Modern Imaging Research Articles

Prediction of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy from primary tumour characteristics.

To construct and externally calibrate a predictive model for early biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) incorporating clinical and modern imaging characteristics of the primary tumour. Patients who underwent RP following multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, prostate biopsy and prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA-PET/CT), from two centres in Australia and the Netherlands. The primary outcome was biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS), where BCR was defined as a rising PSA level of ≥0.2 ng/mL or initiation of postoperative treatment per clinician discretion. Proportional hazards models to predict time to event were developed in the Australian sample using relevant pre- and post-surgical parameters and primary tumour maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) on diagnostic PSMA-PET/CT. Calibration was assessed in an external dataset from the Netherlands with the same inclusion criteria. Data from 846 patients were used to develop the models. Tumour SUVmax was associated with worse predicted 3-year BRFS for both pre- and post-surgical models. SUVmax change from 4 to 16 lessened the predicted 3-year BRFS from 66% to 42% for a patient aged 65 years with typical pre-surgical parameters (PSA level 8 ng/mL, Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System score 4/5 and biopsy Gleason score ≥4 + 5). Considering post-surgical variables, a patient with the same age and PSA level but pathological stage pT3a, RP Gleason score ≥4 + 5 and negative margins, SUVmax change from 4 to 16 lessened the predicted 3-year BRFS from 76% to 61%. Calibration on an external sample (n = 464) showed reasonable performance; however, a tendency to overestimate survival in patients with good prognostic factors was observed. Tumour SUVmax on diagnostic PSMA-PET/CT has utility additional to commonly recognised variables for prediction of BRFS after RP.

Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Modern Imaging Techniques in Neurological Disorders

Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Modern Imaging Techniques in Neurological Disorders

Possibility to measure the volume of coronary sinus in contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) can help in the assessment of coronary sinus volume in a vitro manner, but there is no comprehensive research on this topic so far. Hence, we decided to develop a methodology for measuring the volume of the coronary sinus in multi-detector CT and to try to apply it in practice. Forty-nine patients (22 men) were included in this research, with a mean age of 70.08 ± 13.6 years. Scanning with retrospective ECG-gating was performed using a Toshiba Aquilion 64 (slice: 0.5 mm; helical pitch: 12.8; rotation time: 0.4 s). 80 ± 20 cm3 of non-ionic contrast was administered to each patient. The volume of coronary sinus and other data measurements were performed using Vitrea 2 workstations. The organ volume measurement function was used to measure volume objects in CT scans. To standardise the measurements, they were all performed to the place where the vein of Marshall reaches the coronary sinus. In cases of loss of vein of Marshall, the first lateral vein was used as the junction between the coronary sinus and the great cardiac vein. The coronary sinus volume varied from 0.96 cm3 to 8.52 cm3. The average volume was 3.71 ± 1.64 cm3. There was a significant correlation between end diastolic volume and coronary sinus volume (r = 0.33, p = 0.02). In most cases the quality of visualisation was good - the average was calculated as 4.16 ± 0.87. The Thebesian valve was present in 22 cases (44.9%); however, no statistical relationship between the presence of the Thebesian valve and coronary sinus was observed. It is possible to visualise and calculate the volume of the coronary sinus in cardiac CT.

Refining penalty parameter selection in whole-body PET image reconstruction for lung cancer patients using the cross-validation log-likelihood method

