak level of induced transcription from OS varied from 2‐ to 128‐fold over the first 4 h, depending on the gene and magnitude of OS. Increased transcription at higher levels of OS was also seen for up to 8‐h for some of these genes. Protein translation was examined for 24‐h following OS using Western blotting methods, and compared to the qPCR responses. We identified six AP‐1 family genes that demonstrate quantitative upregulation of expression in response to OS. Two distinct types of quantifiable OS‐specific responses were observed; dose‐dependent responses, and threshold responses. Our studies show that different levels of OS can regulate the expression of AP‐1 transcription factors quantitatively in the human RPE in vitro. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1280–1291, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of 18F-Choline PET/CT in the Decision-Making Strategy of Treatment Volumes in Definitive Prostate Cancer Volumetric Modulated Radiation Therapy

Introduction Aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of Cho-PET/CT in decision-making strategy of patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) eligible to definitive radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods Sixty patients Cho-PET/CT before RT were prospectively enrolled. All patients were treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy with simultaneous integrated boost in 28 fractions. Androgen deprivation therapy was prescribed according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk classification. Therapeutic strategy based on the Cho-PET/CT evaluation was compared with the strategy that would have been proposed in case of PET not available and/or not strictly indicated, according to international and national PC guidelines. Results Cho-PET/CT was positive in 57 cases (95%): T in 45 (79%); T in combination with N in 8 (14%); and M (bone) in combination with T or N, or both, in 4 (7%). After Cho-PET/CT, patients were stratified as follows: 26 (43%) low risk, 10 (16%) intermediate risk, and 24 (41%) high risk. Cho-PET/CT shifted treatment indication in 13 cases (21%). The changes regarding radiation treatment volumes were as follows: 6 intermediate risk (10%) shifted to high risk and consequently were irradiated on prostate, seminal vesicles, and pelvic nodes PTVs; in 7 high risk (11%), the Cho-PET/CT showed bone and/or N uptake, and consequently, a simultaneous integrated boost on PET positive sites was prescribed. Conclusions Cho-PET/CT seems to be a promising diagnostic tool in patients who are candidates for radical RT and supporting the decision making in treatment planning, in particular in intermediate-high risk.
Assessment of aortic pulse wave velocity by ultrasound: a feasibility study in mice

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness and could be useful for characterizing cardiovascular disease progression even in mouse models. Aim of this study was to develop an image process algorithm for assessing arterial PWV in mice using ultrasound (US) images only and test it on the evaluation of age-associated differences in abdominal aorta PWV (aaPWV). US scans were obtained from six adult (7 months) and six old (19 months) wild type male mice (strain C57BL6) under gaseous anaesthesia. For each mouse, diameter and flow velocity instantaneous values were achieved from abdominal aorta B-mode and PW-Doppler images; all measurements were obtained using edge detection and contour tracking techniques. Single-beat mean diameter and velocity were calculated and time-aligned, providing the lnD-V loop. aaPWV values were obtained from the slope of the linear part of the loop (the early systolic phase), while relative distension (relD) measurements were calculated from the mean diameter signal. aaPWV values for young mice (3.5±0.52 m/s) were lower than those obtained for older ones (5.12±0.98 m/s) while relD measurements were higher in young (25%±7%) compared with older animals evaluations (15%±3%). All measurements were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.01 both). In conclusion, the proposed image processing technique well discriminate between age groups. Since it provides PWV assessment just from US images, it could represent a simply and useful system for vascular stiffness evaluation at any arterial site in the mouse, even in preclinical small animal models.
Involvement of integrins α3β1 and α5β1 and glycoprotein IIb in megakaryocyte‐induced osteoblast proliferation

As the prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to increase over the next few decades, the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat this disorder becomes clinically imperative. These efforts draw extensively from an expanding body of knowledge pertaining to the physiologic mechanisms of skeletal homeostasis. To this body of knowledge, we contribute that cells of hematopoietic lineage may play a crucial role in balancing osteoblastic bone formation against osteoclastic resorption. Specifically, our laboratory has previously demonstrated that megakaryocytes (MKs) can induce osteoblast (OB) proliferation in vitro, but do so only when direct cell‐to‐cell contact is permitted. To further investigate the nature of this interaction, we have effectively neutralized several adhesion molecules known to function in the analogous interaction of MKs with another cell type of mesenchymal origin—the fibroblast (FB). Our findings implicate the involvement of fibronectin/RGD‐binding integrins including α3β1 (VLA‐3) and α5β1 (VLA‐5) as well as glycoprotein (gp) IIb (CD41), all of which are known to be expressed on MK membranes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that interleukin (IL)‐3 can enhance MK‐induced OB activation in vitro, as demonstrated in the MK–FB model system. Taken together, these results suggest that although their physiologic and clinical implications are very different, these two models of hematopoietic–mesenchymal cell activation are mechanistically analogous in several ways. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 927–932, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mediastinal goiter: a rare cause of dyspnea, chest and back pain

