Nondestructive and three-dimensional visualization by identifying elements using synchrotron radiation microscale X-ray CT reveals microbial and cavity distributions in anaerobic granular sludge.

We developed a nondestructive three-dimensional microbial visualization method utilizing synchrotron radiation X-ray microscale computed tomography to better understand the relationship between microorganisms and their surrounding habitats. The method was tested and optimized using a mixture of axenic Escherichia coli and Comamonas testosteroni. The osmium-thiocarbohydrazide-osmium method was used to stain all the microbial cells, and gold in situ hybridization was used to detect specific phylogenetic microbial groups. The stained samples were embedded in epoxy resin for microtomographic analysis. Differences in X-ray absorbances were calculated by subtracting the pre-L3-edge images from the post-L3-edge images to visualize the osmium and gold signals. Although we successfully detected cells stained with osmium, those labeled with gold were not detected, probably because of the insufficient density of gold atoms in the microbial cells. We then applied the developed technique to anaerobic granules and visualized the distribution of microbial cells and extracellular polymeric substances. Empty spaces were highlighted to determine the cavity distribution in granules. Numerous independent cavities of different sizes were identified in the granules. The developed method can be applied to various environmental samples for deeper insights into microbial life in their habitats. IMPORTANCE: Microorganisms inhabit diverse environments and often form biofilms. One factor that affects their community structure is the surrounding physical environment. The arrangement of residential space within the formed biofilm plays a crucial role in the supply and transportation of substances, as well as the discharge of metabolites. Conventional approaches, such as scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization, have limitations as they provide information primarily from the biofilm surface and cross-sections. In this study, we developed a method for detecting microorganisms in biofilms using synchrotron radiation X-ray microscale computer tomography. The developed method allows nondestructive three-dimensional observation of biofilms at a single-cell resolution (voxel size of approximately 200 nm), facilitating an understanding of the relationship between microorganisms and their physical habitats.

Differentiation of granulomatous nodules with lobulation and spiculation signs from solid lung adenocarcinomas using a CT deep learning model.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules has always been a difficult and important point in clinical research, especially granulomatous nodules (GNs) with lobulation and spiculation signs, which are easily misdiagnosed as malignant tumors. Therefore, in this study, we utilised a CT deep learning (DL) model to distinguish GNs with lobulation and spiculation signs from solid lung adenocarcinomas (LADCs), to improve the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. METHODS: 420 patients with pathologically confirmed GNs and LADCs from three medical institutions were retrospectively enrolled. The regions of interest in non-enhanced CT (NECT) and venous contrast-enhanced CT (VECT) were identified and labeled, and self-supervised labels were constructed. Cases from institution 1 were randomly divided into a training set (TS) and an internal validation set (IVS), and cases from institutions 2 and 3 were treated as an external validation set (EVS). Training and validation were performed using self-supervised transfer learning, and the results were compared with the radiologists' diagnoses. RESULTS: The DL model achieved good performance in distinguishing GNs and LADCs, with area under curve (AUC) values of 0.917, 0.876, and 0.896 in the IVS and 0.889, 0.879, and 0.881 in the EVS for NECT, VECT, and non-enhanced with venous contrast-enhanced CT (NEVECT) images, respectively. The AUCs of radiologists 1, 2, 3, and 4 were, respectively, 0.739, 0.783, 0.883, and 0.901 in the (IVS) and 0.760, 0.760, 0.841, and 0.844 in the EVS. CONCLUSIONS: A CT DL model showed great value for preoperative differentiation of GNs with lobulation and spiculation signs from solid LADCs, and its predictive performance was higher than that of radiologists.

Puncture Cube Patient-Mounted Navigation System versus Freehand Method for CT-Guided Needle Placement: Study on a Neoprene Covered Elliptical Cylinder Gelatin Phantom.

