Position Of Organs Research Articles

Localization of prostatic tumor’s infection based on normalized mutual information MRI image segmentation

To investigate the effect of normalized mutual information (MRI) image segmentation in accurate localization of prostate cancer with infection and the role in disease treatment, the normalized mutual information method is used to measure the similarity of images, so as to select the maps. Then, the popular global weighted voting method and normalized mutual information method are applied to calculate the weights and carry out the label image fusion. The map selection method based on mutual information substantially completes the segmentation of the MRI image prostate. The prostate position is basically found on the 10 test images, and the positioning of the prostate organs is deviated in the worst case. In the case of poor multi-map segmentation, it usually happens when those are not well represented in the map. Because of the structural similarity of medical images, multi-atlas segmentation based on normalized mutual information method can be done. Using the prior information of atlas, the atlas label image can be selected. After fusion, the final segmentation of the test image can be completed, which has a high accuracy for the location of prostate cancer. This method can accurately delineate the target area in radiotherapy of prostate cancer and reduce the damage of rectum, bladder and other organs caused by radiotherapy. However, there are still some problems in this study, such as inadequate segmentation accuracy, long data processing time and so on. There is still a certain distance from practicality, and further research is needed.

Significant Improvement in Quality of Life, Positive Effect on Sexuality, Lasting Reconstructive Result and Low Rate of Complications Following Cystocele Correction Using a Lightweight, Large-Pore, Titanised Polypropylene Mesh

Introduction Patients who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse can experience severe limitations in their quality of life. To improve the quality of life of women affected and achieve a stable reconstruction, surgical therapy is often indispensable. In conventional prolapse surgery, the rate of recurrence is high. For this reason, alloplastic mesh has been implanted increasingly in recent years to reconstruct the anatomy of the pelvic floor organs. Even if the anatomical result can be significantly improved as a result, the mesh-induced complications have been the subject of controversial discussion. In this national, multicentre study, the quality of life, anatomical result as well as the rate of complications following the implantation of an alloplastic mesh for the correction of a cystocele were investigated. Method Fifty-four patients with symptomatic ≥ grade II were included in this prospective, national, multicentre study. The study participants were implanted with a titanised polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP ® PRO A, pfm medical ag). The follow-up observation period was 12 months. Primary as well as repeat procedures were taken into account. The anatomic result of the pelvic floor reconstruction was quantified using the POP-Q system. Data on quality of life and sexuality were collected using validated questionnaires. All complications which occurred were documented and evaluated by an independent committee. Results On average, the patients were in line with the census. An improvement in quality of life was able to be determined during the study in all domains investigated (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon test). Minus incorrect entries and incorrect reports, a total of 19 reports of adverse events in 15 patients were evaluated by the end of the study. The rate of recurrence in the anterior compartment was 4.3%. Conclusion In the reconstruction of the anatomical position of the pelvic floor organs given the presence of a symptomatic cystocele, the implantation of a third-generation alloplastic mesh achieves very good results. Affected patients benefit from the anatomical stability as well as a significant improvement in quality of life, whereby the risks are justifiable.

Estimation of organ absorbed dose in pediatric chest X-ray examination: A phantom study

Children have a greater risk of developing lifetime cancer and other biological effects from ionizing radiation exposure than adults. The aim of this study was to measure the absorbed dose received by lungs and heart in pediatric chest X-ray examination using nanoDot optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSLD). The X-ray system, Siemens Multix Top was used. A pediatric phantom developed by using beeswax and polyurethane foam was exposed at 50 kVp, 52 kVp, 55 kVp, 57 kVp and 60 kVp, with fixed tube current-exposure time (3 mAs), which is normally used in pediatric clinical chest X-ray examinations. The nanoDot OSLDs were placed in different parts in the thorax of the phantom according to the position of organs in the chest area, which are lungs and heart. For lungs, absorbed dose measurement nanoDot OSLDs were placed in the apex and base at three different depths. The phantom was exposed three times for each kVp value, and the absorbed doses were measured in mGy. The findings show that the measured absorbed dose to the heart increased with the increase in kVp. Overall, a 22% increase in absorbed dose to heart and a 29% increase in lungs with the increase in kVp was recorded. In addition, absorbed dose to the base of left and right lungs was recorded higher up to 9% as compared to the apex of lungs. In conclusion, the absorbed dosage increases with exposure, while the absorbed dose decreases with depth. It is necessary for the radiographer to select an appropriate exposure setting based on the physical characteristics of the pediatric patient.

