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Objectives: To assess the predictive accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler combined with two-dimensional (2D) Doppler ultrasonography in detecting fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: The study was conducted on singleton pregnancies presenting for growth ultrasound examinations between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation. 63 patients with FGR were enrolled and matched 1:1.8 for gestational age with normal fetuses. Both groups were further divided into subgroups, with 32 weeks as the threshold—early-onset and late-onset FGR groups, and corresponding control groups. Conventional 2D Doppler parameters and standardized 3D power Doppler measurements of the placenta, including vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization-flow index (VFI) were obtained for each patient. Results: (1) The average gestational weeks of delivery and birth weight of newborns in early-onset and late-onset FGR case groups were lower than those in control groups, while the incidence of placenta previa and adverse pregnancy outcomes were higher than those in control groups. (2) The biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, estimated fetal weight, middle cerebral artery systolic/diastolic velocity ratio (S/D), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and placental blood perfusion indices of vascular index (VI), flow index (FI), vascular flow index (VFI), and cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) of the early-onset and late-onset FGR case groups were all lower than those of the control group. Moreover, the S/D, PI, and RI of the umbilical and uterine arteries were higher than those of the corresponding control group. (3) For early-onset FGR, the area under the curve (AUC) of the umbilical artery PI was the largest (0.861), exhibiting the highest predictive value. When combined with the placental blood perfusion index, the AUC was 0.789. For late-onset FGR, the AUC of the CPR was 0.861. After integrating the placental blood perfusion index, the AUC increased to 0.877. The positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of combined 2D Doppler indexes (21.938) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of VFI (0.565) were the highest in the early-onset FGR group. The PLR of combined 3D Doppler indexes (8.536) and NLR of VFI (0.557) were the highest in the late-onset FGR group. Conclusions: The combination of 3D Doppler indices with 2D Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated superior predictive value in diagnosing late-onset FGR compared to other conventional indicators. The 3D Dower index, VFI, has a good true-negative predictive value for both early- and late-onset FGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis with intussusception is acute and severe vasculitis combined with acute abdomen in children. The diagnosis of the disease depends on the results of imaging examinations, and its treatment mainly includes enema and surgery. The literature summarized the detailed diagnosis and treatment data in previous literature reports. Methods: We described the clinical manifestations, ultrasonic features, and treatment of patients admitted to a single center and reviewed previous literature regarding cases with detailed clinical data in the PubMed database within the past 20 years. Results: The review included 36 patients, including 22 boys and 14 girls. A total of 32 patients were diagnosed using ultrasound (88.9%). The main sites of intussusception were the ileum and ileocolon in 16 (44.4%) and 11 (30.6%) cases, respectively. Thirteen patients (36.1%) were treated with enema, with 6 responding to the treatment. 26 patients (72.2%) underwent surgical treatment. Patients with ileal intussusception were more likely to be treated with surgery than those with colonic intussusception (P <.05). The single-center clinical data of 23 patients showed that there was no significant difference in laboratory test findings between patients with and without surgical treatment (P >.05). Patients with long insertion lengths were more likely to require surgery and resection (P <.05). Conclusions: Ultrasonography is the first-line investigation for diagnosis. The main sites of intussusception were ileum and ileocolon. The length of intubation was related to surgery; treatment is according to the intussusception site. Air enema is not suitable for intussusception of the small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are a variety of methods for ultrasound to localize the conus medullaris. A concern is that measured values can be influenced by variations in spinal flexion and extension. OBJECTIVE: To overcome this limitation, the present study measures the horizontal distance (HD) between the end of the conus medullaris and the caudal edge of last vertebral body ossification in normal fetus at different gestational weeks, and analyzes the relationship between the measured value and fetal growth, as well as the utility of these measurements in assessing the position of the conus medullaris. METHODS: A total of 655 fetuses at gestational weeks 18–40, who underwent routine prenatal ultrasound, were selected in the study. We measured the distance between the end of the cone of the fetal spinal cord and the caudal end of the final vertebral ossification center (Distance1, D1), the distance between the end of the spinal cord cone and the intersection of the extension of D1 with the caudal skin (Distance2, D2), and HD. We analyzed the correlation between the measurements and gestational weeks, established normal reference values, the ratio of D1, D2 and HD to the commonly used growth parameters was calculated. The ratios of D1, D2, HD and the application value of each ratio phase were analyzed, and the reliability analysis of repeated measurement results among physicians was performed. RESULTS: D1, D2 and HD exhibited strong linear correlations with gestational weeks. Among the ratios of D1, D2 and HD to common growth parameters, D2/FL stabilized after 20 weeks of gestation and consistently exceeded 1. Repeatability tests between D1, D2 and HD showed good reliability (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: D1, D2 and HD are significantly correlated with gestational age. Horizontal distance measurement can effectively determine the position of fetal conus medullaris, enabling rapid prenatal evaluation of low position of conus medullaris and excluding the possibility of tethered cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Diagnosing musculoskeletal infections in children is challenging. In recent years, with the advancement of ultrasound technology, high-resolution ultrasound has unique advantages for musculoskeletal children. The aim of this work is to summarize the ultrasonographic and clinical characteristics of children with pyogenic arthritis and osteomyelitis. This study provides a simpler and more effective diagnostic basis for clinical treatment. Methods Fifty children with osteomyelitis or arthritis were diagnosed via ultrasound, and the results of the ultrasound diagnosis were compared with those of magnetic resonance imaging and surgery. Clinical and ultrasound characteristics were also analyzed. Results Out of 50 patients, 46 were confirmed to have suppurative infection by surgical and microbiological examination. Among these 46 patients, 26 were diagnosed with osteomyelitis and 20 had arthritis. The manifestations of osteomyelitis were subperiosteal abscess (15 patients), bone destruction (17 patients), bone marrow abscess (9 patients), and adjacent joint abscess (13 patients). Osteomyelitis mostly affects the long bones of the limbs, femur and humerus (10 and 9 patients, respectively), followed by the ulna, radius, tibia and fibula (one patient each). The manifestations of arthritis were joint pus (20 patients) and joint capsule thickening (20 patients), and hip dislocation (8 patients). All the patients had arthritis involving the hip joint. Conclusion Subperiosteal abscess, bone destruction, and joint abscess with dislocation are ultrasonographic features of pyogenic osteoarthritis. The findings of this work can improve the early diagnosis and differentiation of pyogenic osteoarthritis and provide a reliable basis for treatment.

