Tomography Imaging Techniques Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies of [99mTc]-Labeled ZIF-8 nanoparticles to pave the way for image-guided drug delivery and theranostics

The last few years have witnessed an increasing interest in using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a newly emerging class of highly porous nanomaterials. Countless studies have been performed on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of these nanomaterials. However, tracking these nanoparticles' in vivo fate is of great importance for practical applications. Herein, we conducted a profound investigation of the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of MOF nanoparticles. To this end, Zn-based MOF (i.e., ZIF-8 nanoparticles) were synthesized and radiolabeled with technetium-99 m [99mTc] radioisotope with high labeling efficiency. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited high in-vitro stability. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies were performed in animals, and the data were compared with free [99mTc]. The biodistribution was investigated using the single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging technique. The highest ZIF-8 NPs accumulation was observed in the lung, while free [99mTc] was mainly accumulated in the animal's stomach. The results revealed that the half-life of [99mTc]-ZIF-8 nanoparticles in the blood was almost twice that of sodium pertechnetate. Accordingly, due to their high pulmonary biodistribution, ZIF-8 NPs can considerably improve the pharmacokinetics of encapsulated agents and be used for lung targeting. This study paves the way for developing favorable nanocarriers for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications.

How to make a vampire.

Herein, we compared the developmental maturity of the cranium, limbs, and feeding apparatus in a perinatal common vampire bat relative to its mother. In addition, we introduce a method for combining two computed tomographic imaging techniques to three-dimensionally reconstruct endocasts in poorly ossified crania. The Desmodus specimens were scanned using microcomputed tomography (microCT) and diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced CT to image bone and soft tissues. Muscles of the jaw and limbs, and the endocranial cavity were segmented using imaging software. Endocranial volume (ECV) of the perinatal Desmodus is 74% of adult ECV. The facial skeletal is less developed (e.g., palatal length 60% of adult length), but volumes for alveolar crypts/sockets of permanent teeth are nearly identical. The forelimb skeleton is uniformly less ossified than the distal hind limb, with no secondary centers ossified and an entirely cartilaginous carpus. All epiphyseal growth zones are active in the brachium and antebrachium, with the distal radius exhibiting the greatest number of proliferating chondrocytes arranged in columns. The hind limb skeleton is precociously ossified from the knee distally. The musculature of the fore limb, temporalis, and masseter muscles appear weakly developed (6-11% of the adult volume). In contrast, the leg and foot musculature is better developed (23-25% of adult volume), possibly enhancing the newborn's capability to grip the mother's fur. Desmodus is born relatively large, and our results suggest they are born neurally and dentally precocious, with generally underdeveloped limbs, especially the fore limb.

High depth resolution wavelength scanning interferometry with narrow scanning bandwidth via sinewaves separation

Wavelength scanning interferometry (WSI) is a promising tomographic imaging technique. However, the depth resolution is fundamentally limited by a narrow wavelength scanning bandwidth, which brings challenges to the frequency extraction for depth information. In this work, we proposed a parameter estimation (PE) paradigm via sinewaves separation, which allows high depth resolution tomographic measurement with narrow-band sources. To obtain accurate depth information, a sinewaves separation model is designed to estimate the frequency of the overlapped signals and it can achieve higher depth resolution without any prior knowledge even under limited scanning bandwidth. Moreover, the estimated frequency is used for phase retrieval and the multi-layer 3D profile measurement can be further implemented. The simulation and experimental results show that the PE method can reach the same depth resolution level as discrete Fourier transform (DFT) even reducing 60% scanning bandwidth when PSNR is higher than 35 dB.

Hierarchical Homogenization With Deep‐Learning‐Based Surrogate Model for Rapid Estimation of Effective Permeability From Digital Rocks

