Use of high-resolution X-ray computed tomography and 3D image analysis to quantify mineral dissemination and pore space in oxide copper ore particles

Mineral dissemination and pore space distribution in ore particles are important features that influence heap leaching performance. To quantify the mineral dissemination and pore space distribution of an ore particle, a cylindrical copper oxide ore sample (I center dot 4.6 mm x 5.6 mm) was scanned using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT), a nondestructive imaging technology, at a spatial resolution of 4.85 mu m. Combined with three-dimensional (3D) image analysis techniques, the main mineral phases and pore space were segmented and the volume fraction of each phase was calculated. In addition, the mass fraction of each mineral phase was estimated and the result was validated with that obtained using traditional techniques. Furthermore, the pore phase features, including the pore size distribution, pore surface area, pore fractal dimension, pore centerline, and the pore connectivity, were investigated quantitatively. The pore space analysis results indicate that the pore size distribution closely fits a log-normal distribution and that the pore space morphology is complicated, with a large surface area and low connectivity. This study demonstrates that the combination of HRXCT and 3D image analysis is an effective tool for acquiring 3D mineralogical and pore structural data.

Coronary artery calcium score on low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of coronary artery calcium score(CACS) on low-dose non-gated chest CT(ngCCT).METHODS: Sixty consecutive individuals(30 males; 73 ± 7 years) scheduled for risk stratification by means of unenhanced ECG-triggered cardiac computed to-mography(gCCT) underwent additional unenhanced ngCCT. All CT scans were performed on a 64-slice CT scanner(Somatom Sensation 64 Cardiac, Siemens, Germany). CACS was calculated using conventional methods/scores(Volume, Mass, Agatston) as previ-ously described in literature. The CACS value obtained were compared. The Mayo Clinic classification was used to stratify cardiovascular risk based on Agatston CACS. Differences and correlations between the two methods were compared. A P-value < 0.05 was considered sig-nificant.RESULTS: Mean CACS values were significantly higher for gCCT as compared to ngCCT(Volume: 418 ± 747 vs 332 ± 597; Mass: 89 ± 151 vs 78 ± 141; Agatston: 481 ± 854 vs 428 ± 776; P < 0.05). The correlation between the two values was always very high(Volume: r = 0.95; Mass: r = 0.97; Agatston: r = 0.98). Of the 6 patients with 0 Agatston score on gCCT, 2(33%) showed an Agatston score > 0 in the ngCCT. Of the 3 patients with 1-10 Agatston score on gCCT, 1(33%) showed an Agatston score of 0 in the ngCCT. Overall, 23(38%) patients were reclassified in a different car-diovascular risk category, mostly(18/23; 78%) shifting to a lower risk in the ngCCT. The estimated radiation dose was significantly higher for gCCT(DLP 115.8 ± 50.7 vs 83.8 ± 16.3; Effective dose 1.6 ± 0.7 mSv vs 1.2 ± 0.2 mSv; P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: CACS assessment is feasible on ngCCT; the variability of CACS values and the associated re-stratification of patients in cardiovascular risk groups should be taken into account.

Virtual Anatomy: The Dissecting Theatre of the Future—Implementation of Cinematic Rendering in a Large 8 K High-Resolution Projection Environment

Modern computer techniques have been in use for several years to generate three-dimensional visualizations of human anatomy. Very good 3-D computer models of the human body are now available and used routinely in anatomy instruction. These techniques are subsumed under the heading “virtual anatomy” to distinguish them from the conventional study of anatomy entailing cadavers and anatomy textbooks. Moreover, other imaging procedures (X-ray, angiography, CT and MR) are also used in virtual anatomy instruction. A recently introduced three-dimensional post-processing technique named Cinematic Rendering now makes it possible to use the output of routine CT and MR examinations as the basis for highly photo-realistic 3-D depictions of human anatomy. We have installed Cinematic Rendering (enabled for stereoscopy) in a high-definition 8K 3-D projection space that accommodates an audience of 150. The space’s projection surface measures 16 × 9 meters;images can be projected on both the front wall and the floor. A game controller can be used to operate Cinematic Rendering software so that it can generate interactive real-time depictions of human anatomy on the basis of CT and MR data sets. This prototype installation was implemented without technical problems;in day-to-day, real-world use over a period of 22 months, there were no impairments of service due to software crashes or other technical problems. We are already employing this installation routinely for educational offerings open to the public, courses for students in the health professions, and (continuing) professional education units for medical interns, residents and specialists—in, so to speak, the dissecting theater of the future.

