Despite the benefits of mammography investigations, some studies have shown that X-ray exposure from the mammography screening itself can statistically cause breast cancer in a small fraction of women. Therefore, a dose reduction in mammography is desirable. At the same time, there is a demand for a higher spatial resolution in mammographic imaging. The most promising way to achieve these goals is the use of advanced photon-processing semiconductor X-ray detectors with optimum sensor materials. This study addresses the investigation of the optimum semiconductor sensor material for mammography in combination with the photon-processing detector Medipix3RX. The influence of K-shell fluorescence from the sensor material on the achievable contrast-to-noise ratio is investigated, as well as the attenuation efficiency. The three different sensor materials, CdTe, GaAs, and Si are studied, showing advances of CdTe-sensors for mammography. Furthermore, a comparison of the contrast-to-noise ratio between a clinical Se-detector and Medipix3RX detectors with Si-and CdTe-sensors is shown using a self-produced mammography phantom that is based on real human tissue.

Background: Laparoscopic technical surgical skills (LTS) are considered a fundamental competence for General Surgery residents. Several simulation tools (ST) have been explored to develop LTS. Although a plethora of systematic reviews evaluate the translation of LTS developed in simulation to real surgery, there is a lack of evidence that clarifies effectiveness of different validated ST in acquisition of LTS in surgical residents. The aim of this systematic review (SR) is to summarize published evidence on ST validation used for surgery education and training. Methods: A protocol was published in PROSPERO. A SR was carried out following PRISMA guidelines. Complete published articles in English or Spanish that validate either content or construct, plus another form of validation of ST to acquire LTS in general surgery were included. Articles that used only one validation or did not validate an ST were excluded. Results: 1052 publications were initially identified across all searched databases. Title review identified 204 studies eligible for full text screening. 10 studies were included for final review. Two studies assessed both face and content, 4 face and construct, and 4 face, content and construct validity. None of the studies presented comparable outcomes due to metrics variation and scores used for the validation strategies. Conclusions: This study assessed validated laparoscopic simulation models, particularly in content and construct validity. Articles reported an increased use of simulation models in laparoscopic training with positive feedback from trainees, but few studies reported validation of training model. Validation strategies are not standardized, limiting comparability between them.

Teaching and learning anatomy, as a process, has changed. Fresh cadavers were once used as a tool for the student to approach the human body in order to overcome theoretical knowledge and gain applied expertise. Today, techniques such as corrosion casting are known to be a more effective way of achieving optimal results with the students. This paper examines a method to apply this technique to an organ using different polymers. The concentrations for acrylic, epoxy resin, polyester resin, and room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone are described, as well as the corresponding diameter of the duct to be injected with each one. A variety of specimens obtained using this technique, their qualities and characteristics are presented. The results of using these procedures while involving the students, showed increased sense of responsibility, dedication and awareness, which led them to take the class more seriously and enjoy the process of learning. Additionally, the specimens left by the students will help future classes reduce the number of specimens needed.

Previous studies have shown low rupture rates for small aneurysms (<10 mm), suggesting that the risk of treatment could exceed the benefits. However, evidence has changed, showing crescent rates of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) associated with small aneurysms. We report trends in size, localization, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). In this retrospective study, a total of 200 clinical histories of patients diagnosed with IAs over an 8-year period were analyzed. Variables considered included age, sex, tobacco consumption, morphological characteristics of the aneurysm, complications, vasospasm, and mortality. Qualitative variables were assessed by measurements of absolute and relative frequency. Smoking behavior, aneurysm size, and aneurysm rupture (AR) were compared using 1-way analysis of variance. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson's χ2 test. The average age at presentation was 58 years. The average size of ruptured aneurysms in the general group was 2.5-7.5 mm, and AR was most common in women (76%) and in patients age 50-60 years (33%). The rate of vasospasm was 19%, and mortality was 37%. Smokers composed 32% of the cohort. Heavy smokers had a 57% rate of aSAH, with an average size of rupture of 5 mm. The most common location of aneurysms and AR was the AComA (33%). Our results suggest increasing AR rates in aneurysms smaller than 10 mm. This trend is seen especially in individuals with heavy tobacco consumption and in women of perimenopausal age. Our findings show a tendency of AR in accordance with previous results and are expected to serve as basis for further research on aneurysm management.