Objective.Penalty parameters in penalized likelihood positron emission tomography (PET) reconstruction are typically determined empirically. The cross-validation log-likelihood (CVLL) method has been introduced to optimize these parameters by maximizing a CVLL function, which assesses the likelihood of reconstructed images using one subset of a list-mode dataset based on another subset. This study aims to validate the efficacy of the CVLL method in whole-body imaging for cancer patients using a conventional clinical PET scanner.Approach.Fifteen lung cancer patients were injected with 243.7 ± 23.8 MBq of [18F]FDG and underwent a 22 min PET scan on a Biograph mCT PET/CT scanner, starting at 60 ± 5 min post-injection. The PET list-mode data were partitioned by subsampling without replacement, with 20 minutes of data for image reconstruction using an in-house ordered subset expectation maximization algorithm and the remaining 2 minutes of data for cross-validation. Two penalty parameters, penalty strengthβand Fair penalty function parameterδ, were subjected to optimization. Whole-body images were reconstructed, and CVLL values were computed across various penalty parameter combinations. The optimal image corresponding to the maximum CVLL value was selected by a grid search for each patient.Main results.Theδvalue required to maximize the CVLL value was notably small (⩽10-6in this study). The influences of voxel size and scan duration on image optimization were investigated. A correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between optimalβand scan count level, with a correlation coefficient of -0.68 (p-value = 3.5 × 10-5). The optimal images selected by the CVLL method were compared with those chosen by two radiologists based on their diagnostic preferences. Differences were observed in the selection of optimal images.Significance.This study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating the CVLL method into routine imaging protocols, potentially allowing for a wide range of combinations of injected radioactivity amounts and scan durations in modern PET imaging.

Deriving the cone fundamentals: a subspace intersection method.

Two ideas, proposed by Thomas Young and James Clerk Maxwell, form the foundations of colour science: (i) three types of retinal receptors encode light under daytime conditions, and (ii) colour matching experiments establish the critical spectral properties of this encoding. Experimental quantification of these ideas is used in international colour standards. However, for many years, the field did not reach consensus on the spectral properties of the biological substrate of colour matching: the spectral sensitivity of the cone fundamentals. By combining auxiliary data (thresholds, inert pigment analyses), complex calculations, and colour matching from genetically analysed dichromats, the human cone fundamentals have now been standardized. Here, we describe a new computational method to estimate the cone fundamentals using only colour matching from the three types of dichromatic observers. We show that it is not necessary to include data from trichromatic observers in the analysis or to know the primary lights used in the matching experiments. Remarkably, it is even possible to estimate the fundamentals by combining data from experiments using different, unknown primaries. We then suggest how the new method may be applied to colour management in modern image systems.

Phosphopenic osteomalacia of tumor genesis under mask of ankylosing spondylitis

Aim. To present a clinical case of osteomalacia associated with fibroblast growth factor-23-secreting tumor under the mask of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Materials and methods. Clinical observation of a 31-year-old patient with long-time diagnosis of AS is presented. Underestimation of back pain cause at the initial stage of diseaseled to an erroneous diagnosis of AS. A thorough assessment of the anamnesis, additional examination using modern imaging methods in combination with laboratory analysis (low blood phosphorus level, hyperphosphaturia, normal value of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, negative HLA-B27), made it possible to establish the correct diagnosis of “mesenchymal phosphaturic tumor of the left foot (surgical intervention dated 11.26.2020), secondary hypophosphatemic tumor-induced osteomalacia complicated by multiple bone fractures”, to carry out timely treatment with full recovery.Results. The literature data on epidemiology, pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical manifestations and management approaches of tumor induced phosphopenic osteomalacia are presented. An algorithm for examining patients with suspected of this disease is described, taking into account the expression of somatostatin transmembrane receptors on the surface of a mesenchymal phosphaturic tumor.Conclusion. One of the rarest causes of specific back pain is osteomalacia, which can be caused by various diseases, for example, a tumor secreting FGF23 The complexity of the diagnosis lies in the non-specificity of clinical manifestations – generalized myalgia and myopathy, ossalgia, pathological fractures, etc. Timely diagnosis and radical treatment makes it possible to achieve stable remission with complete leveling of symptoms, therefore surgical excision of the tumor is the “gold” standard of therapy.

