Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF): biometrical results and own experiences.

Lumbar fusion is a mainstay in the treatment of low back pain resulting from degenerative disc disease. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has become a reasonable treatment technique to achieve indirect foraminal decompression with high fusion rates. The aim of the study was to analyse the biometrical parameters of the lumbar spine and the clinical outcome.

High-power-load DCLM monochromator for a computed tomography program at BMIT at energies of 25-150 keV.

The research program at the biomedical imaging facility requires a high-flux hard-X-ray monochromator that can also provide a wide beam. A wide energy range is needed for standard radiography, phase-contrast imaging, K-edge subtraction imaging and monochromatic beam therapy modalities. The double-crystal Laue monochromator, developed for the BioMedical Imaging and Therapy facility, is optimized for the imaging of medium- and large-scale samples at high energies with the resolution reaching 4 µm.

Synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray micro-computed tomography reveals dental bur debris under dental composite restorations.

Dental burs are used extensively in dentistry to mechanically prepare tooth structures for restorations (fillings), yet little has been reported on the bur debris left behind in the teeth, and whether it poses potential health risks to patients. Here it is aimed to image dental bur debris under dental fillings, and allude to the potential health hazards that can be caused by this debris when left in direct contact with the biological surroundings, specifically when the debris is made of a non-biocompatible material. Non-destructive micro-computed tomography using the BioMedical Imaging & Therapy facility 05ID-2 beamline at the Canadian Light Source was pursued at 50 keV and at a pixel size of 4 µm to image dental bur fragments under a composite resin dental filling.

Factors influencing real time internal structural visualization and dynamic process monitoring in plants using synchrotron-based phase contrast X-ray imaging.

Minimally invasive investigation of plant parts (root, stem, leaves, and flower) has good potential to elucidate the dynamics of plant growth, morphology, physiology, and root-rhizosphere interactions. Laboratory based absorption X-ray imaging and computed tomography (CT) systems are extensively used for in situ feasibility studies of plants grown in natural and artificial soil. These techniques have challenges such as low contrast between soil pore space and roots, long X-ray imaging time, and low spatial resolution.

Diffraction-enhanced Synchrotron Imaging of Bovine Ovaries Ex Vivo.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI), a synchrotron x-ray imaging technique, would provide greater contrast for evaluating bovine ovaries compared with conventional diagnostic ultrasonography.

Materials And Methods: Bovine ovaries were evaluated ex vivo as follows: fresh without radiographic arterial contrast (n = 2), fresh with contrast (n = 1), preserved in 10% formalin without contrast (n = 2), and preserved with contrast (n = 1). Each ovary was imaged with DEI and subsequently with ultrasonography and histology.

Paraganglioma of the cauda equina presenting with erectile and sphincter dysfunction.

Paragangliomas of the cauda equina are rare neuroepithelial tumors, usually manifesting clinically as sciatica. Here, we report a case of cauda equina paraganglioma with an unusual course in a 43-year-old man. His main complaints were erectile and sphincter dysfunction.