New Alkaloids and Steroids from Hydranth of Goniopora columna Corals and Their Inhibiting Lung Cancer Cell Activities.

A new alkaloids, aplysingoniopora A (1), and new configuration pregnane type steroid compound, 9,17-α-pregn-1,4,20-en-3-one (2), and two known pregnane type steroid compounds (3 and 4) were isolated from hydranth of Goniopora columna corals. The compounds structures and absolute configurations were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, MS data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and quantum chemical calculation. The anticancer effect of the compounds were explored in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell lines. As the results, the compound 3 and 4 induces toxicity and has proliferation inhibitory effects on A549 cells (IC50=58.99 µM and 58.77 µM, respectively) in vitro.

Integrative taxonomy of the subfamily Orbioninae (Crustacea: Isopoda) based on mitochondrial and nuclear data with evidence that supports Epicaridea as a suborder.

Epicaridea is a group of isopods with high morphological diversity, reduction and loss of characters, and strong sexual dimorphism due to their parasitic lifestyles but their systematics is not well understood. Despite the use of nuclear and mitochondrial genes to test the phylogeny of many invertebrate groups, few molecular data from epicarideans are known, especially from the subfamily Orbioninae. Species in this group are obligate penaeoid shrimp parasites and the lack molecular data has hampered studies on the phylogeny of Orbioninae. To rectify this, mitochondrial and nuclear genes of 9 orbionine species are sequenced here. Compared to the isopod ground pattern, the sequences of orbionines seem to be more plastic near the control region and major translocations are located between rrns and cob. A phylogenetic analysis based on three data sets showed strong support for a monophyletic Orbioninae and that Epicaridea should be accepted at the rank of a suborder within Isopoda. The monophyly of Parapenaeon and Orbione is in doubt based on morphological and molecular data. The genus Parapenaeon is revised and a new genus Aparapenaeon is erected for Parapenaeon japonica and three closely related species.

Thiol-Responsive Polypeptide Sulfur Dioxide Prodrug Nanoparticles for Effective Tumor Inhibition.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) based gas therapy has emerged as a novel anticancer therapeutic strategy because of its high therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. To precisely adjust the SO2 content and control gas release, herein, a thiol-responsive polypeptide SO2 prodrug mPEG-block-poly(2-amino-6-(2,4-dinitrophenylsulfonamido)hexanoic acid) (PEG-b-PLys-DNs) was designed and facilely synthesized by polymerization of a novel N-carboxyanhydride SO2-NCA. The anticancer potential of the self-assembled nanoparticles (SO2-NPs) was investigated in detail. First, PEG-b-PLys-DNs were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of SO2-NCA, which self-assembled into NPs sized 88.4 nm in aqueous. Subsequently, SO2-NPs were endocytosed into 4T1 cells and quickly released SO2 under a high concentration of glutathione in tumor cells. This process depleted cellular glutathione, generated reactive oxygen species, and dramatically increased oxidative stress, which led to cancer cell apoptosis. Finally, the in vivo anticancer efficacy of SO2-NPs was verified in 4T1-tumor-bearing mice. Our results indicated that this novel SO2 polymeric prodrug has great potential in eradicating tumors.

How Do Cancer-Specific Computed Tomography Protocols Compare With the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry? An Analysis of Computed Tomography Dose at 2 Cancer Centers.

BACKGROUND: Little guidance exists on how to stratify radiation dose according to diagnostic task. Changing dose for different cancer types is currently not informed by the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry dose survey. METHODS: A total of 9602 patient examinations were pulled from 2 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. Computed tomography dose (CTDI vol ) was extracted, and patient water equivalent diameter was calculated. N-way analysis of variance was used to compare the dose levels between 2 protocols used at site 1, and three protocols used at site 2. RESULTS: Sites 1 and 2 both independently stratified their doses according to cancer indications in similar ways. For example, both sites used lower doses ( P < 0.001) for follow-up of testicular cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Median dose at median patient size from lowest to highest dose level for site 1 were 17.9 (17.7-18.0) mGy (mean [95% confidence interval]) and 26.8 (26.2-27.4) mGy. For site 2, they were 12.1 (10.6-13.7) mGy, 25.5 (25.2-25.7) mGy, and 34.2 (33.8-34.5) mGy. Both sites had higher doses ( P < 0.001) between their routine and high-image-quality protocols, with an increase of 48% between these doses for site 1 and 25% for site 2. High-image-quality protocols were largely applied for detection of low-contrast liver lesions or subtle pelvic pathology. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that 2 cancer centers independently choose to stratify their cancer doses in similar ways. Sites 1 and 2 dose data were higher than the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry dose survey data. We thus propose including a cancer-specific subset for the dose registry.