AbstractEffective permeability is a key physical property of porous media that defines its ability to transport fluid. Digital rock physics (DRP) combines modern tomographic imaging techniques with advanced numerical simulations to estimate effective rock properties. DRP is used to complement or replace expensive and time‐consuming or impractical laboratory measurements. However, with increase in sample size to capture multimodal and multiscale microstructures, conventional approaches based on direct numerical simulation (DNS) are becoming very computationally intensive or even infeasible. To address this computational challenge, we propose a hierarchical homogenization method (HHM) with a data‐driven surrogate model based on 3‐D convolutional neural network (CNN) and transfer learning to estimate effective permeability of digital rocks with large sample sizes up to billions of voxels. This HHM‐CNN workflow divides a large digital rock into small sub‐volumes and predicts their permeabilities through a CNN surrogate model of Stokes flow at the pore scale. The effective permeability of the full digital rock is then predicted by solving the Darcy equations efficiently on the upscaled model in which the permeability of each cell is assigned by the surrogate model. The proposed method has been verified on micro‐CT scans of both sandstones and carbonates, and applied to the Bentheimer sandstone and a reconstructed high‐resolution carbonate rock obtained by multiscale data fusion. The computed permeabilities of the HHM‐CNN are consistent with the results of DNS on the full digital rock. Compared with conventional DNS algorithms, the proposed hierarchical approach can largely reduce the computational time and memory demand.

System matrix recovery based on deep image prior in magnetic particle imaging

Objective. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging tomography imaging technique with high specificity and temporal-spatial resolution. MPI reconstruction based on the system matrix (SM) is an important research content in MPI. However, SM is usually obtained by measuring the response of an MPI scanner at all positions in the field of view. This process is very time-consuming, and the scanner will overheat in a long period of continuous operation, which is easy to generate thermal noise and affects MPI imaging performance. Approach. In this study, we propose a deep image prior-based method that prominently decreases the time of SM calibration. It is an unsupervised method that utilizes the neural network structure itself to recover a high-resolution SM from a downsampled SM without the need to train the network using a large amount of training data. Main results. Experiments on the Open MPI data show that the time of SM calibration can be greatly reduced with only slight degradation of image quality. Significance. This study provides a novel method for obtaining SM in MPI, which shows the potential to achieve SM recovery at a high downsampling rate. It is expected that this study will increase the practicability of MPI in biomedical applications and promote the development of MPI in the future.

Titanium porous-transport layers for PEM water electrolysis prepared by tape casting

While the porous-transport layer (PTL) is a key component in PEM electrolyzers, it is one of the most underexplored due to limited available structures. In this work, we present a novel PTL design for PEM water electrolyzers enabled by a cost-effective, scalable tape-casting technique. A precise control of the PTL pore structure is achieved by incorporating poreformers of various sizes, and by varying the titanium and poreformer ratio. The structures are characterized with SEM and synchrotron X-ray computed tomography imaging techniques. Comprehensive electrochemical performance analysis demonstrates that higher titanium loading provides improved contact at the catalyst-layer/PTL interface but suffers from severe mass-transport losses due to gas bubbles. We solve this mass-transport problem by mixing in large poreformer beads that produce a highly porous structure with excellent gas removal properties yet still maintaining mechanical integrity. The PTL fabricated with 60:40 Ti:PMMA ratio and 60 μm PMMA bead size outperformed the standard commercial Ti powder-based PTL by 62 mV at 4 A/cm2.

The impact of obesity on ocular hemodynamics and choroidal thickness.

Obesity affects microvascular structures. The effect of obesity on the ocular vascular system can be evaluated by changes in the choroidal thickness (CT) and retrobulbar blood flow (RBF). To evaluate the CT and RBF parameters in obese patients with various body mass index (BMI) values and compare these parameters with normal weight, healthy subjects. A prospective study. The study included 102 eyes of 102 female patients. Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI as group 1 with a BMI of 18.5-24.99 (n = 32), normal weight group; group 2 with a BMI of 30-34.99 (n = 35), as obese class I; and group 3 with a BMI of 35-39.99 (n = 35), as obese class II. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index, and pulsatility index values of the central retinal artery (CRA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) were evaluated with color Doppler ultrasonography. CT was measured at the subfoveal area and at 500-µm intervals nasal and temporal to the fovea up to a distance of 1500 µm by using the enhanced depth imaging technique of optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometry. There was a significant difference in IOP values within the groups with the highest values in group 3 (17.6 ± 2.1 mmHg) and the lowest in group 1 (12.4 ± 1.7 mmHg). The CT in groups 2 and 3 was found to be statistically significantly lower than that in group 1 at all measurement points (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between CT at all measurement points and BMI (p < 0.001). The mean CRA PSV, EDV, and OA EDV values were statistically significantly lower in each obese group than those values in group 1 (p < 0.001). The OA PSV values were significantly lower in group 3 (36.5 ± 5.9 cm/s) than those in group 2 (43.8 ± 4 cm/s) and group 1 (44.6 ± 5.2 cm/s) (p < 0.001). Also, significant associations were found between BMI and CRA PSV, CRA EDV, and OA PSV values (p < 0.001). Obesity may predispose to eye pathologies by changing the ocular vascular circulation.

