Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convection-enhanced delivery of platinum drugs and their liposomal formulations plus radiation therapy in glioblastoma treatment

CONVECTION-ENHANCED DELIVERY OF PLATINUM DRUGS AND THEIR LIPOSOMAL FORMULATIONS PLUS RADIATION THERAPY IN GLIOBLASTOMA TREATMENT By Minghan Shi Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology Thesis submitted to the Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé for the graduation of philisophiae doctor (Ph.D.) in sciences des radiations et imagerie biomédicale, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada J1H 5N4 Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain cancer in adults. The current standard-of-care treatment includes surgical resection, radiation therapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. However, the addition of TMZ to radiation therapy only increased the median survival time (MeST) by 2.5 months. This limited improvement is partially attributable to the low accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs in the brain tumor due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Thus, new delivery methods such as intra-arterial, BBB disruption and convection-enhanced delivery (CED) have been proposed to overcome this limitation. Besides, timing tumor irradiation to coincide with the maximal concentration of platinum-DNA adducts could result in improved tumor control. In this study, CED of cisplatin and oxaliplatin, their respective liposomal formulations LipoplatinTM, LipoxalTM, and carboplatin with or without 15 Gy of radiation therapy has been carried out in F98 glioma bearing Fischer rats to assess their toxicity and MeST. The amount of platinum-DNA adducts in the tumor at 4 h and 24 h after CED was measured and irradiation was administered at these two different time periods to test the concomitant effect. In addition, four liposomal carboplatin formulations with different chemo-physical properties were prepared and their toxicity and MeST were also evaluated in this animal model. Among the tested platinum drugs, carboplatin and LipoxalTM demonstrated a highest maximum-tolerated dose of 25 μg and 30 μg respectively. CED of carboplatin showed the longest MeST of 38.5 days, and increased to 54.0 days with the addition of 15 Gy radiation therapy. However, radiation at 4 h after CED of either oxaliplatin or carboplatin did not show any survival improvement when compared to radiation at 24 h, although the quantity of platinum-DNA adducts at 4 h was higher than at 24 h after CED. In the four liposomal carboplatin formulations, anionic pegylated liposomal carboplatin showed the longest MeST of 49.5 days, due to its longer tumoral retention time and probably larger distribution volume in the brain.
The effectiveness of 12 weeks home based exercise intervention in chronic heart failure patients

Heart failure is a chronic and progressive disorder that is a major public health problem in Canada that is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and frequent hospital admission and health care costs. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised home-based exercise training program involving a combination of interval and resistance training. Forty patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) were recruited, stratified (according body mass, aerobic fitness, age and CHF classification) and randomized to either control (CONT; n = 20) or experimental (EXP; n = 20) conditions. Measures of aerobic fitness (VOapeak (as a percentage of predicted)) and cardiorespiratory responses at anaerobic threshold measured by cardiopulmonary test using a cycle ergometer, endurance capacity using the 6-min walk test, and Quality of Life using Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, were taken at baseline and after 12-weeks. The EXP group underwent a 12-week interval and resistance training program. The CONT patients were asked to maintain usual activities of daily living. Twenty-nine patients completed the trial (CONT =15; EXP = 14). Statistical analysis showed significant improvements after 12 weeks of training in ' aerobic fitness (46 ± 9% vs. 54 ± 12%, respectively), endurance capacity (267 ± 39 m vs. 288 ± 45 m, respectively), and Quality of Life (50 ± 20 vs. 40 ± 17, respectively) in EXP. There were also significant improvement in VO2 peak, V C O 2, tidal volume (Vt) and power output (PO) at ventilatory anaerobic threshold in EXP. There were no significant changes in CONT. A home-based rehabilitation program involving interval and resistance training is associated with improved aerobic capacity and Quality of Life in patients with CHF. This research has important implications for the treatment of CHF.
A graphical display useful for meta-analysis

Graphical methods are frequently used in meta-analysis to summarize their results and to explore potential sources of heterogeneity across studies. In this paper, we illustrate a graphical method for meta-analysis of studies with dichotomous exposures and outcomes that complements other graphical and analytical approaches to meta-analysis. In prospective studies, the proportion of cases among the unexposed is plotted on the horizontal axis versus the proportion of cases among the exposed on the vertical axis. Contour lines for equal values of relative risk, odds ratio or risk difference and for the combined estimate of effect and its confidence interval are then superimposed on the graph. In case-control studies, the proportion of exposed controls is plotted on the horizontal axis versus the proportion of exposed cases on the vertical axis, although only the contour lines of equal odds ratios yield direct epidemiological interpretation. In these graphs, the distribution of the individual estimates of effect with respect to the contour lines offers a due as to the adequacy of the scale of measurement used (additive or multiplicative). This graphical method also permits direct inspection of the range of disease frequency in follow-up studies and of the range of exposure in case-control studies. Its use is illustrated with the aid of 3 examples derived from the literature.
A survey of prostate cancer patients’ perceptions of the support they receive during radical radiotherapy: is there room for improvement?