Recent progress on the construction and application of dithienylethene-based photochromic AIEgens.

Photochromic fluorescent materials have rapidly developed as a new class of intelligent materials, offering a unique combination of traditional photochromic and organic fluorescent materials. These materials possess remarkable photoresponsiveness that can be observed by the naked eye and exhibit fluorescence color change. Consequently, they have found widespread applications in various domains, including molecular switches, logic encryption, medical diagnosis and treatment, and biosensors. Among the multitude of photochromic systems, those based on dithienylethenes (DTEs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional photochromic efficiency, commendable reversible photoresponse and fatigue resistance, as well as excellent photostability and thermal stability. Nevertheless, these photochromic fluorescent materials continue to grapple with the issue of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), a common problem faced by traditional fluorescent materials. Therefore, the integration of DTE systems with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) systems presents a promising solution to tackle this predicament, enabling an improved quantum yield for photochromic fluorescent materials in their aggregated state and broadening their range of applications. This review comprehensively summarizes and evaluates the construction strategies and application prospects of DTE-based photochromic AIE luminogens (AIEgens) in recent years, while also providing an outlook on their future development.

Reduced-Dose Deep Learning Reconstruction for Abdominal CT of Liver Metastases.

Background Assessment of liver lesions is constrained as CT radiation doses are lowered; evidence suggests deep learning reconstructions mitigate such effects. Purpose To evaluate liver metastases and image quality between reduced-dose deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) and standard-dose filtered back projection (FBP) contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. Materials and Methods In this prospective Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study (September 2019 through April 2021), participants with biopsy-proven colorectal cancer and liver metastases at baseline CT underwent standard-dose and reduced-dose portal venous abdominal CT in the same breath hold. Three radiologists detected and characterized lesions at standard-dose FBP and reduced-dose DLIR, reported confidence, and scored image quality. Contrast-to-noise ratios for liver metastases were recorded. Summary statistics were reported, and a generalized linear mixed model was used. Results Fifty-one participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 57 years ± 13; 31 men) were evaluated. The mean volume CT dose index was 65.1% lower with reduced-dose CT (12.2 mGy) than with standard-dose CT (34.9 mGy). A total of 161 lesions (127 metastases, 34 benign lesions) with a mean size of 0.7 cm ± 0.3 were identified. Subjective image quality of reduced-dose DLIR was superior to that of standard-dose FBP (P < .001). The mean contrast-to-noise ratio for liver metastases of reduced-dose DLIR (3.9 ± 1.7) was higher than that of standard-dose FBP (3.5 ± 1.4) (P < .001). Differences in detection were identified only for lesions 0.5 cm or smaller: 63 of 65 lesions detected with standard-dose FBP (96.9%; 95% CI: 89.3, 99.6) and 47 lesions with reduced-dose DLIR (72.3%; 95% CI: 59.8, 82.7). Lesion accuracy with standard-dose FBP and reduced-dose DLIR was 80.1% (95% CI: 73.1, 86.0; 129 of 161 lesions) and 67.1% (95% CI: 59.3, 74.3; 108 of 161 lesions), respectively (P = .01). Lower lesion confidence was reported with a reduced dose (P < .001). Conclusion Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) improved CT image quality at 65% radiation dose reduction while preserving detection of liver lesions larger than 0.5 cm. Reduced-dose DLIR demonstrated overall inferior characterization of liver lesions and reader confidence. Clinical trial registration no. NCT03151564 © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Lithium Storage Performance Boosted via Delocalizing Charge in Znx Co1- x PS3 /CoS2 of 2D/3D Heterostructure.

