Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calcium gluconate as cross-linker improves survival and shelf life of encapsulated and dried Metarhizium brunneum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the application as biological control agents

Abstract Calcium chloride (CC) is the most common cross-linker for the encapsulation of biocontrol microorganisms in alginate beads. The aim of this study was to evaluate if calcium gluconate (CG) can replace CC as cross-linker and at the same time improve viability after drying and rehydration, hygroscopic properties, shelf life and nutrient supply. Hence, the biocontrol fungi Metarhizium brunneum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were encapsulated in Ca-alginate beads supplemented with starch. Beads were dried and maximum survival was found in beads cross-linked with CG. Beads prepared with CG showed lower hygroscopic properties, but a higher shelf life for encapsulated fungi. Moreover, we demonstrated that gluconate has a nutritive effect on encapsulated fungi, leading to increased mycelium growth of M. brunneum and to enhanced CO2 release from beads containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The application of CG as cross-linker will pave the way towards increasing drying survival and shelf life of various, especially drying-sensitive microbes.
Appraising doctors and dentists in training

Appraisal is a vital element in improving postgraduate education and training. Here, Jolyon Oxley defines the terms and outlines a checklist for action ! [][1] All doctors are very familiar with assessments - a variety of processes designed to measure knowledge and skills - usually with a view to achieving the next step in a career. Informal day to day feedback is commonplace but increasingly doctors also experience systematic appraisal which has aims that are complementary to, but different from, assessment. Appraisal is now recommended for specialist registrars1 and pre-registration house officers.2 There is little doubt that senior house officers would benefit from it too. Appraisal has been adopted in many fields of employment outside of medicine where it has a wide variety of purposes and applications. It is relatively new in medicine in the NHS, though it has been established in the academic sector for some years. It was obvious at the start of the enquiry into appraisal conducted by the Standing Committee on Postgraduate Medical Education (SCOPME) that little progress could be made until there was greater clarity and agreement about terminology. Appraisal, formative and summative assessment, and individual performance review are all widely used terms that have different meanings to different people, sometimes being used almost interchangeably. Formative (or educational) assessment and summative (or regulatory) assessment are terms well established in general practice where they have been found to be very helpful. #### Criteria for effective appraisal ##### Appraisal will be most effective when [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
SAR characteristics of the Sigma-60-Ellipse applicator

Purpose: To characterize the basic performance of the Sigma-60-Ellipse applicator. Materials and methods: The E-field distributions were measured using Schottky diode sheets in a cylindrical phantom (diameter 26 cm, length 50 cm), filled with saline-water (2 g NaCl/L). The phantom was positioned symmetrically in the Sigma-60-Ellipse applicator. The stability of the SAR distribution was assessed as a function of power and frequency. Furthermore, the accuracy of target steering was evaluated at various frequencies. Finally, the SAR characteristics were compared with those of the Sigma-60 and the Sigma-Eye applicators. Results: The average 50% iso-SAR area increased from 241 to 296 cm2when the RF power increased from 100 to 1600 W. The SAR maximum was located in the centre of the applicator for the frequencies of 75–80 MHz and it moves towards the feet for higher frequencies (up to 3.5 cm at 120 MHz). The average 50% iso-SAR area decreased from 268 to 161 cm2with increasing frequency from 75 to 120 MHz. The 50% iso-SAR longitudinal length was almost stable (mean 21.3 cm) at 75–120 MHz for both power outputs of 400 and 800 W. As expected the 50% iso-SAR radial length decreased with frequency from 14.9 cm at 75 MHz to 8.4 cm at 120 MHz. There was a fair agreement between requested and measured target settings. At the lower frequencies of 75–90 MHz and at 100 MHz the SAR characteristics were almost identical to those of the Sigma-60 and Sigma-Eye applicators, respectively. Conclusion: At the frequency range of 75–90 MHz the Sigma-60 and at 100 MHz the Sigma-Eye can safely replaced by the Sigma-60-Ellipse applicator.
Heat shock proteins: Stress proteins with Janus-like properties in cancer

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) were first identified as stress proteins that confer resistance to physical stresses such as elevated temperatures in all cellular organisms. HSPs are rapidly elevated after stress and confer a temperature resistant phenotype. Temperature resistance is dependent on the ability of HSPs to function as molecular chaperones and prevent aggregation and on the capacity of Hsp27 and Hsp70 to act as wide spectrum inhibitors of the cell death pathways. HSP expression becomes deregulated in cancer leading to elevated expression. Elevated HSP expression promotes cancer by inhibiting programmed cell death (Hsp27, Hsp70) and by promoting autonomous growth (Hsp90) and leads to resistance to chemotherapy and hyperthermia. Tumor HSPs have another property that can be exploited in therapy. They are immunogenic and can be used to form the basis of anticancer vaccines. Elevation in HSP levels may thus have competing effects in tumor growth, being required for tumor cell survival but conferring a hazard for cancer cells due to their immunogenic properties. This dichotomy is also reflected by the approaches used to target HSP in therapy. Pharmacological approaches are being employed to inhibit activity or expression of tumor HSP. Immunological approaches aim at increasing HSP levels in cells and tissues with the aim of increasing tumor antigen presentation to the immune system.
Computer modeling of the combined effects of perfusion, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity on tissue heating patterns in radiofrequency tumor ablation

