Influence of coil geometry, supply conditions and nanoparticle heating properties on magnetic hyperthermia in mouse models

For in vivo magnetic hyperthermia tests, which are typically conducted on small animal models, one of the objectives is the design of alternating current (AC) magnetic field applicators able to guarantee an effective activation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). During therapy application, it is critical to optimize heat deposition due to MNPs and minimize side effects in healthy tissues. For an accurate treatment planning, it is required to carefully select the geometry of the applicator coils and their location with respect to the body, as a function of the position and size of the tumour target region. Additionally, one should preliminary estimate the impact of experimental conditions on the MNP heating efficiency and thus on their capability to induce a temperature increase in tissues. Biophysical constraints have also to be taken into account in the choice of AC magnetic field parameters (frequency and amplitude), to avoid eddy current effects as much as possible. In this study, we present realistic simulations of preclinical tests on a mouse model, evaluating thermal response under various experimental conditions. We investigate different field applicator configurations, including helical, Helmholtz and pancake coils, while also analysing the role of the amplitude and frequency of the supply current, as well as of the type and administered dose of MNPs. The temperature increase in tissues, resulting from the heating effects due to AC magnetic field exposure and MNP activation, is calculated by means of in-house finite element models that solve the low -frequency electromagnetic field problem and the bioheat transfer equation. This in silico approach, which is applicable to any type of field applicators and MNPs, has been demonstrated to provide useful insights for the optimization of in vivo experiments, enabling the design of safer and more effective treatments

Nonlinear Polariton Fluids in a Flatband Reveal Discrete Gap Solitons

Phase frustration in periodic lattices is responsible for the formation of dispersionless flat bands. The absence of any kinetic energy scale makes flat band physics critically sensitive to perturbations and interactions. We report here on the experimental investigation of the nonlinear dynamics of cavity polaritons in the gapped flat band of a one-dimensional Lieb lattice. We observe the formation of gap solitons with quantized size and very abrupt edges, signature of the frozen propagation of switching fronts. This type of gap solitons belongs to the class of truncated Bloch waves, and had only been observed in closed systems up to now. Here the driven-dissipative character of the system gives rise to a complex multistability of the nonlinear domains generated in the flat band. These results open up interesting perspective regarding more complex 2D lattices and the generation of correlated photon phases.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures + supplemental material (6 pages, 6 figures

Vibration Tests and Structural Identification of the Bell Tower of Palermo Cathedral

Background: The recent seismic events in Italy have underlined once more the need for seismic prevention for historic constructions of architectural interest and in general, the building heritage. During the above-mentioned earthquakes, different masonry monumental buildings have been lost due to the intrinsic vulnerability and ageing that reduced the structural member strength. This has made the community understand more that prevention is a necessary choice for the protection of monuments. Objective: The paper aims at demonstrating a strategy of investigation providing the possibility of health judgment, identifying a computational model for the assessment of structural capacity under service and exceptional loading like/due to high-intensity earthquakes. Considering its cost, the proposed approach is applicable only for monumental buildings. In detail, activity regarding the Bell Tower of the Palermo Cathedral is described. This investigation is framed in a huge campaign aimed at assessing the health of monuments in Palermo and their capacity to resist expected seismic actions. Methods: The process of the dynamic identification of the Bell Tower of Palermo Cathedral is discussed starting from the measurement of the response by high sensitivity seismometers and the analysis of the response signals. Then, the formulation of a Finite Element (FE) model of the tower is proposed after the identification of the main modal shapes. Once the Finite Element (FE) model was assessed, it was possible to evaluate the Bell Tower safety level in service and faced with exceptional loads. Results: The structural signals recorded along the height of the tower were analyzed to recognize the variation of the frequency content varying the external environmental loads. The signals were processed to obtain the experimental modal shapes. An FE model was defined whose mechanical parameters were successfully calibrated to give the experimental modal shapes. Conclusion: The analysis of the response signals made it possible to identify the actual behavior of the structure and its compatibility with the service loads. Further, an effective structural model of the Bell Tower of Palermo Cathedral was possible for assessing its capacity level

PROSPECÇÃO de Inibidores da Acetilcolinesterase em Plantas Da família Rubiaceae na Mata Atlântica

O neurotransmissor acetilcolina e a enzima acetilcolinesterase são mediadores de fundamental importância na regulação de inúmeras funções fisiológicas relacionadas ao Sistema Nervoso Central e Periférico. Determinadas patologias animais estão estritamente relacionadas ao comprometimento da via colinesterásica, como: miastenia gravis, botulismo e paralisia do carrapato. Dessa maneira, apesar de ainda não terem cura, a estratégia farmacológica mais eficaz empregada consiste no uso de fármacos anticolinesterásicos para evitar a degradação da acetilcolina. Assim, esta pesquisa objetivou realizar um estudo integrado de caracterização química e avaliação farmacológica de espécies da família Rubiaceae coletadas, potencialmente úteis como fonte de fármacos anticolinesterásicos, por apresentarem em sua constituição compostos quimicamente ativos, segundo dados da literatura. Para isso, foram realizados dois protocolos de avaliação da atividade anticolinesterásica, pelo método de cromatografia em camada delgada e avaliação espectrofotométrica, além dos ensaios de prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos. Foram estudadas 25 espécies da família Rubiaceae, pertencentes a 8 gêneros distintos, que resultaram em 28 amostras. Para cada uma das espécies foram obtidos dois extratos de naturezas polares diferentes. Acerca da atividade anticolinesterásica, das amostras testadas, 5 apresentaram atividade considerada promissora segundo padrões de classificação da literatura para ambos os métodos testados, destas destacam-se: Faramea campanella, Faramea martiana, Psychotria carthagenensis, Psycotria 1 e Rudgea coronata Saint-hilaire. Cada um dos gêneros ativos apresentou uma constituição química especifica segundo resultados da avaliação fitoquímica

Resident training in urology: Bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate - a safe method in learning endoscopic surgical procedure

Introduction: Modern medicine uses increasingly innovative techniques that require more and more capabilities for acquisition. In the urological department is increasing the presence of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard of care in their surgical treatment. We report our surgical experience and learning curve of using bipolar plasmakinetic devices in the training of urological residents to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. Materials and Methods: 80 patients with benign prostatic enlargement due to BPH were enrolled in the study. TURP has been performed by three urological residents and by an expe- rienced urologist. Patients were evaluated before and 6 months after the endoscopic bipolar plasmakinetic resection using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum uri- nary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine (PVR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Results: Overall 60 procedures were performed, 18 PlasmaKinetic (PK)-TURP procedures were completed by the three residents. In the other 42 cases the procedures were completed by the experienced urologist. In eight cases there was a capsular perforation and the experienced urol- ogist replaced the resident to complete the resection. No complications have been reported in the procedures completed by the senior urologist. All complications caused by the residents were man- aged intraoperatively without changing the course of the procedure. Statistical differences were observed regarding IPSS, quality of life (QoL), and PVR at 6-month follow-up when procedures completed by urological residents were compared to those completed by the senior urologist. Conclusion: Bipolar device represents appropriate tools to acquire endoscopic skills. It is safe and it can be used at the first experience of BPH treatment by a resident who has not previ- ously approached this endoscopic surgical procedure

timed flat infusion tfi 5 fluorouracil with irinotecan and oxaliplatin in pancreatic adenocarcinomas a single institution experience with fir fox regimen

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