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to ascertain prostate cancer patients’ perceptions of the quality of physical and emotional support they receive as standard during their course of radiotherapy treatment. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 13 patients undergoing radical radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. Interviews were conducted between fractions 32 and 37 and data were analysed using the Giorgi method. Results A number of themes emerged from the data including, interestingly, the value of patients’ place on the ‘waiting room support’ with 46% finding this to be a positive aspect of their experience. On the whole, patients felt well supported during their treatment by both radiographers and fellow patients. However, the results highlighted areas for further improvements, particularly around bowel and bladder preparation. Conclusions This small single-centre study has highlighted the importance of good quality, timely information provision. Although patients were, for the most part very happy with the services they were being provided with, areas in need of development where also highlighted. If a more structured review process is to be further investigated then the role of the ‘review radiographer’ should be considered as part of this. The potential benefits of patient peer support is also worthy of further exploration.
The IRIS repository:Advancing research practice and methodology

How we elicit our data is at the heart of empirical research. Debates around theories and constructs very often center around concerns about exactly how data were collected-Did the measure allow access to conscious reﬂection? Did the stimulus result in learners behaving realistically? Did any unintended factors impact our results and compromise our ability to explain them? Did we take into account the perspectives of targeted stakeholders? Improvements to how we collect our data can often lead to more persuasive tests of theory or constructs and/or more convincing applications in the real world.
Design of double-sampling ΣΔ modulation A/D converters with bilinear integrators.

Double-sampling techniques allow to double the sampling frequency of a switched capacitor analog-to-digital convertors without increasing the clock frequency. Unfortunately, path mismatch between the double sampling branches may cause noise folding, which could ruin the modulator's performance. The fully floating double-sampling integrator is an interesting building block to be used in such a double sampling modulator be- cause its operation is tolerant to path mismatch. However, this circuit exhibits an undesired bilinear filter effect. This effectively increases the order of the modulator by one. Due to this, previously presented structures don't have enough freedom to fully control the modulator pole positions. In this paper, we introduce mod- ified topologies for double-sampling modulators built with bilinear integrators. We show that these architectures provide full control of the modulator pole positions and hence can be used to implement any noise transfer function. Additionally, analytical expressions are obtained for the residual folded noise. Index Terms—Analog-to-digital convertors, double sampling, modulation.
STURGE WEBER SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT WITH CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL FEATURES

Sturge-Weber syndrome, sometimes referred to as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder. It is one of the phakomatoses and is often associated with port-wine stains of the face, glaucoma, seizures, mental retardation, and ipsilateral leptomeningeal angioma (cerebral malformations and tumors). It is characterized by abnormal blood vessels on the brain surface. Normally, only one side of the brain is affected. We report a case of 13 year old female child with facial port wine stains along with radiological features which showed tram track sign and cortical atrophy in the right parietal lobe.
Thermoelectric Brain Cooler Helmet

120 Abstract—Hypothermia is known to provide protective effect on brain following a trauma. A helmet with flexible thermoelectric modules inside was designed recently to generate hypothermia for brain. In this study, cooling performance and temperature control performance of this helmet were assessed and compared with traditional methods. Temperature measurements were taken in an experimental set-up under loaded and unloaded conditions. The same type of flexible thermoelectric modules was used for temperature measurement. The results showed that the helmet had important advantages over the traditional methods. The cooling performance of the helmet could be controlled. Cooling performance as good as 10°C/minute could be obtained. The temperature was lowered to the required level within five minutes after starting of the temperature control, the highly critical duration for saving the brain. The temperature can be kept under control and can also be raised when necessary.
MONITORING THE USE OF IASI DATA IN A LIMITED AREA DATA ASSIMILATION SYSTEM

Research related to the assimilation of the IASI data at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (Met.no) is part of the THORPEX-IPY/Norway project. The aim of the THORPEX/IPY project is to improve the accuracy of the high-impact weather forecasts in the Arctic region for the benefit of the society, economy and environment. Monitoring of the data usage in the assimilation system is very important during the implementation phase. This paper describes a two-step monitoring scheme applied to the IASI data for better understanding of its application. During the first step all preprocessed channels were monitored together, which allowed us to select channels “obeying” our processing scheme (the variational technique was applied for bias correction). Then a second, more complex analysis of temporal variation of the bias for each channel was applied. The use of channels chosen after the second monitoring technique improved the impact of the IASI data in our analysis and forecasting system.
Evaluation of cleaning efficacy-related properties of root canal irrigant activation using a computer-controlled hot tip powered with a diode laser

