Dual-Split CT to Simulate Multiple Radiation Doses From a Single Scan-Liver Lesion Detection Compared With Dose-Matched Single-Energy CT.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of simulated radiation doses from a dual-split CT scan for dose optimization by comparing their lesion detectability to dose-matched single-energy CT acquisitions at different radiation dose levels using a mathematical model observer.

Materials And Methods: An anthropomorphic abdominal phantom with liver lesions (5-10 mm, both hyperattenuating and hypoattenuating) was imaged using a third-generation dual-source CT in single-energy dual-source mode at 100 kVp and 3 radiation doses (5, 2.5, 1.

In vitro blood sample assessment: investigating correlation of laboratory hemoglobin and spectral properties of dual-energy CT measurements (ρ/Z).

Objectives: Our study comprised a single-center retrospective in vitro correlation between spectral properties, namely ρ/Z values, derived from scanning blood samples using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) with the corresponding laboratory hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hb/Hct) levels and assessed the potential in anemia-detection.

Methods: DECT of 813 patient blood samples from 465 women and 348 men was conducted using a standardized scan protocol. Electron density relative to water (ρ or rho), effective atomic number (Z), and CT attenuation (Hounsfield unit) were measured.

A Simple and Safe Method for Checking the Position of Central Venous Catheters-A New and Reliable Threshold for Right Atrial Swirl Sign in Microbubbles Tests.

: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are indispensable tools in intensive care and emergency medicine. CVC malpositions still occur frequently and can cause various complications leading to increased patient mortality. A microbubbles test (MBT) can be used to confirm correct CVC positioning.

The Transabdominal Lumbar Approach (TALA) for Robotic Renal Surgery-A Retrospective Single-Center Comparative Study and Step-by-Step Description of a Novel Approach.

The transperitoneal approach (TP) and the retroperitoneal approach (RP) are two common methods for performing nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. However, both approaches face difficulties, such as trocar placement and limited working space (RP). TP is impaired in the case of dorsal tumors and dissection of the renal artery can be challenging due to the anatomic localization dorsally to the renal vein.

Analyzing Sex-Specific Dimorphism in Human Skeletal Stem Cells.

Sex-related differences are a current topic in contemporary science. In addition to hormonal regulation, cell-autonomous mechanisms are important in bone homeostasis and regeneration. In this study, human skeletal stem cells (SSCs) from female and male adults were cultured and analyzed with immunological assays and osteogenic differentiation assessments.

Emergence of bedaquiline-resistant tuberculosis and of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with rpoB Ile491Phe mutation not detected by Xpert MTB/RIF in Mozambique: a retrospective observational study.

Background: In 2021, an estimated 4800 people developed rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in Mozambique, 75% of which went undiagnosed. Detailed molecular data on rifampicin-resistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis are not available. Here, we aimed at gaining precise data on the determinants of rifampicin-resistant and MDR tuberculosis in Mozambique.

Evaluation of Image Quality of Overweight and Obese Patients in CT Using High Data Rate Detectors.

Background/aim: To evaluate the impact of high data rate and sampling frequency detector technology compared to standard scan equipment on the image quality in abdominal computed tomography (CT) of overweight and obese patients.

Patients And Methods: A total of 173 patients were retrospectively included in this study. Objective image quality in abdominal CT was evaluated using comparative analysis with new detector technology prior to market launch and standard CT equipment.

Role of Hydrogen Bond Defects for Cluster Formation and Distribution in Ionic Liquids by Means of Neutron Diffraction and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Defects fundamentally govern the properties of all real materials. Correlating molecular defects to macroscopic quantities remains a challenge, particularly in the liquid phase. Herein, we report the influence of hydrogen bonds (HB) acting as defects in mixtures of non-hydroxyl-functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) with an increasing concentration of hydroxyl-functionalized ILs.

EPO regulates neuronal differentiation of adult human neural-crest derived stem cells in a sex-specific manner.

Background: Sexual differences in the biology of human stem cells are increasingly recognized to influence their proliferation, differentiation and maturation. Especially in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) or ischemic stroke, sex is a key player for disease progression and recovery of damaged tissue. Recently, the glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (EPO) has been implicated as a regulator of neuronal differentiation and maturation in female rats.

Assessment of Image Quality in Chest CT With Precision Matrix and Increased Framing Rate Using Single Source CT: A Phantom Study.

Background/aim: The aim was to evaluate the effect of a combined precision matrix and high sampling rate on the delineation of anatomical structures and objective image quality in single source CT in a qualitative approach.

Materials And Methods: An anthropomorphic thoracic phantom was used to evaluate the objective image quality parameters, including image noise, noise power spectrum, image stepness and Q for different CT scanners including high/standard matrix and framing frequency setups. Scan parameters were standardized over all scanners.

Towards universal comparability of pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation: a coronary computed tomography angiography phantom study.

Objectives: Different computed tomography (CT) scanners, variations in acquisition protocols, and technical parameters employed for image reconstruction may introduce bias in the analysis of pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the effect of tube voltage, measured as kilovoltage peak (kVp), and iterative reconstruction on PCAT mean attenuation (PCAT).

Methods: Twelve healthy ex vivo porcine hearts were injected with iodine-enriched agar-agar to allow for ex vivo CCTA imaging on a 256-slice CT and a dual-source CT system.

