scholarly journals Ultrasound Modality in the Evaluation and Management of Gallbladder Polyps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haithem Zaafouri ◽  
Meryam Mesbahi ◽  
Nizar Khedhiri ◽  
Wassim Riahi ◽  
Mouna Cherif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Preoperative Diagnosis ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
First Line ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Gallbladder Polyps ◽  
Preoperative Ultrasound ◽  
Low Sensitivity

Gallbladder polyps (GBP) are defined as developed masses inside the wall of the gallbladder; most of them (90%) are nontumor lesions. Abdominal ultrasound is the main and the first line radiological modality for their diagnosis and their risk lamination. We conducted a 12 year retrospective study between 2009 and 2020, which included patients who had preoperative transabdominal ultrasonography showing gallbladder polyps and had undergone cholecystectomy, and for whom postoperative pathology results were available, as well as patients who had at least one polyp discovered on the histopathological exam and who were not determined preoperatively. A total of 70 patients were identified. Preoperative diagnosis of vesicular polyp by ultrasound was carried in 82.9% of patients. The number of ultrasounds performed per person was 1.2 ± 0.47. The polyps’ size in mm was on average 6.14 ± 2.6 with extremes between 3 and 13 mm. On anatomopathological examination, a polyp was objectified in 33.3% of cases. In our series, abdominal ultrasound had a low sensitivity at 36.4%. We aim to provide the accuracy of abdominal ultrasound for the diagnosis of GBP, as a low-cost modality, and to evaluate the concordance of preoperative ultrasound imaging with postoperative pathology.

scholarly journals Transabdominal ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal well-being in the late-term mare and cow

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boglárka Baska-Vincze ◽  
Ferenc Baska ◽  
Ottó Szenci
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aortic Diameter ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Biophysical Profile ◽  
Fetal Activity ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Low Sensitivity

In the equine practice, attempts have been made to examine the fetus in the second and third trimester of pregnancy but all of the available methods have limitations. Until now, transabdominal ultrasonography has been regarded as the most informative examination. This method allows us to measure fetal heart rate, fetal activity as well as the quality and quantity of the fetal fluids. A modified biophysical profile for horses was used by several researchers in the USA from the 1990s as a gold standard. However, it is not sensitive enough and, in the authors’ experience, professionals can face difficulties during its application (e.g. for measuring aortic diameter and fetal breathing movements). In cows, this method was first used for this purpose by a Canadian research group in 2007. They reported that transabdominal ultrasound was promising but showed low sensitivity in this species. The present studies show that birth weight cannot be predicted from fetal aortic diameter measurement in cows as suggested by other researchers. Transabdominal ultrasound needs special equipment (2–3.5 MHz convex transducer) and basic ultrasonographic knowledge; however, we suggest that in most cases it can be performed with the dam placed in a stock and without shaving the examination area. The method provides useful information within 30–40 minutes, enabling the examiner to determine whether or not the fetus is alive and to recognise placentitis or twins. This technique also allows measuring the combined thickness of the uteroplacental unit, and the authors’ ongoing study showed higher normal values in Lipizzaner mares compared to values in other breeds. In conclusion, with the help of advanced techniques, simple and low-cost methods should be developed for the evaluation of the pregnant dam and its fetus to assess fetal viability in the veterinary practice.

Dual Nickel/Palladium-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling Reactions Between Two Phenol Derivatives

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baojian Xiong ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Yin Wei ◽  
Søren Kramer ◽  
Zhong Lian
Keyword(s):  
Functional Group ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cross Coupling ◽  
Coupling Reactions ◽  
Phenol Derivatives ◽  
Cross Coupling Reactions ◽  
Palladium Catalyzed ◽  
One Step ◽  
Aryl Tosylates ◽  
Low Sensitivity

Cross-coupling between substrates that can be easily derived from phenols is highly attractive due to the abundance and low cost of phenols. Here, we report a dual nickel/palladium-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling between aryl tosylates and aryl triflates; both substrates can be accessed in just one step from readily available phenols. The reaction has a broad functional group tolerance and substrate scope (>60 examples). Furthermore, it displays low sensitivity to steric effects demonstrated by the synthesis of a 2,2’disubstituted biaryl and a fully substituted aryl product. The widespread presence of phenols in natural products and pharmaceuticals allow for straightforward late-stage functionalization, illustrated with examples such as Ezetimibe and tyrosine. NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations indicate that the nickel catalyst is responsible for activating the aryl triflate, while the palladium catalyst preferentially reacts with the aryl tosylate.

scholarly journals Rapid and Sensitive Detection of miRNA Based on AC Electrokinetic Capacitive Sensing for Point-of-Care Applications

