Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective dose enhancement using gold as a radiation sensitizer: a Monte Carlo study

Despite years of research, a significant gap remains between the cancer burden requiring treatment and the mechanisms currently available in clinical settings. Although great strides have been made in improving radiation therapy, the issue of non-specific irradiation of healthy tissue still persists. One of the most promising modalities currently being explored involves using contrast material to enhance the radiation sensitivity of a tumor. Such treatment aims to create a gradient in the photon attenuation coefficients of the tumor compared to those of the surrounding healthy tissue. The goal of generating such a variation is to dramatically increase the amount of effective dose received by the tumor without increasing the amount received by the surrounding healthy tissue. Several contrast materials have been explored for this application with iodine and gadolinium receiving generating significant interest. Following the promising results achieved by utilizing gold nanospheres in murine models, interest in gold has correspondingly increased. This work examines several variables as they might pertain to the effectiveness of using gold as a radiation-sensitizing agent. Physical considerations involving the incident photon energy, geometric considerations involving the depth of the tumor, and concentration considerations involving the amount and distribution of gold around the tumor site have all been explored. Results were tabulated by comparing the amount of energy deposited per unit mass in the gold-bearing tumor volume compared to the surrounding healthy tissue and this ratio was termed the effective dose enhancement factor (DEF). Using a gold concentration of 7 mg per kg of tumor resulted in DEF values ranging from 62%, when a 100 keV photon beam was modeled, to less than 1%, when applying a 2 MeV photon beam. Varying the depth of tumor had less effect than expected as increasing the depth from 5 cm to 15 cm only increased the effective dose enhancement from 16% to 19% when using a 250 keV photon beam. Varying the in situ gold concentration had the most significant effect as expected and DEF values increased by a factor of four from 18% to 76% as concentration was increased from 7 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg. The results obtained from using a more detailed geometric and concentration iii model and considering realistic distribution patterns may be of use when designing future in vivo studies. The results of the distribution and penetration models may be used to predict the effective dose profiles for tumor masses that are resistant to …
Enhancing Performance of Random Caching in Large-Scale Heterogeneous Wireless Networks With Random Discontinuous Transmission

To make better use of file diversity provided by random caching and improve the successful transmission probability (STP) of a file, we consider retransmissions with random discontinuous transmission (DTX) in a large-scale cache-enabled heterogeneous wireless network employing random caching. We analyze and optimize the STP in two mobility scenarios, i.e., the high mobility scenario and the static scenario. First, in each scenario, by using tools from stochastic geometry, we obtain a closed-form expression for the STP in the general signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) threshold regime. The analysis shows that a larger caching probability corresponds to a higher STP in both scenarios; random DTX can improve the STP in the static scenario and its benefit gradually diminishes when mobility increases. In each scenario, we also derive a closed-form expression for the asymptotic outage probability in the low SIR threshold regime. The asymptotic analysis shows that the diversity gain is jointly affected by random caching and random DTX in both scenarios. Then, in each scenario, we consider the maximization of the STP with respect to the caching probability and the BS activity probability, which is a challenging non-convex optimization problem with a complex objective function. In particular, in the high mobility scenario, we obtain a globally optimal solution. In the static scenario, we develop a low-complexity iterative algorithm to obtain a stationary point. Finally, numerical results show that the proposed solutions achieve significant gains over existing baseline schemes and can well adapt to the changes of the system parameters to wisely utilize storage resources and transmission opportunities.
Posttreatment Low‐Risk Drinking as a Predictor of Future Drinking and Problem Outcomes Among Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders: A 9‐Year Follow‐Up

BACKGROUND Treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has traditionally been abstinence oriented, but new research and regulatory guidelines suggest that low-risk drinking may also be an acceptable treatment outcome. However, little is known about long-term outcomes for patients who become low-risk drinkers posttreatment. This study explores a posttreatment low-risk drinking outcome as a predictor of future drinking and psychosocial outcomes over 9 years. METHODS Study participants were adults with AUDs at treatment entry who received follow-up interviews 6 months posttreatment intake (N = 1,061) in 2 large randomized studies conducted at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large private, nonprofit, integrated health system. Six-month drinking status was defined as abstinent, low-risk (nonabstinent, no 5+ drinking days), or heavy drinking (1 or more days of 5+ drinks). Using logistic regression models, we explored the relationship between past 30-day drinking status at 6 months and odds of being abstinent or a low-risk drinker (compared to heavy drinking), and positive Addiction Severity Index psychosocial outcomes over 9 years (9-year follow-up rate of 73%). RESULTS Abstainers and low-risk drinkers at 6 months had higher odds of recent abstinence/low-risk drinking over 9 years than heavy drinkers; abstainers had better drinking outcomes than low-risk drinkers. Additionally, among those with interview data, 95% of abstainers and 94% of low-risk drinkers at 6 months were abstinent/low-risk drinkers at 9 years; surprisingly, 89% of heavy drinkers at 6 months were also abstinent/low-risk drinkers although still significantly fewer than the other groups. Abstainers and low-risk drinkers at 6 months had better psychiatric outcomes, and abstainers had better family/social outcomes than heavy drinkers; medical outcomes did not differ. Low-risk drinkers and abstainers showed no reliable differences across psychosocial measures. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that a low-risk drinking outcome may be reasonable over the long-term for some alcohol-dependent individuals receiving addiction treatment.
Characteristics of medical disputes arising from dental practice in Guangzhou, China: an observational study

