Micro-Computed Tomography Applications in Dentistry

Micro-computed tomography (MCT) encompasses two primary scanning options: ex-vivo and in-vivo imaging. Ex-vivo scanning involves the examination of extracted teeth or dental specimens, allowing for detailed analyses of the microarchitecture of mineralized tissue. By analyzing the microarchitecture of dental tissues, MCT can provide valuable information about bone density, porosity, and microstructural changes, contributing to a better understanding of disease progression and treatment outcomes. Moreover, MCT facilitates the quantification of dental parameters, such as bone volume, trabecular thickness, and connectivity density, which are crucial for evaluating the efficacy of dental interventions. This present study aims to comprehensively review and explore the applications of MCT in dentistry and highlight its potential in advancing research and clinical practice. The results depicted that the quantitative approach of MCT enhances the precision and reliability of dental research. Researchers and clinicians can make evidence-based decisions regarding treatment strategies and patient management, relying on quantifiable data provided by MCT. The applications of MCT in dentistry extend beyond research, with potential clinical implications in fields such as dental implantology and endodontics. MCT is expected to play an increasingly significant role in enhancing our understanding of dental pathologies, improving treatment outcomes, and ultimately, benefiting patient care in the field of dentistry.

Comparative study of chitosan/fibroin–hydroxyapatite and collagen membranes for guided bone regeneration in rat calvarial defects: micro-computed tomography analysis

This study aimed to utilize micro-computed tomography （micro-CT） analysis to compare new bone formation in rat calvarial defects using chitosan/fibroin-hydroxyapatite （CFB-HAP） or collagen （Bio-Gide） membranes. Fifty-four （54） rats were studied. A circular bony defect （8 mm diameter） was formed in the centre of the calvaria using a trephine bur. The CFB-HAP membrane was prepared by thermally induced phase separation. In the experimental group （n= 18）, the CFB-HAP membrane was used to cover the bony defect, and in the control group （n= 18）, a resorbable collagen membrane （Bio-Gide） was used. In the negative control group （n= 18）, no membrane was used. In each group, six animals were euthanized at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. The specimens were then analysed using micro-CT. There were significant differences in bone volume （BV） and bone mineral density （BMD） （P〈O.05） between the negative control group and the membrane groups. However, there were no significant differences between the CFB-HAP group and the collagen group. We concluded that the CFB-HAP membrane has significant potential as a guided bone regeneration （GBR） membrane.

Nondestructive Skeletal Imaging of Hyla suweonensis Using Micro-Computed Tomography

We successfully obtained 3D skeletal images of Hyla suweonensis, employing a nondestructive method by applying appropriate anesthesia and limiting the radiation dose. H. suweonensis is a tree frog endemic to Korea and is on the list of endangered species. Previous studies have employed caliper-based measurements and two-dimensional （2D） X-ray imaging for anatomical analyses of the skeletal system or bone types of H. suweonensis. In this work we reconstructed three-dimensional （3D） skeletal images of H. suweonensis, utilizing a nondestructive micro-computed tomography （micro-CT） with a short scan and low radiation dose （i.e. 4 min and 0.16 Gy）. Importantly, our approach can be applied to the imaging of 3D skeletal systems of other endangered frog species, allowing both versatile and high contrast images of anatomical structures without causing any significant damages to the living animal.

Microstructure Study of Normal Lunates with Micro-computed Tomography

In order to study the microstructure characteristics of normal lunate bones, eight fresh cadaver normal lunates were scanned with micro-computed tomography. High-resolution images of the micro-structure of normal lunates were obtained and we analyzed the nutrient foramina. Then nine regions of interest(ROI) were chosen in the central sagittal plane so that we could obtain the parameters of trabecular bones of ROIs. The distal lamellar-like compact structure had statistically significant differences when it was compared with the ROIs in the volar and dorsal ends of the distal cortex. The difference of diameter between the volar and dorsal foramina was significant(P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference regarding the number. The trabecular bones of the volar and dorsal distal ends had lower intensity than those of the distal central subchondral bone plate. The diameters of the nutrient foramina on the volar cortex were larger than those on the dorsal. This research provided more detailed information about microstructure of normal lunate and the nutrient foramina on cortex, and a reference for further study about diseased lunate.

