Imaging Evaluation Research Articles

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of dentinal microcracks in response to progressive taper enlargement in root canals of maxillary molars.

To investigate the development of dentinal microcracks resulting from the progressive enlargement of the buccal canals of maxillary molars with and without the MB2 canal employing instruments with the same tip and four different tapers. Twenty maxillary molars with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) the MB2 canal underwent micro-CT scanning. Their mesiobuccal and distobuccal canals were sequentially enlarged using nickel-titanium instruments with sizes 25/.03, 25/.05, 25/.06 and 25/.08v. Subsequent scans were conducted after each canal enlargement. The preoperative scans were coregistered with their respective datasets, and the cross-sectional images were carefully examined to identify dentinal defects. This process, conducted twice at two-week intervals, involved two examiners. Intra- and inter-examiner calibrations were validated using the Kappa index. The incidence of microcracks was reported as a percentage frequency. The intra- and inter-examiner Kappa values were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively, indicating excellent agreement. Dentinal microcracks were detected in 1206 out of 42 975 cross-sectional image slices (2.8%). Molars with MB2 canal exhibited more slices (4.5%) than teeth without MB2 (0.9%). Every dentinal microcrack observed in the images after root canal preparation was already present in the corresponding images takenbefore root canal preparation. The progressive enlargement of root canals using instruments with different tapers did not induce the formation of new dentinal microcracks in maxillary molars, regardless of the presence of the MB2 canal.

Treatment of external root resorption with Biodentine in a tooth with a periodontal pocket: a case report with 2-year follow-up

External root resorption is characterized by the loss of mineral tissues in the dental root. This condition is difficult to diagnose, and if not identified early, it can lead to tooth extraction. The treatment consists of surgical access, removal of granulation tissues, and sealing the area with a biological material. Objective: This article reports on the treatment of ERR in the middle third of the root, associated with an 8 mm periodontal pocket using Biodentine, with a two-year follow-up. Case report: A 57-year-old woman attended complaining of discomfort in the palate. After a thorough medical history, clinical, radiographic, and tomographic evaluation, the final diagnosis was External Root Resorption. Concerned about preserving the tooth, it was suggested to fill the resorption with Biodentine and regular follow-ups. The patient agreed, and a tissue flap was raised in the palatal region, followed by sealing of the perforation with Biodentine and suturing. After 7 days, the sutures were removed, and during the six-month and two-year follow-ups, the tooth exhibited no mobility, good periodontal health, and maintained its function. Conclusion: The case demonstrated a reduction in the periodontal pocket (from 8 mm to 4 mm), maintenance of the tooth, and the effectiveness of Biodentine in treating ERR, even when exposed to the oral cavity.

Extracranial arteriovenous malformations: a 10-year experience at a German vascular anomaly center and evaluation of diagnostic imaging for endovascular therapy assessment

BackgroundArteriovenous malformations (AVMs) account for <3% of vascular anomalies. This study aims to present the 10-year experience of a German vascular anomaly center (VAC) with AVMs and evaluate diagnostic imaging for treatment-relevant information for minimally invasive therapy planning.Material and methodsA retrospective study including patients from the VAC database with AVMs was conducted. Clinical information from patients' records was evaluated. An additional image reading analysis of the available diagnostic imaging using a 4-point Likert scale, focusing on relevant points for minimally invasive treatment planning, was conducted in 13 patients who had all three magnetic resonance tomography (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and conventional angiography available.ResultsBetween April 2014 and March 2024, 60 patients (60% female, 40% male; 12% Parkes Weber syndrome) with AVMs presented to the VAC. The median age was 36 years (range: 11–78 years). Referral diagnosis was correct in 73.3% of cases. The mean distance to the VAC was 102.5 km (±111.0). The most common locations involved the hand (32%), lower extremity (22%), and pelvis (22%). The most common symptoms were pain (81%), pulsation (64%), and local hyperthermia (62%). Necrosis was significantly more common when the AVM was located in the hand (p = 0.0129) and growth when located in the pelvis (p = 0.0037). Furthermore, cosmetic issues were significantly more frequent when the AVM was located in the head area (p = 0.0333). Most patients presented with Schobinger stage II (57%). Right heart strain was only documented in one case. A total of 47% had undergone invasive therapies before VAC admission. In 30% of cases, further minimally invasive or invasive therapy was required. In the diagnostic imaging evaluation, conventional angiography had the overall best ratings for image quality (median = 1.00; range: 1.00–2.00), NIDUS evaluation median = 1.00; range: 1.00–2.00), and therapy planning (median = 1.00; range: 1.00–1.33).ConclusionOur 10-year experience showed that in patients with AVMs, the correct diagnosis is often made before admission to a specialized VAC. Diagnostic imaging is essential for endovascular treatment planning, with conventional angiography showing superior utility in image quality, NIDUS evaluation, and therapy planning compared to other modalities.

