A: Sparse-view x-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT) reconstruction algorithms via total variation (TV) optimize the data without introducing notable noise and artifacts, resulting in significant scanning time reduction while maintaining image quality. However, due to the piecewise constant assumption for the image, a conventional TV minimization often suffers from patchy artifacts in reconstructed images. Moreover, for lack of directional gradient in TV some directional information are lost. To obviate these drawbacks, in this study we develop a penalized weighted least-square (PWLS) strategy for micro-CT sparse-view image reconstruction by incorporating an adaptive weighted total variation in combination with an adaptive weighted diagonal total variation (AwTV+AwDTV) penalty term. The AwTV considers the vertical and horizontal gradients while the AwDTV uses the diagonal gradients. The associated weights which are defined based on the anisotropic edge properties of an image, are expressed as an exponential function and can be adaptively adjusted by the amount of the difference between voxel intensities to preserve the edge details. To evaluate the presented (AwTV+AwDTV)-PWLS algorithm, both qualitative and quantitative studies were performed by computer simulations and micro-CT data experiments. The Shepp-Logan phantom for computer simulation and the micro-CT water phantom and a rat skull for micro-CT experiments are employed to perform image reconstruction. To evaluate the performance of AwTV+AwDTV algorithm, we compared it with TV and AwTV reconstruction algorithms. The simulation results show that the presented (AwTV+AwDTV)-PWLS algorithm can achieve the lowest RMSE and highest PSNR, SSIM and MTF for different number of projections as compared to the AwTV and conventional TV algorithms. The micro-CT data results confirmed the superiority of the proposed (AwTV+AwDTV) method to the AwTV and TV methods for different number of projections. K: Computerized Tomography (CT) and Computed Radiography (CR); Data reduction methods; Image reconstruction in medical imaging

Introduction: The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for more than 80% of all kidney cancers. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation in the presence of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for the treatment of RCC. Materials and Methods: Human embryonic kidney (HEK) cancer cells were divided into 6 groups. Various tests were performed on HEK cells in the presence of RF and GNPs. In order to investigate the radiation effects on the cells’ survival, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol–2-yl)-2,5-iphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was performed at different days during and post-irradiation period. The repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was used for statistical analysis of the cells’ survival using SPSS version 16.0. A significant level of 0.05 was considered to the tests. Results: Using the ANOVA test, a significant decrease in cell’s survival was seen in the RF exposed group 3 compared to the control group (P=0.035). While, differences were not significant between RF exposed group 2 and the control group (P>0.05). A significant decrease in cell’s survival in the RF exposed groups 5 (P=0.025) and 6 (P=0.018) at the presence of GNP compared to the control group was seen. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that, this method can be efficiently used for RCC treatment as an alternative to nephrectomy. More follow up in vivo studies on mammalians are needed to investigate the potential of the presented method for clinical applications.

Nowadays, mobile phones are widely used not only for making calls but also for many other applications, such as banking transactions and web browsing. Histological and physiological studies have shown the hazardous effects of mobile phones on the human central nervous system, cardiovascular system, immune function, reproduction and development. It should be noted that mobile telephone radiation may be absorbed by kidney more than other internal organs because mobile phones are often carried in belts. The present study investigated that the mobile phone prolonged radiofrequency radiation could affect healthy kidney cells in an in vitro study.

Sentinel lymph node is the first regional lymph node that drains the lymph from the primary tumor. It is potentially the first node to receive the seeding of lymph-borne metastatic cells. This study aimed to discuss lymphoscintigraphy procedural guidelines for detection of sentinel node using 99mTc-Phytate in Isfahan, Iran. Moreover, the preliminary results of the first year's clinical experience of lymphoscintigraphy in Isfahan, Iran are also presented. A total of 36 consecutive sentinel node procedures were performed following our protocol in March 2013 to March 2014. For all 36 patients, after intradermal injection of 0.5–1 mCi of 99mTc-Phytate, 5, 30 and 120 min with hands up lymphoscintigraphy was performed. All procedures were performed in a 1-day setting with 99mTc-Phytate injection in intradermal volume of about 0.1 cc. At 5, 30 and 120 min after injection, anterior and lateral images (4 min), were acquired using gamma-camera (energy 140 keV, window 15–20% and LEHR collimator). For all patients, at least one axillary sentinel lymph node was detected. For three patients, 2 SNs were seen. The images 5 min after injection showed at least one axillary sentinel node in 18 of 36 patients. However for the remaining patients, more delayed images (after 30 and 120 min) were needed. Although, no changes were seen in 120 min images compared to 30 min images. Considering the used protocol, from the evaluated data it can be concluded that lymphoscintigraphy after 30 min periareolar injection of about 0.5–1 mCi 99mTc-Phytate in an intradermal volume of about 0.1 cc yields an axillary sentinel node in all the patients. Imaging 120 min after injection is of no additional value and can be omitted.

Iran has had a peaceful nuclear program for more than 50