Interspecific variation in organ position in hydrophiine snakes is explained by modifications to the vertebral column

Abstract Interspecific disparities in the position of the internal organs of snakes have been associated with evolutionary history and cardiovascular performance, as influenced by habitat use. For snakes, the positions of internal organs are typically determined as a linear measurement relative to body length. Therefore, interspecific variation in organ position could be explained either as heterotopic shifts in organ position or by modifications to the vertebral column. Using vertebral counts from radiographs, I determined the positions of the atria and pyloric sphincter relative to the cloaca in hydrophiine sea snakes. I found interspecific variation in the number of pre-atrial vertebrae to be labile, whereas the number of vertebrae in the atria to pyloric sphincter region and in the pyloric sphincter to cloaca region was relatively constrained. Furthermore, the number of pre-atrial vertebrae was dissociated from the number of vertebrae between the atria and cloaca, indicating that these two regions of the vertebral column can evolve independently. I conclude that variation in organ position among hydrophiine sea snake species is attributable, in part, to differences in the number of vertebrae among regions of the vertebral column rather than to heterotopic shifts in the positions of the internal organs.

Novel computational model of gastrula morphogenesis to identify spatial discriminator genes by self-organizing map (SOM) clustering

Deciphering the key mechanisms of morphogenesis during embryonic development is crucial to understanding the guiding principles of the body plan and promote applications in biomedical research fields. Although several computational tissue reconstruction methods using cellular gene expression data have been proposed, those methods are insufficient with regard to arranging cells in their correct positions in tissues or organs unless spatial information is explicitly provided. Here, we report SPRESSO, a new in silico three-dimensional (3D) tissue reconstruction method using stochastic self-organizing map (stochastic-SOM) clustering, to estimate the spatial domains of cells in tissues or organs from only their gene expression profiles. With only five gene sets defined by Gene Ontology (GO), we successfully demonstrated the reconstruction of a four-domain structure of mid-gastrula mouse embryo (E7.0) with high reproducibility (success rate = 99%). Interestingly, the five GOs contain 20 genes, most of which are related to differentiation and morphogenesis, such as activin A receptor and Wnt family member genes. Further analysis indicated that Id2 is the most influential gene contributing to the reconstruction. SPRESSO may provide novel and better insights on the mechanisms of 3D structure formation of living tissues via informative genes playing a role as spatial discriminators.

Prediction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with abnormal course of fetal superior mesenteric artery detected by ultrasound in first-trimester

Objective To investigate the clinical value of abnormal course of fetal superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) detected by ultrasound during the first trimester (11-13+6 weeks) in predicting congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods This study enrolled women who underwent fetal nuchal translucency (NT) screening during the first trimester in Central Hospital of Panyu District from March to December 2017. Low-speed high-definition flow imaging was used to observe the course of fetal SMA, and it was regarded as abnormal when the angle between SMA and abdominal aorta >90°. Once abnormal course of the SMA was suspected, the position of fetal thoracic cavity and abdominal organs would be scanned carefully. Furthermore, ultrasound examinations would be repeated at 16-18, 20-24, 28-32 and 37-40 weeks of gestation. Fetus diagnosed as CDH by ultrasound would be scheduled for MRI or autopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Pregnancy outcomes of all cases were followed up by telephone. Descriptive statistical analysis was used in this study. Results A total of 6 899 gravidas (6 964 fetuses) underwent NT scan during the first trimester were enrolled and the SMA of all fetuses were successfully displayed. Three cases with abnormal course of the SMA were identified. Two of them were diagnosed with left CDH at 17+ and 23+ weeks of gestation, which was confirmed by autopsy after termination of pregnancy, and the other one terminated pregnancy in first trimester due to a large omphalocele. Among the 6 961 fetuses with normal SMA, the pregnancy outcomes of 6 120 were successfully followed up, only one of which was found to have left CDH at 32 gestational weeks by ultrasound examination, and was later confirmed by neonatal MRI after delivery. No other fetal CDH was detected. Conclusions Abnormal course of the SMA identified in early pregnancy may be a simple and effective indicator for CDH that allow early intervention and treatment. Key words: Pregnancy trimester, first; Mesenteric artery, superior; Congenital abnormalities; Hernias, diaphragmatic, congenital; Forecasting

