A Multi-Modal Quantitative Analysis of Neurodegeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that is predominantly characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and the brainstem. Symptoms of SCA1 include worsening gait and a progressive loss of motor coordination, as well as a host of other symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) offer a means to measure the structural and chemical changes that occur in the brain in a reliable, quantitative, and non-invasive manner. This thesis aims to use multiple modalities of magnetic resonance, including MRS, structural MRI, and diffusion MRI, in order to quantitatively understand how the chemical, macrostructural, and microstructural characteristics of the brain are affected in SCA1. The information obtained from each of these modalities will then be used to outline a model of SCA1 that aims to describe the process of neurodegeneration from the cellular level, to the structural level, and finally to the symptomatic level. The results from this thesis may prove useful in understanding the process of neurodegeneration in SCA1, as well as offering a means of evaluating brain pathology for future clinical trials.Ravishankar, Adarsh. (2016). A Multi-Modal Quantitative Analysis of Neurodegeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/181431

Gemcitabine-Induced Radiation Recall Myositis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gemcitabine-induced radiation recall (GIRR) is a phenomenon wherein the administration of gemcitabine induces an inflammatory reaction within an area of prior radiation. We present the case of a 39-year-old female patient with metastatic breast cancer who experienced GIRR myositis 3 months following postoperative radiotherapy, with additional potential paraspinal myositis following ablative radiotherapy to the thoracic spine. A review of previously published cases of GIRR myositis was performed. The case and literature review describe the clinical course and presentation of GIRR, and highlight the importance of including radiation recall as part of a differential diagnosis when a patient undergoing chemotherapy experiences an inflammatory reaction at a prior site of radiation

Annual performance analysis of a single-basin passive solar still coupled with evacuated tubes: comprehensive study in climate conditions of Mahesana, Gujarat

A solar still is very simple device to convert available brackish or saline water into drinkable water by use of solar energy. But due to its lower distillate output, it is not used widely for industrial and domestic potable water application. In the present research paper, annual performance analysis of a single-basin passive solar still with vacuum tubes (SBSWVT) is carried out in climate conditions of Mahesna, Gujarat, India, during July 2011–June 2012. From constant research work of 1 year, energy payback time of 176 days and cost of water produced of around 0.716 Rs per litre have been found. © 2017, © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group