Application of CD34 expression combined with three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scanning in preoperative staging of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Accurate preoperative staging of gastric cancer(GC),a common malignant tumor worldwide,is critical for appropriate treatment plans and prognosis.Dynamic three-phase enhanced computed tomography(CT)scanning for preoperative staging of GC has limitations in evaluating tumor angiogenesis.CD34,a marker on vascular endothelial cell surfaces,is promising in evaluating tumor angiogenesis.We explored the value of their combination for preoperative staging of GC to improve the efficacy and prognosis of patients with GC.Medical records of 106 patients with GC treated at the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang between February 2021 and January 2023 were retrospectively studied.All patients underwent three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scanning before surgery,and CD34 was detected in gastroscopic biopsy specimens.Using surgical and pathological results as the gold standard,the diagnostic results of three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scanning at different T and N stages were analyzed,and the expression of CD34-marked microvessel density(MVD)at different T and N stages was determined.The specificity and sensitivity of three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and CD34 in T and N staging were calculated;those of the combined diagnosis of the two were evaluated in parallel.Independent factors affecting lymph node metastasis were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.RESULTS The accuracy of three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scanning in diagnosing stages T1,T2,T3 and T4 were 68.00%,75.00%,79.41%,and 73.68%,respectively,and for diagnosing stages N0,N1,N2,and N3 were 75.68%,74.07%,85.00%,and 77.27%,respectively.CD34-marked MVD expression increased with increasing T and N stages.Specificity and sensitivity of three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT in T staging were 86.79%and 88.68%;for N staging,89.06%and 92.86%;for CD34 in T staging,64.15%and 88.68%;and for CD34 in N staging,84.38%and 78.57%,respectively.Specificity and sensitivity of joint diagnosis in T staging were 55.68%and 98.72%,and N staging were 75.15%and 98.47%,respectively,with the area under the curve for diagnosis improving accordingly.According to multivariate analysis,a longer tumor diameter,higher pathological T stage,lower differ-entiation degree,and higher expression of CD34-marked MVD were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with GC.CONCLUSION With high accuracy in preoperatively determining the invasion depth and lymph node metastasis of GC,CD34 expression and three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT can provide a reliable basis for surgical resection.

Diagnostic value for extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma in positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan

AIM: To evaluated the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extrahepatic metastases. METHODS: A total of 138 patients with HCC who had both conventional imaging modalities and 18F-FDG PET/CT scan done between November 2006 and March 2011 were enrolled. Diagnostic value of each imaging modality for detection of extrahepatic metastases was evaluated. Clinical factors and tumor characteristics including PET imaging were analyzed as indicative factors for metastases by univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: The accuracy of chest CT was significantly superior compared with the accuracy of PET imaging for detecting lung metastases. The detection rate of metastatic pulmonary nodule ≥ 1 cm was 12/13 (92.3%), when < 1 cm was 2/10 (20%) in PET imaging. The accuracy of PET imaging was significantly superior compared with the accuracy of bone scan for detecting bone metastases. In multivariate analy- sis, increased tumor size (≥ 5 cm) (P = 0.042) and increased average standardized uptake value (SUV) uptake (P = 0.028) were predictive factors for extrahepatic metastases. Isometabolic HCC in PET imaging was inversely correlated in multivariate analysis (P = 0.035). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff of average SUV to predict extrahepatic metastases was 3.4. CONCLUSION: 18F-FDG PET/CT scan is invaluable for detection of lung metastases larger than 1 cm and bone metastases. Primary HCC having larger than 5 cm and increased average SUV uptake more than 3.4 should be considered for extrahepatic metastases.

Multi-detector computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of acute aortic syndromes

Acute aortic syndrome(AAS) is a spectrum of conditions, which may ultimately progress to potentially life-threatening aortic rupture. This syndrome encompasses aortic dissection(AD), intramural haematoma, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer and unstable thoracic aortic aneurysms. Multi-detector CT(MDCT) is crucial for the diagnosis of AAS, especially in the emergency setting due to its speed, accuracy and ready availability. This review attends to the value of appropriate imaging protocols in obtaining good quality images that can permit a confident diagnosis of AAS. AD is the most commonly encountered AAS and also the one with maximum potential to cause catastrophic outcome if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Hence, this review briefly addresses certain relevant clinical perspectives on this condition. Differentiating the false from the true lumen in AD is often essential; a spectrum of CT findings, e.g., "beak sign", aortic "cobwebs" that allows such differentiation have been described with explicit illustrations. The value of non enhanced CT scans, especially useful in the diagnosis of an intramural hematoma has also been illustrated. Overlap in the clinical and imaging features of the various conditions presenting as AAS is not unusual. However, on most instances MDCT enables the rightdiagnosis. On select occasions MRI or trans-esophageal echocardiography may be required as a problem solving tool.

