Computed tomography (CT) employs X-ray radiation to create cross-sectional images. Dual-energy CT acquisition includes the images acquired from an alternating voltage of X-ray tube: a low-and a high-peak kilovoltage. The main objective of this study is to determine the best slice thickness that reduces image noise with adequate diagnostic information using dual energy CT head protocol. The study used the ImageJ software and statistical analyses to aid the medical image analysis of dual-energy CT. In this study, ImageJ software and F-test were utilised as the combination methods to analyse DICOM CT images. They were used to investigate the effect of slice thickness on noise and visibility in dual-energy CT head protocol images. Catphan-600 phantom was scanned at different slice thickness values; .6, 1, 2,3,4,5 and 6 mm, then quantitative analyses were carried out. The DECT operated in helical mode with another fixed scan parameter values. Based on F-test statistical analyses, image noise at 0.6, 1, and 2 mm were significantly different compared to the other images acquired at slice thickness of 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm. However, no significant differences of image noise were observed at 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm. As a result, better diagnostic image value, image visibility, and lower image noise in dual-energy CT head protocol was observed at a slice thickness of 3 mm.

An evaluation of the gamma-neutron shielding capabilities of polymer nanocomposite materials based on polypropylene and iron nanoparticles is presented in this study. The chemical composition of the materials is (100-x) PP-Fex, (where x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 wt percent). For the proposed polymer samples with photon energies ranging from 30 to 2000 KeV, the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), a crucial parameter for studying gamma-ray shielding capability, was calculated using the Geant4 Monte Carlo code. Results were compared with those predicted by EpiXS. The values of the Geant4 code and the EpiXS software were both found to be in excellent agreement. Using the mass attenuation coefficient values, we determined the linear attenuation coefficients, electron density, effective atomic number, and half value layer for all the samples. The shielding properties of the polymer samples were also evaluated by estimating both the fast neutron removal cross-section and the mean free path of the fast neutron at energies between 0.25 and 5.5 keV. The study's findings indicate a positive correlation between the Fe nanoparticle content and the gamma-ray shielding performance of PP-Fe polymer samples. Out of the several glasses that were evaluated, it was found that the PP-Fe5 polymer sample demonstrates the highest efficacy in terms of gamma-ray shielding. Moreover, the polymer sample PP-Fe5, which consists of 5 mol% of iron (Fe), exhibits the highest value of ∑R (1.10650 cm^-1) and the lowest value of the mean free path for fast neutrons. This indicates that the PP-Fe₅ possesses better gamma-neutron shielding efficiency.

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 symptoms include coagulopathy and thromboembolic risk. Using one parameter to diagnose coagulopathy has little predictive value. Objective: This study will examine if D-dimer and APTT testing can predict COVID-19 severity and aid triage and manage patients. Methods: 214 COVID-19 patients were enrolled and classified into two categories based on their respiratory manifestations; mild (126 cases) and severe (88 cases). Patient data regarding age, gender, D-Dimer level, and APTT level were collected. When both D-Dimer and APTT levels were abnormal, in this study, the patient was considered to have a coagulation disorder. Indicators of coagulation in the COVID-19 patients were collected and compared between the two groups. Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to determine the significant differences between coagulation disorders in the two groups. Results: Our findings showed that patients with coagulopathies were more likely to belong to the severe group. Within the two groups of patients, the rate of coagulation disorders was as follows: mild = 8.8 % within coagulation disorders, 4.8% within the two Groups; severe = 91.2 % within coagulation disorders, 77.8 % within the two Groups. There was a statistically significant relationship between coagulation disorder and severe COVID-19 patients compared to mild patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Coagulation disorders are more likely to occur in severe COVID-19 patients. D-Dimer and APTT tests are significant indicators for predicting COVID-19 severity. Our research found an abnormal pattern of coagulation disorders and COVID-19 severity that should be considered in the COVID-19 treatment protocol.

J Indian Prosthodont Soc, Official publication of Indian Prosthodontic Society

Purpose: The review effort throughout the states was needed by the major concern of increased risk of cancer due to radiation exposure in patients during routine X-ray. This study aims to assess the patient entrance surface dosage during X-ray examinations of the skull and thoraco-lumbar spine. Materials and methods: Using a CALDOSE software tool, the dosage received by 146 individuals was assessed based on many technical criteria, including the source-to-image receptor distance, photon quantity by mill ampere second, and photon energy by kilo volt peak. Results: The average entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) is 0.52 for the skull and 0.77 for the thoracic spine. The typical value of the incident air kerma (INAK) is 0.47 for the skull and 0.58 for the thoracic lumbar region. Conclusions: ESAK and INAK are quite effective for comparing the thoracic spine to the cranium. ESAK and INAK can offer data on dosage reduction that should be utilized in the optimization of skull and thoraco-lumbar X-ray examinations.