Scanning Procedure Research Articles

SAPM: Self-Adaptive Parallel Manipulator with Pose and Force Adjustment for Robotic Ultrasonography.

Robotic ultrasonography potentially acts as an essential aid to medical diagnosis. To overcome the limitations in robotic ultrasonography, in this paper, we proposed a novel self-adaptive parallel manipulator (SAPM) that can automatically adjust the ultrasound (US) probe pose to adapt to various contours of scanned areas, provide approximate constant operating forces/torques, achieve mechanical measurement, and cushion undesired produced forces. A novel parallel adjustment mechanism is proposed to attain automatic pose adjustment with 3 degrees of freedom (DOFs). This mechanism enables the US probe to adapt to different scanned areas and to perform the scanning with approximate constant forces and torques. Besides, we present a mechanical measurement and safety protection method that can be integrated into the SAPM and used as operation status monitoring and early warning during scanning procedures by capturing operating forces and torques. Experiments were carried out to calibrate the measurement and buffer units and evaluate the performance of the SAPM. Experimental results show the ability of the SAPM to provide 3-DoFs motion and operating force/torque measurement and automatically adjust the US probe pose to capture US images of equally good quality compared to a manual sonographer scan. Moreover, it has characteristics similar to soft robots that could significantly improve operation safety, and could be extended to some other engineering or medical applications.

Evaluation of Daily Patient Position Accuracy and Calculation of Setup Errors with Skin Markers and Surface-Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) in Breast Cancer

This study aims to compare the inter-fractional patient positioning errors between the use of skin markers and SGRT in patients receiving breast radiotherapy. It also includes calculating the inter- and intra-fractional PTV margins required for free breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) techniques due to setup uncertainties. The treatment data of a total of 2209 fractions from 80 patients who received whole breast or chest wall radiotherapy at an institution between March 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. In the first group of patients, the skin markers placed in the Computed Tomography (CT) scan with the FB technique were aligned and positioned with the room lasers in the Elekta Versa HD, and plan-specific shifts were made. The optical surface scanning procedure was applied to the second group of patients with the Sentinel™ system for FB or DIBH techniques in simulation. Patients were positioned for treatment by matching reference surface images with real-time images from the Catalyst™ HD surface imaging system. Positions of all patients were verified with kilovoltage or cone-beam CT imaging systems, and 3D shift vectors were recorded daily. To compare both setup methods, PTV margins including mean positioning shifts (MPS), the vector length of the shifts and setup errors were calculated from van Herk's formulas. The MPS of all patients using skin markers were 0.20±0.85 cm, 0.32±1.55 cm, and 0.18±0.44 cm in the vertical, longitudinal and lateral directions, respectively. Then, these values given above were found to be 0.12±0.15 cm, 0.06±0.17 cm, 0.07±0.23 cm for FB using Catalyst™ HD, and 0.34±0.30 cm, 0.29±0.26 cm, 0.23±0.30 cm for DIBH. In different setup techniques, no statistically significant difference was found between the 3D shift vectors in any direction with Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p>0.05). The mean standard deviation values in all directions were calculated as 1.22 cm and 0.61 cm, respectively, in patients using skin markers and SGRT. This study indicates a significant difference between the positioning shifts of patients positioned with skin markers and SGRT. The surface imaging system is an advantageous non-invasive method that increases setup accuracy and reproducibility in breast radiotherapy.

Reduksi Dosis Serap Mata dengan Implementasi Software Organ Dose Modulation (ODM) pada Protokol CT Scan Sinus Paranasal

