Towards in vivo characterization of thyroid nodules suspicious for malignancy using multispectral optoacoustic tomography.

Purpose: Patient-tailored management of thyroid nodules requires improved risk of malignancy stratification by accurate preoperative nodule assessment, aiming to personalize decisions concerning diagnostics and treatment. Here, we perform an exploratory pilot study to identify possible patterns on multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) for thyroid malignancy stratification. For the first time, we directly correlate MSOT images with histopathology data on a detailed level.

Image processing improvements afford second-generation handheld optoacoustic imaging of breast cancer patients.

Background: Since the initial breast transillumination almost a century ago, breast cancer imaging using light has been considered in different implementations aiming to improve diagnostics, minimize the number of available biopsies, or monitor treatment. However, due to strong photon scattering, conventional optical imaging yields low resolution images, challenging quantification and interpretation. Optoacoustic imaging addresses the scattering limitation and yields high-resolution visualization of optical contrast, offering great potential value for breast cancer imaging.

The effects of hydraulic/pneumatic fracturing-enhanced remediation (FRAC-IN) at a site contaminated by chlorinated ethenes: A case study.

A low-permeability locality with heterogeneous geology contaminated primarily by tetrachloroethene (PCE) present partially in the free phase in the unsaturated zone was treated on a pilot scale via direct push pneumatic fracturing combined with the hydraulic delivery of a remediation suspension consisting of milled iron, sulphidated nanosized zerovalent iron and sand in guar gum solution. Afterwards, a whey solution was injected into the fractures as a carbon source for bacteria. The unsaturated and saturated zones were treated.

Assessment of biodegradation potential at a site contaminated by a mixture of BTEX, chlorinated pollutants and pharmaceuticals using passive sampling methods - Case study.

The present study describes a pilot remediation test of a co-mingled plume containing BTEX, chlorinated pollutants and pharmaceuticals. Remediation was attempted using a combination of various approaches, including a pump and treat system applying an advanced oxidation process and targeted direct push injections of calcium peroxide. The remediation process was monitored intensively and extensively throughout the pilot test using various conventional and passive sampling methods, including next-generation amplicon sequencing.