Pulmonary fungal infections after bone marrow transplantation： the value of high-resolution computed tomography in predicting their etiology

Background The correct diagnosis of etiology of fungal infection after bone marrow transplantation is very important to the choice of antifungal drugs and a premise for improvement of therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to compare high-resolution computed tomography （HRCT） findings of the pulmonary fungal infections to determine whether the etiology of various fungal infections could be diagnosed with HRCT. Methods Eighty-five cases were enrolled. According to the pathogens responsible for fungal infections, the patients were classified into three groups including invasive aspergillosis （n=52）, candidiasis （n=19） and cryptococcosis （n=14） groups. All the patients underwent HRCT scans. Two independent radiologists retrospectively analyzed the HRCT scans regarding CT patterns and distribution of lung abnormality. Results Most fungal infections in the three groups occurred in the neutropenic phase. There was no significant difference in the constituent ratio of fungal infections at different phases after bone marrow transplantation among the three groups. Agreement between the two observers for all the CT characteristics of fungal infections was excellent （k 〉0.75）. There was a significant difference in occurrence ratio of mass among the three groups （P=-0.02）. Occurrence ratio of mass （43.3%, 13/30） in the group with invasive aspergillosis was higher than in each of other two groups （20.0%, 2/10; 14.3%, 1/7）. There was no significant difference in other CT characteristics of nodules or masses; including number, margin, halo sign, cavitation and air-crescent sign. There was no significant difference in number, margin, air bronchogram and distribution of air-space consolidation. Conclusions The HRCT appearance of various pulmonary fungal infections has a great deal of overlap and is nonspecific. Mass is more common in invasive aspergillosis, which is helpful to the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis after bone marrow transplantation.

Pulmonary involvement in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM:To determine the relationship of pulmonary abnormalities and bowel disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS:Thirty ulcerative colitis(UC)and nine Crohn's disease patients,and 20 control subjects were enrolled in this prospective study.Detailed clinical information was obtained.Extent and activity of the bowel disease were established endoscopically.Each patient underwent pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT).Blood samples for measurement of C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),angiotensin converting enzyme and total IgE were delivered by the patients.RESULTS:Ten(25.6%)patients had respiratory symptoms.A pulmonary function abnormality was present in 22 of 39 patients.Among all patients,the most prevalent abnormalities in lung functions were a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s(FEV1),FEV1/forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory flow(FEF)25%-75%,transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide(DLCO),DLCO/alveolar volume.Increased respiratory symptoms score was associated with high endoscopic activity index in UC patients.Endoscopic and clinical activities in UC patients were correlated with FEV1,FEV1/FVC,and FEF 25%-75%.Smoking status,duration of disease and medication were not correlated with pulmonary physiological test results,HRCT abnormalities,clinical/endoscopic disease activity,CRP,ESR or total IgE level or body mass index.CONCLUSION:It is important that respiratory manifestations are recognized and treated early in IBD.Otherwise,they can lead to destructive and irreversible changes in the airway wall.

