Comparing visualization performance of liquid embolic agents using a novel injectable phantom.

Background: Radiographic visualization of liquid embolic agents (LEAs) during embolization procedures in neurovascular territory represents a crucial feature to ensure efficacy and safety for the patients during endovascular treatment of arteriovenous shunting lesions. Radiopacity of available LEAs varies significantly and limited methods are currently available for comparison. The purpose of this study was to compare the contrast resolution (CR) during injection under blank roadmap of various LEAs, as well as standard contrast material.

Matching and Homogenizing Convolution Kernels for Quantitative Studies in Computed Tomography.

The sharpness of the kernels used for image reconstruction in computed tomography affects the values of the quantitative image features. We sought to identify the kernels that produce similar feature values to enable a more effective comparison of images produced using scanners from different manufactures. We also investigated a new image filter designed to change the kernel-related component of the frequency spectrum of a postreconstruction image from that of the initial kernel to that of a preferred kernel.

Effect of tube current on computed tomography radiomic features.

Variability in the x-ray tube current used in computed tomography may affect quantitative features extracted from the images. To investigate these effects, we scanned the Credence Cartridge Radiomics phantom 12 times, varying the tube current from 25 to 300 mA∙s while keeping the other acquisition parameters constant. For each of the scans, we extracted 48 radiomic features from the categories of intensity histogram (n = 10), gray-level run length matrix (n = 11), gray-level co-occurrence matrix (n = 22), and neighborhood gray tone difference matrix (n = 5).

Performance of computed tomography of the head to evaluate for skull fractures in infants with suspected non-accidental trauma.

Background: Young children with suspected abusive head trauma often receive skull radiographs to evaluate for fractures as well as computed tomography (CT) of the head to assess for intracranial injury. Using a CT as the primary modality to evaluate both fracture and intracranial injury could reduce exposure to radiation without sacrificing performance.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity of CT head with (3-D) reconstruction compared to skull radiographs to identify skull fractures in children with suspected abusive head trauma.

A noise power spectrum study of a new model-based iterative reconstruction system: Veo 3.0.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate performance of the third generation of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) system, Veo 3.0, based on noise power spectrum (NPS) analysis with various clinical presets over a wide range of clinically applicable dose levels. A CatPhan 600 surrounded by an oval, fat-equivalent ring to mimic patient size/shape was scanned 10 times at each of six dose levels on a GE HD 750 scanner.

Performance evaluation of iterative reconstruction algorithms for achieving CT radiation dose reduction - a phantom study.

The purpose of this study was to characterize image quality and dose performance with GE CT iterative reconstruction techniques, adaptive statistical iterative recontruction (ASiR), and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), over a range of typical to low-dose intervals using the Catphan 600 and the anthropomorphic Kyoto Kagaku abdomen phantoms. The scope of the project was to quantitatively describe the advantages and limitations of these approaches. The Catphan 600 phantom, supplemented with a fat-equivalent oval ring, was scanned using a GE Discovery HD750 scanner at 120 kVp, 0.

Assessment of Sequential PET/MRI in Comparison With PET/CT of Pediatric Lymphoma: A Prospective Study.

Objective: The objective of our study was to compare the diagnostic performance of sequential (18)F-FDG PET/MRI (PET/MRI) and (18)F-FDG PET/CT (PET/CT) in a pediatric cohort with lymphoma for lesion detection, lesion classification, and disease staging; quantification of FDG uptake; and radiation dose.

Subjects And Methods: For this prospective study of 25 pediatric patients with lymphoma, 40 PET/CT and PET/MRI examinations were performed after a single-injection dual-time-point imaging protocol. Lesions detected, lesion classification, Ann Arbor stage, and radiation dose were tabulated for each examination, and statistical evaluations were performed to compare the modalities.

Measuring Computed Tomography Scanner Variability of Radiomics Features.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of interscanner variability in CT image radiomics studies.

Materials And Methods: We compared the radiomics features calculated for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors from 20 patients with those calculated for 17 scans of a specially designed radiomics phantom. The phantom comprised 10 cartridges, each filled with different materials to produce a wide range of radiomics feature values.

Coordinated targeting of the EGFR signaling axis by microRNA-27a*.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been characterized as a critical factor in the development and progression of multiple solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, monotherapy with EGFR-specific agents has not been as dramatic as preclinical studies have suggested. Since complex regulation of the EGFR signaling axis might confound current attempts to inhibit EGFR directly, we searched for microRNAs (miRNAs) that may target the EGFR signaling axis.

Novel PCR-based methods enhance characterization of vaginal microbiota in a bacterial vaginosis patient before and after treatment.

Deep characterization, even by next-generation sequencing, of the vaginal microbiota in healthy women or posttreatment bacterial vaginosis patients is limited by the dominance of lactobacilli. To improve detection, we offer two approaches: quantitative PCR (qPCR) using phylogenetic branch-inclusive primers and sequencing of broad-spectrum amplicons generated with oligomers that block amplification of lactobacilli.

Targeting STAT3 inhibits growth and enhances radiosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been implicated in the development and progression of various solid tumors. We examined the efficacy of STAT3 inhibition as a novel therapeutic option for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Materials And Methods: Activation and expression of STAT3 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in HNSCC cell lines were assessed by immunoblots.

Glycolytic inhibition alters anaplastic thyroid carcinoma tumor metabolism and improves response to conventional chemotherapy and radiation.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) accounts for more than 50% of thyroid cancer mortality and is generally refractory to conventional treatment. On the basis of recent studies, we hypothesized that ATC metabolism can be targeted to improve response to chemoradiotherapy. Eight established and authenticated ATC cell lines were sequenced at 140 sites contained within 26 commonly mutated genes to identify novel potential therapeutic targets.