ΤND: A Thyroid Nodule Detection System for Analysis of Ultrasound Images and Videos

In this paper, we present a computer-aided-diagnosis (CAD) system prototype, named TND (Thyroid Nodule Detector), for the detection of nodular tissue in ultrasound (US) thyroid images and videos acquired during thyroid US examinations. The proposed system incorporates an original methodology that involves a novel algorithm for automatic definition of the boundaries of the thyroid gland, and a novel approach for the extraction of noise resilient image features effectively representing the textural and the echogenic properties of the thyroid tissue. Through extensive experimental evaluation on real thyroid US data, its accuracy in thyroid nodule detection has been estimated to exceed 95%. These results attest to the feasibility of the clinical application of TND, for the provision of a second more objective opinion to the radiologists by exploiting image evidences.     

Does postural stability affect grasping?

We examined whether challenging upright stance influences the execution of a grasping task. Participants reached to grasp a small sphere while standing either on a stable surface or on foam. Before reaching for the sphere, participants exhibited more body sway and greater fluctuations in the centre of pressure when standing on foam. While reaching for the sphere, the overall body posture changed less when standing on foam than when standing on the stable surface. The digits’ and wrist's movements towards the sphere were no different when standing on foam than when standing on the stable surface. Presumably, the redundancy in the way movements can be performed is exploited to choose the most suitable changes in joint angles to achieve the desired movements of the digits under the prevailing conditions.     

Polyarteritis nodosa and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. A true association?

A 60-year-old man with polyarteritis nodosa under treatment presented with syncope. Echocardiography demonstrated hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy; coronary arteriography revealed normal findings, and Holter monitor showed episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. This is the first report of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy developing in a patient with polyarteritis nodosa. Further studies should examine whether a true association exists.Abbreviations ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - PAN Polyarteritis nodosa     

Atrial High-Rate Episodes in Patients with Devices Without a History of Atrial Fibrillation: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy - Atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) recorded with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have been associated with the development of clinical atrial...     

The diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and its impact on In Vitro Fertilization pregnancies. A pilot study

BackgroundIn Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is increasingly becoming a necessary mode of reproduction. This high risk group is prone to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) which further exposes these pregnancies to an increased risk of adverse outcomes. In light of the limited data in the current literature, further investigation is needed regarding the time of GDM diagnosis in IVF pregnancies as well as the outcome of IVF pregnancies complicated by GDM.MethodsIn this three center pilot cross sectional study, the data of 101 singleton IVF pregnancies complicated by GDM were analyzed. Prompt GDM diagnosis in IVF pregnancies was accomplished by self-blood glucose monitoring (SMBG) from the first antenatal visit and confirmed by an OGTT. To evaluate pregnancy outcome, maternal and fetal complications in the 101 GDM IVF group was compared to 101 IVF as well as 101 spontaneous conceptions (SC). The three groups were matched by age. The effect of demographic and glycemic parameters on the outcome of GDM IVF pregnancies was investigated.ResultsGDM diagnosis was made before the 24th week in 37.6% of the GDM IVF group. The week of delivery was earlier for the GDM IVF group (37 ± 1.7) relative to the IVF (37.9 ± 0.9, p < 0.001) and the SC group (38.1 ± 0.8, p < 0.001). GDM IVF pregnancies exhibited greater preeclampsia rates and 84.8% underwent caesarian section. No significant difference regarding LGA and SGA birth weights was found. Complications of GDM IVF pregnancies were associated with the 1-h postprandial BG (r = 0.267, p = 0.007).ConclusionGDM screening in IVF pregnancies may be considered earlier than the 24th week. IVF pregnancies affected by GDM are prone to increased maternal and fetal complications which are associated with 1-h postprandial BG.     

Prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot with obstructed supracardiac totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection

We describe our experience with prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot with supracardiac totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection. We also suspected obstruction in the ascending vertical vein as it crossed the right bronchus and coursed superiorly to join the right superior caval vein. This finding was confirmed on postnatal echocardiography, and at autopsy.