Morphometric and meristic study of Garra rufa populations in Tigris and Persian Gulf Basins

This study was conducted to determine morphometric and meristic characteristics of Garra rufa in 13 stations of Tigris and Persian Gulf basins. We caught 310 specimens during the year 2007-2008 using electro-shocker and sachok. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis were conducted and the ANOVA revealed significant differences in 28 morphometric and 9 meristic factors (P<0.05). Factor analysis showed that G. rufa of thirteen stations had 48.855% changes in 3 factors of the first morphometric characters (pectoral fin length, ventral fin length, depth of anal fin) and 71/611% changes in 3 factors of the first meristic characters (lateral line scales , circum peduncle scales, predorsal scales). Plotting the first and second principal component morphometric and meristic characters showed that the Mond River population was separated from the others but the other populations were overlapping with each other in the characteristics studied

Bolus characteristics based on Magnetic Resonance Angiography

BACKGROUND: A detailed contrast bolus propagation model is essential for optimizing bolus-chasing Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Bolus characteristics were studied using bolus-timing datasets from Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) for adaptive controller design and validation. METHODS: MRA bolus-timing datasets of the aorta in thirty patients were analyzed by a program developed with MATLAB. Bolus characteristics, such as peak position, dispersion and bolus velocity, were studied. The bolus profile was fit to a convolution function, which would serve as a mathematical model of bolus propagation in future controller design. RESULTS: The maximum speed of the bolus in the aorta ranged from 5–13 cm/s and the dwell time ranged from 7–13 seconds. Bolus characteristics were well described by the proposed propagation model, which included the exact functional relationships between the parameters and aortic location. CONCLUSION: The convolution function describes bolus dynamics reasonably well and could be used to implement the adaptive controller design

Secondary Endoleak Management Following TEVAR and EVAR.

Endovascular abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm repair and are widely used to treat increasingly complex aneurysms. Secondary endoleaks, defined as those detected more than 30 days after the procedure and after previous negative imaging, remain a challenge for aortic specialists, conferring a need for long-term surveillance and reintervention. Endoleaks are classified on the basis of their anatomic site and aetiology. Type 1 and type 2 endoleaks (EL1 and EL2) are the most common endoleaks necessitating intervention. The management of these requires an understanding of their mechanics, and the risk of sac enlargement and rupture due to increased sac pressure. Endovascular techniques are the main treatment approach to manage secondary endoleaks. However, surgery should be considered where endovascular treatments fail to arrest aneurysm growth. This chapter reviews the aetiology, significance, management strategy and techniques for different endoleak types

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a dose threshold evaluation in those undergoing transarterial radioembolization

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare primary hepatic malignancy. One of the treatment strategies which has shown some promise is transarterial radioembolization (TARE). However, data on dose thresholds, arguably the most important aspect of the procedure itself, is still limited. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between dose to tumor and radiologic response in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients undergoing transarterial radioembolization. Methods: Twenty-patients who underwent treatment for 26 tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Radiologic response at 3-month was evaluated and post yttrium-90 bremsstrahlung single photon emission computerized tomography computed tomography was evaluated to determine tumor dose. Other factors such as particle load and activity per particle were evaluated. Results: The mean tumor dose for those with progressive disease or stable disease, partial response, and complete response (CR) by European Association for the Study of Liver (EASL) criteria for the glass cohort was 294±0, 465.4±292.4 and 951.8±666.5 Gy respectively (P=0.039). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of tumor dose demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.738 (P=0.038) with Youden-index analysis demonstrated a cutoff point of >541.7 Gy (sensitivity: 55.56%; specificity: 92.86%) for the glass cohort. Significantly longer survival was noted in those who achieved a CR [HR: 4.79 (95% CI: 1.41–16.25)] and those treated with glass as compared to resin [HR: 5.02 (95% CI: 1.23–20.55), P=0.025]. Of the 17 treatments in 13 patients which were done concomitantly with chemotherapy 7/17 (41.2%) required a delay in chemotherapy, however all patients reinitiated chemotherapy after a delay. Conclusions: There appears to be a relationship between tumor dose and radiologic response, with this study suggesting a target of ≥541.7 Gy being warranted in patients receiving treatment with glass microspheres. © Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]