Blind End Research Articles

Numerical simulation of the effect of fixation type on random vibration of fuel cell stacks in various vehicles

Abstract During vehicle operation, the fuel cell stack onboard inevitably experiences vibration loads due to uneven road surfaces and internal system vibrations. Therefore, this paper conducts a mechanical response analysis of metal plate fuel cell stacks under random vibration loads for various vehicles (passenger vehicles, buses, trailers, and logistics vehicles) and different fixation types (fixing with 14 bolts, fixing with four corner bolts, fixing blind end plates, fixing short sides of both end plates, fixing long sides of both end plates). The stress distribution of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and sealing rings is obtained. The results indicate that fixing with 14 bolts is the optimal fixation type for various vehicles, resulting in the minimum stress on both the MEA and sealing rings. However, under the condition of fixing the short sides of both end plates, the stress on the MEA is maximum for various vehicles, and under the condition of fixing blind end plates, the stress on the sealing ring is maximum for various vehicles. Hence, during stack installation, it is advisable to avoid these two fixation types to the greatest extent possible. Among various types of vehicles, passenger vehicles experience the least impact from random vibrations, whereas logistics vehicles are the most susceptible to such vibrations. Additionally, stress on the MEA and sealing rings is higher around the corners, making them susceptible to damage.

Microscopic Remaining Oil Classification Method and Utilization Based on Kinetic Mechanism

In reality, the remaining oil in the ultra-high water cut period is highly dispersed, so a thorough investigation is required to understand the microscopic remaining oil. This will directly influence the technological direction and allow for countermeasures such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the state, classification method and utilization mechanism of the microscopic remaining oil in the late period of the ultra-high water cut. To achieve this, the classification of microscopic remaining oil based on mechanical mechanism was developed using displacement CT scan and micro-scale flow simulation methods. Three carefully selected mechanical characterization parameters were used: oil–water connectivity, oil–mass specific surface and oil–water area ratio. These give five types of microscopic remaining oil, which are as follows: A (capillary and viscous oil cluster type), B (capillary and viscous oil drop type), C (viscous oil film type), D (capillary force control throat type), and E (viscous control blind end type). The state of the microscopic remaining oil in classified oil reservoirs was defined after high-expansion water erosion. Based on micro-flow simulation and analysis of different forces during the displacement process, the main microscopic remaining oil recognized is in class-I, class-II and class-III reservoirs. Within the Eastern sandstone oilfields in China, the ultra-high water-cut stage is a good indicator that the class-I oil layer is dominated by capillary and viscous oil drop types distributed in large connected holes. The class-II oil layer has capillary and viscous force-controlled clusters distributed in small and medium pores with high connectivity. In the case of the class-III oil layer, it enjoys the support of capillary force control throats that are mainly distributed in small holes with high connectivity. Integrating mechanisms of different types of micro-remaining oil indicates that, enhancing utilization conditions requires increasing pressure gradient and shear force while reducing capillary resistance. An effective way to improve the remaining oil utilization is to increase the pressure gradient and change the flow direction during the water-drive development process. Hence, this forms a theoretical basis and a guide for the potential exploitation of remaining oil. Likewise, it provides a strategy for optimizing enhanced oil recovery in the ultra-high water-cut stage of mid-high permeability oil reservoirs worldwide.

Diffusion of N2/CH4/CO2 in Heptane-Containing Nanoblind Ends

The prevalence of micropores and nanopores in low-permeability reservoirs is a cause for concern, as it results in a sizeable quantity of oil reserves being trapped within them. The water-gas dispersion system has the capacity to expand the reservoirs’ wave volume and enhance oil recovery. While the microscopic oil repulsion mechanism has been the center of attention, the oil repulsion effect of three distinct types of gases (N2, CH4, and CO2) is of particular importance in understanding the displacement mechanism of N2/CH4/CO2 on heptane at the blind end of the nanometer. A molecular dynamics simulation using the LAMMPS software was employed to construct a model of a blind end of heptane on a SiO2 wall and an interface model with different types of gas molecules. This was done to investigate the microscopic mechanism of heptane replacement by gas molecules. The temperature (50 °C) and pressure (30 MPa) of the reservoir in the Changqing oil field are selected as the parameters for analysis. The findings indicate that all three types of gas molecules can enter the blind end and displace heptane. However, supercritical CO2 forms a mixed phase with heptane, which is more prone to extruding oil molecules situated near the inner wall surface of the blind end and desorbing the oil film. The results demonstrate that, in the context of the blind end, gaseous CO2 exhibits a lower solvation ability but superior extrusion diffusion ability for heptane compared to N2 and CH4. Furthermore, the interaction energy indicates that the interactions between two states of CO2 and heptane, as well as the thickness of the interface, increase with increasing pressure and temperature. The findings of this study elucidate the microscopic mechanism underlying the replacement of oil droplets or oil films at the blind end by different gases under reservoir conditions at the molecular level and offer further guidance for the selection of the gas phase and the replacement state in the water-gas dispersive drive system.

