On the nature of mechanisms responsible for the higher efficiency of urea supergranules for rice

Summary A laboratory study made with a sandy clay loam soil of pH 7.7 showed that hydrolysis of urea was slower when applied as urea supergranules (USG) than commercial urea prills. This resulted in maintenance of applied nitrogen as ammonium in the soil for a longer period. Nitrite concentration was also much less with USG. These three mechanisms are responsible for the higher efficiency of USG over urea prills.     

A comparison of mammography and ultrasonography in the evaluation of breast masses

Aim: Aim of the study is to evaluate breast masses using mammography (MG) and ultrasonography (USG) independently and in combination. Materials and methods: Our study group consisted of 62 female patients, with breast symptoms such as palpable lumps, pain in the breast and nipple discharge who were examined prospectively over a period of 6 months. All 62 patients were examined by both MG and USG independently. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or core cut biopsy was done according to the findings of MG and USG and then the results were correlated with each modality finding. Results: According to this study MG showed an efficiency of 81.8 % compared to 95.5 % for USG in detecting fibrocystic mastitis. However their combined approach resulted in 100 %. In the case of fibroadenomas, MG showed 75 % efficiency and USG only 35 % and the combination resulting in 93.7 %. For carcinomas, MG had an efficiency of 77.8 % and USG 55.6 %, but the combination had an efficiency of 98.1 %. Overall, the histopathological results when correlated with each modality finding showed that MG had an efficiency of only 77.4 % and USG only 69.8 % when used alone in detecting these lesions of the breast compared to an efficiency of 98.1 % obtained by their combined approach. In our study, we showed that there was no significant difference in sensitivity between MG and USG (p = 0.3768) but there was significant difference in MG alone and MG-USG combination (p = 0.0015) and USG alone and USG-MG combination (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Our study confirmed that combined MG and USG had higher sensitivity rate than the sensitivity rate observed for either single modality. The diagnostic accuracy for carcinomas of the breast appear to improve when MG was combined with USG, even in cases which showed no evidence of microcalcification or other signs of abnormalities. Our study implies that, USG may be the only viable modality in pregnant and lactating women as it does not involve ionizing radiation and also in dense breast tissue, as density is a limiting factor for MG.     

Potentialities of ultrasound study in diagnosis of endophytic carcinoma of stomach

The data of studies of 45 patients with gastric cancer are used to consider the potentialities of ultrasonography (USG) in the diagnosis of its endophytic forms. Its use in the diagnosis of "small" gastric carcinomas is evaluated. The USG semiotics of endophytic tumors of the stomach, including its "small" and early forms, is presented. The place of USG in the diagnostic algorithmic of gastric cancer is specified. In the authors' opinion, gastric USG along with traditional X-ray and endoscopic studies should take an appropriate place as it is beneficial in solving a great deal of differential diagnostic problems associated with the intramural spread of tumors.     

Culture of ovine embryos in the absence of bovine serum albumin

Bovine serum albumin (BSA), a relatively impure protein, is routinely used as a component of embryo culture media. Since media containing BSA are chemically undefined, it would be desirable to replace BSA with substitutes of similar activity which are either chemically better defined and/or better standardized than BSA. Two commercial products, Ultroser((R)) G (USG) and Solcoseryl((R)) (SOL), were evaluated as replacements for BSA in culture with respect to the development of ovine embryos in vitro. A total of 126 late 8-cell and early 16-cell embryos were distributed among modified Brinster's medium for ovum culture (BMOC-2) containing either 1.5% BSA, 2.0% USG or 2.0% SOL. All three culture media supported development of ovine embryos. Results indicate that 8- and 16-cell embryos will develop into blastocysts in a BSA-free medium containing either USG or SOL. A higher number of embryos developed into blastocysts in media containing BSA than in media containing USG or SOL, and more blastocysts hatched in media containing BSA. Although the overall degree of embryonic development was more advanced in BSA-supplemented media, the concentrations of USG and SOL that were used in this study may not have been optimal for ovine embryo culture.     