Purpose. To use an established computer simulation model of radiofrequency (RF) ablation to characterize the combined effects of varying perfusion, and electrical and thermal conductivity on RF heating. Methods. Two-compartment computer simulation of RF heating using 2-D and 3-D finite element analysis (ETherm) was performed in three phases (n = 88 matrices, 144 data points each). In each phase, RF application was systematically modeled on a clinically relevant template of application parameters (i.e., varying tumor and surrounding tissue perfusion: 0–5 kg/m3-s) for internally cooled 3 cm single and 2.5 cm cluster electrodes for tumor diameters ranging from 2–5 cm, and RF application times (6–20 min). In the first phase, outer thermal conductivity was changed to reflect three common clinical scenarios: soft tissue, fat, and ascites (0.5, 0.23, and 0.7 W/m-°C, respectively). In the second phase, electrical conductivity was changed to reflect different tumor electrical conductivities (0.5 and 4.0 S/m, representing soft tissue and adjuvant saline injection, respectively) and background electrical conductivity representing soft tissue, lung, and kidney (0.5, 0.1, and 3.3 S/m, respectively). In the third phase, the best and worst combinations of electrical and thermal conductivity characteristics were modeled in combination. Tissue heating patterns and the time required to heat the entire tumor ±a 5 mm margin to >50°C were assessed. Results. Increasing background tissue thermal conductivity increases the time required to achieve a 50°C isotherm for all tumor sizes and electrode types, but enabled ablation of a given tumor size at higher tissue perfusions. An inner thermal conductivity equivalent to soft tissue (0.5 W/m-°C) surrounded by fat (0.23 W/m-°C) permitted the greatest degree of tumor heating in the shortest time, while soft tissue surrounded by ascites (0.7 W/m-°C) took longer to achieve the 50°C isotherm, and complete ablation could not be achieved at higher inner/outer perfusions (>4 kg/m3-s). For varied electrical conductivities in the setting of varied perfusion, greatest RF heating occurred for inner electrical conductivities simulating injection of saline around the electrode with an outer electrical conductivity of soft tissue, and the least amount of heating occurring while simulating renal cell carcinoma in normal kidney. Characterization of these scenarios demonstrated the role of electrical and thermal conductivity interactions, with the greatest differences in effect seen in the 3–4 cm tumor range, as almost all 2 cm tumors and almost no 5 cm tumors could be treated. Conclusion. Optimal combinations of thermal and electrical conductivity can partially negate the effect of perfusion. For clinically relevant tumor sizes, thermal and electrical conductivity impact which tumors can be successfully ablated even in the setting of almost non-existent perfusion.
Growth Hormone Stimulation in Patients with Turner's Syndrome: Influence of Oestrogen Administration

Patients with Turner's syndrome lack endogenous oestrogens and have no pubertal growth spurt. Oestrogen therapy has a variable effect on growth hormone (GH) and somatomedin concentrations; low doses increase somatomedin levels and enhance G H stimulation whereas high doses decrease somatomedin concentrations. The effect of low-dose oestrogen therapy on basal and stimulated G H concentrations and somatomedin levels has been studied in 22 girls with Turner's syndrome.
Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Adult Spinal Deformity

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a complex disease comprised of different deformity types that often involve the entire spine. Accurate assessment of ASD requires a thorough radiographic evaluation of both the spine and pelvis, including concomitant assessment of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, as well as the femoral heads and pelvis. Radiographic measurements should include assessment of regional alignment (including lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, C2–C7 lordosis), global alignment (including C7 SVA, C2–C7 SVA, and T1 pelvic angle), and measures of pelvic compensation and morphology (pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, T1 slope, and C2-pelvic tilt). Together these radiographic parameters provide important information regarding how the ASD patient maintains upright posture and correlate with the patient’s pain and disability. ASD surgical planning must integrate regional, global, and pelvic compensatory/morphologic parameters to adequately correct deformity and thereby provide pain relief and improve function. Radiographic classifications for cervical and thoracolumbar deformities have been developed that utilize the regional and global measures of spinal deformity that are most predictive of patient-reported pain and function. These classifications are aimed to standardize the assessment of ASD to aid in clinical management and to facilitate future research on the evaluation and treatment of ASD.
The impact of frequency on the performance of microwave ablation

