A uterus-like mass (ULM) is a central cavity lined by endometrial glands and stroma and surrounded by thick-walled smooth muscles. To date, 31 cases of ULM have been reported in the English literature. ULM typically presents as a single mass and is located in the pelvic cavity. We report here a very rare case of multiple extrapelvic ULMs involving the cecum, descending colon, and mesocolon. After extensive literature research, our case appears to be the first case of multiple ULMs found in extrapelvic sites and the first case of ULM in the colon. The present case suggests that ULM should be included in the differential diagnosis of colonic submucosal tumors in female patients with chronic abdominal pain or menstruation-associated symptoms.
We present the replication of polyethylene (PE) nano-micro hierarchical structures and their application for superhydrophobic surfaces. A commercial ultrasonic welding system was used to apply ultrasonic vibration energy to the forming of nano-micro hierarchical structures. To evaluate ultrasonic formability, Ni nanomold and nano-micro hierarchical mold were designed and fabricated. The optimal weld times were 1.5 s and 3.0 s for PE nanoprotrusions and nano-micro hierarchical structures, respectively. The forming process was conducted at atmospheric pressure. The PE structures were well replicated without a vacuum. The trapped air in the microcavity of the nano-micromold was dispersed and absorbed into the molten PE. Ultrasonic nano-microreplication technology showed an extremely short processing time and did not require a vacuum environment. To investigate the applicability of ultrasonic forming, the fabricated nanoprotrusions and nano-micro hierarchical structures were coated with plasma polymerized fluorocarbon (PPFC) of a hydrophobic nature and were applied to modify superhydrophobic surfaces. The contact angle was increased from 106 • (smooth surface) to 125 • (nanostructured surface) and finally to 160 • (nano-microstructured surface) so that the surface became superhydrophobic.
Background/AimsTo identify the predicting factors of present hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients with positivity for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV).MethodsWe analyzed patients who showed positive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) results and performed an HCV RNA test as a confirmatory test at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from June 2006 to July 2012. The features distinguishing the groups with positive and negative HCV RNA results were reviewed.ResultsIn total, 490 patients were included. The results of the HCV RNA test were positive and negative in 228 and 262 patients, respectively. The index value of anti-HCV, mean age, platelet counts, total bilirubin, prothrombin time international normalized ratio, albumin and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels differed significantly between the two groups. On multivariable analysis, an index value of anti-HCV >10 [odds ratio (OR)=397.27, P<0.001), ALT >40 IU/L (OR=3.64, P=0.001), and albumin <3.8 g/dL (OR=2.66, P=0.014) were related to present HCV infection.ConclusionsAlthough EIA is not a quantitative test, considering the anti-HCV titer with ALT and albumin levels may be helpful in predicting present of HCV infection.
Flexible scintillators for digital x-ray image sensors were designed, fabricated and characterized. In these scintillaotrs, terbium-doped gadolinium oxysulfide (Gd 2 O 2 S:Tb) scintillator pixels were embedded into a polyethylene (PE) substrate. To evaluate the difference in the spatial resolution according to the pixel size, we designed three scintillators with pixels of different pitch sizes: 50 μm pitch size (P50), 100 μm pitch size (P100) and 200 μm pitch size (P200). Because of the high flexibility and good formability, polyethylene was used as the substrate of the scintillator. To fabricate nickel micromolds with high-aspect-ratio microstructures, two microfabrication techniques were employed: silicon dry-etching using a deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process and nickel electroforming. The pixelated PE microstructures were fabricated by a hot embossing process. Because the solution-type Gd 2 O 2 S:Tb precursor can be handled at room temperature, Gd 2 O 2 S:Tb was used as the scintillator material. The measured sensitivities of the P50 and P100 models were, respectively, about 65% and 97% of that of the P200 model. The lower sensitivity values of the models with a small pitch size were due to two factors, such as the different pixel heights and the different fill factors. Because a scintillator with a small pixel size has a low fill factor, the sensitivity of the scintillator decreases as the pixel size decreases. The fill factors of the P50, P100 and P200 models were 36%, 49% and 56.25%, respectively. On the other hand, the spatial resolution of the scintillator increases as the pixel size decreases. Therefore, P50 gave the best spatial resolution among the designed models. The spatial frequency at 10% of the modulation transfer function (MTF) with P50 was 13.5 mm −1 , while that with P200 was 10.0 mm −1 . The resolution pattern and the tooth x-ray images obtained from a scintillator with a smaller pixel size was also clearer than that obtained from a scintillator with a larger pixel size. PE-based flexible Gd 2 O 2 S:Tb scintillators can be utilized directly in flexible x-ray image sensors.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.