PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of phase contrast X-ray microtomography and microradiography, using a polychromatic synchrotron X-ray, for analysis of the mouse lung microstructure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal mice were used for experiments. Some of the mouse lungs were prepared by the lung fixation-inflation method. The resulting sponge-like inflated lung samples were used for microtomography. The remaining mouse lungs were cut into 10 um sections and were used for microradiography and optical microscopic correlation. The experiments on mouse lung samples were performed at the 7B2 beamline of the Pohang Light Source in Korea. RESULTS: Phase contrast X-ray microtomography of inflated lung samples showed individual alveolar structure on 3-D reconstruction. Phase contrast microradiographs of thin lung samples showed microstructure of lung, such as alveoli and bronchioles, and were well correlated with optical microscopic images. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the phase contrast X-ray microtomography and microradiography using polychromatic synchrotron X-ray is feasible for evaluation of microstructure of the lung.
Animals ; Lung/*cytology/*radiography ; Mice ; Microscopy/*methods ; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast ; X-Ray Microtomography/*methods

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to quantify tug-back by measuring the pulling force and investigate the correlation of clinical tug-back pulling force with in vitro gutta-percha (GP) cone adaptation score using micro-computed tomography (µCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight roots from human single-rooted teeth were divided into 2 groups. In the ProTaper Next (PTN) group, root canals were prepared with PTN, and in the ProFile (PF) group, root canals were prepared using PF (n = 14). The degree of tug-back was scored after selecting taper-matched GP cones. A novel method using a spring balance was designed to quantify the tug-back by measuring the pulling force. The correlation between tug-back scores, pulling force, and percentage of the gutta-percha occupied area (pGPOA) within apical 3 mm was investigated using µCT. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Specimens with a strong tug-back had a mean pulling force of 1.24 N (range, 0.15–1.70 N). This study showed a positive correlation between tug-back score, pulling force, and pGPOA. However, there was no significant difference in these factors between the PTN and PF groups. Regardless of the groups, pGPOA and pulling force were significantly higher in the specimens with a higher tug-back score (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of subjective tug-back was a definitive determinant for master cone adaptation in the root canal. The use of the tug-back scoring system and pulling force allows the interpretation of subjective tug-back in a more objective and quantitative manner.
Dental Pulp Cavity ; Gutta-Percha ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Methods ; Root Canal Obturation ; Tooth ; X-Ray Microtomography

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility of a micro-image based finite element model to determine the efficacy of sequential treatments on the bone quality in a rat osteoporosis model. METHODS: Rat osteoporosis and treated osteoporosis models were established with the bone loss, restore and maintain concept. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. A sham operation or ovariectomy was performed at 20 weeks after birth, which was followed by the respective sequential trials as follows: (1) sham-operation only, (2) ovariectomy only, (3) ovariectomized rats with parathyroid hormone maintenance, (4) ovariectomized rats treated with PTH for 5 weeks and then withdrawal, (5) ovariectomized rats treated with PTH for 5 weeks and then with 17 beta-estradiol, and (6) ovariectomized rats treated with parathyroid hormone for 5 weeks and then treated with zoledronate. The histomorphometry indices were determined using the micro-images from a micro-computed tomogram. Finite element analysis was carried out to determine the mechanical properties (Stiffness and Young's modulus) of the vertebra bodies. The differences in properties between the groups were compared using ANOVA and a Bonferroni's multiple group comparison procedure. RESULTS: The histomorphometry and mechanical properties were significantly better in groups (3) and (6) than in the groups (1) and (2) (p < 0.05). The stiffness (sigmas) and Young's modulus (E) was highest in group (3) following by group (6). CONCLUSIONS: Finite element analysis based on micro-images provides a useful tool that reflects the changes in micro-structural and mechanical properties of a rat vertebral body with the bone loss, restore and maintain concept.
Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Female ; *Finite Element Analysis ; Osteoporosis/*pathology/*radiography ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spine/*pathology/*radiography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods ; X-Ray Microtomography/*methods

