Thyroid imaging reporting and data system combined with Bethesda classification in qualitative thyroid nodule diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the value of the combined use of high-resolution ultrasound thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) classification and thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (Bethesda classification) for the qualitative diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. METHODS: We enrolled 295 patients with 327 thyroid nodules who were scheduled to undergo thyroid nodule surgery. Before surgery, all the patients underwent ultrasound and scoring with the TI-RADS classification, along with thyroid fine needle biopsy cytology under ultrasound guidance (US-FNAC) and scoring with the Bethesda classification. After surgery, the TI-RADS and Bethesda classification scores, separately and in combination, were compared with the postoperative pathological results in terms of the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. RESULTS: TI-RADS classification score 4 exhibited the highest diagnostic value for thyroid cancer; the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 92.7%, 70.7%, and 87.1%, respectively, whereas the Kappa and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) values were 0.651 and 0.817, respectively. Moreover, Bethesda classification score 3 exhibited the highest diagnostic value for thyroid cancer; the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 90.0%, 94.3%, and 91.1%, respectively, whereas the Kappa and ROC values were 0.78 and 0.914, respectively. With regard to the combined diagnostic method, a score of 7 exhibited the highest diagnostic value for thyroid cancer; the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 97.3%, 92.0%, and 95.9%, respectively, whereas the Kappa and ROC values were 0.893 and 0.946, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of high-resolution ultrasonography TI-RADS classification and US-FNAC (Bethesda classification) can improve the accuracy of malignant thyroid nodules diagnosis.

Crop load and harvest maturity effects on consumer preferences for apricots.

BACKGROUND: Improving apricot fruit quality delivered to consumers is key to ensuring a successful apricot industry. Previous studies have focused on effects of either soluble solids content (SSC) or fruit firmness on consumer preferences, and results have been equivocal. This study evaluated the effects of crop load and harvest maturity how they affected on fruit SSC and firmness, and on subsequent consumer preferences. RESULTS: SSC of apricots was an important factor only when fruit were firmer than 15 N and not immature. When fruit were softer than 15 N, SSC had little influence on consumer liking. In general, consumers preferred fruit that were grown on trees thinned to approximately 10-20% less than typical commercial crop loads and were harvested in a more mature condition. Consumers also preferred fruit that had a higher sugar/acid ratio or BrimA value, which is the °Brix - k × titratable acidity, where k is a constant that varies between species and cultivars depending on the specific acids and sugars present. High apricot flavour and juiciness were associated with greater sweetness. CONCLUSION: Management practices that increase fruit SSC and sugar/acid ratio, such as reducing crop load, will improve consumer satisfaction as long as fruit are harvested at an adequate maturity stage and are maintained in storage so that they do not soften too quickly.

Dry matter content and fruit size affect flavour and texture of novel Actinidia deliciosa genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies with commercial kiwifruit cultivars have demonstrated that the taste of fruit with higher dry matter content (DM) is more liked by consumers. A unique replicated trial of kiwifruit genotypes (10 high/low DM × small/large-fruited genotypes) has provided an opportunity to consider how the genetic propensity for a kiwifruit to accumulate DM affects fruit flavour and texture. In the present study, eating-ripe fruit from each of the genotypes were assessed using a trained sensory panel and the relationships between these sensory attributes and fresh weight, DM, flesh firmness and soluble solids content (SSC) were explored. RESULTS: The genotypes provided a diversity of flavour and texture attributes, each of which varied in perceived intensity of the sensory experience. High-DM genotypes had higher SSC and were perceived as sweeter than low-DM genotypes. Sweet taste was closely associated with the perception of the tropical flavour and high-DM genotypes were found to have more tropical notes. Fruit size was associated with fruit texture, and small fruit were characterised by a firmer and more fibrous core. Large high-DM fruit were perceived as juicier than those of all other genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Genotypes were perceived differently from one another, and differences in fruit size and DM content were reflected in fruit sensorial properties. This study is unique in demonstrating interactions between fruit size, DM and sensory properties. These findings could be relevant not only to kiwifruit but to fruiting crop breeders in general, because of the demonstrated potential for effects of fruit size and DM content on sweetness, flavour and fruit texture.