Radiology of malignant cervical adenopathy

Imaging of neck and skull base has significantly improved the diagnosis and management of neck conditions. Prior to the use of CT, MRI and PET imaging, the value of plain radiographs of the neck was limited. Today, modern imaging techniques are an essential adjunct to the physical examination of the neck, can confidently limit the differential, and in many clinical scenarios yield a specific diagnosis. In addition, the value of imaging cannot be understated in surgical planning and surveillance. This article will review the techniques used in neck lymph node imaging and cover several of the most common conditions that result in malignant lymphadenopathy in the neck.

Methodological Approaches to Optical Disc and Optical Cup Segmentation: A Critical Assessment

A progressive optic nerve condition called glaucoma causes irreversible eyesight loss. To diagnose retinal diseases, retinal fundus imaging has been used in recent years. Analyzing these images effectively requires pinpointing the areas of interest, which can be tricky, due to the anatomy and vascular patterns in fundus images. Different image segmentation techniques are used to extract the area of interest from the fundus images. This paper explores the various segmentation methodologies, emphasizing conventional and modern retinal fundus image segmentation approaches. Evaluation measures such as the Disc damage likelihood scale, Inferior superior temporal region, Dice similarity coefficient, Jaccard index, Sensitivity and Specificity are used to measure the effectiveness of segmentation algorithms, which detect small structural changes that indicate glaucomatous damage. Furthermore, this paper also provides a detailed analysis of deep learning algorithms used for optic cup and optic disc segmentation. This detailed analysis demonstrates that accurate disc and cup segmentation remains a significant challenge and suggests that effective segmentation strategies and deep learning approaches are required for vast and complex datasets.

EEG Techniques with Brain Activity Localization, Specifically LORETA, and Its Applicability in Monitoring Schizophrenia.

Background/Objectives: Electroencephalography (EEG) is considered a standard but powerful tool for the diagnosis of neurological and psychiatric diseases. With modern imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and magnetoencephalography (MEG), source localization can be improved, especially with low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). The aim of this review is to explore the variety of modern techniques with emphasis on the efficacy of LORETA in detecting brain activity patterns in schizophrenia. The study's novelty lies in the comprehensive survey of EEG methods and detailed exploration of LORETA in schizophrenia research. This evaluation aligns with clinical objectives and has been performed for the first time. Methods: The study is split into two sections. Part I examines different EEG methodologies and adjuncts to detail brain activity in deep layers in articles published between 2018 and 2023 in PubMed. Part II focuses on the role of LORETA in investigating structural and functional changes in schizophrenia in studies published between 1999 and 2024 in PubMed. Results: Combining imaging techniques and EEG provides opportunities for mapping brain activity. Using LORETA, studies of schizophrenia have identified hemispheric asymmetry, especially increased activity in the left hemisphere. Cognitive deficits were associated with decreased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other areas. Comparison of the first episode of schizophrenia and a chronic one may help to classify structural change as a cause or as a consequence of the disorder. Antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine or clozapine showed a change in P300 source density and increased activity in the delta and theta bands. Conclusions: Given the relatively low spatial resolution of LORETA, the method offers benefits such as accessibility, high temporal resolution, and the ability to map depth layers, emphasizing the potential of LORETA in monitoring the progression and treatment response in schizophrenia.

Controllable Preparation of Fused Silica Micro Lens Array through Femtosecond Laser Penetration-Induced Modification Assisted Wet Etching.

As an integrable micro-optical device, micro lens arrays (MLAs) have significant applications in modern optical imaging, new energy technology, and advanced displays. In order to reduce the impact of laser modification on wet etching, we propose a technique of femtosecond laser penetration-induced modification-assisted wet etching (FLIPM-WE), which avoids the influence of previous modification layers on subsequent laser pulses and effectively improves the controllability of lens array preparation. We conducted a detailed study on the effects of the laser single pulse energy, pulse number, and hydrofluoric acid etching duration on the morphology of micro lenses and obtained the optimal process parameters. Ultimately, two types of fused silica micro lens arrays with different focal lengths but the same numerical aperture (NA = 0.458) were fabricated using the FLPIM-WE technology. Both arrays exhibited excellent geometric consistency and surface quality (Ra~30 nm). Moreover, they achieved clear imaging at various magnifications with an adjustment range of 1.3×~3.0×. This provides potential technical support for special micro-optical systems.

