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High-resolution 3 T MR microscopy imaging of arterial walls.

PURPOSE: To achieve a high spatial resolution in MR imaging that allows for clear visualization of anatomy and even histology and documentation of plaque morphology in in vitro samples from patients with advanced atherosclerosis. A further objective of our study was to evaluate whether T2-weighted high-resolution MR imaging can provide accurate classification of atherosclerotic plaque according to a modified American Heart Association classification. METHODS: T2-weighted images of arteries were obtained in 13 in vitro specimens using a 3 T MR unit (Medspec 300 Avance/Bruker, Ettlingen, Germany) combined with a dedicated MR microscopy system. Measurement parameters were: T2-weighted sequences with TR 3.5 sec, TE 15-120 msec; field of view (FOV) 1.4 x 1.4; NEX 8; matrix 192; and slice thickness 600 microm. MR measurements were compared with corresponding histologic sections. RESULTS: We achieved excellent spatial and contrast resolution in all specimens. We found high agreement between MR images and histology with regard to the morphology and extent of intimal proliferations in all but 2 specimens. We could differentiate fibrous caps and calcifications from lipid plaque components based on differences in signal intensity in order to differentiate hard and soft atheromatous plaques. Hard plaques with predominantly intimal calcifications were found in 7 specimens, and soft plaques with a cholesterol/lipid content in 5 cases. In all specimens, hemorrhage or thrombus formation, and fibrotic and hyalinized tissue could be detected on both MR imaging and histopathology. CONCLUSION: High-resolution, high-field MR imaging of arterial walls demonstrates the morphologic features, volume, and extent of intimal proliferations with high spatial and contrast resolution in in vitro specimens and can differentiate hard and soft plaques.

Aged↗

High-resolution MRI vs multislice spiral CT: which technique depicts the trabecular bone structure best?

The purpose of this study was to compare trabecular bone structure parameters obtained from high-resolution magnetic resonance (HRMR) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images with those determined in contact radiographs from corresponding specimen sections. High-resolution MR and MSCT images were obtained in 39 distal radius specimens. For HRMR the in-plane spatial resolution was 0.152x0.153 mm(2) with a slice thickness of 0.9 and 0.3 mm using a 3D T1-weighted spin-echo sequence. For MSCT the resolution was 0.247x0.247 mm(2) with a collimation of 1 mm. Using a diamond saw, 117 0.9- to 1-mm-thick sections were obtained from these specimens and contact radiographs were acquired. In the corresponding sections structure parameters analogous to bone histomorphometry were determined. Significant correlations between MR- and CT-derived structure parameters and those derived from the contact radiographs were found (p<0.01); r values of up to 0.75 were obtained for HRMR imaging and up to 0.70 for MSCT. On the average, structure parameters showed higher correlations for the MR- than for the CT-derived data. For the MR data the threshold algorithm used for binarizing the images substantially affected these correlations. In conclusion, trabecular bone structure parameters assessed in distal radius HRMR and MSCT images are significantly correlated with those determined in corresponding specimen sections (p<0.01). High-resolution MR-derived structure parameters, however, performed better in the prediction of trabecular bone structure.

Aged↗

The appearances of oesophageal carcinoma demonstrated on high-resolution, T2-weighted MRI, with histopathological correlation.

This paper describes the spectrum of imaging features of oesophageal adenocarcinoma seen using high-resolution T2-weighted (T2W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-nine patients with biopsy-proven oesophageal adenocarcinoma were scanned using an external surface coil. A sagittal T2W sequence was used to localise the tumour and to plan axial images perpendicular to the tumour. Fast spin-echo (FSE) T2W axial sequence parameters were: TR/TE, 3,300-5,000 ms/120-80 ms; field of view (FOV) 225 mm, matrix 176x512(reconstructed) mm to 256x224 mm, giving an in-plane resolution of between 1.28x0.44 mm and 0.88x1.00 mm, with 3-mm slice thickness. Thirty-three patients underwent resection and the MR images were compared with the histological whole-mount sections. There were four T1, 12 T2, and 17 T3 tumours. The T2W high-resolution MRI sequences produced detailed images of the oesophageal wall and surrounding structures. Analysis of the imaging appearances for different tumour T stages enabled the development of imaging criteria for local staging of oesophageal cancer using high-resolution MRI. Our study illustrates the spectrum of appearances of oesophageal cancer on T2W high-resolution MRI, and using the criteria established in this study, demonstrates the potential of this technique as an alternative non-invasive method for local staging for oesophageal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Echo planar perfusion imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution: methodology and clinical aspects.

