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Purpose: Weight-bearing (WB) radiographs are commonly used to judge stability of type B fibula fractures and guide the choice of treatment. Stable fractures can be treated conservatively, and unstable fractures surgically. The question is raised how much weight patients actually put on their broken ankle while making a WB radiograph. The current study will give insight in the actual amount of WB in WB radiographs. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 57 patients with a type B fibula fracture with a medial clear space (MCS) < 6 mm on regular mortise (RM) view who underwent a WB radiograph were included. We designed a ramp with a scale in the plateau where the radiographs were taken. Total body weight (TBW) and amount of WB on the fractured limb were measured. Results: The mean WB on the fractured limb was 49 (13–110) kg and the mean TBW was 79 (45–128) kg, calculating a mean percentage of WB of 63. The mean MCS on the RM radiograph was 3.0 mm, compared to 2.9 mm on the WB radiograph. The mean superior clear space (SCS) was 3.2 mm on the RM view, compared to 3.2 mm on the WB radiograph as well. The average fibular dislocation was 1.5 mm on the RM radiograph, compared to 1.6 mm on the WB radiograph. Conclusion: There is a big variability in the amount of weight-bearing on the ankle when a WB radiograph is made. This is important to keep in mind when assessing the radiographs and deciding on the treatment course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visualizing the internal structure of museum objects is a crucial step in acquiring knowledge about the origin, state, and composition of cultural heritage artifacts. Among the most powerful techniques for exposing the interior of museum objects is computed tomography (CT), a technique that computationally forms a 3D image using hundreds of radiographs acquired in a full circular range. However, the lack of affordable and versatile CT equipment in museums, combined with the challenge of transporting precious collection objects, currently keeps this technique out of reach for most cultural heritage applications. We propose an approach for creating accurate CT reconstructions using only standard 2D radiography equipment already available in most larger museums. Specifically, we demonstrate that a combination of basic X-ray imaging equipment, a tailored marker-based image acquisition protocol, and sophisticated data-processing algorithms, can achieve 3D imaging of collection objects without the need for a costly CT imaging system. We implemented this approach in the British Museum (London), the J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles), and the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam). Our work paves the way for broad facilitation and adoption of CT technology across museums worldwide. Visualising the structure of museum objects is a crucial step in understanding the origin, state, and composition of cultural heritage artifacts. Here the authors present an approach for creating computed tomography reconstructions using only standard 2D radiography equipment already available in most larger museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress radiography is a viable imaging modality that can also be used to assess the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after primary or secondary injury. Because conventional radiography is relatively easy, affordable, and available worldwide, the diagnostic efficacy of ACL standing, lateral decubitus, and supine stress radiography should be evaluated. Purpose: To examine the existing literature regarding the application of stress radiography in evaluating the integrity of the ACL. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases for relevant articles published between 1980 and the present, a systematic review was conducted to identify evidence related to the radiographic diagnosis or assessment of ACL tears. The literature search was conducted in September 2022. Results: Of 495 studies, 16 (1823 patients) were included. Four studies examined standing stress radiography, and 12 investigated lateral decubitus or supine stress radiography. Significant heterogeneity in imaging technique and recorded anterior tibial translation was identified. Anterior tibial translation for ACL-injured knees ranged from 1.2 to 10.6 mm for standing stress radiographs and 2.7 to 11.2 mm for supine stress radiographs, with high sensitivities and specificities for both. Conclusion: Stress radiography was a dependable diagnostic method for identifying ACL rupture. Further research is necessary to determine the ideal anatomic landmarks, optimal patient positioning, and appropriate applied stresses to establish a standardized protocol for both assessing ACL tears and evaluating the postoperative integrity of ACL reconstruction using stress radiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Flexion instability is a common cause for revision after total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, little objective criteria exist to determine excessive laxity in flexion. This study sought to determine the reliability of stress radiographs for flexion laxity using manual stress as well as a commercially available flexion stress device, with the hypothesis that a commercially available force device would provide increased translation compared to manual stress, and radiographic measurements would be reproducible. Methods: Ten patients who previously underwent TKA with non-hinged components were prospectively and consecutively enrolled at a single center to undergo stress radiographs. Three lateral radiographs with the knee at 90° of flexion were obtained for each patient: rest, commercial stress device at 150N, and manual stress. Calibrated radiographs were evaluated by two raters, and inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results: Ten patients (seven female) with mean