Nemerteans from the deep-sea expedition KuramBio II with descriptions of three new hoplonemerteans from the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench

The benthic and plankton samples collected during the KuramBioII expedition (August–September 2016) along the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench contained 117 benthic and 6 pelagic specimens of nemerteans from seven groups: (1) palaeonemerteans of the family Carininidae; (2) tubulanid palaeonemerteans; (3) lineid Heteronemertea; (4) pelagic Polystilifera; (5) reptantian Polystilifera; (6) cratenemertean Hoplonemertea; (7) eumonostiliferous Hoplonemertea. The maximum depth at which nemerteans were found in the expedition is 9577 m. Systematic positions of 26 specimens were established based on five gene markers (16S, 28S, 18S, COI, and H3). All the collected benthic nemerteans are attributed to species new to science. None of the species occurred both in the abyssal and hadal samples and, apparently, among benthic nemerteans eurybathic species with a wide range of habitat depths are not as common. Nemertovema norenburgi sp. nov. from depths of 8220 and 8271 m is closely related to N. hadalis Chernyshev & Polyakova, 2018 from the Puerto Rico Trench: the p-distances between the COI gene sequences of the two species are only 8.1–8.5% despite the huge geographic gap between the two trenches. Proamphiporus crandalli gen. et sp. nov., collected from a depth of 5495 m, possesses an unusual for Eumonostilifera position of cerebral organs and is very similar to Amphiporus rectangulus Strand et al., 2014 from the coastal waters of Norway. Galathenemertes giribeti gen. et sp. nov., found in the tube of Galatheanthemum sp. from depth of 7256 m, is the deepest known symbiotic nemertean and the second known species associated with Actinia. According to a phylogenetic analysis, six species of the abyssal and hadal Carininidae collected in the Northwest Pacific form a sister clade to the shallow-water species of the Carinina. Reptantia is a polyphyletic group, because Uniporus belongs to the Cratenemertea clade, but other reptantians are a paraphyletic group where the pelagic Polystilifera is sister to the subclade of three hadal reptantian species from the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. A giant free-swimming juvenile,attributed to the same species as theundescribed sublittoral cratenemertid nemertean from the coastal waters off Iturup Island (Cratenemertidae sp. IZ-45644), was collected at a distance of more than 100 km from the nearest of the Kuril Islands, which indicates swimming by juveniles as another dispersal mechanism for nemerteans. Our phylogenetic analysis has shown that the suborder Eumonostilifera includes two large sister clades, Amphiporina and Oerstediina.

Retrospective study comparing MR-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) setup strategies for prostate treatment: repositioning vs. replanning

BackgroundThis study compared adaptive replanning and repositioning corrections based on soft-tissue matching for prostate cancer by using the magnetic resonance-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) system.MethodsA total of 19 patients with prostate cancer were selected retrospectively. Weekly magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans were acquired for 5 weeks for each patient to observe the anatomic changes during the treatment course. Initial intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans (iIMRT) were generated for each patient with 13 coplanar 60Co beams on a ViewRay™ system. Two techniques were applied: patient repositioning and replanning. For patient repositioning, one plan was created: soft-tissue (prostate) matching (Soft). The dose distribution was calculated for each MRI with the beam delivery parameters from the initial IMRT plan. The replanning technique was used to generate the Adaptive plan, which was the reoptimized plan for the weekly MRI. The dose-volumetric parameters of the planning target volume (PTV), bladder, and rectum were calculated for all plans. During the treatment course, the PTV, bladder, and rectum were evaluated for changes in volume and the effect on dosimetric parameters. The differences between the dose-volumetric parameters of the plans were examined through the Wilcoxon test. The initial plan was used as a baseline to compare the differences.ResultsThe Adaptive plan showed better target coverage during the treatment period, but the change was not significant in the Soft plan. There were significant differences in D98%, D95%, and D2% in PTV between the Soft and Adaptive plans (p < 0.05) except for Dmean. There was no significant change in Dmax and Dmean as the treatment progressed with all plans. All indices for the Adaptive plan stayed the same compared to those of iIMRT during the treatment course. There were significant differences in D15%, D25%, D35%, and D50% in the bladder between the Soft and Adaptive plans. The Adaptive plan showed the worse dose sparing than the Soft plan for the bladder according to each dosimetric index. In contrast to the bladder, the Adaptive plan achieved better sparing than the Soft plan during the treatment course. The significant differences were only observed in D15% and D35% between the Soft and Adaptive plans (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPatient repositioning based on the target volume (Soft plan) can relatively retain the target coverage for patients and the OARs remain at a clinically tolerance level during the treatment course. The Adaptive plan did not clinically improve for the dose delivered to OARs, it kept the dose delivered to the target volume constant. However, the Adaptive plan is beneficial when the organ positions and volumes change considerable during treatment.