The purpose of the present study was to analyse specific advantages of calculated parameter images and their limitations using an optimized echo-planar imaging (EPI) technique with high spatial and temporal resolution. Dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) was performed in 12 patients with cerebrovascular disease and in 13 patients with brain tumours. For MR imaging of cerebral perfusion an EPI sequence was developed which provides a temporal resolution of 0.68 s for three slices with a 128 x 128 image matrix. To evaluate DSC-MRI, the following parameter images were calculated pixelwise: (1) Maximum signal reduction (MSR); (2) maximum signal difference (delta SR); (3) time-to-peak (Tp); and (4) integral of signal-intensity-time curve until Tp (SInt). The MSR maps were superior in the detection of acute infarctions and delta SR maps in the delineation of vasogenic brain oedema. The time-to-peak (Tp) maps seemed to be highly sensitive in the detection of poststenotic malperfused brain areas (sensitivity 90%). Hyperperfused areas of brain tumours were detectable down to a diameter of 1 cm with high sensitivity (> 90%). Distinct clinical and neuroradiological conditions revealed different suitabilities for the parameter images. The time-to-peak (Tp) maps may be an important advantage in the detection of post-stenotic "areas at risk", due to an improved temporal resolution using an EPI technique. With regard to spatial resolution, a matrix size of 128 x 128 is sufficient for all clinical conditions. According to our results, a further increase in matrix size would not improve the spatial resolution in DSC-MRI, since the degree of the vascularization of lesions and the susceptibility effect itself seem to be the limiting factors.

Adult↗

Frequency resolution and spectral integration (critical band analysis) in single units of the cat primary auditory cortex.

Frequency resolution and spectral filtering in the cat primary auditory cortex (AI) were mapped by extracellular recordings of tone responses in white noise of various bandwidths. Single-tone excitatory tuning curves, critical bandwidths, and critical ratios were determined as a function of neuronal characteristic frequency and tone level. Single-tone excitatory tuning curves are inadequate measures of frequency resolution and spectral filtering in the AI, because their shapes (in most neurons) deviated substantially from the shapes of "tuning curves for complex sound analysis", the curves determined by the band limits of the critical bandwidths. Perceptual characteristics of spectral filtering (intensity independence and frequency dependence) were found in average critical bandwidths of neurons from the central and ventral AI. The highest frequency resolution (smallest critical bandwidths) reached by neurons in the central and ventral AI equaled the psychophysical frequency resolution. The dorsal AI is special, since most neurons there had response properties incompatible with psychophysical features of frequency resolution. Perceptual characteristics of critical ratios were not found in the average neuronal responses in any area of the AI. It seems that spectral integration in the way proposed to be the basis for the perception of tones in noise is not present at the level of the AI.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

A simple device for measuring the resolution of videoscopic cameras and laparoscopes in the operating room.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for a device that can be used to objectively evaluate the image quality provided by laparoscopic camera units in the operating room. METHODS: The device that we developed consists of a regular 10-mm or 5-mm laparoscopic port with a rectangular test unit built at the end. A standard test pattern slide with resolution bars is used for measurements. Using this assembly, a single-chip laparoscopic camera was compared with a three-chip laparoscopic camera at different wiring formats and camera settings by measuring the resolution on the monitor screen. RESULTS: Vertical resolution was found to be constant at 550 lines, regardless of the type of camera and wiring used. Of the three wiring formats, composite wiring provided the poorest image with both cameras. When enhancement was off, the horizontal resolution obtained with Y/C or RGB wiring was the same for the one-chip camera at 640 lines of horizontal resolution, whereas RGB cabling provided the best image for the three-chip camera at 800 lines. CONCLUSION: Using basic broadcasting principles, we have developed a simple device that is useful for the comparison of different camera, cabling, and laparoscope configurations in the operating room. This information can be used as objective criteria to judge the image quality in laparoscopic video- systems.