PURPOSE: The study aims to show how the "Puncture Cube" (PC) (Medical Templates, Egg, Switzerland) compares to the freehand method (FHM) for CT-guided punctures. METHODS: The PC is a patient-mounted disassemblable cube consisting of an upper and lower template with multiple holes each to predefine puncture trajectory. A total of 80 punctures (FHM in-plane, FHM off-plane, PC in-plane, PC off-plane) was performed by 4 radiologists on a target 9.1 cm below surface level of a neoprene covered elliptical cylinder gelatin phantom. The PC was never disassembled. Evaluated parameters were procedure time, number of CT-scans, euclidean distance (ED) and normal distance (ND). Respective parameters of FHM and PC were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Levene test with significance levels of 5%. RESULTS: PC achieved smaller ED and ND values after initial needle insertion without corrections for both in-plane and off-plane punctures (P > 0.05). Variance of initial NDs was off-plane significantly larger for FHM. Final ED after needle path corrections was smaller for FHM both in- and off-plane (P < 0.05). Final off-plane ND was significantly lower for FHM with no significant difference in final in-plane ND. FHM off-plane punctures were significantly faster. There was no significant difference in CT-scans between both methods. CONCLUSION: Utilizing the PC may improve initial needle positioning and safety especially off-plane. However, better final needle positioning after correction with the greater freedom of movement method may suggest need for disassembly of the cube.

A multiscale 3D network for lung nodule detection using flexible nodule modeling.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer. Detection of lung cancer at an early stage can reduce mortality rates. Pulmonary nodules may represent early cancer and can be identified through computed tomography (CT) scans. Malignant risk can be estimated based on attributes like size, shape, location, and density. PURPOSE: Deep learning algorithms have achieved remarkable advancements in this domain compared to traditional machine learning methods. Nevertheless, many existing anchor-based deep learning algorithms exhibit sensitivity to predefined anchor-box configurations, necessitating manual adjustments to obtain optimal outcomes. Conversely, current anchor-free deep learning-based nodule detection methods normally adopt fixed-size nodule models like cubes or spheres. METHODS: To address these technical challenges, we propose a multiscale 3D anchor-free deep learning network (M3N) for pulmonary nodule detection, leveraging adjustable nodule modeling (ANM). Within this framework, ANM empowers the representation of target objects in an anisotropic manner, with a novel point selection strategy (PSS) devised to accelerate the learning process of anisotropic representation. We further incorporate a composite loss function that combines the conventional L2 loss and cosine similarity loss, facilitating M3N to learn nodules' intensity distribution in three dimensions. RESULTS: Experiment results show that the M3N achieves 90.6% competitive performance metrics (CPM) with seven predefined false positives per scan on the LUNA 16 dataset. This performance appears to exceed that of other state-of-the-art deep learning-based networks reported in their respective publications. Individual test results also demonstrate that M3N excels in providing more accurate, adaptive bounding boxes surrounding the contours of target nodules. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed nodule detection system reduces reliance on prior knowledge, such as the general size of objects in the dataset, thus it should enhance overall robustness and versatility. Distinct from traditional nodule modeling techniques, the ANM approach aligns more closely with the morphological characteristics of nodules. Time consumption and detection results demonstrate promising efficiency and accuracy which should be validated in clinical settings.

Spontaneous omental infarction as a rare differential for right iliac fossa pain: A case report and review of the literature.

Omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain, often benign and self-limiting. The significance of infarction lies in the fact that it can mimic other abdominal pathologies including appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or reflux disease. Diagnostic laparoscopy provides the definitive diagnosis of omental infarction, but it is invasive and limited due to resources. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis has been considered the gold standard to diagnosing omental infarction when a non-invasive diagnostic approach is required. Additionally, ultrasound can also be used alternatively for children. Currently, there is no consensus in the diagnosis and management of patients with imaging-proven omental infarction. Spontaneous infarcted omentum must be considered by surgeons and radiologists as a rare cause of acute abdominal pain as patients can experience good outcomes with either conservative or operative approach. However, conservative management must only be considered in stable patients where alternative pathology is unlikely.

Side specific differences of Hounsfield-Units in the osteoporotic lumbar spine.

