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Background: Dual-energy virtual monoenergetic images can increase iodine signal, potentially increasing the conspicuity of hepatic masses., Purpose: To determine if dual-energy 50-keV virtual monoenergetic images improve visualization of key imaging findings or diagnostic confidence for small (≤2 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) at multiphase, contrast-enhanced liver computed tomography (CT)., Material and Methods: Patients with chronic liver disease underwent multiphase dual-energy CT imaging for HCC, with late arterial and delayed phase dual-energy 50-keV images reconstructed. Two non-reader subspecialized gastrointestinal (GI) radiologists established the reference standard, determining the location and diagnosis of all hepatic lesions using predetermined criteria. Three GI radiologists interpreted mixed kV CT images without or with dual-energy 50-keV images. Radiologists identified potential HCCs and rated their confidence (0-100 scales) in imaging findings of arterial enhancement, enhancing capsule, tumor washout, and LI-RADS 5 (2018) category., Results: In total, 45 patients (14 women; mean age = 59.5 ± 10.9 years) with chronic liver disease were included. Of them, 19 patients had 25 HCCs ≤2 cm (mean size = 1.5 ± 0.4 cm). There were 17 LI-RADS 3 and 4 lesions and 19 benign lesions. Reader confidence in imaging findings of arterial enhancement, enhancing capsule, and non-peripheral washout significantly increased with dual-energy images ( P  ≤ 0.022). Overall confidence in HCC diagnosis increased significantly with dual-energy 50-keV images (52.4 vs. 68.8; P  = 0.001). Dual-energy images demonstrated a slight but significant decrease in overall image quality., Conclusion: Radiologist confidence in key imaging features of small HCCs and confidence in imaging diagnosis increases with use of dual-energy 50-keV images at multiphase, contrast-enhanced liver CT.

