Phase 1 doseâ finding study of metformin in combination with concurrent cisplatin and radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153201/1/cncr32539.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153201/2/cncr32539_am.pd

Comparison of phenolic compounds’ content and antioxidant activity between some native Iranian apples and standard cultivar 'gala'

To determine the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in some native Iranian apple cultivars, some five cultivars namely: 'Bekran', 'Golab-e Kermanshah', 'Golab-e Kohanz' 'Golab-e Sheikhi' and 'Atlasi' were selected and compared with the standard cultivar 'Gala'. The profiles related to four phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, quercetin-3-galactoside, catechin, and phloridzin) were determined through HPLC for flesh and flesh+peel of the studied cultivars. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) through Folin-ciocalteu, and antioxidant activity applying DPPH radical (IC50) were also evaluated for flesh vs. flesh+peel for each cultivar. The results of HPLC analysis revealed that catechin constituted the main phenolic compound of flesh and as well the flesh+peel in all the studied cultivars. The highest catechin concentrations in flesh+peel and in flesh were detected in 'Golab-e Kermanshah' (4,064.37 ug g-1FW) and 'Bekran' (2,315.92 ug g-1FW), recpectively. The second high concentration phenolic compound was quercetin-3 galactoside, with 'Atlasi' containing the highest content (833.96 ug g-1FW). A high level of chlorogenic acid was detected in 'Golab-e Sheikhi' (276.106 ug. g-1FW). The highest level of Total Phenolic Index (TPI) was observed in 'Golab-e Kermanshah' (4392.81ug g-1FW). The highest TPCs were detected in 'Golab-e Kermanshah' and 'Atlasi'. Phenolic compounds were found as less abundant in the flesh than in the flesh+peel. The scavenging activity of DPPH radical (IC50) revealed a higher antioxidant effect in flesh+peel than in (only) flesh. It can be concluded that in comparison with 'Gala', native Iranian cultivars contained higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, making them appropriate for use in breeding and being reintroduced into the production cycle. Also, it was revealed that whole fruit (flesh+peel) provides phytochemicals in levels far greater than the amounts provided by the fruit’s (only) flesh

Impacts of visual and cognitive distractions and time pressure on pedestrian crossing behaviour: A simulator study

Distractions have been recognised as one important factor associated with pedestrian injuries, as the increasing use of cell phones and personal devices. However, the situation is less clear regarding the differences in the effects of visual-manual and auditory-cognitive distractions. Here, we investigated distracted pedestrians in a one-lane road with continuous traffic using an immersive CAVE-based simulator. Sixty participants were recruited to complete a crossing task and perform one of two distractions, a visual-manual task and an auditory-cognitive task. Moreover, normal and time pressure crossing conditions were included as a baseline and comparison. For the first time, this study directly compared the impacts of visual-manual, auditory-cognitive distractions, and time pressure on pedestrian crossing behaviour and safety in a controlled environment. The results indicated that although pedestrian safety was compromised under both types of distraction, the effects of the applied distractions were different. When engaged in the visual-manual distraction, participants crossed the road slowly, but there was no significant difference in gap acceptance or initiation time compared to baseline. In contrast, participants walked slowly, crossed earlier, and accepted smaller gaps when performing the auditory-cognitive distraction. This has interesting parallels to existing findings on how these two types of distractions affect driver performance. Moreover, the effects of the visual-manual distraction were found to be dynamic, as these effects were affected by the gap size. Finally, compared to baseline, time pressure resulted in participants accepting smaller time gaps with shorter initiation times and crossing durations, leading to an increase in unsafe decisions and a decrease in near-collisions. These results provide new evidence that two types of distraction and time pressure impair pedestrian safety, but in different ways. Our findings may provide insights for further studies involving pedestrians with different distraction components

Continuous Process for Producing Carbon Nanotubes

The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing carbon nanotubes (herein after also referred to as “CNTs”) of single, double and/or multi-wall type, with any possible desired diameter and with high purity. The preferred embodiment provides means for continuous supply of a catalyst during the process for producing the carbon nanotubes, according to which one can achieve the advantageous continuity of the process

Chemotherapy in newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) accounts for only 3% of brain tumors. It can involve the brain parenchyma, leptomeninges, eyes and the spinal cord. Unlike systemic lymphoma, durable remissions remain uncommon. Although phase III trials in this rare disease are difficult to perform, many phase II trials have attempted to define standards of care. Treatment modalities for patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL include radiation and/or chemotherapy. While the role of radiation therapy for initial management of PCNSL is controversial, clinical trials will attempt to improve the therapeutic index of this modality. Routes of chemotherapy administration include intravenous, intraocular, intraventricular or intra-arterial. Multiple trials have outlined different methotrexate-based chemotherapy regimens and have used local techniques to improve drug delivery. A major challenge in the management of patients with PCNSL remains the delivery of aggressive treatment with preservation of neurocognitive function. Because PCNSL is rare, it is important to perform multicenter clinical trials and to incorporate detailed measurements of long-term toxicities. In this review we focus on different chemotherapeutic approaches for immunocompetent patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL and discuss the role of local drug delivery in addition to systemic therapy. We also address the neurocognitive toxicity of treatment