METHOD FOR PREDICTING PARAMETERS OF THE AEROIONIC MODE IN OPEN TERRAIN GROUND AREAS

Purpose. The scientific work is devoted to the development of a new method for forecasting aeroionic mode in working areas at industrial sites, taking into account ionizing sources and surrounding obstacles. Methodology. To find the concentration of positive aeroions, dust and negative aeroions, we use 3D mass transfer equations that take into account the rate of recombination of ions having different polarity and the rate of recombination of ions with dust particles. The numerical solution is based on the integration of the mass transfer equations using the finite-difference method, which turns out to be stable for any step in time. To determine the components of the air velocity vector, a three-dimensional model of the potential flow is used, where the Laplace equations for the velocity potential are the modeling equations. Findings. The mathematical method of numerical calculation of the concentration of positive, negative aeroions and dust has been developed. A feature of the method is the possibility of predicting the aeroionic mode, taking into account all physical factors that significantly affect the formation of concentration zones of aeroions in working areas at industrial sites. The method is not tied to a particular industrial site, it allows us to estimate the value of the concentration of aeroions both locally and in the entire calculated region. Originality. A method for prediction of aeroionic mode in working areas is developed based on 3D modeling of the propagation of negative, positive aeroions and dust under the influence of wind and diffusion, which allows to obtain results at each point of space or in a specific cross-section. Practical value. The proposed method of forecasting was used to solve the problem of estimating aeroionic mode in industrial zones in the open area of the industrial site of the Dnipro oil extraction plant in the presence of emission sources: positive aeroions during the operation of vehicles and respiration of workers; dust during the movement of workers and vehicles; negative aeroions of the ionizer installed in the working zone. The regularities of changes in the concentration of aeroions of various polarity and dust at a height of 1.7 m are determined, which corresponds to the position of the respiratory organs of workers. Quantitative results are needed in assessing the permissible working conditions in the workplaces of industrial sites of enterprises when creating new jobs and reengineering existing ones.

