Characterization of adnexal masses using multidetector contrast-enhanced CT scan - recognising common pitfalls that masquerade as ovarian cancer

Adnexal masses are growths that form near the uterus; the majority being ovarian tumours. Although there is no established population-screening tool for detecting ovarian cancer, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) are useful imaging tools in the management of adnexal masses. Our study aimed to determine the characteristics of malignant adnexal masses on CECT scan and to describe common pitfalls in diagnosis of ovarian cancer when interpreting images. We also determined the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing ovarian cancer using CECT. A retrospective study was conducted in Hospital Serdang using data from all patients who underwent CECT scan and detected with adnexal masses, and had histopathological examination correlation from January 2013 until January 2015. Out of the 64 cases analysed; the majority of malignant lesions were serous carcinoma of the ovary (40%). The CECT scan characteristics, tumour consistency of mixed type, presence of wall enhancement, septations, ascites and peritoneal nodule/omental caking were significantly associated with ovarian malignancy (p<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CECT scan was 95.45%, 71.43%, 63.63% and 96.77% respectively. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan is a good, non-invasive method to diagnose ovarian cancer. By using a pro-forma document as a guide, good results can be achieved to help differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Nevertheless, caution needs to be exercised in interpreting cases that mimic features of malignancy

Sodium alginate-zinc oxide nanocomposite film for antibacterial wound healing applications

This study aims to develop sodium alginate (SA) based ZnO nanoparticles as antibacterial film for wound healing applications. As natural materials, sodium alginate has been widely investigated and used in wound healing. The ZnO nanoparticles were incorporated as antibacterial into sodium alginate with different compositions (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 ml). Solvent casting method was performed to prepare a film. The film was characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Effectiveness of antibacterial activity was carried out against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) to characterize the sample. The results from microstructure analysis indicated that as ZnO nanoparticle compositions increased, the film surface became rough. It was found that sodium alginate incorporated with ZnO had slightly higher antibacterial activities against S. aureus than E. coli. Thus, sodium alginate (SA)-Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle has the potential to be used as a wound healing material in biomedical applications