Komparativna analiza dve metode prezervacije postekstrakcione alveole - pilot-studija

Objective. Volumetric changes of the residual alveolar ridge begin after tooth extraction. They are more pronounced in the vestibule-oral aspect than in the coronary-apical aspect. In order to preserve the volume of hard and soft tissues, several types of bone grafts, bone substitutes and biomaterials have been used. PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) as an autologous blood derivative has been used in recent years as a solo graft material or in combination with other graft materials. The aim of this study was clinical and radiological evaluation of two different methods of socket preservation. Methods. Two study groups of 10 subjects each, one with socket preservation with solo PRF and the other with PRF+xenograft. Dimensional changes after 4 and 6 months, density of the newly formed bone after 4 months with CBCT 3D (cone beam computed tomography) imaging technique, postoperative morbidity during the first 7 days after intervention were evaluated. Results. Statistical analysis confirmed lower bone resorption in the PRF+GRAFT test group compared to the PRF group. Better density of the newly formed bone was found in the PRF+GRAFT group and better ratio between the density in the socket and the density in the periapical region. Postoperative morbidity decreased in both groups. Conclusion. Recommendation for the use of PRF as an adjuvant with other grafts and substitutes, as well as a solo graft material.

Application of three-dimensional computed tomography imaging and reconstructive techniques in lung surgery: A mini-review.

Pulmonary surgery is an innovative discipline with increasing demands for minimally invasive techniques in complicated anatomical resections, warranting adequate preoperative imaging of relevant surgical anatomy to ensure safe and radical resection of target lesions. Over the recent years, the emergence of imaging techniques enabling three-dimensional reconstruction has exerted promising influence on pulmonary surgery, facilitating optimal surgical planning and easier identification of the spatial relationship between bronchovascular structures in the individual patient and aiding the safe resection of target pulmonary lesions. The goal of this mini-review is to provide an overview of three-dimensional computed tomography imaging within pulmonary surgery. The authors performed a targeted qualitative review of the literature to identify current trends and to provide better understanding of three-dimensional reconstruction within the boundaries of pulmonary surgery. Three-dimensional reconstructive techniques can be used for resectability assessment, identification of surgically relevant interindividual anatomic variance and may improve perioperative outcomes. Three-dimensional reconstruction using computed tomography imaging improves surgical planning and there is evidence that it results in shorter operative times, less intraoperative blood loss and lower rates of surgical conversion, as it can be applied both pre- and intraoperatively.

Non-invasive biomarkers for liver inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: present and future.

Inflammation is the key driver of liver fibrosis progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unfortunately, it is often challenging to assess inflammation in NAFLD due to its dynamic nature and poor correlation with liver biochemical markers. Liver histology keeps its role as the standard tool, yet it is well-known for substantial sampling, intraobserver, and interobserver variability. Serum proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers, namely cytokeratin-18, are well-studied with reasonable accuracy, whereas serum metabolomics and lipidomics have been adopted in some commercially available diagnostic models. Ultrasound and computed tomography imaging techniques are attractive due to their wide availability; yet their accuracies may not be comparable with magnetic resonance imaging-based tools. Machine learning and deep learning models, be they supervised or unsupervised learning, are promising tools to identify various subtypes of NAFLD, including those with dominating liver inflammation, contributing to sustainable care pathways for NAFLD.

Cortisol awake response imbalance as an indicator of acute central serous chorioretinopathy: Relationship with choriocapillaris and choroidal features.