Background: Gold standard for determining bone density as a surrogate parameter of bone quality is measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), most commonly performed on the lumbar spine (L1-L4). Computed tomography (CT) data are often available for surgical planning prior to spine procedures, but currently this information is not standardized for bone quality assessment. Besides, measuring the Hounsfield-Units (HU) is also of great importance in the context of biomechanical studies. This in vitro study aims in comparing BMD from DXA and HU based on diagnostic CT scans. In addition, methods are presented to quantify local density variations within bones. Methods: One hundred and seventy-six vertebrae (L1-L4) from 44 body donors (age 84.0±8.7 years) were studied. DXA measurements were obtained on the complete vertebrae to determine BMD, as well as axial CT scans with a slice thickness of 1 mm. Using Mimics Innovation Suite image processing software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium), two volumes (whole vertebra vs. spongious bone) were formed for each vertebra, which in turn were divided in their left and right sides. From these total of six volumes, the respective mean HU was determined. HU of the whole vertebra and just spongious HU were compared with the BMD of the corresponding vertebrae. Side specific differences were calculated as relative values. Results: Whole bone and spongious HU correlated significantly (P>0.001; α=0.01) with BMD. A positive linear correlation was found, which was more pronounced for whole bone HU (R=0.72) than for spongious HU (R=0.62). When comparing the left and right sides within each vertebra, the HU was found to be 10% larger on average on one side compared to the opposite side. In some cases, the difference of left and right spongious bone can be up to 170%. There is a tendency for the side comparison to be larger for the spongious HU than for the whole vertebra. Conclusions: Determination of HU from clinical CT scans is an important tool for assessing bone quality, primarily by including the cortical portion in the calculation of HU. Unlike BMD, HU can be used to distinguish precisely between individual regions. Some of the very large side-specific gradients of the HU indicate an enormous application potential for preoperative patient-specific planning.

Comparative Analysis of Retinal Structural and Angiographic Parameters in Diabetic Patients, Alzheimer's Disease Patients, and Healthy Controls: An OCT-Based Study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential connections between Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and diabetes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which AD and diabetes patients sent by the Psychiatry and Diabetes Departments for ophthalmological screening were observed for inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two comparison groups. The first group (n=3) consisted of the age-matched normal and diabetic patient of the stage 3 AD disease participant. The second group (n=3) was for the stage 5 AD patient with diabetes and normal age-matched controls. Each patient underwent a full ophthalmological examination and SS-OCT (Swept Source-Ocular Computer Tomography) for retinal evaluation. Results: A total of 6 patients (12 eyes) were obtained, three men and three women. In the early AD group, the patient with diabetes showed lower macular thickness compared to other groups. In the nasal-inferior (NI) and temporal-superior (TS) ganglion cell layer (GCL), the AD patient showed statistically significant lower values compared to the other patients. In the moderately severe AD group, we found that the AD patient had lower retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness on the temporal side compared to the rest of the patients and both the AD patient and diabetes patient showed lower RNFL thickness in the nasal-superior (NS) quadrant. Also, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area was statistically significantly lower for both the diabetes and AD patients compared to the healthy control. Conclusions: In conclusion, distinct retinal findings associated with AD and diabetes in young and elderly patients were revealed in our study. The clinical implications and potential interplay between these conditions need to be elucidated by further research. Abbreviations: AD = Alzheimer's Disease, SS-OCT = Swept Source - Ocular Computer Tomography, GCL = Ganglion cell layer, RNFL = Retinal nerve fiber layer, FAZ = foveal avascular zone.

Artificial intelligence-enhanced opportunistic screening of osteoporosis in CT scan: a scoping Review.