The analysis of rural tourism image optimization under the internet of things and deep learning

This study aims to utilize deep learning technology to optimize rural tourism image, enhance visitor experience, and promote sustainable development. By deploying sensors for real-time monitoring of the environment and visitor flow in rural scenic areas, combined with a Dense Convolutional Neural Network (DenseNet), automatic identification and analysis of rural landscapes are achieved. Using rural tourism along the Yellow River as a case study, this study constructs a tourism image evaluation and optimization model based on big data. The results indicate that the model performs excellently in terms of accuracy and robustness, significantly improving the presentation of rural tourism images. The study shows that realism and service facilities have the greatest impact on rural tourism image, underscoring the value of technological means in optimizing the rural tourism image.

AI-Based Evaluation of Prostate MR Imaging at a Modern Low-field 0.55 T Scanner Compared to 3 T in a Screening Cohort

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of lower field strength on quantitative apparent-diffusion-coefficient (ADC) values, contrast of the T2-weighted MR images and the performance of an AI-based segmentation. Materials and Methods25 screening clients (61.6 ± 7.5 years) from a study on a 3T scanner were included and underwent a second examination on a 0.55T scanner. Axial T2 weighted and diffusion-weighted images (DWI) sequences were acquired. An AI-based segmentation was performed. Based on this, the segmentation, volumetry, ADC values and the ratio of central gland (CG) and peripheral zone (PZ) in T2 weighting were compared by using correlations coefficient (Pearson), Bland–Altman plots and a non-inferior test with a paired t-test and a margin of ±20% (lower and upper boundary). ResultsVolumetric assessment (peripheral zone//central gland) showed no significant (p=0.13//0.38) difference between 3T (mean volume: 14.81 (12.53 – 17.09) // 23.07 (15.06 – 31.08) ml) and 0.55T (mean volume of 14.29 (12.03 – 16.54; p = 0.13) // 22.77 (14.41 – 31.12) ml). The deviation of the 0.55 T ADC values from the 3 T values was -10.14% (-16.09% - -4.18%) for the PZ and -4.68% (-10.12% - 0.76%) for the CG. Therefore, all confidence intervals remained within a margin of +/- 20% and thus demonstrated significant non-inferiority. ConclusionBiparametric prostate imaging is feasible at 0.55 T: ADC values vary within a common inter-scanner range compared to a 3T and no difference can be observed regarding contrast ratio between peripheral zone and central gland in T2 weighted images, volumetry and AI-based segmentation compared to 3T.

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries: Current management strategies.

From 6% to 8% of patients who present with myocardial infarction have no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography. This subgroup tends to be younger, and more of them are women. This review highlights a proposed algorithm to identify the underlying cause of myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). We emphasize the need for a collaborative approach in diagnosing and managing MINOCA to improve patient outcomes, advocating for a standardized diagnostic pathway that incorporates cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and comprehensive clinical evaluation to tailor treatments effectively.

Use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pneumonia in intensive care patients