Micro-computed tomography assessment of human femoral trabecular bone for two disease groups(fragility fracture and coxarthrosis):Age and gender related effects on the microstructure

The aim of this study was to identify three-dimensional microstructural changes of trabecular bone with age and gender, using micro-computed tomography. Human trabecular bone from two disease groups, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis was analyzed. A prior analysis of the effects of some procedure variables on the micro-CT results was performed. Preliminary micro-CT scans were performed with three voxel resolutions and two acquisition conditions. On the reconstruction step, the image segmentation was performed with three different threshold values. Samples were collected from patients, with coxarthrosis (osteoarthritis) or fragility fracture (osteoporosis). The specimens of the coxarthrosis group include twenty females and fifteen males, while the fragility fracture group was composed by twenty three females and seven males. The mean age of the population was 69 ± 11 (females) and 67 ± 10 years (males), in the coxarthrosis group, while in the fragility fracture group was 81 ± 6 (females) and 78 ± 6 (males) years. The 30 μm voxel size provided lower percentage difference for the microarchitecture parameters. Acquisition conditions with 160 μA and 60 kV permit the evaluation of all the volume’s sample, with low average values of the coefficients of variation of the microstructural parameters. No statistically significant differences were found between the two diseases groups, neither between genders. However, with aging, there is a decrease of bone volume fraction, trabecular number and fractal dimension, and an increase of structural model index and trabecular separation, for both disease groups and genders. The parameters bone specific surface, trabecular thickness and degree of anisotropy have different behaviors with age, depending on the type of disease. While in coxarthrosis patients, trabecular thickness increases with age, in the fragility fracture group, there is a decrease of trabecular thickness with increasing age. Our findings indicate that disease, age and gender do not provide significant differences in trabecular microstructure. With aging, some parameters exhibit different trends which are possibly related to different mechanisms for different diseases.

Investigating microstructure of Longmaxi shale in Shizhu area,Sichuan Basin, by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography

Microstructure of shale formation is the key to understanding its petrophysical and chemical properties.Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography(μ-CT) have been combined for characterization of microstructure of Longmaxi(LMX)shale from Shizhu area, Sichan Basin. The results indicate that laminated LMX shale consists of mineral matrix-rich layers and organic matter(OM)-rich layers at micrometer scale in two and three dimensions. Mineral matrix layers,mainly consisting of interparticle pores and intraplatelet pores, are approximately parallel to the bedding plane.Pyrite-rich layer, mainly containing intercrystalline pores,shows a strong preferred orientation parallel to the bedding plane. OM-rich layer, mainly containing OM pores, seems to be discontinuous. In addition, intercrystalline pores are enriched in some layers, while OM pores are distributed irregularly in matrix layers. This vertical heterogeneity of pore microscopic structures in LMX shale is of great importance to understand its petrophysical and chemical properties.

Isotropic compression behavior of granular assembly with non-spherical particles by X-ray micro-computed tomography and discrete element modeling

The particle morphological properties,such as sphericity,concavity and convexity,of a granular assembly significantly affect its macroscopic and microscopic compressive behaviors under isotropic loading condition.However,limited studies on investigating the microscopic behavior of the granular assembly with real particle shapes under isotropic compression were reported.In this study,X-ray computed tomography(mCT)and discrete element modeling(DEM)were utilized to investigate isotropic compression behavior of the granular assembly with regard to the particle morphological properties,such as particle sphericity,concavity and interparticle frictions.The mCT was first used to extract the particle morphological parameters and then the DEM was utilized to numerically investigate the influences of the particle morphological properties on the isotropic compression behavior.The image reconstruction from mCT images indicated that the presented particle quantification algorithm was robust,and the presented microscopic analysis via the DEM simulation demonstrated that the particle surface concavity significantly affected the isotropic compression behavior.The observations of the particle connectivity and local void ratio distribution also provided insights into the granular assembly under isotropic compression.Results found that the particle concavity and interparticle friction influenced the most of the isotropic compression behavior of the granular assemblies.

Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography using Exi Tron nano6000 for assessment of liver injury

AIM: To explore the potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT) using Exi Tron nano6000 for assessment of liver lesions in mouse models.METHODS: Three mouse models of liver lesions were used: bile duct ligation(BDL),lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/D-galactosamine(D-Gal N),and alcohol.After injection with the contrast agent Exi Tron nano6000,the mice were scanned with micro-CT.Liver lesions were evaluated using CECT images,hematoxylin and eosin staining,and serum aminotransferase levels.Macrophage distribution in the injury models was shown by immunohistochemical staining of CD68.The in vitro studies measured the densities of RAW264.7 under different conditions by CECT.RESULTS: In the in vitro studies,CECT provided specific and strong contrast enhancement of liver in mice.CECT could present heterogeneous images anddensities of injured livers induced by BDL,LPS/D-Gal N,and alcohol.The liver histology and immunochemistry of CD68 demonstrated that both dilated biliary tracts and necrosis in the injured livers could lead to the heterogeneous distribution of macrophages.The in vitro study showed that the RAW264.7 cell masses had higher densities after LPS activation.CONCLUSION: Micro-CT with the contrast agent Exi Tron nano6000 is feasible for detecting various liver lesions by emphasizing the heterogeneous textures and densities of CECT images.

Monitoring vascular changes induced by photodynamic therapy using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography

The aim of this study was to determine whether contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography can be used for non-invasive imaging of the early-stage changes in the vasculature of tumours that have been treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). The subjects used were C3H mice with an RIF-1 tumour implanted subcutaneously and allowed to grow for 3 weeks prior to treatment. The experimental groups were PDT-treated (150 J/cm2 and 50 J/cm2) and control (150 J/cm2 light-only and untreated). The laser light exposure was performed at 15 - 30 minutes after the administration of the photosensitizer (BPD-MA). The contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography imaging procedure consisted of eight-second scans taking place before treatment and up to 24 hours after treatment. The 150 J/cm2 PDT group showed a significant increase in the ratio of blood volume to tumour volume at 2, 8 and 24 hours after treatment when compared to pre-treatment measurements (p 2 PDT group at 24 hours after treatment. This preliminary study indicates that micro-CT can detect compromised vasculature in tumours treated with high-fluence photodynamic therapy as early as 2 hours post treatment.

Three Dimensional Microstructure and Image-Based Simulation of a Fly Ash/Al Syntactic Foam Using X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography

An aluminum matrix syntactic foam, incorporated with hollow-structured fly ash particles, was fabricated by pressure infiltration technique. X-ray micro-computed tomography was used to characterize its heterogeneous microstructure three dimensionally （3D）. The quantification of some microstructure features, such as content and size distribution of hollow fly ash particles, was acquired in 3D. The tomographic data were exploited as a rapid method to generate a microstructurally accurate and robust 3D meshed model. The thermal transport behavior has been modeled using a commercial finite-element code to conduct steady state analyses. Simulation of the thermal conductivity showed good correlation with experimental result.

Structure based release kinetics analysis of doxazosin mesylate sustained-release tablets using micro-computed tomography