Background. Postpartum hemorrhage is recognized as a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in the world. Predicting postpartum hemorrhage in high-risk patients with uterine scar enables preventive measures to be scheduled and costs of treatment and rehabilitation to be reduced.Objective. To determine antenatal predictors of high postpartum hemorrhage risk in pregnant women with uterine scar in order to improve the prevention of massive blood loss.Methods. An observational cohort study involves the medical records of 4494 maternity women with uterine scar (pregnancy and delivery histories) of the Perinatal Center of Regional Clinical Hospital No. 2, Krasnodar Krai. The study sample included data of maternity women coded O34.2 according to International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, for the period from 2017 to 2020. The sample participants were distributed into two groups depending on the blood loss during delivery, determined in compliance with clinical recommendations: a group of patients without massive blood loss during delivery and a group of patients with massive blood loss in labor/early postpartum period. The study was mainly focused on parameters of the prediction performance of bleeding in labor and early postpartum period in pregnant women with uterine scar using a multiparametric, logistic regression models. The study considered demographic data, comorbidity, obstetric history, pregnancy course, ultrasound data, and volume of blood loss at delivery. The performance of prediction for postpartum hemorrhage was calculated using multivariate binary logistic regression. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out by means of statistical software package SPSS Version 26 (IBM, USA). Two-sided p-value < 0.05 was taken as a statistically significant difference. A prognostic significance of predictors was determined by binary logistic regression. The Wald statistic was used to determine an observed significance. In order to define the performance of the model, the study involved calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, Nagelkerke coefficient of determination, as well as performing ROC analysis. The DeLong test was used for paired comparisons of ROC curves.Results. In the retrospective follow-up group (2017–2020) (n = 502), postpartum hemorrhage with massive blood loss occurred in 41 cases (8.17%). For the model based on clinical-anamnestic predictors, the prediction performance for postpartum hemorrhage comprised: sensitivity = 12.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1–26.2); specificity = 99.3% (95% CI 98.1–99.9); positive predictive value = 62.5% (95% CI 24.5–91.5); negative predictive value = 92.6% (95% CI 89.9–94.8); area under the ROC curve = 0.864 (95% CI 0.807–0.920), p < 0.001. The prediction performance for the model based on three ultrasound predictors (asymmetry coefficient of placental thickness, uterine wall bulging in the scar and myometrial thickness in the placentation zone) comprised: sensitivity = 85.4% (95% CI 70.8–94.4); specificity = 98.5% (95% CI 96.9–99.4); positive predictive value = 83.3% (95% CI 68.6–93.0); negative predictive value = 98.7% (95% CI 97.2–99.5); area under the ROC curve = 0.919 (95% CI 0.855–0.983), p < 0.001. No significant difference was revealed for the performance of the models ( p = 0.170). For the model based on ultrasound predictors and placenta previa, the prediction performance comprised: sensitivity = 85.4% (95% CI 70.8–94.4); specificity = 98.5% (95% CI 96.9–99.4); positive predictive value = 83.3% (95% CI 68.6–93.0); negative predictive value = 98.7% (95% CI 97.2–99.5); area under the ROC curve = 0.955 (95% CI 0.912–0.999), p < 0.001. The model based on clinical-anamnestic and ultrasound indicators predicted postpartum hemorrhage with sensitivity equal to 85.4% (95% CI 70.8–94.4); specificity — 98.9% (95% CI 97.4–99.6); positive predictive value — 87.5% (95% CI 73.2–95.8); negative predictive value — 98.7% (95% CI 97.1–99.5); area under the ROC curve — 0.984 (95% CI 0.966–1.0), р < 0,001. Thus, this model outperformed the model based on clinical-anamnestic data (p < 0.001), based on ultrasound predictors (p = 0.006) and revealed no difference with the model considering placenta previa and ultrasound predictors (p = 0.127). Using prenatal prediction of postpartum hemorrhage based on ultrasound features, the incidence of massive blood loss at delivery decreased from 6.88/1000 deliveries (2019–2020) to 4.18/1000 deliveries (2021–2022) (p < 0.001).Conclusion. Ultrasound predictors in pregnant women with uterine scar increase the sensitivity of antenatal prediction of postpartum hemorrhage based on the assessment of clinical and anamnestic risk factors, thereby enabling preventive measures to be scheduled in the risk group and incidence of massive blood loss to be reduced.

The paper presents the modeling of transmission of the ultrasonic plane wave through an uniform liquid layer. The considered sources of the ultrasonic wave were normal (straight) beam longitudinal wave probes and angle beam sheer waves probes commonly used in non-destructive testing. Coupling losses (CL) introduced by the presence of the coupling layer are discussed and determined applying the numerical procedure. The modeling applies to both monochromatic waves and short ultrasonic pulses with a specified frequency bandwidth. Model implementation and validation was performed using a specialized software. The predictions of the model were confirmed by coupling losses measurements for a normal beam longitudinal wave probe with a delay line made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The developed model can be useful in designing ultrasonic probes for high-speed rail track inspections, especially for establishing the optimal thickness of the water coupling layer and estimation of coupling losses, due to inevitable changes of the water gap during mobile rail inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the value of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid tumors. Methods An AI system was developed, and a retrospective analysis was conducted on 500 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at Xuzhou Central Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. Patient demographics, surgical information, AI grading indicators, TI-RADS classifications, and postoperative pathological findings were collected. The accuracy of AI and TI-RADS in predicting thyroid cancer was compared. Results Among the 500 patients, 390 were diagnosed with thyroid cancer and 110 were benign nodules. The AI achieved an accuracy of 88.5% in predicting thyroid cancer and 87.3% in predicting benign tumors, with an overall accuracy of 88.2%. The TI-RADS had a predictive accuracy of 80.3% for thyroid cancer and 80.9% for benign tumors, with an overall predictive accuracy of 80.4%. The AI group had higher accuracy rates for malignancy and overall prediction compared to the TI-RADS group (P＜0.05). The AI system had a higher accuracy rate for predicting papillary carcinoma compared to the TI-RADS (89.9% vs 81.2%, χ2=10.525，P＜0.05), while no statistically significant differences were found in predicting follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma compared to TI-RADS (P＞0.05). Conclusion Both the AI system and TI-RADS have significant value in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The AI system demonstrates higher accuracy compared to the TI-RADS grading system, and similar results are observed in different subtypes of thyroid cancer.

