SVM Optimization for Brain Tumor Identification Using Infrared Spectroscopic Samples.

The work presented in this paper is focused on the use of spectroscopy to identify the type of tissue of human brain samples employing support vector machine classifiers. Two different spectrometers were used to acquire infrared spectroscopic signatures in the wavenumber range between 1200⁻3500 cm. An extensive analysis was performed to find the optimal configuration for a support vector machine classifier and determine the most relevant regions of the spectra for this particular application.

Incidental findings on 18-FDG PET-CT in head and neck cancer. A retrospective case-control study of incidental findings on 18-FDG PET-CT in patients with head and neck cancer.

Purpose: Use of 18-FDG PET-CT is increasing in patients with head and neck cancer, enabling the identification of metastases or synchronous malignancies, but also 'incidental' disease. We aimed to establish the rate of 'incidental' findings resulting from 18-FDG PET-specific imaging, that would not have been otherwise identified on other imaging, in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing staging or surveillance of disease.

Methods: 18-FDG PET-CT was performed for investigation or surveillance.

A subarachnoid haemorrhage-specific outcome tool.

Functional outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage has traditionally been assessed using scales developed for other neurological conditions. The modified Rankin score and Glasgow Outcome Scale are most commonly used. Employment of these scales in subarachnoid haemorrhage is hampered by well recognized limitations.

Metalloproteinases ADAM10 and ADAM17 Mediate Migration and Differentiation in Glioblastoma Sphere-Forming Cells.

Glioblastoma is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumour. These tumours are highly proliferative and infiltrative resulting in a median patient survival of only 14 months from diagnosis. The current treatment regimens are ineffective against the small population of cancer stem cells residing in the tumourigenic niche; however, a new therapeutic approach could involve the removal of these cells from the microenvironment that maintains the cancer stem cell phenotype.

Middle ear capillary haemangioma: Review of literature and appraisal of management options.

Infantile middle ear capillary haemangiomas (MECH) are a rare entity with only five reported cases in the literature. At present there is no consensus regarding the management of such lesions. Extra-cutaneous haemangiomas have been successfully managed with oral propranolol but not yet reported in MECH.

Delayed post-operative haemorrhage after carmustine wafer implantation: a case series from two UK centres.

Object: Significant haemorrhage following intracranial tumour resection may occur in 1-2% of cases and the majority occur within the first few hours post-operatively. Implantation of carmustine wafers has been associated with increased operative site complications in some series, but post-operative haematoma is not routinely reported. We analyzed the characteristics of post-operative haemorrhage after carmustine wafer insertion.