Indirect-Oscillation Sign Suggesting Infective Endocarditis on the Routine Chest CT.

Routine chest CT is not essential for the diagnostic workup for infective endocarditis (IE), but this type of study may be the initial imaging modality in the evaluation of patients ultimately proven to have IE who present to the emergency department with nonspecific clinical symptoms. Although routine chest CT cannot directly assess valvular oscillating motion due to the lack of cine images, we hypothesized that a combination of elongated nodular valve thickening and abnormal orientation to the normal valve with a blind end on routine CT (indirect-oscillation sign) might suggest movable vegetation indirectly. To evaluate this possibility, we studied 27 patients with IE and 35 controls who underwent both routine chest CT and echocardiography. CT scanning was initiated following a delay of 60-80 s after the administration of the contrast medium. Two cardiothoracic radiologists retrospectively analyzed the CT images to assess the indirect-oscillation sign with consensus. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the indirect-oscillation sign on routine chest CT were 29.6% (8/27), 100% (35/35), 100% (8/8), and 64.8% (35/54), respectively. Although uncommon, the presence of the indirect-oscillation sign involving the aortic or mitral valve on routine chest CT is a suggestive finding for IE.

Study on the Impact of Porous Media on Condensate Gas Depletion: A Case Study of Reservoir in Xihu Sag.

During the depletion and pressure reduction process in condensate gas reservoirs, the precipitation of condensate oil transforms the single-phase gas flow into a two-phase gas-liquid flow, significantly reducing the permeability. Currently, microscopic studies of the phase behavior of condensate gas in porous media mainly focus on observing and describing the occurrence of condensate oil, lacking quantitative calculations and direct observations of condensate oil throughout the entire depletion cycle. This paper uses a microvisualization method to simulate the depletion process of condensate gas reservoirs. Condensate gases with oil contents of 175.3 and 505.5 g/cm3 were prepared by mixing methane, ethane, hexane, and decane in specific proportions. Pore structures were extracted from thin sections of real core casts, and microfluidic chips with a minimum pore diameter of 20 μm and an areal porosity of 20.75% were fabricated by using a chemical wet etching method. Subsequently, microfluidic condensate gas depletion experiments were conducted with chip images recorded during the depletion process. Grayscale analysis of the depletion images was performed using ImageJ software to quantitatively calculate condensate oil saturation and recovery rates, analyzing the effects of different condensate oil contents on condensate gas depletion, and comparing the differences between depletion in porous media and in a PVT cell. The conclusions drawn are as follows: the dew points of high and low in the porous media are 3.15% and 1.85% higher than those in the PVT cell, respectively. In the early stages of depletion, condensate oil saturation in porous media is higher than that in the PVT cell, while in the middle to late stages, condensate oil saturation in porous media is lower than that in the PVT cell. The condensate oil recovery rate in porous media is significantly higher than the depletion recovery rate in the PVT cell. Condensate oil tends to precipitate and disperse at blind ends and corners, while it easily forms patches in mainstream large pores.

The Formation Mechanism of Residual Oil and Methods of Enhanced Oil Recovery in a Fractured Low-Permeability Metamorphic Rock Reservoir in Bohai Bay

