A Review of Medical Doppler Ultrasonography of Blood Flow in General and Especially in Common Carotid Artery

Medical Doppler ultrasound is usually utilized in the clinical adjusting to evaluate and estimate blood flow in both the major (large) and the minor (tiny) vessels of the body. The normal and abnormal sign waveforms can be shown by spectral Doppler technique. The sign waveform is individual to each vessel. Thus, it is significant for the operator and the clinicians to understand the normal and abnormal diagnostic in a spectral Doppler show. The aim of this review is to explain the physical principles behind the medical Doppler ultrasound, also, to use some of the mathematical formulas utilized in the medical Doppler ultrasound examination. Furthermore, we discussed the color and spectral flow model of Doppler ultrasound. Finally, we explained spectral Doppler sign waveforms to show both the normal and abnormal signs waveforms that are individual to the common carotid artery, because these signs are important for both the radiologist and sonographer to perceive both the normal and abnormal in a spectral Doppler show.

Chemical Items Used for Preparing Tissue-Mimicking Material of Wall-Less Flow Phantom for Doppler Ultrasound Imaging

The wall-less flow phantoms with recognized acoustic features (attenuation and speed of sound), interior properties, and dimensions of tissue were prepared, calibrated, and characterized of Doppler ultrasound scanning demands tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs). TMM phantoms are commercially available and ready-made for medical ultrasound applications. Furthermore, the commercial TMM phantoms are proper for ultrasound purpose or estimation of diagnostic imaging techniques according to the chemical materials used for its preparation. However, preparing a desirable TMM for wall-less flow phantom using a specific chemical material according to the specific applications is required for different flow. In this review, TMM and wall-less flow phantoms prepared using different chemical materials and methods were described. The chemical materials used in Doppler ultrasound TMM and wall-less flow phantoms fabricated over the previous decades were of high interest in this review.

A Review of Suspension-Scattered Particles Used in Blood-Mimicking Fluid for Doppler Ultrasound Imaging

Doppler ultrasound imaging system description and calibration need blood-mimicking fluids (BMFs) for the test target of medical ultrasound diagnostic tools, with known interior features and acoustic and physical properties of this fluid (BMF). Physical and acoustical properties determined in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard are specified as constant values, the materials used in the BMF preparation should have values similar to the IEC standard values. However, BMF is ready-made commercially from a field of medical usage, which may not be appropriate in the layout of ultrasound system or for an estimate of novel imaging mechanism. It is often eligible to have the capability to make sound properties and mimic blood arrangement for specific applications. In this review, sufficient BMF materials, liquids, and measures are described which have been generated by utilizing diverse operation mechanism and materials that have sculptured a range of biological systems.

Focused role of nanoparticles against COVID-19: Diagnosis and treatment

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)) has witnessed a rapid and global proliferation since its early identification in patients with severe pneumonia in Wuhan, China. As of 27th May 2020, 2019-nCoV cases have risen to >5 million, with confirmed deaths of 350,000. However, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) diagnostic and treatment measures are yet to be fully unraveled, given the novelty of this particular coronavirus. Therefore, existing antiviral agents used for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) were repurposed for COVID-19, taking their biological features into consideration. This study provides a concise review of the current and emerging detection and supervision technologies for SARS-CoV-2, which is the viral etiology of COVID19, and their performance characteristics, with emphasis on the novel Nano-based diagnostic tests (protein corona sensor array and magnetic levitation) and treatment measures (treatment protocols based on nano-silver colloids) for COVID-19.

A New Scatter Particle and Mixture Fluid for Preparing Blood Mimicking Fluid for Wall-Less Flow Phantom

BACKGROUND

To examine the blood flow and detection of the issues related to it by medical ultrasound, it is extremely important to have suitable blood mimicking fluid (BMF) to be used in vitro and to have a movable or portable Doppler flow phantom to use it as a standardizing tool. As known, the main drawbacks of the currently commercial BMF used in the research studies are high in cost and the long time needed for preparation, which is at least 5-7 h. Moreover, there are only two common scatter particles using in BMF as suspension materials such as nylon (Orgasol) and polystyrene. Thus, we need to prepare BMF with both a new mixture fluid and new scatter particle to be as a reflecting factor of ultrasonic waves, for evaluating the speed of sound of the blood flow in the same method like in the research study of ultrasound with relatively low-cost and less consuming time of preparation. However, both the acoustical and physical features of the Doppler flow phantom components (BMF and tissue mimicking material) must correspond the features of the human tissues to make the examination significance. In addition, the BMF must also represent the hemodynamic features of real human blood.