As a benign disease, the incidence of epididymal cyst (EC) is 5%–25%, and it is relatively common in adults but rare in children. Although the pathogenesis of EC is still unclear, the symptoms of most asymptomatic patients can disappear with conservative treatment. EC torsion is even rarer in adults and children. Only ten cases have been reported in the literature, and we add this 3-year-old boy as the eleventh case of EC torsion. He was admitted to the hospital due to scrotum emergency without a history of EC or recent scrotal trauma. The ultrasonic examination revealed signs of an epididymal cyst. However, the pain and swelling of his scrotum were very similar to those of patients with testicular torsion, so we performed surgery on him. Therefore, EC torsion is very necessary to attract our attention as a differential diagnosis of testicular torsion in scrotal emergencies. Furthermore, our case is also the second youngest case of EC torsion.

Objective：To discuss the application of the modified needle-through-needle puncture technique in unilateral total hip arthroplasty in the elderly patients, and to clarify its anesthetic effect and feasibility in the single isospecific gravity spinal anesthesia guided by ultrasound. Methods Sixty elderly patients underwent elective unilateral hip arthroplasty with single isobaric gravity spinal anesthesia were selected. The puncture was performed in the patients with the affected side upper in the lateral position. Sixty patients were divided into tradition group and modification group, and there were 30 patients in each group. After the ultrasonic localization of spinous process space, the single subarachnoid puncture through median approach was performed in all the patients, and the successful puncture was determined by the outflow or drawn-out of cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal anesthesia needle.The patients in tradition group were treated with the traditional needle-through-needle puncture technique (a 16 G epidural puncture needle was used to guide the puncture, and a 25 G pencil-point side-hole spinal needle was applied) ；the patients in modification group were treated with the modified needle-through-needle puncture technique (a 20 G injection needle was used to break the skin directly for guidance, and a 25 G pencil-point side-hole spinal needle was applied) . The once-puncture success rates, twice-puncture success rates, first-skin-attempt puncture success rates, and twice-skin-attempt puncture success rates, puncture time, patients’ satisfaction rates, onset-time of anesthesia, assessment of anesthesia block, fixation-time of anesthesia, satisfaction of surgeon for muscle relaxation, operation time, residence time in PACU, immediate adverse reactions during anesthesia, and adverse reactions within 48 h after operation of the patients in two groups were compared. Results All the patients had successful punctures. Compared with tradition group, the once-puncture success rate, twice-puncture success rate, first-skin-attempt puncture success rate, and twice-skin-attempt success rate of the patients in modification group were increased (P<0.01), the puncture time was shorter (P<0.01), the patients’ satisfaction rate was increased (P<0.01), the onset-time of anesthesia was shortened (P<0.01), the fixation-time of anesthesia block was shortened (P<0.01), the satisfaction rate of the surgeon was increased (P<0.01), the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rater (HR) of the patients 10 min after anesthsia and 10 min after operation were increased (P<0.05).Compared with tradiation group, the incidence of immediate adverse reactions during anesthesia, and the incidence of adverse reactions within 48 h after operation of the patients in modification group had no significant differences (P>0.05) . Conclusion In the elderly patients underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty, the single isospecific gravity spinal anesthesia under non-visual conditions by the modified needle-through-needle puncture technique can significantly shorten the number of punctures and puncture time, and has higher puncture success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative hepatic subcapsular spider-like telangiectasia (HSST) sign for differentiating biliary atresia (BA) from other causes of hepatic cholestasis. Methods The data of 69 patients with jaundice treated from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), the patients were divided into two groups: the BA group (n = 49) and the non-BA group (n = 20). The biochemistry tests, liver ultrasound, liver stiffness value and HSST sign of the two groups were compared. Results The incidence of abnormal gallbladder, elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT) > 182.0U/L and abnormal liver stiffness (> 6.4 kPa) in BA group were significantly higher than those in non-BA group (P

Abstract Objective To evaluate the value of ultrasound-based radiomics in the preoperative prediction of type I and type II epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods A total of 154 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer were enrolled retrospectively. There were 102 unilateral lesions and 52 bilateral lesions among a total of 206 lesions. The data for the 206 lesions were randomly divided into a training set (53 type I + 71 type II) and a test set (36 type I + 46 type II) by random sampling. ITK-SNAP software was used to manually outline the boundary of the tumor, that is, the region of interest, and 4976 features were extracted. The quantitative expression values of the radiomics features were normalized by the Z-score method, and the 7 features with the most differences were screened by using the Lasso regression tenfold cross-validation method. The radiomics model was established by logistic regression. The training set was used to construct the model, and the test set was used to evaluate the predictive efficiency of the model. On the basis of multifactor logistic regression analysis, combined with the radiomics score of each patient, a comprehensive prediction model was established, the nomogram was drawn, and the prediction effect was evaluated by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve. Results The AUCs of the training set and test set in the radiomics model and comprehensive model were 0.817 and 0.731 and 0.982 and 0.886, respectively. The calibration curve showed that the two models were in good agreement. The clinical decision curve showed that both methods had good clinical practicability. Conclusion The radiomics model based on ultrasound images has a good predictive effect for the preoperative differential diagnosis of type I and type II epithelial ovarian cancer. The comprehensive model has higher prediction efficiency.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative hepatic subcapsular spider-like telangiectasia (HSST) sign for differentiating biliary atresia (BA) from other causes of hepatic cholestasis. Methods: The data of 69 patients with jaundice treated from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), the patients were divided into two groups: the BA group (n = 49) and the non-BA group (n = 20). The biochemistry tests, liver ultrasound, liver stiffness value and HSST sign of the two groups were compared. Results: The incidence of abnormal gallbladder, elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT) > 182.0U/L and abnormal liver stiffness (> 6.4 kPa) in BA group were significantly higher than those in non-BA group (P < 0.001). The HSST sign was present in all BA patients and not found in non-BA group. The area under receiver operating curve of direct bilirubin(DBIL), γ-GGT, abnormal gallbladder, liver stiffness value and HSST sign were 0.53, 0.84, 0.78, 0.96, and 1.00, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of HSST sign in the diagnosis of BA were all 100%. Conclusion: Presence of HSST sign on diagnostic laparoscopy is highly suggestive of BA.It can be used in the differential diagnosis of BA and non-BA. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A clinical case of treatment of rosacea with a high-intensity laser at different stages, performed under control of high-resolution ultrasound (HRU), is presented. According to clinical guidelines, patients in the erythematous stage of rosacea (stage I) undergo selective coagulation of superficial vessels with a neodymium laser. Diagnosis and determination of the severity of the disease are carried out based on the presence of primary and secondary elements of the rash. There are no criteria for ultrasound assessment of the skin and its vascularization in patients with rosacea. During ultrasound examination after 4 laser procedures in B-mode, the dermis is heterogeneous due to hypoechoic papillary and hyperechoic reticular layers, without signs of infiltrative changes, in the color Doppler mapping mode there is a pronounced vascularization of the papillary dermis in the area of interest, represented by multiple vessels in contrast to single vascular structures seen on ultrasound after two laser treatments. According to the results of ultrasound examination, a more severe degree of the disease was diagnosed, which served as the basis for prescribing therapy with systemic retinoids. Clinical observation demonstrates the capabilities of ultrasound in planning laser procedures in order to reduce the risk of complications, their early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment if they occur.