Background: CT Scan examination of the paranasal sinuses includes organs that are sensitive to radiation exposure, one of which is the lens of the eye whose damage can be known after radiation exposure of about 500 mGy. Currently found an alternative to reduce the dose received by patients is with Organ Dose Modulation (ODM) software This ODM serves to reduce radiation dose in the eye -18.9%, Brain -10.1%, Breast -31.3%, Lung -20.7% and Liver -24%. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of ODM software in dose reduction on CT Scan SPN, determine the amount of absorption dose profile with the implementation of ODM software, differences in anatomical image information with the implementation of ODM software and without ODM on CT Scan SPN.Methods: This type of research is quantitative with experimental studies, comparing the use of software with and without ODM to absorption dose reduction and anatomical image information of SPN. Samples using phantom performed Paranasal Sinus CT Scan procedure. Respondents consisted of 3 radiologists to assess the anatomical image of the maxillaris bone, bilateral maxillar sinus, and rice septum. Data analysis was carried out by statistical tests using SPSS Software to find the value of significance differences.Results: The use of ODM software on CT scans of the paranasal sinuses plays an important role in reducing the absorbed dose of the eye. Statistical test results showed a significant reduction in eye absorption dose (p-value 0.05). The dose profile resulting from the use of the ODM software is a decrease in the absorbed dose by the eye by 9.75%. The value of differences in SPN anatomical information using and without ODM resulted in a p-value of 1.00 (p-value 0.05).Conclusion: The value of the absorbed dose of eye radiation is significantly different with and without the use of ODM. However, there is no significant difference in the SPN anatomical image information. From the implementation of the ODM software, it can reduce the absorbed dose in the eye without reducing the anatomical image information.

Tree Core Analysis with X-ray Computed Tomography.

An X-ray computed tomography (CT) toolchain is presented to obtain tree-ring width (TRW), maximum latewood density (MXD), other density parameters, and quantitative wood anatomy (QWA) data without the need for labor-intensive surface treatment or any physical sample preparation. The focus here is on increment cores and scanning procedures at resolutions ranging from 60 µm down to 4 µm. Three scales are defined at which wood should be looked at: (i) inter-ring scale, (ii) ring scale, i.e., tree-ring analysis and densitometry scale, as well as (iii) anatomical scale, the latter approaching the conventional thin-section quality. Custom-designed sample holders for each of these scales enable high-throughput scanning of multiple increment cores. A series of software routines were specifically developed to efficiently treat three-dimensional X-ray CT images of the tree cores for TRW and densitometry. This work briefly explains the basic principles of CT, which are needed for a proper understanding of the protocol. The protocol is presented for some known species that are commonly used in dendrochronology. The combination of rough density estimates, TRW and MXD data, as well as quantitative anatomy data, allows us to broaden and deepen current analyses for climate reconstructions or tree response, as well as further develop the field of dendroecology/climatology and archeology.

Design of novel transition metal doped pyrazine-modified graphyne as highly effective electrocatalysts for nitrogen fixation

The production of ammonia consumes plenty of energy every year, so it is crucial to develop efficient and sustainable methods of electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis. Although some materials have shown high catalytic activity for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), searching for catalytic materials with excellent electrical properties is still a promising topic. Graphyne and its family are well suited as catalysts due to their high electrical conductivity and carrier mobility. In this paper, we have systematically studied the catalytic properties of transition metal atoms anchored on pyrazine-modified graphyne (pyGY) for NRR by density functional theory calculations. Through a series of scanning procedures, Nb, Mo and W-pyGYs are found to be excellent catalysts for electrocatalytic NRR with limiting potentials of − 0.43 V, − 0.36 V, and − 0.46 V, respectively. Moreover, solvation effects are considered and the lowering effect of solvent on the limiting potential is revealed. In addition, the mechanism of superior catalytic activity is explored from an electronic perspective. Finally, two descriptors related to electronegativity and valence electron number are selected to clarify the trend of NRR activity. The volcano diagram trends of NN bond length, Gibbs free energy change in the first hydrogenation step and limiting potential are revealed. This work provides a reliable method for screening efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation catalysts.

Results and analysis of examination doses for paediatric CT procedures based on a nationwide survey in China.

