Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Doppler signals observed during high temperature thermal ablation are the result of boiling

Purpose: To elucidate the causation mechanism of Spectral Doppler ultrasound signals (DUS) observed during high temperature thermal ablation and evaluate their potential for image-guidance. Methods: Sixteen ex vivo ablations were performed in fresh turkey breast muscle, eight with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) devices, and eight with a conductive interstitial thermal therapy (CITT) device. Temperature changes in the ablation zone were measured with thermocouples located at 1 to 10 mm away from the ablation probes. Concomitantly, DUS were recorded using a standard diagnostic ultrasound scanner. Retrospectively, sustained observations of DUS were correlated with measured temperatures. Sustained DUS was arbitrarily defined as the Doppler signals lasting more than 10 s as observed in the diagnostic ultrasound videos captured from the scanner. Results: For RFA experiments, minimum average temperature (T1 ± SD) at which sustained DUS were observed was 97.2 ± 7.3°C, while the maximum average temperature (T2 ± SD) at which DUS were not seen was 74.3 ± 9.1°C. For CITT ablation, T1 and T2 were 95.7 ± 5.9°C and 91.6 ± 7.2°C, respectively. It was also observed, especially during CITT ablation, that temperatures remained relatively constant during Doppler activity. Conclusions: The value of T1 was near the standard boiling point of water (99.61°C) while T2 was below it. Together, T1 and T2 support the conclusion that DUS during high temperature thermal ablation are the result of boiling (phase change). This conclusion is also supported by the nearly constant temperature histories maintained at locations from which DUS emanated.
A novel approach to assess mean lethal radiation dose with water proton spin lattice relaxation times

Abstract The assessment of mean lethal radiation dose (D0) in human organs, using multi-target and linear quadratic models, with water proton nuclear magnetic resonance spin lattice relaxation time yields a correlation coefficient of 0.90 and 0.82, respectively. Results of this study reveal that as the spin lattice relaxation time increases, the D0 decreases.
Microwave ablation assisted by a computerised tomography–ultrasonography fusion imaging system for liver lesions: An ex vivo experimental study

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and validity of real-time guidance using a fusion imaging system that combines ultrasonography (US) and computerised tomography (CT) information in the targeting and subsequent microwave ablation of a liver target inconspicuous on US. Materials and methods: The study was an experimental ex vivo study in calf livers with internal targets, simulating a focal liver lesion, focused on the accuracy of real-time US using a multimodality fusion imaging system in combination with 15 gauge (G) microwave antennae. US image and pre-procedural CT image were fused by the external markers registration procedure. Microwave antennae were inserted into the liver to ablate the target assisted by the CT-US fusion imaging system. Finally, a post-procedural CT with needles in situ and multiplanar reconstructions were performed to compare with pre-procedural CT information in order to calculate the accuracy of positioning (distance between the needle tip and the target). Results: Eight insertions were planned and eight ablations were performed in four calf livers. The calf livers were undertaken successfully on external markers registration procedure. The mean registration error in the four livers was 2.1 ± 0.1 mm, 2.8 ± 0.1 mm, 3.4 ± 0.1 mm and 2.3 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. The accuracy of the matched US-CT images was very satisfactory in the fact that it was found there was a mean discrepancy of 1.63 ± 1.06 mm. Conclusion: Real-time registration and fusion of pre-procedural CT volume images with intraprocedural US is feasible and accurate for microwave (MW) ablation in experimental setting. Further studies are warranted to validate the system under clinical conditions.
Maternal exercise reduces hyperthermia-induced apoptosis in developing mouse brain

Purpose: Hyperthermia-induced apoptosis is mediated by mitochondrial pathway, and is temporally correlated with alterations in mitochondrial morphology in neuroepithelial cells. In addition, regular exercise up-regulates heat shock proteins (HSPs) that inhibit apoptosis. However, embryo-protective effects of maternal exercise against heat exposure during pregnancy have not been fully understood yet. Materials and methods: To investigate the role of maternal exercise in protecting embryos from hyperthermia, we measured apoptosis-related factors and HSPs in Hsp70 knockout mouse embryos. Pregnant mice were divided into control, exercise, hyperthermia-after-exercise, and hyperthermia groups. Where appropriate the swimming exercise was performed for 5–10 min/day from embryonic day (ED) 1 to ED 8, and hyperthermia (43°C, 5 min) was induced on ED 8. To characterise the effects of maternal exercise on apoptosis-related factors and HSPs, we performed western blotting and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Caspase-9, -7, -3 and Bax were down-regulated in the hyperthermia-after-exercise group and Bcl-2, Hsp27 and Hsp110 were up-regulated. The number of apoptotic cells was markedly reduced in the hyperthermia-after-exercise group. Conclusions: Maternal exercise plays an important role in inhibiting apoptotic cell death in embryos against hyperthermic exposure during pregnancy.
Relevance of psychiatry in dermatology: Present concepts

