Spherical Nodules Research Articles

Effects of tube voltage, radiation dose and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction strength level on the detection and characterization of pulmonary nodules in ultra-low-dose chest CT

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of tube voltage, radiation dose and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) strength level on the detection and characterization of pulmonary nodules by an artificial intelligence (AI) software in ultra-low-dose chest CT (ULDCT).Materials and methodsAn anthropomorphic thorax phantom containing 12 spherical simulated nodules (Diameter: 12 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, 5 mm; CT value: -800HU, -630HU, 100HU) was scanned with three ULDCT protocols: Dose-1 (70kVp:0.11mSv, 100kVp:0.10mSv), Dose-2 (70kVp:0.34mSv, 100kVp:0.32mSv), Dose-3 (70kVp:0.53mSv, 100kVp:0.51mSv). All scanning protocols were repeated five times. CT images were reconstructed using four different strength levels of ASiR-V (0%=FBP, 30%, 50%, 70%ASiR-V) with a slice thickness of 1.25 mm. The characteristics of the physical nodules were used as reference standards. All images were analyzed using a commercially available AI software to identify nodules for calculating nodule detection rate (DR) and to obtain their long diameter and short diameter, which were used to calculate the deformation coefficient (DC) and size measurement deviation percentage (SP) of nodules. DR, DC and SP of different imaging groups were statistically compared.ResultsImage noise decreased with the increase of ASiR-V strength level, and the 70 kV images had lower noise under the same strength level (mean-value 70 kV: 40.14 ± 7.05 (dose 1), 27.55 ± 7.38 (dose 2), 23.88 ± 6.98 (dose 3); 100 kV: 42.36 ± 7.62 (dose 1); 30.78 ± 6.87 (dose 2); 26.49 ± 6.61 (dose 3)). Under the same dose level, there were no differences in DR between 70 kV and 100 kV (dose 1: 58.76% vs. 58.33%; dose 2: 73.33% vs. 70.83%; dose 3: 75.42% vs. 75.42%, all p > 0.05). The DR of GGNs increased significantly at dose 2 and higher (70 kV: 38.12% (dose 1), 60.63% (dose 2), 64.38% (dose 3); 100 kV: 37.50% (dose 1), 59.38% (dose 2), 66.25% (dose 3)). In general, the use of ASiR-V at higher strength levels (> 50%) and 100 kV provided better (lower) DC and SP.ConclusionDetection rates are similar between 70 kV and 100 kV scans. The 70 kV images have better noise performance under the same ASiR-V level, while images of 100 kV and higher ASiR-V levels are better in preserving the nodule morphology (lower DC and SP); the dose levels above 0.33mSv provide high sensitivity for nodules detection, especially the simulated ground glass nodules.

Preparation and modification of PVDF membrane via VIPS method for membrane distillation

Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising technology for treating high-salinity mine water. However, MD membranes are known to have low membrane flux and are prone to fouling. In this study, we used the cost-effective and controllable vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) technology to prepare polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes, replacing the traditional immersion precipitation method and optimizing the membrane structure by including LiCl and acetone as porogen in the casting solution. The results showed that the membrane prepared using the VIPS method exhibited a highly open interconnected porous surface. Unlike traditional MD membranes with a dense epidermal layer and large finger-like pores, these optimized membranes had a symmetrical and uniform internal structure, leading to a high flux of 8.62 kg·(m2·h)−1 during direct contact membrane distillation testing. Different porogens produced varied results on the VIPS process and varying effects on membrane structure. The use of LiCl promoted the formation of PVDF β-phase, resulting in a decrease in the number of spherical nodules on the membrane surface, as well as improved density and smoothness. Consequently, this reduced fouling risk during membrane distillation while slightly decreasing membrane flux. On the other hand, acetone rapidly evaporated during the VIPS process, facilitating pre-gelatinization and α-phase formation of PVDF. This concurrent effect effectively restricted excessive nodule growth on the membrane surface, endowing the membrane with antifouling capabilities while preserving high flux.