Objectives Doctor–patient conflict is a phenomenon that has become one of the major social problems affecting China’s medical system today. This study aimed to analyse the nature of medical dispute incidents arising from dental practice, discover the related factors that may have incited such disputes and explore measures whereby the incidents of patients’ conflicts towards dentists can be reduced. Methods A survey conducted in six public hospitals in Guangzhou, one of the largest cities in China, showed that more than two million patients received dental treatment between 2008 and 2012. χ2 test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify statistically significant differences in incident rates. Results In a total of more than two million outpatients, 541 reported dental disputes and lodged complaints with the medical service centre. Male patients reported higher dispute rates than did females (χ2=9.74, P<0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis further showed that disputes developed into conflicts depending on five factors: patient gender, dental specialty, cause of dispute, mode of payment and resolution duration. Conclusions Gender, specialties, cause of dispute, mode of payment and resolution duration are associated with the incidence of dental conflicts, suggesting that medical quality is positively correlated to dental disputes, the coverage of stomatology in medical insurance should be expanded and detailed negotiation system should be developed for resolving dental disputes.
Lack of splice factor and cohesin complex mutations in pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a heterogeneous group of hematologic disorders, with distinct subtypes defined by cytogenetics, the number of affected lineages, severity of cytopenia, cellular dysplastic morphology, and blast counts. [1][1] Extensive next-generation sequencing has recently
Losses of energy and nitrogen on drying poultry excreta.

Abstract INTRODUCTION METABOLIZABLE energy has generally been accepted as the most useful practical measure of the energy value of a poultry diet. In the biological determination of ME value whether by the chromic oxide indicator method or by the total collection method it is usual to desiccate the mixed excreta before determining its gross energy content. Concern about serious possible errors arising from losses of energy and nitrogen when drying poultry excreta was expressed by Manoukas et al. (1964) and these authors suggested a method of determining the energy content of undried excreta. Manoukas et al. (1964) reported significant losses of energy and nitrogen ranging from 1.2 to 20.2% and −7.1 to 15.2%, respectively, when excreta samples were dried in a convection oven at 65°C. for 24 hours. Losses of this magnitude would lead to serious errors in normally determined ME values and it was decided to reinvestigate these findings. EXPERIMENTAL
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase plays a minor role in inhibition of arterial thrombus formation