Case report of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a 50‑year‑old man

BackgroundSpontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is an acute coronary event of uncertain origin. SCAD occurs when the coronary artery wall dissects non-traumatically and non-atherosclerotically, leading to the formation of an intramural hematoma or intimal tear, ultimately compressing and restricting the true lumen, or even occluding it. The management of SCAD remains controversial despite modern imaging techniques. In addition to supportive drug therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is another option that can be used as an effective treatment modality.Case presentationWe describe A 50-year-old male with SCAD presented to the hospital emergency department complaining of chest pain. Coronary angiography incidentally showed spiral dissection from the proximal to distal right coronary artery (RCA). Three overlapping coroflex stents were deployed from the distal to the proximal RCA.ConclusionsTo stabilize the coronary artery in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients due to SCAD, prompt interventions such as stenting and angioplasty are needed. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the clinical condition of patients and quick diagnosis for the recovery of patients and reduction of complications.

Analisis Alih Kode dan Campur Kode serta elemen Visual pada Iklan Make-Up PT. Paragon di Instagram

This qualitative study analysed the use of code-switching and code-mixing in makeup advertisements from four brands of PT Paragon Technology and Innovation (Emina, MakeOver, InstaPerfect, and Wardah) on Instagram, employing Barthes' (1988). Semiotic method was used to explore denotative and connotative meanings in the ads. Denotation refers to the literal meaning of signs, while connotation reveals additional meanings influenced by culture and ideology. The findings indicate that code-switching and code-mixing are used to capture audience attention and create a modern brand image. For instance, MakeOver advertisements use English language to convey an international impression, whereas Emina employs code-mixing to make messages more dynamic and relevant to bilingual audiences. Practical implications of this research include assisting companies in developing effective marketing strategies and crafting engaging and grammatically appropriate ad content. Moreover, the study is expected to enhance consumer critical thinking towards advertisements and aid policymakers in establishing language usage guidelines in advertising. Overall, this research demonstrates that makeup advertisements not only promote products but also shape consumer identities and self-images, reflecting global trends and socio-cultural dynamics.

Congenital Absence of Pericardium: The Swinging Heart.

Congenital absence of the pericardium (CAP) is an unusual condition discovered, in most cases, incidentally but can potentially lead to fatal complications, including severe arrhythmias and sudden death. Recently, the use of modern imaging technologies has increased the diagnosis of CAP, providing important findings for risk stratification. Nevertheless, there is not yet consensus regarding therapeutic decisions, and the management of patients with CAP remains challenging. In this paper, we discuss the pathophysiological implication of CAP, review the current literature and explain the role of multimodality imaging tools for its diagnosis, management and treatment.

Non-therapeutic laparotomies in military trauma (2009-2014).