Skin is an organ that has a primary function in tactile receptivity and reacts directly upon emotional stimuli. Dermatological practice involves a psychosomatic dimension. A relationship between psychological factors and skin diseases has long been hypothesized. Psychodermatology addresses the interaction between mind and skin. It is divided into three categories according to the relationship between skin diseases and mental disorders. This article reviews different dermatological conditions under each of the three categories namely psychosomatic disorders, dermatological conditions due to primary and secondary psychiatric disorders. Dermatological conditions resulting from psychiatric conditions like stress/depression and those caused by psychiatric disorders are discussed. This review intends to present the relationship between the ‘skin’ and the ‘mind’ specifically from the dermatology point of view. The effects on the quality of life as a result of psychodermatological conditions are highlighted. A multidisciplinary approach for treatment from both dermatologic and psychiatric viewpoints are suggested.
A functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging study of neurohemodynamic abnormalities during emotion processing in subjects at high risk for schizophrenia

Background: Emotion processing abnormalities are considered among the core deficits in schizophrenia. Subjects at high risk (HR) for schizophrenia also show these deficits. Structural neuroimaging studies examining unaffected relatives at high risk for schizophrenia have demonstrated neuroanatomical abnormalities involving neo-cortical and sub-cortical brain regions related to emotion processing. The brain functional correlates of emotion processing in these HR subjects in the context of ecologically valid, real-life dynamic images using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has not been examined previously. Aim: To examine the neurohemodynamic abnormalities during emotion processing in unaffected subjects at high risk for schizophrenia in comparison with age-, sex-, handedness- and education-matched healthy controls, using fMRI. Materials and Methods: HR subjects for schizophrenia (n=17) and matched healthy controls (n=16) were examined. The emotion processing of fearful facial expression was examined using a culturally appropriate and valid tool for Indian subjects. The fMRI was performed in a 1.5-T scanner during an implicit emotion processing paradigm. The fMRI analyses were performed using the Statistical Parametric Mapping 2 (SPM2) software. Results: HR subjects had significantly reduced brain activations in left insula, left medial frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right cingulate gyrus, right precentral gyrus and right inferior parietal lobule. Hypothesis-driven region-of-interest analysis revealed hypoactivation of right amygdala in HR subjects. Conclusions: Study findings suggest that neurohemodynamic abnormalities involving limbic and frontal cortices could be potential indicators for increased vulnerability toward schizophrenia. The clinical utility of these novel findings in predicting the development of psychosis needs to be evaluated.
Ngaripirliga'ajirri: an early intervention program on the Tiwi Islands

High rates of suicide, domestic violence and substance abuse on the Tiwi islands are a significant cause of problem behaviours amongst children. Parenting styles also differ from mainstream society, because traditional Aboriginal families are very much extended families, and parents just one point in a wider network which takes responsibility for child rearing. Early intervention programs designed to improve parent-child interaction must therefore be adapted to suit the cultural context in which they are delivered. This report evaluates an early intervention for primary school students and their parents delivered in three Tiwi primary schools from 2000-2004. It was found that 80% of children participating in the program showed some decline in problem behaviours, with 50% showing a marked decline.
Optic neuritis: experience from a south Indian demyelinating disease registry.

BACKGROUND Natural history of optic neuritis (OPN) has not been studied in India. AIM To study consecutive patients with optic neuritis as the initial manifestation of the neurologic disease and with disease duration of 3 or more years registered in the Mangalore Demyelinating Disease Registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 59 patients with a primary diagnosis of optic neuritis (confirmed by either an ophthalmologist or a neurologist or both). All the patients were investigated and followed-up in the clinic. RESULTS During the follow-up of the 59 patients, 29 (49%) patients developed multiple sclerosis (MS); 3 (5%) patients neuromyelitis optica (NMO); and 13 (22%) patients chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuritis (CRION), while the remaining 14 (24%) did not either progress or relapse, monophasic OPN. An initial abnormal magnetic resonance imaging predicted conversion to MS in all 7 patients who had imaging at onset. Patients with NMO were left with significant residual visual loss distinguishing NMO from MS. In this large series of patients with CRION, nearly 50% of patients had deterioration in vision while steroids were being tapered. Long-term immunosuppression was essential for maintaining good visual outcome in both NMO and CRION. CONCLUSIONS Optic neuritis in India appears similar to that in the West with nearly 50% developing MS in the long term.
Determination of physiological plasma pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels in healthy populations