Purpose: This study aimed to examine root canal irrigant activation using a computer-controlled hot tip (thermo-optically powered [TOP] tip) heated with a 980 nm diode laser system (Alta Modular Laser System), with regard to vaporized bubble formation and soft tissue dissolution capacity. Materials and Methods: As a parameter of cleaning efficacy, the number and size of vaporized bubbles generated in root canal models during TOP tip-induced activation were analyzed with high-speed digital video imaging. To evaluate the soft tissue-dissolving efficacy of TOP tip-induced activation with a sodium hypochlorite irrigant, dissolution of porcine soft tissues filled in lateral canals set at two levels in root canal models were morphometrically analyzed. Irrigant temperature during TOP tip-induced activation was measured with thermocouples attached to the apical foramen and the lateral canals of root canal models. Results: High-speed video imaging revealed that TOP tip-induced activation of the water that filled the root canal models, required less time to achieve the first bubble formation and generated a larger number of bubbles than a normal clear tip-induced activation using the same laser. NaOCl solution activated with TOP tip dissolved more soft tissues filled in lateral canals of the canal models, than with passive ultrasonic irrigation and syringe irrigation. Irrigant temperature during TOP tip-induced activation showed a maximum increase of approximately 50 ̊C near the lateral canal, as measured with thermocouples. Conclusion: Under the present experimental conditions, TOP tip-induced irrigant activation exerted better cleaning efficacy-related properties than the other methods tested. (Asian Pac J Dent 2019; 19: 9-15.)
1 Cell responses to electrical pulse stimulation for 2 anticancer drug release 3

Electrical stimulation is an attractive approach to tune on-demand drug release in the 11 body as it relies on simple setups and requires typically 1 V or less. Although many studies have 12 been focused on the development of potential smart materials for electrically controlled drug 13 release as well on the exploration of different delivery mechanisms, progress in the field is being 14 slow because the response of cells exposed to external electrical stimulus is frequently omitted from 15 such investigations. In this work we monitor the behavior of prostate and breast cancer cells (PC-3 16 and MCF7, respectively) exposed to electroactive platforms loaded with curcumin, a hydrophobic 17 anticancer drug. These consist in conducting polymer nanoparticles, which release drug molecules 18 by altering their interactions with polymer, and electrospun polyester microfibers that contain 19 electroactive nanoparticles able to alter the porosity of the matrix through an electro-mechanical 20 actuation mechanism. The response of the cells against different operating conditions has been 21 examined considering their viability, metabolism, spreading and shape. Results have allowed us to 22 differentiate the damage induced in the cell by the electrical stimulation from other effects, as for 23 example the anticancer activity of curcumin and/or the presence of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles 24 or fibers, demonstrating that these kinds of platforms can be effective when the dosage of the drug 25 occurs under restricted conditions. 26
University of Groningen A Comparison of Heritability Estimates by Classical Twin Modeling and Based on Genome- Wide Genetic Relatedness for Cardiac Conduction Traits Nolte,

Citation for published version (APA): Nolte, I. M. , Jansweijer, J. A. , Riese, H. , Asselbergs, F. W. , van der Harst, P., Spector, T. D. , Pinto, Y. M. , Snieder, H. , & Jamshidi, Y. (2017). A Comparison of Heritability Estimates by Classical Twin Modeling and Based on Genome-Wide Genetic Relatedness for Cardiac Conduction Traits. Twin research and human genetics, 20(6), 489-498. https://doi.org/10.1017/thg.2017. 55
Rent Control, Market Segmentation, and Misallocation: Causal Evidence from a Large-Scale Policy Intervention

This paper studies market segmentation that arises from the introduction of a price ceiling in the market for rental housing. When part of the market faces rent control, theory predicts an increase of free-market rents, a consequence of misallocation of households to housing units. We study a large-scale policy intervention in the German housing market in 2015 to document this mechanism empirically. To identify the effect we rely on temporal variation in treatment dates, combined with a difference-in-differences setup and a discontinuity-intime design. By taking a short-run perspective, we are able to isolate the misallocation mechanism from other types of spillovers. We find a robust positive effect on free-market rents in response to the introduction of rent control. Further, we document that rent control reduced the propensity to move house within rent controlled areas, but only among highincome households. Interpreted through the lens of our theoretical model, this spillover is a clear sign of misallocation. Further, we document that the spillover brings forward demolitions of old, ramshackle buildings.
Exploring mechanisms of oscillations in p53 and NF-kappa B systems