PURPOSE: This scoping review aimed to assess the current research on artificial intelligence (AI)--enhanced opportunistic screening approaches for stratifying osteoporosis and osteopenia risk by evaluating vertebral trabecular bone structure in CT scans. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies published between 2018 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed articles focusing on AI techniques for classifying osteoporosis/osteopenia or determining bone mineral density using CT scans of vertebral bodies. Data extraction included study characteristics, methodologies, and key findings. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Three main approaches were identified: fully automated deep learning solutions, hybrid approaches combining deep learning and conventional machine learning, and non-automated solutions using manual segmentation followed by AI analysis. Studies demonstrated high accuracy in bone mineral density prediction (86-96%) and classification of normal versus osteoporotic subjects (AUC 0.927-0.984). However, significant heterogeneity was observed in methodologies, workflows, and ground truth selection. CONCLUSIONS: The review highlights AI's promising potential in enhancing opportunistic screening for osteoporosis using CT scans. While the field is still in its early stages, with most solutions at the proof-of-concept phase, the evidence supports increased efforts to incorporate AI into radiologic workflows. Addressing knowledge gaps, such as standardizing benchmarks and increasing external validation, will be crucial for advancing the clinical application of these AI-enhanced screening methods. Integration of such technologies could lead to improved early detection of osteoporotic conditions at a low economic cost.

Comparative evaluation of imaging methods for prognosis assessment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: focus on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and esophagography.

Objective: To identify the most sensitive imaging examination method to evaluate the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Materials and methods: Thirty patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) participated in the study and underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). They were divided into two groups based on their survival status: the survival group and non-survival group. The diagnostic tests were utilized to determine the most effective imaging examination method for assessing the prognosis. Results: 1. There were no significant differences in tumor length shown on esophagography or computed tomography (CT) or the maximal esophageal wall thickness shown on CT at the specified time points between the two groups. 2. The tumor length on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the survival group was significantly lower than in the non-survival group at the end of the sixth week of treatment (P=0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.840 (P=0.002), and the diagnostic efficiency was moderately accurate. 3. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the survival group were significantly higher than those in the non-survival group at the end of the fourth week and sixth week of treatment (both P<0.001). Areas under the curve were 0.866 and 0.970, with P values of 0.001 and <0.001 and good diagnostic accuracy. Cox regression analyses indicated the ADC at the end of the sixth week of treatment was an independent risk factor. Conclusions: Compared with esophagography and CT, DW-MRI has certain advantages in predicting the prognosis of ESCC.

Post-contrast CT liver attenuation alone is superior to the liver-spleen difference for identifying moderate hepatic steatosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of post-contrast CT for predicting moderate hepatic steatosis in an older adult cohort undergoing a uniform CT protocol, utilizing hepatic and splenic attenuation values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1676 adults (mean age, 68.4 ± 10.2 years; 1045M/631F) underwent a CT urothelial protocol that included unenhanced, portal venous, and 10-min delayed phases through the liver and spleen. Automated hepatosplenic segmentation for attenuation values (in HU) was performed using a validated deep-learning tool. Unenhanced liver attenuation < 40.0 HU, corresponding to > 15% MRI-based proton density fat, served as the reference standard for moderate steatosis. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate or severe steatosis was 12.9% (216/1676). The diagnostic performance of portal venous liver HU in predicting moderate hepatic steatosis (AUROC = 0.943) was significantly better than the liver-spleen HU difference (AUROC = 0.814) (p < 0.001). Portal venous phase liver thresholds of 80 and 90 HU had a sensitivity/specificity for moderate steatosis of 85.6%/89.6%, and 94.9%/74.7%, respectively, whereas a liver-spleen difference of -40 HU and -10 HU had a sensitivity/specificity of 43.5%/90.0% and 92.1%/52.5%, respectively. Furthermore, livers with moderate-severe steatosis demonstrated significantly less post-contrast enhancement (mean, 35.7 HU vs 47.3 HU; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Moderate steatosis can be reliably diagnosed on standard portal venous phase CT using liver attenuation values alone. Consideration of splenic attenuation appears to add little value. Moderate steatosis not only has intrinsically lower pre-contrast liver attenuation values (< 40 HU), but also enhances less, typically resulting in post-contrast liver attenuation values of 80 HU or less. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Moderate steatosis can be reliably diagnosed on post-contrast CT using liver attenuation values alone. Livers with at least moderate steatosis enhance less than those with mild or no steatosis, which combines with the lower intrinsic attenuation to improve detection. KEY POINTS: The liver-spleen attenuation difference is frequently utilized in routine practice but appears to have performance limitations. The liver-spleen attenuation difference is less effective than liver attenuation for moderate steatosis. Moderate and severe steatosis can be identified on standard portal venous phase CT using liver attenuation alone.

