Rare earth intensifying screens in veterinary radiology

Radiation dose to personnel and low capacity X–ray equipment are obstacles to the optimal use of veterinary radiology. In order to find means to lower radiation dose and improve the quality of the radiographic image in veterinary radiology the authors have tested the so–called rare earth intensifying screens under experimental and clinical conditions. Of the basis of their findings they recommend the use of predominantly green light–emitting screen with lanthanum oxysulphide crystals activated with terbium, in combination with orthochromatic film. This combination was shown to give the best ratio image–screen noise. Considerable dose reduction was obtained with this system, and the image quality improved due to less blurring by motion.     

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF AN ULTRAVIOLET AND AN ORTHOCHROMATIC RARE-EARTH IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VETERINARY RADIOGRAPHY

The relative quality and speed of a new ultraviolet-emitting screen, ultraviolet-sensitive film rare-earth system (DuPont Ultra-Vision®) was compared to an orthochromatic rare-earth system (Kodak Lanex®) in a clinical trial. Seven different sets of radiographs of a human foot phantom, or actual canine anatomical structures (tarsus, pelvis, skull, chest, abdomen) were evaluated independently by radiologists, radiology residents and technicians who were unaware of the screen/film combinations used. The 400-speed, Ultra-Vision® Rapid/UVG screen/film combination produced supervisor image detail compared to blue/green emitting 400 and 200-speed screen/film combinations. The image detail of the Ultra-Vision® Rapid/UVG system was nearly equivalent to that produced using a 100-speed, fine-detail blue/green emitting screen/film combination. A 200-speed Ultra-Vision® system was also tested and produced thoracic and abdominal radiographs of equivalent to slightly supervisor quality than those produced using blue/green emitting system.     

Common artefacts and pitfalls in equine computed and digital radiography and how to avoid them

Radiographic technology has rapidly advanced over the last decade with the use of both computed radiography and digital radiography now being common in equine practice. Image quality is critical for optimal diagnostic accuracy, so identification of factors that negatively influence quality is vital. The most commonly encountered problems include positioning errors, exposure anomalies, movement artefacts, labelling errors and image processing faults. The aim of this review is to describe common radiographic faults that will allow the equine practitioner to recognise and learn how to prevent these issues, thus improving image quality. This will aid in improving diagnostic accuracy and will enhance radiation safety by reducing the number of repeat exposures required.     

Cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography for diagnosis of dental abnormalities in dogs and cats

The development of veterinary dentistry has substantially improved the ability to diagnose canine and feline dental abnormalities. Consequently, examinations previously performed only on humans are now available for small animals, thus improving the diagnostic quality. This has increased the need for technical qualification of veterinary professionals and increased technological investments. This study evaluated the use of cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography as complementary exams for diagnosing dental abnormalities in dogs and cats. Cone beam computed tomography was provided faster image acquisition with high image quality, was associated with low ionizing radiation levels, enabled image editing, and reduced the exam duration. Our results showed that radiography was an effective method for dental radiographic examination with low cost and fast execution times, and can be performed during surgical procedures.     

A REVIEW OF PORTAL SCREEN-FILM TECHNOLOGY AND FIVE RADIOLOGISTS' EVALUATIONS OF SOME EXISTING PRODUCTS

Portal radiographs, radiographs made to document the accuracy of radiotherapy treatment fields, are typically of poor image contrast. Recently, a new portal film and screened-cassette system was marketed, the Kodak EC-L system, with the claim of greatly improved image contrast. This new EC-L system was tested on a canine cadaver exposed to Cobalt-60 teletherapy gamma radiation, and image quality was compared to earlier marketed Kodak portal film products. The EC-L system was found to provide portal images of improved contrast/quality.     

PORTAL RADIOGRAPHY IN VETERINARY RADIATION ONCOLOGY: OPTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Portal radiography involves the acquisition of images to visualize radiation treatment field(s) using the radiation treatment source. The standard has been the use of film-based systems with improvements over the years in film–screen technology providing near diagnostic quality images. More recent advances have included the development of digital systems with such notable improvements including ability to window/level images to enhance viewing and readability, and significant shortening of the time required to acquire images.     