The purpose of the present study was to measure in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) the salivary cortisol awake response (CAR) delta percentage (Δ%) variation, a distinct and robust indicator of cortisol rhythm during wakefulness, commonly proposed as a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity, whose alteration is frequently associated with several adverse health outcomes. In the present cross-sectional observational study, salivary CAR Δ% variation was assessed in 17 adult male subjects affected by acute naïve CSC and compared to 17 matched healthy controls. Choroid vasculature metrics were assessed in the study population by measuring the subfoveal choroidal thickness (FCT) and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) by the imaging technique of enhanced-depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-SD-OCT). Furthermore, flow signal void area features of the choriocapillaris were evaluated in the study population using OCT angiography (OCTA). Both the control and CSC groups showed a physiological cortisol increase that occurred during the first 30 min after awaking. However, CSC adult male patients showed remarkably blunted CAR Δ% variation in comparison with controls, which might reflect a CSC-related imbalance of HPA axis activity. Statistically significant correlations were shown by Pearson's correlation test between salivary CAR Δ% and the selected choroidal and choriocapillaris imaging biomarkers (FCT, CVI, and flow signal void area) in the study population. In conclusion, alterations of the CAR Δ% increase, associated with choroidal-retinal metrics, might provide a window into the physiopathology of acute CSC, suggesting a possible common factor to explain the association between stress and CSC.

Exercise Modulates Brain Glucose Utilization Response to Acute Cocaine.

Exercise, a proven method of boosting health and wellness, is thought to act as a protective factor against many neurological and psychological diseases. Recent studies on exercise and drug exposure have pinpointed some of the neurological mechanisms that may characterize this protective factor. Using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging techniques and the glucose analog [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), our team sought to identify how chronic aerobic exercise modulates brain glucose metabolism (BGluM) after drug-naïve rats were exposed to an acute dose of cocaine. Using sedentary rats as a control group, we observed significant differences in regional BGluM. Chronic treadmill exercise treatment coupled with acute cocaine exposure induced responses in BGluM activity in the following brain regions: postsubiculum (Post), parasubiculum (PaS), granular and dysgranular insular cortex (GI and DI, respectively), substantia nigra reticular (SNR) and compact part dorsal tier (SNCD), temporal association cortex (TeA), entopenduncular nucleus (EP), and crus 1 of the ansiform lobule (crus 1). Inhibition, characterized by decreased responses due to our exercise, was found in the ventral endopiriform nucleus (VEn). These areas are associated with memory and various motor functions. They also include and share connections with densely dopaminergic areas of the mesolimbic system. In conclusion, these findings suggest that treadmill exercise in rats mediates brain glucose response to an acute dose of cocaine differently as compared to sedentary rats. The modulated brain glucose utilization occurs in brain regions responsible for memory and association, spatial navigation, and motor control as well as corticomesolimbic regions related to reward, emotion, and movement.

Deep Learning Techniques to Diagnose Lung Cancer.

Medical imaging tools are essential in early-stage lung cancer diagnostics and the monitoring of lung cancer during treatment. Various medical imaging modalities, such as chest X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and molecular imaging techniques, have been extensively studied for lung cancer detection. These techniques have some limitations, including not classifying cancer images automatically, which is unsuitable for patients with other pathologies. It is urgently necessary to develop a sensitive and accurate approach to the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Deep learning is one of the fastest-growing topics in medical imaging, with rapidly emerging applications spanning medical image-based and textural data modalities. With the help of deep learning-based medical imaging tools, clinicians can detect and classify lung nodules more accurately and quickly. This paper presents the recent development of deep learning-based imaging techniques for early lung cancer detection.

Effects of in vivo fatigue-induced microdamage on local subchondral bone strains

Biomechanical strain is a major stimulus of subchondral bone (SCB) tissue adaptation in joints but may also lead to initiation and propagation of microcracks, highlighting the importance of quantifying the intratissue strain in subchondral bone. In the present study, we used micro computed tomography (μCT) imaging, mechanical testing, and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques to evaluate the biomechanical strains in equine SCB under impact compression applied through the articular surface. We aimed to investigate the effects of in vivo accumulated microdamage in equine SCB on the distribution of mechanical impact strain through the articular cartilage. Under the applied strain of 2.0 ± 0.1% (mean ± standard deviation, n=15) to the articular surface of cartilage-bone plugs, the overall thickness of the SCB developed eSCBOverall = 0.7 ± 0.2% in all specimens. Contours of high strains in specimens without microdamage (NDmg) aligned parallel to the cartilage-bone interface with peak tensile, ϵt, and compressive, ϵc, strains of 0.5 ± 0.3% and 1.2 ± 0.4%, respectively at the time of peak compression (n=7). In damaged specimens (Dmg), contours of high strains aligned with the cracks in the imaged plane with peak strains of ϵt= 1.2 ± 0.8% and ϵc= 3.5 ± 2.2%, respectively (n=7). Microdamage was the main predictor of the normalised compressive and tensile strains across the SCB thickness. Results of multivariable analyses revealed presence of microdamage, distance from the articular surface and TMD were the main predictors of normalised compressive and tensile strain. Strain was greater in the superficial bone, particularly for specimens with microdamage. In vivo fatigue-induced microdamage is an important predictor of local subchondral bone strains.