A promising anode material consisting of bimetallic thiophosphate Znx Co1- x PS3 and CoS2 with 2D/3D heterostructure is designed and prepared by an effective chemical transformation. Density functional theory calculations illustrate that the Zn2+ can effectively modulate the electrical ordering of Znx Co1- x PS3 on the nanoscale: the reduced charge distribution emerging around the Zn ions can enhance the local built-in electric field, which will accelerate the ions migration rate by Coulomb forces and provide tempting opportunities for manipulating Li+ storage behavior. Moreover, the merits of the large planar size enable Znx Co1- x PS3 to provide abundant anchoring sites for metallic CoS2 nanocubes, generating a 2D/3D heterostructure with a strong electric field. The resultant Znx Co1- x PS3 /CoS2 can offer the combined advantages of bimetallic alloying and heterostructure in lithium storage applications, leading to outstanding performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Consequently, a high capacity of 794 mA h g-1 can be retained after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g-1 . Even at 3.0 A g-1 , a satisfactory capacity of 465 mA h g-1 can be delivered. The appealing alloying-heterostructure and electrochemical performance of this bimetallic thiophosphate demonstrate its great promise for applications in practical rechargeable batteries.

Targeting the forkhead box protein P1 pathway as a novel therapeutic approach for cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and encompasses diverse diseases of the vasculature, myocardium, cardiac electrical circuit, and cardiac development. Forkhead box protein P1 (Foxp1) is a large multi-domain transcriptional regulator belonging to the Fox family with winged helix DNA-binding protein, which plays critical roles in cardiovascular homeostasis and disorders. The broad distribution of Foxp1 and alternative splicing isoforms implicate its distinct functions in diverse cardiac and vascular cells and tissue types. Foxp1 is essential for diverse biological processes and has been shown to regulate cellular proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, fibrosis, angiogenesis, cardiovascular remodeling, and dysfunction. Notably, both loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches have defined critical roles of Foxp1 in CVD. Genetic deletion of Foxp1 results in pathological cardiac remodeling, exacerbation of atherosclerotic lesion formation, prolonged occlusive thrombus formation, severe cardiac defects, and embryo death. In contrast, activation of Foxp1 performs a wide range of physiological effects, including cell growth, hypertrophy, differentiation, angiogenesis, and cardiac development. More importantly, Foxp1 exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects in controlling coronary thrombus formation and myocardial infarction (MI). Thus, targeting for Foxp1 signaling has emerged as a pre-warning biomarker and a novel therapeutic approach against progression of CVD, and an increased understanding of cardiovascular actions of the Foxp1 signaling will help to develop effective interventions. In this review, we focus on the diverse actions and underlying mechanisms of Foxp1 highlighting its roles in CVD, including heart failure, MI, atherosclerosis, congenital heart defects, and atrial fibrillation.

Treatment of Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome (CS), which mainly occurs in children and young adults. Treatment options with proven clinical efficacy for PPNAD include adrenalectomy (bilateral or unilateral adrenalectomy) and drug treatment to control hypercortisolemia. Previously, the main treatment of PPNAD is bilateral adrenal resection and long-term hormone replacement after surgery. In recent years, cases reports suggest that unilateral or subtotal adrenal resection can also lead to long-term remission in some patients without the need for long-term hormone replacement therapy. Medications for hypercortisolemia, such as Ketoconazole, Metyrapone and Mitotane et.al, have been reported as a preoperative transition for in some patients with severe hypercortisolism. In addition, tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, COX2 inhibitor Celecoxib, somatostatin and other drugs targeting the possible pathogenic mechanisms of the disease are under study, which are expected to be applied to the clinical treatment of PPNAD in the future. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on treatment of PPNAD, in which options of surgical methods, research results of drugs acting on possible pathogenic mechanisms, and the management during gestation are described in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.

Anti-Osteoclastogenic and Antibacterial Effects of Chlorinated Polyketides from the Beibu Gulf Coral-Derived Fungus Aspergillus unguis GXIMD 02505.

