Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Status of Vegetarians and Vegans in Comparison to Omnivores in the Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) Study.

Plant-based diets usually contain more nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits than a standard Western diet. Yet, the amount and especially the bioavailability of several nutrients, such as trace elements, is supposed to be lower in comparison to diets with consumption of animal-derived foods. Based on this, the Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) study (172 participants) was initiated to compare the trace element status of omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans. Serum selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations and biomarkers were evaluated at baseline and during a 12-month intervention with energy- and nutrient-optimized menu plans. The implementation of optimized menu plans did not substantially influence the status of trace elements. At baseline, serum selenium biomarkers were lower in vegetarians and vegans compared to omnivores and flexitarians. The zinc intake of vegetarians and vegans was significantly lower compared to omnivores, whereas the Phytate Diet Score was increased. Accordingly, total serum zinc concentrations were reduced in vegans which was, however, only significant in women and was further supported by the analysis of free zinc. Regarding copper status, no differences were observed for total serum copper. Overall, we identified selenium and zinc as critical nutrients especially when maintaining a vegan diet.

Reproduction of a conventional anthropomorphic female chest phantom by 3D-printing: Comparison of image contrasts and absorbed doses in CT.

BACKGROUND: The production of individualized anthropomorphic phantoms via three-dimensional (3D) printing methods offers promising possibilities to assess and optimize radiation exposures for specifically relevant patient groups (i.e., overweighed or pregnant persons) that are not adequately represented by standardized anthropomorphic phantoms. However, the equivalence of printed phantoms must be demonstrated exemplarily with respect to the resulting image contrasts and dose distributions. PURPOSE: To reproduce a conventionally produced anthropomorphic phantom of a female chest and breasts and to evaluate their equivalence with respect to image contrasts and absorbed doses at the example of a computed tomography (CT) examination of the chest. METHODS: In a first step, the effect of different print settings on the CT values of printed samples was systematically investigated. Subsequently, a transversal slice and breast add-ons of a conventionally produced female body phantom were reproduced using a multi-material extrusion-based printer, considering six different types of tissues (muscle, lung, adipose, and glandular breast tissue, as well as bone and cartilage). CT images of the printed and conventionally produced phantom parts were evaluated with respect to their geometric correspondence, image contrasts, and absorbed doses measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters. RESULTS: CT values of printed objects are highly sensitive to the selected print settings. The soft tissues of the conventionally produced phantom could be reproduced with a good agreement. Minor differences in CT values were observed for bone and lung tissue, whereas absorbed doses to the relevant tissues were identical within the measurement uncertainties. CONCLUSION: 3D-printed phantoms are with exception of minor contrast differences equivalent to their conventionally manufactured counterparts. When comparing the two production techniques, it is important to note that conventionally manufactured phantoms should not be considered as absolute benchmarks, as they also only approximate the human body in terms of its absorption, and attenuation of x-rays as well as its geometry.

Radiology of pancreatic neoplasms: An update.

Diagnostic imaging is an important tool to evaluate pancreatic neoplasms. We describe the imaging features of pancreatic malignancies and their benign mimics. Accurate detection and staging are essential for ensuring appropriate selection of patients who will benefit from surgery and for preventing unnecessary surgeries in patients with unresectable disease. Ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging can help to do a correct diagnosis. Radiologists should be aware of the wide variety of anatomic variants and pathologic conditions that may mimic pancreatic neoplasms. The knowledge of the most important characteristic key findings may facilitate the right diagnosis.

Optimising the preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps has become increasingly important in radiology services as multidetector CT angiography (CTA) has been proven to be the technique of choice. We aim to optimise the process, checking the value of the "Navarra criteria," assessing radiological and surgical concordance. METHODS: Preoperative CTA was obtained in 105 DIEP flaps involving 101 women (mean age 49.1 years). A main perforator pedicle and an alternative were chosen, applying a modification of the "Navarra criteria," assessing the correlation between the main perforator chosen by the radiologist and the one that was ultimately used to perform the flap using the Kappa index. RESULTS: In 100 of the 105 DIEP flaps (95.2%), the perforator pedicles chosen were ultimately used to raise the flap. Four of the perforator pedicles that were not used were dismissed due to avoidable errors in the radiological approach. Concordance was very high, with a Kappa index of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87-0.99). CT room time was less than 12 minutes, and reading time was 10 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the "Navarra criteria" in preoperative planning of DIEP flaps improves radiological and surgical concordance as well as the reading process. KEY POINTS: DIEP flap is one of the best techniques for breast reconstruction. Preoperative planning is essential in DIEP flaps. CTA is the best option for the preoperative planning of DIEP flaps. "Navarra criteria" allow radiologists to choose the best perforator to form flaps. Modified "Navarra criteria" improves radiological and surgical concordance.