Background: Dynamic artificial intelligence (AI) ultrasound intelligent auxiliary diagnosis system (Dynamic AI) is a joint application of AI technology and medical imaging data, which can perform a real-time synchronous dynamic analysis of nodules. The aim of this study is to investigate the value of dynamic AI in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules and its guiding significance for treatment strategies. Methods: The data of 607 patients with 1007 thyroid nodules who underwent surgical treatment were reviewed and analyzed, retrospectively. Dynamic AI was used to differentiate benign and malignant nodules. The diagnostic efficacy of dynamic AI was evaluated by comparing the results of dynamic AI examination, preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and postoperative pathology of nodules with different sizes and properties in patients of different sexes and ages. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of dynamic AI in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules were 92.21%, 83.20% and 89.97%, respectively, which were highly consistent with the postoperative pathological results (kappa = 0.737, p < 0.001). There is no statistical difference in accuracy between people with different ages and sexes and nodules of different sizes, which showed the good stability. The accuracy of dynamic AI in malignant nodules (92.21%) was significantly higher than that in benign nodules (83.20%) (p < 0.001). The specificity and positive predictive value were significantly higher, and the misdiagnosis rate was significantly lower in dynamic AI than that of preoperative ultrasound ACR TI-RADS (p < 0.001). The accuracy of dynamic AI in nodules with diameter ≤ 0.50 cm was significantly higher than that of preoperative ultrasound (p = 0.044). Compared with FNAC, the sensitivity (96.58%) and accuracy (94.06%) of dynamic AI were similar. Conclusions: The dynamic AI examination has high diagnostic value for benign and malignant thyroid nodules, which can effectively assist surgeons in formulating scientific and reasonable individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the value of ultrasound-based radiomics in the preoperative prediction of type I and type II epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: A total of 154 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer were enrolled retrospectively. There were 102 unilateral lesions and 52 bilateral lesions among a total of 206 lesions. The data for the 206 lesions were randomly divided into a training set (53 type I + 71 type II) and a test set (36 type I + 46 type II) by random sampling. ITK-SNAP software was used to manually outline the boundary of the tumor, that is, the region of interest, and 4976 features were extracted. The quantitative expression values of the radiomics features were normalized by the Z-score method, and the 7 features with the most differences were screened by using the Lasso regression tenfold cross-validation method. The radiomics model was established by logistic regression. The training set was used to construct the model, and the test set was used to evaluate the predictive efficiency of the model. On the basis of multifactor logistic regression analysis, combined with the radiomics score of each patient, a comprehensive prediction model was established, the nomogram was drawn, and the prediction effect was evaluated by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve. Results: The AUCs of the training set and test set in the radiomics model and comprehensive model were 0.817 and 0.731 and 0.982 and 0.886, respectively. The calibration curve showed that the two models were in good agreement. The clinical decision curve showed that both methods had good clinical practicability. Conclusion: The radiomics model based on ultrasound images has a good predictive effect for the preoperative differential diagnosis of type I and type II epithelial ovarian cancer. The comprehensive model has higher prediction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory myofibroblastoma tumor (IMT) in the thyroid gland. Methods: A total of 17 patients with IMT by pathology from 2010 to 2020 were included in this study. Clinical features, imaging features, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed in this retrospective study. Results: The case series comprised 5 males and 12 females, with an average age of 49.6 ± 15.36 years. The patients were divided into two cohorts: with IMT without further pathological changes and with further pathological changes of the thyroid gland (e.g., nodular goiter or autoimmune thyroid disease). No significant differences were detected in tumor size and extrathyroid extension between the two groups. Fine needle aspiration biopsy examination before the operation was performed in 2 cases, and rapid freezing pathology examination during the operation was performed in 7 cases. Ultrasound images of 5 cases with only one type of pathology, IMT, presented a high and intermediate risk of malignancy. In the other 11 cases with further pathological changes of the thyroid gland, the image could be very low risk of malignancy or benign feature. Only 2 cases showed a high risk of malignancy ultrasound features. 5/17 patients underwent preventive cervical lymph node dissection additional to thyroid surgery. None of the lymph nodes were confirmed positive by postoperative pathology. Thyroid ultrasound, computed tomography scan of the lungs, abdomen ultrasound, and thyroid function tests were routine follow-up tests. During the follow-up period of 26–141 months, 2 cases were lost, and remaining 15 cases had no recurrence or metastasis and were considered cured. Conclusion: IMT in the thyroid gland is a rare disease with a good prognosis and surgical resection is the preferred treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the application value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in neonatal ventilator-associated pneumonia (NVAP). In this study, 122 newborns suspected of NVAP were treated in the NICU of Liaocheng People’s Hospital between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021. Of these, 115 were clinically diagnosed with NVAP. The diagnostic value of LUS for NVAP was determined by comparing the different signs of LUS and chest X-ray (CXR). The confirmed cases were divided into the failure and success groups according to the first ventilator weaning test results. The consistency between the results of LUS and CXR and the actual test results was compared between the two groups. Before treatment, the LUS findings of the confirmed cases showed a lung consolidation with air bronchogram sign (111/115), alveolar-interstitial syndrome (113/115), pleural effusion (12/115), pleural line abnormalities (114/115), and lung pulse (15/115). CXR showed 109 cases of pneumonia. Taking the clinical diagnosis of VAP as the gold standard, the lung consolidation with air bronchogram sign on LUS had a higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of NVAP than those of other LUS and CXR findings and showed better consistency with the clinical diagnosis (AUC = 0.983, kappa value = 0.761, p < 0.05). After treatment, the 115 cases were divided into two groups according to the results of the first weaning from ventilation: the failed group (19 cases) and the successful group (96 cases). The lung consolidation with air bronchogram sign was used as the positive diagnostic standard of ultrasound. The sensitivity and specificity of LUS (94.7 and 89.6%, respectively) in evaluating the outcome of weaning from the ventilator of pneumonia were higher than those of CXR (73.7 and 84.4%, respectively). Additionally, the consistency of the LUS findings with the weaning results was higher than that of CXR (AUC = 0.922, kappa value = 0.709, p < 0.05). Therefore, compared with CXR, LUS has a higher value in diagnosing NVAP and can better predict the results of the ventilator off-line test. LUS can replace CXR as the first imaging examination for NVAP.