Aims: A significant portion of respiratory system infections seen in intensive care units is ventilator-associated pneumonia, which has a high mortality rate and diagnosis may be delayed. Bedside lung ultrasonography offers the advantages of standard diagnostic methods as chest radiography or thorax tomography. We aim to evaluate the bedside lung ultrasonography correlation with the chest radiography or thorax tomography Methods: It was conducted prospectively on 60 patients between the ages of 18-85 who were admitted to intensive care with respiratory failure within an 8-month period. Anterioposterior chest radiographs were taken on the first day of mechanical ventilation for the patients included in the study. Ultrasonographic (USG) examination was performed separately for both hemithoraxes and recorded digitally. Simultaneously with the ultrasonographic examination, PEEP, FiO2, blood gas examination results and the highest body temperatures in the last 24 hours were recorded. The quality and quantity of tracheal secretions were evaluated, and sampling was performed for complete blood examination and tracheal aspirate culture-antibiogram. Lung injury score (LIS) and pulmonary infection score (CPIS) were calculated from the data obtained. In this process, independent of the research, the same day examination results of patients who required thorax tomography (CT) for diagnosis and treatment planning were evaluated together with USG and chest radiography. Tomographic examinations were evaluated by a radiologist. Results: In the examination of 120 hemithoraxes of 60 patients we included in the study, we were able to detect 74.17% of the pathological images obtained with chest radiography and ultrasonographic examination with bedside ultrasonography and 70.84% with chest radiography. Of the 20 patients who underwent tomographic evaluation, pathology was observed in 40 hemithoraxes in 92.5% by tomography, in 85% by ultrasonography, and in 75% by chest radiography. While isolated consolidation was detected equally on USG and CT imaging, there was a high false-positive rate of 48% on chest radiography. 58.8% of the patients with consolidation detected by CT, we observed that there was growth in the tracheal aspirate of 56.2% of the patients whose ultrasonographic examination revealed consolidation. Conclusion: Bedside lung ultrasonography is a fast, non-invasive, repeatable and reliable diagnostic method in patients followed in intensive care, and is compatible with traditionally used laboratory and clinical parameters. This reveals that USG, which is known to have other advantages such as cost, applicability, and not using radiopaque, will become an indispensable examination for ICU.

Relationship Between the Sagittal and Coronary Alignment of the Tibiofemoral Joint and the Medial Meniscus Extrusion in Knee Osteoarthritis

Background/Objectives: This study aims to clarify the reproducibility, validity, and accuracy of tibial external-rotation alignment evaluation using ultrasound imaging and to investigate the relationship between medial meniscus extrusion (MME) and tibiofemoral alignment in both the sagittal and coronal planes in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Study 1 included 10 healthy participants. The tibial external-rotation angle was calculated using MRI. In the ultrasound imaging evaluation, the differences in the distance from the most posterior points of the tibial and femoral condyles to the skin were calculated as the medial and lateral condyle gaps, respectively. The mediolateral (ML) gap was calculated by subtracting the lateral condyle gap from the medial condyle gap. Study 2 included 63 patients with unilateral OA and 16 healthy controls. MME was compared according to the severity of OA, the degree of tibial rotation, and the presence or absence of a tibial posterior shift. Results: Ultrasound imaging examinations showed high intra- and inter-rater reliabilities (0.786–0.979). The ML gap significantly affected the tibial external-rotation angle, determined using MRI. The ML gap of ultrasound imaging was significantly correlated with the ML gap of MRI. MME was significantly higher in the Early OA group than in the Control group. There was no significant difference in MME based on the tibial rotation degree. The group with a tibial posterior shift exhibited significantly more MME than that without a posterior shift. Conclusions: Ultrasound imaging is useful for evaluating knee alignment. MME was found to be associated with the tibial posterior shift.

More than Skin Deep: Imaging of Dermatologic Disease in the Head and Neck.

Evaluation, staging, and treatment of skin cancers involve a multidisciplinary team, with radiology playing an integral role. Imaging evaluation of dermatologic disease that involves the head and neck is especially important due to the proximity of important structures such as nerves, bone, muscle, and lymph nodes. The authors review the pathophysiology of the most common types of skin cancer, as well as cutaneous lymphoma, and the available treatment modalities and algorithms. Emphasis is placed on pretreatment evaluation and posttreatment surveillance. In the pretreatment setting, a checklist of key radiologic features that are important in the staging of dermatologic disease is discussed, namely superficial and dermal lymphatic spread, perineural tumor invasion and spread, osseous invasion, and metastatic nodal disease. In the setting of high-risk or metastatic disease, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck or a PET/CT scan is typically obtained approximately 12 weeks after treatment; imaging may be used first to detect residual or recurrent disease, metastatic nodal disease, or unexpected complications such as osteoradionecrosis. The authors highlight the radiologist's role in the care of patients with dermatologic disease, which can be more than skin deep. ©RSNA, 2024.

Q-BENCH: A Benchmark for Multi-modal Foundation Models on Low-level Vision from Single Images to Pairs.