age 72 (range 55–82) years and average duration from surgery 36 (range 12–96) months were evaluated. The commercial stress device provided significantly less anterior translation than manual stress (− 0.3 mm vs. 3.9 mm; p < 0.01). Two patients reported pain with use of the stress device. Inter-observer reliability of measurements was good for commercial stress (ICC = 0.86) and excellent for manual stress (ICC = 0.94). Eighty-five percent of measurements were within 1 mm between observers. Intra-observer reliability of measurements was good to excellent for both the stress device and manual stress. Conclusions: Lateral stress radiographs may assist in the objective evaluation of flexion instability. A commercially available product provided less translation than manual stress; however, measurements were reliable and reproducible between observers. Further research is required to correlate translation with stress radiographs to patient outcomes following revision arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose -- The low radiation biplanar X-ray imager (EOS imaging, Paris, France) scans patients in a weight-bearing position, provides calibrated images, and limits radiation, an asset for serial radiostereometric analysis (RSA) studies. RSA in vivo precision values have not been published for this type of imaging system, thus the goal of this study was to assess the precision of RSA in vivo utilizing a low radiation biplanar imager. Patients and methods -- At a mean of 5 years post-surgery (range 1.4-7.5 years), 15 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) participants (mean age 67 years at the time of imaging, 12 female, 3 male) with RSA markers implanted during index surgery were scanned twice at the same visit in the EOS imager. Precision of marker-based analysis was calculated by comparing the position of the implant relative to the underlying bone between the 2 examinations. Results -- The 95% limit of precision was 0.11, 0.04, and 0.15 mm along the x, y, and z axes, respectively and 0.15°, 0.20°, and 0.14° around the same axes. Conclusion -- This precision study has shown an in vivo RSA precision of ≤ 0.15 mm and ≤ 0.20°, well within published uniplanar values for conventional arthroplasty RSA, with the added benefit of weight-bearing imaging, a lower radiation dose, and without the need for a reference object during the scan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Salud UIS is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The evaluation of patient doses has gotten more attention, but it's still a concern due to computerized technologies (Digital). Compared to a traditional screen-film system, the advancement of digital technology allows for a 50% reduction in radiation exposure without sacrificing image quality. Digital system provides similar or better diagnostic performance and several additional benefits, but there is a risk of overexposure without a negative impact on image quality. Digital radiographic imaging technologies are appropriate for various clinical applications and may produce satisfactory image quality across a wide exposure limit. Over radiation might result in increased dose levels without improving image quality; as a result, experimental data analysis is a continuous process that can provide information on radiation exposure appropriateness. Digital systems, on the other hand, stand out for their adaptability: the acquisition dose may be changed without compromising image quality, as well as vice versa. The imaging settings should be fine-tuned to achieve the optimum results from a given system. Traditional methods of dose containment, including placement and collimation, apply equally well to digital and traditional processes. Dose reduction is becoming increasingly possible because of digital technology. Simultaneously, there is a danger of drastically increasing the patient's dose without realizing it because of a lack of visual control. As a result, digital radiography requires dosage indicators and dose monitoring. A step closer to contemporary radiation protection is the adoption of picture quality classes based on the dose needs of specific clinical indications; manufacturers have made numerous enhancements to digital radiography equipment due to the detector and technological advancements. Because of digital imaging techniques, x-rays can now be stored digitally and used at any time by altering contrast to the viewer's preference. This technique has ensured that no radiographs are lost and enables digital distribution throughout hospitals via web-based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging techniques have been upgraded due to the invention of digital radiography. This advancement has made a massive change in the development of diagnostic procedures. This technique has displaced conventional radiography with digital methods of radiography. This radiography technique was accepted in all kinds of radiography, excluding mammography. There are many assets of using a digital process for imaging, like good quality of image with less dose. It gave accurate diagnosis for assured quality of image with high resolution and to avoid overdose proper guidelines are needed. The technician should be well trained and have adequate knowledge of the appropriate use of digital radiography. The flat detector system depicts a more efficient way to form an image of high quality with a low dose; the quality of the image increases due to the storage phosphor. Many institutions have accepted this digital radiography as it has proven beneficial for diagnostic procedures. Digital radiography has a flat panel detector that results in a high-resolution image. It has been noticed that screenfilm radiography has been superseded by Digital radiography. Nowadays, manufacturers have made many improvements derived from the detector and different technology to Digital radiography equipment. Due to digital imaging techniques, x-rays