DIGITAL ERA IN CROSS-SECTIONAL HUMAN ANATOMY: THE USE OF DETAILED IMAGES IN THE STUDY PROCESS

INTRODUCTION&#x0D; An increasing number of digital technologies have been introduced which assist in some practical aspects of the teaching and learning of Human Anatomy. For modern-day students, more and more cross-sectional images of the human body are available as materials in their studies. Digital 2D images and/or 3D images such as high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance (MR) have been received with much enthusiasm and have found their way into anatomy courses and practical classes. An emphasis on sectional anatomy can help medical students develop and improve their knowledge of cross‐sectional imaging.&#x0D; The aim of this study was to assess and verify the impact of cross-sectional images on the study of Human Anatomy.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS&#x0D; 200 medical students in their 2nd study year at Rīga Stradiņš University were included in this investigation in 2018. In practical classes, all students were asked by tutors to identify several anatomical structures using "Anatomage", a 3D virtual dissection table (USA). They were randomly divided into two groups: Group I analysed cross-sectional images of the human body after cutting and segmentation with interactive tools; Group II studied X-rays, CT scans and MRI images of different regions and systems. Similar images in all possible cross-sectional planes were displayed. The pathological findings from the cross-sectional images were used to develop several clinical questions and cases. At the beginning of each practical class, the tutor spent about 30 minutes demonstrating the themes in the images to all the students. At the end of the teaching session, their understanding of the relationships between anatomical structures and the rate of cross-sectional image effectiveness among both groups was assessed by means of discussion.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; By this time, students were able to identify the position of bones and organs from the lectures, practical classes and dissections. The majority of students recognized the landmarks, anatomical structures and relationships between them on cross-sectional images in three planes. By removing different kinds of tissue, students in both groups were able to learn more difficult anatomical topics and to explain details in these complicated regions. Self-assessment exercises helped students verify their understanding of topographical relations and regional anatomy. In these groups, students with less prior anatomy experience wanted to focus more on the basics of anatomy whereas students with more prior anatomy experience wanted to see and study more complex and interactive materials in cross-sectional images.&#x0D; CONCLUSION&#x0D; This study demonstrated the role of the 3D virtual dissection table "Anatomage" in facilitating students' ability to interpret cross-sectional images and understand the relationships between different anatomical structures. All the X-rays, CT scans and MRI cross-sectional images used played an important role in the teaching and learning of Human Anatomy. Skills and the ability to interpret these medical images is important for the application of anatomical knowledge right from basic studies until clinical courses.&#x0D;

When to stop: an update on molecular mechanisms of floral meristem termination.

Flowers have fascinated humans for millennia, not only because of their beauty, but also because they give rise to fruits, from which most agricultural products are derived. In most angiosperms, the number and position of floral organs are morphologically and genetically defined, and their development is tightly controlled by complex regulatory networks to ensure reproductive success. How flower development is temporally initiated and spatially maintained has been widely researched. As the flower develops, the balance between proliferation and differentiation dynamically shifts towards organogenesis and termination of floral stem cell maintenance. In this review, we focus on recent findings that further reveal the intricate molecular mechanisms for precise timing of floral meristem termination.

Structure and Morphometrics of Ancyrocephalus Paradoxus (Monogenea: Ancyrocephalidae) from Sander Lucioperca (Percidae) in Czechia.

SummaryNew morphometric data, including details of the copulatory system and attachment structures, as well as inner organs are provided for Ancyrocephalus paradoxus Creplin, 1839. Scanning electron microscopy reveals new information of the body shape, position of the cephalic organs’ openings, and structure of anchors, as well as differences in the in anchors’ structure in adults and sub-adults of A. paradoxus. Energy dispersive analysis for X-ray was conducted for the first time for anchors in Monogenea and revealed structural differences between different parts of the anchors in two age groups.

A New Species of Synbranchiella (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) from the Mountain Mullet (Dajaus monticola) in Costa Rica

A new species of the recently erected genus of proteocephalid cestodes, Synbranchiella Arredondo, Alves and Gil de Pertierra, 2017 , is described based on specimens found in the mountain mullet, Dajaus monticola (Bancroft, 1834), from Costa Rica. The new species is placed in Synbranchiella because of the cortical position of the genital organs (typical of the former subfamily Monticelliinae); a robust scolex (lacking a metascolex) having a dome-shaped apex and biloculate suckers (lacking free posterior margins); vitelline follicles in 2 narrow lateral bands; a vagina always anterior to the cirrus-sac; and a genital pore that is markedly pre-equatorial, i.e., close to the anterior margin of proglottids. The new species, Synbranchiella megacirrus, differs from the type and only other species of the genus, Synbranchiella mabelae Arredondo, Alves and Gil de Pertierra, 2017 , that infects the marbled swamp eel, Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795, in Argentina by the absence of preporal vitelline follicles (present in S. mabelae); a well-developed, large, elongate vaginal sphincter (small and ring-like in S. mabelae); and a large cirrus-sac relative to the proglottid size (cirrus-sac length is on average 48% of the proglottid width in S. megacirrus vs. 31% in the latter species). This is the first adult tapeworm reported from mountain mullet and the first record of the genus outside of South America, thereby greatly extending the range of distribution of species of Synbranchiella.