The rapid development of Multi-modality Large Language Models (MLLMs) has navigated a paradigm shift in computer vision, moving towards versatile foundational models. However, evaluating MLLMs in low-level visual perception and understanding remains a yet-to-explore domain. To this end, we design benchmark settings to emulate human language responses related to low-level vision: the low-level visual perception (A1) via visual question answering related to low-level attributes (e.g. clarity, lighting); and the low-level visual description (A2), on evaluating MLLMs for low-level text descriptions. Furthermore, given that pairwise comparison can better avoid ambiguity of responses and has been adopted by many human experiments, we further extend the low-level perception-related questionanswering and description evaluations of MLLMs from single images to image pairs. Specifically, for perception (A1), we carry out the LLVisionQA+ dataset, comprising 2,990 single images and 1,999 image pairs each accompanied by an open-ended question about its low-level features; for description (A2), we propose the LLDescribe+ dataset, evaluating MLLMs for low-level descriptions on 499 single images and 450 pairs. Additionally, we evaluate MLLMs on assessment (A3) ability, i.e. predicting score, by employing a softmax-based approach to enable all MLLMs to generate quantifiable quality ratings, tested against human opinions in 7 image quality assessment (IQA) datasets. With 24 MLLMs under evaluation, we demonstrate that several MLLMs have decent low-level visual competencies on single images, but only GPT-4V exhibits higher accuracy on pairwise comparisons than single image evaluations (like humans). We hope that our benchmark will motivate further research into uncovering and enhancing these nascent capabilities of MLLMs. Datasets will be available at https://github.com/Q-Future/Q-Bench.

Quantification of Empty Lacunae in Tissue Sections of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using YOLOv8 Artificial Intelligence Model

ABSTRACTHistomorphometry is an important technique in the evaluation of non‐traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Quantification of empty lacunae and pyknotic cells on histological images is the most reliable measure of ONFH pathology, yet it is time and manpower consuming. This study focused on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to tissue image evaluation. The aim of this study is to establish an automated cell counting platform using YOLOv8 as an object detection model on ONFH tissue images and to evaluate and validate its accuracy. From 30 ONFH model rabbits, 270 tissue images were prepared; based on evaluations by three researchers, ground truth labels were created to classify each cell in the image into two classes (osteocytes and empty lacunae) or three classes (osteocytes, pyknotic cells, and empty lacunae). Two and three classes were then annotated on each image. Transfer learning based on annotated data (80% for training and 20% for validation) was performed using YOLOv8n and YOLOv8x with different parameters. To evaluate the detection accuracy of the training model, the mean average precision (mAP (50)) and precision‐recall curve were identified. In addition, the reliability of cell counting by YOLOv8 relative to manual cell counting was evaluated by linear regression analysis using five histological images unused in previous experiments. The mAP (50) for the detection of empty lacunae was 0.868 for the YOLOv8n and 0.883 for the YOLOv8x. The mAP (50) for the three classes was 0.735 for the YOLOv8n model and 0.750 for the YOLOv8x model. The quantification of empty lacunae by automated cell counting obtained in the learning was highly correlated with the manual counting data. The development of an AI‐applied automated cell counting platform will significantly reduce the time and effort of manual cell counting in histological analysis.

Fiber distribution in UHPC under different influencing factors evaluated with a novel method based on deep learning

The dispersion of fibers in UHPC significantly affects its mechanical properties. Currently, conventional image analysis methods are employed to evaluate fiber dispersion. However, due to the settling of steel fibers in UHPC and the subjectivity of image processing, the evaluation of fiber dispersion is neither sufficiently thorough nor accurate. In this study, removal method was used to optimize a deep learning-based U-net model for fiber identification. And sinkage coefficient was proposed as a complementary index for evaluating fiber dispersion. Subsequently, the accuracy of both the identification technique and evaluation method was separately validated. Then, the image processing techniques and evaluation method proposed in this study are applied to investigate the impact of various factors on fiber distribution in UHPC. The results indicate that the optimized deep learning-based network accomplished batch image semantic segmentation and image denoising. This approach mitigated the subjectivity during threshold selection and minimized the influence of low-quality images on fiber identification. The proposed sinkage coefficient can reflect the impact of fiber sinking on its performance. This coefficient associate with distribution and orientation coefficients can evaluate fiber dispersion comprehensively. Experimental investigations revealed that during vibration, fibers in UHPC exhibit sinking or floating phenomena. The consistency of the slurry emerges as a pivotal factor affecting fiber dispersion. Lower consistency results in pronounced fiber sinking, whereas higher consistency induce fiber floating. The incorporation of coarse aggregate facilitates the formation of a network structure with steel fibers, thereby ameliorating fiber sinking or floating tendencies, further affecting the fiber dispersion. Additionally, the increase in vibration time is also detrimental to the uniform dispersion of fibers.