Competitive trampolining influence trabecular bone structure,bone size,and bone strength

Background：Trampolining is a form of gymnastics that has increased in popularity over the last decade and due to its concurrence with the formative years of bone development,it may have an important impact on bone health.However,bone density,microarchitecture,and bone strength of competitive trampolinists have not been explored.Therefore,the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between trampolining participation and（1） bone density,area,and microarchitecture;and（2） estimated bone strength and the role of muscle and impact loading in young female adults.Methods：We recruited 29 female participants aged 16–29 years for this study（n=14 trampolinists;n=15 controls）.Skeletal parameters were assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry,high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography（HR-pQCT）,and finit element analysis（FEA）.Muscle strength was measured using dynamometers.Results：Trampolinists had higher bone density at the hip and spine,greater trabecular density and thicker trabeculae at the tibia,as well as larger bones at both the tibia and radius than controls（p〈0.05）.Trampolinists also had higher muscle strength than controls at the lower body with no difference between groups in the upper body.Estimates of bone strength using FEA were greater for trampolinists than controls at both the radius and tibia.Conclusion：This is the firs study to investigate bone density,area,and microarchitecture in female trampolinists using HR-p QCT.Trampolinists had greater bone density,area,microarchitecture,and estimated bone strength than controls.

Tuberous sclerosis complex-lymphangioleiomyomatosis involving several visceral organs:A case report

BACKGROUND Lymphangioleiomyomatosis(LAM)is a rare cystic lung disease characterized by the proliferation,metastasis,and infiltration of smooth muscle cells in the lung and other tissues,which can be associated with tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC).The disorder of TSC has a variable expression,and there is great phenotypic variability.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old Chinese woman with a history of multiple renal angioleiomyolipoma presented with a productive cough persisting for over 2 wk.Highresolution chest computed tomography revealed interstitial changes,multiple pulmonary bullae,bilateral pulmonary nodules,and multiple fat density areas of the inferior mediastinum.Conventional and contrast ultrasonography revealed multiple high echogenic masses of the liver,kidneys,retroperitoneum,and inferior mediastinum.These masses were diagnosed as angiomyolipomas.Pathology through thoracoscopic lung biopsy confirmed LAM.Furthermore,high-throughput genome sequencing of peripheral blood DNA confirmed the presence of a heterozygous mutation,c.1831C>T(p.Arg611Trp),of the TSC2 gene.The patient was diagnosed with TSC-LAM.CONCLUSION We highlight a rare case of TSC-LAM and the first report of a mediastinum lymphangioleiomyoma associated with TSC-LAM.

Rare imaging findings of hypersensitivity pneumonitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Hypersensitivity pneumonitis(HP)is an immune-mediated syndrome caused by allergen inhalation.High-resolution computed tomography(HRCT)of HP may show diffuse ground-glass opacity,centrilobular ground-glass nodules,areas of air-trapping,thin-walled cysts,or fibrotic changes.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old male patient went to the hospital complaining of cough and gradual aggravation of shortness of breath.HRCT of the lung showed that multiple nodules and ground-glass high-density shadows were present in both lungs.In addition,circular high-density shadows of various sizes were widely distributed in both lungs with relatively normal lung markings inside them.But other tests did not have a positive finding that can clarify the cause.Therefore,the patient underwent a lung biopsy.The pathological results showed that the lesions tended to be HP.After 4 mo of follow-up,the lesions in the patient's lungs were absorbed spontaneously,and the symptoms of cough and shortness of breath have disappeared.The review results suggested that the patient's disease was self-healing,which was consistent with the characteristics of HP.CONCLUSION For some patients with HP,abnormal HRCT findings,such as the lesions in the lungs,can be absorbed on their own,which is an important clue in the diagnosis of the disease.Early diagnosis by lung biopsy is necessary when antigen exposure is unknown.

Imaging related to underlying immunological and pathological processes in COVID-19

The introduction of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)as a global pandemic has contributed to overall morbidity and mortality.With a focus on understanding the immunology and pathophysiology of the disease,these features can be linked with the respective findings of imaging studies.Thus,the constellation between clinical presentation,histological,laboratory,immunological,and imaging results is crucial for the proper management of patients.The purpose of this article is to examine the role of imaging during the particular stages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection–asymptomatic stage,typical and atypical COVID-19 pneumonia,acute respiratory distress syndrome,multiorgan failure,and thrombosis.The use of imaging methods to assess the severity and duration of changes is crucial in patients with COVID-19.Radiography and computed tomography are among the methods that allow accurate characterization of changes.