To report the results of a dose survey conducted across 31 provinces in mainland China from 2017 to 2018 and to analyse the dose level to determine the national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for paediatric CT procedures. At least ten patients for each age group (0- < 1, 1- < 5, 5- < 10, 10- < 15years) and each procedure (head, chest and abdomen) for each CT scanner were selected from four to eight hospitals in each province. The dose information (CTDIvol and DLP) was collected from the HIS or RIS-PACS systems. The median values in each CT scanner were considered the representative dose values for the paediatric patients in CT scanning. The national DRLs were estimated based on the 75th percentile distribution of the median values. A total of 24,395 patients and 319 CT scanners were investigated across 262 hospitals. For paediatric CT scanning in 4 different age groups, the median (P50) and the 75th percentile (P75) of CTDIvol and DLP for each scanning procedure were calculated and reported. National DRLs were then proposed for each procedure and age group. The dose level of CT scanning for children in mainland China was reported for the first time. The DRLs for paediatric CT in the present study are similar to those in some Asian countries but higher than those in European countries. The paediatric CT is an extensively used tool in diagnosing paediatric disease; however, children are more sensitive to radiation. Establishing the diagnostic reference level of paediatric CT examination is necessary to reduce the dose of CT in children and promote the optimisation of medical exposure. • The DRLs for 3 paediatric CT procedures (head, chest and abdomen) and 4 age groups (0- < 1, 1- < 5, 5- < 10, 10- < 15years) were proposed in mainland China first time. • The examination parameter and dose for children need to be further optimised in China, especially to lower the tube voltage in paediatric CT.

2DeteCT - A large 2D expandable, trainable, experimental Computed Tomography dataset for machine learning

Recent research in computational imaging largely focuses on developing machine learning (ML) techniques for image reconstruction, which requires large-scale training datasets consisting of measurement data and ground-truth images. However, suitable experimental datasets for X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) are scarce, and methods are often developed and evaluated only on simulated data. We fill this gap by providing the community with a versatile, open 2D fan-beam CT dataset suitable for developing ML techniques for a range of image reconstruction tasks. To acquire it, we designed a sophisticated, semi-automatic scan procedure that utilizes a highly-flexible laboratory X-ray CT setup. A diverse mix of samples with high natural variability in shape and density was scanned slice-by-slice (5,000 slices in total) with high angular and spatial resolution and three different beam characteristics: A high-fidelity, a low-dose and a beam-hardening-inflicted mode. In addition, 750 out-of-distribution slices were scanned with sample and beam variations to accommodate robustness and segmentation tasks. We provide raw projection data, reference reconstructions and segmentations based on an open-source data processing pipeline.

Study of the Fake Hit Effect Observed During the Charge Threshold Scan Procedure of the ALICE Pixel Detector

Study of the Fake Hit Effect Observed During the Charge Threshold Scan Procedure of the ALICE Pixel Detector

Nakagami imaging and morphing for multiple sclerosis lesion volume estimation

Monitoring and tracking the size and the number of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions is very important in clinical medicine to understand the course and estimate the progression of this demyelination disease. The lesions could be identified by the experts with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, especially the fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequence (FLAIR), which generates two-dimensional slices sampled from the three-dimensional space with specified slice thickness and increment values. Not every MRI scan, however, could be contiguous nor overlapping due to many reasons, to prevent from a drastic increase in the overall duration of the scans. Particularly, it is very hard to stabilize a child for hours in the same position; therefore, the specialists keep the scan procedure as short as possible, by increasing the slice thickness and more importantly, reducing the number of slices which cause some consistent gaps emerging between the slices and leading to inconclusive results. Given these facts, we propose a novel procedure to overcome this inadequacy by filling the gaps of incremental MRIs based on a Nakagami imaging and a content-based morphing method generating imaginary frames between the genuine MRI slices. Afterwards, the segmented images are reconstructed in three-dimensional space to estimate the lesion volumes for three consecutive scans of one patient. The results are greatly encouraging that we calculated 95.72% as the mean average percentage accuracy (MAPA) with 92.17% dice score (DSC%); while a little sacrifice in DSC% down to 90.35% provided us a better MAPA of 96.44%; while without morphing, the MAPA was calculated using only the binary ground truth (GT) images as 85.97%. As an expert system, the automated framework we presented would be very beneficial for volume estimations in clinics as well as visualizing the lesions and tracking the progression of MS disease.