This study aimed to utilize micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis to compare new bone formation in rat calvarial defects using chitosan/fibroin-hydroxyapatite (CFB-HAP) or collagen (Bio-Gide) membranes. Fifty-four (54) rats were studied. A circular bony defect (8 mm diameter) was formed in the centre of the calvaria using a trephine bur. The CFB-HAP membrane was prepared by thermally induced phase separation. In the experimental group (n=18), the CFB-HAP membrane was used to cover the bony defect, and in the control group (n=18), a resorbable collagen membrane (Bio-Gide) was used. In the negative control group (n=18), no membrane was used. In each group, six animals were euthanized at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. The specimens were then analysed using micro-CT. There were significant differences in bone volume (BV) and bone mineral density (BMD) (P<0.05) between the negative control group and the membrane groups. However, there were no significant differences between the CFB-HAP group and the collagen group. We concluded that the CFB-HAP membrane has significant potential as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane.
Animals ; Bone Regeneration ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Collagen ; chemistry ; Fibroins ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skull ; abnormalities ; X-Ray Microtomography ; methods

OBJECTIVETo get the three-Dimensional imaging model of internal ear and middle ear using the Micro-CT equipment, and research the nondestructive imaging of mice acoustic capsule, and investigate the application of Micro-CT inmorphology of acoustic capsule.

METHODSThe mice were executed to harvest the acoustic capsules. The acoustic capsules were fixed in trinitrophenol before scanning by Micro-CT .Using this equipment, we obtained a 3D model of reconstruction from 2D images.

RESULTSThe 3D model of acoustic capsule and the model was extraordinary clear to show the eardrum, ossicles chain, vestibulum, semicircular canal, and cochlear. The 3D structure model was excellent for look through, and it was free to revolve in any axial direction on the platform of software Amira-5.4.

CONCLUSIONSBy using Micro-CT equipment to research the nondestructive three-Dimensional imaging of acoustic capsule, the outside structures and internal details of the acoustic capsule can be observed at the same time. 3D structure model which was good for looking through. Using Micro-CT equipment is easy to operate and also can save a lot of samples, and the images have high resolution ratio. Micro-CT has good prospects for development.

Acoustics ; Animals ; Cochlea ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Mice ; Research ; Semicircular Canals ; Software ; X-Ray Microtomography

OBJECTIVEIn vivo Micro-PETICT imaging of mouse/rat brain has been widely used to non-invasively monitor brain and provides researchers a better understanding of therapeutic effects in models of human neurological disease. For the need of further processing, extraction of brain tissue from head is required and vital.

METHODSAn automatic multistep combination methods was proposed based on an improved level set framework, which includes (1) Use Fuzzy-C-Means method together with threshold and morphology methods to get the initial level-set surface automatically. (2) Combine gradient vector flow to enhance the gradient contrast and enforce the surface move toward to the object's surface much faster, especially obtain a significantly improvement in the regions of forehead and the joint between brain and neck. (3) introduce an automatic stop condition based on average bandwidth energy maximization to overcome the leakage problem.

RESULTS3 Micro-CT images of rat and 3 of mouse have been tested using the proposed methods and the average accuracy has increased by 33% for rat and 6.7% for mouse. The average processing duration for rat and mouse are about 8 minutes and 4 minutes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe proposed methods were proved that it can be effectively used for Micro-PET/CT imaging of mouse/rat brain segmentation and have a great improvement on accuracy and convenience.

Animals ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Mice ; Neuroimaging ; methods ; Pattern Recognition, Automated ; methods ; Rats ; X-Ray Microtomography ; methods

OBJECTIVETo establish an animal model of titanium implant and to investigate the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the implant osseointegration.

METHODSTwenty-four female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used. Titanium implants were inserted into tibia metaphysis bilaterally in each SD rat. Since the second day following implant surgery, LIPUS stimulation were carried out around the implant on the right side for 20 minutes per day, and implants on the left side remain untouched as self-control. Eight rats were sacrificed and tibiae specimens were harvested on the end of the 4th, 8th, and 12th week respectively. X-ray picture, micro-CT analysis and histological sections were performed to evaluate the effects of LIPUS on the implant osseointegration.