METHODS

In this experiment, a new adequate ternary mixture liquid for preparation of BMF applied and suspended with a new scatter particle material, this scatter particle material called poly (4-methylstyrene), it used to be adequate with the mixture density and for saving neutrally buoyant. This BMF was prepared for use in the test objects or Doppler flow phantom. The poly (4-methylstyrene) particles were applied for suspension in a mixture liquid or fluid based on three items, which were distilled water, propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (200 Mw). The diameter of poly (4-methylstyrene) particles is 3-8 μm, which determined by specific sieve in a unit of μm, and the density is 1.040 g/ml.

RESULTS

Speed of sound, viscosity, density, Backscatter power and attenuation features of mixture fluid or liquid which used for preparing a BMF were measured, discussed, and agreed with draft International Electrotechnical Commission values.

CONCLUSIONS

There are three various types of ternary items of mixture fluid (water, PG, and PEG [200 Mw]), and a new type of scatter particle material poly (4-methylstyrene) was utilized for preparing the BMF. The scatter particles and mixture fluid prepared and measured at a temperature that simulates the body temperature 37°C. Moreover, one of the advantages of this new blood that is being cheaper than the commercially available BMF products because the PG and the polyethylene glycol (200 Mw) are much cheaper and more available than glycerol and the Dextran that used usually. In addition, new BMF needs less time for preparation compared to the commercial one.

Chemical Characteristics, Motivation and Strategies in choice of Materials used as Liver Phantom: A Literature Review

Liver phantoms have been developed as an alternative to human tissue and have been used for different purposes. In this article, the items used for liver phantoms fabrication are mentioned same as in the previous literature reviews. Summary and characteristics of these materials are presented. The main factors that need to be available in the materials used for fabrication in computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine were analyzed. Finally, the discussion focuses on some purposes and aims of the liver phantom fabrication for use in several areas such as training, diagnoses of different diseases, and treatment planning for therapeutic strategies – for example, in selective internal radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, laser-induced thermotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and microwave coagulation therapy. It was found that different liver substitutes can be developed to fulfill the different requirements.

The utility of brain CT scan modality in the management of dizziness at the emergency department: A retrospective single-center study

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) scans in evaluating patients with dizziness in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Medical records of patients presented with complaints of dizziness or vertigo to the ED of a tertiary university hospital and underwent head CT scans from July 2015 to June 2018 were reviewed. The patients' demographic information, presenting symptoms, and final head CT scan and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were collected. Stepwise logistic regressions were used to analyze data.

RESULTS

A total of 326 dizzy patients were included in this study. The majority of the patients (83.1%) were older than 44 years. Acute vertigo pattern of dizziness was detected among 50.6% of the patients and was more common among females than males (p < 0.001). Of these 326 patients who underwent head CT scans, 49 (15%) had abnormal findings with acute ischemic stroke was the most common one. A total of 191 patients underwent follow-up studies. MRI accounted for 70% of the follow-up studies. Of the 134 patients who received MRI of the brain, 36 (27%) had abnormal findings. A significant correlation of RBCs level, presence of other symptoms, and frequency of episodes with the presence of vertigo (p < 0.001) was found.

CONCLUSION

The study's findings indicate low effectiveness of head CT scan compared to MRI for dizziness management. Future studies are suggested to provide more insights into the cost-effectiveness and utility of head CT scans and MRI in providing valuable findings.

A Brief Review for Common Doppler Ultrasound Flow Phantoms

In this review, the flow phantoms and the wall-less flow phantoms with recognized acoustic features (attenuation and speed of sound), interior properties, and dimensions of tissue were prepared, calibrated, and characterized by Doppler ultrasound (US) scanning which demands tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs). TMM phantoms are commercially available and readymade for medical US applications. Furthermore, the commercial TMM phantoms are proper for US purpose or estimation of diagnostic imaging techniques according to the chemical materials used for its preparation.

Performance Evaluation of Ultrasonic Imaging System (Part I)

Background:

Diagnostic ultrasound or sonography is an image which can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions. This experiment was done to check the performance and evaluate the ultrasonic imaging system. There were three tests performed in this experiment: dead zone (transducer ring-down), vertical measurement calibration, and horizontal measurement calibration.

Methods:

The evaluation was made by performed all the tests with different depth on two different multipurpose phantom model #539. The tests were also performed by two different probes which were curved and flat (linear probe). The images were taken, and the measurements were made by electronic calipers on the ultrasound machine system. Observations and evaluations were done via all images and measurements taken.

Results:

The images formed by two various probes were different. The penetration settings were different since the depths were different. The depth influenced the penetrations to the formed image. From the comparison of all results and measurements recorded were all under the accepted value of the standard that was given by the manufacture of the phantom.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it can be concluded that the measurements were all not exceeding 2% of the standard value given based on the result that we get.

Compatibility and Validation of a Recent Developed Artificial Blood through the Vascular Phantom Using Doppler Ultrasound Color- and Motion-mode Techniques

Background:

Doppler technique is a technology that can raise the predictive, diagnostic, and monitoring abilities in blood flow and suitable for researchers. The application depends on Doppler shift (shift frequencies), wherein the movement of red blood cells away from the probe is determined by the decrease or increase in the ultrasound (US) frequency.