Breast imaging using 3D electrical impedence tomography

Aim: To determine the diagnostic efficiency of 3D Eletrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) compared to Mammography (MG) and Ultrasonography (USG) in imaging the breast. Materials and Methods: A group of 88 patients presenting with various breast complaints was examined using combined Mammography and Ultrasonography (MG & USG) or either of these modalities alone. The same patients were then examined using the 3D EIT imaging system "MEIK". The findings were then compared. The sensitivity of these modalities for this group of patients were later determined and statistically analysed. Results: Of the total of 88 patients, 59 findings were "suspicious" by any of the 3 modalities alone or by their combination. EIT had a sensitivity of 77.8 % compared to MG with a sensitivity of 83.3 % and USG with a sensitivity of 94.4 % regarding cases of fibrocystic mastitis. For cases involving cysts, EIT had 100 % sensitivity which was the same as that for USG compared to MG with a sensitivity of only 81 %. Among cases of fibroadenoma, EIT had a sensitivity of just 68.8 % compared to MG with a sensitivity of 87.5 % and USG with a sensitivity of 75 %. Finally among cases of carcinoma, EIT had a sensitivity of 75 % compared to the sensitivity of 100 % of MG and USG in our group of patients. The study revealed that there was no overall significant difference in sensitivity between MG-USG (p = 0.219) and MG-EIT (p = 0.779) and USG-EIT (p = 0.169). However, in regard to identifying cysts there was significant difference in the sensitivity of MG compared to USG & EIT suggesting that EIT has a role in these cases. Conclusion: Electrical impedance could be used as an adjunct to Mammography and Ultrasonography for breast cancer detection. However, the differentiation of malignant from benign lesions based on impedance measurements needs further investigation. Multifrequency electrical impedance imaging appears the most promising for detecting breast malignancies but methodological improvements need to be made to realise its potential.     

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of breast: a case report

Aim: To present a case of pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) and its findings under 1. mammography - MG, 2. ultrasonography - USG and 3. magnetic resonance imaging - MRI. Materials and methods: A woman 39 years of age with a history of mass in her right breast of 3 months duration was subjected to a routine examination of the mass using MG & USG. According to the modality findings a core cut biopsy was done following which the samples were send for histological analysis. Later, MRI was done as advocated by the surgeon to get a better picture of the extent of the lesion prior to surgery. Results: Bilateral mammogram views revealed in the patient's right breast a huge well-bordered tumour of lobulated contour without halo sign. Sonography revealed a big well-demarcated tumour in the central part of the right breast which was cystic and lobulated in shape. Histological analysis of the sample confirmed pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH). MRI under a breast array coil revealed a mass of 85x75x35mm in the right breast. Finally, based on the clinical, radiological and histological report the mass was diagnosed as benign and despite the massive size of the mass, tumour excision alone was done and not mastectomy. The right breast after the huge tumour excision was almost normal in size compared to the left. Conclusion: PASH should be included in the differential diagnosis of a circumscribed or partially circumscribed mass, especially in the pre-menopausal female population. These benign masses often grow over time and can recur locally. Radiological diagnosis of PASH is usually done by MG and USG followed by core cut biopsy for histological analysis. However great the mass is, excision only of the tumor mass is recommended and not mastectomy.     

Defining the cost of the Egyptian lymphatic filariasis elimination programme

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography (USG) is known to be a suitable tool for diagnosis in lymphatic filariasis as the adult filarial nematode Wuchereria bancrofti in scrotal lymphatic vessels of infected men can be detected by the characteristic pattern of movement, the Filaria Dance Sign. In onchocerciasis, moving adult worms have not yet been demonstrated by USG. In addition the verification of drug effects on living adult Onchocerca volvulus filariae in trials is hampered by the lack of tools for longitudinal observation of alterations induced by potentially macrofilaricidal drugs in vivo. The present study was carried out to determine the frequency of detection of moving adult filariae of O. volvulus by USG. METHODS: In an endemic region for onchocerciasis in Ghana, 61 patients infected with onchocerciasis were recruited by palpation and onchocercomas examined by USG using an ultrasound system equipped with a 7.5 - 10 MHz linear transducer. Onchocercomas were recorded on videotape and evaluated with regard to location, number and size, as well as to movements of adult filariae. RESULTS: In the 61 patients 303 onchocercomas were found by palpation and 401 onchocercomas were detected by USG. In 18 out of 61 patients (29.5%), altogether 22 nodules with moving adult O. volvulus filariae were detected and are presented in animated ultrasound images as mp-4 videos. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographical examinations of onchocercomas where living adult filariae can be displayed may serve as a new tool for the longitudinal observation in vivo of patients with onchocerciasis undergoing treatment and as an adjunct to histological evaluation.     