Combat casualties are frequently injured in austere settings where modern imaging modalities are unavailable. Exploratory laparotomies are often performed in these settings when there is suspicion for intra-abdominal injury. Prior studies of combat casualties reported non-therapeutic laparotomy (NTL) rates as high as 32%. Given improvements in combat casualty care over time, we evaluated NTLs performed during later years of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military personnel with combat-related injuries (6/1/2009-12/31/2014) who underwent exploratory laparotomy based on concern for abdominal injury (i.e. not performed for proximal vascular control or fecal diversion) and were evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (Germany) before being transferred to participating U.S. military hospitals were assessed. An NTL was defined as a negative laparotomy without substantial intra-abdominal injuries requiring repair. Characteristics, indications for laparotomy, operative findings, and outcomes were examined. Among 244 patients who underwent laparotomies, 41 (16.8%) had NTLs and 203 (83.2%) had therapeutic laparotomies (i.e. positive findings). Patients with NTLs had more computed tomography scans concerning for injury (48.8% vs 27.1%; p = 0.006), less penetrating injury mechanisms (43.9% vs 71.9%; p < 0.001), and lower Injury Severity Scores (26 vs 33; p = 0.003) compared to patients with therapeutic laparotomies. Patients with NTLs were also less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (70.7 vs 89.2% for patients with therapeutic laparotomies; p = 0.007). No patients with NTLs developed abdominal surgical site infections (SSI) compared to 16.7% of patients with therapeutic laparotomies (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups (p = 0.198). Our proportion of NTLs was lower than reported from earlier years during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. No infectious complications from NTLs (i.e. abdominal SSIs) were identified. Nevertheless, surgeons should continue to have a low threshold for exploratory laparotomy in military patients in austere settings with concern for intra-abdominal injury.

Is it possible to regress atherosclerotic lesions with long-term treatment with lipoprotein apheresis?

The article presents the up-to-date information on the effect of lipoprotein apheresis (LA) on atherosclerotic lesions. Some studies using modern diagnostic imaging techniques (such as intravascular ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging) have clearly demonstrated plaque regression. Coronary angiography has also seen reversal or at least slow plaque progression. Plaque regression likely leads to a decrease in the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events (CVEs). However, this has not yet been fully proven. Recent data indicate that reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) levels is not a major factor in reducing the incidence of atherosclerotic CVEs in patients undergoing extracorporeal treatment. The most significant risk factors in this case are older age and a greater CVE rate observed before the start of LA, as well as smoking. New studies using modern diagnostic imaging methods in patients receiving LA are necessary.

Intraoperative margin assessment during radical prostatectomy: is microscopy frozen in time or ready for digital defrost?

Intraoperative frozen section (IFS) is used with the intention to improve functional and oncological outcomes for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). High resource requirements of IFS techniques such as NeuroSAFE may preclude widespread adoption, even if there are benefits to patients. Recent advances in fresh-tissue microscopic digital imaging technologies may offer an attractive alternative, and there is a growing body of evidence regarding these technologies. In this narrative review, we discuss some of the familiar limitations of IFS and compare these to the attractive counterpoints of modern digital imaging technologies such as the speed and ease of image generation, the locality of equipment within (or near) the operating room, the ability to maintain tissue integrity, and digital transfer of images. Confocal laser microscopy (CLM) is the modality most frequently reported in the literature for margin assessment during RP. We discuss several imitations and obstacles to widespread dissemination of digital imaging technologies. Among these, we consider how the 'en-face' margin perspective will challenge urologists and pathologists to understand afresh the meaning of positive margin significance. As a part of this, discussions on how to describe, categorize, react to, and evaluate these technologies are needed to improve patient outcomes. Limitations of this review include its narrative structure and that the evidence base in this field is relatively immature but developing at pace.

Optical molecular imaging in cancer research: current impact and future prospect

Abstract Cancer has long been a major threat to human health. Recent advancements in molecular imaging have revolutionized cancer research by enabling early and precise disease localization, essential for effective management. In particular, optical molecular imaging is an invaluable cancer detection tool in preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative monitoring owing to its noninvasive nature, rapid turnover, safety, and ease of use. The tumor microenvironment and cells within it express distinct biomarkers. Optical imaging technology leverages these markers to differentiate tumor tissues from surrounding tissues and capture real-time images with high resolution. Nevertheless, a robust understanding of these cancer-related molecules and their dynamic changes is crucial for effectively managing cancer. Recent advancements in optical molecular imaging technologies offer novel approaches for cancer investigation in research and practice. This review investigates the modern optical molecular imaging techniques employed in both preclinical and clinical research, including bioluminescence, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, photoacoustic imaging, and Raman spectroscopy. We explore the current paradigm of optical molecular imaging modalities, their current status in preclinical cancer research and clinical applications, and future perspectives in the fields of cancer research and treatment.