Endodontic management of a fused left maxillary second molar and two paramolars using cone beam computed tomography: A case report

BACKGROUND Fused teeth usually involve several complications,such as the development of caries in the groove between fused crowns,tooth impaction,diastemas,aesthetic and periodontal problems,and pulpal pathosis,due to the complex anatomical structure of fused teeth.A thorough diagnosis is paramount to forming an accurate treatment plan and obtaining a favourable prognosis.With the advent of cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT),accurate 3-dimensional images of teeth and their surrounding dentoalveolar structures can now be readily obtained,and the technology can accurately provide a minimally invasive approach to acquire detailed diagnostic information.Therefore,we utilize CBCT data herein to generate a digital model for the infected region in a patient,and this model enables us to better plan the management of his case.CASE SUMMARY This report details the diagnosis and endodontic treatment of a rare case involving a fused maxillary second molar and two paramolars with apical periodontitis.The patient experienced pain upon biting and cold sensitivity in the area of the maxillary left molar.No caries or other defects were identified in these teeth,and a normal response to a pulp electric viability test was observed.With the aid of CBCT and digital model technology,we initially suspected that the infection originated from the isthmus between the maxillary second molar and two paramolars.Therefore,we only treated the isthmus by an endodontic approach and did not destroy the original tooth structure;furthermore,the vital pulp was retained,and good treatment outcomes were observed at the 24-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This finding may provide new insights and perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of fused teeth.

Advantages of preoperative planning using computed tomography scan for treatment of malleolar ankle fractures

Malleolar ankle fractures have been classified using plain radiographs,and there is no consensus regarding the role of computed tomography(CT)scans in preoperative planning.We analyzed critical aspects,such as limits of standard radiographs,types of injury,classification methods and cost/benefit evaluations.CT scans allow a 3 D analysis of the fracture to be obtained and consequently assess the indication for surgical procedure,surgical access and the type of fixation devices required.This exam is useful for detecting lesions that may go unnoticed on radiographs and will help surgeons to clarify the pathoanatomy of ankle fractures.According to Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association(AO/OTA)classification,CT scan is recommended in medial malleolar fractures with vertical rim,type 44 B fractures with posterior malleolar involvement and all type 44 C fractures(according to AO/OTA).Also Tillaux-Chaput fractures(43-B1 according to AO/OTA),malleolar fractures in the presence of distal tibial fractures(43 according to AO/OTA)and distal tibia fractures in adolescents should be studied with CT scans.

Preoperative [18]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography in early stage breast cancer: Rates of distant metastases

AIM To investigate rates of distant metastases(DM) detected with [18]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emissiontomography/computed tomography(^(18)FDG-PET/CT) in early stage invasive breast cancer.METHODS We searched the English language literature databases of PubM ed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, Web of Science and Google Scholar, for publications on DM detected in patients who had ^(18)FDG-PET/CT scans as part of the staging for early stages of breast cancer(stage Ⅰ?and Ⅱ), prior to or immediately following surgery. Reports published between 2011 and 2017 were considered. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines.RESULTS Among the 18 total studies included in the analysis, the risk of DM ranged from 0% to 8.3% and 0% to 12.9% for stage Ⅰ?and Ⅱ invasive breast cancer, respectively. Among the patients with clinical stage Ⅱ, the rate of occult metastases diagnosed by ^(18)FDG-PET/CT was 7.2%(range, 0%-19.6%) for stage ⅡA and 15.8%(range, 0%-40.8%) for stage ⅡB. In young patients(< 40-yearold), ^(18)FDG-PET/CT demonstrated a higher prevalence of DM at the time of diagnosis for those with aggressive histology(i.e., triple-negative receptors and poorly differentiated grade).CONCLUSION Young patients with poorly differentiated tumors and stage ⅡB triple-negative breast cancer may benefit from ^(18)FDG-PET/CT at initial staging to detect occult DM prior to surgery.