Sonographic examination of the eyeball using whole body use equipment in children: potential and clinical significance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of eyeball examination using whole body USG equipment for patients up to 18 years of age. The sonographic findings were compared with ophthalmoscopic results and clinical progress; follow-up sonographic examinations were carried out in many cases. Serious clinical states were operated and it was then possible to compare sonographic findings with surgical reports. Results obtained by other imaging methods, i.e. CT and/or MR examination, if these were carried out, were also used for comparison and for determination of the diagnostic yield of the sonographic examination of the eyeball. Using whole body USG equipment the most frequent pathological lesions of the posterior segment of the eyeball were unambiguously visualised. The results were statistically analysed. The results justify the thesis that the sonographic examination of the eyeball is the most useful, and most frequently, also the definitive imaging method for infant patients and its contribution, for example to differential-diagnostic judgments regarding vague findings on papilla, has a far-reaching consequence. Last but not least, it is necessary to mention the cost-effectiveness of USG examination in comparison with both CT and MR examination.     

Possibilities of radiologic methods (ultrasonography, computed tomography) in the preoperative evaluation of intramural invasion of gastric cancer

By analyzing the findings in 72 patients with gastric cancer, the authors show the potentialities of noninvasive techniques of radiation diagnosis (transabdominal ultrasonography (USG) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative evaluation of the T-stage of gastric cancer. Ultrasound and computed tomographic semiotics of intramural invasion of gastric carcinoma is made. Ultrasonography was found to have the highest specificity in detecting early-stage gastric cancers prior to computed tomography. In the authors' opinion, a complex use of the data obtained by these techniques reveals the degree of invasion of gastric carcinoma and its extent with high precision. Transabdominal USG and CT should rank with the initial methods used for diagnosing gastric cancer. Transabdominal USG should be most expediently used as an initial technique of the above studies, by taking into account its wide accessibility, easiness-to-use, and lack of radiation load.     

Comparative assessment of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage under roentgenoscopy and ultrasound guidance

In 1990-2000, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage was performed in 89 patients with obstructive jaundice of tumoral etiology: Groups A (n = 21) under roentgenoscopic guidance and Group B (n = 68) under ultrasound guidance (USG). The efficiency and safety of puncture of the biliary tract were comparatively evaluated in these groups. The technical success of the procedure was achieved in 81.0% of Group A patients and in 98.5% of Group B ones. USG decreased radiation load on the patient and medical staff by three times and the number of needle passes by two times. External-and-internal cholangiodrainages under USG and roentgenoscopy were performed in 55.2 and 23.8%, respectively. The incidence of complications and mortality were 5.9 and 1.5% in Group B and versus 17.6% and 4.8% in Group A. It is concluded that transhepatic cholangiodrainage under USG has some advantage over puncture of the biliary tract under roentgenoscopy.     

Lymphoprostatic scintigraphy in regional lymphatic mapping in patients with prostate cancer

The purpose of the investigation was to upgrade the diagnosis quality for metastatic lesion to the regional lymp nodes in prostate cancer. The results of the most widely used diagnostic techniques (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance Imaging, (MRI), radionuclide studies (RNS), and ultrasonography (USG)), which had been compared with those of histology of removed lymph nodes, were assessed. For this, 74 patients with prostate cancer were comprehensively examined and treated at the Central Research X-ray Radiolological Institute. The comparative assessment of radiodiagnostic techniques (USG, CT, MRI, and RNS) showed the high informative value of retroperitoneal lymph nodal MRI in the detection of structural-and-morphological and anatomic-and-topographic changes in the lymph nodes (87.5% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, and 85.7% accuracy). The developed lymphoprostatic scintigraphy (LPSG) is an informative technique that allows the better diagnosis of prostate metastases to the regional lymph nodes (92.4% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity, and 92.1% accuracy; the prognostic value of a positive result is 90.7%). LPSG is superior in its informative value to small pelvic USG and CT and inferior to indirect lymphoscintigraphy and yields valuable additional information on the physiological function of the small pelvic lymphatic collector.     

Current X-ray diagnosis of stomach cancer (comparison of radiologic and morphological methods of investigation)

By using the principles of wide comparisons of the data of radiation diagnosis (routine X-ray study, ultrasonography (USG), CT, MRI) with the morphological findings of resected gastric specimens from patients with endophytic gastric cancer (EGC) (n = 85), the authors propose some points in the problem associated with its diagnosis. They believe that by taking into account the fact that there is an obvious growth of endophytic parietally growing gastric cancer with the concurrent reduction in its intestinal forms, it is necessary to restore current radiation to its leading place, along with endoscopy, in detecting the cancer. The authors makes a highly positive assessment of USG, CT, MRI in addition to routine X-ray study and endoscopy particularly in those cases when difficulties emerge in histological verification of the existing signs of parietally growing cancer. The paper makes indications for USG, CT, MRI concrete. The authors also show how to stage gastric cancer.     