Multidetector computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of double superior mesenteric veins: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the findings of double superior mesenteric veins (SMVs), a rare anatomical variation, on multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. CASE SUMMARY: We describe the case of a 34-year-old male, who underwent both MDC and MRI examinations of the upper abdomen because of liver cirrhosis. MDCT and MRI angiography images of the upper abdomen revealed an anatomic variation of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), the double SMVs. CONCLUSION: The double SMVs are a congenital abnormality without potential clinical manifestation. Physicians need to be aware of this anatomical variation during abdominal surgery to avoid iatrogenic injury.

Artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction in abdominal CT of patients with irregular arm positioning: a case-by-case evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Streak artifacts induced by irregular arm positioning have been an issue in diagnosing the abdomen. PURPOSE: To illustrate the risk of misdiagnosis in abdominal computed tomography (CT) of patients with irregular arm positioning through a case-by-case evaluation and to test if it can be solved by the artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction (AIIR) algorithm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: By reviewing 5220 cases of chest and thoracoabdominal CT, 64 patients with irregular arm positioning were enrolled, whose image data were reconstructed using AIIR in addition to routine hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR). Lesion detection for livers, spleens, kidneys, gallbladders, and pancreas on AIIR images, performed by two radiologists, was compared with those on HIR images. Discrepancies arising from AIIR images included both cases with additional abnormalities and those with corrections made on previous detections. For cases with discrepancies, artifact scores for organs where discrepancies were found, and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of cysts with discrepancies were compared between two image sets. RESULTS: Additional abnormalities were detected for 15 cases: additional liver cirrhosis (n=2); additional gallbladder stone (n=1); additional cholecystitis (n=1), additional spleen nodule (n=1); additional kidney cysts (n=8); additional liver cysts (3); and additional spleen cyst (n=1). A spleen contusion was corrected for one case. All involved artifact scores were improved on AIIR images. CNRs of involved liver, kidney, and spleen cysts were improved by up to 539.7%, 538.5%, and 245.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Irregular arm positioning may induce a variety of misdiagnoses in abdominal CT, which is almost totally avoidable by the AIIR algorithm.

Comprehensive literature review on the application of the otological surgical planning software OTOPLAN® for cochlear implantation.

BACKGROUND: The size of the human cochlear, measured by the diameter of the basal turn, varies between 7 and 11 mm. For hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants (CI), the size of the cochlear influences the individual frequency map and the choice of electrode length. OTOPLAN® (CAScination AG [Bern, Switzerland] in cooperation with MED-EL [Innsbruck, Austria]) is a software tool with CE marking for clinical applications in CI treatment which allows for precise pre-planning based on cochlear size. This literature review aims to analyze all published data on the application of OTOPLAN®. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied to identify relevant studies published in the PubMed search engine between January 2015 and February 2023 using the search terms "otoplan" [title/abstract] OR "anatomy-based fitting" [title/abstract] OR "otological software tool" [title/abstract] OR "computed tomography-based software AND cochlear" [title/abstract]. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature identified 32 studies on clinical use of OTOPLAN® in CI treatment. Most studies were reported from Germany (7 out of 32), followed by Italy (5), Saudi Arabia (4), the USA (4), and Belgium (3); 2 studies each were from Austria and China, and 1 study from France, India, Norway, South Korea, and Switzerland. In the majority of studies (22), OTOPLAN® was used to assess cochlear size, followed by visualizing the electrode position using postoperative images (5), three-dimensional segmentation of temporal bone structures (4), planning the electrode insertion trajectory (3), creating a patient-specific frequency map (3), planning of a safe drilling path through the facial recess (3), and measuring of temporal bone structures (1). CONCLUSION: To date, OTOPLAN® is the only DICOM viewer with CE marking in the CI field that can process pre-, intra-, and postoperative images in the abovementioned applications.

A mediastinum-tumour-like pulmonary arteriovenous malformation with association to the pulmonary artery treated with surgical resection.