Post-Traumatic Pulmonary Hematoma Presenting as Multiple Ring-shaped Spherical Nodules.

Post-Traumatic Pulmonary Hematoma Presenting as Multiple Ring-shaped Spherical Nodules.

"Sack of Marbles" Appearance of a Scalp Teratoma.

HomeRadiologyVol. 307, No. 5 PreviousNext Reviews and CommentaryFree AccessImages in Radiology“Sack of Marbles” Appearance of a Scalp TeratomaSumit Thakar , Pavan VasoyaSumit Thakar , Pavan VasoyaAuthor AffiliationsFrom the Department of Neurosurgery, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, ITPL Rd, EPIP Area, Whitefield, Bangalore 560066, India.Address correspondence to S.T. (email: [email protected]).Sumit Thakar Pavan VasoyaPublished Online:May 30 2023https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.230033MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In A 52-year-old woman presented with a painless, gradually enlarging scalp swelling that had been present since childhood. At examination, there was a 15 × 10 × 12–cm mass in the parieto-occipital region. MRI scan showed a large cystic lesion in the subgaleal plane of the scalp. It was hypointense with T1-weighted images and hyperintense with T2-weighted images and contained multiple nodules of varying sizes floating in the cyst, giving it a “sack of marbles” appearance (Figure). The nodules had thick outer rims that were iso- to hyperintense with T1-weighted sequences and hypointense with T2-weighted sequences and thin inner cores that were hypointense with T1-weighted sequences and hyperintense with T2-weighted sequences. The nodules demonstrated restricted diffusion (Figure) and had low apparent diffusion coefficient values. After completing surgical excision, the cyst was found to contain sebum-like material, hard spherules, and multiple strands of hair (Figure). Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mature cystic teratoma, with elements from all three germ layers. There was no recurrence after 6 months of follow-up.Images in a 52-year-old woman presenting with a scalp mass show a large cystic lesion in the subgaleal plane of the scalp with a “sack of marbles” appearance. (A) Sagittal unenhanced T1-weighted MRI scan shows a smooth-walled hypointense cyst with multiple spherical nodules that had isointense to hyperintense rims and thin hypointense cores. (B) Diffusion MRI scan shows the nodules demonstrating restricted diffusion. (C) Photograph of the gross specimen shows a sebum-like material within the cyst, hard spherical nodules, and strands of hair.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Mature cystic teratomas are commonly found in the gonadal tissues and in the head and neck region. In the head, they have a predilection for the orbit and scalp. The “marbles” are spherical aggregates of keratin, fat, sebaceous material, fibrin, and hair floating within the fluid matrix of the cyst. Though uncommon, the “sack of marbles” sign is considered pathognomonic of mature cystic teratomas in the head and neck (1–3).Disclosures of conflicts of interest: S.T. No relevant relationships. P.V. No relevant relationships.

The many facets of micropetrosis - Magnesium whitlockite deposition in bisphosphonate-exposed human alveolar bone with osteolytic metastasis.