Development of Segmentation and Classification Algorithms for Computed Tomography Images of Human Kidney Stone

Computed tomography(CT)scan diagnostics procedures adopt the use of image infbnnation retrieval system with the help of radiographer's expertise.However,this technique is prone to errors,Significant height of accuracy is required in healthcare decision support,as 20%of CT scans are associated with error.The application of artificial intelligence(Al)can improve performance level,mitigate human error,and enhance clinical decision support in the context of time and accuracy.The study introduced machine learning algorithm to analyze stream of anonymous CT scans of kidney.The research adopted deep learning approach for segmentation and classification of kidney stone(renal calculi)images in Python(with Keras and TensorFlow)environment.A control volume of data along with 336 kidney stone images were used to train the deep learning network with 10 testing images.The training images were divided into two sets(folders)as follows;one was labeled as STONE(containing 167 images)and the other as NO-STONE(containing 169 images);10 iterations were performed for model training.The network layers were structured as input layer in the following with 2-D convolutional neural network machine learning(CNN-ML),ReLU activation,Maxpooling,and fully connected(dense)layer including the sigmoid activation layer.The training adopted a batch size of 8 with 10%validation.The output result,upon testing the model,has an accuracy of 90%,sensitivity value of 80%and effectiveness of 89%.The segmentation and classification algorithm model could be embedded in future CT diagnostic procedure to enhance medical decision support and accuracy.

Conception the Fluid Flow Behavior within Oil Reservoir Rock by Using Computed Tomography(CT)Scan

The behavior of fluid flow has been studied during the different flow media over the past decades.In addition,the behavior of the flow of fluid through porous media has garnered much research interest.This paper sheds light on fissured rocks of oil reservoir media(as one of the porous media domain),and the effect of these fissured on fluid flow.In this article,the Finite Volume Method(FVM)has been used to visualize the behavior of single-phase fluid flow in an actual core according to the dual-porosity dual permeability model.The study was conducted in two parts,the first was the image processing for one of the real oil reservoir fractured rock images,where the image was processed and simulated by ANSYS-CFX software,and the results showed a complete visualizing of the fluid behavior during this domain.As for the other side,a simulation of a real reservoir rock belonging to the Al-Nour field in Iraq/Misan was made.The X-ray Computed Tomography(CT)scan has been used to convert the real fractured core to a dynamic domain.ANSYS-CFX program has been used and the results illustrated the pressure counter,the velocity counter,the velocity streamline,and the velocity vectors for the studied model in three dimensions.A comparison was made between the productivity index for fractured and non-fractured rock and the results explained that the presence of fracture can improve the productivity index to about 5.74%.

Damage degradation mechanism and macro-meso structural response of mudstone after water wetting

The predominant presence of weak interlayers primarily composed of mudstone renders them highly susceptible to a reduction in bearing capacity due to the water-rock weakening effect,significantly impacting the safety of open-pit mining operations.This study focuses on the weak mudstone layers within open-pit mine slopes.The mineral composition of mudstone and the microstructure evolution characteristics before and after water wetting were analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and scanning electron microscope(SEM).The meso-structure and parameter variation characteristics of mudstone interior space after water-rock interaction were quantified by computed tomography scanning test,and the damage variable characterization method was proposed.Additionally,according to the uniaxial compression test,the degradation characteristics of the macroscopic mechanical behavior of mudstone under different water wetting time were explored,and the elastic modulus and strength attenuation model of mudstone based on mesoscopic damage were established.Finally,building upon the macro-meso structural response characteristics of mudstone,an exploration of the failure characteristics and deterioration mechanism under the influence of water-rock interactions was undertaken.The results show that the water-rock interaction makes the internal defects of mudstone gradually develop and form a fracture network structure,which eventually leads to the deterioration of its macroscopic mechanical properties.The porosity,fractal dimension and damage characteristics of mudstone show an exponential trend with the increase of water wetting time.Moreover,the deterioration mechanism of mudstone after water wetting are postulated to encompass factors such as the hydrophilicity of mineral molecular structures,hydration stress and expansion effects on clay particles,as well as the spatial distribution of microcracks and the phenomenon of fracture adsorption.The outcomes of this research endeavor aim to provide certain reference value for further understanding the water-rock interaction and stability control of mudstone slope.