微肥、稀土对苜蓿产量和品质的影响

在土壤瘠薄、盐碱较重的地段研究微肥、稀土对苜蓿产量及品质的影响,结果表明:喷施微肥及稀土对苜蓿有明显增产作用,200 g/kg稀土液产量最高,为16 708.40 kg/hm2,比对照高24.74%;施肥后粗蛋白含量明显提高,100 g/kg稀土液效果最好,两茬分别为22.14%、23.30%,比对照提高35.99%、30.75%;喷施微肥及稀土可增加苜蓿种植的经济效益,200 g/kg稀土液,净增收1 979.52元/hm2。     

Standing CT of the equine head: Reducing radiation dose maintains image quality

Multiple published studies involving computed tomographic (CT) examinations of the equine head utilise a wide range of mAs parameters for image acquisition. This prospective, experimental study assessed the effects of lowering mAs during CT image acquisition on image quality and scatter radiation on 10 cadaver equine heads. Each head was scanned three times at 300, 225, and 150 mAs, with all other scanning parameters remaining constant between series. An anthropomorphic phantom was positioned adjacent to each equine head during image acquisition, mimicking a human bystander, with an ionization chamber attached to the phantom at eye level. Each series was reconstructed using filtered back projection, using medium (H30) and high (H80) frequency reconstruction algorithms. Quantitative image quality assessment was performed by calculating signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Two qualitative image quality assessments were performed independently by three blinded board certified veterinary radiologists with a 4 week interval, using a visual grade analysis model adapted from peer reviewed medical literature. Ionization chamber measurements, calculated volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), and dose‐length product (DLP) were recorded. Halving radiation dose during image acquisition from 300 to 150mAs resulted in comparable image quality between series. There was a statistically significant and linear relationship between mAs and scatter radiation to the bystander; halving mAs during image acquisition resulted in halving of scatter radiation. Results of this cadaveric study support the use of lower mAs settings during standing CT examinations of the equine head.     

RADIOGRAPHY OF THE EQUINE THORAX: ANATOMY AND TECHNIC

Radiographic evaluation of the entire adult equine thorax in the standing position requires a minimum of four overlapping lateral radiographs. Small horses could often be studied with fewer radiographs. This basic examination provided the optimal radiographic opportunity for detecting lung diseases in the horse. An understanding of normal gross and radiographic anatomy is an absolute necessity if one is to avoid the potential diagnostic pitfalls inherent in radiographic interpretation of the equine thorax. Of equal importance is an appreciation for the technic required to produce thoracic radiographs. The advent of rare-earth intensifying screen and highspeed film systems has enhanced the opportunity for obtaining diagnostic standing lateral equine thoracic radiographs.     

Survey of the prevalence and methodology of quality assurance for B‐mode ultrasound image quality among veterinary sonographers

Image quality in B‐mode ultrasound is important as it reflects the diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic information provided during clinical scanning. Quality assurance programs for B‐mode ultrasound systems/components are comprised of initial quality acceptance testing and subsequent regularly scheduled quality control testing. The importance of quality assurance programs for B‐mode ultrasound image quality using ultrasound phantoms is well documented in the human medical and medical physics literature. The purpose of this prospective, cross‐sectional, survey study was to determine the prevalence and methodology of quality acceptance testing and quality control testing of image quality for ultrasound system/components among veterinary sonographers. An online electronic survey was sent to 1497 members of veterinary imaging organizations: the American College of Veterinary Radiology, the Veterinary Ultrasound Society, and the European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, and a total of 167 responses were received. The results showed that the percentages of veterinary sonographers performing quality acceptance testing and quality control testing are 42% (64/151; 95% confidence interval 34–52%) and 26% (40/156: 95% confidence interval 19–33%) respectively. Of the respondents who claimed to have quality acceptance testing or quality control testing of image quality in place for their ultrasound system/components, 0% have performed quality acceptance testing or quality control testing correctly (quality acceptance testing 95% confidence interval: 0–6%, quality control testing 95% confidence interval: 0–11%). Further education and guidelines are recommended for veterinary sonographers in the area of quality acceptance testing and quality control testing for B‐mode ultrasound equipment/components.     