One new depsidone derivative, aspergillusidone H (3), along with seven known biosynthetically related chlorinated polyketides, were obtained from the Beibu Gulf coral-derived fungus Aspergillus unguis GXIMD 02505. Their structures were determined by comprehensive physicochemical and spectroscopic data interpretation. Notably, the X-ray crystal structure of 2 and the previously unknown absolute configuration of 8, assigned by ECD calculations, are described here for the first time. Compounds 1-5, 7 and 8 exhibited inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB in RAW 264.7 macrophages at 20 µM. In addition, the two potent inhibitors (2 and 7) dose-dependently suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation without any evidence of cytotoxicity in bone marrow macrophages cells (BMMs). This is the first report of osteoclastogenesis inhibitory activity for the metabolites of these kinds. Besides, compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6-8 showed inhibitory activity against marine biofilm-forming bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Microbulbifer variabilis, Marinobacterium jannaschii, and Vibrio pelagius, with their MIC values ranging from 2 to 64 µg/mL. These findings provide a basis for further development of chlorinated polyketides as potential inhibitors of osteoclast differentiation and/or for use as anti-fouling agents.

Combined intervention with N-acetylcysteine and desipramine alleviated silicosis development by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and ASMase/ceramide signaling pathways.

Silicosis is a systemic disease characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the lung tissue caused by long-term inhalation of large amounts of free silica (SiO2) dust. The pathogenesis of silicosis has not been fully elucidated, and there is a lack of effective treatment methods. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can potentially treat pulmonary fibrosis by exerting antioxidant effects. Desipramine (DMI) can influence pulmonary fibrosis development by inhibiting acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) activity and regulating ceramide concentrations. Both can interfere with pulmonary fibrosis through different mechanisms, but the intervention effects of NAC combined with DMI on silicosis fibrosis have not been reported. Therefore, this study established a rat silicosis model using a single tracheal drip of SiO2 dust suspension in Wistar rats to investigate the effect of NAC combined with DMI on SiO2 dust-induced silicosis and its related molecular mechanisms. The histopathological examination of the SiO2 dust-induced silicosis rats suggested that NAC and DMI alone or in combination could decrease the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in rats. The combined intervention had a better effect on reducing fibrosis than the individual interventions. NAC and DMI, alone or in combination, decreased the levels of markers related to pulmonary fibrosis in rats (smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), collagen (Col) I, Col III, hydroxyproline (HYP), inflammatory factors (transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), and lipid peroxidase malondialdehyde (MDA)). The nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and ASMase/ceramide pathways were inhibited to some extent by increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of antioxidant enzymes and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) levels of lipid peroxides. The combined intervention and NAC alone inhibited the SiO2 dust-induced elevation of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), but the effect was not significant in the DMI-treated group. Combining DMI and NAC inhibited Col I deposition and reduced HO-1, TIMP-1, and ASMase levels in lung tissues compared to individual treatments. In summary, the SiO2 dust could induce oxidative stress and inflammation in rats, resulting in an imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis/catabolism and ASMase/ceramide signaling pathway activation, leading to silicosis development.The combined intervention of DMI and NAC may synergistically regulate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, maintain the anabolic balance of the ECM, inhibit ASMase/ceramide signaling pathway activation by suppressing the inflammatory response and effectively delay silicosis fibrosis progression.

AAPM Medical Physics Practice Guideline 1.b: CT protocol management and review practice guideline.

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is a nonprofit professional society whose primary purposes are to advance the science, education and professional practice of medical physics. The AAPM has more than 8000 members and is the principal organization of medical physicists in the United States. The AAPM will periodically define new practice guidelines for medical physics practice to help advance the science of medical physics and to improve the quality of service to patients throughout the United States. Existing medical physics practice guidelines will be reviewed for the purpose of revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner. Each medical physics practice guideline represents a policy statement by the AAPM, has undergone a thorough consensus process in which it has been subjected to extensive review, and requires the approval of the Professional Council. The medical physics practice guidelines recognize that the safe and effective use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology requires specific training, skills, and techniques, as described in each document. Reproduction or modification of the published practice guidelines and technical standards by those entities not providing these services is not authorized. The following terms are used in the AAPM practice guidelines: (a) Must and Must Not: Used to indicate that adherence to the recommendation is considered necessary to conform to this practice guideline. (b) Should and Should Not: Used to indicate a prudent practice to which exceptions may occasionally be made in appropriate circumstances.

