Malignancy risk analysis in patients with inadequate fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid

Background Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the standard diagnostic modality for thyroid nodules. However, it has limitations among which is the incidence of non-diagnostic results (Thy1). Management of cases with repeatedly non-diagnostic FNAC ranges from simple observation to surgical intervention. We aim to evaluate the incidence of malignancy in non-diagnostic FNAC, and the success rate of repeated FNAC. We also aim to evaluate risk factors for malignancy in patients with non-diagnostic FNAC. Materials and Methods Retrospective analyses of consecutive cases with thyroid non diagnostic FNAC results were included. Results Out of total 1657 thyroid FNAC done during the study period, there were 264 (15.9%) non-diagnostic FNAC on the first attempt. On repeating those, the rate of a non-diagnostic result on second FNAC was 61.8% and on third FNAC was 47.2%. The overall malignancy rate in Thy1 FNAC was 4.5% (42% papillary, 42% follicular and 8% anaplastic), and the yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC. Ultrasound guidance by an experienced head neck radiologist produced the lowest non-diagnostic rate (38%) on repetition compared to US guidance by a generalist radiologist (65%) and by non US guidance (90%). Conclusions There is a low risk of malignancy in patients with a non-diagnostic FNAC result, commensurate to the risk of any nodule. The yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC

Assessment of climate change impacts on IDF curves in Qatar using ensemble climate modeling approach

Understanding the climate change impact on hydrological conditions is considered to be a major challenge in the context of management of stormwater and infrastructure planning. According to the climate projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for the Arabian Peninsula, the future average annual rainfall may decrease, and the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events are likely to increase [19]. This study, in particular, focuses on the assessment of the impacts of climate change on extreme rainfall in Qatar

Urban Climate Change Vulnerability, Responses, and Policies in Qatar: An Assessment

Urban climate change policies are critical for reducing carbon emissions and increasing societal resilience to future risks. This is especially true for the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which are arid environments with largely urban and coastal settlements. Their vulnerability to climate change impacts is high and has increased in the past due to economic growth, increased populations, wasteful lifestyles, urban expansion, and ongoing construction. Recently, in some of these countries, urban sustainable transformation is underway driven by new national agendas and ambitious megaprojects. This chapter assesses the ongoing urban climate change initiatives and policies in Qatar. It first introduces the overall urban climate change vulnerability in the context of urbanization, megaprojects, and economic growth. Later, it outlines current policies and initiatives. Using qualitative research and key informants’ interviews, urban climate policies are assessed with regard to gaps and strong points. They are also discussed in light of the country’s priorities and the regional context. Qatar’s urban climate policies are sketchy and rather embedded in national development frameworks and strategies. At the same time, there is a commitment toward incorporating climate change and emission reductions into the ongoing sustainable urbanization endeavors