A number of regulatory networks have the potential to generate sustained oscillations of irregular amplitude, but well conserved period. Single cell experiments revealed that in p53 and NFB systems the oscillation period is homogenous in cell populations, insensitive to the strength of the stimulation, and is not inuenced by overexpression of p53 or NFB transcription factors. We propose a novel computational method of validation of molecular pathways models, based on the analysis of sensitivity of the oscillation period to the particular gene(s) copy number and the level of stimulation. Using this method we demonstrate that existing p53 models, in which oscillations are born at a saddle-node-on-invariant-circle or subcritical Hopf bifurcations (characteristic for systems with interlinked positive and negative feedbacks), are highly sensitive to gene copy number. Hence, these models cannot explain existing experiments. Analyzing NFB system, we demonstrate the importance of saturation in transcription of the NFB inhibitor I B . Models without saturation predict that the oscillation period is a rapidly growing function of total NFB level, which is in disagreement with experiments. Our study supports the hypothesis that oscillations of robust period are based on supercritical Hopf bifurcation, characteristic for dynamical systems involving negative feedback and time delay. We hypothesize that in the p53 system the role of positive feedback is not sustaining oscillations, but terminating them in severely damaged cells in which the apoptotic program should be initiated.
“My job is to deal with what I can”: HIV care providers’ perspectives on adherence to HAART, addictions, and comprehensive care delivery in Vancouver, British Columbia

Abstract People with drug addictions have among the lowest rates of adherence to HIV medications (i.e. HAART) of any infected population, which is often explained through reference to the instability associated with problematic drug use and the ‘chaos’ that is assumed to characterize the lives of people with addictions. Many studies examine the links between addiction and adherence from the perspective of HIV-positive populations, but few explore how HIV care providers think about addictions, their impact on adherence, and how to incorporate the complex health needs of drug-using populations into comprehensive HIV care practices. Using qualitative data from a pilot study on adherence to HAART among people with drug addictions in Vancouver, British Columbia, this paper examines how eight HIV care providers (i.e. physicians, pharmacists, and community-based service providers) approach these interconnected issues. Our findings illustrate that while addictions often complicate adherence to HAART, this is not a universal reality, and the kinds of drugs used as well as the individual capacities of these patients also factor significantly in their adherence success. The organization of the HIV care environment, which is highly stratified and provides certain professionals with more resources and structural capabilities to deliver comprehensive care than others, also plays a large role in our participants’ abilities to address the health needs of their clients with addictions. We recommend that the current HIV care delivery system be adapted to ensure more integrated care and greater equity across the different groups of providers working in the field of HIV care.
University of Birmingham Mathematical and computational models of the retina in health, development and disease

The retina confers upon us the gift of vision, enabling us to perceive the world in a manner unparalleled by any other tissue. Experimental and clinical studies have provided great insight into the physiology and biochemistry of the retina; however, there are questions which cannot be answered using these methods alone. Mathematical and computational techniques can provide complementary insight into this inherently complex and nonlinear system. They allow us to characterise and predict the behaviour of the retina, as well as to test hypotheses which are experimentally intractable. In this review, we survey some of the key theoretical models of the retina in the healthy, developmental and diseased states. The main insights derived from each of these modelling studies are highlighted, as are model predictions which have yet to be tested, and data which need to be gathered to inform future modelling work. Possible directions for future research are also discussed. Whilst the present modelling studies have achieved great success in unravelling the workings of the retina, they have yet to achieve their full potential. For this to happen, greater involvement with the modelling community is required, and stronger collaborations forged between experimentalists, clinicians and theoreticians. It is hoped that, in addition to bringing the fruits of current modelling studies to the attention of the ophthalmological community, this review will encourage many such future collaborations.
A FRAMEWORK FOR SEMENTIC LEVEL SOCIAL SENTIMENT ANALYSIS MODEL

Social sentiment analysis is playing a vital role in analytics applications like product assessments, people opinions on sudden events and disaster assessments etc. Now the current research is focusing on dynamic big data analysis. The rich sources of dynamic data are twitter, face book, linkedln, snapchat, instagram, reddit and e-commerce web resources. In this paper the importance of semantic level social sentiment analysis with issues, tools and algorithms and machine learning algorithms role are discussed. A case study on Indian railway passenger tweets analysis is discussed and finds the sentiment of passengers on railway services.
Metrological maintenance of geodetic measuring apparatuses

Now in metrological maintenance of geodetic measuring apparatuses it is necessary to allocate a problem of working out and researches of new methods and means of checking and calibration of modern optic-electronic and digital devices. It for the reason that the methodology of checkings and calibrations of geodetic devices is regulated by a number of the standards establishing the basic metrological characteristics, thus specified documentation is calculated, basically, on optical devices. Testing schemes of optic-electronic (digital) devices are not developed enough. In the present work the description of the modernized stand and the software of the modern optic-electronic geodetic measuring apparatuses intended for checking is resulted.