新型奶牛蹄皮炎便捷诊断及乳导管末端评分设备的应用效果评价

为实现奶牛蹄皮炎以及乳房炎的早期诊断和及时干预,利用一种基于高清摄像头的新型奶牛蹄皮炎诊断及乳头末端评分设备,对黑龙江省大庆市某牛场的681头奶牛进行蹄皮炎鉴别诊断,并与平面镜反射法的诊断速度与结果进行对比;随机抽选其中的100头奶牛进行高清摄像头奶牛乳头末端评分,结合牧场DHI数据,评价高清摄像头奶牛乳导管末端评分方法与隐性乳房炎LMT诊断法诊断结果之间的相关性和一致性。结果表明,该设备在奶牛蹄皮炎鉴别诊断和奶牛乳导管末端评分的应用中具有画面传输速度快、成像效果好、待机时间长、诊断快速准确、成本低、便捷性能良好等优点,能够对奶牛蹄皮炎不同分期进行精确判断,与传统诊断方法相比能提高蹄皮炎诊断与乳导管末端评分的工作效率,大幅降低劳动强度,其对奶牛乳头末端的评分结果与隐性乳房炎LMT诊断法的评分结果之间呈现较强的相关性,并且一致性较好。研究结果为牧场奶牛蹄皮炎及乳房炎的早期诊断及预防提供了新方法。     

Clinical Technique: Digital Radiography in Exotic Pets—Important Practical Differences Compared with Traditional Radiography

The future of radiography will be digital. In exotic pet radiography, where some of the animals have a very low body weight and anatomic structures can be small, detail rendition plays an important feature in image quality. Veterinarians should be familiar with the technical principles, image quality criteria, and radiation exposure issues associated with the various types of digital systems currently available. This article discusses basic principles of digital radiography, technical solutions, and selected parameters characterizing detectors, processing, and monitors. An overview of reported experiences is given, and results from experimental clinical studies are reviewed to evaluate the current options and limitations in applying digital radiography to exotic pet medicine.     

MULTISCALE IMAGE PROCESSING AND ANTISCATTER GRIDS IN DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

Scatter radiation is a source of noise and results in decreased signal-to-noise ratio and thus decreased image quality in digital radiography. We determined subjectively whether a digitally processed image made without a grid would be of similar quality to an image made with a grid but without image processing. Additionally the effects of exposure dose and of a using a grid with digital radiography on overall image quality were studied. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs of five dogs of various sizes were made. Four acquisition techniques were included (1) with a grid, standard exposure dose, digital image processing; (2) without a grid, standard exposure dose, digital image processing; (3) without a grid, half the exposure dose, digital image processing; and (4) with a grid, standard exposure dose, no digital image processing (to mimic a film-screen radiograph). Full-size radiographs as well as magnified images of specific anatomic regions were generated. Nine reviewers rated the overall image quality subjectively using a five-point scale. All digitally processed radiographs had higher overall scores than nondigitally processed radiographs regardless of patient size, exposure dose, or use of a grid. The images made at half the exposure dose had a slightly lower quality than those made at full dose, but this was only statistically significant in magnified images. Using a grid with digital image processing led to a slight but statistically significant increase in overall quality when compared with digitally processed images made without a grid but whether this increase in quality is clinically significant is unknown.     

DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUTOMATED 12-8 BIT CONVERSION ALGORITHM FOR DISPLAYING AND ARCHIVING SCANNED RADIOGRAPHS

The lossless capture of the entire range of optical densities encountered in a radiograph can require up to 4000 individual shades of gray. Most inexpensive computer displays, and most grayscale image formats contain only 256 gray shades. To use these systems, a look up table must be generated to display the scanned image, which maps the approximately 4000 gray shades in the digitized radiograph to the 256 gray shades on the monitor. However, if this conversion is inappropriately performed, much of the information contained in the original image could be lost. This study was undertaken to develop an histogram equalization algorithm that would automatically convert the 4000 gray shade digitized radiograph into a 256 gray shade image file, without perceptable loss of diagnostic information or image quality.     

不同促生菌株组合对紫花苜蓿产量和品质的影响

利用前期从苜蓿和小麦根际分离的3株溶磷菌(Bacillus sp.,Pseudomonas sp.和Azotobacter sp.)和1株根瘤菌(Sinorhizobium meliloti)的不同组合研制苜蓿根际专用菌肥,并进行田间随机区组试验,测定其对苜蓿产量和品质的影响。结果表明,单一菌株制作的菌肥处理替代半量磷肥处理后,苜蓿的干草产量和品质较CK(全量磷肥)有所下降,但差异不显著;菌株组合制作的菌肥处理替代半量磷肥处理后,苜蓿的干草产量、粗蛋白(CP)、Ca、P和粗脂肪(EE)含量分别较CK提高10.6%,16.4%,14.1%,11.9%和4.2%,酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)和中性洗涤纤维(NDF)含量分别下降10.9%和7.7%。单一菌株的效果不及菌株组合,经分析比较后推荐S7和Jm170+Jm92+Lx191+S7与半量磷肥配施可代替全量磷肥。     