are allowed to store digitally that can use anytime by adjusting contrast according to the interest of vision. This technology has given assurity of not losing any radiograph and allows dispensing throughout hospitals digital by online technology derived from the web. There are so many assets of using digital radiography as it increases patient count. The vigorous high scale of the digital detector with as low as possible radiation dose for the proper usage of this technology, radiologists and radiographers should have adequate knowledge of various technical postulates & image calibre. They should know how to tackle the problem of overexposure or radiation dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortcomings of the previously proposed method for calculating the total filtration of the X-ray beam, the first and second half-value layers, and the radiation homogeneity coefficient from the radiation spectrum of the X-ray machine are identified. An improved modification of the method is proposed. The calculation procedure and formulas are described, and their applicability for processing experimental data is evaluated. It is shown that the use of the proposed modification of the method allows reducing the maximum differences between the experimental and calculated values of the radiation parameters of the X-ray machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: diagnostic radiology plays a key role in healthcare. Proper planning of healthcare requires accurate and robust data. There's, however, paucity of comprehensive figures on radiological equipment in the African setting. The goal of this study was to carry out an in-depth analysis of the registered radiological equipment in Kenya, a lower middle-income African country, and compare the findings to published international data. Methods: data on radiological equipment were obtained from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority and analyzed as units/million of the population by imaging modality, health service sector and administrative units. The findings were then compared to published international data. Results: there has been an overall increase in the number of radiological equipment in comparison to data published in 2013, with a relatively uniform distribution of resources across all eight regions. General radiography is the most available modality at 24.5 units/million with the majority of the equipment owned privately, while the public sector (9.6 units/million) has less than a half of the WHO recommendation of 20 units/million. Accessibility to computerized tomography (CT) scan, fluoroscopy and mammography in the public sector closely mirrors that of South Africa. On the contrary, positron emission tomography-computerized tomography (PET-CT) is the least-resourced modality and is currently only available in the private sector. Conclusion: the increased number and homogenous distribution of radiological resources can largely be attributed to the Managed Equipment Services project launched by the national government in 2016. More needs to be done with regards to availability of PET/CT scanners and general radiography equipment in the public sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the digital radiology rejection rates and reasoning pre-COVID-19 (PC) and during COVID-19 (DC) from September 2019 to August 2020. Methods: This record-base retrospective study where data were extracted from the radiography equipment (Carestream Health, Rochester, New York, USA) at the Department of Radiology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia over 12 months. The data were equally divided into PC and DC. Results: The DC rejection rate decreased from PC by 2.6% with a significant p=0.00001. During COVID-19 there were 15,376 images of different body parts, versus 23,861 images during PC. Position errors were the main reasons for rejection for both PC (39.8%) and DC (42.7%), followed by technique errors (PC: 19.2%) (DC: 17.2%). Conclusion: Different sectors in hospitals were affected by COVID-19, including diagnostic radiology, in the positive direction. Thus, the DC rejection rate was markedly reduced compared with PC. This may be due to radiology technicians becoming more cautious in dealing with patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In medical devices, nonconformance with Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard is a serious risk. DICOM nonconformance radiology devices could cause undetected image loss, increasing examination time, and costs in health centers and could even result in the wrong patient treatment. However, there is a rich literature on medical standards that identify the best practices for producing safe and effective medical software. However, these standards do not expressly provide tools to deal with all the relevant DICOM compatibility issues in a specific case. This study aims to introduce a systematic software development workflow that complies with medical standards and ensures DICOM conformance of a new or upgraded radiology software project. In this approach, DICOM conformance gets the highest priority, and the whole software project is organized around it. Software requirement analysis, risk evaluation, and test management tasks are arranged systematically to make the final device DICOM conformant. This conceptual framework was developed during the R&D work towards a novel radiography device, and it could be employed as a roadmap in other medical imaging software projects. The proposed methodology controls the DICOM compatibility risk of the final software, and its systematic evaluation complied with medical standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To identify the amount of C-arm preparation or instruction that recent graduates received in their radiography programs before starting clinical rotations and to determine whether completing more rotations increased their confidence in operating C-arm equipment. Methods