Summary Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expressed in the vascular en-dothelium or formed within platelets was postulated to inhibit platelet activation and aggregation. We have assessed the role of eNOS in platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo by comparison of WT and eNOS-/- mice. Aggregometer studies revealed that collagen over a concentration range of 0.36–10 µg aggregated WT and eNOS-/- platelets to the same extent (10 µg: WT 86.7±4.7%, eNOS-/- 91±12%, n=6). Collagen treatment did not result in a significant increase in cGMP formation and VASP phosphorylation. Thrombin-induced P-selectin surface expression was unchanged in eNOS-/- platelets. In line with these findings no eNOS protein was detectable within the platelets of WT mice. In vivo, bleeding time after tail tip resection tended to be shorter in eNOS/- mice (WT: 116±35 s; eNOS-/- 109±37 s, n.s). Similarly, time to occlusion of the A.carotis after focal induction of thrombosis was 501±76 s (WT) and 457±95 s (eNOS-/-) (n.s.). These data demonstrate that eNOS-deficiency minimally affects platelet aggregation and is not associated with accelerated arterial thrombosis in vivo. Thus, in the mouse endothelial NO synthase does not play a major role in the autocrine modulation of platelet function and in thrombosis of conduit vessels in vivo.
Aerobic Exercise for Adolescents With Prolonged Symptoms After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: To describe the methodology and report primary outcomes of an exploratory randomized clinical trial (RCT) of aerobic training for management of prolonged symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in adolescents. Setting: Outpatient research setting. Participants: Thirty adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years who sustained a mTBI and had between 4 and 16 weeks of persistent symptoms. Design: Partially blinded, pilot RCT of subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training compared with a full-body stretching program. Main Measures: The primary outcome was postinjury symptom improvement assessed by the adolescent's self-reported Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) repeated for at least 6 weeks of the intervention. Parent-reported PCSI and adherence are also described. Results: Twenty-two percent of eligible participants enrolled in the trial. Repeated-measures analysis of variance via mixed-models analysis demonstrated a significant group × time interaction with self-reported PCSI ratings, indicating a greater rate of improvement in the subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training group than in the full-body stretching group (F = 4.11, P = .044). Adherence to the home exercise programs was lower in the subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training group compared with the full-body stretching group (mean [SD] times per week = 4.42 [1.95] vs 5.85 [1.37], P < .0001) over the duration of the study. Conclusion: Findings from this exploratory RCT suggest subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training is potentially beneficial for adolescents with persistent symptoms after an mTBI. These findings and other recent research support the potential benefit of active rehabilitation programs for adolescents with persistent symptoms after an mTBI. Larger replication studies are needed to verify findings and improve generalizability. Future work should focus on determining the optimal type, timing, and intensity of active rehabilitation programs and characteristics of individuals most likely to benefit.
School-based lifestyle education involving parents for reducing subjective psychosomatic symptoms in Japanese adolescents: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Introduction Severe subjective psychosomatic symptoms (SPS) in adolescents are a major public health concern, and lifestyle modification interventions for reducing SPS are important topics. Recently, we developed a school-based lifestyle education involving parents for reducing SPS of adolescents (SPRAT), an improved version of the programme from our previous study Programme for adolescent of lifestyle education in Kumamoto (PADOK). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SPRAT in reducing SPS among adolescents. Methods and analysis This is a 6-month, cluster randomised clinical trial with two intervention arms (SPRAT vs usual school education). The study population will be composed of middle school students (aged 12–14 years) with their parents/guardians in Japan. SPRAT is expected to be a more powerful programme than PADOK as it reinforces the role of parent participation. The primary endpoint will be the change from baseline SPS scores to those obtained after 6 months. Between-group differences will be analysed following the intention-to-treat principle. Crude and multivariate adjusted effects will be examined using a general linear mixed-effects model for continuous variables and a logistic regression model for dichotomous variables. The sample size required was determined based on the information needed to detect a difference in the primary outcome with a significance level of 5% and power of 80% under the assumptions of 40 students per cluster (assuming the same sample size for each cluster), an effect size of 0.3 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.02. In total, participation by 28 schools (14 schools in each arm) (students: n=1120) will be needed. Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Minami Kyushu University in 2017 (number 137). The findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Trial registration number UMIN000026715; Pre-results.
Structural and biological characteristics of different forms of V. filiformis lipid A: use of MS to highlight structural discrepancies

Vitreoscilla filiformis is a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from spa waters and described for its beneficial effects on the skin. We characterized the detailed structure of its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) lipid A moiety, an active component of the bacterium that contributes to the observed skin activation properties. Two different batches differing in postculture cell recovery were tested. Chemical analyses and mass spectra, obtained before and after mild-alkali treatments, revealed that these lipids A share the common bisphosphorylated β-(1→6)-linked d-glucosamine disaccharide with hydroxydecanoic acid in an amide linkage. Short-chain FAs, hydroxydecanoic and dodecanoic acid, were found in a 2:1 ratio. The two lipid A structures differed by the relative amount of the hexa-acyl molecular species and phosphoethanolamine substitution of the phosphate groups. The two V. filiformis LPS batches induced variable interleukin-6 and TNF-α secretion by stimulated myelomonocytic THP-1 cells, without any difference in reactive oxygen species production or activation of caspase 3/7. Other different well-known highly purified LPS samples were characterized structurally and used as standards. The structural data obtained in this work explain the low inflammatory response observed for V. filiformis LPS and the previously demonstrated beneficial effects on the skin.
Intelligent anticancer drug delivery performances of two poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based magnetite nanohydrogels