Development of an individual helmet orthosis for infants based on a 3D scan

An early childhood skull deformity can have long-term health and aesthetic consequences for the growing toddler. Individual helmet therapy aims at a healthy growth of the skull shape, although not every helmet shape guarantees an optimal result. To ensure an optimal fit, a scanning procedure based on a hand-held surface scanner was evaluated.The new helmet orthosis has an inner layer adapted to the shape of the head, which can be exchanged depending on the growth stage without changing the outer layer.In collaboration with surgeons and engineers, a new helmet orthosis concept was developed that is intended to offer improvements in wearing comfort, overall weight, fit and user-friendliness compared to conventional systems. In the course of the development process and in constant exchange with parents, a multi-layer helmet system with generous perforations was created using additive manufacturing processes. The new helmet shape promises easier handling, especially through the closure system.The helmet shape developed in this study is of high quality, especially in terms of fitting accuracy. Unpleasant perspiration is significantly reduced. The integration of the closure as a direct component of the helmet represents a secure closure option.

Fast, automated, continuous energy scans for experimental phasing at the BioMAX beamline.

In X-ray macromolecular crystallography (MX), single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) and multi-wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) techniques are commonly used for obtaining experimental phases. For an MX synchrotron beamline to support SAD and MAD techniques it is a prerequisite to have a reliable, fast and well automated energy scan routine. This work reports on a continuous energy scan procedure newly implemented at the BioMAX MX beamline at MAX IV Laboratory. The continuous energy scan is fully automated, capable of measuring accurate fluorescence counts over the absorption edge of interest while minimizing the sample exposure to X-rays, and is about a factor of five faster compared with a conventional step scan previously operational at BioMAX. The implementation of the continuous energy scan facilitates the prompt access to the anomalous scattering data, required for the SAD and MAD experiments.

Stationary modes for vector nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations: A numerical procedure for complete search and its mathematical background

In this paper, we address the problem of complete description of coexisting stationary localized modes for the system of n nonlinearly coupled Schrödinger-type equations. Our approach is based on the observation that if the nonlinearity is defocusing (repulsive), then generic solutions of the corresponding stationary system have singularities at finite points of the real axis and, consequently, cannot describe profiles of stationary modes. Then the stationary localized modes can be found by a procedure of “filtering out” solutions with singularities. We have formulated and proved three rigorous statements that form the mathematical background of the approach. The first of them, Theorem on parametrization, states that there exists a homeomorphism between S and Rn, where S is the set of solutions of the stationary system that decay to zero componentwise at +∞. This allows to code the solutions from S by n-component vectors. The second statement, Theorem on singularity, states that, under certain conditions, the singular solutions are ubiquitous in the system and gives the conditions for detection of singularities. This statement allows to seek for localized modes by properly arranged numerical scanning in S operating with vectors from Rn. The third theorem, Theorem on collapsing solutions, allows to reduce the scanning procedure to a finite domain in Rn. As a result, if the conditions of the three theorems hold, the scanning procedure yields the complete set of localized modes for the system. We illustrate this method by an examples of two and three nonlinearly coupled equations that describe the steady states of two and three- component Bose-Einstein Condensate. As the main outcome, in the chosen domain of chemical potentials, we have found all coexisting nonlinear modes.

An Integrative Computational Design Workflow and Validation Methodology for 3D-Printed Personalized Orthopedic Devices: Case Study of a Wrist–Hand Orthosis (WHO)