Factors associated with deformation accuracy and modes of failure for MRI-optimized cervical brachytherapy using deformable image registration

PurposeTo identify factors associated with MRI-to-CT image deformation accuracy and modes of failure for MRI-optimized intracavitary high-dose-rate treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods and MaterialsTwenty-six patients with locally advanced cervical cancer had preimplantation MRI registered and deformed to postimplantation CT images using anatomically constrained and biomechanical model–based deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms. Cervix (primary) and cervix plus 10-mm margin (secondary) were used as controlling regions of interest for deformation. High-risk clinical target volume defined on pre-MRI was propagated to CT and evaluated for clinical utility in optimizing target volumes using scores 0 (low performing) to 4 (high performing). Quantitative evaluation of deformation performance included Dice index, distance to agreement, center of mass (COM) differences, cervical/uterus volume, and geometric change in organ position for MR-projected structures. Statistical analysis was performed to identify predictors of clinical utility and modes of failure. ResultsAnatomically constrained and biomechanical model–based deformable image registration algorithms achieved clinical utility >3 in 65% and 81% of patients, respectively. This improved to 81% and 85%, respectively, if cervix plus margin was used to drive deformations. Total COM displacement (cervix plus uterus) had the highest sensitivity in predicting low from high clinical utility in optimizing target volumes. Deformation failure (low clinical utility) resulted from high COM displacement, high cervical volume change, and retroverted uterine anatomy. ConclusionsMRI-to-CT deformable image registration using a cervix-controlling region of interest can aid clinical target delineation in cervical brachytherapy and potentially improve brachytherapy implant quality and clinical workflow. Deformation failures warrant further study and prospective deformation validation.

A Revision of Cuphea section Amazoniana s. s. (Lythraceae)

Abstract—Cuphea section Amazoniana, one of 13 sections in Cuphea, comprises 20 species, mostly narrow endemics in Colombia, Ecuador, and the Guiana Shield region of Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil. The species inhabit river margins, tepuis, scrubland, savanna, and low montane forests in tropical to cold temperate climates. They are subshrubs defined by the common presence of a strigose indumentum of bifid (malpighiaceous) trichomes; small elliptic to narrowly lanceolate or linear coriaceous leaves; and tubular flowers to 9 mm long with 11 deeply inserted stamens included in the floral tube. In morphology, they are similar to or partially overlap species currently classified in Cuphea sections Trispermum and Heteranthus. The revision provides a new key, comparative morphological descriptions, first descriptions and illustrations of pollen and seed morphology, and distribution maps. Cuphea saxatilis S. A. Graham, sp. nov. from Colombia and Cuphea trisperma S. A. Graham, sp. nov. from Venezuela are newly described. Cuphea killipii Lourteig is placed in synonomy of C. philombria Lourteig. Presence or absence of a floral spur, position and shape of a nectary-like floral organ, the “disc”, and presence of two major pollen types suggest the section is not monophyletic, but consists of a minimum of two phylogenetic lineages, one in the Guiana Shield region in Venezuela and eastward, the other in low montane forests and on outliers of the Guiana Shield in Colombia and northern Ecuador. Fossilized Cuphea pollen grains resembling two types of pollen known in sect. Amazoniana, establish the presence of the genus in the Mio-Pliocene to Holocene of northern South America in areas occupied today by members of the section.

Improving molecular radiotherapy dosimetry using anthropomorphic calibration

The optimised delivery of Molecular Radiotherapy requires individualised calculation of absorbed dose to both targeted lesions and neighbouring healthy tissue. To achieve this, accurate quantification of the activity distribution in the patient by external detection is vital. MethodsThis work extends specific anatomy-related calibration to true organ shapes. A set of patient-specific 3D printed organ inserts based on a diagnostic CT scan was produced, comprising the liver, spleen and both kidneys. The inserts were used to calculate patient-specific calibration factors for 177Lu. These calibration factors were compared with previously reported calibration factors for corresponding organ models based on the Cristy and Eckerman phantom series and for a comparably sized sphere. Monte Carlo calculations of the patient-specific radiation dose were performed for comparison with current clinical dosimetry methods for these data. ResultsPatient-specific calibration factors are shown to be dependent on the volume, shape and position of the organ containing activity with a corresponding impact on the calculation of the dose to the patient. The impact of organ morphology on calculated dose is reduced when the dominant contributor to dose is beta particles. This is due to the small range of beta particles in tissue. Overestimations of recovered activity and hence dose of up to 135% are observed. ConclusionFor accurate quantification to be performed calibration factors accounting for organ size, shape and position must be used. Such quantification is vital if accurate, patient-specific dosimetry is to be achieved.

