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This work introduces a novel setup for computed tomography of heavy and bulky specimens at the SYRMEP beamline of the Italian synchrotron Elettra. All the key features of the setup are described and the first application to off‐center computed tomography scanning of a human chest phantom (approximately 45 kg) as well as the first results for vertical helical acquisitions are discussed. This work introduces a novel setup to scan heavy and bulky specimen at the SYRMEP beamline, which will be the basis for future phase contrast lung computed tomography imaging in patients.

In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) aerogels with a tailorable phase composition were prepared by following the crystallization-induced gelation principle. A series of PVDF wet gels (5 to 12 wt.%) were prepared from either PVDF–DMF solutions or a mixture of DMF and ethanol as non-solvent. The effects of the non-solvent concentration on the crystalline composition of the PVDF aerogels were thoroughly investigated. It was found that the nucleating role of ethanol can be adjusted to produce low-density PVDF aerogels, whereas the changes in composition by the addition of small amounts of water to the solution promote the stabilization of the valuable β and γ phases. These phases of the aerogels were monitored by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. Furthermore, the crystallization process was followed by in-time and in situ ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. The obtained aerogels displayed specific surface areas > 150 m2 g−1, with variable particle morphologies that are dependent on the non-solvent composition, as observed by using SEM and Synchrotron Radiation Computed micro-Tomography (SR-μCT).

The 3D complexity of biological tissues and intricate structural-functional connections call for state-of-the-art X-ray imaging approaches to overcome limitations of classical imaging. Unlike other imaging techniques, X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) offers a highly sensitive 3D imaging approach to investigate different disease-relevant networks at levels ranging from single cell through to intact organ. We present here a concomitant study of the evolution of tissue damage and inflammation in different organs affected by the disease in the murine model for multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. XPCT identifies and monitors structural and cellular alterations throughout the central nervous system, but also in the gut, and eye, of mice induced to develop multiple sclerosis-like disease and sacrificed at pre-symptomatic and symptomatic time points. This study details the sequential evolution of multi-organ damages in the murine multiple sclerosis model showing the disease development and progression which is of relevance for the human case. X-ray phase-contrast tomography offers a highly sensitive 3D imaging approach to investigate different disease-relevant networks at levels ranging from single cell through to intact organ. The authors present a concomitant study of the evolution of tissue damage and inflammation in different organs affected by the disease in the murine model for multiple sclerosis.

Background Histopathological analysis represents the gold standard in clinical practice for diagnosing skin neoplasms. While the current diagnostic workflow has specialized in producing robust and accurate results, interpreting tissue architecture and malignant cellular morphology correctly remains one of the greatest challenges for pathologists. This paper aims to explore the prospect of applying x‐ray virtual histology to human skin tumor excisions and correlating it with the histological validation. Materials and Methods Seven skin biopsies containing intriguing melanoma types and pigmented skin lesions were scanned using x‐ray Computed micro‐Tomography (μCT) and then sectioned for conventional histology assessment. Results The tissue microarchitecture reconstructed by μCT offers detailed insights into diagnosing the malignancy or benignity of the skin lesions. Three‐dimensional reconstruction via x‐ray virtual histology reveals infiltrative patterns in basal cell carcinoma and evaluated invasiveness in melanoma. The technology enables the identification of pagetoid distributions of neoplastic cells and the assessment of melanoma depth in three dimensions. Conclusion Although the proposed approach is not intended to replace conventional histology, the non‐destructive nature of the sample and the clarity provided by virtual inspection demonstrate the promising impact of μCT as a valid support method prior to conventional histological sectioning. Indeed, μCT images can suggest the optimal sectioning position before using a microtome, as is commonly performed in histological practice. Moreover, the three‐dimensional nature of the proposed approach paves the way for a more accurate assessment of significant prognostic factors in melanoma, such as Breslow thickness, by considering the whole micro‐volume rather than a two‐dimensional observation.

SYRMEP is the hard X-ray imaging beamline of Elettra synchrotron offering X-ray full-field techniques, micro-computed tomography (microCT) and phase-contrast modality in the energy range 10–40 keV. The beamline operates in a multidisciplinary research context spanning from biomedical applications to botany, from zoology to food technology and cultural heritage, from materials engineering to geology and earth science. Thanks to the flexibility of SYRMEP setup, in situ experiments can be performed as well, novel imaging methods can be developed and implemented in a synergical manner with interested users and collaborators. SYRMEP peculiar wide beam together with the long sample-to-detector distance enables multiscale phase-contrast studies with optimized contrast and spatial resolution on rather large specimens, such as human lung phantoms. This is particularly relevant in view of future clinical lung imaging foreseen in the framework of Elettra 2.0 program. Here, the current beamline features and recent upgrades are illustrated, an overview of the imaging methods routinely offered to SYRMEP users’ community is presented, and the outlook for the new beamline SYRMEP-Life Science (SYRMEP-LS) is reported.

Malignant diseases are characterized by a critical trait known as invasiveness, where tumor cells tend to spread from the primary tissue layer into surrounding healthy tissues and distant organs. Presently, histopathology offers essential insights for diagnosing, classifying, predicting outcomes, and guiding patient-specific treatments. However, histology offers two-dimensional data from chosen cutting planes. Although 3D histological volumes can be generated through serial sectioning or whole slide imaging, this method is laborious, may introduce processing artefacts, and lacks isotropic spatial resolution. These limitations pose a considerable challenge to accurate diagnoses, particularly when dealing with micro-infiltrating carcinomas. These lesions, characterized by minute infiltrations, demand a three-dimensional representation for comprehensive visualization, essential for precise identification and assessment. Emerging X-ray-based virtual histology technology offers three-dimensional visualization of soft-tissue specimens, enabling virtual slicing in any direction or at any point. This approach can assist in guiding tissue sectioning for optimal representation of tumor cross sections during histological analysis. Micro-infiltrating carcinomas from the breast, cervix, and thyroid were imaged using X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (PhC- μ CT) at the Elettra synchrotron facility in Trieste, Italy. Comparative assessment of histological and CT slices by pathologists revealed that PhC- μ CT aids in classifying lesions by highlighting distinct tissue components and, notably, identifying tissue invasion. Reviewing a volume image allows pathologists to trace the entire lesion, identifying invasion sites that might be overlooked in individual or serial histological sections. Consequently, this proposed method could complement pathologists’ tools, potentially enhancing diagnoses by minimizing under-staging and reducing false negative results.