http://7thspace.com/headlines/287079/fractal_parameters_and_vascular_networks_facts_andartifacts.html
Fractal parameters and vascular networks: facts &artifacts
Several fractal and non-fractal parameters have been considered for the
quantitative *****sment of the vascular architecture, using a variety of
test specimens and of computational tools. The fractal parameters have
the advantage of being scale invariant, i.e.
to be independent of the magnification and resolution of the images to
be investigated, making easier the comparison among different setups and
experiments.
Results: The success of several commercial and/or free codes in
computing the fractal parameters has been tested on well known exact
models. Based on such a preliminary study, we selected the code Frac-lac
in order to analyze images obtained by visualizing the angiogenetic
process occurring in chick Chorio Allontoic Membranes (CAM), assumed to
be paradigmatic of a realistic 2D vascular network.
Among the parameters investigated, the fractal dimension Df proved to be
the most robust estimator for CAM vascular networks. Moreover, only Df
was able to discriminate between effective and elusive increases in
vascularization after drug-induced angiogenic stimulations on CAMs.
Conclusion: The fractal dimension Df is likely to be the most promising
tool for monitoring the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic therapies in
various clinical contexts.
Author: Daniele Mancardi, Gianfranco Varetto, Enrico Bucci, Fabrizio
Maniero and Caterina Guiot
Credits/Source: Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling 2008, 5:12
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