Medicexchange.com News

Archive for November, 2010

Medical research scientists performed a test utilizing up mobile MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner on runners/sprinters for around 2 months, all along 4500 kilometer track (Endurance Running) to learn how their bodies acted in response to the high stress levels and curves of a very long distance race. The results of the research study conducted have been put forward at the yearly conference of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Research scientists (diagnostic and interventional radiology) due to the incomparable research platform were able to get their hands on a huge amount of distinctive data on the partakers (researched out), in knowing on how endurance running have made the effect on the muscle and body fat of the sprinters/joggers. The research team (Orthopedics and Traumatology) affirmed that the results were adequate enough in applying the same on other average runners.

This Trans Europe Foot Race (2009) that took place in Italy, had the course of just about 4,488 kilometers (from Southern Italy-North Cape, Norway), and around 66% partakers contributed to the study.

Biometric data collection, other than urine and blood samples was being taken out for research, on daily basis. Besides, the joggers/sprinters were even arbitrarily allocated to some other tests, inclusive of Electrocardiogram (ECG), and all, during the research course.

Of the slot, around 22 (runners) made to pass through whole body MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan/screening, at about every 3-4 days during the race, in total getting through around 15-16 examinations, over a prolonged period of about 64 days.

When the research neared towards the end, the team began to weigh up the data (gathered all through the process) in evaluating out stress induced developments and advancements/changes in the feet and legs (lower extremities) from running excessively.

Whole body volume, body fat percentage, visceral fat reduction/loss, abdominal subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscles of the lower extremities (thigh, leg, foot etc.) were being gauged. The highly developed MRI technology (Radiology) assisted the medical research team in putting a figure on muscle tissue, cartilage/ligament and other changes.

The outcome of the study confirmed out the effectiveness of MRI scan in evaluating out Musculoskeletal System of the runners/sprinters.

The body volume index (BVI) showed up the loss of around 5.4% (percent) body volume (human obesity) during the race course, and most of the results were from the very first 2000 kilometer course. Of the slot, the partakers lost around 40% of the body fat during the first half of the race (course), and just about 50% at over the period of the race; of the results, the leg muscle lost around 7% of the volume.

Researchers found that in spite of the fact of daily running (sprinters do), the leg muscles of the sports-persons deteriorated, due to huge energy consumption usage, during the process.

Though, not many could run to this acute level (of the course), more than a few of the research study’s other findings and conclusions have inferences for the long-drawn-out runners (marathon runners) and other spare-time runners (recreational runners).

On the result part, that we are on (incessantly) – it showed that some leg injuries and swellings are safe enough to practice, and if the runner/sprinter has inter-muscular swelling/tenderness (upper/lower leg), he/she can continue running without any likely risk of muscular tissue damage, by any of the means.

Other ‘overuse injuries’ in athletes (do-to-excess), namely joint inflammation and pain, take on more dangerous series, but not in most of the cases with constant damage, as we all know the fact that if we have a pain, we should stop running, and should not continue running, as this may adversely affect us in the long run, showing up badly on our muscles.

The key findings and conclusions are continually on, and during the course, the first tissue that got affected was (while running) adipose/fat tissue; besides, the visceral/abdominal fat loss (70% of the volume) took place much previously in the running process, than earlier considered of. For the neophytes, crushing in quickly, the visceral fat opens the gate primarily to cardiovascular disorders! Watch out on that, if you have excess visceral fat! Further, during the research, the huge amount of fat loss has been calculated of being occurred in the earlier phase of the process (race).

Nearing to the end, contrary to regular runners (that are continually on their legs running), infrequent runners should continue connecting them to this activity, following up over the years, as if they discontinue running for a prolonged period of time, they may have to keep a tab on their calories, or would have to probably opt for aerobic exercise for reducing weight quickly, or to stop gaining heavily!

On the concluding note, Magnetic Resonance Imaging proved well in detecting out the effects on the body due to prolonged running (long-distance), and it showed its results predominantly on the fat/adipose tissue of the human body!

So, keep on running along the track, and in between our sections, as well (on the lighter note), to stay healthy always – both physically, and mentally (with more knowledge and wisdom)!

A recent medical research study result presented over at American Journal of Roentgenology affirms that full body scan utilizing PET (Positron Emission Tomography)/CT (Computed Tomography) is good enough assisting physicians diagnose out cancerous tumors (utilizing nuclear medicine equipment) in affected patients, in a precise way, than other available techniques.

The combination technique (PET and CT, diagnostic imaging equipment/medical imaging) surely adds more value than just following up with regular and custom full body scan techniques. The dual imaging (PET/CT) is capable enough in diagnosing out, and in effective treatment planning on a huge variety of cancerous tumors.

Researchers point out that the custom field of view [Fludeoxyglucose (18F), full body scan] can show the way differently, going against factual degree of estimation of the disease, as in such cases cancer metastasis beyond the region of skull base (to upper thigh) can be missed out, in the process.