Based on our previous study in minimal medium, Kocuria rosea and Aspergillus sydowii were identified as the best microbes for degradation of mixture of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present study reports PAH degradation potential of these microbes in free and immobilized form. PAHs were extracted using QuEChERS-mediated process followed by quantification by high performance liquid chromatography. The microbial consortium of Kocuria rosea + Aspergillus sydowii was formulated in three bio-formulations, namely (i) bentonite-alginate composite beads; (ii) water dispersible granule composite using guar gum-nanobentonite; and (iii) composites of carboxymethyl cellulose-bentonite and were applied in PAH fortified (100 µg g -1 ) sandy loam soil. Results suggested that degradation data fitted well to first order kinetics as in most of the cases, the values of correlation coefficient (r) were > 0.95. The half-life (t 1/2 ) values for PAHs in the uninoculated control soil were: naphthalene (10.43 d), fluorene (22.43 d), phenanthrene (24.64 d), anthracene (38.47 d), and pyrene (34.34 d). Inoculation of soil with free culture microbial consortium (without or with nutrient) and bio-formulation of degrading cultures enhanced degradation of all PAHs and half-life values were significantly reduced for each PAH: naphthalene (1.76-2.00 d), fluorene (2.52-6.65 d), phenanthrene (4.61-6.37 d), anthracene (9.01-12.22 d), and pyrene (10.98-15.55 d). Among different bio-formulations, guar gum-nanobentonite-based composite exhibited better efficacy for degradation of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene. The addition of microbial consortium in PAH fortified soil increased 16S rRNA gene copies of Alphaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, compared to the uninoculated, PAH-fortified control. The microbial functional gene assays showed that the gene copies of amoA, nirK, nirS, and anammox increased, suggesting nitrogen regulation in the PAH-fortified soil., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Anastomosing hemangioma (AH) is a rare, benign vascular neoplasm with distinctive histopathology and characteristic tumor distribution. AHs show marked proclivity to involve the kidneys, gonads and the retroperitoneal soft tissues; kidney is the most common target site often in the context of end stage renal disease. Recent studies have identified activating mutations of GNA genes that drive the molecular pathogenesis of AHs. AH appears as a solitary, well-circumscribed, hypervascular tumor that charters a benign course with an excellent prognosis. The purpose of this article is to provide a current update on clinical, pathological and imaging features of anastomotic hemangioma., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To compare the utility of a novel metal artifact reduction algorithm to standard imaging in improving visualization of key structures, diagnostic confidence, and patient-level confidence in malignancy in patients with suspected bladder cancer., Methods: Patients with hip implants undergoing CT urography for suspected bladder malignancy were enrolled. Images were reconstructed using 3 methods: (1) Filtered Back Projection (FBP), (2) Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction (iMAR), and (3) Adaptive Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction (AiMAR) strength 4. In multiple reading sessions, three radiologists graded visualization of critical anatomic structures and artifact severity (6-point scales, lower scores desirable), and diagnostic confidence in blinded fashion. They also graded patient-level confidence in malignancy based on imaging findings in each patient., Results: Thirty-two patients (8 females) with a mean age of 74.5 ± 8.5 years were included. The median (range) visualization scores for FBP, iMAR, and AiMAR were 3.6 (1.1-4.9), 1.6 (0.3-2.8), and 1.6 (0.3-2.6), respectively. Both iMAR and AiMAR had anatomic visualization and artifact scores better than FBP (P < 0.001 for both) and similar to each other (P > 0.05). Structures with the most improvement in visualization score with the use of metal artifact reduction algorithms included the obturator internus muscle, internal and external iliac nodal chains, and vagina. iMAR and AiMAR improved diagnostic confidence (P < 0.001) and patient-level confidence in malignancy (P ≤ 0.24)., Conclusion: For patients with hip prostheses and suspected bladder malignancy, the use of iMAR or AiMAR was shown to significantly reduce metal artifacts, thus improving diagnostic confidence and patient-level confidence in malignancy., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Radiographs play an important role in ascertaining appropriate placement of the intra-aortic balloon pump catheter. This imaging essay highlights correct and incorrect positioning of these catheters, with emphasis on the variability of radiopaque markers used with different catheter models and on axillary versus femoral catheter placement routes. Keywords : Conventional Radiography, CT, Percutaneous, Cardiac, Vascular, Aorta, Anatomy, Cardiac Assist Devices, Catheters © RSNA, 2022., Competing Interests: Disclosures of conflicts of interest: N.G.R. Four IABP catheters from Getinge in a used or not otherwise usable condition were received for evaluation; no promise of payment or endorsement was given for these catheters and author is not involved in the procurement process for these catheters at author's institution. Author attempted to obtain catheters from Teleflex as well, but this was not possible. T.F.J. No relevant relationships. J.H.B. No relevant relationships. A.K. No relevant relationships. B.D.H. No relevant relationships. A.T.F. No relevant relationships. A.B. Supported by the Van Cleve Regenerative Medicine program; leadership or fiduciary role in Rion, not related to this article; stock or stock options in Deverra Therapeutics and Sorrento Therapeutics, not relevant for this article., (© 2022 by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc.)

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common potentially life-threatening medical condition frequently requiring multidisciplinary collaboration to reach the proper diagnosis and guide management. GI bleeding can be overt (eg, visible hemorrhage such as hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena) or occult (eg, positive fecal occult blood test or iron deficiency anemia). Upper GI bleeding , which originates proximal to the ligament of Treitz, is more common than lower GI bleeding , which arises distal to the ligament of Treitz. Small bowel bleeding accounts for 5-10% of GI bleeding cases commonly manifesting as obscure GI bleeding, where the source remains unknown after complete GI tract endoscopic and imaging evaluation. CT can aid in identifying the location and cause of bleeding and is an important complementary tool to endoscopy, nuclear medicine, and angiography in evaluating patients with GI bleeding. For radiologists, interpreting CT scans in patients with GI bleeding can be challenging owing to the large number of images and the diverse potential causes of bleeding. The purpose of this pictorial review by the Society of Abdominal Radiology GI Bleeding Disease-Focused Panel is to provide a practical resource for radiologists interpreting GI bleeding CT studies that reviews the proper GI bleeding terminology, the most common causes of GI bleeding, key patient history and risk factors, the optimal CT imaging technique, and guidelines for case interpretation and illustrates many common causes of GI bleeding. A CT reporting template is included to help generate radiology reports that can add value to patient care. An invited commentary by Al Hawary is available online. Online supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2021.

