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Ectopic spleen (ES) is a rare condition. It is difficult to diagnose with conventional imaging modalities. In this case series, we presented the imaging features of three misdiagnosed ES cases in our hospital and previously reported cases to compare the consistency of enhancement patterns among different imaging modalities with varied phases. Finally, 22 cases were reviewed. We determined that variable arterial phase enhancement and persistent enhancement throughout the portal and delayed phases are present in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging of the ES and found the arterial phase of CEUS had the highest consistency compared with computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous lattice structure was constructed with rhombic dodecahedron and octet- truss lattice structures. The rhombic dodecahedron lattice was bending-dominated, while octet-truss lattice was stretching-dominated. The rhombic dodecahedron lattice fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) was compressed by a universal testing machine, which was also investigated by finite element model. Afterwards, the validated numerical model was used to study the designed heterogeneous lattice. Calculations indicates that heterogeneous lattice structures outperform the rhombic dodecahedron lattice structure. The introduction of octet-truss unit cell enhances the mechanical behavior of the heterogeneous lattice structure in terms of Young's modulus and stress magnitude, which depends on the pattern of octet-truss cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Newer technologies allow for daily treatment adaptation, providing the ability to account for setup variations and organ motion but comes at the cost of increasing the treatment workflow complexity. One such technology is the adapt-to-position (ATP) workflow on the Unity MR-Linac. Prospective risk assessment of a new workflow allows clinics to catch errors before they occur, especially for processes that include novel and unfamiliar steps. Methods: As part of a quality management program, failure modes and effects analysis was performed on the ATP treatment workflow following the recommendations of AAPM’s Task Group 100. A multidisciplinary team was formed to identify and evaluate failure modes for all the steps taken during a daily treatment workflow. Failure modes of high severity and overall score were isolated and addressed. Results: Mitigations were determined for high-ranking failure modes and implemented into the clinic. High-ranking failure modes existed in all steps of the workflow. Failure modes were then rescored to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigations. Conclusion: Failure modes and effects analysis on the Unity MR-Linac highlighted areas in the ATP workflow that could be prone to failures and allowed our clinic to change the process to be more robust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of sourness, bitterness, sweetness, pungency, and saltness results in different effects. Through the analysis of the theory of combining five flavours in Fu Qingzhu′s Obstetrics and Gynecology, this article explores its application in formulation ideas and the characteristics of Chinese medication, summarized as " primarily sweet, with all four flavors harmonized". FU Qingzhu emphasizes the central role of sweet-flavour medicine in facilitating conception, while incorporating the other four flavours in synergy. For instance, sweet and pungent flavours can boost yang energy, eliminating chilliness and warming the uterus; sour and sweet flavours can nourish yin essence and protect the uterus; bitter and sweet flavours can tonify yin, supporting the kidneys and moistening the uterus; and pungent and salty flavours can eliminate stasis, regenerate blood, and enhance uterine functions. By flexibly utilizing the flavours and meridian affinity of traditional Chinese medicine, along with the theory of combining five flavours, it is possible to enhance drug compatibility, deepen the theoretical connotation of Chinese formulas, and regulate the uterus from both yin and yang aspects to facilitate conception. FU Qingzhu′s integration of multiple Chinese formulas into a single formula allows for comprehensive treatment. Clear differentiation of dosages within the formula highlights the primary and secondary relationships of traditional Chinese medicines. Additionally, the utilization of pharmaceutical processing techniques optimizes efficacy and regulates meridians and collaterals. This article explores FU Qingzhu′s application of the " pure and harmonious traditional Chinese medicines" theory. His prescription thinking enables the attainment of multi-level therapeutic effects, which greatly benefits the optimization of traditional Chinese medicine fertility assistance programs and increases pregnancy rates among infertility patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Early fetal demise (absence of cardiac activity in a visible fetus) is a very common event, but there are no reliable biomarkers to predict it. The purpose of the study was to assess the association of platelet parameters with early fetal demise. Methods: In this case-control study, we included women with normal deliveries or those ultrasound diagnosed as early fetal demise. For those who were identified with early fetal demise, the platelet parameters were analyzed before the ultrasound diagnosis, which is based on the absence of either an embryo within a gestational sac or cardiac activity in a visible embryo in the 5-10 weeks of gestation. The association between the risk of early fetal demise with the women's mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet counts was calculated by logistic regression. Duplicate measurements of platelet aggregation were performed with VerifyNow. Results: In total, 99 women identified with early fetal demise and 170 women who had an uncomplicated pregnancy with normal delivery from January 2017 and August 2020 were included in the study. We found that platelet counts in the early fetal demise group were significantly higher than healthy pregnancies. In addition, platelet reactivity is higher in the normal delivery group than those in early fetal demise group (p < .05). High levels of platelet counts resulted in an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.075 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.215-3.544; p = .008) for early fetal demise. Conclusions: Increased platelet counts in the first trimester may be a predictor for the risk of early fetal demise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]