The research team performed the test on around 500 patients at Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO) that were passed through FDG (Fludeoxyglucose)-PET/CT scan (full body scan, from skull to feet), and out of this slot around 59 had PET/CT results depicting out of malignancy beyond the limited view (of full body scan), and cancerous tumors were confirmed out in around 20 patients, in the slot.

The research results showed out that detection of malignant tumors (oncology) outside the field of view (through full body scan) end up in altering management in 65% (percent) cases, and cancer staging (about the spread) in around 55% (percent) cases, out of the 20 patients that were confirmed out with cancerous tumors (after full body scan).

The results when demonstrated in comparison with limited full body scan showed that full body scan (utilizing PET/CT) proves well in precisely staging cancer (of the tumor spread), help in planning effective treatment (nuclear medicine), altering routinely followed options, and in picking out other accessible biopsy regions, keeping away from needless invasive surgeries, and other means.

Focused breast ultrasound examination (radiology) has proved well in breast biopsy procedures, for breast cancer detection, of women below 40 years of age, affirmed through the study results presented over in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Breast ultrasound images (utilizing ultrasound equipment/systems) help the physicians identify out breast cancer facts (for recognizing out cyst/tumors in breast), and ultrasound has been urged specifically by medical experts to be considered as primary medical imaging technique for evaluating out breast nodules, painful lumps in breast (oncology), in women below 30 years of age.

For the neophytes, breast ultrasound scan/examination is primarily being used for to diagnose/analyze out breast irregularities (for breast cysts/lumps/tumors), to set apart probable irregularities recognized out on mammography. Medical research scientists affirm that for women below 30 years of age (with focal breast pain/ multifocal breast cancer), focused/concentrated ultrasound scanning is highly preferred than other applicable imaging techniques and modalities, as it has proved by time and testing that ultrasound guided breast biopsy (ultrasonography) is good for primary level image evaluation of the disorder.

But, questions do arise from this and that corner about the effectiveness/preciseness of ultrasound scan (medical imaging equipment), and simultaneous mammography for a mass public.

Medical research scientists took over data from year 2002-2006 on varied patients, identifying and reviewing out ultrasound scan/examinations carried on them, of the patients (women, below 30 years of age) with focal breast pain/multifocal breast cancers (symptoms and other), performed at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (Seattle, WA). The results were decided on by breast biopsy, ultrasound observation (around 2 months) and by other means!

On the whole, breast malignancy (malignant tumors) recognized out in the research study by the team was around 0.4% (percent), and they affirmed that ultrasound proved very well (100% by all means) in precisely detecting out breast malignant tumors, as because all the tumors were recognized out utilizing the very technique, of ultrasonography. For the same reason (as ultrasound proved well), there was no scope left for mammography to come in picture, and prove anything wrong, or help in more effective diagnosis, as the results (through ultrasound) showed 100% negative predictive value (of the patients who were precisely diagnosed on breast tumors).

On the concluding note, the importance of ultrasound sonography (diagnostic sonography) has definitely been proved by all means to be a good medical imaging technique for primary evaluation of focal breast pain/multifocal breast cancer in young women (below the age of 30 years, and so).

The medical research scientists (John Hopkins University) recently put forward their new result on heart imaging technology (Radiology), stating the effectiveness of combination CT (computed tomography) scans, as the technology has been proved out to be useful in effective heart examinations and assessment for detecting out coronary artery disease (CAD), well known otherwise as atherosclerotic heart disease.

This combination CT scans effectively gauge blood flow through the heart stream, and evaluate out the heart plaque built up by, in nearby arteries of the heart, and this technique has been proved well and secure than other techniques in following up with the diagnostic procedure, as other generic tests are a bit complex, compared to combination CT scans (in analyzing coronary artery disease), and even consume time a lot in the examination process.

Now, the research scientists are head over heel encouraging cardiologists (radiology) in deciding to utilize the best contemporary CT scan technology, affirming it to be very effective in tests/examinations than other old technologies in analysis/diagnosis of severe medical cases of coronary artery disease. The research team has put forward their study findings at the yearly scientific sessions at American Heart Association (in Chicago).

The contemporary CT scans are easy on the patients, and to perform tests and examinations, consume less time, utilize less radiation dosage, matching up with other conventional diagnostic methods in analyzing and planning treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD).

These combination CT systems assist physicians in taking delivery of all the data/information at one go during the process, without letting them go after recurring scan procedures.

The research team (John Hopkins University) worked on a research slot comprised of around 50 people (men and women) that showed up increased arterial blockage symptoms at the very first place. Researchers passed the partakers through combination CT scans and the conventional SPECT scan, and more to other analytical/diagnostic procedures, as well.

For the neophytes that are wondering about the niceties of combination CT scans should stop surfing along other pages, as the permutation has CT angiogram/CTA (to chart cholesterol and artery plaque being built up by, in the coronary artery system), and CT perfusion imaging/CTP to measure arterial blood flow (deceleration).

The combination CT scan is fast (gets over within half and hour, and so), and gives the physicians/cardiologists a detailed view about the amount of plaque being built up in the interior regions of arteries (heart), to check if the development of plaque over the surface of arteries has made the blood flow canal narrow and stiff, restricting the blood flow to and fro the heart.