Hemobilia, or hemorrhage within the biliary system, is an uncommon form of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding that presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Most cases are the result of iatrogenic trauma, although accidental trauma and a variety of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic processes have also been implicated. Timely diagnosis can often be difficult, as the classic triad of upper GI hemorrhage, biliary colic, and jaundice is present in a minority of cases, and there may be considerable delay in the onset of bleeding after the initial injury. Therefore, the radiologist must maintain a high index of suspicion for this condition and be attuned to its imaging characteristics across a variety of modalities. CT is the first-line diagnostic modality in evaluation of hemobilia, while catheter angiography and endoscopy play vital and complementary roles in both diagnosis and treatment. The authors review the clinical manifestations and multimodality imaging features of hemobilia, describe the wide variety of underlying causes, and highlight key management considerations. © RSNA, 2021.

As therapeutic options to treat rectal cancers have advanced over the last several decades, MRI has become the standard of care for baseline local tumor and nodal staging of rectal cancers. An understanding of the technique, anatomy, tumor appearance, and elements of staging on MRI is essential to provide prognostic information and to guide neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgical treatment. We provide a framework for imaging the rectum on MRI followed by a practical case-based approach to interpretation of pre-treatment MRI of the rectum in evaluation of rectal cancers, with examples and illustrations of the range of local tumor (T) stage and nodal (N) disease involvement. This approach can be paired with standardized reporting templates to support clear, accurate and clinically relevant imaging assessment of rectal cancers., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: Since the time of inception of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), our knowledge of autoimmune pancreatitis has expanded significantly. The aim of this review is to provide an update on clinical manifestations, diagnosis, imaging features, and treatment of AIP., Background and Clinical Significance: Type 1 AIP is the pancreatic manifestation of IgG4-related systemic disease, which can be diagnosed using a combination of clinical, histopathological, pancreatic imaging findings in conjunction with manifestation in other organs, as well of responsiveness to steroid treatment. It is vital to differentiate AIP from pancreatic cancer since both can mimic each other clinically and radiologically. Type 2 AIP is a rare but distinct subtype of AIP which occurs mostly in the younger patient., Conclusion: AIP is steroid-responsive chronic pancreatitis with distinct manifestations on imaging.

Kresoxim methyl sorption in soils of five agro-climatic zones of India varied from 41.6% to 84.7%. Highest sorption was recorded in organic carbon rich Almora soil. Isotherm parameters for linear and non-linear Freundlich and Temkin models were almost same, whereas Langmuir parameter Q 0 , for linear (1.60 to 9.434 μg g -1 ) and non-linear (8.48 to 17.129 μg g -1 ) models were quite different. For isotherms optimization different error functions such as sum of squares error (SSE), root mean square error (RMSE), Chi square error, hybrid fractional error (HYBRID) and average relative error (ARE) were calculated. Lowest error function values were obtained for Freundlich isotherm in all the soils except inceptisol (Kolkata) for which Langmuir isotherm gave the best fit. Statistical analysis using SAS 9.3 software and Tukey's HSD test revealed the significant effect (p < 0.001) of soil type on sorption. Sorption correlated positively with the organic carbon and clay contents of the soil.

With the proliferation of Li-ion batteries in smart phones, safety is the main concern and an on-line detection of battery faults is much wanting. Internal short circuit is a very critical issue that is often ascribed to be a cause of many accidents involving Li-ion batteries. A novel method that can detect the Internal short circuit in real time based on an advanced machine leaning approach, is proposed. Based on an equivalent electric circuit model, a set of features encompassing the physics of Li-ion cell with short circuit fault are identified and extracted from each charge-discharge cycle. The training feature set is generated with and without an external short-circuit resistance across the battery terminals. To emulate a real user scenario, internal short is induced by mechanical abuse. The testing feature set is generated from the battery charge-discharge data before and after the abuse. A random forest classifier is trained with the training feature set. The fault detection accuracy for the testing dataset is found to be more than 97%. The proposed algorithm does not interfere with the normal usage of the device, and the trained model can be implemented in any device for online fault detection.