Oil Production Optimization by Means of a Combined“Plugging,Profile Control,and Flooding”Treatment:Analysis of Results Obtained Using Computer Tomography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Due to long-term water injection,often oilfields enter the so-called medium and high water cut stage,and it is difficult to achieve good oil recovery and water reduction through standard methods(single profile control and flooding measures).Therefore,in this study,a novel method based on“plugging,profile control,and flooding”being implemented at the same time is proposed.To assess the performances of this approach,physical simulations,computer tomography,and nuclear magnetic resonance are used.The results show that the combination of a gel plugging agent,a polymer microsphere flooding agent,and a high-efficiency oil displacement agent leads to better results in terms of oil recovery with respect to the situation in which these approaches are used separately(the oil recovery is increased by 15.37%).Computer tomography scan results show that with the combined approach,a larger sweep volume and higher oil washing efficiency are obtained.The remaining oil in the cluster form can be recovered in the middle and low permeability layer,increasing the proportion of the columnar and blind end states of the oil.The nuclear magnetic resonance test results show that the combined“plugging,profile control,and flooding”treatment can also be used to control more effectively the dominant channels of the high permeability layer and further expand the recovery degree of the remaining oil in the pores of different sizes in the middle and low permeability layers.However,for the low permeability layer(permeability difference of 20),the benefits in terms of oil recovery are limited.

Restaging rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

Correct tumour restaging is pivotal for identifying the most personalised surgical treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy,and works to avoid both poor oncological outcome and overtreatment.Digital rectal examination,endoscopy,and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are the recommended modalities for local tumour restaging,while chest and abdominal computed tomography are utilised for the assessment of distant disease.The optimal length of time between neoadjuvant treatment and restaging,in terms of both oncological safety and clinical effectiveness of treatment,remains unclear,especially for patients receiving prolonged total neoadjuvant therapy.The timely identification of patients who are radioresistant and at risk of disease progression remains challenging.

Assessment of the efficacy of reduced-radiation noncontrast computed tomography scan compared with the standard noncontrast computed tomography scan for detecting urolithiasis:A prospective single-center study

Background:Noncontrast computed tomography(CT)scan of the kidneys,ureter and bladder is the standard investigative modality for diagnosing and following up patients with urolithiasis.With each scan,a patient receives radiation of 18-34 mGy.Dose considerations become pertinent because of a 10%lifetime incidence rate and higher than 50%risk of recurrence,necessitating repeated imaging in the lifetime of a stone former.Hence,this study aimed to assess the sensitivity of"reduced-radiation"CT imaging by altering scan settings to lower than the"standard"norms.Materials and methods:Altogether,222 patients(255"kidney-ureter"stone-bearing units or"renal units")with urolithiasis and patients undergoing CT for other reasons with incidental findings of renal/ureteric calculi between 2017 and 2019 were included.All patients were subjected to 3 sequential scans at tube current settings of 250 mA(CT-N/Standard),100 mA(CT-100),and 50 mA(CT-50)at a constant voltage of 120 kV.Their clinicodemographic and radiological findings were recorded and assessed for significance.Results:Of the 255 renal units,117 were between 30 and 44 years of age,75%were men.Of the 255 patients,178(70.1%)reported a first stone episode and 77 had recurrence.Lower ureteric calculi were predominant(40.4%).All calculi were identified on CT-N;CT-100 failed to detect calculi in 1 patient,and CT-50 failed in 3 patients,where all calculi were<3 mm in size.Meanwhile,none were undetected among patients with obesity.The sensitivity was 99.61%for the CT-100 and 98.82%for the CT-50,which indicated a 2.5 and 5 times lower radiation and dose/length,respectively,than CT-N.Conclusions:The reduced-radiation CT scan is safe,sensitive,and accurate for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with urolithiasis with significantly lower radiation exposures.Our study lays the foundation to accept low-dose CT in general and CT-50 in particular,as the new"standard of care,"and attempt further dose reduction without loss of diagnostic efficacy.

Maxillary first molar with an O-shaped root morphology:report of a case

This case report is to present a maxillary first molar with one O-shaped root, which is an extended C-shaped canal system. Patient with chronic apical periodontitis in maxillary left first molar underwent replantation because of difficulty in negotiating all canals. Periapical radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography （CBCT） were taken. All roots were connected and fused to one root, and all canals seemed to be connected to form an O-shape. The apical 3 mm of the root were resected and retrograde filled with resin-modified glass ionomer. Intentional replantation as an alternative treatment could be considered in a maxillary first molar having an unusual O-shaped root.