Members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists' Graduate Bridge program who indicated a primary pathway in radiography received an invitation to complete the C-arm confidence survey and self-report their C-arm experiences during clinical education. Results A third of the participants indicated they received preparation or instruction on C-arm equipment before beginning clinical rotations, with the majority of those indicating they had completed a C-arm laboratory. Almost half of the participants indicated that they were assigned to a minimum of 4 surgical rotations during their radiography program; nearly two-thirds indicated that they were not assigned additional clinical experience with C-arm equipment beyond those rotations. Discussion Participants who completed 4 or more surgical rotations during their radiography clinical education reported significantly higher confidence levels regarding operating C-arm equipment compared with those participants who completed 3 surgical rotations (P = .005), 2 surgical rotations (P = .001), or 1 surgical rotation (P = .001). Those participants who completed more C-arm rotations reported significantly higher confidence in operating C-arm equipment than did those who completed only surgical rotations (P = .01). A Pearson correlation coefficient also revealed a significant positive relationship between participants' confidence levels after completing surgical and other C-arm rotations (P = .01). Participants' confidence levels increased after completing surgical rotations and other C-arm rotations such as in pain management and interventional radiography. Conclusion Program directors, clinical coordinators, and radiography educators should consider implementing specific instruction on C-arm use and assigning students to more clinical rotations to increase students' confidence in their C-arm skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses have a vital role in providing nursing care to patients requiring mobile radiography. Mobile radiography is requested when a patient's condition makes it impossible for them to be transported to the radiology department. All health professionals involved in mobile radiography, such as nurses, medical doctors and radiographers should be knowledgeable in this area. This is even more important in current practice, where nurse consultants and nurse advanced practitioners are assessing and referring patients for limited radiological examinations. However, there is little literature to equip nurses with knowledge about mobile radiography. The aim of this article is to raise awareness of this subject at a time when the number of patients requiring mobile radiography has increased globally, due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 require portable chest X-rays to diagnose complications of the disease, such as pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This technical note presents an inexpensive tool and method for determining lead equivalency using digital radiography x‐ray equipment. Methods: A test tool was developed using commercially available lead tape (3M™ Lead Foil Tape 421). The test tool consisted of nine varying lead thick squares arranged in a larger square (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 1.0 mm). It was imaged on a DR plate with a digital portable x‐ray unit across a range of energies (60–120 kVp) and two beam filtrations. Lead equivalency was determined by using the linear relationship between dose to the detector and pixel values in the raw images. The lead equivalency of the tape was validated using known lead thicknesses (physically measured with caliper). Additional lead equivalency measurements were made for protective eyewear, a thyroid shield, and a lead apron. Results: The test tool and method measured the two known lead thicknesses to be –9.7% to 7.1% different from the actual values across the range of energies under normal x‐ray beam conditions and under a 1‐mm copper filtered x‐ray beam. The additional lead equivalency measurements of radiation protection apparel across energies ranged from –6% to 20% for both beam conditions when compared with the values provided by the manufacturer. Conclusion: This work validates the test tool and methodology as an inexpensive alternative to checking the lead equivalency of radiation protection apparel in a clinical setting. The methodology is equipment independent with a few prerequisites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the routine monitoring of digital X-ray diagnostic systems is presented, with assessment of the performance of the X-ray unit and the digital detector by medical staff before the patient arrives. The operability (inoperability) of one part or another is determined from results obtained by indirect assessment of anode voltage, the quantity of electricity, and the gain and the level of internal noise in the X-ray receiver. The time required for testing is generally no more than 5 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This in vitro investigation aimed to determine the radiopacity of eight recently introduced "flowable" restorative resin composites and to compare their radiodensities to those of enamel, dentin, and a widely used composite marketed tor universal application in anterior and posterior teeth. Method and materials: A total of 45 composite specimens were fabricated in cylindrical molds and exposed to a curing light for 120 seconds. Two methods were used to determine radiopacity: a transmission densitometer and a computer-assisted densitometric image analysis station. Results: Of the eight flowable resin composites tested, only three exhibited a radiopacity equal to or greater than that of enamel, a widely followed guideline for clinicians' diagnostic ability. The radiopacity of the remaining five materials was not statistically significantly greater than that of dentin. Conclusion: The level of radiopacity of the tested