The oil reservoirs of the metamorphic rocks in Bohai Bay have geological characteristics such as low matrix porosity and permeability, developed natural microfractures, which result in the injection water rapidly advancing along fractures, a fast increase in the water content, and difficulties in extracting the remaining oil. In order to reveal water channeling and the residual oil formation mechanisms in fractured low-permeability reservoirs and solve the water channeling problem, we first analyzed the reservoir development status, then studied the formation mechanism of residual oil using a microfluidic chip device, and formed a method of hierarchical control to effectively control the water channeling problem of fractured reservoirs and maximize the displacement of residual oil. The results show that (1) Due to the low permeability of the reservoir matrix, a large amount of injected water flows along the fracture channel, which leads to the long-term high water cut of some oil wells and the retention of a large amount of crude oil in the matrix. (2) The results of microfluidic experiments show that the distribution of residual oil after water flooding mainly includes five types: blind end of the pore throat, columnar, cluster, flake and film, and residual oil. Among them, sheet-like and clustered residual oil are dominant, accounting for 75~85% and 10~13%, respectively. (3) Based on the characteristics of fracture development in buried-hill reservoirs, a hierarchical control technology of “gel particle + liquid crosslinked gel system” is established. The field application effect predicted that the input–output ratio was 1:3. This study provides a reference for the comprehensive treatment of water channeling in the same type of offshore fractured low-permeability metamorphic rock reservoirs.

Echocardiographic assessment of left atrial appendage morphology and function-an expert proposal by the German Working Group of Cardiovascular Ultrasound.

The left atrial appendage is a blind ending cardiac structure prone to blood stasis due to its morphology. This structure is a preferred region of thrombogenesis in relation to reduced myocardial contractility of the atrial wall. Blood stasis occurs primarily in low flow conditions. One of the tasks of echocardiography is the analysis of morphology and function of the left atrial appendage. The detection of thrombi by echocardiography is difficult and must be carried out thoroughly and carefully to avoid potential complications-especially in the context of rhythm control. The assessment of thromboembolic risk, especially in patients with unknown and presumed atrial fibrillation is a second challenge by characterizing atrial function and flow conditions in the left atrial appendage. Thus, this proposal focuses on the obvious problems of echocardiography when assessing left atrial appendage and the role of this method in planning a potential interventional closure of left atrial appendage.

Endoscopic techniques for early diagnosis of cloacal pathologies and sex determination in blue spotted tree monitor (Varanus macraei) and Cuming’s water monitor (Varanus cumingi)

This article attempts to present, for the first time, the usefulness and feasibility of using endoscopic techniques in the cloacal region of Varanus cumingi and Varanus macraei. This method can serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as offering an early approach to sex determination through the observation of the urodeum which in males ends in a blind end while in females it consists of two ostia which represent the outlets of the oviducts. In this context, commonly employed sex determination techniques, such as post-cloacal spur detection, have shown unreliability. The study involved the examination of ten specimens, approximately one year old, from a private breeding farm, following a complete clinical evaluation to confirm their general state of health. All subjects underwent sedation, which allowed the evaluation of anatomical structures, the health status of the cloaca and the determination of sex. This study and its findings may provide a critical basis for addressing population declines of these species, particularly for V. macraei, which has already been classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN.

A new magnetic resonance imaging-based PUMCH classification system for congenital cervical malformations: devising a standardised diagnosis pathway

ObjectivesTo develop an innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based PUMCH (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) classification system aimed at standardising the diagnosis of congenital cervical malformations (CCMs) by identifying their distinctive MRI features.MethodsSeventy-nine consecutive patients with CCM underwent pre-treatment pelvic MRI; three experienced gynaecological radiologists retrospectively analysed these images. Qualitative assessments included Rock et al’s classification; PUMCH classification; haematometra; cervical signal features; ovarian endometriosis; haematosalpinx; and uterine, vaginal, urinary, and musculoskeletal malformations. Quantitative assessments involved the uterine volume, sagittal cervical length, and maximum ovarian cross-sectional area. The surgical treatment types were also recorded. Statistical methods were used to incorporate differences in clinical features and surgical methods into our classification.ResultsMorphologically, CCMs were categorised into three types: type I (53%) was characterised by the presence of a cervix with visible cervical canals; type II (23%) featured an existing cervix with concealed cervical canals; and type III (24%) indicated cervical aplasia, which involves a blind end in the lower part of the uterine corpus. Haematometra was significantly more prevalent in patients with type I CCM than in those with type II (p < 0.001). There were three cervical signal patterns: no signal (27%), no evident layer differentiation (21%), and multi-layer differentiation with haematocele (52%). Most patients (94%) had complete vaginal atresia. Type I CCM patients had a higher likelihood of regaining normal uterovaginal anatomy compared to types II and III.ConclusionsOur proposed PUMCH classification system has a high potential for enhancing the efficiency of clinical diagnosis among patients with CCM.Critical relevance statementThe proposed new PUMCH classification promised to elevate the conventional diagnostic trajectory for congenital cervical malformations, offering a valuable framework to refine the selection and planning of surgical interventions, thereby enhancing overall clinical efficacy.Key PointsEffective classification of congenital cervical malformations is desirable to optimise the diagnostic process.We presented a PUMCH classification of congenital cervical malformations using pelvic MRI.The new classification significantly aids clinical triage for congenital cervical malformations.Graphical