转化生长因子β1基因启动子区C-509T多态性与儿童哮喘易感性及气道重塑关系研究

目的探讨转化生长因子β1（TGF-p1）基因启动子区C-509T多态性对儿童哮喘易感性及对气道重塑的影响。方法收集2008年3月至2010年10月新乡医学院第一附属医院呼吸内科和儿科住院及门诊哮喘患儿110例为哮喘组，其中男61例、女49例；选择同期住院非呼吸系统疾病患儿144例为对照组。采用以医院为基础的病例对照研究方法，C-509T多态性用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性分析（PCR-RFLP）技术进行基因分型；运用高分辨率CT（HRCT）扫描并测量能显示支气管横截面的气道壁内外径、内外腔面积，通过公式计算出气道壁厚度与外径比（T／D）、气道壁面积占气道总横截面积百分比（WA％）。结果哮喘组C-509T位点T等位基因频率显著高于对照组（P=0．006，OR=1．66，95％CI：1．16-2．37）。相比较TT和TC基因型，CC基因型携带者哮喘患病危险性明显降低（P=0．004，OR=0．46，95％CI：0．27-0．79）。轻中度喘组wA％为（67．41±10．72）％、重度哮喘纽为（73．65±9．94）％，与对照组（63．26±8．12）％比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）；重度哮喘组T／D值显著高于轻中度组。携带cT和TT基因型患儿的T／D、WA％显著高于cC基因型（P〈0．05）。结论TGF-Bl基因启动子区C-509T位点多态性与儿童哮喘发病相关，同时该位点多态性亦可能是哮喘气道重塑的影响因素之一。

Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea secondary to congenital inner ear dysplasia: diagnosis and management of 18 cases

Objective:To describe the characteristics of the clinical presentation,diagnosis,surgical methods,and outcomes of patients with otogenic cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leakage secondary to congenital inner ear dysplasia.Methods:A retrospective review was performed of 18 patients with otogenic CSF leakage secondary to inner ear dysplasia who underwent surgery in our group from 2007 to 2017 and had a follow-up of at least 4 months.The average length of follow-up was three years.The characteristics of the clinical presentations of all patients,such as self-reported symptoms,radiographic findings,surgical approaches and methods of repair,position of the leakage during surgery,and postoperative course,including the success rate of surgery,are presented.Results:The patients presented mostly with typical symptoms of meningitis,severe hearing impairment,and CSF otorrhea or rhinorrhea.All 18 patients had at least one previous episode of meningitis accompanied by a severe hearing impairment.The preoperative audiograms of 17 patients showed profound sensorineural hearing loss,and one patient had conductive hearing loss.Twelve patients presented with an initial onset of otorrhea,and two had accompanying rhinorrhea.Six patients complained of rhinorrhea,two of whom were misdiagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea and underwent transnasal endoscopy at another hospital.High-resolution computed tomography(HRCT)images can reveal developments in the inner ear,such as expansion of a vestibular cyst,unclear structure of the semicircular canal or cochlea,or signs of effusion in the middle ear or mastoid,which strongly suggest the possibility of CSF otorrhea.The children in the study suffered more severe dysplasia than adults.All 18 patients had CSF leakage identified during surgery.The most common defect sites were in the stapes footplates(55.6%),and 38.9%of patients had a leak around the oval window.One patient had a return of CSF otorrhea during the postoperative period,which did not re-occur following a second repair.Conclusions:CSF otorrhea due to congenital inner ear dysplasia is more severe in children than in adults.The most common symptoms were meningitis,hearing impairment,and CSF otorrhea or rhinorrhea.HRCT has high diagnostic accuracy for this disease.The most common fistula site was around the oval window,including the stapes footplates and the annular ligament.