Abstract This article evaluates the anticancer drug delivery performances of two nanohydrogels composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-itaconic anhydride) [P(NIPAAm-co-IA)], poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. For this purpose, the magnetite nanohydrogels (MNHGs) were loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as a universal anticancer drug. The morphologies and magnetic properties of the DOX-loaded MNHGs were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating–sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The sizes and zeta potentials (ξ) of the MNHGs and their corresponding DOX-loaded nanosystems were also investigated. The DOX-loaded MNHGs showed the highest drug release values at condition of 41 °C and pH 5.3. The drug-loaded MNHGs at physiological condition (pH 7.4 and 37 °C) exhibited negligible drug release values. In vitro cytotoxic effects of the DOX-loaded MNHGs were extensively evaluated through the assessing survival rate of HeLa cells using the MTT assay, and there in vitro cellular uptake into the mentioned cell line were examined using fluorescent microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) flow cytometry analyses. As the results, the DOX-loaded MNHG1 exhibited higher anticancer drug delivery performance in the terms of cytotoxic effect and in vitro cellular uptake. Thus, the developed MNHG1 can be considered as a promising de novo drug delivery system, in part due to its pH and thermal responsive drug release behavior as well as proper magnetite character toward targeted drug delivery. Graphical Abstract
IT-based wellness tools for older adults: Design concepts and feedback

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore older adults’ preferences regarding e-health applications through use of generated concepts that inform wellness tool design. Methods: The 6-8-5 method and affinity mapping were used to create e-health design ideas that were translated into storyboards and scenarios. Focus groups were conducted to obtain feedback on the prototypes and included participant sketching. A qualitative analysis of the focus groups for emerging themes was conducted, and sketches were analyzed. Results: Forty-three older adults participated in six focus group sessions. The majority of participants found the wellness tools useful. Preferences included features that supported participants in areas of unmet needs, such as ability to find reliable health information, cognitive training, or maintaining social ties. Participants favored features such as use of voice navigation, but were concerned over cost and the need for technology skills and access. Sketches reinforced these wants, including portability, convenience, and simplicity. Conclusions: Several factors were found to increase the desirability of such devices including convenient access to their health and health information, a simple, accessible interface, and support for memory issues. Researchers and designers should incorporate the feedback of older adults regarding wellness tools, so that future designs meet the needs of older adults.
Gastrointestinal Transit Time, Glucose Homeostasis and Metabolic Health: Modulation by Dietary Fibers

Gastrointestinal transit time may be an important determinant of glucose homeostasis and metabolic health through effects on nutrient absorption and microbial composition, among other mechanisms. Modulation of gastrointestinal transit may be one of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial health effects of dietary fibers. These effects include improved glucose homeostasis and a reduced risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this review, we first discuss the regulation of gastric emptying rate, small intestinal transit and colonic transit as well as their relation to glucose homeostasis and metabolic health. Subsequently, we briefly address the reported health effects of different dietary fibers and discuss to what extent the fiber-induced health benefits may be mediated through modulation of gastrointestinal transit.
Effect of niacin supplementation of a corn-soybean meal diet on performance of turkey breeder hens.

Two trials were conducted to determine the need for niacin supplementation of Nicholas Large White Turkey hens fed a corn-soybean meal diet from 224 to 336 days of age. Analysis of the corn and soybean meal indicated the niacin contribution to be 23.6 mg/kg diet. No supplemental niacin was required for maximum egg production, fertility, or hatchability. However, body and egg weights were significantly increased when 8.4 and 16.7 mg niacin were added per kilogram of diet, respectively. These data indicate that the turkey hen does not require more than 23.6 mg niacin/kg of a corn-soybean meal diet for egg production, but 40.3 mg/kg was required for maximum egg weight in the presence of . 17% tryptophan (analyzed in corn and soybean meal).
Drinking Goals and Their Association With Treatment Retention and Treatment Outcomes Among Clients in Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

ABSTRACT Background: Few studies have compared characteristics of clients entering alcohol treatment who differ in their drinking goal preferences or have investigated the relevance of drinking goals as a predictor of treatment outcomes. Objectives: To investigate associations between baseline drinking goal preferences and client characteristics as well as treatment retention and outcomes among clients in outpatient alcohol treatment. Methods: Secondary data analyses on a longitudinal multicenter study investigating the effectiveness of outpatient alcohol treatment in Switzerland among 805 clients. Assessments were conducted at treatment admission, discharge, and at 6- and 12-month follow ups. At-risk drinking was assessed through the alcohol use disorders identification test. Treatment retention was defined as regular discharge with or without transition into another institution. Results: Clients aiming to abstain from drinking were more likely to be in retreatment, to be assigned to treatment by a health institution, to have no at-risk alcohol use, and to be already alcohol abstinent at the time of admission relative to clients who aimed to control their drinking. Clients without at-risk alcohol use at admission showed higher treatment retention when aiming for controlled drinking than for abstinence, while there was no difference in treatment retention among clients with at-risk use. Clients with at-risk use at admission were more likely to reach not-at-risk alcohol use status when aiming for alcohol abstinence than for controlled drinking. Conclusions: Drinking goals are associated with variables of alcohol use and treatment assignment. They have different effects on treatment retention and treatment outcomes according to alcohol use at the time of admission.