External auditory canal atresia affecting the horizontal canal of a 2‐year‐old Labrador Retriever dog

AbstractA 2‐year‐old, female neutered, Labrador Retriever dog was presented with left otalgia. Otoscopic examination revealed a blind ending left external ear canal. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an abrupt narrowing of the lateral aspect of the horizontal canal, medial to which the remaining horizontal ear canal and middle ear cavities contained well‐delineated, homogenous, T2w, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery and T1w hyperintense, non‐contrast enhancing material. A diagnosis of external auditory canal atresia was made based on the imaging findings. Considering the patient's age and absence of preceding trauma, a congenital cause was considered most likely. Surgical treatment by way of a total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy was performed. At the re‐check appointment, the surgical site had healed well and there were no associated complications noted; a telephone call with the owner 5 months later documented no clinical concerns.

Comparison of two techniques to blind end jejunum and ileum for side‐to‐side cutting‐thread jejunocecostomy in horses

Comparison of two techniques to blind end jejunum and ileum for side‐to‐side cutting‐thread jejunocecostomy in horses

Fistulising skin metastases in Crohn’s disease: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundMetastatic Crohn’s disease is a rare disorder characterized by various granulomatous skin lesions that occur independently of gastrointestinal tract involvement. However, currently there is no standardized care or specific treatment. Therapeutic approaches include immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, and monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF).Case presentationWe present a case of a 29-year-old western European woman with significant blind ending abdominal subcutaneous fistulas and abscesses, who sought evaluation in the dermatology department. Histological examination revealed multiple epithelioid cell granulomas. There was no evidence of infectious or rheumatologic diseases such as sarcoidosis. The tentative diagnosis was metastatic Crohn’s disease, which was not related to an intestinal manifestation of the disease. The patient responded to infliximab but had to discontinue it due to an allergic reaction. Subsequent adalimumab treatment failed to induce clinical remission; thus, therapy was switched to ustekinumab, resulting in a positive response. Written informed consent for publication of their clinical details and clinical images was obtained from the patient.For our study more than 1600 publications were screened for cases of metastatic Crohn’s disease on PubMed database. 59 case reports with 171 patients were included in the analysis and evaluated for localization, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and complications and were summarized in this review.ConclusionThe successful ustekinumab treatment of a patient with metastatic Crohn's disease underscores the potential of this minimally investigated therapeutic option, highlighting the need for future treatment guidelines given the increasing prevalence of such cases.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF GAS DYNAMIC FLOW PARAMETERS IN THE ACDI CHANNEL WITH A DEEP CYLINDRICAL RESONATOR IN THE PRESENCE AND WITHOUT THE STUDIED SAMPLE

This study is aimed at the experimental research of gas dynamic flow parameters in the acoustic-convective drying system (ACDS) duct of the ITAM SB RAS. During the experiment, the flow temperature is recorded in the resonating cavity end vicinity and at the cylindrical resonator surface. Two variants of gas-dynamic flow in the waveguide are considered when the sample is installed in the ACDS working part path and when it is not present. As a result of experimental studies, it was revealed that when the test sample is placed in the ACDS path, the signal recorded without the sample changes at the input to the working part; the signal turns 180 degrees relative to the origin point, while the frequency response and temperature of the working flow do not change. The dynamics of changes in gas temperature near the end of the resonating cavity when placing the sample in the ACDS working part was obtained. The maximum gas temperature in the resonating cavity, which is achieved in the presence of an obstacle in the ACDS path, has been determined. Registration of temperature with surface thermocouples showed that the resonator can be conditionally divided into two areas: 1) near the blind resonator end, where the effect of placing the sample in the ACDS is observed; 2) near the open resonator edge, where there is no influence.