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia： unusual lung disorder and an update

Background Giant cell interstitial pneumonia （GIP） was a rare form of pneumoconiosis,associated with exposure to hard metals,which had been reported mostly as isolated case reports.We described eight cases of GIP diagnosed in our hospital during the past seven years,with particular reference to new findings.Methods Eight patients with GIP confirmed by biopsy in the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University from 2005 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.For each patient,the occupy histories and medical records were thoroughly reviewed and clinic data were extracted.Two radiologists,without knowledge of any of the clinical and functional findings,independently reviewed the HRCT scans of all patients.Follow-up data were collected.Results Among the eight patients,seven had a history of exposure to hard metal dusts,one denied an exposure history.The most common manifestations were cough and dyspnea.One patient initiated with pneumothorax and another pleural effusion,both of which were uncommon to GIP.The main pathologic appearances were the presence of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells in the alveolar space.The clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities were obviously improved after cessation of exposure and receiving corticosteroid treatments,recurrences were observed in two patients when they resumed work.In spite of exposure cessation and corticosteroid treatment,one patient developed pulmonary fibrosis at seven years follow-up.Conclusions Awareness of the patients＇ occupational history often provided clues to the diagnosis of GIP.Histopathologic examinations were necessary to establish the right diagnosis.Exposure cessation was of benefit to most patients; however,pulmonary fibrosis was possible in spite of exposure cessation and corticosteroid treatment.Better ways should be found out to improve the outcome and quality of life.

Montelukast improves air trapping, not airway remodeling, in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma： a pilot study

Background Evidence has demonstrated that the distal lung,which includes airways of 〈2 mm in diameter and lung parenchyma,constitutes an important component of asthma pathology.Cysteinyl leukotrienes （CysLTs） are potent proinflammatory mediators and bronchoconstrictors involved in the asthmatic process.Guidelines recommend the leukotriene-modifying agents for asthma treatment.We hypothesized that a leukotriene receptor antagonist with an inhaled corticosteroid （ICS） and long-acting β2 agonist （LABA） combination would improve small airways function in moderate-tosevere asthmatics evaluated by physiological tests and high-resolution computed tomography （HRCT） analysis.This study was performed at a tertiary university hospital in Beijing.Methods This was a randomized,double-blind,parallel study performed in 38 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma treated with salmeterol/fluticasone （SFC） plus montelukast （SFC＋M） or SFC plus placebo over 24 weeks.Small airway function was assessed by physiological studies and HRCT image analysis.Results Montelukast significantly improved air trapping as expressed by the residual volume （RV）/total lung capacity （TLC）.Over 24 weeks of treatment,RV/TLC was improved by （15.41±6.67）% in patients receiving SFC＋M while RV/TLC was decreased by （8.57±10.26）% in patients receiving SFC alone,the difference between the two groups was significant （P=0.02）.There was a trend towards a significant difference in forced expiratory volume in the first second （FEV1）/forced vital capacity （FVC） in the SFC＋M group compared to that in the SFC group （（17.87±8.17）% vs.（12.28±9.20）%,P=0.056）.There was no significant change in percentage wall area （WA%） after 24 weeks of add-on treatment with montelukast.Patients receiving SFC＋M showed significant improvement in the ratio of CT-determined values at full expiration to those at full inspiration （E/I ratio） （0.894±0.005 vs.0.871±0.003,P=0.002）.Conclusion We have shown,using lung function tests and HRCT image technique,that add-on therapy with montelukast improves distal lung function reflected by air trapping,but not airway wall thickness in moderate-to-severe asthma.（ClinicalTrials.gov number,NCT00699062）

Long-term Follow-up of 5 Survivors after the First Outbreak of Human Infections with Avian Influenza A（H7N9） Virus in Shanghai, China

At the end of March 2013, the first case of human infection with avian influenza A（H7N9） virus was confirmed in Shanghai. From April to May 2013, 18 patients with avian influenza A（H7N9） virus infection were hospitalized in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, and finally, 12 of them survived. The short-term prognosis of these patients had been described previously, but the long-term prognosis remained unclear.