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 3985
Author(s):  
Nan Wan ◽  
Yu Jiang ◽  
Jiamei Huang ◽  
Rania Oueslati ◽  
Shigetoshi Eda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Capacitive Sensing ◽  
Application Potential ◽  
Mirna Detection ◽  
Mirna 25 ◽  
Low Sensitivity

A sensitive and efficient method for microRNAs (miRNAs) detection is strongly desired by clinicians and, in recent years, the search for such a method has drawn much attention. There has been significant interest in using miRNA as biomarkers for multiple diseases and conditions in clinical diagnostics. Presently, most miRNA detection methods suffer from drawbacks, e.g., low sensitivity, long assay time, expensive equipment, trained personnel, or unsuitability for point-of-care. New methodologies are needed to overcome these limitations to allow rapid, sensitive, low-cost, easy-to-use, and portable methods for miRNA detection at the point of care. In this work, to overcome these shortcomings, we integrated capacitive sensing and alternating current electrokinetic effects to detect specific miRNA-16b molecules, as a model, with the limit of detection reaching 1.0 femto molar (fM) levels. The specificity of the sensor was verified by testing miRNA-25, which has the same length as miRNA-16b. The sensor we developed demonstrated significant improvements in sensitivity, response time and cost over other miRNA detection methods, and has application potential at point-of-care.

Colchicine as an Alternative First-Line Treatment of Sclerosing Mesenteritis: A Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Cortés ◽  
Hassan M. Ghoz ◽  
Obaie Mzaik ◽  
Muhamad Alhaj Moustafa ◽  
Yan Bi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Sclerosing Mesenteritis ◽  
Line Treatment ◽  
First Line ◽  
First Line Treatment

Evaluation of preoperative ultrasonographic parameters to predict renal recovery in long-term survivors after treatment of feline ureteral obstructions: 2012–2019

2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110236
Author(s):  
Elisa P McEntee ◽  
Allyson C Berent ◽  
Chick Weisse ◽  
Alexandre Le Roux ◽  
Kenneth Lamb
Keyword(s):  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Ureteral Obstruction ◽  
Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction ◽  
Biochemical Data ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Preoperative Ultrasound ◽  
Imaging Characteristics

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative ultrasound imaging characteristic(s) in cats suffering from unilateral benign ureteral obstructions are predictive of outcome after successful renal decompression with a subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device. Methods This was a retrospective study of 37 cats with unilateral, benign ureteral obstruction. Preoperative imaging characteristics (including renal pelvis diameter, parenchymal thickness [transverse plane], renal length and pelvic size:overall renal size) and biochemical data were evaluated for all cats diagnosed with a unilateral ureteral obstruction treated with a SUB device. Any patient with bilateral obstructions or documented bacteriuria/infection in the data collection period was excluded. All patients were followed between 3 and 6 months postoperatively to obtain postoperative biochemical data. Long-term outcome was defined as serum creatinine concentration at 3–6 months postoperatively. Results No preoperative imaging characteristics or biochemical findings were found to be significantly associated with long-term serum creatinine concentrations. The length of the kidney was found to be associated with change in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine with decompression but not with long-term renal values. Conclusions and relevance In this study, long-term renal function based on preoperative ultrasound imaging findings could not be predicted in cats with unilateral ureteral obstruction, regardless of the severity of the biochemical parameters, renal pelvic dilation (large or small pelvis), kidney size or thickness of renal parenchyma assessed.

scholarly journals Emergency physician’s dispatch by a paramedic-staffed emergency medical communication centre: sensitivity, specificity and search for a reference standard

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Nathan Chappuis ◽  
Hélène Deham ◽  
Philippe Cottet ◽  
Birgit Andrea Gartner ◽  
François Pierre Sarasin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Standard ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
First Line ◽  
Emergency Calls ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Dispatch Centre ◽  
Second Tier ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Level Of Risk