flowable composites was variable; those with low radiodensity should be avoided in Class II restorations, where a clear determination of recurrent caries by the examining clinician could be compromised. (Quintessence Int 1999;30:179-184) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ISO method was used to study the X-ray sensitometric characteristics of blue and green screen/film systems for general radiography, including blue-sensitive and orthochromatic films most widely used in Russia. Speed, average gradient, and minimum and maximum density values were compared for films automatically processed using chemicals from three manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to validate the reproducibility of 3D reconstructions of the spine using a new reduced micro-dose protocol.Methods: First, semi-quantitative image analysis was performed using an anthropomorphic child phantom undergoing low-dose biplanar radiography. This analysis was used to establish a "lowest dose" allowing for acceptable visibility of spinal landmarks. Subsequently, a group of 18 scoliotic children, 12 years of age or younger, underwent full-spine biplanar radiography with both micro-dose and the newly defined reduced micro-dose. An intra- and inter-observer reliability study of 3D reconstructions of the spine was performed according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-5725 standard, with three operators.Results: The reduced micro-dose setting corresponded to a theoretical reduction of radiation dose exposure of approximately 58%. In vivo results showed acceptable intra- and inter-observer reliability (for instance, 3.8° uncertainty on Cobb angle), comparable to previous studies on 3D spine reconstruction reliability and reproducibility based on stereo-radiography.Conclusion: A new reduced micro-dose protocol offered reliable 3D reconstructions of the spine in patients with mild scoliosis. However, the quality of 3D reconstructions from both reduced micro-dose and micro-dose was inferior to standard-dose protocol on most parameters. Standard-dose protocol remains the option of choice for most accurate assessment and 3D reconstruction of the spine. Still, this new protocol offers a preliminary screening option and a follow-up tool for children with mild scoliosis yielding extremely low radiation and could replace micro-dose protocol for these patients.Key Points: • We investigated the reliability of 3D reconstructions of the spine based on a new stereo-radiography protocol reducing radiation dose by 58% compared with established micro-dose imaging protocol. • The new reduced micro-dose protocol offers a reproducible preliminary screening option and a follow-up tool in the necessarily frequent repeat imaging of children with mild scoliosis yielding extremely low radiation and could replace existing micro-dose protocol for these patients. • EOS standard-dose protocol remains the option of choice for exact radiographic assessment of scoliosis, offering more exact 3D reproducibility of the spine compared to both micro-dose and the new reduced micro-dose protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Military Engineer / Hadmérnök is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Study Design: A prospective case series.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess a new protocol for full spine X-ray using copper (Cu) filters to reduce radiation exposure in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).Summary Of Background Data: Radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer development in children. To reduce the radiation exposure without compromising the image quality using existing radiographic equipment, a new computed radiography protocol was optimized using a variety of heavy metal filters.Methods: Study 1: Whole spine radiographs were obtained using a human body phantom, and radiation doses without and with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm thick Cu filters were compared. Study 2: Patients with AIS who underwent posterior fusion were radiographically evaluated at follow-ups; the X-ray protocols with or without the use of 0.2-mm Cu filters were alternated between consecutive follow-ups. The image quality was independently evaluated using six points in the anterior-posterior (AP) view and seven in the lateral [left-right (LR)] view by three spine surgeons using a three-point grading system.Results: Study 1: The surface doses while obtaining nonfiltered X-rays in AP and LR views were 0.31 and 0.93 mGy, respectively, whereas those with 0.1-, 0.2-, and 0.3-mm Cu filters were 0.16 and 0.52, 0.11 and 0.36, and 0.08 and 0.27 mGy, respectively.Study 2: In patients with AIS, the percentage of grade 3 scores (both endplates were identifiable) on AP-view images was 85% with nonfiltered X-rays and 75% with the filtered X-rays. However, there were no significant differences between the two protocols. On LR images, the frequency of grade 3 scores was significantly lower at Th2 and Th12 on filtered images than on nonfiltered ones.Conclusion: Whole spine radiographs using 0.2-mm Cu filters in patients with AIS could reduce radiation exposure more than 60% while preserving the image quality.Level Of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various developments in dental radiography and dental radiographic apparatus. Dental radiographic apparatuses are divided into those which are used to radiograph teeth and those which are used to perform the radiography of the dentition and partial skull. In the first generation of dental radiographic equipment, there is a large separation between the electrotechnical, high-tension parts of the radiographic tube, and energy transfer is accomplished through free hanging directed maximum tension cables. Lead-rubber and lead-glass coverings are used to protect the patients from radiation. The article also presents several photographs of the radiographic equipments.