BRAFV600E is the most common mutated gene in thyroid cancer and is most closely related to papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). We investigated the value of elasticity and grayscale ultrasonography for predicting BRAFV600E mutations in PTC. Methods: 138 patients with PTC who underwent preoperative ultrasound between January 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into BRAFV600E mutation-free group (n=75) and BRAFV600E mutation group (n=63). Patients were randomly divided into training (n=96) and test (n=42) groups. A total of 479 radiomic features were extracted from the grayscale and elasticity ultra-sonograms. Regression analysis was done to select the features that provided the most information. Then, 10-fold cross-validation was used to compare the performance of different classification algorithms. Logistic regression was used to predict BRAFV600E mutations. Results: Eight radiomics features were extracted from the grayscale ultrasonogram, and five radiomics features were extracted from the elasticity ultrasonogram. Three models were developed using these radiomic features. The models were derived from elasticity ultrasound, grayscale ultrasound, and a combination of grayscale and elasticity ultrasound, with areas under the curve (AUC) 0.952 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.914−0.990], AUC 0.792 [95% CI, 0.703−0.882], and AUC 0.985 [95% CI, 0.965−1.000] in the training dataset, AUC 0.931 [95% CI, 0.841−1.000], AUC 0. 725 [95% CI, 0.569−0.880], and AUC 0.938 [95% CI, 0.851−1.000] in the test dataset, respectively. Conclusion: The radiomic model based on grayscale and elasticity ultrasound had a good predictive value for BRAFV600E gene mutations in patients with PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BRAFV600E is the most common mutated gene in thyroid cancer and is most closely related to papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). We investigated the value of elasticity and grayscale ultrasonography for predicting BRAFV600E mutations in PTC.Methods138 patients with PTC who underwent preoperative ultrasound between January 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into BRAFV600E mutation-free group (n=75) and BRAFV600E mutation group (n=63). Patients were randomly divided into training (n=96) and test (n=42) groups. A total of 479 radiomic features were extracted from the grayscale and elasticity ultra-sonograms. Regression analysis was done to select the features that provided the most information. Then, 10-fold cross-validation was used to compare the performance of different classification algorithms. Logistic regression was used to predict BRAFV600E mutations.ResultsEight radiomics features were extracted from the grayscale ultrasonogram, and five radiomics features were extracted from the elasticity ultrasonogram. Three models were developed using these radiomic features. The models were derived from elasticity ultrasound, grayscale ultrasound, and a combination of grayscale and elasticity ultrasound, with areas under the curve (AUC) 0.952 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.914−0.990], AUC 0.792 [95% CI, 0.703−0.882], and AUC 0.985 [95% CI, 0.965−1.000] in the training dataset, AUC 0.931 [95% CI, 0.841−1.000], AUC 0. 725 [95% CI, 0.569−0.880], and AUC 0.938 [95% CI, 0.851−1.000] in the test dataset, respectively.ConclusionThe radiomic model based on grayscale and elasticity ultrasound had a good predictive value for BRAFV600E gene mutations in patients with PTC.

BackgroundThe clinical value and application of preoperative ultrasound contrast in the diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis in thyroid papillary carcinoma is investigated.MethodsIn total, 126 cases of thyroid papillary carcinoma were selected, the sensitivity and accuracy of color ultrasound and ultrasound contrast were analyzed by comparing preoperative gray-scale ultrasound, color ultrasound, and ultrasound contrast.ResultsThe accuracies of preoperative color ultrasound and ultrasound contrast in detecting lymph node metastasis were 74 and 82%, respectively, and their sensitivities were 80 and 94%, respectively. Lymph node metastasis was significantly more severe when the tumor diameter was >4 cm. The lymphatic metastatic rate of the patients with multifocal papillary carcinoma was 96.4%, whereas the lymphatic metastatic rate of the patients with thyroid gland lesions was 87.7%. The central foci of cervical lymph node metastasis included the following pathological subtypes: diffuse sclerosis type (89.3%, 25/28), high-cell type (72.2%, 8/11), and papillary type (40.0%, 4/10).ConclusionUltrasound contrast is more sensitive than color ultrasound in the diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis. Primary lesions ≥4 cm, lesion involvement, outer membrane, and high-risk pathologic subtypes and lesions were considered as the criteria for ultrasound contrast application.

