Health-promoting benefits of lentils: Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects.

This paper describes how lentils (Lens culinaris species) can positively affect health by reducing inflammation, providing antioxidants, and displaying antimicrobial properties. Lentils are rich in proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, and fibers, making them a valuable source of nutrition, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Lentils have many health benefits, including positive effects on diabetes management, support for cardiovascular health, and antioxidative properties. The antioxidative properties of lentils, attributed to their phenolic content, and their ability to inhibit inflammation-related enzymes are also discussed. We discuss the potential of lentils as a dietary tool in promoting immunity, reducing disease burdens, and preventing nutritional deficiencies. Overall, lentils are a highly nutritious food with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The fiber and protein content in lentils make them beneficial for weight management, blood sugar regulation, and supporting overall gut health. Furthermore, the slow rate at which lentils affect blood sugar levels, due to their low glycemic index, can be advantageous for individuals with diabetes.

Rad Path in a Flash: Creation of the First AMSER Sponsored Digital Flashcard Deck and a Review of Digital Flashcard Use among? Medical Students.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Digital flashcards are an increasingly popular study method for medical students today. The purpose of this study is to assess students' opinions on digital flashcards and to evaluate the need for radiology-focused digital flashcards. We created the first official Radiology-Pathology (Rad-Path) Correlation course digital flashcard deck sponsored by the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology (AMSER), and evaluated its effectiveness in increasing medical students' confidence levels of understanding Rad-Path concepts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 16-question survey was developed and publicly shared with medical students to assess the need for a high-quality radiology deck. In addition, students who trialed the AMSER Rad-Path Anki deck were assessed on their confidence of radiology pathology concepts prior to and after using these digital flashcards. RESULTS: 185 survey responses were received for the first survey about digital flashcard use. Overall, 87.6% of medical student respondents had used digital flashcards during medical school, and 33.5% had used digital flashcards to study radiology topics specifically. 67.6% of respondents stated they would use a digital flashcard deck if sponsored by an academic radiology society. Regarding the survey of the students who used the AMSER Rad-Path flashcards, 31 responses were received in the pre- and follow-up survey. Mean confidence in understanding the radiology pathology learning objectives increased when the Rad-Path Anki deck was utilized, and students rated the flashcards favorably. CONCLUSION: Students reported a high use of digital flashcards for studying topics in medical school. We identified a perceived need in students for a series of high-quality digital flashcards covering radiology topics. We created the first deck of AMSER Rad-Path flashcards which was well received by the medical students.

Inorganic phosphate-induced cytotoxicity.

Phosphate, an essential nutrient, is available in organic and inorganic forms. The balance of phosphate is central for cellular homeostasis through the genomic roles of DNA and RNA synthesis and cell signaling processes. Therefore, an imbalance of this nutrient, manifested, either as a deficiency or excess in phosphate levels, can result in pathology, ranging from cytotoxicity to musculoskeletal defects. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) overdosing can result in a wide spectrum of cytotoxicity processes, as noted in both animal models and human studies. These include rewired cell signaling pathways, impaired bone mineralization, infertility, premature aging, vascular calcification, and renal dysfunction. This article briefly reviews the regulation of phosphate homeostasis and elaborates on cytotoxic effects of excessive Pi, as documented in cell-based models.