Publications by authors named "M Van Essen"

Collaborative governance has become a prominent, if not dominant, framework for thinking about multi-scalar and cross-jurisdictional environmental management. The literature broadly and consistently suggests that collaborative capacity and inter-organizational networks provide the institutional framework for addressing social-ecological system challenges. Surprisingly little scholarship addresses processes of social influence (or contagion) in social-ecological systems writ large, or more specifically as it relates to collaborative capacity.

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Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the use of CT-based whole kidney parenchyma (WKP) segmentation in Lu-DOTATATE dosimetry. Specifically, it investigates whether WKP volumes change during treatment and evaluates the accuracy of applying a single delineated WKP volume for dosimetry. Furthermore, it aims to determine the cause of WKP volume changes-whether caused by radiation or amino acid infusion-by comparing them with spleen volume changes as a marker for radiation-induced alterations.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigated the use of deep-learning-generated synthetic intermediate projections (SIPs) to enhance image quality in whole-body SPECT/CT imaging while maintaining accurate dosimetry, particularly in patients treated with Lu-DOTATATE.
  • - 16 patients underwent SPECT/CT imaging at four time points, using various projection sets, including sparse acquisitions and deep-learning models, which were analyzed for visual noise and quantitative accuracy.
  • - Results showed that the incorporation of SIPs significantly reduced noise, maintained high accuracy in estimating kidney and bone marrow absorbed doses, and improved the reliability of dosimetry compared to traditional methods.
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Patched 1 (PTCH1) is the primary receptor for the sonic hedgehog (SHH) ligand and negatively regulates SHH signalling, an essential pathway in human embryogenesis. Loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 are associated with altered neuronal development and the malignant brain tumour medulloblastoma. As a result of differences between murine and human development, molecular and cellular perturbations that arise from human PTCH1 mutations remain poorly understood.

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Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts, is a target for diagnosis and therapy in multiple tumour types. Strategies to systemically deplete FAP-expressing cells show efficacy; however, these induce toxicities, as FAP-expressing cells are found in normal tissues. FAP-targeted photodynamic therapy offers a solution, as it acts only locally and upon activation.

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