The structures of solid dosage forms determine their release behaviors and are critical attributes for the design and evaluation of the solid dosage forms.Here,the 3D structures of doxazosin mesylate sustained-release tablets were parallelly assessed by micro-computed tomography(micro-CT).There were no significant differences observed in the release profiles between the RLD and the generic formulation in the conventional dissolution,but the generic preparation released slightly faster in media with ethanol during an alcohol-induced dose-dumping test.With their 3D structures obtained via micro-CT determination,the unique release behaviors of both RLD and the generic were investigated to reveal the effects of internal fine structure on the release kinetics.The structural parameters for both preparations were similar in conventional dissolution test,while the dissolutions in ethanol media showed some distinctions between RLD and generic preparations due to their static and dynamic structures.Furthermore,the findings revealed that the presence of ethanol accelerated dissolution and induced changes in internal structure of both RLD and generic preparations.Moreover,structure parameters like volume and area of outer contour,remaining solid volume and cavity volumewere not equivalent between the two formulations in 40%ethanol.In conclusion,the structure data obtained from this study provided valuable insights into the diverse release behaviors observed in various modified-release formulations in drug development and quality control.

Anti-catabolic effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester, an active component of honeybee propolis on bone loss in ovariectomized mice： a micro-computed tomography study and histological analysis

Background Osteoporosis （OP） is a common bone disease,which adversely affects life quality.Effective treatments are necessary to combat both the loss and fracture of bone.Recent studies indicated that caffeic acid phenethyl ester （CAPE） is a natural chemical compound from honeybee propolis which is capable of attenuating osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate the effect of CAPE on bone loss in OP mice using micro-computed tomography （CT） and histology.Methods Eighteen mice were prepared and evenly divided into three groups.The six mice in the sham＋PBS group did not undergo ovariectomy and were intraperitoneally injected with PBS during the curing period.Twelve mice were ovariectomized （OVX） to induce OP.Six of them in the OVX＋CAPE group were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mg/kg CAPE twice per week for 4 weeks after ovariectomy.The other six OVX mice in OVX＋PBS group were treated with PBS.All the mice were sacrificed 4 weeks after ovariectomy.The tibias were bilaterally excised for micro-CT scan and histological analysis.The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the statistical differences among groups.Results Bone loss occurred in OVX mice.Compared with the sham＋PBS group,mice in the OVX＋PBS group exhibited a significant decrease in bone mineral density （BMD,P ＜0.05）,bone volume fraction （BV/TV,P ＜0.01）,trabecular thickness （Tb.Th,P ＜0.05）,and trabecular number （Tb.N,P ＜0.01）,as well as a non-insignificant increase in the number of osteoclasts （N.Oc/B.Pm）.With CAPE treatment,the microarchitecture of the tibial metaphyses was significantly improved with a reduction of osteoclast formation.Compared with the OVX＋PBS group,BV/TV in the OVX＋CAPE group was significantly increased by 33.9％ （P ＜0.05）.Conclusion CAPE therapy results in the protection of bone loss induced by OVX.

Structural analysis on cutting notch of tea stalk by X-ray micro-computed tomography

Quantitative analysis on cutting notch of tea stalk is one method to better understand shear resistance and mechanical properties of the stalk,which could improve cutting performance and efficiency for tea harvesting.Optimal design of the cutter might be achieved through structural analysis of cutting notch by X-ray micro-computed tomography(micro-CT).The third inter-node of the stalks were sampled and scanned by micro-CT after they were cut at different cutting depths(0.7,1.5,2.3 mm)and cutting edge angles of cutter(30,35,40).The structural change of the cutting notch and cutting force was observed.Grey-scale histogram analysis and bimodal segmentation method were used to extract the information about cutting notch from 2D slice images.A 3D model of the stalk was established with reconstruction and volume rendering.Besides,maximum crosssectional area ratio of cutting notch(MCSARCN)and volume ratio of cutting notch(VRCN)were calculated.The results show that MCSARCN and VRCN had a closely relationship with the cutting force,cutting depth and cutting edge angle according to 3D tomographic images and 2D slice images.Both MCSARCN and VRCN increased with cutting depth,despite of cutting edge angle.For cutting edge angle of 30,35and 40at different cutting depths,MCSARCN increased from 4.89%to 9.47%,from 8.51%to 22.83%and from 4.30%to 16.87%,respectively.Meanwhile,VRCN increased from 1.59%to 2.13%,from 2.98%to 5.76%and from 3.04%to 5.01%,respectively.When cutting depth was 1.5 mm,cutting force increased but VRCN present a decreased trend with cutting edge angle.X-ray micro-CT could be used to analyze the structure on cutting notch of tea stalks which is helpful in optimizing the structural parameters of the cutter.