Does the contralateral testicular volume decide the need for diagnostic laparoscopy in cases of unilateral impalpable undescended testis?

BackgroundThis study aimed the evaluation of the value of the calculated volume of a normal testis to predict the status of its contralateral impalpable side and hence decide the importance of laparoscopic exploration.MethodsPatients with unilateral impalpable undescended testis – as confirmed by clinical and sonographic examination- were enrolled in our prospective interventional study between November 2018 and August 2022 at Elshatby University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. The volume and three-dimensional diameter of the normal contralateral testis were measured by the pre-operative US using the formula: Volume = L x W x H x π/6, where L is the length, W is the width, H is the height, and was correlated with the intra-operative laparoscopic findings.ResultsSeventy-six patients were included in our study. The age of the studied patients ranged between 6 months and 4 years with a mean of 2.17 ± 1.30 years; most of them were between one and three years old. Forty-six patients (60.5%) have left-sided impalpable testis and 30 patients (39.5%) have right-sided impalpable testis. The calculated volume of the contralateral normal testis was significantly larger in those patients who had both blind ending vas and vessels (0.89 ± 0.16) and in those who had an atrophic testis passing through the deep inguinal ring (DIR) –which was excised through the inguinal region- (0.83 ± 0.20) than in those patients who had their testes intra-abdominal (0.53 ± 0.18) or passing through the DIR to the inguinal region (0.80 ± 0.19). (Kruskal Wallis test; p < 0.001*).ConclusionsThe calculated sonographic volume of a normal testis can predict the status of its contralateral impalpable side significantly with sensitivity & specificity of 75.0% & 88.89% respectively and a cut-off point of ≤ 0.674; hence, helps in parent counselling preoperatively.Trial registrationName of the registry: Clinicaltrials.gov PRS. Trial registration number: NCT05933811. Date of registration: 10-7-2023 (retrospectively registered). URL of trial registry record: https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Jejunoileal atresia and multiple ileal diverticulae in a twelve-day-old infant: A Case Report

A twelve-day-old neonate presented with persistent bilious vomiting and dehydration. A transverse supraumbilical laparotomy was done. Later, he died and autopsy was done. A jejunoileal segment and several other ileal segments were collected. The jejunoileal segment was dilated. It measured 11 cm in length and had a blind end. One of the ileal segments measured 16 cm in length. Ileum showed multiple small diverticulae at the mesenteric border and each diverticula measured 3 to 4 mm in length. Lumen of ileum appeared collapsed or strictured. Further, the lumen of diverticulae contained soft eosinophilic material. He was finally diagnosed as a case of jejunoileal atresia associated with multiple terminal ileal diverticulae. Keywords: Jejunoileal dilatation multiple ileal type IV diverticulosis.

Challenges presented by decomposition in medico-legal autopsies-A case series

Decomposition is a natural process which turns complex organic elements into simpler forms. The changes brought in by the decomposition is still a hurdle even in this era of evolvement of advanced scientific techniques. Conditions like existence of differential decomposition in the same cadaver might confuse an inexperienced forensic pathologist. Interdisciplinary approach like by using forensic entomology and histopathology plays an important role while dealing the cases with advanced decomposition changes. Yet some times the results might lead us to a blind end in achieving few of the objectives of a medico-legal autopsy. The two cases in this discussion presents different decomposition changes and the hurdles posed by them.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia with Concomitant Mullerian Agenesis: A Rare Occurrence in 46 Xx Disorders of Sexual Development

The most common cause of 46 XX DSD is due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia with varying degrees of virilization. Females with CAH do not produce an anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), therefore the internal genitalia, which are Mullerian derivatives, develop normally. We report a unique case of CAH with aplasia of the uterus and upper vagina. The clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings of the patient are presented with a review of the literature. We report an ongoing case of a 20-year-old patient with ambiguous genitalia and primary amenorrhea. On physical examination, we found that she had an underdeveloped breast and clitoral virilization with separate urethral and vaginal openings. We performed a G-banded chromosome analysis, with 46 XX results. Laboratory test showed her 17-hydroxyprogesterone level was immensely elevated, while her FSH, LH, and estradiol level was below normal. Ultrasound imaging revealed the absence of uterus and cervix. Nevertheless, we found a diminutive uterine remnant during diagnostic laparoscopy with normal ovaries and fallopian tubes. On vaginoscopy examination, we found her vagina to be 5 cm long with blind end. In the presence of primary amenorrhea in patients with CAH, it is important to investigate for possible associated mullerian anomalies.