Humans↗

Resolution of medullary nephrocalcinosis in children with metabolic bone disorders.

Ultrasonographic resolution of nephrocalcinosis (NC) has been reported in children with furosemide-induced NC, but not in other entities. We report the cases of four children with metabolic bone disease, two with hypophosphatasia and two with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, in whom we observed resolution of renal calcifications. At the time of ultrasonographic resolution of NC, 3 of the patients were on anticalciuric diuretics, and all 4 had normal urinalysis, serum creatinine and electrolyte profiles, as well as estimated creatinine clearance. In 3 of the children, evidence of mild tubular dysfunction was found. It thus seems that in some children with bone and mineral disorders who develop NC, ultrasonographic resolution of the renal calcifications can be seen; however, mild tubular dysfunction may remain and require follow-up. Further studies are suggested to explore the possible role of anticalciuric diuretics in promoting the resolution of NC.

Adolescent↗

The facile HPLC enantioresolution of amino acids, peptides on naphthylethylcarbamate-beta-cyclodextrin bonded phases using the acetonitrile-based mobile phase after their pre-column derivatization with phenyl isothiocyanate: factors that affect the resolution.

A variety of alpha-amino acids are enantioresolved for the first time on naphthylethylcarbamate-beta-cyclodextrin bonded phases (i.e., SN- and RN-beta-CD) using the acetonitrile-based mobile phase after their pre-column derivatization with phenyl isothiocyanate in alkaline medium. The resolution is better obtained on RN-beta-CD phase and fails to reproduce if the amino acid is N-benzoylated or N-carbobenzyloxylated under the same chromatographic conditions. The enhanced resolution is believed to be due to the re-location of the hydrogen receptor site from sulfur to nitrogen on the isothiocyanyl fragment of derivatizing reagent, which in turn changes the enantioselectivity. Also, the sulfur atom is larger in size and subject to steric hindrance more significantly in comparison with oxygen. The carboxyl group of amino acid is essential toward a satisfactory resolution. The position of the amino group on the backbone affects the resolution as well. Finally, the resolution is either not observed or unsatisfactory in the reversed- or normal phase mode for most of the amino acids examined in this study.

Acetonitriles↗

High-resolution, high-throughput magnetic paragraph sign resonance imaging of mouse embryonic paragraph sign anatomy using a fast gradient-echo sequence.

Embryonic development in normal and genetically modified mice is commonly analysed by histological sectioning. This procedure is time-consuming, prone to artefact, and results in the loss of three-dimensional (3D) information. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of embryos has the potential of noninvasively acquiring a complete 3D data set. Published methods have used spin-echo techniques with inherently high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); however, they required either perfusion of the embryo with a contrast agent, or prolonged acquisition times to improve contrast and resolution. Here, we show that a standard preparation (i.e. paraformaldehyde fixation) of 15.5 days post-coitum embryos followed by MRI using a fast gradient-echo sequence with T(1)-weighting achieves high resolution and high throughput for investigating mouse embryonic anatomy. 3D data sets were acquired in overnight experiments (<9 h) with an experimental resolution of approximately 25 microm(3). This spatial resolution is twofold higher than the values reported previously for comparable paraformaldehyde-fixed embryos, and it was obtained in less than a quarter of the time with sufficient SNR. Our approach combines speed, high resolution and contrast with a simple preparation technique and minimal operator time (<1 h). It allows rapid routine 3D characterisation of normal and abnormal mouse embryonic anatomy.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

Multi-Resolution FOCUSS: a source imaging technique applied to MEG data.