Can corporate social responsibility protect firm value during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant decline in the stock market worldwide, and hospitality companies are experiencing serious financial problems. Protecting and preserving firm value is a critical way of helping hospitality companies survive the crisis. The influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm value has been widely investigated. However, little is known about the stock price movement following CSR activity adoption during an industrial crisis. Using event study and difference-in-difference method, this study reveals that engaging in CSR activities can increase the stock returns and stakeholder attention of hospitality firms during the pandemic. Community-related CSR has a stronger and more immediate effect on stock returns than customer- and employee-related CSR. Results also indicate that hospitality firms that pursue improved stock market performance during a pandemic can invest in CSR to protect communities, customers, and employees for attracting further stakeholder attention.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of deep- and shallow-water barnacle species (Cirripedia, Poecilasmatidae) provides insights into deep-sea adaptation of sessile crustaceans.

BACKGROUND: Barnacles are specialized marine organisms that differ from other crustaceans in possession of a calcareous shell, which is attached to submerged surfaces. Barnacles have a wide distribution, mostly in the intertidal zone and shallow waters, but a few species inhabit the deep-sea floor. It is of interest to investigate how such sessile crustaceans became adapted to extreme deep-sea environments. We sequenced the transcriptomes of a deep-sea barnacle, Glyptelasma gigas collected at a depth of 731 m from the northern area of the Zhongjiannan Basin, and a shallow-water coordinal relative, Octolasmis warwicki. The purpose of this study was to provide genetic resources for investigating adaptation mechanisms of deep-sea barnacles. RESULTS: Totals of 62,470 and 51,585 unigenes were assembled for G. gigas and O. warwicki, respectively, and functional annotation of these unigenes was made using public databases. Comparison of the protein-coding genes between the deep- and shallow-water barnacles, and with those of four other shallow-water crustaceans, revealed 26 gene families that had experienced significant expansion in G. gigas. Functional annotation showed that these expanded genes were predominately related to DNA repair, signal transduction and carbohydrate metabolism. Base substitution analysis on the 11,611 single-copy orthologs between G. gigas and O. warwicki indicated that 25 of them were distinctly positive selected in the deep-sea barnacle, including genes related to transcription, DNA repair, ligand binding, ion channels and energy metabolism, potentially indicating their importance for survival of G. gigas in the deep-sea environment. CONCLUSIONS: The barnacle G. gigas has adopted strategies of expansion of specific gene families and of positive selection of key genes to counteract the negative effects of high hydrostatic pressure, hypoxia, low temperature and food limitation on the deep-sea floor. These expanded gene families and genes under positive selection would tend to enhance the capacities of G. gigas for signal transduction, genetic information processing and energy metabolism, and facilitate networks for perceiving and responding physiologically to the environmental conditions in deep-sea habitats. In short, our results provide genomic evidence relating to deep-sea adaptation of G. gigas, which provide a basis for further biological studies of sessile crustaceans in the deep sea.