The lubricating medium used in the friction pair of thrust bearing of nuclear main pump has low viscosity, and the bearing works under extreme working conditions such as high temperature and high pressure. When using ultrasonic technology to accurately measure the distribution of the lubrication film, the influence of environmental factors should be considered. An ultrasonic testing model of the lubrication film distribution of thrust bearing was established, and a actual measurement of thrust lubrication state was conducted on a simulation test bench. In the analysis of the test results, the influence of environmental factors such as temperature and pressure during the measurement was considered, and the degree of influence of environmental factors on the accuracy of ultrasonic testing was analyzed. The results show that the thrust bearing is in the boundary lubrication state during the start and stop stages, and the lubrication film thickness value is increased by 38. 5% when considering the influence of temperature and pressure. The thrust bearing is in a fluid lubrication state at the rated speed, and the lubrication film thickness value is increased by 39. 8% when the influence of temperature and pressure is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound evaluation of the thickness and stiffness of the glenohumeral joint capsule（GJC）for frozen shoulder（FS）. Methods Fifty-six patients with unilateral FS diagnosed by clinical criteria and magnetic resonance imaging were selected as the case group（FS group），and 83 patients with other unilateral shoulder pain during the same period were selected as the control group. Two-dimensional ultrasound and realtime shear wave elastography were performed on all the affected shoulders. The two groups were compared in terms of GJC thickness，mean shear wave velocity（SWVmean），and mean elastic modulus（Emean）of the affected shoulders. The receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the three indicators for FS. Results The FS group had significantly higher GJC thickness，SWVmean，and Emean compared with the control group （all P<0. 05）. The areas under the ROC curve（AUCs）of GJC thickness，SWVmean，Emean，and SWVmean + Emean for diagnosing FS were 0. 869，0. 888，0. 892，and 0. 901，respectively，and there was no significant difference between each two of them（all P >0. 05）. The AUCs of thickness + SWVmean，thickness + Emean，and thickness + SWVmean + Emean for diagnosing FS were 0. 945，0. 946，and 0. 949，respectively，with no significant difference between each two of them（all P>0. 05），but they were significantly different from those of each indicator alone and SWVmean + Emean for diagnosing FS（all P <0. 05）. The combination of thickness + SWVmean + Emean had the highest Youden index， sensitivity，specificity，and accuracy for diagnosing FS，which were 0. 791，0. 875，0. 912，and 0. 892，respectively. Conclusion Ultrasound evaluation of GJC thickness and stiffness（SWVmean，Emean）is helpful for the clinical diagnosis of FS，and a combination of the two has higher diagnostic value；the combination of thickness + SWVmean + Emean has the highest diagnostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss: Fr) Karst. (Polyporaceae) is an oriental medicinal fungus, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various condition or diseases such as hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hepatitis and cancer. Objective: The current study examines whether triterpenoids and polysaccharide-enriched G. lucidum (GL) influence antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy by suppressing oxidative stress. Materials and methods: Forty-two healthy subjects (22 male and 20 female) were recruited and segregated into two groups as experimental or placebo and requested to intake GL (n = 21) or placebo (n = 21) capsule (225 mg; after lunch or dinner) for six consecutive months and vice versa with one month washout period in between. The anthropometric analysis and biochemical assays, as well as abdominal ultrasonic examination were performed. Results: Consumption of GL substantially improved (p

The articles raises the issues that occur in the course of diagnostics of malignant neoplasms of the organ of vision. Description of structural units and personnel of the formed oncological ophthalmology center is provided. Research, therapeutic, and diagnostic activities of each structural unit of the center is described. Characteristics of the ultrasonic and computed tomography method of examination are provided. Peculiarities of the ultrasonic and computed tomography examination results are described regarding patients with malignant neoplasms of the organ of vision of the periorbital, intraocular, and orbital localization. Results of reorganization of the oncological ophthalmology service are assessed (detailed description of management of patients with malignant neoplasms of the organ of vision at different stages before and after formation of the specialized oncological ophthalmology center is provided with illustrative diagrams that demostrate the need for integration of ophthalmic services in oncology, scientifically grounded and statistically proven results of quality of specialized care at the prehospital and the hospital stage, as well as changes in the structure of stages of patients with malignant neoplasms of the organ of vision). The feasibility of creation of specialized oncological ophthalmology centers is justified on the basis of the results received.

Based on the scientific materials of domestic and foreign authors as well as on own observations, the results of the ultrasonic and mammographic research of the man’s mass pathology in the mammary gland projection being found in the process of differential diagnosis between malignant and benign tumors with similar clinical picture are presented in the article. Methodologically there has been carried out the analysis of the distinctive and rare signs of the benign process and malignant transformation of the man’s mass pathology in the mammary gland projection. In order to compare X-Ray and ultrasonic characteristics of the mass pathology in the patients’ mammary gland projection similar visual effects in the process of the prebiopsy clinical diagnosis forming has been studied in pairs. Mammography pictures and visualization in B-regime have been studied critically: shape correctness, localization, irregularity and obscurity of contours, presence of pathological inclusions), data of the colour and spectral Doppler sonography and 3D-regime scanning. According to the results of visual examinaion objective indications for needle biopsy of the man’s mass pathology in the mammary gland projection have been presented to the reader. The calculation of operation characteristics of different research methods of the mammary gland and combination of these methods has been done. The regularity of the information increase with an increase of the methods applied has been revealed. Based on the catamnesis examples of 317 men, the analysis of the necessity to make a combined examination variants of the mammary gland as the only definite opportunity to get a clinical diagnosis has been done.

The aim - the evaluation of Selivanov surgery efficacy by the analysis of circulatory shifts in the terminal part of rectum by sonographic data after different interventions for chronic hemorrhoids. The study includes 86 patients who were divided into 3 groups: I - after operation by Milligan-Morgan (30), II - after operation by Ferguson (30), III - after operation by Selivanov (26). Group IV - control (10) - healthy people. All the patients underwent endorectal ultrasonic examination. One demonstrated that in 14 days in the group III the velocity of arterial blood flow and diameter of hemorrhoid arteries was evidently less than before surgery, and approach to paramenters of group IV (respectively 13,2±0,5 vs 11,9±0,8 cm/ sec and 1,18±0,3 vs 0,92±0,08 mm). At the same time in group III one notified evident decrease of thickness of epithelialsubepithelial layer thickness in the left and back-right segment (respectively down to 2,1±0,9 and 2,8±0,4 mm). It testifies to high radicalism of Selivanov surgery and simultaneously to high potency of vascular relationship restoration.