Methods:

In this experiment, the clinical US (Hitachi Avious [HI] model) system was used as a primary instrument for data acquisition and test the compatibility, efficacy, and validation of artificial blood (blood-mimicking fluid [BMF]) by color- and motion-mode. This BMF was prepared for use in the Doppler flow phantom.

Results:

The motion of BMF through the vessel-mimicking material (VMM) was parallel and the flow was laminar and in the straight form (regular flow of BMF inside the VMM). Moreover, the scale of color velocity in the normal range at that flow rate was in the normal range.

Conclusion:

The new BMF that is being valid and effective in utilizing for US in vitro research applications. In addition, the clinical US ([HI] model) system can be used as a suitable instrument for data acquisition and test the compatibility, efficacy, and validation at in vitro applications (BMF, flow phantom components).

Jordanian women’s (studying or working in medical fields) awareness in terms of the use of dental imaging during pregnancy

Background

The anxiety among pregnant women about the imaging of teeth during pregnancy may have an adverse effect on the oral health of both the mother and the fetus too. This research study was conducted to evaluate women’s knowledge of the utilization of dental imaging during pregnancy.

Methods

In this research, structured questionnaires were distributed electronically through social media. The questionnaires contained questions focused on the women’s (studying or working in medical fields) awareness regarding the ionizing radiation protection that takes place during dental imaging, the safest period for dental imaging, the sort of radiographs that can be required, and the chance of radiation-induced malignant tumor and malformation of the fetal as a result of dental imaging.

Results

Overall, 984 participants completed questionnaires that were analyzed after being received. Most of the participants (n = 637; 64.7%) were < 30 years of age. The greater number of the participants (66.8%) had fair knowledge of dental imaging. 25.4% mentioned that pregnant women are able to do dental imaging during the first trimester. And approximately half of the participants thought that cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic images must not be carried out during pregnancy. Moreover, nearly the same percentage of them also believed that the risk of inborn malformation is high due to dental imaging.

Conclusions

The results refer to a low awareness among people who have medical knowledge regarding dental radiograph protection during pregnancy. This needs to be paid attention to among students, graduates, and workers in medical fields by focusing on the courses and lectures related to dental imaging protection during pregnancy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02459-w.

The Effect of an Energy Window with an Ellipsoid Phantom on the Differential Defect Contrast on Myocardial SPECT Images

Good quality single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images are required to achieve a perfect diagnosis and determine the severity of defects within the myocardial wall. There are many techniques that can support the diagnosis of defect formations in acquired images and contribute to avoiding errors before image construction. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of energy width (15%, 20%, and 25%) on defect contrast in myocardial SPECT images correlated with the decentralization of positioning of a phantom. A phantom of polyethylene plastic was used to mimic the myocardial wall of the left ventricle. The phantom consists of two chambers, inner and outer. Two rectangular pieces of plastic were placed in anterior and inferior locations in the mid-region of the myocardial phantom to simulate myocardial infarction (defects). The average defect contrast for all phantom positions using 15% to 20% energy was (1.2, 1.6) for the anterior region and (1.1, 2) for the inferior region, respectively. Additionally, the energy window width was >25% with a large displacement of the positioning off center, leading to loss of the defect contrast in myocardial SPECT images, particularly in the inferior region. The study showed decreasing defect contrast in both locations, anterior and inferior, with increasing energy window width correlated with eccentricity positioning of the phantom on an imaging table.

A Review of Blood-mimicking Fluid Properties Using Doppler Ultrasound Applications

Doppler imaging ultrasound characterization and standardization requires blood that is called blood mimicking fluid for the exam. With recognized internal properties, acoustic and physical features of this artificial blood. Both acoustical and physical merits set in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) scale are determined as regular values, where the components utilized in the artificial blood preparation must have values identical to the IEC values. An artificial blood is commercially available in the medical application and may not be suitable in the mode of ultrasonic device or for rate of new imaging technique. It is sometimes qualified to have the strength to produce sound features and simulate blood configuration for particular implementations. In the current review article, appropriate artificial blood components, fluids, and measurements are described that have been created using varied materials and processes that have modified for medical applications.