The lacuno-canalicular space of apoptotic osteocytes eventually becomes mineralised in vivo. This condition is known as micropetrosis and is a fundamental characteristic of ageing bone. Increased prevalence of such hypermineralised osteocyte lacunae is viewed as a structural marker of impaired bone function - both mechanical and biological. Within the lacuno-canalicular space, mineralised apoptotic debris typically occurs as micrometre-sized, spherical nodules of magnesium-rich, carbonated apatite. Moreover, characteristically facetted, rhomboidal nodules of magnesium whitlockite [Mg-whitlockite; Ca18Mg2(HPO4)2(PO4)12] have been reported in human alveolar bone exposed to the bisphosphonate alendronate. This work provides supporting evidence for Mg-whitlockite formation in the alveolar bone of a 70-year-old male exposed to the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid to suppress osteolytic changes in skeletal metastasis. Backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy (BSE-SEM) revealed spherical and rhomboidal nodules within the lacuno-canalicular space. A variant of spherical nodules exhibited a fuzzy surface layer comprising radially extending acicular crystallites. The rhomboidal nodules ranged between ∼200nm to ∼2.4µm across the widest dimension (652±331nm). Micro-Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that rhomboidal nodules are compositionally distinct from spherical nodules, exhibiting higher Mg content and lower Ca/P ratio. Formation of Mg-whitlockite within osteocyte lacunae is multifactorial in nature and suggests altered bone biomineralisation. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism(s) and sequence of events remain poorly understood and warrant further investigation. The possibility to discriminate between carbonated apatite and Mg-whitlockite nodules within osteocyte lacunae, based on particle morphology, attests to the diagnostic potential of BSE-SEM with or without additional analyses of material composition.

Construction of U-Net++ pulmonary nodule intelligent analysis model based on feature weighted aggregation.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the bronchial mucosa or glands of the lung. Early lung cancer patients often have no obvious symptoms, but early detection and treatment have an important clinical significance for prognostic effect. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the important means in the diagnosis of lung cancer. In order to better solve the problem of diagnosis efficiency, and reduce the rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, computer aided diagnosis are employed in the accurate localization and segmentation of pulmonary nodules through imaging diagnostics, image processing technology, and other clinical means. This present study was envisaged to establish an intelligent segmentation model of pulmonary nodules to improve the accuracy of early screening for lung cancer patients. Compared with the traditional segmentation model of fully convolutional neural network, the U-Net++ algorithm based on feature-weighted integration (WI-U-Net++) effectively utilized the feature weight information, adopted the adaptive weighted method for weighted integration, and performed an intelligent segmentation of the anatomical structure and image details, which was applied in the auxiliary diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in CT images. Standard chest X-ray phantom was selected as CT scanning objects, and 30 spherical and irregular simulated nodules were built into them, respectively. CT images were collected by setting different tube voltage and noise index, and randomly included into the training set, validation set and test set at a ratio of 8:1:1. The experimental results showed that the segmentation accuracy of WI-U-Net++ algorithm for spheroid nodules and irregular nodules was 98.75% and 83.47%, respectively, which was better than that of U-Net and U-Net++ algorithm. In the auxiliary diagnosis, the recall rate of the WI-U-Net++ algorithm for spheroid nodules and irregular nodules was 93.47% and 84.52%, respectively. The accuracy of the benign or malignant identification was 80.27%, and the AUC was 0.9342. U-Net++ algorithm based on feature-weighted integration could improve the segmentation effect of pulmonary nodules. Especially in the case of irregular nodules with malignant signs, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis was significantly improved, and the level of differential diagnosis between benign and malignant was improved.

Clinic and anatomic aspects of verification and monitoring of various types of equine sarcoid in the western regions of Ukraine