Despite embolization being now considered the preferred treatment for PAVM, surgical intervention may be considered if the malformation involves large vessels.

Latarjet procedure restores range of motion at six months postoperatively: a prospective cohort study utilizing motion capture analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a common concern that range of motion (ROM) is negatively affected by the Latarjet procedure. We hypothesize that the Latarjet procedure results in full recuperation of ROM postoperatively and significantly improved patient reported outcome measures. METHODS: Patient data were prospectively collected from a randomized controlled trial to analyze outcomes after open Latarjet procedure. Inclusion criteria involved a minimum follow-up of six months and unilateral shoulder instability. Study outcome was assessed by postoperative ROM at six months postoperatively and compared to the preoperative ROM of the ipsilateral shoulder as well as the ROM of the unaffected contralateral shoulder. All ROM measurements were performed utilizing a motion capture system to ensure consistent and reliable measurements. RESULTS: The study included a total of 84 patients. ROM was measured in external rotation with the shoulder adducted (ER1), external rotation with the shoulder abducted 90 degrees (ER2), internal rotation with the arm abducted 90 degrees (IR2), and active forward elevation (AE). The average difference in ROM between the operated arm vs. the contralateral healthy arm at six months postoperatively was 3.4 degrees in ER1 (p=0.19), 4.2 degrees in ER2 (p=0.086), 2.2 degrees in IR2 (p=0.36), and 2.4 degrees in AE (p=0.045). Sub-analysis of patients with and without sling use revealed no significant difference in ROM between the operated shoulder and contralateral shoulder at six months in either group, with the exception of ER2 in the sling group. In this latter group, ROM was 71 degrees in the operated arm and 79 degrees in the contralateral arm (p=0.0094). Average preoperative pain score was 25.7 (21.4-30.1, 95%CI) vs. 13.0 postoperatively at six months (9.50-16.5, 95%CI) (p <0.00001). Average preoperative SANE instability was 42.9 (38.4-47.3, 95%CI) vs. 86.2 postoperatively at six months (83.6-88.7, 95%CI) (p <0.00001). Average preoperative Rowe score was 38.5 (34.3-42.7, 95%CI) vs. 84.3 at six postoperative months (81.1-87.4, 95%CI) (p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Latarjet procedure performed for anterior instability utilizing a capsular repair result in complete ROM recovery in ER1, ER2, and IR2 at six months postoperatively, with only a slight discrepancy in active elevation. Sling use after the Latarjet procedure results in no benefit over postoperative recovery without the use of a sling. Sling use negatively affects the ROM in ER2, taking as reference the contralateral arm of the same patient, when compared to patients that did not use a sling postoperatively.

Acute Liver Ischemia Caused by Vasculitis Due to the Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids.

Teaching Point: Synthetic cannabinoids are drugs whose use has increased significantly in recent years and whose toxicological effects cannot be ignored. Chronic inflammatory processes such as vasculitis that may be caused by these substances pose serious health problems at all ages.

Socket Preservation Following Tooth Extraction Using Polilactide-Poliglicolide Acid Scaffold: Radiological and Histological Evaluation.