In contrast to combination CT scan, the conventional mode (through SPECT) eats up around 2 hours or so, as require radioactive tracers to be taken in, to get absorbed by, matching up with the flow, for diagnostic imaging practice, and SPECT is bit time consuming, if match up to combination CT technique.

If we take a look over the situation in the US, we would get to know that every year around 800,000 people (both the genders) affected with coronary artery disease go through a major heart attack, resulting in more about 150,000 deaths.

The very examination (combination computed tomography scan technique) helps in effective diagnosis/analysis of coronary artery disease (CAD), and facilitates physicians in comprehending, and evaluating atherosclerosis (blood vessels) in an effective way, in analyzing if anything is critical enough putting the patient at risk for probable heart attack, in near vicinity of time!

In most of the cases, if the old men (young at heart, colloquially) go past any minor symptoms of heart disease/disorders, but not adversely on the blood flow part (in the heart), then the doctors/physicians can feel good about this thing (observation), as in such cases major surgeries/invasive treatments are not required to be given to the affected patients, by any means.

Now, taking you back to the research table, most of the partakers (men and women) were majorly from Baltimore region (Maryland, USA) that were performed the tests on, came up with the primary symptoms of arterial blockage (coronary artery disease).

The research team (John Hopkins University) gave an emphasis on CT perfusion imaging test, stating it could be precisely carried out utilizing advanced computed tomography technologies available, today; on the same note, they said the 320-slice CT scanner is even being termed out to be very useful in producing out 3-dimensional images (in a size of 1.5 millimeters) of blood vessels of the heart, which was at the first put in practice at the John Hopkins hospital (University), in the year 2007.

Other than just going through combination CT scans, the partakers were even passed through SPECT (which you might have read above, too) for diagnosing out coronary artery disease. Most in the slot (partakers) with suspected cases of ‘narrowed down’ coronary arteries were even being passed through the test, as their blood vessels were being inspected on utilizing catheter, by instilling in contrast dye (invasive coronary angiogram/ICA).

The results (that came out, afterwards) showed that CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP) imaging were successful in recognizing out around 70% cases, of the people that had reduced blood flow (depicted out using SPECT). Moreover, it (CTA, and CTP) precisely recognized out people without any slowdown rate in blood flow, about 90% at most of the time.

Both the techniques proved out very effective in evaluating out people with critically clogged arteries of the heart.

In most of the times, CTP found same blood vessel regions as that was achieved through Invasive Coronary Angiogram (ICA), and SPECT, and kept out around 85% of the blood vessels that did not narrow down, in the process.

The results were closely reckoned over, matching up with patients that had been inspected by coronary angiogram and SPECT, both.

CTA-CTP combination recognized out 90% of the people with critically clogged up arteries, and for blood vessels, the combination (CTA-CTP) showed 75% (percent) sensitivity in the results.

The gauged (standard) radiation exposure of CTA was 4.5 mSv (millisievert), and for CTP it was 7 mSv, which were lesser than the average figure of 13 mSv for SPECT scan.

Quick line in between (for our readers), during CT perfusion imaging cases, the patients are injected (usually) with chemical dyes (iodinated contrast agent) that illuminates up, when hit by beams of the scanner. The lower iodine concentration regions show up in dark, pointing out to restricted blood flow, which is the fundamental reason for chest pain/discomfort. The brighter regions depict smoother and unrestricted blood flow by and through the heart. To improve the image, adenosine doses are even being instilled in that cause the organ to beat more rapidly, for stepping up blood flow to the heart.

On the final note, Researchers agree to it that better diagnosing techniques are to be utilized for effectively working on with assumed obstructions of the heart (coronary artery disease), for better treatment planning and on improving quality patient care, and the following combination technologies CTA and CTP surely add a new chapter on the new possibilities of radiology therapy.

For the people that are reading this section will get to know about how an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan technology can prove effective in making a diagnosis on Alzheimer’s disease, for early discovery, in planning out effective treatment and control.

We might know that Doctors usually advice for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to the patients for looking into warning signs for Alzheimer’s disease, just to keep out the possibility of cognitive impairment disorders (shows on restricted mental functions, viz. memory, understanding, and decision making, to name a few).

Many modern medical researches point out to the efficiency of MRI as an analytic tool in knowing about warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease (just the way we had stated above), as and when the symptoms come into view.

Recent medical research studies propose that premature sign of dementia (loss of cognitive disability in a formerly unimpaired individual) can help well in recognizing out people that require probable treatment, during the premature phase.

Neuroscientists (Rush University Medical Center) put forward that people that are at threat of being affected with Alzheimer’s disease show specific signs, as the structural brain changes can be envisaged at through brain mapping technique (recording brain activities by mapping it). The discovery after this study showed out to be useful in recognizing out people that could be cured, if given premature treatment (Alzheimer’s disease).

The study results by the team have been put forward at yearly congregation of the Society of Neuroscience (in San Diego, Calif) on November 17, 2010.