Image Quality Assessment of Abdominal CT by Use of New Deep Learning Image Reconstruction: Initial Experience.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to perform quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm in contrast-enhanced oncologic CT of the abdomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Retrospective review (April-May 2019) of the cases of adults undergoing oncologic staging with portal venous phase abdominal CT was conducted for evaluation of standard 30% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction V (30% ASIR-V) reconstruction compared with DLIR at low, medium, and high strengths. Attenuation and noise measurements were performed. Two radiologists, blinded to examination details, scored six categories while comparing reconstructions for overall image quality, lesion diagnostic confidence, artifacts, image noise and texture, lesion conspicuity, and resolution. RESULTS. DLIR had a better contrast-to-noise ratio than 30% ASIR-V did; high-strength DLIR performed the best. High-strength DLIR was associated with 47% reduction in noise, resulting in a 92-94% increase in contrast-to-noise ratio compared with that of 30% ASIR-V. For overall image quality and image noise and texture, DLIR scored significantly higher than 30% ASIR-V with significantly higher scores as DLIR strength increased. A total of 193 lesions were identified. The lesion diagnostic confidence, conspicuity, and artifact scores were significantly higher for all DLIR levels than for 30% ASIR-V. There was no significant difference in perceived resolution between the reconstruction methods. CONCLUSION. Compared with 30% ASIR-V, DLIR improved CT evaluation of the abdomen in the portal venous phase. DLIR strength should be chosen to balance the degree of desired denoising for a clinical task relative to mild blurring, which increases with progressively higher DLIR strengths.

Improved Computed Tomography Contrast Injection Rates Through Implantable Chest Power Ports.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to optimize chest port contrast injections using stepwise improvements. METHODS: Ex vivo injections were tested. Two hundred scans using power port injections were then evaluated. RESULTS: The highest flow rate was achieved using a 19G access needle, larger diameter tubing, and warmed contrast.The mean injection rates in baseline and postimprovement groups were 2.7 ± 0.4 and 4.8 ± 0.4 mL/s, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Component optimization of the port apparatus can maximize contrast flow rates.

Quantification and homogenization of image noise between two CT scanner models.

Feedback from radiologists indicated that differences in image appearance and noise impeded reading of post-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans from an updated CT scanner that was recently added to a fleet of existing scanners from the same vendor, despite using identically named reconstruction algorithms. The goals of this work were to quantify and possibly standardize image quality on the new and an existing scanner using phantom images. Three months of daily quality control images were analyzed to determine the mean CT number and noise magnitude in a water phantom. Next, subtraction images from the uniformity section of an American College of Radiology CT phantom were used to generate noise power spectra for both scanners. Then, a semi-anthropomorphic liver phantom was imaged with both scanners in triplicate using identical body protocols to quantify differences CT number and noise magnitude. Finally, the scanner dependence of CT number and noise magnitude on material attenuation was quantified using a multi-energy CT phantom with 15 material inserts. Significant differences between scanners were determined using a paired or Welch's t test as appropriate. In daily quality control images, the new scanner exhibited slightly higher CT number (0.697 vs. 0.412, P < 0.001, n = 85) and slightly lower noise magnitude (4.85 vs. 4.94, P < 0.001, n = 85). Measured NPS was not significantly different between the existing and new scanners. Interestingly, it was observed that the noise magnitude from the new scanner increased with increasing material attenuation in both the liver (P = 0.008) and multi-energy (P < 0.001) phantoms. Using an alternate reconstruction algorithm with the new scanner eliminated this deviation at high material attenuations. While standard noise evaluation in a water phantom was unable to discern differences between the scanners, more comprehensive testing with higher attenuation materials allowed for the characterization and homogenization of image quality.

Detection of Colorectal Hepatic Metastases Is Superior at Standard Radiation Dose CT versus Reduced Dose CT.

Purpose To evaluate colorectal cancer hepatic metastasis detection and characterization between reduced radiation dose (RD) and standard dose (SD) contrast material-enhanced CT of the abdomen and to qualitatively compare between filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction algorithms. Materials and Methods In this prospective study (from May 2017 through November 2017), 52 adults with biopsy-proven colorectal cancer and suspected hepatic metastases at baseline CT underwent two portal venous phase CT scans: SD and RD in the same breath hold. Three radiologists, blinded to examination details, performed detection and characterization of 2-15-mm lesions on the SD FBP and RD adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR)-V 60% series images. Readers assessed overall image quality and lesions between SD FBP and seven different iterative reconstructions. Two nonblinded consensus reviewers established the reference standard using the picture archiving and communication system lesion marks of each reader, multiple comparison examinations, and clinical data. Results RD CT resulted in a mean dose reduction of 54% compared with SD. Of the 260 lesions (233 metastatic, 27 benign), 212 (82%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 76%, 86%) were detected with RD CT, whereas 252 (97%; 95% CI: 94%, 99%) were detected with SD (P < .001); per-lesion sensitivity was 79% (95% CI: 74%, 84%) and 94% (95% CI: 90%, 96%) (P < .001), respectively. Mean qualitative scores ranked SD images as higher quality than RD series images, and ASIR-V ranked higher than ASIR and Veo 3.0. Conclusion CT evaluation of colorectal liver metastases is compromised with modest radiation dose reduction, and the use of iterative reconstructions could not maintain observer performance. © RSNA, 2018.