Hepatic portal venous gas: Physiopathology, etiology, prognosis and treatment

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG), an ominous radiologic sign, is associated in some cases with a severe underlying abdominal disease requiring urgent operative intervention. HPVG has been reported with increasing frequency in medical literature and usually accompanies severe or lethal conditions. The diagnosis of HPVG is usually made by plain abdominal radiography, sonography, color Doppler flow imaging or computed tomography (CT) scan. Currently, the increased use of CT scan and ultrasound in the inpatient setting allows early and highly sensitive detection of such severe illnesses and also the recognition of an increasing number of benign and non-life threatening causes of HPVG. HPVG is not by itself a surgical indication and the treatment depends mainly on the underlying disease. The prognosis is related to the pathology itself and is not influenced by the presence of HPVG. Based on a review of the literature, we discuss in this paper the pathophysiology, risk factors, radiographic findings, management, and prognosis of pathologies associated with HPVG.

Adult intussusception:A retrospective review of 41 cases

AIM:To optimize the preoperative diagnosis and surgical management of adult intussusception (AI).METHODS:A retrospective review of the clinical features,diagnosis,management and pathology 41 adult patients with postoperative diagnoses of intussusception was conducted.RESULTS:Forty-one patients with 44 intussusceptions were operated on,24.4% had acute symptoms,24.4% had subacute symptoms,and 51.2% had chronic symptoms.70.7% of the patients presented with intestinal obstruction.There were 20 enteric,15 ileocolic,eight colocolonic and one sigmoidorectal intussusceptions.65.9% of intussusceptions were diagnosed preoperatively using a computed tomography (CT) scan (90.5% accurate) and ultrasonography (60.0% accurate,rising to 91.7% for patients who had a palpable abdominal mass).Coloscopy located the occupying lesions of the lead point of ileocolic,colocolonic and sigmoidorectal intussusceptions.Four intussusceptions in three patients were simply reduced.Twenty-one patients underwent resection after primary reduction.There was no mortality and anastomosis leakage perioperatively.Except for one patient with multiple small bowel adenomas,which recurred 5 mo after surgery,no patients were recurrent within 6 mo.Pathologically,54.5% of the intussusceptions had a tumor,of which 27.3% were malignant.9.1% comprised nontumorous polyps.Four intussusceptions had a gastrojejunostomy with intestinal intubation,and four intussusceptions had no organic lesion.CONCLUSION:CT is the most effective and accurate diagnostic technique.Colonoscopy can detect most lead point lesions of non-enteric intussusceptions.Intestinal intubation should be avoided.

Adult intussusception:A case series and review

To identify factors differentiating pathologic adult intussusception (AI) from benign causes and the need for an operative intervention. Current evidence available from the literature is discussed. METHODSThis is a case series of eleven patients over the age of 18 and a surgical consultation for “Intussusception” at a single veteran’s hospital over a five-year period (2011-2016). AI was diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) scan and or flexible endoscopy (colonoscopy). Surgical referrals were from the emergency room, endoscopy suites and the radiologists. RESULTSA total of 11 cases, 9 males and 2 females were diagnosed with AI. Median age was 58 years. Abdominal pain and change in bowel habits were most common symptoms. CT scan and or colonoscopy diagnosed AI, in ten/eleven (90%) patients. There were 6 small bowel-small bowel, 4 ileocecal, and 1 sigmoid-rectal AI. 8 patients (72%) needed an operation. Bowel resection was required and definitive pathology was diagnosed in 7 patients (63%). Five patients had malignant and 2 patients had benign etiology. Small bowel enteroscopy excluded pathology in 4 cases (37%) with AI. Younger patients tend to have a benign diagnosis. CONCLUSIONMajority of AI have malignant etiology however idiopathic intussusception is being seen more frequently. Operative intervention remains the mainstay however, certain small bowel intussusception especially in younger patients may be a benign, physiological, transient phenomenon and laparoscopy with reduction or watchful waiting may be an acceptable strategy. These patients should undergo endoscopic or capsule endoscopy to exclude intrinsic luminal lesions.