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies enable the production of customized and personalized medical devices that facilitate users’ comfort and rehabilitation requirements according to their individual conditions. The concept of a tailor-made orthopedic device addresses the accelerated recovery and comfort of the patient through the utilization of personalized rehabilitation equipment. Direct modeling, with an increasing number of approaches and prototypes, has provided many successful results until now. The modeling procedure for 3D-printed orthoses has emerged as the execution of steady and continuous tasks with several design selection criteria, such as cutting, thickening the surface, and engraving the shell of the orthosis. This publication takes into consideration the aforementioned criteria and proposes the creation of a holistic methodology and automated computational design process for the customization of orthotic assistive devices, considering aspects such as material properties, manufacturing limitations, recycling, and patients’ requirements. This proposal leads to the designing and manufacturing of a wrist orthopedic device based on reverse engineering, Design for AM (DfAM), and Design for Recycling (DfR) principles. The proposed methodology can be adjusted for different limbs. A dual-material approach was attained utilizing rigid, mechanically enhanced feedstock material and soft elastic material with reduced skin irritation risks to achieve both mechanical requirements and adequate cushioning for user comfort during rehabilitation. Recyclable thermoplastic matrices were selected, which also allow for the option to create washable devices for product life extension. Then, 3D scanning procedures were implemented to acquire the initial anatomic measurements for the design of the WHO and ensure and assess the dimensional accuracy of the final product. Physical mechanical testing was implemented to evaluate the WHO’s mechanical behavior and verify its functionality during basic wrist movements. The extracted dimensional data for the two main orthosis components that indicated approximately 50% and 25% of the tolerance values, respectively, were within the range (−0.1 mm, 0.1 mm).

An adaptive context-aware vertical handover decision algorithm for heterogeneous networks

In a heterogeneous network, vertical handovers occur frequently between different access technologies to meet the requirements of mobile users. The selection of an access technology for a mobile user for handover largely depends on the contextual information of the user and network at that point of time. In this work, we have proposed an adaptive, context-aware vertical handover decision algorithm for heterogeneous networks. Both static and dynamic contextual information about the user and the network are given as inputs to our proposed algorithm. They are provided proactively by the networks to the mobile nodes on a timely basis. An optimal network scanning procedure is introduced as part of the handover process to minimize the energy consumption of the nodes. We also propose a utility function-based cell load balancing mechanism to improve overall resource utilization. In addition, a delay-sensitive handover traffic-based hybrid channel allocation mechanism is proposed. The simulation results clearly suggest that the proposed work significantly enhanced the overall performance of the system as compared to some existing work in terms of call blocking probability, channel utilization rate, consumed energy, and handover delays.

Feasibility of AI-assisted compressed sensing protocols in knee MR imaging: a prospective multi-reader study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of AI-assisted compressed sensing (ACS) accelerated two-dimensional fast spin-echo MRI compared with standard parallel imaging (PI) in clinical 3.0T rapid knee scans.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 130 consecutive participants between March and September 2022. The MRI scan procedure included one 8.0-min PI protocol and two ACS protocols (3.5 min and 2.0 min). Quantitative image quality assessments were performed by evaluating edge rise distance (ERD) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Shapiro-Wilk tests were performed and investigated by the Friedman test and post hoc analyses. Three radiologists independently evaluated structural disorders for each participant. Fleiss κ analysis was used to compare inter-reader and inter-protocol agreements. The diagnostic performance of each protocol was investigated and compared by DeLong’s test. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 150 knee MRI examinations constituted the study cohort. For the quantitative assessment of four conventional sequences with ACS protocols, SNR improved significantly (p < 0.001), and ERD was significantly reduced or equivalent to the PI protocol. For the abnormality evaluated, the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from moderate to substantial between readers (κ = 0.75–0.98) and between protocols (κ = 0.73–0.98). For meniscal tears, cruciate ligament tears, and cartilage defects, the diagnostic performance of ACS protocols was considered equivalent to PI protocol (Delong test, p > 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with the conventional PI acquisition, the novel ACS protocol demonstrated superior image quality and was feasible for achieving equivalent detection of structural abnormalities while reducing acquisition time by half.Clinical relevance statementArtificial intelligence–assisted compressed sensing (ACS) providing excellent quality and a 75% reduction in scanning time presents significant clinical advantages in improving the efficiency and accessibility of knee MRI for more patients.Key Points• The prospective multi-reader study showed no difference in diagnostic performance between parallel imaging and AI-assisted compression sensing (ACS) was found.• Reduced scan time, sharper delineation, and less noise with ACS reconstruction.• Improved efficiency of the clinical knee MRI examination by the ACS acceleration.

Patient Preparation with Esomeprazole Is Comparable to Ranitidine in Meckel Diverticulum Scintigraphy.