Cerebrovascular injury is increasingly identified in patients presenting after blunt trauma due to the implementation of screening criteria and advances in noninvasive angiographic imaging by CT. The variable latent time before onset of secondary stroke presents a window of opportunity for prevention, reinforcing the importance of detection of asymptomatic patients via screening. Furthermore, the high morbidity and mortality associated with secondary stroke makes it imperative that radiologists recognize these challenging injuries. This article reviews the epidemiology of and the various proposed screening criteria for blunt cerebrovascular injury. The imaging findings of extra- and intracranial vascular injuries, including arterial and venous trauma, are reviewed along with the grading system. Conservative management with anticoagulation has gained favor over the years with intervention restricted to high-grade injuries such as transection and hemodynamically significant arteriovenous fistula. Many of these injuries also evolve over time, with or without anticoagulation, necessitating imaging follow-up.

Acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) is a life-threatening injury. CT is the imaging tool of choice, and the knowledge of direct and indirect signs of injury, grading system, and current management protocol helps the emergency radiologist to better identify and classify the injury and provide additional details that can impact management options. Newer dual-source CT technology with ultrafast acquisition speed has also influenced the appropriate protocol for imaging in patients with suspected ATAI. This review highlights the imaging protocol in patients with blunt trauma, CT appearance and grading systems of ATAI, management options, and the role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of these patients. We also briefly review the current literature on the definition, treatment, and follow-up protocol in patients with minimal aortic injury.

Upper extremity vasculature can be affected by various traumatic and nontraumatic pathologies; however, the evaluation of these arteries can be challenging for the radiologists as well as for the clinicians. After an accurate history and clinical examination, imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of these patients. Depending on the urgency and the indication, upper extremity arteries may be evaluated by ultrasonography with color Doppler, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or digital subtraction angiography. This review article discusses relevant imaging anatomy of the upper extremity arteries, presents CT and MRI protocols, briefly describes the state-of-the-art CT and MRI of various pathologies affecting the upper extremity arteries, and summarizes the important pearls needed for busy practicing radiologist., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In the present investigation, persistence of kresoxim-methyl (a broad spectrum strobilurin fungicide) was studied in water. Results revealed that kresoxim-methyl readily form acid metabolite. Therefore, residues of kresoxim-methyl were quantified on the basis of parent molecule alone and sum total of kresoxim-methyl and its acid metabolite. In water, influence of various abiotic factors like pH, temperature, light and atmospheric carbon dioxide level on dissipation of kresoxim-methyl was studied. The half life value for kresoxim-methyl and total residue varied from 1 to 26.1 and 6.1 to 94.0 days under different conditions. Statistical analysis revealed the significant effect of abiotic factors on the dissipation of kresoxim-methyl from water.

Pseudoaneurysm is defined as contained blood pooling due to rupture of vascular wall. They have higher risk of rupture and hence are usually managed aggressively. Trauma, infection and prior surgery are the most common etiologies for pseudoaneurysm of most sites. Traumatic cardiac pseudoaneurysm are rare and poses a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician since there is no specific symptoms associated with pseudoaneurysm and electrocardiogram; cardiac enzymes and echocardiogram may be unrevealing or inconclusive in many cases. Cross-sectional imaging [computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] is done in cases with high index of suspicion and is the standard modality for diagnosis for cardiac pseudoaneurysm. We present a case of conservatively managed post-traumatic right atrial pseudoaneurysm with aim to highlight the role of electrocardiography (ECG)-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in diagnosis and follow-up of this rare entity that ultimately underwent rapid partial thrombosis.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the evaluation of congenital coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) with MDCT angiography with ECG gating (MDCTA), including the clinical manifestations, scanning techniques, differential diagnosis, and other imaging methods that may be used., Conclusion: Congenital CAFs are rare coronary artery anomalies of termination. MDCTA is a first-line modality for pretreatment planning, and imaging findings should be recognized because CAFs may be detected incidentally.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to enlighten radiologists with the clinical presentation, multimodality imaging features, local recurrence, distant spread, differential diagnosis, and prognosis of skin and subcutaneous malignancies., Conclusion: Cutaneous and subcutaneous malignancies represent the most common type of cancer and frequently present with overlapping imaging appearances. CT, MRI, and (18)F-FDG PET/CT are commonly used for staging, preoperative planning, and posttreatment assessment. Knowledge of the multimodality imaging features can narrow down the differential diagnosis and elucidate their metastatic pattern.

