ABSTRACT
Introduction: Palpable thyroid nodules are stated in 4 to 7% of individuals. This study was designed to evaluate the relation of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) based cytology reports in patients with thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, individuals with thyroid nodules who were selected for ultrasonographic-guided FNA enrolled in this study. Demographic data, radiologic assessment, and cytology report were gathered based on hospital medical records. TIRADS grading of the nodules was assessed for each nodule. Cytology was performed on all samples. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing cytology with ACR-TIRADS and also cytology with TIRADS 4-5 cut-off point as a radiologic malignant lesion. Results: 172 patients were studied, 151 of whom were female and 21 were male. The mean age of the patients was 49.46 years. Most of the patients had TIRADS 4 (53.5%) followed by 3 (31.4%), and 5 (11.6%). 151 patients (87.8%) had a benign lesion in cytology. Of them, 118 had colloid nodules. There was a statistically significant relation between TIRADS and cytology (p-value<0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, AUC, and positive and negative predictive value for ACR-TIRADS classification were 76.19%, 47.54%, 0.619, 20.00%, and 92.06%, respectively. These values for cut-off "4-5" classification was 86.36%, 38.00%, 0.622, 16.96%, and 95.00%. Conclusions: According to the significant concordance between TIRADS and cytology, as shown in the results of our study, it seems that TIRADS could be used to decrease the amount of unnecessary FNA in individuals with thyroid nodules.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lead-based shields are the standard method of intraoperative radiation protection in the radiology and nuclear medicine department. Human lead toxicity is well documented. The lead used is heavy, lacks durability, is difficult to launder, and its disposal is associated with environmental hazards. The aim of this study was to design a lead free paint for protection against X and gamma rays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pilot st we evaluated several types of nano metal powder that seemed to have good absorption. The Monte Carlo code, MCNP4C, was used to model the attenuation of X-ray photons in paints with different designs. Experimental measurements were carried out to assess the attenuation properties of each paint design. RESULTS: Among the different nano metal powder, nano tungsten trioxide and nano tin dioxide were the two most appropriate candidates for making paint in diagnostic photon energy range. Nano tungsten trioxide (15%) and nano tin dioxide (85%) provided the best protection in both simulation and experiments. After this step, attempts were made to produce appropriate nano tungsten trioxide-nano tin dioxide paints. The density of this nano tungsten trioxide-nano tin dioxide paint was 4.2 g/cm(3). The MCNP simulation and experimental measurements for HVL (Half-Value Layer) values of this shield at 100 kVp were 0.25 and 0.23 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the cost-effective lead-free paint can be a great power in absorbing the X-rays and gamma rays and it can be used instead of lead.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: We determined the effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia extract on chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in mouse embryo limb buds in vitro and in vivo. Limb bud mesenchyme from day 12.5 embryos were used for high-density micromass cultures. Water/alcohol extract was added to culture media at 10, 100, 1000 and 10000 µg/L. Cytotoxicity was tested with neutral red. Chondogenesis was detected by alcian blue and osteogenesis was detected by alizarin red S and alkaline phosphatase activity. For in vivo experiments, 40 pregnant mice were given 0.5, 5.0 or 50.0 mg/kg of the extract between days 8 and 18 of gestation. Embryos were stained with alizarin red S and alcian blue to measure femur and ossified region lengths. Total bone mass volume was measured stereometrically. Data were compared with ANOVA and LSD. RESULTS: In limb bud cultures 10 µg/mL of extract reduced chondrogenesis but not osteogenesis. Higher concentrations had no effect on chondrogenesis or osteogenesis. In pregnant mice 50 mg/kg of the extract significantly increased fetal femur and ossified zone length, but significantly decreased bone and cartilage volumes. SIGNIFICANCE: The extract had no favorable effects on chodrification or ossification and appeared to reduce chondrogenesis. This is in apparent contradiction to its empirical effects in human adults.