The COVID 19 pandemic affected various sectors of the global economy with consequences for clinical radiography practice and training. The objective of the study is to determine the availability of equipment/accessories and the attitude of radiographers toward infection control/ hygiene before and after the second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic. This cross-sectional prospective research survey used questionnaires divided into two sections. Sections A and B were used to elicit the participants' socio-demographic data and the availability of equipment/accessories as well as the hygiene/infection control practices by radiographers in two tertiary hospitals in Anambra state of Nigeria. The items in the questionnaire were reviewed by a panel of two experts for reproducibility and validity. The questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 80 radiographers selected by convenience sampling from a population of 90 radiographers that met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics were used for analyzing the questionnaires at a 5% level of significance using the SPSS version 23. 30(33.3%) and 60 (66.7%) of the respondents were female and males respectively.80(89%), 0(0%), 10(11%), 20(22%) and 77(85.6%), 85(94.4%), 24(26.7%), and 69(76.7%) of the respondents used running water, alcohol sanitizers and disposable towels/wipes to clean their hands or disinfected the radiography equipment/accessories after attending to a patient before and after Covid 19 pandemic respectively. The availability and use of accessories/personnel protective equipment when attending to a suspected Covid 19 or infectious patient were 20(22%) pre- covid 19 and 84(93%) post- covid 19. Clinical radiography lectures and examinations for student radiographers involve social distancing 90(100%), use of face masks 90(100%), and online 70(78%), respectively. There is a transition to online lectures for clinical radiography students and improved personnel hygiene and cleanliness of radiography equipment/ accessories in the studied population post- COVID 19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Musculoskeletal calcifications are frequent on radiographs and sometimes problematic. The goal of this article is to help radiologists to make the correct diagnosis when faced with an extraosseous musculoskeletal calcification. One should first differentiate a calcification from an ossification or a foreign body and then locate the calcification correctly. Each location has a specific short differential diagnosis, with minimal further investigation necessary. Intra-tendon calcifications are most frequently associated with hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD). In most cases, intra-articular calcifications are caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease. Soft tissue calcification can be caused by secondary tumoural calcinosis from renal insufficiency, or collagen vascular diseases and by vascular calcifications, either arterial or venous (phlebolith).Teaching Points: • Calcifications have to be differentiated form ossification and foreign body.• A musculoskeletal MRI study must always be correlated with a radiograph.• The clinical manifestations of calcifications may sometimes mimic septic arthritis or sarcoma.• HADD and CPPD crystal deposition have a distinct appearance on radiograph.• Calcinosis is more frequently caused by chronic renal failure and scleroderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the rationale, the surgical technique, and the short-term follow-up results of a new minimally invasive treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with an angioconductive bioceramic rod (ABR) implant.Methods: Sixty-two patients (72 hips) with ARCO stage IIA-IIIC ONFH treated with the minimally invasive ABR from January 2012 to December 2016 were reviewed (17 females, 45 males, mean age 44.49). This technique used the angioconductive properties of the porous implant to repair the necrosis by driving vascularization from the trochanter to the necrotic area. Patients had a mean follow-up period of 26.74 months. The outcomes were evaluated by hip joint survival, radiograph, and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). The complications occurred during the treatment period were recorded.Results: No serious post-operative complications occurred during the treatment. The overall joint survival rate was 90.27%, with seven conversions to THA. Improvements were observed in 23 (31.95%) hips, 24 (33.33%) hips remained stable, and 25 (34.72%) hips had worse results according to the radiographic evaluation. The mean HHS at the end follow-up significantly improved compared to the pre-operative mean HHS (82.27 vs 58.14, p < 0.001). In both radiographic evaluation and HHS, the treatment was more effective on patients beneath 44 years old (p < 0.05); ARCO stage II compared to stage III (p < 0.05); and China-Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) type C compared to CJFH type L (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The minimally invasive treatment of ONFH with ABR showed promising results in delaying or even terminating the progression of the necrosis and improving hip function, especially in younger patients and in the early stages of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare two exposure modes on image quality and radiation dose when used for double lower extremities full -length photography so as to provide guidance for clinical application. Methods Totally 60 patients undergoing double lower extremities full-length photography were selected with sequential experiment and then divided into two groups randomly and equally, of whom, there were four ones with genu varum. In the two groups, one group applied the exposure mode of AEC, and the other involved in FIXED mode. Then the two groups were compared on image quality and radiation dose. Results The exposure radiation to the patient under FIXED mode was