Medical professionals typically face up to the challenge of recognizing out people that are at increased risk of becoming affected by Alzheimer’s disease, so that timely involvement could be made to provide therapeutic treatment to the affected patients, much before the warning signs start in on showing.

Researchers affirmed that the structural medical imaging techniques/technologies are effective enough in discovering out people that are at risk of being affected with Alzheimer’s disease. Regarding the effectiveness of an MRI scan technique in identifying out cognitive impaired people, the technology has been proved well. For the neophytes, the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is requested for Claustrophobia (anxiety disorder) cases, as well.

In most of the cases, the probable reasons for Alzheimer’s disease could be due to cancerous tumor, or blood clot in the brain, and Doctors try to find out the same, to ensure the symptoms that usually lead the way to this disorder.

For the study, medical research experts (Rush University Medical Center) followed through people with mild cognitive disorders (cognitive impairment), which is even termed out to be the preliminary stage of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia stages. People, with mild-mannered cognitive impairment disorders displayed out greater than before memory loss, and the disorder is identified to be as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The medical research team picked around 52 people, in going after the study of people that had amnestic mild cognitive impairment for more than a long period of six years and so, and out of this research slot, around 23 partakers showed up to Alzheimer’s disease.

Amidst this heavy session, please remain acquainted about one more thing that during diagnostic imaging practice (radiology therapy) physicians/doctors do not just make use of an MRI scanner/technology for to discover out the people that will show up to Alzheimer’s disease, but they utilize it for to evaluate selective patterns for cerebral atrophy (affects the human brain; loss of neurons in the brain tissue affect brain functions at specific regions within its control). If by any means the cerebral hemisphere functions are disrupted, brain thought process and other brain voluntary movements will get affected by in the process.

Going back to square one, the partakers that underwent MRI scans showed positive results in the process; the medical researchers utilized MRI to look for structural changes in the substantia innominata [brain region that emits out chemical signals to the cerebral cortex (neural tissue structure, to the cerebrum of the brain)] for effective brain memory storage capacity, brain reasoning, and other brain functions and relations.

In during the study, no structural constituent changes were established out in the substantia innominata, in between the two clusters. The magnetic resonance imaging showed some differences in the cortical area of the brain that usually take delivery of brain inputs from the substantia innominata, in the people showing up the stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Medical research scientists were able to identify out people through the test that showed the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, in comparison to others that did not show enough warning of signs, when being analyzed through MRI scan technique. And, researchers affirmed about the effectiveness of MRI technology in examining out differences in brain structure and functional patterns, in recognizing out the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Taking you back to the loop, the brain gets affected usually in different ways (during an Alzheimer’s case), and hippocampus is one part of brain that gets affected a lot in the process, and to let you know, this region of the brain is actively accountable for controlling brain emotions, and controls further the brain memory storage capacity, and the system. Hippocampus (is situated in the brain’s medial temporal lobe) plays vital role in motor functions of the brain network.

In during the Alzheimer’s disease, the brain hippocampus function gets affected by the most, as due to the harm that occurs in the specific region, in the process, resulting into severe memory loss, and brain disorientation, to name a few. The hippocampus can get severely harmed due to some of the reasons, viz. oxygen starvation (even leading to swift and severe and brain damage), encephalitis (brain inflammation), and/or by other means through medial temporal lobe epilepsy (focal epilepsy, leading further to recurring seizures).

People with extensive damage to their hippocampus can face amnesia, and lose memory, and their brain memory system gets disturbed by in the process, where they in some of the cases remain unable holding on to certain past memories.

For the medical professionals that are planning to consider MRI to be next effective diagnostic/analytical tool for Alzheimer’s disease in their practice center should remain assured about the technology, as this has been proved quite promising in detecting out medical cases for premature Alzheimer’s disease, evaluating on early symptoms.

On the concluding note, MRI being a promising solution (diagnostic imaging) will surely advance in the treatment procedure, as once again, it can effectively recognize out people that are at high risk of getting affected by Alzheimer’s diseases, but new treatment methods can surely add value in keeping a tab on this disorder, researchers believe.

This neurological brain disorder (showing up through loss of memory, leads to dementia) has around 15 million cases, where mostly people suffer from mild Alzheimer’s disease, while others face off with severe type of the disorder.

Gone are the days when medical professionals used to detect a person on Alzheimer’s disease after death, where pathologists carry out an autopsy to judge on it. But with the upsurge of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) a new ray of hope has found its way through the researchers, and this technique can be effectively used out for to diagnose a person for (premature) Alzheimer’s disease, in planning out effective treatment.

The brain functional magnetic resonance imaging technique (fMRI) has recently been proved well for forecasting patients that act in response to talk therapy (psychotherapy), as this therapeutic technique helps in deciding on suitable treatment methods for patients affected with pediatric anxiety disorders.

For the neophytes, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) technique helps in hemodynamic monitoring (blood flow change) in relation to the neural networks in the spinal cord/brain of human beings (in general), and neuroimaging follows up on same principle, as uses various methods and procedures to directly/indirectly capture the image for evaluating on structure (architecture) and functions of the human brain.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has been found to be very effective in mapping brain, as it follows minimally invasive imaging techniques, avoiding on radiation exposure, and is comparatively widely available than other technologies.