A variety of techniques are available for imaging magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data to the corresponding cortical structures. Each performs a functional optimization that includes mathematical and physical restrictions on source activity. Unlike other imaging techniques, MR-FOCUSS (Multi-Resolution FOCal Underdetermined System Solution) utilizes a wavelet statistical operator that allows spatial resolution to be chosen appropriately for focal or extended sources. Control of focal imaging properties is achieved by specifying P in an l(P) norm distribution template used to construct the wavelets. In addition, incorporation of a multi-resolution wavelet operator desensitizes the mathematical algorithm to noise, (regularization). Like the FOCUSS imaging technique, an initial estimate of cortical activity is recursively enhanced to obtain the final high resolution imaging results. Studies of model MEG data representing all regions of a realistic cortical model are performed to quantify MR-FOCUSS imaging properties. These modeled data studies included single and multiple dipole sources as well as an extended source model. Thus, MR-FOCUSS is found to be very effective for imaging language processing for pre-surgical planning and provides a high-resolution method to image sequential activation of multiple correlated sources involved in language processing.

Algorithms↗

Innate immunity in triggering and resolution of acute gouty inflammation.

Gout has long been recognized as a disease of recurrent bouts of acute inflammation that undergo self-resolution. This inflammation is triggered by the body's response to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. In this paper, we focus on recent studies that describe how interactions of MSU crystals with the components of the innate immune system trigger acute gouty inflammation as well as mechanisms that are involved in the resolution of this inflammation. Specifically, we describe how toll-like receptors mediate the uptake of MSU crystals involved in the initiation and resolution of gouty inflammation. We also describe recent findings on the role of apoptotic clearance in the resolution of gouty inflammation. In addition, how therapies used to treat gout act on the innate immune system to inhibit MSU crystal-induced inflammation and promote the resolution of inflammation is discussed.

Acute Disease↗

Resolution problems in echocardiology: a source of interpretation errors.

Resolution is the ability of the echocardiographic system to distinguish closely lying structures. This is usually defined in two directions: laterally (lateral resolution) and in depth (axial resolution). With use of short ultrasonic pulses, axial resolution is not a major problem. By far the more important problem is the limited lateral resolution that results from the finite beam width of current ultrasonic devices. This results in the display of echoes that originate from off-axis structures. How these off-axis or "spurious echoes" affect the display is a function of the way the echographic information is handled. In conventional M-mode tracings, spurious echoes are displayed at a site where there is no directly corresponding anatomic structure, whereas with two-dimensional imaging, these echoes may result in important distortions of structures. The underlying principles are illustrated by a clinical experiment wherein the ball of a Starr-Edwards mitral valve prosthesis serves as a target of known shape and dimensions. These data are used to elucidate some of the problems and potential errors encountered in the interpretation of clinical M-mode recordings of the aorta, mitral valve and the left ventricular endocardium as well as their cross-sectional analysis. They also explain the present limitations of quantification of left ventricular performance from cross-sectional images.

Aorta↗

Two-dimensional electrophoresis of membrane proteins. Factors affecting resolution of rat-liver microsomal proteins.

A comparison has been made of published techniques for the resolution of rat liver microsomal proteins by two-dimensional electrophoresis. The method of Kaderbhai and Freedman (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 601 (1980) 21-20) gives good resolution of acidic proteins but excludes hydrophobic integral membrane proteins of pI greater than 7, including cytochrome P-450 apoproteins. The method of Vlasuk and Walz (Anal. Biochem. 105 (1980) 112-120) gives good resolution of proteins of pI 5-8, including cytochromes P-450, but fails to resolve a major acidic protein of pI less than 5. Isoelectric focusing of microsomal proteins is improved by the use of high concentrations of urea and low concentrations of sample proteins. Zwitterionic detergents of the general formula R . N+(CH3)2 . CH2CH2CH2SO3- are effective in solubilizing microsomal proteins, either alone or in presence of non-ionic detergent; compounds with a long alkyl chain (C14 or C16) are most effective. Isoelectric focusing of microsomal proteins solubilized by zwitterionic detergents did not give good resolution, probably because of incomplete dissociation and denaturation of the proteins. These detergents could not be used in the presence of high concentrations of urea. Although no single method of two-dimensional electrophoresis gives complete resolution of the whole range of microsomal proteins, conditions can be optimized for specific sets of proteins of interest. The technique can be used to monitor differences in microsomal composition between rat strains, or following induction, and for a variety of other studies.

