Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Enables Estimation of Articular Cartilage Structural, Compositional, and Functional Properties.

Objective: To differentiate healthy from artificially degraded articular cartilage and estimate its structural, compositional, and functional properties using Raman spectroscopy (RS).

Design: Visually normal bovine patellae (n = 12) were used in this study. Osteochondral plugs (n = 60) were prepared and artificially degraded either enzymatically (via Collagenase D or Trypsin) or mechanically (via impact loading or surface abrasion) to induce mild to severe cartilage damage; additionally, control plugs were prepared (n = 12).

A dose-neutral image quality comparison of different CBCT and CT systems using paranasal sinus imaging protocols and phantoms.

Purpose: To compare the image quality produced by equivalent low-dose and default sinus imaging protocols of a conventional dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner, an extremity CBCT scanner and a clinical multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner.

Methods: Three different phantoms were scanned using dose-neutral ultra-low-dose and low-dose sinus imaging protocols, as well as default sinus protocols of each device. Quantified parameters of image quality included modulation transfer function (MTF) to characterize the spatial response of the imaging system, contrast-to-noise ratio, low contrast visibility, image uniformity and Hounsfield unit accuracy.

Assessment of ejection fraction and heart perfusion using myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography in Finland and Estonia: a multicenter phantom study.

Objectives: Myocardial SPECT/CT imaging is frequently performed to assess myocardial perfusion and dynamic parameters of heart function, such as ejection fraction (EF). However, potential pitfalls exist in the imaging chain that can unfavorably affect diagnosis and treatment. We performed a national cardiac quality control study to investigate how much SPECT/CT protocols vary between different nuclear medicine units in Finland, and how this may affect the heart perfusion and EF values.