Objective: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare chronic relapsing steroid-responsive fibroinflammatory disorder of the pancreas that is likely caused by immune dysregulation. It is now thought that AIP consists of two distinct clinicopathologic syndromes currently designated as types 1 and 2., Conclusion: A current update on etiopathogenesis, pathology, and clinical and imaging findings of AIP is provided with an emphasis on diagnosis and management.

Background: Pneumosinus dilatans (PD) is a pathologic condition involving the hyperaeration of one or several of the paranasal sinuses that can lead to significant deformation of the overlying bone. Although the presenting complaint of patients with PD is most commonly aesthetic in nature, the condition has also been associated with intracranial tumors and several other serious conditions., Materials and Methods: A meta-analysis of all available clinical publications on the subject of PD was conducted. Patients were categorized on the basis of their sinus involvement. Associated conditions were also identified and categorized. The resulting data were used to further characterize the condition and describe previously unreported associations between PD and other conditions., Results: To date, a total of 123 cases of PD have been reported. The frontal sinus was the most commonly involved (63%), followed by the sphenoid sinus (24%), maxillary sinus (20%), and ethmoid sinus (19%). Of patients with symptomatic PD of the frontal sinus, 25% had intracranial pathology (meningioma or arachnoid cyst or orbital tumor). Patients with sphenoid PD had an 83% chance of having associated diagnosis of visual loss, meningioma, or arachnoid cyst, whereas patients with ethmoid PD had 83% chance of having associated diagnosis of exophthalmos, vision loss, or arachnoid cyst., Conclusions: Although the presenting complaint of patients with PD is most commonly aesthetic in nature, a significant percentage may have an associated diagnosis. Health care providers must be able to recognize the condition and carry out the appropriate clinical evaluation to avoid missing an associated diagnosis.

We present a case of a 71-year-old woman with an unusual complication of aortic intramural hematoma and hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thrombolysis done for sudden cardiopulmonary arrest and pulmonary embolism. Patient was on Warfarin treatment for a prior history of pulmonary embolism and experienced recurrent cardiac arrests, which finally resolved after intravenous administration of thrombolytic agents. However, follow-up computed tomographic angiography revealed descending aortic intramural hematoma with intramural blood pool and concomitant liver laceration with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient received transcatheter embolization for the hepatic injury with careful follow-up for the aortic injury and was later discharged in a stable condition. Follow-up with subsequent computed tomographic angiography at a regular interval over 1 month shows near complete resolution of the intramural hematoma. The purpose of this report is to describe the rare complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thrombolysis in the form of concomitant injuries of the aorta and liver. Although the use of thrombolytic agents in patients with pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest is still a matter of debate, this case report supports the concept that thrombolysis has a role in restoring cardiopulmonary circulation, especially in recurrent cardiac arrests resulting from pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, this case also highlights the increased association of the bleeding-related complication as a result of vigorous efforts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Aggressive management with interventional radiology for hepatic pseudoaneurysm and conservative management of the aortic intramural hematoma resulted in favorable outcome for our patient.

The dehydrogenation kinetics of LiBH(4) dispersed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by the solvent infiltration technique has been studied. Commercial MWCNTs were ball-milled for different milling times in order to increase the specific surface area (SSA) as measured by the BET technique. Thermal programmed desorption measurements have been performed using a Sievert's apparatus on samples with different SSA of MWCNTs and different LiBH(4) to MWCNT ratio. Pressure composition isotherms (PCI) have been obtained at different temperatures in order to estimate the DeltaH and DeltaS of dehydrogenation. It has been observed that the dispersion of LiBH(4) on MWCNTs leads to a lower dehydrogenation temperature compared to pure LiBH(4). Moreover, the dehydrogenation temperature further decreases with increasing MWCNT surface area. An interpretation of the kinetic effect is proposed.