The study was aimed at establishing a new ultrasonic criterion of evaluating spleen dimensions in children (area of the maximum axial section) and determining the range of normal spleen dimensions. Patients and methods: We analyzed 838 ultrasonic spleen examinations in 3‑15‑year-old children and determined the area of the maximum axial section by tracing the scan obtained with a medical device. Results: on the basis of ultrasonic examination data analysis, we established a formula, which helps to calculate the spleen section area with the organ’s length and thickness. We performed retrospective analysis of 4,001 standard ultrasonic examinations followed by formula evaluation of the area of maximum axial section. Conclusion: on the basis of the comparative analysis of the measured and calculated areas of the maximum spleen axial section, we established a range of normal values of this parameter taking age and sex into account.

We investigated expression of the protein human bone marrow endothelial cell marker-1 (HBME-1) in differentiated thyroid carcinoma tissues, and analyzed its correlation with ultrasonic manifestation of thyroid. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining method was used to measure the expression of HBME-1 in patient with nodular goiter (control group), papillary differentiated thyroid carcinoma (papillary carcinoma group) and follicular differentiated thyroid carcinoma (follicular carcinoma group) to investigate the differences in expression of HBME-1. We further analyzed the correlation of the expression of HBME-1 in the papillary carcinoma group and the follicular carcinoma group with ultrasonic manifestation of thyroid. In both the papillary carcinoma group and the follicular carcinoma group, the levels of HBME-1 in affected tissues and the IHS score of HBME-1 expression were higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). In the papillary carcinoma group, the mean IHS score of HBME-1 expression in affected tissues was higher than in the follicular carcinoma group (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in comparison to HBME-1 expression in affected tissues between the papillary carcinoma group and the follicular carcinoma group (p>0.05). Between the papillary carcinoma group and the follicular carcinoma group, the differences in the comparison of the nodule diameter, echo, shape, boundary, calcification and blood flow signal were statistically significant (p<0.05), but incidence rate of enlargement of cervical lymph nodules between the groups were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Among patients in the papillary carcinoma group, the comparison of the nodule diameter, echo, shape, boundary, calcification and blood flow signal between the HBME-1‑positive patients and the HBME‑1-negative patients showed no statistical significance (p>0.05), but in the nodules of HBME-1-positive patients, the proportion of blood flow signal was higher than that in the nodules of HBME-1- negative patients. Among patients in the follicular carcinoma group, there was no statistically significant differences in the comparison of ultrasonic manifestation of thyroid (p>0.05). Therefore, there are difference in HBME-1 expression and ultrasonic manifestations of thyroid in patients with papillary carcinoma and follicular differentiated thyroid carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Ganoderma lucidum(Leyss: Fr) Karst. (Polyporaceae) is an oriental medicinal fungus, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various condition or diseases such as hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hepatitis and cancer. Objective:The current study examines whether triterpenoids and polysaccharide-enrichedG. lucidum(GL) influence antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy by suppressing oxidative stress. Materials and methods:Forty-two healthy subjects (22 male and 20 female) were recruited and segregated into two groups as experimental or placebo and requested to intake GL (n = 21) or placebo (n = 21) capsule (225 mg; after lunch or dinner) for six consecutive months andvice versawith one month washout period in between. The anthropometric analysis and biochemical assays, as well as abdominal ultrasonic examination were performed. Results:Consumption of GL substantially improved (p < 0.05) the total antioxidant capacity (TEAC; 79.33–84.04), total thiols and glutathione content (6–8.05) in plasma as well as significant (p < 0.05) enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Whereas, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; 3.37–2.47), 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OH-dG; 15.99–11.98) and hepatic marker enzymes (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase; GOT and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase; GPT) were concomitantly reduced (42 and 27%) on treatment with GL. Furthermore, the abdominal ultrasonic examination in GL subjects displayed a notable alteration on hepatic condition by reversing from mild fatty liver condition (initial) to normal condition. Discussion and Conclusion:The outcome of the present intervention demonstrated the antioxidation, anti-aging and hepatoprotective nature of GL by effectively curbing oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective To explore lite application of noninvasive arteriosclerosis detection method and color ultrasound in diagnosing early arteriosclerosis among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods One hundred and twenty patients with type 2 diabetes (diabetes group) and homochro-nous 100 healthy controls! control group) were enrolled in our study Angeial color Doppler ultrasound technique was utilized in detecting the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries while arteriosclerosis detector was applied in measuring the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity! baPWV) and toe-brachial index (TBI). Analysis and evaluation of risk factors was made based on the measured data. Results The differences of measured baPWV. TBI ami IMT were all statistically significant between the two groups (P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that low (high)-density lipoprotein cholesterol, uric acid and systolic blood pressure were risk factors for abnormal IMT; age, systolic blood pressure and blood sugar were risk factors for abnormal baPWV; age, systolic blood pressure and blood sugar were independent risk factors for abnormal TBI while high-density li]H)prolein eholesterol was a protective factor for TBI. Conclusion The severity of early peripheral arteriosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes can be predicted with a combined application of noninvasive arteriosclerosis detection indexes and IMT measured by angeial ultrasound technique. It is fit for clinical promotion and application for its convenience, noninvasiveness and good repeatability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full penetration welding and 100% volumetric examination are required for all welds of pressure retaining parts of the ITER Vacuum Vessel (VV) according to RCC-MR Code and French Order of Nuclear Pressure Equipment (ESPN). The NDE requirement is one of important technical issues because radiographic examination (RT) is not applicable to many welding joints. Therefore the ultrasonic examination (UT) has been selected as an alternative method. Generally the UT on the austenitic welds is regarded as a great challenge due to the high attenuation and dispersion of the ultrasonic signal. In this paper, Phased array ultrasonic examination (PAUT) has been introduced on double sided T-shape austenitic welds of the ITER VV as a major NDE method as well as RT. Several dozens of qualification blocks with artificial defects, which are parallel side drilled hole, embedded lack of fusion, embedded