Coming back to square one, neuroscientists of Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) declared out that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be effectively worked out on patients (pediatric anxiety disorders) in helping them react to psychotherapy (talk therapy), and in such cases the need for utilizing psychiatric medication could be avoided with.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can map signals of the brain (mapping), noninvasively, without any inherent radiation risks; the technique offers high spatial resolution of 2-3 mm.

Not like Electroencephalogram (EEG) and other techniques, it (fMRI) effectively documents signals from all possible brain regions, in evaluating brain network.

The medical research team (GUMC) that conducted the experiment proposed their results at the yearly meet of the Society of Neuroscience in San Diego (CA).

The research result, after evaluating the brain network through fMRI of the children and grown-ups, in the age group of 8-16 years showed surprising results, as the people that were experimented by showed fear (reaction) on/over face, when they gazed at cheerful faces over fMRI scanner screen, and research analysts say these people that demonstrated fear were the few that performed badly in the eight week cognitive behavioral therapy session with practitioners.

Researchers say further that talk therapy (psychotherapy) is not required for all, and not everybody would be required to go for such treatment, as others can be looked up for pharmacological stress test/examinations as well (and other alternatives), in evaluating their brain activities (through brain mapping).

On the other end, children that represented out fear gazing at fearful faces gained well through this psychotherapeutic treatment (talk therapy), affirmed by medical researchers.

Anxiety disorder and fear responses are inherently related, so the way brain network reacts in response to fear will in a usual way have an effect on manifestation of anxiety disorders.

Past research studies show enough evidence about the positive impact of psychotherapy on people affected with pediatric anxiety disorders, as in most of the cases people have been found acting in response to fear in the same manner, but on the other side, like we read above, some people showed adverse reactions on seeing cheerful faces, as their brain network showed fear when mapped through. Researchers realized that under certain vigorous conditions anxiety disorder patients showed more nervousness when gazed at blissful/cheerful faces than frightful ones, and these patients (people) reacted poorly to the cognitive behavioral therapy in evaluating brain and the possible network.

The medical research team carried out the study on 23 people (10 girls and 13 boys) all that were being analyzed with pediatric anxiety disorders.

The partakers were shown some different pictures of faces communicating over strong emotions, and researchers tried to find out about the emotions that made people spark out fearful reactions, on witnessing some facial gestures on others, and about the behavioral patterns that forecasted reaction to psychotherapy (talk therapy).

In the midst, about the effectiveness of fMRI that we are talking about, once again to reiterate, this medical imaging technique monitors and documents the changes in blood flow (blood stream) being utilized at different brain locations, showing up different brain activities.

During the process, medical research scientists focused more on the amygdala functions (brain architecture denoting the sensation of fear).

The research team associated different act of responses they found in amygdala, utilizing result of eight-week course sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy on 23 partakers.

The researchers found a noteworthy link after comparing out results, as the outcome indicated that functional magnetic resonance imaging (pre-treatment) could be well used to choose out the patients that are expected to perform well in psychotherapy (talk therapy), and some that require other forms of therapy (medication therapy).

Besides, the research team found that the patients (partakers) that showed greater level of nervousness gazing at cheerful faces than frightful ones showed slightly different behavioral disorders, and researchers feel this sort of behavior can not be treated so easily by cognitive behavioral therapy. On the other side, researchers even feel on the same note comprehending the fact that not all patients (pediatric anxiety disorder) require cognitive behavioral therapy.

Nearing to the end, the functional magnetic resonance imaging technique (fMRI) through this research study does not by any means propose the method to be considered as universal scan tool in evaluating pediatric anxiety disorders.

When regular care is not sufficient enough to the patients (pediatric anxiety disorders) neuroimaging can prove beneficial, just the way we talked above utilizing fMRI, as this technique helps researchers/medical professionals comprehend why any patient is not responsive to specific treatment procedures etc. at the first place.

On the closing note, whatever may be different versions in evaluating suitable treatment methods for pediatric anxiety disorders, fMRI does prove useful, as the data (gathered through fMRI) can be utilized for to arrange details about certain patients that are expected to react strongly to psychotherapy (talk therapy), and others that require medication therapy and related substitutes.

Medical research scientists (University of California, Berkeley) of late submitted research outcome of an experiment conducted by, on the limitations of ultrasound testing assessment, as ultrasonography (Diagnostic sonography) is famed of (negatively) offering low resolution images through medical imaging procedures. Our readers might know very well that obstetric sonography (ultrasonography) is extensively used for visualizing the fetus/embryo in pregnancy detection (in the human womb).

For the amateurs, the cyclical resonance pressure frequency of ultrasound is in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz
(the upper limit of what we humans can hear). But please note that this level (of hearing) does vary from person to person, but the frequency of 20 kHz provides well as a lower limit in unfolding ultrasound.

Pregnant women that have had an ultrasound (diagnostic sonography) can give their word for the inexplicit characteristic trait of the captured images.