Rare Dual Complication: Splenic Extension and Gastric Rupture of a Pancreatic Pseudocyst in a Middle Age Patient with Acute Abdomen and Hematemesis

Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis, yet rupture into adjacent organs, such as the stomach or spleen, remains a rare event. This case report details a 45-year-old man with a history of alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis who presented with acute abdominal pain and hematemesis. Imaging and endoscopic evaluation revealed a pancreatic pseudocyst in the tail extending into the spleen, and also with rupture into the stomach causing hematemesis. Conservative management was initially pursued, but clinical deterioration necessitated surgical intervention. An emergency laparotomy revealed ruptured splenic tissue with extensive peripancreatic inflammation. A splenectomy and gastro cystic anastomosis were performed, with a favorable postoperative recovery. This case highlights the rare presentation of pancreatic pseudocyst rupture into both the spleen and stomach, emphasizing the importance of a tailored, multidisciplinary approach to management. Conservative treatment can be effective in stable patients, but surgical intervention remains crucial for those with hemodynamic instability or significant complications.

Lightweight spatial-channel feature disentanglement modeling with confidence evaluation for uncertain industrial image

Process uncertainty has a significant impact on industrial image processing. Existing deep learning methods were established on high-quality datasets without considering the uncertainty. This paper proposes lightweight spatial-channel feature disentanglement modeling with confidence evaluation for uncertain industrial images. First, spatial-channel feature disentanglement modeling inspired by tensor decomposition aims to balance the computational efficiency and feature expression capabilities. Second, collaborative learning with confidence evaluation is designed to cope with uncertain samples. Then, representative features are fine-tuned on high-confidence datasets for optimal performance. Complexity analysis and experiments verified the effectiveness, computational efficiency, and robustness of the proposed model.

"My Body Changed a Lot After Taking Medication. I'm Trying to Hide It but…" A Qualitative Exploration of Body Image Experiences of Women Living With Schizophrenia.

Although body image is one of the essential concepts that should be addressed in comprehensive care, the question of how body image affects women with schizophrenia remains unanswered. This study aimed to explore the body image experiences of women living with schizophrenia. This study employed a qualitative approach and participants were recruited from a community mental health center in Türkiye. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women with schizophrenia. Data were analysed via content analysis. The data were categorised into five themes: (i) body image evaluation, (ii) factors affecting body image, (iii) effects of body image distortion, (iv) coping with body image challenges and (v) protective factors. Schizophrenia affects body functionality, appearance and the self. Women living with schizophrenia experience feelings of shame, sadness, worthlessness and anger related to their body appearance. Body image distortion leads to social distancing and treatment compliance problems. Mental health nurses should support patients to express their feelings and thoughts about the body and recognise their beliefs about ideal body image. Patients should be supported with psychoeducational interventions in the management of symptoms associated with body image disturbance such as weight gain, galactorrhea, sedation and hypersalivation.

Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management. A Comprehensive Review, 1982–2024

Background: Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) is an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. The diagnosis and management of MTVT is complex, and no standard treatment protocol is available. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review from 1 January 1982 to 14 March 2024 using PubMed to collect all the available case reports and case series. A descriptive analysis of patient characteristics with clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, therapeutic management, and past asbestos exposure was performed. Survival times of patients treated with different therapeutic approaches were evaluated. Results: Overall, 289 patients with MTVT were included in our analysis. The most common clinical presentations were scrotal/testicular swelling or mass (187 patients, 65%) and the presence of hydrocele (159, 55%). Imaging evaluation, mostly with ultrasonography or CT scan, was reported in two-thirds of cases. Radical surgery (216 patients, 75%) with orchiectomy and, in select cases, hemiscrotectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy was the most frequent therapeutic approach. A minority of patients (49, 17%) received adjuvant therapy after surgery (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two), with no evidence of survival improvement. Conclusions: No standard guidelines for MTVT are available so far. Radical surgery following accurate radiological staging should be the mainstay of treatment. The role of adjuvant treatments remains undefined. Due to its rarity, MTVT should be treated in referral centers, and patients’ data should be collected in a dedicated register in order to improve the knowledge of this exceedingly rare disease and establish optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Research on image design of Fujian paper-cut pattern based on Kansei engineering and WOA-BP neural network