Primary mediastinal ectopic goiters are very rare and comprise about 1% of all mediastinal tumors. Enlarged mediastinal thyroid tissue may result from extension of a cervical goiter into the chest and is then called secondary or may develop from ectopic thyroid tissue located in the mediastinum and is then called primary (1). Blood supply of primary mediastinal goiter comes from local intrathoracic vessels. Compressing symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty, and the risk of malignancy support surgical excision. Case report: The patient is a 40-year-old woman with a 6-month history of progressive dyspnea, chest and back pain. Chest x-ray showed the left superior mediastinal mass was compressing the trachea. A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a posterior mediastinal (retrotracheal visceral mediastinum) mass with cervical connections. (Fig. 1,2.) Thoracic biopsy was performed and pathology was colloidal goiter. The physical examination revealed no abnormalities but stridor.Hematological and chemistry panels were normal. A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed. The mass was, behind the arcus aorta, left carotid and subclavian arteries. Although the mass was pushing the trachea through the right hemithorax, there was no invasion. On the other hand, the esophagus was compressed to the right and posterior aspect of the thorax. In addition, there was a 13 cm contact between the columna vertebrales and the mass. Mobilization of the mass encountered no communication with the cervical thyroid, and all blood supply to the mass was intrathoracic. The specimen was solid, and measured 13 × 11× 10 cm. Histological examination was representative of colloidal goiter.
Meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of educational interventions for breastfeeding promotion directed to the woman and her social network

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions focusing on women and their social network for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months. BACKGROUND Despite the advantages of breastfeeding and strategies available for its promotion, early weaning is common worldwide. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. DATA SOURCES A search was performed in databases (LILACS, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library), reference lists and grey literature. There was no limitation on the studies' year of publication. REVIEW METHODS JBI-MAStARI software were used. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 13·0. The effect was estimated by odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Of 7201 identified studies, 11 made up the review's corpus. Educational interventions were about twice as effective compared with routine interventions used in the control groups. It was evident that educational interventions have focused only on the woman and have not covered all five types of support she needs to breastfeed. CONCLUSION Educational interventions were about twice as effective in promoting exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months old. There is a need for further studies applying interventions that address women and their social network from the prenatal period, considering all types of support.
Interaction of Sedlin with PAM14

Sedlin is an evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitously expressed protein that is encoded by the gene SEDL. Mutations in the latter are known to be causative for spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda. However, the mechanism underlying this remains unclear. We have previously shown that Sedlin interacts with the intracellular chloride channel proteins CLIC1 and CLIC2 in the cytoplasm. In this report we show that Sedlin is also physically associated with protein associated with MRG 14 kDa (PAM14), a nuclear protein that interacts with the transcription factor MORF4‐related gene on chromosome 15 (MRG15). This was suggested by yeast two‐hybrid screening and was confirmed with GST pull‐down and immunoprecipitation assays. Moreover, we demonstrate that the C‐terminus of Sedlin and the N‐terminus of PAM14 are critical for their interaction. Together, these results suggest that nucleus‐localized Sedlin may play a role in regulation of transcriptional activities of the MRG family of transcription factors via binding to PAM14. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1129–1133, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dacriocistorrinostomia externa em hospital universitário: avaliação dos resultados

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a resposta das obstrucoes nasolacrimais ao tratamento por dacriocistorrinostomia (DCR) externa em um Hospital Universitario. METODOS: Avaliaram-se retrospectivamente 245 procedimentos cirurgicos realizados em 220 pacientes. Os individuos foram estudados quanto a idade, sexo, queixas, antecedentes, sinais clinicos e complicacoes intra-operatorias. RESULTADOS: A mediana da idade dos pacientes foi de 45 anos e houve predominio do sexo feminino (70,00%). As queixas mais frequentes foram epifora (93,06%) e secrecao ocular (58,77%). As complicacoes intra-operatorias ocorreram em 9,37% dos pacientes, tendo ocorrido sangramento excessivo (5,30%), lesao da mucosa nasal (2,85%) e lesao do saco lacrimal (22,0%). Em 15,55% dos pacientes foi realizada nova cirurgia. CONCLUSAO: A chance de cura com a utilizacao da DCR externa no servico foi de 71,43%. Considerou-se a utilizacao desta tecnica cirurgica uma boa opcao para o tratamento das obstrucoes nasolacrimais, em decorrencia do baixo indice de complicacoes e da chance de sucesso com o tratamento.