Abstract Purpose: The use of higher frequencies in percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) may offer compelling interstitial antenna design advantages over the 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz frequencies typically employed in current systems. To evaluate the impact of higher frequencies on ablation performance, we conducted a comprehensive computational and experimental study of microwave absorption and tissue heating as a function of frequency. Methods: We performed electromagnetic and thermal simulations of MWA in ex vivo and in vivo porcine muscle at discrete frequencies in the 1.9–26 GHz range. Ex vivo ablation experiments were performed in the 1.9–18 GHz range. We tracked the size of the ablation zone across frequency for constant input power and ablation duration. Further, we conducted simulations to investigate antenna feed line heating as a function of frequency, input power, and cable diameter. Results: As the frequency was increased from 1.9 to 26 GHz the resulting ablation zone dimensions decreased in the longitudinal direction while remaining relatively constant in the radial direction; thus at higher frequencies the overall ablation zone was more spherical. However, cable heating at higher frequencies became more problematic for smaller diameter cables at constant input power. Conclusion: Comparably sized ablation zones are achievable well above 1.9 GHz, despite increasingly localised power absorption. Specific absorption rate alone does not accurately predict ablation performance, particularly at higher frequencies where thermal diffusion plays an important role. Cable heating due to ohmic losses at higher frequencies may be controlled through judicious choices of input power and cable diameter.
Abstract 5593: A combination of HDAC inhibitor Entinostat (MS-275), All Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) and low dose Doxorubicin causes regression of established xenografts of triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subgroup of breast cancer that rapidly develops resistance to chemotherapy. Currently, TNBC patients are treated with anthracycline and taxane-based regimens. These treatments result in some improvements in the clinical outcomes; however, they are associated with poor prognosis. Also, endocrine therapies are ineffective since the tumors do not express the estrogen receptor. Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors could reverse the epigenetic profile of some genes, including ER, EGFR, and RARβ2. We have recently shown that treatments that combine the HDAC inhibitor, Entinostat (MS-275), with the aromatase inhibitor, Letrozole, result in regression of xenografts of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Since RARβ2 is re-expressed as well, we reasoned that combining epigenetic therapy using MS-275, with differentiation therapy using a RARβ2 agonist (ATRA) will provide an effective combination of drugs against TNBC. We also examined possible potentiation of anticancer activity of these agents by low nontoxic doses of chemotherapy (doxorubicin). In vitro, human TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231, HCC1954, HCC 1143, and BT20 responded significantly better to the triple combination compared to the drugs used singly or in combination with MS-275. Upon treatment, re-expression of the silenced RARβ2 and downstream effectors was observed in the cell lines in vitro and in tumor xenografts of MDA-MB-231 cells. Subcutaneous tumor growth in immunodeficient mice was strongly inhibited (10/14 significant regression) using a combination of MS-275, ATRA and low dose Doxorubicin, compared to the drugs administered singly or in combination with MS-275. No significant weight loss was observed in any of the groups. These results suggest that combination of HDAC inhibitor and RARβ2 agonist with low dose chemotherapy has the potential to be an effective treatment against TNBC. This study provides encouraging new information for a nontoxic, and novel combination of drugs which could be effective against TNBC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5593.
Computational modelling of internally cooled wet (ICW) electrodes for radiofrequency ablation: impact of rehydration, thermal convection and electrical conductivity

Abstract Purpose: (1) To analyse rehydration, thermal convection and increased electrical conductivity as the three phenomena which distinguish the performance of internally cooled electrodes (IC) and internally cooled wet (ICW) electrodes during radiofrequency ablation (RFA), (2) Implement a RFA computer model with an ICW which includes these phenomena and (3) Assess their relative influence on the thermal and electrical tissue response and on the coagulation zone size. Methods: A 12-min RFA in liver was modelled using an ICW electrode (17 G, 3 cm tip) by an impedance-control pulsing protocol with a constant current of 1.5 A. A model of an IC electrode was used to compare the ICW electrode performance and the computational results with the experimental results. Results: Rehydration and increased electrical conductivity were responsible for an increase in coagulation zone size and a delay (or absence) in the occurrence of abrupt increases in electrical impedance (roll-off). While the increased electrical conductivity had a remarkable effect on enlarging the coagulation zone (an increase of 0.74 cm for differences in electrical conductivity of 0.31 S/m), rehydration considerably affected the delay in roll-off, which, in fact, was absent with a sufficiently high rehydration level. In contrast, thermal convection had an insignificant effect for the flow rates considered (0.05 and 1 mL/min). Conclusions: Computer results suggest that rehydration and increased electrical conductivity were mainly responsible for the absence of roll-off and increased size of the coagulation zone, respectively, and in combination allow the thermal and electrical performance of ICW electrodes to be modelled during RFA.
Passive cooling of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues using phase changing materials: feasibility study using a numerical model

