title: Quantitative analysis of bone mineral content by x-ray microtomography.
abstract: A new non-destructive method based on x-ray microtomography (micro-CT) was developed to measure calcium density in bone. X-ray micro-CT was used as a quantitative approach to acquire and reconstruct virtual cross-sections through the sample. Accurate beam-hardening correction was implemented. Grey values in the virtual cross-sections were calibrated as calcium mineral density in bone. From these cross-sections, three-dimensional models were created. Calcium content was calculated directly from images and expressed as percentage per volume and per weight. Calcium mineral density was studied by this method in a unique set of bones isolated from newts (Pleurodeles waltlii Michah) that had travelled into space. A demineralization of 10% was shown as a consequence of sustained micro-gravity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Antwerp (RUCA), Groenenborgerlaan, 171, Antwerp B-2020, Belgium.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Postnov
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Vinogradov
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Van Dyck
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Saveliev
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: De Clerck
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D010758:Phosphorus; D002244:Carbon; D010100:Oxygen; D002118:Calcium