We already know from the law of physics (and technology) that sound frequencies below 20 Hz can only be sensed than listened to, as the amplitude (change in the oscillating variable) of the sound vibration is very high enough for us to be attended to (heard by), as the smallest/negligible objects that we observe through our bare eyes are just about the size of the sound wave wavelength.

The deep tissue ultrasound (emit sound waves) in the human body are in the frequency range of around 1-5 megahertz (much further than what we human beings can hear plainly), and this exactly affects the resolution limit (enforcing just about a millimeter).

A research paper that is on way to be in print in periodical of Nature Physics has physicists (UC Berkeley and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain) showing out the ways to capture evanescent waves rebounding off any object, to reform/reconstruct details as small as 1/50th of the sound wave wavelength.

For the tenderfoot, the evanescent sound waves (properties of wave equations) display out exponential decay from the periphery at which the wave was shaped/generated out, in opposite direction to wave propagation.

A three-dimensional holed metamaterial structure had been used by the scientific research team for to capture evanescent waves; the metamaterial structure consisted of about 1,600 empty copper tubes packed in a 6 inch slab/ingot, with a square cross section of around 2.5 inches. When the holed metamaterial structure is positioned close to any object of study, it captures the evanescent waves, and passes it through to the reverse end.

With this piece of equipment, it is very simple and trouble-free for to capture and broadcast evanescent waves (that contain the object) in achieving very good resolution acoustic imaging.

In addition, the metamaterial (holed) may well even be positioned on the end of ultrasound probe (for looking into), as this has been showed of enhancing the image resolution. Moreover, the piece of equipment can even be well utilized for underwater sonography (sonar), and also in non-destructive testing (industrial applications).

On the experiment part, when the holed metamaterial was positioned near to an object, an English alphabet (E) engraved on a metallic sheet, proved well, as it could well capture the evanescent waves passing it further through the reverse end.

To crush in, please note that broadcasted evanescent waves are comprised of a rational amount of the ultra subwavelength information/data of the object captured by, in achieving high resolution acoustic imaging.

More precisely, when the research scientists differentiated out the images (sonographic) taken of the letter E (English alphabet) engraved onto a copper plate showed no details otherwise. But when evanescent waves from the object were captured and transmitted over by the three-dimensional holed metamaterial (square cross-section), enough details could be tracked out by the research team, as this time the letter (E) could easily be identified out by in clear light.

Now, back to square one, for ultrasound detection, the image resolution is usually in the millimeter range, but by effectively utilizing this device (holed metamaterial), the resolution is made to bound by the size of the holes, and just we said above, metamaterials can be accumulated up on the end of an ultrasound probe (for examination) for to enhance the resolution of the image.

In case of the experiments conducted by the scientific research team, the holes in the copper tube (metamaterial) were just about a millimeter in diameter, and utilizing acoustic waves of around 2 kHz, the resolution of the image were bound to the wavelength (about 200 millimeters). With holed metamaterial (square cross section) the attributed size could even be determined in the figure of 4 mm, or just about 1/50th of a wavelength of the sound.

On the concluding note, the scientific research team even affirmed that without proper utilizing holed metamaterial, it would have remained not viable for them to recognize out subwavelength object.

In recent times, few gifted scholars (undergraduates) from the University of Washington researched out a low cost ultrasound system which won them Gates Foundation Scholarship (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), and they (research team) got hold of whopping $100,000 for this fabulous scientific invention, bringing a new revolution in medical technology and engineering.

These undergraduates (scholars) were one amongst 65 medical research groups that experimented out on different scientific technologies and devices.

Some scientific analysts believe that this medical exploration from the group will surely work out in helping scientists over the globe discover out unverified ways in improving health care system in other budding countries (where medical development services are concerned).

Grantees were selected from over 2400 applications, and they (grantees) embodied 16 different countries on 5 continents of the world, and for the financial support, the contenders had to show how their proposal/suggestion was different than current scientific and engineering prototype, in considerable progress in global health strategies and models of selective attention.

Faculty counselors were very supportive to the undergraduates (scholars) in the process, as believed in their imagination and creativity, and this grant/scholarship really authenticates the belief they had on their students.

The students and faculty members are up on testing and assessing the potential of this low cost ultrasound system (Radiology) on some of the pregnant women (expecting sooner or later). The preparation is on more for utilizing the grant/scholarship for to travel to Africa to test this system (full capacity utilization) as a gizmo in increasing access to the people of ultrasound scan, in lowering down childbirth birth-related deaths/mortalities that kills a projected figure of 1,000 women every day, in different parts, entirely over the globe.

The newly invented device by the team is comprised of an ultrasound probe (array of ultrasonic transducers to guide and focus ultrasonic beam spread) fixed through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface port to a netbook with touch screen (computer).

The innovative technological solution from the team is reasonably priced, handy, long-lasting and user-friendly by all means. Speaking more on the price front of this new technological gadget, the whole system (inclusive of the software) has been price tagged at $3,500, but the team is even deciding on coming up with cheaper models (by some parts swapping). Currently the team is relying on old technology, but in coming years they hope to see the system in a newer light, with more features and increased affordability.