Sarcoid is the most common skin tumor reported worldwide in equids, donkeys, zebras, and mules of all ages and sexes. The bovine papillomavirus (BPV) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Globally, the incidence of equine sarcoid ranges from 12 % to 67 % of all skin neoplasms. Unfortunately, no attention is paid to the study of sarcoid epizootology in Ukraine. There are no reports on the clinical types of neoplasms, their pathohistological characteristics, and treatment methods. Our study aimed to describe the clinical manifestations of different anatomical types of equine sarcoid, ranging from small single lesions to multiple aggressive fibroblastic tumors, which were registered in horses from private farms and stables in the western regions of Ukraine during 2019–2022. According to its macroscopic features, sarcoid was divided into six clinical and anatomical types: hidden, verrucous, nodular, fibroblastic, mixed, and malignant. In general, 1012 horses were examined, of which 328 animals were clinically diagnosed with sarcoid. Neoplasms were localized in different parts of the body and belonged to different sarcoid types.The smallest number of neoplasms was detected in the area of the head around the eyes in the form of single nodules (2.3 %), on the neck (5.4 %), and limbs (14.8 %). Most of the multiple focal sarcoid tumors were localized in the chest area (26.5 %) and in the area of the abdominal wall and groin (51 %). Both depigmentation and hyperkeratinization of the affected areas were the typical morphological features of all sarcoid types. Hidden sarcoid was characterized by lesions of the skin’s superficial layers with well-defined areas of alopecia. Verrucous sarcoid was mainly localized in the neck and groin areas with the formation of irregularly shaped and large skin thickenings characterized by damage to the deep dermis layers. The third type of sarcoid is nodular, which was visually manifested in the form of mobile spherical subcutaneous nodules of small sizes. They were usually localized in the groin, prepuce, inner thighs, and eyelids. Fibroblastic type is one of the most aggressive equine sarcoids. It is characterized by rapid growth with the formation of massive tumors on the leg with an ulcerated surface and marked vascularization. Mixed sarcoid combined verrucous, fibroblastic and nodular types with predominant signs a particular type of tumor. Malignant form of sarcoid was relatively rare but particularly aggressive. Tumors spread along the course of lymphatic vessels with the formation of nodes and ulcers. This sarcoid was detected only in two horses. In general, it should be noted that sarcoid is not a fatal neoplasm for horses. However, its location, size, and the possibility of progression to a more aggressive form commonly leads to deterioration of the exterior and culling of thoroughbred animals.

Spatial distribution of manganese oxide minerals in the natural ferromanganese nodule of the Arctic Sea: A view from Raman spectroscopy

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of manganese oxide minerals in the natural ferromanganese nodules provides improved prospects for understanding the geochemical processes involved in nodule formation. In this study, we report a series of micro-laser Raman spectra along with a line profile from the center to the rim of a spherical ferromanganese nodule from the East Siberian Sea in the Arctic region. For the Raman spectra obtained at the center of the nodule, the characteristic Raman bands for todorokite at ∼ 733, ∼ 508, and ∼ 240 cm‐1 were clearly observed, suggesting that the todorokite is predominant in the central part of the nodule. As the data acquisition point moved away from the center to the rim (D), the Raman bands corresponding to the todorokite decreased, while the intensity of the 588 cm‐1 band corresponding to the layered manganate minerals (i.e., birnessite) increased, suggesting that the proportion of manganate phases with a tunnel structure decreases with nodule growth. In addition, the distinct Raman bands at ∼ 280 and 403 cm‐1 indicated that the triclinic birnessite is prevalent in the outer regions of the nodule. Semi-quantitative measurement of the intensity of diagnostic Raman bands for todorokite (I733) allows us to effectively observe the spatial distribution of manganese oxide minerals in the ferromanganese nodule. At the center of the nodule, I733 was ∼ 0.7. Despite a few fluctuations, I733 clearly decreased from ∼ 0.7 to ∼ 0.2 with increasing D from 0 to 7500 μm, indicating that the relative fraction of todorokite in nodules significantly decreases with nodule growth. This study highlights that a highly resolved spatial distribution of manganate mineral phases in ferromanganese nodules can provide a historical record of the formation process and geochemical conditions.

Observer Sensitivity for Detection of Pulmonary Nodules in Ultra-Low Dose Computed Tomography Protocols Using a Third-Generation Dual-Source CT with Ultra-High Pitch—A Phantom Study