To localize ectopic gastric mucosa in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding and diagnose a Meckel diverticulum, 99mTc-pertechnetate imaging is the standard procedure. H2 inhibitor pretreatment enhances the sensitivity of the scan by reducing washout of 99mTc activity from the intestinal lumen. We aim to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole as an ideal substitute for ranitidine. Methods: The scan quality for 142 patients who underwent a Meckel scan during a period of 10 y was evaluated. The patients were pretreated with ranitidine orally or intravenously before a switch to a proton pump inhibitor after ranitidine was no longer available. Good scan quality was characterized by the absence of 99mTc-pertechnetate activity in the gastrointestinal lumen. The effectiveness of esomeprazole to diminish 99mTc-pertechnetate release was compared with the standard treatment using ranitidine. Results: Pretreatment with intravenous esomeprazole resulted in 48% of scans with no 99mTc-pertechnetate release, 17% with release either in the intestine or in the duodenum, and 35% with 99mTc-pertechnetate activity both in the intestine and in the duodenum. Evaluation of scans obtained after oral ranitidine and intravenous ranitidine showed absence of activity in both intestine and duodenum in 16% and 23% of the cases, respectively. The indicated time to administer esomeprazole before starting the scan procedure was 30 min, but a delay of 15 min did not negatively influence the scan quality. Conclusion: This study confirms that esomeprazole, 40 mg, when administered intravenously 30 min before a Meckel scan, enhances the scan quality comparably to ranitidine. This procedure can be incorporated into protocols.

Excess testing after diagnosis of incidental pulmonary nodules (IPNs) in the Medicare population.

e18922 Background: Management of IPNs re-distributes lung cancer to earlier stages at diagnosis, but most people with IPNs will not develop lung cancer. We assessed the rate of diagnostic procedures related to suspected lung cancer in people on Medicare who had IPNs. Methods: We analyzed the 5% SEER-Medicare database for IPNs, diagnostic procedures, and lung cancer status. We analyzed two cohorts: persons with chest CT scan procedure codes accompanied by ICD-9 code 793.11 or ICD-10 code R91.1 during 2014-2017 (IPN cohort) and persons with CT scan procedure codes without the IPN codes during that period (control cohort). We computed rates of lung cancer-related diagnostic procedures (per 100 person-years [PY]) during the 2-year follow-up period, including chest CT, PET/PET-CT, bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, and surgical procedures. We used multivariable Poisson regression to estimate procedure rate ratios (RRs) across cohorts, controlling for demographics and COPD status. Using the regression RRs, we estimated excess procedures in the IPN cohort over the 2-year follow-up period by subtracting the control cohort (background) rate. Based on prior data on the reduced proportion (by 36%) of late-stage disease associated with follow-up of IPNs, we computed a metric of excess procedures per late-stage case avoided by IPN follow-up. Results: Of 19,009 (IPN) and 60,985 (control) persons, 3.6% and 0.8%, respectively, had lung cancer diagnosed during 2-year follow-up. Among IPN cohort without lung cancer, rates per 100 PY were 73.1, 9.4, 4.0, 3.2 and 1.0 for chest CT, PET/PET-CT, bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, and surgical procedures, respectively (Table). Poisson regression showed significantly elevated RRs for the IPN versus control cohort for all procedures, with RRs ranging from 1.27 (bronchoscopy) to 2.03 (Chest CT). Excess procedures in the IPN cohort (per 100 persons) ranged from 63 for chest CT to 0.9 for surgical procedures (Table). Excess procedures per late-stage case avoided ranged from 48 for chest CT to 0.7 for surgical procedures. Conclusions: The burden of diagnostic procedures following reported IPNs is modest relative to the yield of early-stage lung cancer. [Table: see text]

Research trends in brain imaging of mild cognitive impairment in 25 years: a bibliometric analysis