repair weld notch, embedded parallel vertical notch, and so on, have been designed and fabricated to simulate all potential defects during welding process. PAUT techniques on the thick austenitic welds have been developed taking into account the acceptance criteria. Test procedure including calibration of equipment is derived and qualified through official demonstrations using qualification blocks under the supervision of ITER organization and an agreed notified body (ANB). The developed PAUT techniques show excellent detectability and applicability for ITER VV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the clinical value of transabdominal, transperineal and transvaginal ultrasound in predicting the preterm birth by detecting the cervical length. Methods: 780 pregnant women were selected and according to different detecting methods, the patients were divided into three groups, with 260 cases in each group. The pregnant women were detected the cervical length by transabdominal, transperineal and transvaginal ultrasound, respectively. Then the pregnancy outcomes and the sensitivity and specificity of the three kinds of methods were observed and compared. Results: The acceptance rate of transabdominal group and transperineal group were significantly higher than that of transvaginal group (P<0.05); The display rate of cervix of transperineal group and transvaginal group were significantly higher than that of transabdominal group (P<0.05). For the transabdominal group, the preterm birth rate of pregnant women with cervical length <2.5 cm was 48.46%, which was significantly higher than 17.69% of pregnant women with cervical length ≥ 2.5 cm (P<0.05); For the transperineal group, the preterm birth rate of pregnant women with cervical length <2.5 cm was 37.69% , which was significantly higher than 13.08% of pregnant women with cervical length ≥ 2.5 cm (P<0.05); For the transvaginal group, the preterm birth rate of pregnant women with cervical length <2.5 cm was 36.92%, which was significantly higher than 13.46% of pregnant women with cervical length ≥ 2.5 cm (P<0.05). The sensitivity of the transabdominal examination was significantly lower than that of the transperineal group and transvaginal group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The three kinds of ultrasonic measurements of cervical length have great clinical value in predicting premature, of which transperineal approach has greater advantages, and it is worthy of further application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the structure and function of the carotid artery in patients with hyperthyroidism by ultrasound radio frequency data technology (RF data) and the effect of (131)I on them.Material and Methods: Seventy patients with primary hyperthyroidism and 74 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Structural and functional parameters of the common carotid artery were measured in every patient before and after (131)I treatment through the RF data, such as intima media thickness (IMT), functional compliance coefficient (CC), stiffness index (β), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). We also analyzed the correlation between these parameters and patients' age, body mass index, hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate), thyroid hormone levels and other risk factors.Results: There was a significant difference in IMT between hyperthyroid patients and the control group at baseline (483.6 vs. 443.3 µm, p < 0.01); after treatment, the IMT decreased significantly (428.7 vs. 483.6 µm, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the IMT was correlated with patients' age and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.525, p < 0.01 and r = 0.289, p < 0.05, respectively). The β and PWV were also higher than the control group (7.26 vs.5.87, 6.27 vs. 5.57 m/s, respectively; all p < 0.001); CC was lower than the control group (0.98 vs. 1.19 mm(2)/KPa, p < 0.01); after treatment, PWV and β were lower than baseline (5.66 vs. 6.27, 5.81 vs. 7.26 m/s, respectively; all p < 0.01), and CC was higher than baseline. In addition, they were significantly correlated with age (r = 0.525, p < 0.01 and r = 0.289, p < 0.05, respectively). However, these parameters were not correlated with the level of thyroid hormones.Conclusions: Six-month (131)I treatment for patients with hyperthyroidism reverses the structural and functional damage in the carotid artery, which is sensitively evaluated by the RF data technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dynamic artificial intelligence (AI) ultrasound intelligent auxiliary diagnosis system (Dynamic AI) is a joint application of AI technology and medical imaging data, which can perform a real-time synchronous dynamic analysis of nodules. The aim of this study is to investigate the value of dynamic AI in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules and its guiding significance for treatment strategies., Methods: The data of 607 patients with 1007 thyroid nodules who underwent surgical treatment were reviewed and analyzed, retrospectively. Dynamic AI was used to differentiate benign and malignant nodules. The diagnostic efficacy of dynamic AI was evaluated by comparing the results of dynamic AI examination, preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and postoperative pathology of nodules with different sizes and properties in patients of different sexes and ages., Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of dynamic AI in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules were 92.21%, 83.20% and 89.97%, respectively, which were highly consistent with the postoperative pathological results (kappa = 0.737, p < 0.001). There is no statistical difference in accuracy between people with different ages and sexes and nodules of different sizes, which showed the good stability. The accuracy of dynamic AI in malignant nodules (92.21%) was significantly higher than that in benign nodules (83.20%) ( p < 0.001). The specificity and positive predictive value were significantly higher, and the misdiagnosis rate was significantly lower in dynamic AI than that of preoperative ultrasound ACR TI-RADS ( p < 0.001). The accuracy of dynamic AI in nodules with diameter ≤ 0.50 cm was significantly higher than that of preoperative ultrasound ( p = 0.044). Compared with FNAC, the sensitivity (96.58%) and accuracy (94.06%) of dynamic AI were similar., Conclusions: The dynamic AI examination has high diagnostic value for benign and malignant thyroid nodules, which can effectively assist surgeons in formulating scientific and reasonable individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients., Competing Interests: Author YS is employed by MedAI Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wang, Wan, Li, Zhang, Shi, Miao, Jian, Luo, Yao and Tian.)

Abstract: In isothermal upset forging of pure aluminum, the change in the contact condition and the lubricant behavior were evaluated by continuously measuring the ultrasonic reflection intensity from the contact interface between the tool (die) and workpiece. The relationships between ultrasonic reflection intensity, forging temperature, lubrication, forging pressure and workpiece surface during forging were examined. Depending on forging temperature, the conditions of the lubricant entrapment on the surface of the workpiece exhibited significant changes. The condition of lubricant pools and lubricant film was evaluated during warm and hot forging using the ultrasonic reflection intensity. The change in the contact condition and the lubricant behavior during warm and hot forging were measured with high sensitivity by the proposed ultrasonic measurement. The lubrication conditions can be optimized based on the in situ evaluation of the contact conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]