Metabolomic study of serum in patients with invasive ductal breast carcinoma with LC-MS/MS approach.

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer so its early detection can lead to a significant decrease in mortality rate. However, prognostic factors for IDC are not adequate and we need novel markers for the treatment of different individuals. Although positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques are available, they are based on morphological features that do not provide any clue for molecular events accompanying cancer progression. In recent years, "omics" approaches have been extensively developed to propose novel molecular signatures of cancers as putative biomarkers, especially in biofluids. Therefore, a mass spectrometry-based metabolomics investigation was performed to find some putative metabolite markers of IDC and potential metabolites with prognostic value related to the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, lymphovascular invasion, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. An untargeted metabolomics study of IDC patients was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The multivariate principal component analysis by XCMS online built a model that could separate the study groups and define the significantly altered m/z parameters. The most important biological pathways were also identified by pathway enrichment analysis. The results showed that the significantly altered metabolites in IDC serum samples mostly belonged to amino acids and lipids. The most important involved pathways included arginine and proline metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. Significantly altered metabolites in IDC serum samples compared to healthy controls could lead to the development of metabolite-based potential biomarkers after confirmation with other methods and in large cohorts.

Application of tomosynthesis for vertebral compression fracture diagnosis and bone healing assessment in fracture liaison services.

Early identification of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) is crucial for successful secondary fracture prevention. Tomosynthesis, a low-dose tomographic imaging technique, may facilitate the evaluation and long-term follow-up of VCFs in patients with osteoporosis. Herein, we compared the performances of plain radiography and tomosynthesis for VCF diagnosis and healing assessment in patients enrolled in fracture liaison services in our hospital. Forty-nine patients with new VCFs at the T10–L5 levels were prospectively recruited between August 2018 and May 2020; all patients underwent thoracolumbar plain radiography and tomosynthesis. We evaluated the accuracy of the VCF diagnosis, image quality, and VCFs healing process. Tomosynthesis identified 90 levels of VCF in 49 patients, while plain radiography revealed only 87.8% (79/90) of them. There were 44.9% (22/49) patients with neglected chronic VCFs as seen on tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis images had improved VCF diagnostic accuracy up to 12.2% and showed significantly more anatomic details than plain radiography. For diagnosis of VCFs, the performance of plain radiographs was poorer than that of tomosynthesis images (plain radiographs: sensitivity 84%, specificity 93.5%, false positive rate 6.5%, and false negative rate 16%; tomosynthesis: sensitivity 93.2%, specificity 100%, false positive rate 0%, and false negative 6.8%), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as gold standard. The Kappa coefficient between Tomosynthesis and MRI is 0.956 while between radiography and MRI is 0.704. Tomosynthesis showed significantly more anatomic details than plain radiography and all the examiners revealed a clear preference for tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis scored 3.3 times higher on the fracture healing assessment at the 3-month follow-up than plain radiographs. Tomosynthesis is a promising tool for VCF screening and diagnosis in patients with osteoporosis and for monitoring fracture healing status at a low radiation dose and cost.

Volatolomic urinary profile analysis for diagnosis of the early stage of lung cancer