Talking now more about other portable ultrasound units for sale in the market, which are from different manufacturers and traders fall in the bracket of around $15,000 to $60,000 that is comparably pricey for health ministries association and global health donors to think about buying in bulk quantity. On the downside, these heavily priced equipments that are available in the market are too difficult for to be used by most of the midwives.

The planned out interface (by the team) works well for midwives, as the five slider bars regulate the image settings phase, and other push button switches help in image freezing and accession.

This modular device with simple interface design and control options focuses on recognizing out statistics and parameters of multiple births, breech birth (to name a few). Midwives that work on these equipments can even counsel to direct the high-risk medical cases to be delivered at a medical health care center, instead of helping out the case at home.

The research team (that won the scholarship) is in high spirits, as they were able to come up with this technology system for to facilitate human lives to a greater extent, and they believe this low-cost/inexpensive ultrasound system will surely create big wonders in the medical arena, and more such human centered, dynamic engineering and design divisions have joined the race with these fellow-beings.

The team is planning to image development stages of fetus, as part of their groundwork/preliminary exams in Seattle, and they are even preparing for a field test (research) in Uganda, in coming days. Besides, the swollen with pride (on a positive note) research team will even be presenting its research at the yearly conference on Computing for Development (London, England) that pays attention on computing applications and services for the developing and nurturing community empowerment.

So, be a part of the conference on December 17-18, 2010 (Royal Holloway, University of London) and witness masters of excellence in engineering science and computer technology applications.

A new medical research (Radiology) conducted by research scientists show that gene based examinations for lung cancer (unrestrained cell growth in the lung tissues) can assist in recognizing out chronic smokers that can probably gain from computed tomography (CT) scan for lung cancer.

The medical research results were offered over at the ninth yearly convention of American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) on frontiers in cancer prevention research, at Pennsylvania Convention Center (Philadelphia, PA).

The medical research study comprised of around 1,216 lung cancer cases, which were discussed along with the research team, and out of this 1,200 cases were drawn together from chronic smokers/ex smokers. The Respiragene™ is a genetic test to assess inherent risk of developing lung cancer, whether a person is a current or former smoker. The test identifies whether a patient is at moderate risk, high risk, or extremely high risk of developing lung cancer at some point in their life, compared to other smokers.

The test results help patients take precautionary steps in lowering the risk of disease, by deciding to quit smoking. Chronic smokers and ex smokers are for all time vulnerable to lung cancers, than non-smokers. Disease control center (US) affirmed that around 10-15% (percent) smokers (chronic smokers) are susceptible to lung cancer.

Moreover, the possibility of the lung cancer enhances sharply for long term smokers, and on typical standard, regular/average smokers are around 20-30 times more susceptible to lung cancer than non-smokers (throughout).

Coming back, Respiragene™ makes a distinction in between chronic/regular smokers and ex-smokers per varied risk levels, viz. moderate, high and extremely high risk rates (that we specified above).

People falling in the ‘extremely high risk rate’ category are highly susceptible (10 times more than other smokers of moderate and high level) to lung cancer.

Major scientific advances have taken place in diagnostic medical test/examinations following up on the path of human genetics engineering. New and improvised scientific medical technologies make use of DNA for to discover out persons that are at increased risk for various cancer types.

Adding some worth, some medical professionals/doctors carry out tests/examinations on patients/persons, and lay down therapeutic prescriptions, based on the hereditary/genetic profiling of the patients.

We wrote above about Respiragene™, and to repeat again, this is one of the prophetic tests being carried on persons assumed to be suffering from lung cancer. This prophetic test (Respiragene™) distinguishes out the existence/non existence of precise intended genetic markers linked with vulnerability/confrontation to the lung cancer, for recognizing out persons at maximum risk having an effect of lung cancer, in contrast to other smokers.

Back to square one, on the studies that were conducted by the research scientists, of the 1,216 lung cancer cases that were tested on (smokers and ex smokers) the Respiragene™ gene based examination precisely recognized out an associated group of extremely high risk smokers, around 20% (percent) at risk inhabitants accounting for over 50% (percent) of all the lung cancer cases.

The medical results lay bare the possibility of recognizing out people with habitual/accepted smoking record/history, susceptible to lung cancer, much before the warning signs come into view, in precedence for more rapid medical care and attention, together with utilizing low dose CT scan, for early detection and estimation theory for treatment and control of the disease.

It definitely is a positive indication and people (chronic/regular smokers) can breathe a sigh of relief, as clinical trial results have proved that lung CT scan can trim down lung cancer fatality rate, amongst smokers.

So, those who lost their sleep already should sleep peacefully (smokers/ex smokers) as risk of becoming extinct (out of the world) due to lung cancer is comparably less than before, as showing again through this section that lung CT scan lowers the threats associated with lung cancer.