Abstract In order to design Fujian paper-cut patterns that meet the perceptual needs of consumers and better inherit and develop them in modern society, a Fujian paper-cut pattern image design method based on perceptual engineering and the Whale Optimization Algorithm optimized BP neural network (WOA-BP) neural network is proposed. First, based on the theory of Kansei engineering, six representative paper-cut pattern samples and their main modeling features were determined through questionnaire survey, multi-dimensional scaling analysis, cluster analysis, and analytic hierarchy process. Second, the semantic difference method is used to obtain the perceptual image evaluation value of the representative paper-cut pattern, and combined with the principal component analysis method, the representative image vocabulary is extracted. Finally, the WOA-BP neural network is used to construct the mapping relationship between consumers' perceptual images and paper-cut pattern modeling features, and calculate the paper-cut pattern modeling code combinations corresponding to consumers' image needs. At the same time, the paper-cut pattern design using the image vocabulary ‘modern-traditional’ as an example verifies the feasibility of the method in this article. Compared with the existing method of designing paper-cut patterns based solely on the subjective experience of the designer, the method of this article can correlate the perceptual needs of consumers with the corresponding modeling characteristics of paper-cut patterns, making the design of paper-cut patterns targeted, precise and intelligent.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Conjoined Tendon-Preserving Posterior Approach: The Modified Posterior Approach with a Minimum of 2-Year Follow-Up.

The conjoined tendon-preserving posterior (CPP) approach is a modified posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) that preserves the short external rotator muscles and most ischiofemoral ligaments. The objective of the present study was to compare the short-term clinical outcomes, complications, and imaging evaluations of CPP and posterior approaches in THA. This retrospective study included 83 patients from May 2018 to September 2021: 36 patients with 42 hips who underwent THA with the CPP approach (CPP group) and 47 patients with 60 hips who underwent THA with the standard posterior approach (PA group) with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Assessment tools included operative times, blood loss, preoperative and last follow-up Harris Hip Scores (HHS), postoperative complications, and implant placement angles between the groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and T-tests. The CPP approach had a significantly longer operative time and greater blood loss compared to the PA group. Preoperative and postoperative HHS were not significantly different between groups. Considering complications, the PA group had one case each of dislocation and infection, and the CPP group had two cases of sciatic nerve palsy, but the difference was not significant. Cup anteversion, inclination and stem anteversion were not significantly different between groups. Functional outcomes, complication rates, and implant placement angles were comparable with the posterior approach, and the CPP approach has the potential to reduce postoperative dislocations. However, careful attention should be paid to sciatic nerve palsy during early initiation of the CPP approach, and this study did not demonstrate that the CPP approach was clearly superior to the posterior approach.

Periodontal Molecular Diagnostics: State of Knowledge and Future Prospects for Clinical Application

Periodontitis leads to immunologically mediated loss of periodontium and, if untreated, can result in tooth loss. Periodontal diseases are the most prevalent in the world and have a very strong impact on patients’ well-being and general health. Their treatment generates enormous costs. Given the above, precise, prompt, and predictive diagnosis of periodontal disease is of paramount importance for clinicians. The aim of the study was to summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge of molecular periodontal diagnostics and the utility of its clinical application. There is a great need to have diagnostic tests that not only describe the periodontal destruction that has occurred in the tissues but also allow clinicians to detect disease at a subclinical level before the changes occur. A test that would enable clinicians to follow the course of the disease and detect areas prone to exacerbation could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing periodontal therapies. Unfortunately, there is no such diagnostic method yet. A hopeful prospect is molecular diagnostics. There are numerous studies on biomarkers of periodontal disease. Point-of-care tests are also emerging. There are possibilities for processing large biological datasets (omics data). However, all of the above have a minor role in the overall single-patient diagnostics process. Despite advances in microbiological, molecular, and genetic research, the basis of periodontal diagnosis is still clinical examination enriched by the evaluation of radiological images.

Porous Metal Backing for High-Temperature Ultrasonic Transducers

Improving the performance of high-temperature ultrasonic transducers is a goal of major importance in many industrial applications. To this aim, we propose to use porous metals that support high temperatures as backings. Thus, the acoustic properties of stainless steel and porous stainless steel with porosity of 25% and 35% are determined at ambient temperature and up to 400 °C. Over the temperature range, the longitudinal wave velocity variation is comprised between 5% and 6% in the porous metals. We find that temperature does not significantly affect the attenuation in the material. The pulse-echo response and frequency response of a LiNbO3-based transducer with a porous backing are simulated using a one dimensional electroacoustic model. These simulations, compared to those of a reference transducer, show that the axial resolution with such a design allows these transducers to be used for imaging and/or Non-Destructive Testing and evaluation at high temperature.