Development and In Vitro Assessment of a Novel Vacuum-Based Tissue-Holding Device for Laparoscopic and Robotic Kidney Cancer Operations.

In this paper, we describe the development and evaluation of a novel tissue-holding device (THD) for use during robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The THD is a vacuum-based apparatus made of either 3D-printed polyethylene or stainless steel. The proximal end connects to suction tubing routed outside the body, while the distal end is conically shaped and designed to firmly interface with the tumor.

The West Jutland Tele-Electrocardiogram Registry (WEJU-tECG): content, data quality, and research potential.

Aim: To present the content, data quality, and research potential of the West Jutland Tele-Electrocardiogram Registry (WEJU-tECG).

Methods: Danish patients reporting symptoms indicating heart disease in the prehospital setting are subjected to a 12-lead tele-electrocardiogram (ECG) in the ambulance, which is digitally sent to a local tele-centre. WEJU-tECG is a newly established Danish registry containing information from the individual tele-ECGs received at the Regional Hospital West Jutland tele-centre.

The Swiss Approach - feasibility of a national low-dose CT lung cancer screening program.

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Switzerland. Despite this, there is no lung cancer screening program in the country. In the United States, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening is partially established and endorsed by guidelines.

Analysis of Diagnostic Modalities in Hospital-admitted Patients Evaluated for COVID-19.

Background/aim: To assess the diagnostic performance of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), low-dose chest computed tomography (CT), and serological testing, alone and in combinations, as well as routine inflammatory markers in patients evaluated for COVID-19 during the first wave in early 2020.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of all patients who were admitted to the emergency department due to fever and/or respiratory symptoms. CT scans were rated using the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) suspicion score.

Quantifying and Statistically Modeling Residual Pneumoperitoneum after Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: A Prospective, Single-Center, Observational Study.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery (LS) requires CO insufflation to establish the operative field. Patients with worsening pain post-operatively often undergo computed tomography (CT). CT is highly sensitive in detecting free air-the hallmark sign of a bowel injury.

Human Sex Matters: Y-Linked Lysine Demethylase 5D Drives Accelerated Male Craniofacial Osteogenic Differentiation.

Female sex is increasingly associated with a loss of bone mass during aging and an increased risk of developing nonunion fractures. Hormonal factors and cell-intrinsic mechanisms are suggested to drive these sexual dimorphisms, although underlying molecular mechanisms are still a matter of debate. Here, we observed a decreased capacity of calvarial bone recovery in female rats and a profound sexually dimorphic osteogenic differentiation in human adult neural crest-derived stem cells (NCSCs).

Influence of Radiation Dose, Photon Energy, and Reconstruction Kernel on rho/z Analysis in Spectral Computer Tomography: A Phantom Study.

Background/aim: The effective atomic number (Z) and electron density relative to water (ρ or Rho) of elements can be derived in dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). The aim of this phantom study was to investigate the effect of different photon energies, radiation doses, and reconstruction kernels on Z and Rho measured in DECT.

Materials And Methods: An anthropomorphic head phantom including five probes of known composition was scanned under three tube-voltage combinations in DECT: Sn140/100 kV, 140/80 kV and Sn140/80 kV with incremented radiation doses.

The Role of New Technologies in the Diagnosis and Surveillance of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Carcinoma: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Monocentric Study of the XPERT© Bladder Cancer Monitor and Narrow Band Imaging© Cystoscopy.

Follow-up is essential for the early detection of recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC). This study investigates the clinical relevance of new diagnostic tools such as an mRNA-based urine test (XPERT© Bladder Cancer Monitor, XBCM) and Narrow Band Imaging© (NBI) and compares them with the established follow-up diagnostics (white-light cystoscopy (WLC) and urine cytology). This was a prospective, double-blind, single-center study that involved patients undergoing NMIBC screening at a tertiary care center.

Detection and characterization of COVID-19 findings in chest CT: Feasibility and applicability of an AI-based software tool.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged institutions' diagnostic processes worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software tool that automatically evaluates chest computed tomography for findings of suspected COVID-19.Two groups were retrospectively evaluated for COVID-19-associated ground glass opacities of the lungs (group A: real-time polymerase chain reaction positive COVID patients, n = 108; group B: asymptomatic pre-operative group, n = 88).

The classification of renal stones by gratings-based dark-field radiography.

Introduction: Occurrence of urinary calculi is a common medical condition. Since treatment and prevention measures depend on the type of stone found, reliable diagnostic tools are required. Dual energy computed tomography (CT) allows for rough classification of the stones found.

Spectral Properties of Abdominal Tissues on Dual-energy Computed Tomography and the Effects of Contrast Agent.

Background/aim: Multiparametric dual energy comptuted tomography (CT) imaging allows for multidimensional tissue characterization beyond the measurement of Hounsfield units. The purpose of this study was to evaluate multiple imaging parameters for different abdominal organs in dual energy CT (DECT) and analyze the effects of the contrast agent on these different parameters and provide normal values for characterization of parenchymatous organs.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective analysis included a total of 484 standardized DECT scans of the abdomen.

Quantifying image quality in chest computed tomography angiography: Evaluation of different contrast-to-noise ratio measurement methods.

Background: Contrast-to-noise ratio is used to objectively evaluate image quality in chest computed tomography angiography (CTA). Different authors define and measure contrast-to-noise ratio using different methods.

Purpose: To summarize and evaluate the different contrast-to-noise ratio calculation formulas in the current literature.