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing recurrent and metastatic ovarian cancer

The paper deals with the capacities of ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing recurrent and metastatic ovarian cancer along with routine clinical and laboratory studies (physical examination, measurement of the tumor-associated serum antigen CA-125) in 95 patients with ovarian cancer after primary special treatment. MRI is preferable to USG in evaluating the extent of a tumorous process and the invasion of a tumor into the adjacent tissues, which is of great value in defining a further treatment policy.     

Use of radiothermometry in the screening of nonpalpable breast neoplasms

As compared with other types of malignancies, breast cancer is one of the commonest causes of female death. Mammography used for screening is associated with radiation exposure and it is of low informative value in women less than 35 years of age. Breast ultrasonography (USG) cannot be used for screening of women less than 35 years of age in whom a glandular component is prevalent in the breast structure as it takes much time and should be performed by a qualified specialist. The purpose of our study was to estimate the diagnostic capacities of microwave radiothermometry (RTM) and to determine its place in the early diagnosis of nonpalpable breast neoplasms in medical practice. An integrated study, including RTM, USG, and mammography, was conducted in women at the District Mammology Department, Diagnostic Center Five, and at Branch One of the Female Health Clinic Diagnostic Center in March 2003 to October 2006. The study covered 200 women aged 35 to 71 years who had neither complaints nor clinical signs of a breast nodule and had been found to have neoplasms after undergoing the above diagnostic studies. The studies performed showed that the sensitivity of RMT diagnosis, USG, and mammography was 86.7, 75.8, and 88.3%, respectively. The precision of these techniques was 75.2, 80.0, and 83%.     

Ammonia volatilization losses from prilled urea,urea supergranules (USG) and coated USG in rice fields

Summary About 8.4 per cent of applied nitrogen was lost as ammonia during a week after application when prilled urea was broadcast or banded and incorporated in soil 20 days after sowing of rice. Ammonia volatilization was reduced to 3.3 per cent when urea supergranules (USG) were used. Coating of USG with DCD or neem cake showed no advantage. Ammonia volatilization was only 0.7 to 1.6 per cent when fertilizer was applied at panicle initiation stage of rice; highest values were again obtained with prilled urea. The experiments were carried out in closed cages.     

胎盘植入的影像学表现(病例报道及文献复习)

目的:探讨胎盘植入(placental implantation abnormality,PIA)的影像学表现特征。方法:分析经手术病理证实的1例胎盘植入的MRI及超声表现,并复习文献资料。结果:MRI:以同序列子宫外围肌层信号为参照,T_1WI植入胎盘呈等信号或略高信号,与宫壁结构分界不清;T_2WI植入胎盘呈高信号,信号强度高于宫壁,胎盘组织侵入肌层,结合带局部变薄或中断;T_1WI增强,胎盘显著强化,明显强于宫壁。超声:局部胎盘厚度增加,其内见多个大小不一、形态不规则的无回声区;胎盘后方子宫肌层厚薄不均,其内见大片状稍强回声区;胎盘与子宫肌层接触的地方有异常的彩色的血流。结论:胎盘植入的影像学表现具有特征性,MRI结合超声检查有助于做出正确的定位和定性诊断。     

Detection of marker–QTL associations by studying change in marker frequencies with selection

The value of selective genotyping for the detection of QTL has already been studied from a theoretical point of view but with the assumption of a negligible contribution of the QTL to the phenotypic variance. For predicting change in gene frequency, we show that this assumption is only valid for less than 0.05 and for a proportion selected higher than 1%. Therefore, we develop a study of the optimization of selective genotyping without assumption on QTL effect, with selection either of both tails (bidirectional genotyping or BSG) or only one tail (unidirectional genotyping or USG). For a given population size of phenotyped plants the optimal proportion selected for selective genotyping is around 30% for each tail. For the same investment as in ANOVA, by investing more in phenotyping than in genotyping when the cost ratio of genotyping to phenotyping is higher than 1, the optimal proportion selected appears to be between 10 and 20% for each tail. It is mainly affected by the cost ratio and decreases when the cost ratio increases. At this optimum, BSG is competitive with ANOVA, or even more powerful, when the cost ratio is higher than 1. USG can also be competitive when the cost ratio is higher than 2. Using experimental data from two populations of about 300 F4 inbred families of maize, it was verified that BSG at the optimum gives the same results as ANOVA or is better whereas USG is less powerful or equivalent.     