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that is experienced by most elderly in the world. Although there has been a huge rise in research on developing brain imaging tests that can identify and evaluate MCI early on, a bibliometric analysis of this issue is still lacking. The purpose of this review is to determine the pattern and growth of research trends related to MCI and brain imaging using bibliometric analysis, based on Scopus data from 1996 to 2021. The data was converted to Comma Separated Values (CSV) and exported to VOSviewer to bibliometrically analyze the origin by country, keywords, frequently cited articles, author, and journals. Over a 25-year period, 5081 articles were discovered, with the number rising, particularly in the past four years, and significantly in 2022 when 561 articles (11.04%) were found. The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (19.22%) and Neuroimage Clinical (10.22%) published the largest number of articles on this subject. The United States (24.31%) led all other countries in the number of publications, followed by China (14.84%) and UK (6.5%). The most cited article was by Petersen RC in 1999 (41 citations) about MCI and its clinical characterization. The keywords that appeared the most frequently were mild cognitive impairment (984 occurrences) associated with biomarkers, brain scanning procedures, brain part, age, and human subject. The most frequently cited authors were Petersen RC (1365 citations) and Jack CR (1103 citations). Neuroimage (4164 citations), and Neurology (3268 citations) are the most repeatedly cited journals. This bibliometric study displays the trend in the last 25 years for MCI and brain imaging.

(151) Development of a New Peyronie’s Disease Self-Assessment Screening App

Abstract Introduction Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder associated with the formation of fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea, leading to penile curvature. PD is underdiagnosed, and this may be related to the reluctance of some men to seek consultation with a health care provider (HCP). Objective The aim was to develop an English-language digital application (app) to increase PD awareness, give men concerned about penile curvature a self-screening tool, and provide a link for locating HCPs with expertise in PD. Methods The Peyronie’s Disease Self-Assessment App is Android- and iOS-compatible. It was developed as a self-assessment tool for screening purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition, disease, or health problem and should not be considered a replacement for a consultation with a physician. The app provides instructional videos on general features and how to perform a penile scanning procedure. Results The PD Self-Assessment App includes a questionnaire related to penile curvature, penetration difficulty, degree of bother for partner, and impact on sexual activity. An innovative feature of the app is a live scanning technology, which uses the phone’s camera to detect the contours of the penis from multiple angles and applies an algorithm that determines the degree of curvature. The resulting image is a 3D penile simulation in the app, which allows the user to mark the location of any “lumps.” The app will also produce a 2D outline to determine the maximum curvature. External links are provided to a PD education website and to locate an HCP. The patient can share both the questionnaire responses and penile curvature simulation with his HCP via the user’s native email. This tool has password protection features and encrypts sensitive data. The scan images are representations of the penis, not photographs. Images are stored in the app library and are not stored in the user’s photo gallery. To enhance security, all data are erased when the app is uninstalled. The app is adaptable and scalable as needed for future updates. Conclusions The PD Self-Assessment App will help improve patient knowledge of the condition, document penile deformity, and facilitate consultation with an HCP. For men with PD, the app will help ease their journey with PD. The app will assist HCPs with evaluation and diagnosis. Sequential documentation of penile curvature during medical treatment, during mechanical traction protocols, or following surgery will provide an evidence basis for tracking long-term outcomes in PD. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. Clarification Industry initiated, executed and funded study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Evaluation of fetal dose during pelvimetry CT scan procedure by Monte Carlo using GATE

Pelvimetry is performed at the late pregnancy to measure the size of the pelvis through its different diameters in order to determine the possible modalities of delivery: by natural way or by programmed cesarean section. When a pregnant woman undergoes a radiological examination, the risk associated with radiation exposure is of concern. In general, the fetal dose cannot be measured directly, so Monte Carlo (MC) methods are used for this purpose. Therefore the objective of this study is to evaluate the fetal dose during a Computed Tomography (CT) pelvimetry examination by means of a MC method using Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission code (GATE). A simulation of a CT pelvimetry examination was performed by modeling a Hitachi Supria 16-slice scanner that follows a CT pelvimetry protocol. A 16-diameter phantom is used to model the fetus inside a 32-diameter phantom that represents the patient's body. The fetal dose in this simulation was 0.95 mGy. Other studies on fetal dose from pelvic CT scans found that it does not exceed a few mGys, which is not a real concern. On another hand, the dose showed a dependence on the variation of the tube current and also the voltage. Therefore, these parameters can be used as a basis for action to reduce exposure and limit risk during such examinations.