Cone beam computed tomography in veterinary dentistry

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in imaging dogs and cats for diagnostic dental veterinary applications. CBCT scans of heads of six dogs and two cats were made. Dental panoramic and multi-planar reformatted (MPR) para-sagittal reconstructions were created using specialized software. Image quality and visibility of anatomical landmarks were subjectively assessed by two observers. Good image quality was obtained for the MPR para-sagittal reconstructions through multiple teeth. The image quality of the panoramic reconstructions of dogs was moderate while the panoramic reconstructions of cats were poor since the images were associated with an increased noise level. Segmental panoramic reconstructions of the mouth seem to be useful for studying the dental anatomy especially in dogs. The results of this study using human dental CBCT technology demonstrate the potential of this scanning technology in veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the moderate image quality obtained with the CBCT technique reported here seems to be inferior to the diagnostic image quality obtained from 2-dimensional dental radiographs. Further research is required to optimize scanning and reconstruction protocols for veterinary applications.     

稀土元素在动物营养上的应用

我国稀土资源丰富,其储量、开采量均居世界首位,已广泛应用于工业、农业等领域。稀土元素作为动物饲料添加剂,可以促进畜禽生长、减少死亡率、增强免疫等生理作用,在动物营养中应用的前景广阔。论述了稀土资源的分布、添加剂的种类、作用机理以及在动物营养中的应用做一综述。     

稀土元素的肝脏蓄积性及毒性危害

综合论述了稀土元素在机体肝脏的蓄积性及其毒性效应,分析了稀土农业应用对生态环境和人群健康的危害.稀土元素被长期低剂量摄入,可在肝脏中蓄积,导致肝脏形态和病理组织变化、肝细胞损伤、肝代谢紊乱引起脂肪肝;高于2 mg·kg-1剂量的农用稀土(常乐)仍能通过胎盘屏障引起肝细胞和发育中的红细胞DNA损伤.     

典型果园生草模式及果草系统资源调控研究进展

果园生草是一种先进的果园土壤管理方式,能促进果品的优质可持续生产。我国引入果园生草措施已近40年,对生草果园小气候、土壤的物理、化学和生物学特性,以及果实产量和品质的变化等开展了较多研究,但对果园生草模式及其调控果园光热水土资源机制的系统研究还较少。本文综述了我国现有的典型果园生草模式及其运行机制,重点分析了果园生草对果园土壤水分、肥力、光照的调控机制,以及生草对果园害虫与杂草的调节作用。1)根据果园组分、系统水分和养分、草类植物种来源等的不同,果园生草有多种模式。2)适宜的果园生草可增加水分入渗,减小地表蒸发,减少水土流失;提高土壤肥力,增强土壤有益微生物活性;增加系统的光能捕获能力,改善果园光环境;增强系统抵抗杂草、病虫害能力,提高果园生产多样性和品质。3)不适宜的果草搭配和生草措施会导致果树和草类植物的水肥资源竞争,加剧土壤的水肥匮缺,影响系统生产性能。可为我国果园生草技术的深入研究与进一步推广应用提供参考。     

Prediction of serum ionized calcium concentration by serum total calcium measurement in cats

Feline serum samples (n = 434) were classified as hypercalcemic, normocalcemic, or hypocalcemic based on both total calcium (tCa) and ionized calcium (iCa) concentrations. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive diagnostic likelihood ratio (PDLR), and negative diagnostic likelihood ratio (NDLR) were calculated for prediction of hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in all samples, in hypoalbuminemic cats, and in those with chronic renal failure (CRF) as compared with cats that had other conditions. Diagnostic discordance in prediction of iCa using tCa was 40%. Sensitivity of tCa in prediction of ionized hypercalcemia was low and specificity was high. The PDLR for prediction of ionized hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia was low in all cats, especially in those with CRF. Due to the high level of diagnostic discordance, tCa should not be used to predict iCa concentration. Concentration of iCa should be measured directly when accurate assessment of calcium status is needed.