Computed Tomography Image Quality Evaluation of a New Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm in the Abdomen (Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction-V) a Comparison With Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction, Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction, and Filtered Back Projection Reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare abdominopelvic computed tomography images reconstructed with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) with model-based iterative reconstruction (Veo 3.0), ASIR, and filtered back projection (FBP). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Abdominopelvic computed tomography scans for 36 patients (26 males and 10 females) were reconstructed using FBP, ASIR (80%), Veo 3.0, and ASIR-V (30%, 60%, 90%). Mean ± SD patient age was 32 ± 10 years with mean ± SD body mass index of 26.9 ± 4.4 kg/m. Images were reviewed by 2 independent readers in a blinded, randomized fashion. Hounsfield unit, noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values were calculated for each reconstruction algorithm for further comparison. Phantom evaluation of low-contrast detectability (LCD) and high-contrast resolution was performed. RESULTS: Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V 30%, ASIR-V 60%, and ASIR 80% were generally superior qualitatively compared with ASIR-V 90%, Veo 3.0, and FBP (P < 0.05). Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V 90% showed superior LCD and had the highest CNR in the liver, aorta, and, pancreas, measuring 7.32 ± 3.22, 11.60 ± 4.25, and 4.60 ± 2.31, respectively, compared with the next best series of ASIR-V 60% with respective CNR values of 5.54 ± 2.39, 8.78 ± 3.15, and 3.49 ± 1.77 (P <0.0001). Veo 3.0 and ASIR 80% had the best and worst spatial resolution, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V 30% and ASIR-V 60% provided the best combination of qualitative and quantitative performance. Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction 80% was equivalent qualitatively, but demonstrated inferior spatial resolution and LCD.

Evaluation of Abdominal Computed Tomography Image Quality Using a New Version of Vendor-Specific Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively and quantitatively compare abdominal computed tomography (CT) images reconstructed with a new version of model-based iterative reconstruction (Veo 3.0; GE Healthcare) to those created with Veo 2.0. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board and was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant. The raw data from 29 consecutive patients who had undergone CT abdomen scanning was used to reconstruct 4 sets of 3.75-mm axial images: Veo 2.0, Veo 3.0 standard, Veo 3.0 5% resolution preference (RP), and Veo 3.0 20% RP. A slice thickness optimization of 3.75 mm and texture feature was selected for Veo 3.0 reconstructions.The images were reviewed by 3 independent readers in a blinded, randomized fashion using a 5-point Likert scale and 5-point comparative scale.Multiple 2-dimensional circular regions of interest were defined for noise and contrast-to-noise ratio measurements. Line profiles were drawn across the 7 lp/cm bar pattern of the CatPhan 600 phantom for spatial resolution evaluation. RESULTS: The Veo 3.0 standard image set was scored better than Veo 2.0 in terms of artifacts (mean difference, 0.43; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.25-0.6; P < 0.0001), overall image quality (mean difference, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.62-1.13; P < 0.0001) and qualitative resolution (mean difference, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.69-1.1; P < 0.0001). Although the Veo 3.0 standard and RP05 presets were preferred across most categories, the Veo 3.0 RP20 series ranked best for bone detail. Image noise and spatial resolution increased along a spectrum with Veo 2.0 the lowest and RP20 the highest. CONCLUSION: Veo 3.0 enhances imaging evaluation relative to Veo 2.0; readers preferred Veo 3.0 image appearance despite the associated mild increases in image noise. These results provide suggested parameters to be used clinically and as a basis for future evaluations, such as focal lesion detection, in the oncology setting.