Phase Contrast Micro-Computed Tomography of Biological Sample at SSRF

In line X-ray phase contrast micro-computed tomography （IL-XPCT）, which can be implemented at third generation synchrotron radiation sources or by using a micro-focus X-ray tube, is a powerful technique for non-destructive, high-resolution investigations of a broad variety of materials. At the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility （SSRF）, the X-ray Imaging and Biomedical Applications Beamline was built and started regular user operation in May 2009. Both qualitative （without phase retrieval） and quantitative （with phase retrieval） three-dimensional IL-XPCT experimental techniques have been established at the beamline IL-XPCT experiments of a test sample （plastic pipes） used to evaluate the technique, and of a biological sample （locust） at the beamline are reported. Two series of images, qualitative and quantitative, including tomographic slices and three-dimensional rendering images were obtained. In qualitative images, there is a strong edge-enhancement which leads to very clear sample contours, while in quantitative images, the edge-enhancement fades but quantitative measurement of sample＇s phase information could be achieved. The experiments demonstrate that the combination of qualitative and quantitative images is useful for biological sample studies.

Three-dimensional visualization and quantification of microporosity in aluminum castings by X-ray micro-computed tomography

Porosity is a major issue in solidification processing of metallic materials.In this work,wedge die casting experiments were designed to investigate the effect of cooling rate on microporosity in an aluminum alloy A356.Microstructure information including dendrites and porosity were measured and observed by optical microscopy and X-ray micro-computed tomography(XMCT).The effects of cooling rate on secondary dendrite arm spacing(SDAS)and porosity were discussed.The relationship between SDAS and cooling rate was established and validated using a mathematical model.Three-dimensional(3-D)porosity information,including porosity percentage,pore volume,and pore number,was determined by XMCT.With the cooling rate decreasing from a lower to a higher position of the wedge die,the observed pore number decreases,the porosity percentage increases,and the equivalent pore radius increases.Sphericity of the pores was discussed as an empirical criterion to distinguish the types of porosity.For different cooling rates,the larger the equivalent pore radius is,the lower the sphericity of the pores.This research suggests that XMCT is a useful tool to provide critical 3-D porosity information for integrated computational materials engineering(ICME)design and process optimization of solidification products.

Pseudo-global tomography for local micro-computed tomography with high-brightness synchrotron X-rays

The computed tomography imaging of a local region inside a sample with a size larger than the field of view is particularly important for synchrotron X-ray imaging.In this letter,an improved algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the local structure inside a sample using almost completely local data.The algorithm significantly reduces the X-ray radiation dose and improves computational efficiency.Simulation results show that the new algorithm works well and has a higher reconstruction precision than previous methods,as confirmed by experimental results carried out at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Experimental Observing Damage Evolution in Cement Pastes Exposed to External Sulfate Attack by in situ X-ray Computed Tomography

The paper presents experimental investigation results of crack pattern change in cement pastes caused by external sulfate attack(ESA).To visualize the formation and development of cracks in cement pastes under ESA,an X-ray computed tomography(X-ray CT)was used,i e,the tomography system of Zeiss Xradia 510 versa.The results indicate that X-CT can monitor the development process and distribution characteristics of the internal cracks of cement pastes under ESA with attack time.In addition,the C3A content in the cement significantly affects the damage mode of cement paste specimens during sulfate erosion.The damage of ordinary Portland cement(OPC)pastes subjected to sulfate attack with high C3A content are severe,while the damage of sulfate resistant Portland cement(SRPC)pastes is much smaller than that of OPC pastes.Furthermore,a quadratic function describes the correlation between the crack volume fraction and development depth for two cement pastes immermed in sulfate solution.