higher than that under AEC mode although the common patients had the image quality with no significant difference in the two groups, and FIXED mode resulted in higher image quality for the patients with genu varum than AEC mode. Conclusion Exposure modes have effects on image quality and exposure dose, and it's suggested that AEC mode be applied for common patients from the aspect of radiation protection while FIXED mode be used for the patients with genu varum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IMAT is a new cold neutron imaging and diffraction instrument located at the second target station of the pulsed neutron spallation source ISIS, UK. A broad range of materials science and materials testing areas will be covered by IMAT. We present the characterization of the imaging part, including the energy-selective and energy-dispersive imaging options, and provide the basic parameters of the radiography and tomography instrument. In particular, detailed studies on mono and bi-dimensional neutron beam flux profiles, neutron flux as a function of the neutron wavelength, spatial and energy dependent neutron beam uniformities, guide artifacts, divergence and spatial resolution, and neutron pulse widths are provided. An accurate characterization of the neutron beam at the sample position, located 56 m from the source, is required to optimize collection of radiographic and tomographic data sets and for performing energy-dispersive neutron imaging via time-of-flight methods in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), treatment planning images are acquired in the recumbent position. However, treatment is occasionally performed in the sitting position. For BNCT treatment planning, we investigated the usability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using digital radiography equipment that allows imaging in the sitting position. The dose calculation results in both CBCT and fan beam CT were in good agreement. This method will eliminate the posture difference between planning and treatment. • CBCT images using digital radiography equipment are a potential tool for BNCT treatment planning. • CBCT using digital radiography equipment can be used with the patient sitting or standing. • Posture differences between planning and treatment will be eliminated by this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current neutron detection relies on 3He detectors, which are prone to material shortages, and suffer from poor spatial resolution. Such inadequacies make 3He unsuitable for new applications in state-of-the-art spallation sources such as the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Here, we report on the synthesis and application of a novel scintillator material for neutron detection: a mixed halide compound, Eu-doped (0.05 mol. %) 6LixNa1–x (6LNI:Eu). 6LNI:Eu is a bright and efficient scintillator that can be grown in large format, thin films that exhibit microcolumnar structure in their cross section. The ability to grow in a microcolumnar structure means that a resolution of approximately 1 lp/mm can be achieved with neutrons using an electron-multiplying charge coupled device camera, thereby conferring an advantage over other solid (not gaseous) neutron scintillators, such as Cs26LiYCl6:Ce (CLYC) and GS20. The large area format of 6LNI:Eu is a significant advantage for detecting specular reflections in neutron scattering experiments. Moreover, the microcolumnar nature of films permits high-resolution imaging when films are coupled to a-Si:H flat panels, CCD, or CMOS readouts. While not the primary focus, this also makes them suitable for digital neutron radiography. Enriched 6Li was used to increase the neutron absorption cross section of the thin films, while preserving the brightness of the scintillation response. Here, we describe the vapor deposition techniques used to fabricate the 6LNI:Eu scintillator screens and report on the test results. The films were tested at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at ORNL. An efficiency of approximately 43% for 4.1-Å neutrons with a resolution of 650 \mu \textm was measured for a 375- \mu \textm thick film of 6LNI:Eu using a neutron sensitive Anger camera. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context.--Preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions using image-guided wire placement has been a standard of breast imaging, diagnosis, and treatment since its development in the 1970s. With this technique, coordinated, same-day wire placement by the radiologist and surgery are required, which can lead to significant inefficiencies in workflow. Other disadvantages of wire localization (WL) include limitations in surgical incision and dissection route and protruding wires that can be both bothersome for the patient and have risk of displacement. Objective.--To outline several recently developed techniques that could replace traditional WL and eliminate its disadvantages. The first developed was radioactive seed localization (RSL) using I-125, a technique adopted by many institutions during the last few years. The challenge to this method, however, is the strict nuclear regulatory requirements, which can be a significant burden and limitation. The disadvantages ofWL and RSL have provided incentive for the development of other types of preoperative localization procedures. Two of these are recently US Food and Drug Administration--cleared, nonradioactive, non-wire location technologies emerging as alternatives to WL and RSL; SAVI SCOUT (Cianna Medical Inc, Aliso Viejo, California), which uses infrared light and a microimpulse radar reflector, and Magseed (Endomagnetics Inc, Austin, Texas), which uses a magnetic seed for localization. Data Sources.--We review the published literature on non-wire location technologies for breast tissue resection. Conclusions.