This study evaluates ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) protocols concerning the detectability of pulmonary nodules. The influence of tube current settings, kernels, strength levels of third-generation iterative reconstruction algorithms, and pitch was investigated. A chest phantom with artificial spherical nodules of different densities and diameters was examined with a third-generation dual-source CT. Scanning and post-processing protocols, tube current levels, and ultra-high and non-high pitch modes were applied. Images were reconstructed with filtered back-projection (FBP) or advanced model-based iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) algorithms. Sharp (Bl57) or medium-soft (Br36) convolution kernels were applied. The reading was performed by an experienced and an inexperienced reader. The highest observer sensitivity was found using a non-high pitch protocol at tube currents of 120 mAs and 90 mAs with the sharp kernel and iterative reconstruction level of 5. Non-high pitch protocols showed better detectability of solid nodules. Combinations with the medium-soft kernel achieved slightly higher observer sensitivity than with the sharp kernel. False positives (FP) occurred more often for subsolid nodules, at a tube current level of 120 mAs, and with the sharp kernel. A tube current level of 90 mAs combined with the highest iterative reconstruction level achieved the highest accuracy in lung nodule detection regardless of size, density, and reader experience.

A Recycling Pathway for Rare Earth Metals (REMs) from E-Waste through Co-Gasification with Biomass

This manuscript investigates an improvised gasification process for capturing and recycling rare earth metals (REMs) from consumer and industrial electronic wastes, often termed “e-waste”. The proposed procedure is based on the formation of coalesced and aggregated metal nodules on biochar surfaces through the gasification of e-waste mixed with gasifier feedstocks. A preliminary understanding of metal nodule formation based on different atmospheric conditions (inert, oxidizing, and oxidizing followed by reducing atmospheres) was examined in both pilot-scale gasifier and tube furnace experiments using iron powder mixed with corn. Iron powder is representative of the REM in the e-waste. Metal nodule sizes, morphology, and composition are analyzed and compared via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) techniques. We conclude that sintering is the key mechanism responsible for metal nodule growth through metal particle coalescence and aggregation by migration and diffusion of metal particles on biochar surfaces at elevated temperatures. Oxidizing atmosphere followed by a reducing atmosphere facilitates larger metal nodule growth compared to only an inert or oxidizing atmosphere. Additionally, the effect of adding NaCl salt is investigated on lowering the metal nodules’ surface energy and enhancing both metal particle and metal nodule agglomeration characteristics. Salt addition facilitates spherical metal nodule formation without any significant effect on the nodule composition and localized formation of nodules.

Pulmonary nodule volumetric accuracy of a deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm in low-dose computed tomography: A phantom study

PurposeTo compare the image properties and pulmonary nodule volumetric accuracies among deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR), filtered back projection (FBP), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (hybrid IR) in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). MethodsA multipurpose chest phantom containing artificial spherical pulmonary nodules with 5-, 8-, 10-, and 12-mm diameters and Hounsfield units (HUs) of −630 and +100 HU was scanned 20 times at a standard dose, based on a low-dose screening CT trial, and at 1/2, 1/6, and 1/12 of the standard dose. To assess noise reduction performance and volumetric accuracy, the standard deviations (SDs) of the pixel values and volumetric percentage errors (PEs) were compared among FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR. The noise non-stationarity index (NNSI) was calculated from 20 image replicates and compared among FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR to evaluate noise stationarity. ResultsThe SD reduction rates for FBP in hybrid IR and DLR were 62 %–85 % and 79 %–90 %, respectively. For the four nodules with +100 HU, the PE of all reconstruction methods was <±25 % (not clinically relevant). For the four nodules with −630 HU, the PEs were equivalent or lower for hybrid IR and DLR than for FBP, and the PE difference between hybrid IR and DLR ranged from 0 % to 7%. The NNSI was significantly higher for DLR than for FBP and hybrid IR (p < 0.01). ConclusionsGreater noise suppression was achieved with DLR than with hybrid IR without compromising nodule volumetric accuracy in LDCT despite the representative noise non-stationarity.

Use of 3D ultrasound to characterise temporal changes in thyroid nodules: an in vitro study.