3D tomographic analysis of equatorial plasma bubble using GNSS-TEC data from Indonesian GNSS Network

Equatorial Plasma Bubbles(EPBs)are ionospheric irregularities that take place near the magnetic equator.EPBs most commonly occur after sunset during the equinox months,although they can also be observed during other seasons.The phenomenon significantly disrupts radio wave signals essential to communication and navigation systems.The national network of Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)receivers in Indonesia(>30°longitudinal range)provides an opportunity for detailed EPB studies.To explore this,we conducted preliminary 3D tomography of total electron content(TEC)data captured by GNSS receivers following a geomagnetic storm on December 3,2023,when at least four EPB clusters occurred in the Southeast Asian sector.TEC and extracted TEC depletion with a 120-minute running average were then used as inputs for a 3D tomography program.Their 2D spatial distribution consistently captured the four EPB clusters over time.These tomography results were validated through a classical checkerboard test and comparisons with other ionospheric data sources,such as the Global Ionospheric Map(GIM)and International Reference Ionosphere(IRI)profile.Validation of the results demonstrates the capability of the Indonesian GNSS network to measure peak ionospheric density.These findings highlight the potential for future three-dimensional research of plasma bubbles in low-latitude regions using existing GNSS networks,with extensive longitudinal coverage.

Computed tomography enterography-based radiomics for assessing mucosal healing in patients with small bowel Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND Mucosal healing(MH)is the major therapeutic target for Crohn's disease(CD).As the most commonly involved intestinal segment,small bowel(SB)assessment is crucial for CD patients.Yet,it poses a significant challenge due to its limited accessibility through conventional endoscopic methods.AIM To establish a noninvasive radiomic model based on computed tomography enterography(CTE)for MH assessment in SBCD patients.METHODS Seventy-three patients diagnosed with SBCD were included and divided into a training cohort(n=55)and a test cohort(n=18).Radiomic features were obtained from CTE images to establish a radiomic model.Patient demographics were analysed to establish a clinical model.A radiomic-clinical nomogram was constructed by combining significant clinical and radiomic features.The diagnostic efficacy and clinical benefit were evaluated via receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis and decision curve analysis(DCA),respectively.RESULTS Of the 73 patients enrolled,25 patients achieved MH.The radiomic-clinical nomogram had an area under the ROC curve of 0.961(95%confidence interval:0.886-1.000)in the training cohort and 0.958(0.877-1.000)in the test cohort and provided superior clinical benefit to either the clinical or radiomic models alone,as demonstrated by DCA.CONCLUSION These results indicate that the CTE-based radiomic-clinical nomogram is a promising imaging biomarker for MH and serves as a potential noninvasive alternative to enteroscopy for MH assessment in SBCD patients.

Role of photon-counting computed tomography in pediatric cardiovascular imaging

Photon-counting computed tomography(PCCT)represents a significant advancement in pediatric cardiovascular imaging.Traditional CT systems employ energy-integrating detectors that convert X-ray photons into visible light,whereas PCCT utilizes photon-counting detectors that directly transform X-ray photons into electric signals.This direct conversion allows photon-counting detectors to sort photons into discrete energy levels,thereby enhancing image quality through superior noise reduction,improved spatial and contrast resolution,and reduced artifacts.In pediatric applications,PCCT offers substantial benefits,including lower radiation doses,which may help reduce the risk of malignancy in pediatric patients,with perhaps greater potential to benefit those with repeated exposure from a young age.Enhanced spatial resolution facilitates better visualization of small structures,vital for diagnosing congenital heart defects.Additionally,PCCT’s spectral capabilities improve tissue characterization and enable the creation of virtual monoenergetic images,which enhance soft-tissue contrast and potentially reduce contrast media doses.Initial clinical results indicate that PCCT provides superior image quality and diagnostic accuracy compared to conven-tional CT,particularly in challenging pediatric cardiovascular cases.As PCCT technology matures,further research and standardized protocols will be essential to fully integrate it into pediatric imaging practices,ensuring optimized diagnostic outcomes and patient safety.