Systematic Review Between Resting-State fMRI and Task fMRI in Planning for Brain Tumour Surgery

As an alternative to task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (T-fMRI), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI) is suggested for preoperative mapping of patients with brain tumours, with an emphasis on treatment guidance and neurodegeneration prediction. A systematic review was conducted of 18 recent studies involving 1035 patients with brain tumours and Rs-fMRI protocols. This was accomplished by searching the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. For clinical benefit, we compared Rs-fMRI to standard T-fMRI and intraoperative direct cortical stimulation (DCS). The results of Rs-fMRI and T-fMRI were compared and their correlation with intraoperative DCS results was examined through a systematic review. Our exhaustive investigation demonstrated that Rs-fMRI is a dependable and sensitive preoperative mapping technique that detects neural networks in the brain with precision and identifies crucial functional regions in agreement with intraoperative DCS. Rs-fMRI comes in handy, especially in situations where T-fMRI proves to be difficult because of patient-specific factors. Additionally, our exhaustive investigation demonstrated that Rs-fMRI is a valuable tool in the preoperative screening and evaluation of brain tumours. Furthermore, its capability to assess brain function, forecast surgical results, and enhance decision-making may render it applicable in the clinical management of brain tumours.

Predictive value of D-Dimer and thromboplastin time as coagulation indicators for COVID-19 patients

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus 2019 symptoms include coagulopathy and thromboembolic risk. Using one parameter to diagnose coagulopathy has little predictive value.

OBJECTIVE

This study will examine if D-dimer and APTT testing can predict COVID-19 severity and aid triage and manage patients.

METHODS

214 COVID-19 patients were enrolled and classified into two categories based on their respiratory manifestations; mild (126 cases) and severe (88 cases). Patient data regarding age, gender, D-Dimer level, and APTT level were collected. When both D-Dimer and APTT levels were abnormal, in this study, the patient was considered to have a coagulation disorder. Indicators of coagulation in the COVID-19 patients were collected and compared between the two groups. Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to determine the significant differences between coagulation disorders in the two groups.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that patients with coagulopathies were more likely to belong to the severe group. Within the two groups of patients, the rate of coagulation disorders was as follows: mild = 8.8 % within coagulation disorders, 4.8% within the two Groups; severe = 91.2 % within coagulation disorders, 77.8 % within the two Groups. There was a statistically significant relationship between coagulation disorder and severe COVID-19 patients compared to mild patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Coagulation disorders are more likely to occur in severe COVID-19 patients. D-Dimer and APTT tests are significant indicators for predicting COVID-19 severity. Our research found an abnormal pattern of coagulation disorders and COVID-19 severity that should be considered in the COVID-19 treatment protocol.

Correction: Oglat et al. The Effect of an Energy Window with an Ellipsoid Phantom on the Differential Defect Contrast on Myocardial SPECT Images. Bioengineering 2022, 9, 341

Norlaili A [...].

Evaluating the Use of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) for Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Among Jordanian Students and Workers in Medical Fields

Background

Globally, breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly detected neoplasm in women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an effective screening technique that enables women to learn about the composition of their breasts and assist in the early identification of any potential breast abnormalities.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the degree of BSE knowledge and attention among Jordanian females who are students or professionals in medical disciplines.

Methods

Participants' knowledge about BSE and related issues was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The study invites participation from all females aged 18 and above, through both an online and in-person survey. The study extended invitations to female university students in Jordan across academic levels I, II, III, IV, V, and VI. A scoring system was employed, and the statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 20.0).

Results

The study had 946 female participants, with 98.41% of them being single. Low BSE practice was reported among 90.49% of the participants (n = 856) and this demonstrated a weak understanding of BC disease, including its possible risks, methods of detection, diagnosis, treatment, signs and symptoms, as well as knowledge about mammography and other related information. Only 27.27% (n = 258) of participants practice BSE once a month and on a regular basis.

Conclusion

BC is considered the most prevalent malignant condition and the second largest cause of cancer-related deaths for women in Jordan. Screening strategies are essential for promptly identifying breast cancer and reducing the associated illness and death rates. It is recommended that women commence performing BSE starting at the age of 18. Furthermore, it is essential to incorporate a learning outcome in the cancer chapters that are directly relevant to the subject of BC and emphasize the significance of BSE for students pursuing a career in the medical area.

Attitudes toward the Integration of Radiographers into the First-Line Interpretation of Imaging Using the Red Dot System

The red dot system uses expertise in the identification of anomalies to assist radiologists in distinguishing radiological abnormalities and managing them before the radiologist report is sent. This is a small step on the road to greater role development for radiographers. This practice has existed for more than 20 years in the UK. Today, it is only the UK seeking to legislate radiographer reports. The aim of this paper is to put focus on this issue, determine whether radiographer reports are necessary, and explore whether there are any benefits that can be highlighted to encourage health authorities worldwide to allow radiographers to write clinical reports. Additionally, this study was conducted to evaluate the role of radiographers (non-radiologists) in medical image interpretation, using 95 samples that were collected randomly and a representative sample of radiographers and radiologists of both genders. The SPSS program was used for the statistical analysis of the samples and to scientifically explain the results. We found that radiologists have no objections to the participation of radiographers in diagnosis assistance, interpretation, and clinical reporting through the red dot system. Therefore, there was support for the future implementation of such a system in health care.