A comprehensive morphometric analysis of superior and inferior mesenteric arteries using cadaveric dissection and MDCT angiography

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are vital vascular structures supplying the majority of the intestinal tract. Despite their clinical significance, comprehensive morphometric studies combining traditional cadaveric dissection with modern imaging techniques are scarce in literature. This study aimed to provide a detailed morphometric analysis of the SMA and IMA using both cadaveric dissection and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography. MethodsThe study utilized a dual approach, combining cadaveric dissection (30 formalin-fixed cadavers) and MDCT angiography (images from 50 patients). Measurements including stem lengths, diameters at origin, and distances from the aortic bifurcation were taken, along with assessment of vertebral levels of origin and branching patterns. Data from both components were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsKey findings for SMA include: Mean stem length: 3.19 ± 0.72 cm (cadaveric) vs. 2.53 ± 0.53 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.93 ± 0.22 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.57 ± 0.10 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L1 (78 % of cases); Branching pattern variations observed in 23.3 % of cadaveric specimens, which included the origin of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery from the first jejunal artery, a common trunk for right colic and ileocolic arteries, and absence of middle colic artery. For IMA: Mean stem length: 3.61 ± 1.29 cm (cadaveric) vs. 3.41 ± 0.69 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.50 ± 0.11 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.26 ± 0.05 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L3 (40 % of cases). No variations observed in branching pattern. ConclusionsThe detailed measurements, frequency of variations, and comparison between traditional and modern assessment techniques offer a nuanced understanding of mesenteric vascular anatomy. This study bridges the gap between classical anatomical knowledge and contemporary imaging capabilities, potentially improving surgical planning, interventional procedures, and radiological interpretation.

Applied aspects of modern non-blind image deconvolution methods

The focus of this paper is the study of modern non-blind image deconvolution methods and their application to practical tasks. The aim of the study is to determine the current state-of-the-art in non-blind image deconvolution and to identify the limitations of current approaches, with a focus on practical application details. The paper proposes approaches to examine the influence of various effects on the quality of restoration, the robustness of models to errors in blur kernel estimation, and the violation of the commonly assumed uniform blur model. We developed a benchmark for validating non-blind deconvolution methods, which includes datasets of ground truth images and blur kernels, as well as a test scheme for assessing restoration quality and error robustness. Our experimental results show that those neural network models lacking any pre-optimization, such as quantization or knowledge distillation, fall short of classical methods in several key properties, such as inference speed or the ability to handle different types of blur. Nevertheless, neural network models have made notable progress in their robustness to noise and distortions. Based on the results of the study, we provided recommendations for more effective use of modern non-blind image deconvolution methods. We also developed suggestions for improving the robustness, versatility and performance quality of the models by incorporating additional practices into the training pipeline.

Risk early warning model of tunnel engineering based on computer vision and CNN

Abstract Safety management in tunnel construction is important to ensure the safety of construction personnel and equipment. This paper proposes a tunnel engineering risk early warning model based on computer vision and convolutional neural network (CNN), aiming at realizing real-time monitoring and risk early warning of the construction site using modern image processing technology and deep learning algorithm. Many image data of tunnel engineering construction sites were collected, and the data were preprocessed and marked. Then, the paper designs a depth CNN model for feature extraction and risk identification of construction site images. Through the performance evaluation of the model on the training set and test set, the effectiveness and feasibility of the model in risk early warning are verified. The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves high accuracy, recall, and F1 score on the test set, which is superior to the traditional method based on image features and artificial rules. At the same time, we analyzed the prediction results of the model on the actual construction site images. We found that the model can effectively identify different risk factors and has strong generalization ability and practicability. To sum up, this study provides a new technical means and solution for the safety management of tunnel engineering, which has important theoretical and practical significance.