scholarly journals Overhaul of Radiological Mammography Check-ups for Early Malignancy Diagnosis during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 316-322
Author(s):  
M. S. Ermakova ◽  
S. M. Demidov ◽  
D. A. Demidov

Background. The article reports the number of examinations with stationary mammography systems, in outpatient screenings, as well as in a mobile mammography survey across the Sverdlovsk Region.Aim. A study of expedience and design of radiological breast check-ups (exemplified by mammography) for early cancer diagnosis under the COVID-19 pandemic situation.Materials and methods. A survey based at the Sverdlovsk Regional Oncology Dispensary’s Department of Diagnostic Radiology analysed the expedience and design of non-invasive diagnostic procedures in a case study of breast X-ray checkups (mammography) in the Sverdlovsk Region during 2019—2020. Th e survey used the Sverdlovsk Region population statistics on breast malignancy incidence for 2019—2020.Results. According to reports, the number of outpatient screening surveys significantly decreased in 2020 vs. 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic and effective ban on screenings and medical check-ups. Th e mobile mammography screening numbers increased more than twice in 2020 vs. 2019.Discussion. Screening measures continued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians adhered to local guidelines, while fully complying with the recommendations to contain SARS-CoV-2 infection. Th e growth of mobile mammography screenings enabled completion of the annual check-up plan, however, the breast malignancy detection rate slightly dropped in 2020 compared to 2019.Conclusion. Mammography screenings at the Sverdlovsk Regional Oncology Dispensary in 2019--2020 demonstrate the expedience and good organisation of breast radiological check-ups (mammography) in Sverdlovsk Region. Accounting for the epidemiological state of coronavirus infection, a positive trend is evident towards growing examinations and improved breast malignancy detection, which lowers mortality accordingly among the female population of Sverdlovsk Region.

Author(s):  
H.W. Deckman ◽  
B.F. Flannery ◽  
J.H. Dunsmuir ◽  
K.D' Amico

We have developed a new X-ray microscope which produces complete three dimensional images of samples. The microscope operates by performing X-ray tomography with unprecedented resolution. Tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique that creates maps of the internal structure of samples from measurement of the attenuation of penetrating radiation. As conventionally practiced in medical Computed Tomography (CT), radiologists produce maps of bone and tissue structure in several planar sections that reveal features with 1mm resolution and 1% contrast. Microtomography extends the capability of CT in several ways. First, the resolution which approaches one micron, is one thousand times higher than that of the medical CT. Second, our approach acquires and analyses the data in a panoramic imaging format that directly produces three-dimensional maps in a series of contiguous stacked planes. Typical maps available today consist of three hundred planar sections each containing 512x512 pixels. Finally, and perhaps of most import scientifically, microtomography using a synchrotron X-ray source, allows us to generate maps of individual element.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 184-190
Author(s):  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Abdul Rasheed Qureshi ◽  
Zeeshan Ashraf ◽  
Muhammad Amjad Ramzan ◽  
Tehmina Naeem ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: Conventionally Pleural effusions are suspected by history of pleuritis, evaluated by physical signs and multiple view radiography. Trans-thoracic pleural aspiration is done and aspirated pleural fluid is considered the gold-standard for pleural effusion. Chest sonography has the advantage of having high diagnostic efficacy over radiography for the detection of pleural effusion. Furthermore, ultrasonography is free from radiation hazards, inexpensive, readily available  and feasible for use in ICU, pregnant and pediatric patients. This study aims to explore the diagnostic accuracy of trans-thoracic ultrasonography for pleural fluid detection, which is free of such disadvantages. The objective is to determine the diagnostic efficacy of trans-thoracic ultrasound for detecting pleural effusion and also to assess its suitability for being a non-invasive gold-standard.   Subject and Methods: This retrospective study of 4597 cases was conducted at pulmonology  OPD-Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore from November 2016 to July 2018. Adult patients with clinical features suggesting pleural effusions were included while those where no suspicion of pleural effusion, patients < 14 years and pregnant ladies were excluded. Patients were subjected to chest x-ray PA and Lateral views and chest ultrasonography was done by a senior qualified radiologist in OPD. Ultrasound-guided pleural aspiration was done in OPD & fluid was sent for analysis. At least 10ml aspirated fluid was considered as diagnostic for pleural effusion. Patient files containing history, physical examination, x-ray reports, ultrasound reports, pleural aspiration notes and informed consent were retrieved, reviewed and findings were recorded in the preformed proforma. Results were tabulated and conclusion was drawn by statistical analysis. Results: Out of 4597 cases, 4498 pleural effusion were manifested on CXR and only 2547(56.62%) pleural effusions were proved by ultrasound while 2050 (45.57%) cases were reported as no Pleural effusion. Chest sonography demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy 100 % each. Conclusions: Trans-thoracic ultrasonography revealed an excellent efficacy that is why it can be considered as non-invasive gold standard for the detection of pleural effusion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Taheri-Garavand ◽  
Abdolhossein Rezaei Nejad ◽  
Dimitrios Fanourakis ◽  
Soodabeh Fatahi ◽  
Masoumeh Ahmadi Majd