Thyroid nodules are extremely common, with prevalence rate up to 68%, yet only 7-15% of these are malignant. Many nodules require surveillance and 2-dimensional ultrasound (2D US) is used. Issues include the huge workload of obtaining and labeling images and difficulty comparing sizes of nodules over time due to large inter-operator variability. Inaccuracies may result in unnecessary FNAC or missed diagnosis of malignant nodules. We compared two techniques: freehand plain 2D US against freehand 2D US with gyroscopic guidance, both followed by 3D reconstruction using software. We measured the volume of nodules and a normal thyroid gland. We found 2D US with gyroscopic guidance to be superior to plain 2D US as 3D reconstructions of greater accuracy are produced. The volume of the thyroid lobe measured 8.42cm3 ± 0.94 was reasonably close to the normal average volume. However, the measured volume of the ellipsoidal nodule by the software is 8.69cm3 ± 0.97 while the measured volume of the spherical nodule is 7.09cm3 ± 0.79. As the expected volume of the nodules were 4.24cm3 and 4.19cm3 respectively, the measured volume of the nodule was not accurate. The time taken to characterise nodules was reduced greatly from over 30min in usual procedure to less than 10min. We find 3D US promising for evaluating size of thyroid nodules, with potential to study other TIRAD characteristics. Freehand 2D US with gyroscopic guidance shows the most promise for producing reliable, accurate and faster 3D reconstructions of thyroid nodules.

GLANDULAR ODONTOGENIC CYST IN THE ANTERIOR MANDIBLE: AN UNUSUAL CASE

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is an unusual entity, locally aggressive and with a high recurrence rate. A 60-year-old male patient was referred with the diagnosis of GOC from an incisional biopsy. Computed tomography revealed a hypodense unilocular lesion with cortical bone resorption involving the mandibular anterior region. After ostectomy, microscopic examination showed fragments of cystic capsule partially covered by epithelium of variable thickness, composed of cuboidal and columnar cells with papillary projections forming spherical nodules occasionally with the presence of cilia. Apocrine metaplasia was also seen, as well as clear cells in the epithelium basal layer. Additionally, intraepithelial microcysts and glandular spaces were observed. The diagnosis of GOC was made. After 4 months of follow-up, no recurrence was reported. Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is an unusual entity, locally aggressive and with a high recurrence rate. A 60-year-old male patient was referred with the diagnosis of GOC from an incisional biopsy. Computed tomography revealed a hypodense unilocular lesion with cortical bone resorption involving the mandibular anterior region. After ostectomy, microscopic examination showed fragments of cystic capsule partially covered by epithelium of variable thickness, composed of cuboidal and columnar cells with papillary projections forming spherical nodules occasionally with the presence of cilia. Apocrine metaplasia was also seen, as well as clear cells in the epithelium basal layer. Additionally, intraepithelial microcysts and glandular spaces were observed. The diagnosis of GOC was made. After 4 months of follow-up, no recurrence was reported.

Performance of Ultra-High-Resolution Computed Tomography in Super High-Resolution Mode at the Routine Radiation Dose: Phantom Study.

Using a chest phantom, we compared the image quality of ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT) images acquired in super high-resolution (SHR) and normal resolution (NR) mode and at the routine radiation dose. The detector size was 0.25 and 0.5 mm, respectively. A chest phantom was scanned on a U-HRCT scanner. The scan parameters were tube voltage 120 kV and volume CT dose index 13.0 mGy, the routine radiation dose for conventional scans. The rotation time was 0.5 s/rot, the number of matrices was 512 in NR and 1024 in SHR mode. For physical evaluation, the modulation transfer function was measured on the spherical simulated nodule, and the noise power spectrum on the cylindrical water phantom. A CT value profile curve was created using an in-house simulated bronchial phantom. For visual evaluation, 3 radiologists and 3 radiology technologists evaluated overall image quality using a 4-grade scale (grade 1, poor; and grade 4, excellent). The 10% of modulation transfer function was 13.5 lp/cm in NR and 14.9 lp/cm in SHR mode ( P <0.01). ƒ peak was 5.6 lp/cm in NR and 8.8 lp/cm in SHR mode ( P <0.01), and the peak of noise power spectrum shifted. On the profile curves, the CT value at the edge changed in NR but not in SHR mode. The overall image quality was grade 3.0 ± 0.7 in SHR and grade 2.0 ± 0.7 in NR mode ( P <0.01). The image quality of SHR mode with U-HRCT was superior to that of NR mode at the routine radiation dose.

