112 research outputs found
Dosimetry characterization of P intravascular brachytherapy source wires using Monte Carlo codes PENELOPE and GEANT4
Monte Carlo calculations using the codes PENELOPE and GEANT4 have been
performed to characterize the dosimetric parameters of the new 20 mm long
catheter based P beta source manufactured by Guidant Corporation. The
dose distribution along the transverse axis and the two dimensional dose rate
table have been calculated. Also, the dose rate at the reference point, the
radial dose function and the anisotropy function were evaluated according to
the adapted TG-60 formalism for cylindrical sources. PENELOPE and GEANT4 codes
were first verified against previous results corresponding to the old 27 mm
Guidant P beta source. The dose rate at the reference point for the
unsheathed 27 mm source in water was calculated to be cGy
s mCi, for PENELOPE, and cGy s
mCi, for GEANT4. For the unsheathed 20 mm source these values were
cGy s mCi and cGy s
mCi, respectively. Also, a comparison with the limited data available on
this new source is shown. We found non negligible differences between the
results obtained with PENELOPE and GEANT4.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, 7 tables (accepted for publication in Medical
Physics
Stent-Based Retrieval Techniques in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with and Without Susceptibility Vessel Sign.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Randomized controlled trials have challenged the assumption that reperfusion success after mechanical thrombectomy varies depending on the retrieval techniques applied; however, recent analyses have suggested that acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients showing susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) may respond differently. We aimed to compare different stent retriever (SR)-based thrombectomy techniques with respect to interventional outcome parameters depending on SVS status.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 497 patients treated with SR-based thrombectomy for anterior circulation AIS. Imaging was conducted using a 1.5 T or 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for the interaction of SVS status and first-line retrieval technique. Results are shown as percentages, total values or adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
An SVS was present in 87.9% (n = 437) of patients. First-line SR thrombectomy was used to treat 293 patients, whereas 204 patients were treated with a combined approach (COA) of SR and distal aspiration. An additional balloon-guide catheter (BGC) was used in 273 SR-treated (93.2%) and 89 COA-treated (43.6%) patients. On logistic regression analysis, the interaction variable of SVS status and first-line retrieval technique was not associated with first-pass reperfusion (aOR 1.736, 95% CI 0.491-6.136; p = 0.392), overall reperfusion (aOR 3.173, 95% CI 0.752-13.387; p = 0.116), periinterventional complications, embolization into new territories, or symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The use of BGC did not affect the results.
CONCLUSION
While previous analyses indicated that first-line SR thrombectomy may promise higher rates of reperfusion than contact aspiration in AIS patients with SVS, our data show no superiority of any particular SR-based retrieval technique regardless of SVS status
Oestradiol-17β plasma concentrations after intramuscular injection of oestradiol benzoate or oestradiol cypionate in llamas (Lama glama)
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Llamas (<it>Lama glama</it>) are induced ovulators and the process of ovulation depends on dominant follicular size. In addition, a close relationship between behavioural estrus and ovulation is not registered in llamas. Therefore, the exogenous control of follicular development with hormones aims to predict the optimal time to mate. Oestradiol-17β (E<sub>2</sub>) and its esters are currently used in domestic species, including camelids, in synchronization treatments. But, in llamas, there is no reports regarding the appropriate dosages to be used and most protocols have been designed by extrapolation from those recommended for other ruminants. The aim of the present study was to characterize plasma E<sub>2 </sub>concentrations in intact female llamas following a single intramuscular (i.m.) injection of two oestradiol esters: oestradiol benzoate (EB) and oestradiol cypionate (ECP).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twelve non pregnant and non lactating sexually mature llamas were i.m. injected on day 0 with 2.5 mg of EB (EB group, n = 6) or ECP (ECP group, n = 6). Blood samples were collected immediately before injection, at 1, 6, 12, 24 h after treatment and then daily until day 14 post injection. Changes in hormone concentrations with time were analyzed in each group by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a repeated measures (within-SS) design. Plasma E<sub>2 </sub>concentrations and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values were compared between groups by ANOVA. In all cases a Least-Significant Difference test (LSD) was used to determine differences between means. Hormonal and AUC data are expressed as mean ± S.E.M.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Peak plasma E<sub>2 </sub>concentrations were achieved earlier and were higher in EB group than in ECP group. Thereafter, E<sub>2 </sub>returned to physiological concentrations earlier in EB group (day 5) than in ECP group (day 9). Although plasma E<sub>2 </sub>profiles differed over time among groups there were no differences between them on AUC values.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The i.m. injection of a single dose of both oestradiol esters resulted in plasma E<sub>2 </sub>concentrations exceeding physiological values for a variable period. Moreover, the plasma E<sub>2 </sub>profiles observed depended on the derivative of oestradiol administered. This basic information becomes relevant at defining treatment protocols including oestrogens in llamas.</p
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