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) values in healthy subjects and to characterize its relationship with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and blood sugar levels. Methods: A Japanese population of 1749 healthy subjects (818 men and 931 women) with a mean (SD) age of 59.6 (11.4) years (range 37–87 years) were examined. Results: Plasma PTX3 levels (PTX3 data are expressed as the geometric mean and confidence intervals) were i) significantly lower in men than in women (1.87 [1.81, 1.94] ng/mL vs. 2.12 [2.05, 2.19] ng/mL, p<0.0001), ii) significantly higher in the high age group (men, lowest quartile 1.62 [1.50, 1.74] ng/mL vs. highest quartile 2.14 [2.02, 2.27] ng/mL, p<0.001; women, lowest quartile 2.05 [1.92, 2.18] ng/mL vs. highest quartile 2.23 [2.02, 2.46] ng/mL, p<0.05), iii) inversely correlated with triglycerides (r=−0.19 in men and r=−0.18 in women, p<0.00001), and BMI (r=−0.16 in men and r=−0.24 in women, p<0.00001), and iv) lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) than in the absence of MetS (1.82 [1.70, 1.95] ng/mL vs. 2.11 [2.06, 2.16] ng/mL, p=0.021). Conclusions: We defined the normal range of plasma PTX3 in healthy Japanese subjects, and also showed the relationship between plasma PTX3 levels and established coronary risk factors, including MetS. PTX3 could be an ideal biomarker because it is a marker relatively independent from established coronary risk factors. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:471–7.
Heat stress promotes extracellular matrix remodelling via TGF-β1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 modulation in tenotomised soleus and plantaris muscles

Abstract Purpose: Heat stress has been shown to reduce muscle atrophy and enhance muscle regeneration. However, the role of heat stress on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the effect of heat exposure on intramuscular fibrosis and its associated signalling in soleus and plantaris muscles after tenotomy. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sedentary control (CON), control plus heat stress (CON+HEAT), tenotomy (TEN) for 8 days, and tenotomy for 8 days plus heat stress (TEN+HEAT). Whole body heat stress was maintained at 40.5–41.5 °C for 30 min, 24 h before and 1–6 days after tenotomy. Results: Tenotomy resulted in muscle atrophy and a substantial increase in intramuscular collagen content, which was more pronounced in soleus than in plantaris muscles, whereas laminin content remained unaffected. These effects were associated with increases in MMP-2 activity, TIMP-2, and TGF-β1 protein expressions. Heat stress, however, attenuated tenotomy-induced intramuscular collagen accumulation in soleus muscle and reduced TIMP-2 and TGF-β1 protein expressions, but had no effect on MMP-2 activity in both muscles. These alterations were concomitant with the induction of heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72). Conclusion: These data demonstrated that heat stress could reduce intramuscular fibrosis, at least in part, through decreasing TGF-β1 and TIMP-2 protein expressions of tenotomised soleus muscle. The results from this study shed light on the mechanism and suggest the potential therapeutic effect of heat stress in alleviating intramuscular fibrosis after tenotomy.
Heat exposure enhances radiosensitivity by depressing DNA-PK kinase activity during double strand break repair

Abstract Purpose: From the role of double strand DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) activity of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair for DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), we aim to define possible associations between thermo-sensitisation and the enzyme activities in X-ray irradiated cells. Materials and methods: DNA-PKcs deficient mouse, Chinese hamster and human cultured cells were compared to the parental wild-type cells. The radiosensitivities, the number of DSBs and DNA-PKcs activities after heat-treatment were measured. Results: Both DNA-PKcs deficient cells and the wild-type cells showed increased radiosensitivities after heat-treatment. The wild-type cells have two repair processes; fast repair and slow repair. In contrast, DNA-PKcs deficient cells have only the slow repair process. The fast repair component apparently disappeared by heat-treatment in the wild-type cells. In both cell types, additional heat exposure enhanced radiosensitivities. Although DNA-PKcs activity was depressed by heat, the inactivated DNA-PKcs activity recovered during an incubation at 37 °C. DSB repair efficiency was dependent on the reactivation of DNA-PKcs activity. Conclusion: It was suggested that NHEJ is the major process used to repair X-ray-induced DSBs and utilises DNA-PKcs activity, but homologous recombination repair provides additional secondary levels of DSB repair. The thermo-sensitisation in X-ray-irradiated cells depends on the inhibition of NHEJ repair through the depression of DNA-PKcs activities.
The influence of tumour blood perfusion variability on thermal damage during nanoparticle-assisted thermal therapy