RESULTSOsseointegration at the interface between the implant and bone tissue was observed bilaterally. In the micro-CT histomorphometry analysis, the percentage of osseointegration (%OI) of experiment side were (45.708 ± 3.316)%, (46.231 ± 1.954)%, and (46.807 ± 1.451)% on the end of the 4th, 8th, and 12th week. Meanwhile, the %OI of control side were (43.021 ± 3.558)%, (44.272 ± 3.023)%, and (44.894 ± 4.215)% respectively. The %OI on the 4th weekend, bone volume ratio (BV/TV) on the 4th and 8th weekend, trabecular thickness (Tb. Th) and degree of anisotropy (DA) on the 8th and 12th weekend of the experiment side tibia were significantly greater than those on the control side (P < 0.05). The histological examination showed that the thickness of new bone around the implant and the bone-implant contact area was obviously greater in the LIPUS treated side compared to the control side.

CONCLUSIONSThe LIPUS therapy may accelerate the bone healing and osseointegration at the interface between titanium implant and bone, and promote remodeling of bone trabecula on the early stage.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Density ; Female ; Implants, Experimental ; Osseointegration ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tibia ; surgery ; Titanium ; chemistry ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; methods ; X-Ray Microtomography ; methods

Microvessel networks were imaged by means of synchrotron radiation CT, A sliced loading and double threshold method was utilized for extracting vessels from large quantities of data (2 GB-5 GB). Preliminary analysis on the development of tumor microvessel networks was performed by statistically analyzing volume rendering and two qualitative factors, micro vessel density (MVD) and fractal dimension(FD).
Animals ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Microvessels ; diagnostic imaging ; Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; X-Ray Microtomography ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the preventive effect of low-intensity ultrasound on osteoradionecrosis of jaws (ORNJ).

METHODSTwenty-five canines were randomly divided into experimental group (n=20) and control group (n=5). The canines in experimental group received radiation exposure, and then were randomly subdivided into group A (n=10) and group B (n=10). Control group did not undergo radiotherapy. One month after radiotherapy, the fourth mandibular premolars of all animals were extracted. Group B was immediately treated by low-intensity ultrasound for twenty days, group A and control group did not receive any treatment. Two months after tooth extraction, the formation of ORNJ was determined and the occurrence rate of ORNJ was compared between group A and B. The microstructure of the mandible and changes in microvascular density in group A and B were evaluated and compared with those of control group.

RESULTSAll animals in group B and group A developed ORNJ after prophylactic ultrasound was applied for twenty days. Although the imaging examination of bony density of group A and B were lower than normal animals in control group, bone density in group B was significantly better than group A. Micro-CT showed that the trabecular bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, bone surface/bone volume and trabecular number in group B were respectively (0.187±0.029)%, (0.160±0.039) µm, (12.536±2.558)/mm, (1.227±0.192)/mm, which were all greater than group A [(0.103±0.014)%, (0.069±0.013) µm, (5.598±0.731)/mm, (0.522±0.064)/mm)] (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAlthough the preventive application of low intensity ultrasound can not prevent the formation of ORNJ, but can significantly improve the symptoms of ORNJ.

Animals ; Bone Density ; radiation effects ; Dogs ; Jaw Diseases ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Mandible ; Osteoradionecrosis ; prevention & control ; Radiation Injuries, Experimental ; Random Allocation ; Tooth Extraction ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; methods ; X-Ray Microtomography

OBJECTIVETo establish a three-dimensional digital dental model through scanning dental impression directly with micro-CT.

METHODSThe polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression of the plaster model was taken and scanned with micro-CT. VGStudio MAX and Imageware softwares were used to obtain the digital dental model.

RESULTSThe three-dimensional digital model was established successfully. The scanning layer was 90 µm.

CONCLUSIONSA new way of establishing the digital dental models could be achieved with micro-CT.

Computer-Aided Design ; Dental Impression Materials ; chemistry ; Dental Models ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Polyvinyls ; chemistry ; Siloxanes ; chemistry ; Software ; X-Ray Microtomography ; methods