Dietary crude protein time-dependently modulates the bacterial community and metabolites and changes dietary nutrient efficiency in growing pigs

The reduced nutrient digestibility of low-protein (LP) diets has been shown to be caused by the weakened fermentative capacity of the post-gut flora. The dynamic regulation of dietary protein contents on post-gut microbial population and fermentative metabolism is unclear. Twelve growing barrows (19.9 ± 0.8 kg) fitted with a T-cannula at the blind end of the cecum were randomly administered a high-protein (HP, 21.5% crude protein [CP]) diet or an LP (15.5% CP) diet for 28 d. The cecal content and feces were collected at d 1, 14, and 28 of the experiment for microflora structures and metabolite concentrations analysis. The nutrient digestibility coefficient and plasma biochemical parameters were also determined. Compared with the HP treatment, the LP treatment showed decreased plasma urea nitrogen concentration and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, and CP (P < 0.01). In addition, urinary nitrogen losses, total nitrogen losses, and daily nitrogen retention in the LP treatment were lower than those in the HP treatment (P < 0.01), and the nitrogen retention-to-nitrogen intake ratio in the LP treatment was increased (P < 0.01). The HP group showed increased cecal total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration and fecal propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA concentrations (P < 0.05) on d 14 and 28, which may be mainly related to the elevated abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella (P < 0.05). Probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium, Bacteroidales S24-7, and Rikenella, enriched in the LP treatment possibly contributed to reduced plasma endotoxin content. The differences in the abundances of almost all the above-mentioned flora appeared on d 28 but not d 14. Likewise, differences in the Simpson and Shannon indices and clustering patterns of the microbiota between treatments were also only observed on d 28. To sum up, in a time-dependent manner, the LP diet increased probiotics with gut-improving functions and decreased SCFA-producing bacteria, which may cause enhanced intestine health and reduced nutrient digestibility.

The application value of high-frequency ultrasound in the feasibility assessment of endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy in children with appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is one of the common acute abdominal diseases in pediatrics. However, the implementation of radiological examination guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) in adults is limited in children. Our previous research explored the non-invasive guidance of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for ERAT and achieved good therapeutic effects. This study mainly focuses on exploring the application value of HFUS in the feasibility assessment of ERAT in children with appendicitis. 163 children with appendicitis received ERAT guided by HFUS were analyzed retrospectively. According to the parameters evaluated by HFUS before and during ERAT, the results indicated that the distance between the appendix orifice and the ileocecal valve significantly affected the time required for the guidewire to enter the appendix cavity (P < 0.05). The diameter and the texture of the fecalith, the thickness of the intestinal wall of the appendiceal orifice all had significant effects on the successful removal of the fecalith (P < 0.05). The success rate, treatment time and final flushing effect of the guidewire to reach the blind end of the appendix were significantly affected by the tortuosity of the appendix and whether there was adhesion with surrounding tissues (P < 0.05). HFUS can accurately assess the feasibility of ERAT in children with appendicitis.

Characterization of breast changes in the early gestational period on automated breast ultrasound

PurposeThis study was conducted to determine the characteristics of milk duct development in early pregnancy on ultrasound images.MethodsAutomated breast ultrasound (ABUS) images used for breast cancer screening in 332 pregnant women were evaluated retrospectively to determine when and how ductal development becomes evident on ultrasonography. The diagnostic criteria used for mammary gland changes during the gestational period were extension of the ducts to the margins of the breast where little or no echogenic fibroglandular tissue is seen on sonograms and/or the appearance of ductal structures running along the ascending Cooper’s ligament tapering off or ending in a blind end at the superficial layer of the superficial fascia. The correlations between gestational stage and the prevalence of these criteria were verified by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ). Assessments were performed by a single radiologist with experience reading ABUS images.ResultsWith a few exceptions, the prevalence of the above findings increased sharply beginning at 10 weeks, and then increased with progression of gestation, reaching a plateau after 20 weeks (ρ = 0.766, P < 0.00001).ConclusionThe findings in this study suggested that development of the milk ducts in early pregnancy can be observed using ABUS. These findings will be useful to gain a better understanding of breast ultrasound imaging characteristics during pregnancy.