Abstract Background Some emergency medical systems (EMS) use a dispatch centre where nurses or paramedics assess emergency calls and dispatch ambulances. Paramedics may also provide the first tier of care “in the field”, with the second tier being an Emergency Physician (EP). In these systems, the appropriateness of the decision to dispatch an EP to the first line at the same time as the ambulance has not often been measured. The main objective of this study was to compare dispatching an EP as part of the first line emergency service with the severity of the patient’s condition. The secondary objective was to highlight the need for a recognized reference standard to compare performance analyses across EMS. Methods This prospective observational study included all emergency calls received in Geneva’s dispatch centre between January 1st, 2016 and June 30th, 2019. Emergency medical dispatchers (EMD) assigned a level of risk to patients at the time of the initial call. Only the highest level of risk led to the dispatch of an EP. The severity of the patient’s condition observed in the field was measured using the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) scale. Two reference standards were proposed by dichotomizing the NACA scale. The first compared NACA≥4 with other conditions and the second compared NACA≥5 with other conditions. The level of risk identified during the initial call was then compared to the dichotomized NACA scales. Results 97′861 assessments were included. Overall prevalence of sending an EP as first line was 13.11, 95% CI [12.90–13.32], and second line was 2.94, 95% CI [2.84–3.05]. Including NACA≥4, prevalence was 21.41, 95% CI [21.15–21.67], sensitivity was 36.2, 95% CI [35.5–36.9] and specificity 93.2 95% CI [93–93.4]. The Area Under the Receiver-Operating Characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.7507, 95% CI [0.74734–0.75397] was acceptable. Looking NACA≥5, prevalence was 3.09, 95% CI [2.98–3.20], sensitivity was 64.4, 95% CI [62.7–66.1] and specificity 88.5, 95% CI [88.3–88.7]. We found an excellent AUROC of 0.8229, 95% CI [0.81623–0.82950]. Conclusion The assessment by Geneva’s EMD has good specificity but low sensitivity for sending EPs. The dichotomy between immediate life-threatening and other emergencies could be a valid reference standard for future studies to measure the EP’s dispatching performance.

scholarly journals Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Influence of RDX Internal Defects on Sensitivity

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 329
Author(s):  
Pengmin Yan ◽  
Xue Zhao ◽  
Jiuhou Rui ◽  
Juan Zhao ◽  
Min Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energetic Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Relative Sensitivity ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Safety Properties ◽  
Internal Defects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Computed ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

The internal defect is an important factor that could influence the energy and safety properties of energetic materials. RDX samples of two qualities were characterized and simulated to reveal the influence of different defects on sensitivity. The internal defects were characterized with optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and microfocus X-ray computed tomography technology. The results show that high-density RDX has fewer defects and a more uniform distribution. Based on the characterization results, defect models with different defect rates and distribution were established. The simulation results show that the models with fewer internal defects lead to shorter N-NO2 maximum bond lengths and greater cohesive energy density (CED). The maximum bond length and CED can be used as the criterion for the relative sensitivity of RDX, and therefore defect models doped with different solvents are established. The results show that the models doped with propylene carbonate and acetone lead to higher sensitivity. This may help to select the solvent to prepare low-sensitivity RDX. The results reported in this paper are aiming at the development of a more convenient and low-cost method for studying the influence of internal defects on the sensitivity of energetic materials.

scholarly journals Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Non-Traumatic Abdominal Emergencies

2020 ◽  
Vol 06 (03) ◽  
pp. E76-E86
Author(s):  
Diletta Cozzi ◽  
Simone Agostini ◽  
Elena Bertelli ◽  
Michele Galluzzo ◽  
Emanuela Papa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Acute Inflammation ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound ◽  
First Line ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Contrast Enhanced ◽  
Conventional Ultrasound ◽  
Abdominal Emergencies

AbstractConventional ultrasound imaging (US) is the first-line investigation in acute non-traumatic abdominal emergencies, but sometimes it needs further examinations, such as computed tomography (CT), to reach a certain diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), through injection of contrast medium, may provide the radiologist with additional information that could not be investigated with baseline US. It could help reach a diagnosis and rapidly determine the proper therapy in an emergency setting. The purpose of this review is to explain and illustrate the various possibilities and limitations of CEUS in acute non-traumatic abdominal diseases, in particular acute inflammation, parenchymal infarcts, and hemorrhages.

scholarly journals Ultrasonographic Monitoring in 38 Dogs with Clinically Suspected Acute Pancreatitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 180
Author(s):  
Federico Puccini Leoni ◽  
Tina Pelligra ◽  
Simonetta Citi ◽  
Veronica Marchetti ◽  
Eleonora Gori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Pancreatic Lipase ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Diagnostic Evaluation ◽  
Ultrasonographic Diagnosis ◽  
Study Population

Abdominal ultrasound examinations (AUEs) are commonly used in the diagnostic evaluation of canine acute pancreatitis (AP). The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate and monitor the ultrasonographic changes observed in dogs with clinically suspected AP on consecutive AUEs. The study population was constituted by 38 client-owned dogs hospitalized for no less than 48 h from January 2016 to December 2019. Dogs included in this study were suspected of AP based on the clinical examination and abnormal rapid specific canine pancreatic lipase test performed at admission. Dogs were submitted to two AUEs, the first on the first day of hospitalization, and the second between 40–52 h after the first one. Twelve dogs had both AUEs suggestive of AP. Fourteen dogs received an ultrasonographic diagnosis of AP exclusively on the second AUE. Twelve dogs remained negative on both the first and the second AUE. In 26 out of 38 patients the second AUE was suggestive of AP. If a patient is suspected of AP, it is advisable to carry out ultrasonographic monitoring at least within the first 52 h after admission, since ultrasonographic signs of AP may only become observable later after hospitalization.

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