Alteration Trend and Overlap Analysis of Positive Features in Different-Sized Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules: Based on Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the alteration trends and overlaps of positive features in benign and malignant thyroid nodules of different sizes based on the Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS). Patients and Methods: 1337 patients with 1558 thyroid nodules were retrospectively recruited from November 2021 to December 2023. These nodules were divided into three groups according to maximum diameter: A (≤10 mm), B (10-20 mm), and C (≥20 mm). C-TIRADS positive features were compared between benign and malignant thyroid nodules of different sizes. In addition, the trends of positive features with changes in nodule size among malignant thyroid nodules were analyzed. Results: The incidence of positive features in malignant thyroid nodules was higher than that in benign. As benign nodules grow, the incidence of all positive features showed a linear decreasing trend (Z values were 72.103, 101.081, 17.344, 33.909, and 129.304, P values < 0.001). With the size of malignant thyroid nodules increased, vertical orientation, solid, marked hypoechogenicity, and ill-defined/irregular margins/extrathyroidal extension showed a linear decreasing trend (Z = 148.854, 135.378, 8.590, and 69.239, respectively; P values < 0.05), while suspicious microcalcifications showed a linear increasing trend (Z = 34.699, P<0.001). In terms of overlapping characteristics, group A had a significantly higher overlapping rate than the other two groups, and the overlapping rate of solid indicators remained the highest among all three groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Differences in positive features were observed between thyroid nodules of different sizes. Except for suspicious microcalcifications, the incidence of other four positive features decreased with increasing nodule size. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between the overlap rate and nodule size. These results may provide a basis for sonographers to upgrade or downgrade thyroid nodules based on their own experience.

Mammography breast density: an effective supplemental modality for the precise grading of ultrasound BI-RADS 4 categories.

BACKGROUND: High breast density is significantly associated with an increased risk of breast diseases. Presently, suspected breast masses assessed as Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) grade 4 provide a wide range of positive predictive values. Moreover, subcategories (4a, 4b, and 4c) are still under consideration as the diagnostic criteria are neither comprehensive nor objective. However, whether mammography breast density (MBD) has any impact on the accurate grading of BI-RADS 4 assessed by ultrasound (US) remains unknown. METHODS: A total of 1,086 women with 1,293 breast masses were included and assessed as BI-RADS 3-5 by US. The subcategories of MBD (from the ACR-a to the ACR-d group) were assessed by mammography according to the criteria of the American College of Radiology (ACR). The clinicopathological characteristics of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. The malignancy rates of breast masses among different subgroups assessed by BI-RADS were re-estimated with MBD. RESULTS: Almost all BI-RADS 3 masses were classified as benign and nearly all BI-RADS 5 masses were identified as malignant. Significant inverse associations between MBD and malignancy rates were detected between the BI-RADS 4a and BI-RADS 4b groups. Moreover, malignancy rates decreased significantly from ACR-a to ACR-d for BI-RADS 4a and 4b breast lesions (P<0.001). However, this trend was not observed in BI-RADS 4c breast lesions. CONCLUSIONS: MBD could serve as a crucial factor for the accurate grading of BI-RADS 4 lesions assessed by US. We strongly recommend the adoption of the MBD as a possible supplemental screening modality for US. Furthermore, it is equally beneficial for accurate risk assessment and screening recommendations based on MBD.

Injection therapy for chronic prostatitis: A retrospective analysis of 77 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pre- and post-therapy symptom scores reported on the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIHCPSI) after trans-rectal antibiotic injections therapy for men suffering from chronic prostatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of NIHCPSI symptom scores obtained from chart reviews of 77 treated males suffering from chronic prostatitis before and after trans rectal injections for the treatment of chronic prostatitis. RESULTS: Most patients reported a 40% to 60% improvement in symptom scores. In subgroups comparing scores in patients with less than 5 injections, the improvement was less than in patients who received 10 or more injections. Patients' responses after a shorter (3 months) follow up showed better pain scores than patient's scores after longer, over one-year or more, follow- up periods. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that direct antibiotic injection for chronic prostatitis is a viable addition to standard therapies. Improvements in symptom scores are long lasting. Discomfort is minimal and side effects are rare and avoidable.

Use of a simple intraoral instrument to standardize film alignment and improve image reproducibility.

OBJECTIVE: A lot of instruments and devices were reported in standardized realignment of intraoral film. However, these instruments either are too cumbersome and time consuming to be used or require extensive fabrication. In this study we described a prototype of a instrument for realignment of intraoral film and evalated its reproducibility. STUDY DESIGN: A technique that uses this instrument was compared with a validated method serving as control. An adult human dry skull with full dentition was exposed for measuring the angular errors. Two types of angular errors were calculated. RESULTS: of the analysis of the alignment error caused by projection of the x-ray beam showed the mean horizontal angulation error (+/-SD) was 1.70 +/- 0.75 degrees and the vertical one was 1.32 +/- 0.44 degrees in the new instrument group, and 1.65 +/- 0.70 degrees and 1.40 +/- 0.61 degrees, respectively, in the control group. Bite block seating error was 2.12 +/- 0.55 degrees in the newly developed instrument and 2.01 +/- 0.49 degrees in the instrument with registration material. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the 2 instruments (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The prototype of the new instrument reported by the authors can produce almost identical radiographs in vitro with only slight angular errors. Clinical use of the advanced type of the instrument can be expected to show similar results.

[Dental malocclusion among juveniles in Hangzhou municipality]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence rate, malocclusion type and treatment rate as well as awareness of malocclusion among children and adolescents living in the Hangzhou municipality. METHODS: 1818 children and adolescents ages 7 approximate, equals 16 living in Hangzhou municipality were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall malocclusion rate was 35.75%. In Angle's classification: Angle I 593 cases (32.62%), Angle II 48 cases(2.64%),Angle III 9 cases (0.49%). Among the malocclusion type of crowding was mixed dentition 70.66%,permanent dentition 85.89%. In the overjet malocclusion mixed dentition was noted in 60.57% and permanent dentition in 51.05%.The type of overbite was mixed dentition 67.82%,permanent dentition 31.23%. In the crossbite of anterior teeth mixed dention was noted in 12.30% and permanent dention in 9.91%. Overall treatment rate for malocclusion was 10.15%.CONCLUSION: Among Hangzhou municipality juveniles there is both inadequate prevention and treatment of dental malocclusion.