Thyroid Nodule Shape Independently Predicts Risk of Malignancy.

Predictive models of thyroid nodule cancer risk are presently based upon nodule composition, echogenicity, margins, and the presence of microcalcifications. Nodule shape has shown promise to be an additive factor helping determine the need for nodule biopsy. We sought to determine if calculation of a nodule's spherical shape independently associates with cancer risk. This prospective cohort study, conducted at a single large academic healthcare system in the United States, included patients with 1 or 2 clinically relevant thyroid nodules (predominantly solid and over 1 cm) presenting for diagnostic evaluation. Thyroid ultrasound, cytological evaluation with fine-needle biopsy, and/or histopathological examination on occasion of thyroid surgery were performed. We calculated the nodule's long to short ratio (spherical shape), and its association with tissue proven benign or malignant endpoints. The long to short nodule ratio was significantly lower in malignant compared to benign nodules indicating greater risk of malignancy in more spherical nodules (1.63 ± 0.38 for malignant nodules vs 1.74 ± 0.47 for benign, P < 0.0001). The risk of malignancy continually increased as the long to short ratio approached a purely spherical ratio of 1.0 (ratio > 2.00, 14.6% cancer; ratio 1.51-2.00, 19.7%; ratio 1.00-1.50, 25.5%, P < 0.0001). In multiple regression analysis, younger age, male sex, and nodule's spherical shape were each independently associated with cancer risk. The more a thyroid nodule is spherically shaped, as indicated by a long to short ratio approaching 1.0, the greater its risk of malignancy. This was independent of age, sex, and nodule size. Incorporating a nodule's sphericity in the risk stratification systems may improve individualized clinical decision making.

Oxic bottom water dominates polymetallic nodule formation around the Caiwei Guyot, northwestern Pacific Ocean

Polymetallic nodules are enriched in critical metals and possess high economic values. The authors observed, for the first time, high abundance of spherical polymetallic nodules on the abyssal basin around the Caiwei Guyot in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. In order to reveal their metal resource potential and long-term metallogenic process, the authors carried out high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of laminas, and marine chemical analysis. The polymetallic nodules are composed of columnar or lamina growth patterns with low reflectance, which can be subdivided into four types of laminas based on microtexture. The Mn/Fe ratios of the laminas increased in the order type 1.2 < type 1.3 < type 2 < type 1.1. The nodule laminas yielded low Mn/Fe ratios (<4.01), Ni (<12000 ppm) and MgO (<3.74%) contents but high contents of Co (average 8516 ppm), Pt (average 416 ppb), and rare earth elements and Y (REY, average 2887 ppm), relative to other polymetallic nodules in the global ocean. XRD and TEM analyses indicated that the polymetallic nodules are composed of Fe-vernadite. Evidences from micro-texture, geochemistry and mineralogy imply that the polymetallic nodules around the Caiwei Guyot have been forming from oxic bottom water since initial growth, due to oxygen-rich bottom water flowing-through and low surface productivity. The dissolved Mn and Fe elements in the bottom water are continuously precipitated into ferromanganese oxides under oxic conditions. The ferromanganese oxides absorb high contents of multivalent metals such as Co, Pt, and Ce, owing to surface oxidation of the manganate octahedral layer during precipitation. The northwest Pacific Ocean shows deep depth, slow sedimentary rates, moderate-to-high contents of dissolved oxygen, and low summer surface productivity. Based on this, the authors propose that the northwest Pacific Ocean is an ideal metallogenic belt for polymetallic nodules with abundant Co, Pt, and REY resources.