Re-planning Bladder Cancer Radiotherapy: Should we be Moving to Adaptive Radiotherapy?

Purpose: Variation in organ shape and position significantly compromises target coverage despite typically large margins for bladder radiotherapy [1]. Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) strategies can be employed to reduce normal tissue dose and therefore toxicity [2]. With the increased time burden for bladder PTV revision mid-treatment we sought to identify the indications for re-plan and assess bladder size and position interfractional changes compared with planned volume, to identify whether ART introduction would be beneficial.

Radiation levels of UV-A and UV-B on growth parameters and coumarin content in guaco

ABSTRACT: Guaco is a medicinal plant species containing coumarin, a secondary metabolite whose concentration is influenced by various factors, such as the level of exposure to UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm) radiation, age of the plant, and position of the storage organ in the plant. This study aimed to assess the effect of different blocking levels of UVA and UVB radiation on growth parameters and coumarin content of two guaco accessions. Treatments did not affect any of the growth parameters assessed, except leaf area. Coumarin content was higher in leaves collected from the upper canopy and with unblocked exposure to UVA and UVB.

Robotic pelvic reconstruction for a case of multiple uterine myomas with acute urinary retention combined with pelvic organ prolapse and occult stress urinary incontinence

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of the female organs that result in a protrusion of the vagina and/or uterus. Women often present with multiple complaints including bladder, bowel, and pelvic symptoms. Urinary retention was the symptom that woman presents uncommonly. Treatments of urinary retention were including removing the etiology of compression of the urethra and rescuing the normal position of pelvic organs. Surgery may be by abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic or robotic approach according to doctor's skillfulness, patient's need, and involving pelvic organs. Robotic technology has advantages of minimally invasive surgery such as reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery times. It also has advantages of faster performance times, increased accuracy, enhanced dexterity, more accessible and more comfortable suturing, and a lower number of errors when compared to conventional laparoscopic instrumentation. Hence, it could be performed complex surgery such as this case. We present a case of multiple uterine myomas with compression symptoms and occult stress urinary incontinence. At the case of paravaginal wall defect with stress incontinence, she underwent robotic Burch colposuspension and paravaginal repair. Robotic pelvic reconstruction can be accomplished safely and efficiently and should be considered as an option for patients who had POP with urinary incontinence and who are prepared undergoing robotic surgery.

Defecography in contemporary coloproctological diagnostics

Evacuatory difficulty is a common problem covering a large spectrum of disorders, from constipation to faecal incontinence. In addition to a visit to a surgeon-proctologist, the diagnosis of impaired defecation often requires urological and gynaecological evaluation. Many pathologies causing evacuatory difficulty, such as full thickness rectal prolapse, reduced sphincter tone and haemorrhoidal disease, can be detected by clinicians already at the stage of physical examination. A large group of pathologies may be detected using standard diagnostic techniques such as colonoscopy and pelvic imaging, e.g. computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and transabdominal/transrectal/transvaginal ultrasonography. However, certain abnormalities are only visible during functional pelvic examination. These include rectocele, sigmoidocele, enterocele, internal intussusception, cystocele, and spastic pelvic floor syndrome. Defecography is guided by either X-ray or MRI. Pelvic function may be also assessed using transperineal ultrasonography. Defecography involves 4 phases: rest, forced contraction, strain, and defecation. The anorectal angle and, in the case of MRI, the PCL line (which is a reference point for most measurements), are determined in order to evaluate the position and mobility of pelvic organs. Pelvic function evaluation helps differentiate patients with evacuatory difficulties requiring surgical intervention from those who need conservative treatment (exercises, electrostimulation). Furthermore, it helps choose an appropriate technique and surgical access, as well as select patients requiring a more interdisciplinary approach.