Abstract Purpose: This study investigates the influence of blood perfusion variability within a tumour and the surrounding healthy tissue during nanoparticle-assisted thermal therapy. It seeks to define ideal therapeutic parameters for a wide range of perfusion rates to attain the desired thermal damage. Material and methods: Pennes’ bioheat model and the Arrhenius model are used to evaluate the thermal damage for a two-dimensional tumour surrounded by healthy tissue. A wide range of tumour perfusion rates were modelled, ranging from moderate to high perfusion in both a homogenously and a heterogeneously perfused tumour. Results: For low perfusion rates, a temporal variation in blood perfusion does not critically influence the thermal damage. For moderately and highly perfused tumours, temporal variation in blood perfusion extends the thermal damage zone by 25–52% compared to a constant perfusion rate. For the tumour size and perfusion conditions under consideration, the ideal therapeutic parameters were found to be irradiation intensity of 1 W/cm2, and irradiation duration of 105–150 s, for a nanoparticle volume fraction of 0.001%. Conclusions: It is concluded for low perfusion rates that due to shorter therapeutic duration, nanoparticle-assisted thermal therapy is relatively insensitive to changes in the perfusion rate during the therapy. For moderately and highly perfused tumours, a constant perfusion under-predicts the real thermal damage zone. This study concludes that for moderately and highly perfused tumours the spatial as well as temporal blood perfusion dynamics should be carefully accounted for to get a realistic estimate of thermal damage zone.
The Puzzle of Pelvic Pain—A Rehabilitation Framework for Balancing Tissue Dysfunction and Central Sensitization, I: Pain Physiology and Evaluation for the Physical Therapist

Chronic pelvic pain is associated with physiological, psychological, and social challenges. Using current concepts from pain sciences and evidence-based treatment strategies, physical therapists are ideally positioned to be a critical part of a comprehensive treatment plan for chronic pelvic pain. We propose a framework for the understanding and evaluation of chronic pelvic pain. This framework is grounded in basic and clinical pain sciences and in the biopsychosocial model. The framework integrates the current understanding of local tissue complaints with the wider context of sensitized protective mechanisms within the spinal cord and brain. Treatments address both the local tissue complaints and the central nervous system sensitivity by teaching patients about the biological processes underpinning their pain, graded imagery, and graded exposure.
Isolated metastasis of breast cancer to the pituitary gland.

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Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life of Older Persons With Stroke

This article reports a preliminary investigation in India of the association between caregiver burden and quality of life (QOL) in older persons with stroke after controlling for disability, depression, and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out with 46 stroke patients attending a community hospital in India. The primary outcome variable was patient QOL assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire–short form (WHOQOL-Bref). The primary explanatory variable was caregiver burden, assessed using the Zarit Inventory. Patient economic dissatisfaction (F = 6.12, p = .04), patient depression (F = 20.8, p < .001), and caregiver burden (F = 7.36, p = .009) were found to be associated with lower patient QOL. Caregiver burden was independently associated with lower patient QOL after controlling for patient depression, disability, and economic dissatisfaction (standardized B coefficient = −0.28, p = .03). The level of caregiver burden was a significant correlate of QOL after stroke. Implications for future studies and practice are discussed.
C-reactive protein and venous thromboembolism: causal or casual association?

Abstract The plasma concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), the first acute-phase protein to be identified, increases dramatically following tissue injury or inflammation. Although the physiological role of CRP is still not fully known, it has been suggested that concentrations might increase as part of the acute-phase response for facilitating non-specific immune functions, defense against bacterial pathogens, clearance of apoptotic and necrotic cells to prevent immunization against autoantigens and acceleration of the repair process. In agreement with the evidence that inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, CRP concentrations have been associated with cardiovascular disease, and measurement of CRP has therefore been proposed as a valuable aid to predict and stratify the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Recently, some clinical and biological evidence in support of the hypothesis that CRP might be also involved in the onset of venous thrombosis have emerged. Native and monomeric CRP exert several prothrombotic activities, including activation of blood coagulation, impairment of the endogenous fibrinolytic capacity, and stimulation or enhancement of platelet adhesiveness and responsiveness. Epidemiological investigations have also shown that CRP concentrations are associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism and, even more interestingly, that statins might be effective in reducing the risk of this pathology. Although there is increasing emphasis that CRP might not only be a marker but also an active player in the development of venous thrombosis, further evidence is needed to establish which event comes first – thrombosis or inflammation. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1693–701.
Evaluation of ovarian cancer biomarkers in subjects with benign asbestos-related pleural diseases

Abstract Background: Mesothelioma and ovarian cancer have been reported to have a similar pathogenesis, and for this reason it was hypothesized that there may be biomarkers in common and possibly associated with benign pleural diseases caused by asbestos exposure. Methods: Serum biomarkers including insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), leptin, prolactin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in an observational study of subjects with benign asbestos-related pleural diseases (BARPD) (n=24) and healthy subjects with an asbestos exposure history (n=12). Results: Mean serum IGF-II and VEGF concentration in healthy subjects with a history of asbestos exposure were higher than those with BARPD. Mean serum concentrations of leptin and prolactin showed opposite trends when compared to IGF-II and VEGF concentrations among these groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that IGF-II and VEGF concentrations are lower in BARPD, similar to studies of ovarian cancer. This finding warrants further investigation with malignant asbestos-related diseases.