Nitrogen management in direct sown intermediate deep water rice (15–50 cm)

Summary Field experiments were conducted to assess the efficiency of different forms and methods of urea application for direct sown rice under intermediate deep water situation (15–50 cm). Basal application of N @ 40 kg/ha in the form of prilled urea (PU); urea super granules (USG); and sulphur coated urea (SCU); were tested with a view to improving the early vigour, tillering and grain yield. Deep placement of prilled urea behind a plough; USG placement between rows in moist soil; and also in shallow water were found to increase the recovery of nitrogen. There was no deleterious effect on stand establishment when the seed and fertilizer @ 40, 8.6 and 16.6 kg N, P and K per hectare respectively were drilled in the same furrow in moist soil. Split application of either conditioned urea or application as a foliar spray did not prove effective in an intermediate deep water rice situation.     

Evaluation of Lipohypertrophy in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on Multiple Daily Insulin Injections or Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

ObjectiveTo determine lipohypertrophy (LH) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on multiple daily insulin injections (MDII) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and to reveal the factors associated with the development and severity of LH.MethodsSixty-six patients with T1DM treated with MDII (n = 35, 53%) or CSII (n = 31, 47%) for at least 1 year were included. LH localizations were detected with palpation and ultrasonography (USG).ResultsThe LH detection rate with USG was significantly higher than that by palpation in the whole group (P < .001). The LH was detected with USG in 30 (85.7%) patients in the MDII group and 22 (71.0%) patients in the CSII group (P = .144). Advanced LH was detected in 13 (37.1%) of the patients treated with MDII and in 3 (9.7%) of the patients treated with CSII. LH was more severe in the MDII group than in the CSII group (P = .013). Diabetes duration and length of infusion set use were significantly longer and body mass index, hypoglycemia, and complication rates were higher in patients with LH than those in patients without LH (P < .05). A positive correlation was found between LH severity and HbA1C and insulin dose (P < .05, for both). MDII as insulin administration method, incorrect rotation, and a history of ketosis were found to be the most related factors with LH severity in a multiple linear regression analysis (P < .05).ConclusionUSG might be an effective approach for detecting and evaluating the severity of LH. MDII might cause more severe LH than CSII in patients with T1DM. In this study, LH was found to be associated mostly with incorrect rotation technique and a history of ketosis.     

Utility of Ultrasound Versus Gene Expression Classifier in Thyroid Nodules with Atypia of Undetermined Significance

Objective: Thyroid nodules with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology categorized as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) often undergo additional diagnostic analysis with the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC), which classifies these as either high probability of being benign (GEC-B) or suspicious for malignancy (GEC-S). Our goal was to assess the clinical validity and utility of GEC in the evaluation of AUS cytology and evaluate the performance of ultrasonography (USG) for predicting malignancy in this subset.Methods: We conducted a study with a retrospective cohort of patients from January 2012 to January 2014 who had FNA of thyroid nodules >1 cm in size with AUS cytology.Results: Cleveland Clinic Florida has an overall prevalence of AUS of 5%. A total of 119 cases with nodules >1 cm in size were reported as AUS. Forty-eight (40.3%) had a GEC performed after the first FNA (AUS-1), and 27 of these were GEC-S. Of those 27, 21 went for surgery and 14 (66.6%) had thyroid cancer on histopathology. The remaining 71 with AUS-1 were sent for a second FNA: 19 nodules were benign and did not undergo further evaluation, while the remaining 52 were reported as AUS for the second consecutive time (AUS-2). AUS-2 samples were sent for GEC. Of these 52 AUS-2, 38 (73.1%) were reported as GEC-S. Thirty-five went for surgery and 32 (91.4%) had confirmed malignancy on histopathology. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 91.4% for AUS-2 and 66.6% for AUS-1. Moreover, AUS-2 nodules that were hypoechoic and solid on USG showed a PPV of 92% for malignancy.Conclusion: In our practice, the diagnostic accuracy to predict malignancy with GEC for AUS-1 nodules was poor (PPV, 66.6%). The PPV of GEC testing was markedly higher at 91.4% performed after two consecutive AUS cytologies. AUS-2 nodules that were solid and hypoechoic on USG also had a high probability to be malignant (PPV, 92%). We recommend repeat FNA on AUS-1 nodules rather than proceeding directly to GEC testing. Also, we suggest that among AUS-2 nodules, surgery can be recommended when USG shows solid and hypoechoic features with GEC testing reserved for the remainder.Abbreviations:AUS = atypia of undetermined significanceFNA = fine-needle aspirationGEC = gene expression classifierGEC-B = GEC-benignGEC-S = GEC-suspicious for malignancyNPV = negative predictive valuePPV = positive predictive valueUSG = ultrasonography