Initial computed tomography findings of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in non-hematological patients

Background The computed tomography （CT） findings of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis （IPA） are unclear in non- hematological patients. The present study was a retrospective evaluation of CT images in non-hematological patients with IPA. Methods All adult patients who met the 2008 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group （EORTC/MSG） criteria for proven or probable IPA were included during a 5-year study at our institutions. Initial CT findings in our cohort were retrospectively reviewed by two independent thoracic radiologists blinded to patient demographics and clinical outcomes. The presence, pattern, and distribution of abnormalities were recorded. Results Twenty-three non-hematological patients with pathologically confirmed IPA were included in our study. Areas of ground-glass opacities were present in 14 patients （61%）, which were bilateral in 10 patients and unilateral in four. This pattern mainly involved the middle and upper lung zones. Air-space consolidation was identified in 12 patients （52%）, and the areas were distributed along the bronchus or subpleura in most cases. Other findings, including five small nodules （22%）, three macronodules （13%）, and one halo sign （4%）, were less common. Conclusions CT findings of IPA in non-hematological patients frequently manifested as acute bronchopneumonia, and ground-glass opacities and air-space consolidations were the most common CT findings of IPA in these patients.

Effect of fatigue loading-confining stress unloading rate on marble mechanical behaviors: An insight into fracture evolution analyses

Rocks in underground works usually experience rather complex stress disturbance.For this,their fracture mechanism is significantly different from rocks subjected to conventional triaxial compression conditions.The effects of stress disturbances on rock geomechanical behaviors under fatigue loading conditions and triaxial unloading conditions have been reported in previous studies.However,little is known about the dependence of the unloading rate on fatigue loading and confining stress unloading(FL-CSU)conditions that influence rock failure.In this paper,we aimed at investigating the fracture behaviors of marble under FL-CSU conditions using the post-test X-ray computed tomography(CT)scanning technique and the GCTS RTR 2000 rock mechanics system.Results show that damage accumulation at the fatigue stage can influence the final fracture behaviors of marble.The stored elastic energy for rock samples under FL-CSU tests is relatively larger compared to those under conventional triaxial tests,and the dissipated energy used to drive damage evolution and crack propagation is larger for FL-CSU tests.In FL-CSU tests,as the unloading rate increases,the dissipated energy grows and elastic energy reduces.CT scanning after the test reveals the impacts of the unloading rate on the crack pattern and a fracture degree index is therein defined in this context to represent the crack dimension.It shows that the crack pattern after FL-CSU tests depends on the unloading rate,and the fracture degree is in agreement with the analysis of both the energy dissipation and the amount of energy released.The effect of unloading rate on fracture evolution characteristics of marble is revealed by a series of FL-CSU tests.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis:Abdominal cocoon

Abdominal cocoon,the idiopathic form of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis,is a rare condition of unknown etiology that results in an intestinal obstruction due to total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel by a f ibrocollagenous membrane.Preoperative diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion.The early clinical features are nonspecif ic,are often not recognized and it is diff icult to make a def inite pre-operative diagnosis.Clinical suspicion may be generated by the recurrent episodes of small intestinal obstruction combined with relevant imaging f indings and lack of other plausible etiologies.The radiological diagnosis of abdominal cocoon may now be conf idently made on computed tomography scan.Surgery is important in the management of this disease.Careful dissection and excision of the thick sac with the release of the small intestine leads to complete recovery in the vast majority of cases.

Review of radiographic findings in COVID-19

The purpose of this study is to review the published literature for the range ofradiographic findings present in patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019infection. This novel corona virus is currently the cause of a worldwide pandemic.Pulmonary symptoms and signs dominate the clinical picture and radiologists arecalled upon to evaluate chest radiographs (CXR) and computed tomography (CT)images to assess for infiltrates and to define their extent, distribution andprogression. Multiple studies attempt to characterize the disease course bylooking at the timing of imaging relative to the onset of symptoms. In general,plain CXR show bilateral disease with a tendency toward the lung periphery andhave an appearance most consistent with viral pneumonia. Chest CT images aremost notable for showing bilateral and peripheral ground glass and consolidatedopacities and are marked by an absence of concomitant pulmonary nodules,cavitation, adenopathy and pleural effusions. Published literature mentioningorgan systems aside from pulmonary manifestations are relatively less common,yet present and are addressed in this review. Similarly, publications focusing onimaging modalities aside from CXR and chest CT are sparse in this evolving crisisand are likewise addressed in this review. The role of imaging is examined as it iscurrently being debated in the medical community, which is not at all surprisingconsidering the highly infectious nature of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromecoronavirus 2.