PURPOSE: Following tooth extraction, the healing process comprises bone resorption and soft tissue contraction, which have the potential to obstruct the optimal placement of implants, causing both functional and aesthetic limitations. This study is aimed at assessing the healing process of the extraction socket and the dimensional changes that occur after alveolar ridge preservation, utilizing a polylactide-co-glycolide scaffold (PLGA). MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study involved the extraction of 28 teeth from 14 patients. The total number of sockets was 28, which were divided into two groups consisting of 14 study and 14 control sockets. The study group (SG) was subjected to socket preservation with PLGA scaffold while the control group (CG) was left for spontaneous healing. Measurements were taken before and after the operation, with cone beam computed tomographies (CBCT) being conducted at both the baseline and 4-month intervals. Samples for histological examination were obtained via trephine core biopsy and the implants were subsequently placed. RESULTS: According to the histologic analyses, the PLGA scaffold was resorbed within four months. CBCT imaging revealed a decrease in the horizontal dimension of the crest at three distinct coronoapical levels in the SG, measuring 2.05±1.05 mm at -1 mm, 1.51±0.89 mm at -3 mm, and 0.92±0.7 mm at -5 mm level. The CG showed readings of 1.22±1 at -1 mm, 0.92±0.67 at -3 mm, and 0.73±0.69 at -5 mm levels. In comparison to CG, SG showed a significant reduction in horizontal losses at the -1 mm level. Vertical dimension of the crest decreased by 1.64±1.11 mm on the buccal bone height, 1.56±1.08 mm on lingual bone height in SG; in the CG, the buccal and lingual bone height had mean values of 2.08±1.44 mm and 1.73±1.27 mm, respectively. There was no significant statistical difference observed in the vertical losses between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Following a period of 4 months, it can be concluded that the PLGA scaffold was completely resorbed. Based on CBCT measurements, it was observed that horizontal resorption was lower than CG at the -1 mm coronal level.

Advanced Imaging of Shunt Valves in Cranial CT Scans with Photon-Counting Scanner.

This brief report aimed to show the utility of photon-counting technology alongside standard cranial imaging protocols for visualizing shunt valves in a patient's cranial computed tomography scan. Photon-counting CT scans with cranial protocols were retrospectively surveyed and four types of shunt valves were encountered: proGAV 2.0®, M.blue®, Codman Certas®, and proSA®. These scans were compared with those obtained from non-photon-counting scanners at different time points for the same patients. The analysis of these findings demonstrated the usefulness of photon-counting technology for the clear and precise visualization of shunt valves without any additional radiation or special reconstruction patterns. The enhanced utility of photon-counting is highlighted by providing superior spatial resolution compared to other CT detectors. This technology facilitates a more accurate characterization of shunt valves and may support the detection of subtle abnormalities and a precise assessment of shunt valves.

Diagnosis and treatment intraorbital foreign body: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Wooden foreign bodies inside the eye socket are an uncommon kind of eye injury that falls into a distinct category of intraorbital foreign bodies. Due to the wide range of clinical presentations and imaging features of intraorbital wooden foreign bodies, misinterpretation and failure to diagnose correctly often happen. Abstract: Wooden foreign bodies inside the eye socket are an uncommon kind of eye injury that falls into a distinct category of intraorbital foreign bodies. The condition mostly manifested in individuals of youthful and middle age. Due to the wide range of clinical presentations and imaging features of intraorbital wooden foreign bodies, misinterpretation and failure to diagnose correctly often happen during the first examination. The risk of orbital infection might greatly rise if there is a delay in diagnosing woody foreign substances inside the eye socket. The majority of patients need surgical intervention as the recommended course of therapy. Nevertheless, it is essential to avoid disregarding undetected diagnoses and the existence of foreign material remnants after prior surgical procedures. Hence, achieving a precise diagnosis relies on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's trauma history, meticulous examination of the eyes, vigilant monitoring of clinical symptoms, accurate imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT), and prompt and thorough removal of wooden foreign objects within the eye socket.

A comparative analysis of different augmentations for brain images.

Deep learning (DL) requires a large amount of training data to improve performance and prevent overfitting. To overcome these difficulties, we need to increase the size of the training dataset. This can be done by augmentation on a small dataset. The augmentation approaches must enhance the model's performance during the learning period. There are several types of transformations that can be applied to medical images. These transformations can be applied to the entire dataset or to a subset of the data, depending on the desired outcome. In this study, we categorize data augmentation methods into four groups: Absent augmentation, where no modifications are made; basic augmentation, which includes brightness and contrast adjustments; intermediate augmentation, encompassing a wider array of transformations like rotation, flipping, and shifting in addition to brightness and contrast adjustments; and advanced augmentation, where all transformation layers are employed. We plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine which group performs best when applied to brain CT images. This evaluation aims to identify the augmentation group that produces the most favorable results in terms of improving model accuracy, minimizing diagnostic errors, and ensuring the robustness of the model in the context of brain CT image analysis.