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Shaik ◽  
S. K. Begum ◽  
P. V. Nagamani ◽  
Narayan Kayet

AbstractThe study demonstrates a methodology for mapping various hematite ore classes based on their reflectance and absorption spectra, using Hyperion satellite imagery. Substantial validation is carried out, using the spectral feature fitting technique, with the field spectra measured over the Bailadila hill range in Chhattisgarh State in India. The results of the study showed a good correlation between the concentration of iron oxide with the depth of the near-infrared absorption feature (R2 = 0.843) and the width of the near-infrared absorption feature (R2 = 0.812) through different empirical models, with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) between < 0.317 and < 0.409. The overall accuracy of the study is 88.2% with a Kappa coefficient value of 0.81. Geochemical analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) of field ore samples are performed to ensure different classes of hematite ore minerals. Results showed a high content of Fe > 60 wt% in most of the hematite ore samples, except banded hematite quartzite (BHQ) (< 47 wt%).


Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1165-1181
Author(s):  
Flavia Fiorillo ◽  
Lucia Burgio ◽  
Christine Slottved Kimbriel ◽  
Paola Ricciardi

This study presents the results of the technical investigation carried out on several English portrait miniatures painted in the 16th and 17th century by Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver, two of the most famous limners working at the Tudor and Stuart courts. The 23 objects chosen for the analysis, spanning almost the entire career of the two artists, belong to the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge). A non-invasive scientific methodology, comprising of stereo and optical microscopies, Raman microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, was required for the investigation of these small-scale and fragile objects. The palettes and working techniques of the two artists were characterised, focusing in particular on the examination of flesh tones, mouths, and eyes. These findings were also compared to the information written in the treatises on miniature painting circulating during the artists’ lifetime. By identifying the materials and techniques most widely employed by the two artists, this study provides information about similarities and differences in their working methods, which can help to understand their artistic practice as well as contribute to matters of attribution.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktória Mozgai ◽  
Bernadett Bajnóczi ◽  
Zoltán May ◽  
Zsolt Mráv

AbstractThis study details the non-destructive chemical analysis of composite silver objects (ewers, situlas, amphora and casket) from one of the most significant late Roman finds, the Seuso Treasure. The Seuso Treasure consists of fourteen large silver vessels that were made in the fourth–early fifth centuries AD and used for dining during festive banquets and for washing and beautification. The measurements were systematically performed along a pre-designed grid at several points using handheld X-ray fluorescence analysis. The results demonstrate that all the objects were made from high-quality silver (above 90 wt% Ag), with the exception of the base of the Geometric Ewer B. Copper was added intentionally to improve the mechanical properties of soft silver. The gold and lead content of the objects shows constant values (less than 1 wt% Au and Pb). The chemical composition as well as the Bi/Pb ratio suggests that the parts of the composite objects were manufactured from different silver ingots. The ewers were constructed in two ways: (i) the base and the body were made separately, or (ii) the ewer was raised from a single silver sheet. The composite objects were assembled using three methods: (i) mechanical attachment; (ii) low-temperature, lead-tin soft solders; or (iii) high-temperature, copper-silver hard solders. Additionally, two types of gilding were revealed by the XRF analysis, one with remnants of mercury, i.e. fire-gilding, and another type without remnants of mercury, presumably diffusion bonding.


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