Regular lung CT scans of smokers proved well for them, in recognizing out for lung cancer, and to devise the treatment plan to get rid of lung cancer, but this has even created a confronting situation for medical research scientists/analysts in understanding who all are more prone to developing lung cancer, as when the modern evidence of usual CT scan examination has already come into picture, in keeping a tab on human lives, reducing death rates, through effective medical diagnosis.

As now the wide-ranging beneficial features of CT scan for lung cancer has been established, and corroborated by, there is an urgent call for improved focus on medical screening sources (for cancer detection and classification) on the persons that are extremely susceptible to this syndrome.

For you to become aware of, very recently the national lung screening trial results showed that low dosage computed tomography screening/scan proved well on around 53,000 persons being studied about, and medical research scientists are satisfied about this outcome, and believe on the positive note that CT screening for lung cancer patients will surely help in significantly controlling cancer death rates (lung cancer).

The research team believes that out of prospective 157,000 deaths expected in year 2010 (in the US) due to lung cancer, the possibility is that half of the people in the slot will come out successfully as survivors (in next 1 year), after effective diagnosis through CT scan.

The breakthrough development phase on the other side has some catch-22 situations, as if considering the possible cost of scrutinizing zillions of smokers over, the probable harm caused due to radiation exposure (which may even increase the possibility of development of other diseases, or even a genetic/hereditary damage) be able not to be ignored by. Researchers urge for the need of better patient targeting and effective CT screening, to avoid such untoward medical incidence in radioactive therapy, as that may encourage further invasive medical procedures (viz. lung biopsies) on a patient, for non-cancerous lesions.

The usage of Respiragene™ to give precedence to regular/chronic and ex smokers for computed tomography scanning would considerably ameliorate total number of premature lung cancer stages/cases (that are) being recognized out, per administered CT scan processes.

Going over again for a while, Respiragene™ tests/examinations on incorrigible lung illnesses were being confirmed in associates/followers that met together in NZ, Spain and UK, and corroborates that the test showed positive results on a lion’s share of population.

The examination integrated in 20 genetic markers for lung cancer (Oncology), linked to smoke related health problems/illnesses and tendency to lung cancer, in conjunction with details of the smoker (age, family history of related disease, and analysis of obstructive pulmonary disorders) to obtain predictive risk assessment scorecard on a rating scale (1-12); the high scorers were found more susceptible to lung cancers, in contrast to other smokers.

The tested groups with extremely high risk levels were closely monitored and vigorously screened using regular CT scan.

Nearing to the end, it is very stirring fact to know the genetic development in people, which helps in realizing how some smokers are prone to lung cancers than others, and would even trim down death rates, in following up with the therapy course through CT scan technique (technology).

A recent study report published in journal of Radiology states that radiologists possibly will be able to tell apart differently the malignant cancer (breast lumps/tumors) from benign breast lesions in a patient, by effectively utilizing out optical and x-ray medical imaging.

Medical research scientists (Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts) built up a coalesced medical imaging system (optical, x-ray), accomplished in getting hold of the function and integrative (structural) information of the human breast.

The technologies used were Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), and Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT). For the neophytes, DBT helps in detection of breast lumps, and tumors (Oncology), and DOT in gauging concentration of hemoglobin, oxygen saturation levels, and cellular features/characteristics, on grounds of infra-red laser beam being soaked up, and dispersed out inside the breast tissue/breast mass.

Radiologists can even co-register optical and x-ray information on a patient, for charting out doubtful conclusions/findings of the medical investigation, for analyzing out the functional characteristics/attributes of specific breast regions.

In during the medical research, collective Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Diffuse Optical Tomography were carried out on around 125 patients (with a mean age of about 56 years).

Optical data was attained in the process (with compressed breast) using detector probes (pick up alpha particles) and optical source (for experiment and research) putting together with the DBT component. After this, the optical probes were taken off, by not re-adjusting/altering the breast compression, and the DBT scan (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis) was acted upon.

The research team was thrilled of adding up optical imaging system to DBT, as it is affordable, protected, and quick, and most of all supports noninvasive procedures.

Of about 189 breasts being examined over for breast lumps/tumors (in 125 patients), around 51 cases reported positive on breast lesions, and decided on by breast biopsy results, 26 were malignant breast cancer cases (out of 51 breast lesions), and other 25 were benign breast lumps.

The 26 malignant cases that were being recorded had Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) considerably larger than in the glandular breast tissue (normal, unaffected breast tissue) of similar breast.

Complex breast cysts and benign lesions had comparably lower Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) than malignant breast lesions.

Research scientists are up for reducing redundant biopsies and affirmed the importance of optical and x-ray medical imaging in offering potential solutions for such; after the tests were performed on various patients, researchers came to the conclusion that the oxygen saturation levels were comparably lower in breast cysts in contrast to the same in malignant/solid benign breast mass/lesions, and glandular breast tissues.

On the concluding note, even though complex breast cysts are easy to be analyzed out utilizing breast ultrasound, identifying out breast cysts from benign/malignant breast lesions by getting a breast mammogram would save the patients angst and overheads/expenses related with the subsequent procedure. Medical research scientists are confident that the combined system (optical, x-ray imaging) will perk up the competence and diagnostic accuracy/correctness of breast screening.