Gram filtering and sinogram interpolation for pixel-basis in parallel-beam X-ray CT reconstruction

The key aspect of parallel-beam X-ray CT is forward and back projection, but its computational burden continues to be an obstacle for applications. We propose a method to improve the performance of related algorithms by calculating the Gram filter exactly and interpolating the sinogram signal optimally. In addition, the detector blur effect can be included in our model efficiently. The improvements in speed and quality for back projection and iterative reconstruction are shown in our experiments on both analytical phantoms and real CT images

Solution of Coupled Thermoelasticity Problem in Rotating Disks

The main purpose of this dissertation is to study coupled thermoelastic behaviors in disks subjected to thermal shock loads based on the generalized and classic theories of coupled thermoelasticity. To this end, this research has been carried out in two stages. In the first stage, thermoelasticity problems in an axisymmetric rotating disk with constant thickness made of a homogeneous isotropic material are analytically solved and closed-form formulations are presented for temperature and displacement fields. Since, the analytical solution is not always feasible, the finite element (FE) method can be employed for more sophisticated coupled thermoelasticity problems. Accordingly, in the second stage of the research, a novel refined 1D finite element approach with 3D-like accuracies are developed for theories of coupled thermoelasticity. Then, the developed FE models are applied for a 3D solution of the dynamic generalized coupled thermoelasticity problem in disks. Use of the reduced models with low computational costs may be of interest in a laborious time history analysis of the dynamic problems. The obtained analytical and numerical solutions are in good agreement with the results available in the literature. It is further shown that the proposed analytical and FE methods are quite efficient with very high rate of convergence

Design, Effectiveness, Limitations and Future Perspectives of CAR-T Cells: A Review Article

Context: Targeted anti-cancer approaches bring about individual therapies to combat the complexity of most malignancies and enhance their chances of success. Currently, immunotherapy, which exploits the patient's immune system to fight the disease, has made a significant progress in the success rate of cancer treatment. T lymphocytes are one of the most powerful arms of the immune system against cancer cells; however, many tumor cells can escape by hiding their peptide antigens. Evidence Acquisition: CAR-T cells can detect tumor cells' HLA without any restrictions. Promising outcomes from CAR-T cell clinical trials have increased hope among cancer patients, making CAR-T cell a prospective treatment for most cancers. However, its unique toxicities and the possibility of recurrence have raised concerns among scientists. Results: Therefore, in this review, in addition to the design of CAR-T cells, we intend to discuss the process of CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of malignancies and explore its disadvantages, advantages, and prospects. Conclusion: Despite extensive studies, it is not yet possible to confirm the role of CAR-T cells, but based on the experience of applying CAR-T cells, a definite treatment is feasible through immunotherapy and strengthening the immune system

Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Glaucium Flavum Extract on A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Introduction: Glaucium Flavum has recently been studied by researchers and pharmacists and has been attributed to its antioxidant, antiproliferative properties. The alkaloid compounds of this plant are also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as decongestants and antitussives. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, first, the cell class (A549) was cultured in DMEM culture medium containing 10% FBS and then treated with different concentrations of Glaucium Flavum. MTT assay was performed to determine IC50 and compare the viability percentage of treated cells with different concentrations of Glaucium Flavum on days 1, 3, and 5. The qRT-PCR test was used to investigate the effects of Glaucium Flavum with IC50 concentration on the induction of apoptosis, and expression of genes including P53, Bax, Bad, and Bcl2. Obtained results were analyzed by SPSS software using ANOVA test. Results: MTT results showed that Glaucium Flavum causes cell death and reduces the viability of cancer cells, which was observed in the form of cell shrinkage, nucleus shrinkage, and chromatin density and determination of 10 μg/ml concentration as IC50 of A549 cells. An increase in the expression of Bax, P53 and bad apoptotic genes, and a decrease in the expression of the Bcl2 gene also indicate the induction of apoptotic death and the lethal effect of Glaucium Flavum. Conclusion: Finally, it can be said that Glaucium Flavum, due to its rich content of alkaloid and antioxidant compounds, can be a good option to replace it with chemical drugs in the treatment of lung cancer

Chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody: A case report

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by accelerated and premature destruction of platelets by reticuloendothelial system. CD20, a transmembrane B-cell-specific antigen, is a potential target for treatment of certain malignant and nonmalignant plasma cell disorders including refractory ITP. Rituximab is a genetically engineered human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, which is approved for the treatment of low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recent clinical reports suggest that rituximab may be useful in treating certain patients with chronic refractory ITP. A 59-year-old woman with refractory ITP was placed on rituximab (four weekly doses of 375 mg/m2) and her condition and platelet count were observed for 18 months. There was a gradual increase in platelet count and she was symptom free in this period and no side effects of the drug were reported. Anti-CD20 antibodies are likely to be used in the treatment of refractory ITP cases, but further studies about treatment schedule and criteria for patient selection should be done. © 2006 Sage Publications