Abstract In many dermatological applications, lowering the temperature of skin and maintaining specific temperatures for extended periods of time are fundamental requirements for treatment; for example, in targeting adipose tissue and managing cutaneous pain. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of using phase changing materials (PCMs) as an alternative passive, open-loop, heat extraction method for cooling cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. We used a finite difference parametric approach to model the spatial and temporal progression of the heat transferred from the skin to a PCM in contact with the skin surface. We modelled the thermal performance of different PCMs, including different thicknesses. In addition, we used our model to propose application strategies. Numerical simulations demonstrate the feasibility of using PCMs for extracting heat from the skin and upper fat layers, inducing and maintaining similar temperatures as those induced by active closed-loop cooling with a cold plate. In terms of development, the critical design parameters are the temperature range of solidification of the material, the thickness of the material, and the rate of melting. Our study suggests that PCM-based devices may offer an alternative skin and adipose tissue cooling method that is simple to implement and use.
In Vitro Analysis of Anterior and Posterior Fixation in an Experimental Unstable Burst Fracture Model

Study Design A biomechanical comparison of fixation constructs in an experimental fracture model. Objective To determine the relative postoperative stability of anterior graft and plating with that of posterior or combined fixation constructs in an unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture model. Summary of Background Data Several treatment modalities have been proposed for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures, but the optimal technique is unclear. Previous cadaveric biomechanical studies in unstable burst fracture models have not considered the commonly used posterior (interpedicular) and anterior (plate) constructs. Methods Nine human spine segments (T11-L3) were potted in epoxy and scanned using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. Intact specimens had baseline flexibility testing. Unstable L1 burst fractures as verified by computed tomography were created using an impulse load and posterior surgical osteoligamentous destabilization (ie, transection of the lamina, interspinous ligaments, facet capsules, and ligamentum flavum). Specimens were instrumented posteriorly with pedicle screws and rods and tested to 6 Nm in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and torsion. Corpectomy and strut grafting were then performed, and testing was repeated in varying order with posterior fixation, anterior plating and circumferential fixation. Range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone was calculated for each test and fixation groups were compared using analysis of variance. Results All specimens had AO B1.2 (unstable burst) fractures. Mean ROM for posterior-only constructs was significantly less than that of the intact in lateral bending, flexion, and extension (P<0.001). Anterior-only constructs after corpectomy and strut grafting generally resulted in a smaller ROM versus intact in flexion (NS: P=0.1) and lateral bending (P<0.001). In contrast, all anterior-only and posterior constructs had greater ROM than intact in torsion (all at P<0.05). Circumferential fixation resulted in statistically smaller ROM compared with all other constructs (P≤0.04), and reached that of the intact specimen in torsion. Increased ROM was correlated with greater fracture comminution for posterior-only fixation (P<0.05), and was weakly correlated with lower dual energy x-ray absorptiometry score (R2=0.3) for anterior-only fixation. Conclusions Circumferential instrumentation provided the most rigid fixation, followed by posterior fixation with anterior strut grafting, posterior fixation alone, and by anterior fixation with strut grafting. These results were dependent on bone quality and the comminution severity of the fracture. These results should aid surgical decision making in addition to other factors in the overall clinical situation.
Muscle marking morphology and labour intensity in prehistoric Khoisan foragers

As indicators of the intensity and frequency of muscle activity, the rugosity and size of muscle insertion areas in human skeletal remains may provide a record of average work effort in past populations. In this paper a diet breadth model derived from optimal foraging theory was used as a heuristic means of exploring the utility of musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM) for determining subsistence labour intensity in prehistoric populations. The model was used to make predictions about relative muscle scar rugosity and size in three samples of pre-European-contact Khoisan skeletons from distinct biomes that vary in primary productivity and biomass structure (thus requiring different average subsistence work efforts). Equality of MSM scores between groups could only be rejected for the upper limb among males. In this case, the between-group differences were also in the direction predicted by the diet breadth model (forest>fynbos>savanna). The same pattern obtained for the lower limb in males, but the groups were not significantly different in median scores. Female samples did not differ significantly in mean MSM scores in either the upper or lower limb. Results suggest that ecological differences between biomes may have had a greater impact on the labour costs of male-foraged rather than female-foraged food items. Correlations between variables and analysis of additional measures of activity further suggest that MSM may reflect certain types of muscle activity (loading intensity) better than others (loading frequency and duration), which may account in part for the obtained results. These results invite further study of the ecological correlates of muscle scar rugosity and robusticity in the post-cranial skeleton of foraging peoples. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.