Currently, in clinical practice there is a pressing need for potential biomarkers that can identify lung cancer at early stage before becoming symptomatic or detectable by conventional means. Several researchers have independently pointed out that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile can be considered as a lung cancer fingerprint useful for diagnosis. In particular, 16% of volatiles contributing to the human volatilome are found in urine, which is therefore an ideal sample medium. Its analysis through non-invasive, relatively low-cost and straightforward techniques could offer great potential for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. In this study, urinary VOCs were analysed with a gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometer (GC-IMS) and an electronic nose (e-nose) made by a matrix of twelve quartz microbalances complemented by a photoionization detector. This clinical prospective study involved 127 individuals, divided into two groups: 46 with lung cancer stage I–II–III confirmed by computerized tomography or positron emission tomography—imaging techniques and histology (biopsy), and 81 healthy controls. Both instruments provided a multivariate signal which, after being analysed by a machine learning algorithm, identified eight VOCs that could distinguish lung cancer patients from healthy ones. The eight VOCs are 2-pentanone, 2-hexenal, 2-hexen-1-ol, hept-4-en-2-ol, 2-heptanone, 3-octen-2-one, 4-methylpentanol, 4-methyl-octane. Results show that GC-IMS identifies lung cancer with respect to the control group with a diagnostic accuracy of 88%. Sensitivity resulted as being 85%, and specificity was 90%—Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics: 0.91. The contribution made by the e-nose was also important, even though the results were slightly less sensitive with an accuracy of 71.6%. Moreover, of the eight VOCs identified as potential biomarkers, five VOCs had a high sensitivity (p ⩽ 0.06) for early stage (stage I) lung cancer.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Current Stroke Prevention Strategies and a Shift Toward Data-Driven, Patient-Specific Approaches.

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a complex structure with unknown physiologic function protruding from the main body of the left atrium. In patients with atrial fibrillation, the left atrium does not contract effectively. Insufficient atrial and LAA contractility predisposes the LAA morphology to hemostasis and thrombus formation, leading to an increased risk of cardioembolic events. Oral anticoagulation therapies are the mainstay of stroke prevention options for patients; however, not all patients are candidates for long-term oral anticoagulation. Percutaneous occlusion devices are an attractive alternative to long-term anticoagulation therapy, although they are not without limitations, such as peri-implant leakage and device-related thrombosis. Although efforts have been made to reduce these risks, significant interpatient heterogeneity inevitably yields some degree of device-anatomy mismatch that is difficult to resolve using current devices and can ultimately lead to insufficient occlusion and poor patient outcomes. In this state-of-the-art review, we evaluated the anatomy of the LAA as well as the current pathophysiologic understanding and stroke prevention strategies used in the management of the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. We highlighted recent advances in computed tomography imaging, preprocedural planning, computational modeling, and novel additive manufacturing techniques, which represent the tools needed for a paradigm shift toward patient-centric LAA occlusion. Together, we envisage that these techniques will facilitate a pipeline from the imaging of patient anatomy to patient-specific computational and bench-top models that enable customized, data-driven approaches for LAA occlusion that are engineered specifically to meet each patient's unique needs.

Advances in Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Technology and Techniques for Choroidal and Retinal Disorders.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging has played a pivotal role in the field of retina. This light-based, non-invasive imaging modality provides high-quality, cross-sectional analysis of the retina and has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of retinal and choroidal diseases. Since its introduction in the early 1990s, OCT technology has continued to advance to provide quicker acquisition times and higher resolution. In this manuscript, we discuss some of the most recent advances in OCT technology and techniques for choroidal and retinal diseases. The emerging innovations discussed include wide-field OCT, adaptive optics OCT, polarization sensitive OCT, full-field OCT, hand-held OCT, intraoperative OCT, at-home OCT, and more. The applications of these rising OCT systems and techniques will allow for a closer monitoring of chorioretinal diseases and treatment response, more robust analysis in basic science research, and further insights into surgical management. In addition, these innovations to optimize visualization of the choroid and retina offer a promising future for advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of chorioretinal diseases.

Prevalence and Features of Maxillary Sinus Septa in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: Cone Beam Computed Tomography Imaging Technique.

The development of the maxillary sinus is different in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) compared to non-CLP individuals. To investigate the prevalence and features of maxillary sinus septa (MSS) in patients with CLP in comparison with the non-CLP population. Retrospective study. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation. CLP center in Shiraz faculty of dentistry, Iran. A total 306 sinuses (88 cleft and 218 noncleft) on 153 images (CLP group: n = 66; control group: n = 87) were examined to determine the prevalence of septa and characterize them. Sinus septa were characterized according to height, orientation, angle, origin, and location. The chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of septa was 28.9% and 32.1% in the CLP and control groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between the study groups in terms of prevalence, location, and orientation of MSS. The average height and angle of septa were significantly higher in the control group compared to the CLP group. Inferior origin was significantly more prevalent in the control group than in the CLP group (P = .004). There was no difference in the prevalence of MSS between patients with CLP and non-CLP individuals. However, certain features of the septa were different in patients with CLP.