Oral Mucocele- A Literature Review of Management Alternatives

Oral Mucocele is a common lesion seen in oral cavity which is a benign disease of minor salivary glands. It clinically presents as single, painless, soft, smooth, spherical, translucent and fluctuant nodule with pink to transclucent blue observed in reflected light.The lesion may resolve spontaneously or traumatically with the rupture of the lining, with the release of a characteristic viscous, mucoid fluid. There has been continuous research with an aim to find ways for management having least recurrence rates in various types of oral mucocele. Multiple treatment options have been trialled for eradication of the lesion, including surgical and non-surgical management techniques. The non-invasive methods also comprised of different intra-lesional injections. Many other invasive procedures with added advantages and few shortcomings have also been researched by the Clinicians.

Preparation of spinel LiMn2O4 cathode material from used zinc-carbon and lithium-ion batteries

Due to the progressive shortage of primary resources and growing environmental concerns over industrial and household residues, proper management of electronic wastes is of great importance in addressing sustainability issues. Spent batteries are considered as important secondary sources of their constituting components. In this study, the co-recycling of used zinc-carbon and lithium-ion batteries was performed aiming at the recovery of their manganese and lithium contents as compounds which can be used as precursors for the synthesis of spinel LiMn2O4. Manganese was recovered in the form of amorphous, submicron, spherical nodules of MnO2 after acid leaching of zinc-carbon battery pastes. Lithium was obtained from nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries as its monohydrate oxalate (C2HLiO4.H2O) through selective leaching in oxalic acid followed by crystallization. Lithium carbonate was also prepared by subsequent calcination of the oxalate. The synthesis of LiMn2O4 spinel cathode was investigated using the reclaimed Li- and Mn-containing compounds via solid-state synthesis method. The effect of such parameters as type of precursors (C2HLiO4.H2O/Li2CO3 with Mn2O3/MnO2), temperature (750, 800, and 850 °C), and time (8 and 10 h) on the synthesis of LiMn2O4 was investigated. The products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The crystallographic parameters from XRD analysis were used to predict the electrochemical behavior of the synthesized cathode materials. Based on these, the spinel powder synthesized at 850°C−10h from Li2CO3−Mn2O3 starting mixture was determined as the cathode material with the best electrochemical properties among the synthesized samples. The galvanostatic charge/discharge evaluation within the voltage range of 2.5–4.3 V showed the specific capacity of the 850°C-10 h sample to be 127.87 mAhg−1.

Multifocal Traumatic Neuroma of the Orbit

A 44-year-old man presented with right hypoglobus, proptosis, and diplopia 15 years after experiencing facial trauma (Fig A). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed 3 well-defined spherical nodules along the course of the right frontal nerve, and one along the course of the nasociliary nerve, that were hypointense on T1- and hyperintense on T2-weighted images (Fig B). An eyebrow keyhole orbitocranial approach was performed to resect all the lesions (Fig C). Histopathology revealed exuberant proliferation of variably sized, haphazardly arranged, nerve twigs and fascicles with myelinated axons and Schwann cells, pathognomonic for traumatic neuroma (Fig D).

Temperature profile of PCM and HTF in packed bed storage during the process of solidification in spherical capsules

Amassing of cold energy is a foremost area in the field of thermal energy storage. The storing of cold thermal energy in a phase shift material is an art of solidification. The following experimentation depends on the domain of packed bed storage in which the 74mm spherical nodules of HDPE material whose fill volumes is around 90% is been solidified in a packed bed. The solidification curves and the HTF temperature profile concerning various set conditions have been analysed. The results revealed that layer 1 takes a minimum time to attain a lower temperature when compared with other reference layers. The results reveal that when the HTF temperature is brought from -6 to -9°C this trend is also maintained in the HTF temperature profile and found to be rapidly decreasing. Hence it is concluded that the inlet temperature of HTF plays a significant role during the process of solidification.