--Non-wire location techniques are beneficial, allowing image-guided placement before the day of surgery and resulting in improved workflows. These techniques also eliminate bothersome protruding wires, risk of dislodging, and allow the incision site to be independent from the localization site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) was designed as the world's widest synchrotron X-ray beam, enabling both clinical imaging and therapeutic applications for humans as well as the imaging of large animal models. Our group is developing methods for imaging the airways of newly developed CF animal models that display human-like lung disease, such as the CF pig, and we expect that the IMBL can be utilised to image airways in animals of this size.Methods: This study utilised samples of excised tracheal tissue to assess the feasibility, logistics and protocols required for airway imaging in large animal models such as pigs and sheep at the IMBL. We designed an image processing algorithm to automatically track and quantify the tracheal mucociliary transport (MCT) behaviour of 103 μm diameter high refractive index (HRI) glass bead marker particles deposited onto the surface of freshly-excised normal sheep and pig tracheae, and assessed the effects of airway rehydrating aerosols.Results: We successfully accessed and used scavenged tracheal tissue, identified the minimum bead size that is visible using our chosen imaging setup, verified that MCT could be visualised, and that our automated tracking algorithm could quantify particle motion. The imaging sequences show particles propelled by cilia, against gravity, up the airway surface, within a well-defined range of clearance speeds and with examples of 'clumping' behaviour that is consistent with the in vivo capture and mucus-driven transport of particles.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the wide beam at the IMBL is suitable for imaging MCT in ex vivo tissue samples. We are now transitioning to in vivo imaging of MCT in live pigs, utilising higher X-ray energies and shorter exposures to minimise motion blur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background No non-invasive method of observing renal microcirculation in vivo has been established as yet. Although angiography is considered to be ideally suited for the purpose, conventional X-rays cannot be used to image structures smaller than 100 µm. Purpose To develop a method for visualizing the renal arterioles, glomeruli, and proximal tubules of rats in vivo making use of synchrotron radiation. Material and Methods Male Wistar rats were anesthetized, and a catheter was inserted via laparotomy into the abdominal aorta with its tip placed above the renal arteries. The rats were paralyzed with a neuromuscular blocking agent and mechanically ventilated. An inorganic iodine contrast medium was injected via the catheter. The SR derived X-rays transmitted through the subjects were recorded with a CCD camera. Two-dimensional images with a pixel size of 9 µm were obtained. The exposure time was fixed at 50 ms, with a maximum acquisition rate of three images/s. Results Renal arterioles as small as 18 µm in diameter, glomeruli with an average diameter of 173 ± 21 µm, as well as proximal tubules, were clearly visualized. In addition, glomerular density at the peripheral renal cortex was measurable. Conclusion Rat renal microcirculation could be successfully observed in real-time, without exteriorization of the kidney in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers suggestions for calming anxious veterinary patients like cats and dogs. Topics discussed include providing toys and treats like canned pet food in place available for eating for enhancing cooperation, placing nonslip ping mats on surfaces like cage and radiography table for reducing anxiety; and using pheromones to provide relaxation to patient.

As the use of diagnostic X-ray equipment with flat panel detectors (FPDs) has increased, so has the importance of proper management of FPD systems. To ensure quality control (QC) of FPD system, an easy method for evaluating FPD imaging performance for both stationary and moving objects is required. Until now, simple rotatable QC phantoms have not been available for the easy evaluation of the performance (spatial resolution and dynamic range) of FPD in imaging moving objects. We developed a QC phantom for this purpose. It consists of three thicknesses of copper and a rotatable test pattern of piano wires of various diameters. Initial tests confirmed its stable performance. Our moving phantom is very useful for QC of FPD images of moving objects because it enables visual evaluation of image performance (spatial resolution and dynamic range) easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been prompted by the importance of the provisions of the treaty for the accession of Romania to the European Union, which contains safeguard clauses and transitory measures, as well as the specific provision that, if serious deficiencies exist in adopting and applying the acquis in the fields of economy, internal market and justice and internal affairs, heavy sanctions can be adopted. In this respect, the accession also had a series of specific accompanying measures, instituted in order to prevent or to remedy various deficiencies in the fields of food safety, agricultural funding, judiciary reform and fight against corruption. The goal of the article is to make a statistical analysis of the Instruments totake radiographies of Corruption of Romania in comparison with the other countries of the EU and the rest of the world, to identify the progress made by our country in the reform of the judiciary and in the fight against corruption. The main subject of the scientific research is determined by the necessity to allow citizens and enterprises in Romania to enjoy the benefit of their rights as EU citizens, because without irreversible progress in these fields, Romania risks being incapable to correctly apply EU law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]