Animals↗

Resolution-limiting factors in 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. I. Factors other than diffusion.

We measured the extent to which factors other than the diffusion of the radioactive label during tissue preparation limits the spatial resolving power of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) autoradiography. Radioactive swept frequency gratings were created using microcircuit lithography. The gratings consisted of alternating equal width radioactive and non-radioactive bars in groups of narrowing bar width (effective range 500-20 mum). The vertical thickness of the gratings ranged from 2.25 to 20 mum. The isotope in the radioactive bars was either 14C or 3H. A variety of X-ray films were exposed to these gratings and the resulting images scanned with microdensitometers or video digitizers to determine the fall off in image contrast (dark-bar values minus light-bar values) as a function of the number of dark bars (lines) per millimeter. The power of the isotope was the resolution limiting factor. Grating thickness and type of film made little difference. The limit of resolution with 14C was 10 lines/mm; with 3H, it was 25 lines/mm. The microdensitometer itself is apt to be a resolution limiting factor; the resolving power of those commonly used in autoradiography is unlikely to exceed 10 lines/mm. From measurements of the steepness of gray-matter to white-matter transitions in the image from a tissue section, we conclude that the resolution in the image is no worse than 1.6-3.2 lines/mm. Either the isotope or diffusion of the 2-DG during tissue preparation must be the factor that limits resolution.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Refined structure of porcine cytosolic adenylate kinase at 2.1 A resolution.

The crystal structure of porcine cytosolic adenylate kinase has been established at 2.1 A resolution using a restrained least-squares refinement method. Based on 11,251 independent reflections of better than 10 A resolution, a final R-factor of 19.3% was obtained with a model obeying standard geometry within 0.026 A in bond lengths and 3.3 degrees in bond angles. In comparison with the previous structure at 3 A resolution, there is a significant improvement. The high resolution structure has been used to rationalize the strictly conserved residues in the adenylate kinase family. Among these is the glycine-rich loop, which forms a giant anion hole accommodating a sulfate ion which mimics a phosphoryl group of a substrate. Such a structure seems to occur in a large group of mononucleotide binding proteins. Moreover, a conserved cis-proline has been detected in the active center. A structural comparison with the complex between adenylate kinase from yeast and a substrate-analog at medium resolution indicates that this kinase performs appreciable mechanical movements during a catalytic cycle. The reported structure presumably represents an open form of the enzyme, similar to that in solution in the absence of substrates. However, since there are large intermolecular contacts in the crystal, some deviation from the solution structure has to be expected.

Adenylate Kinase↗

High-yield radiography of the maxillofacial complex using the free focus and conventional imaging concepts. The resolution performance of nonscreen and screen-film combinations.

Free focus radiography with miniaturized dental x-ray machines may be a valuable source of "high-yield" diagnostic information in dentistry. This study evaluated the resolution performance of conventional image receptors, including nonscreen and screen-film combinations which were available in sizes suitable for panoramic free focus radiography or conventional extraoral radiography. Results with nonscreen films produced resolution performances ranging from about 10 lp/mm. to about 20 lp/mm. For each film tested, the performances in conventional radiography as well as in free focus radiography with the film in the buccal fold approached the maximum measurable of 20 lp/mm. In a mode of free focus radiography with the film positioned extraorally, there were significant variations in performance according to film brand. A significant reduction in resolution performance occurred when screen-film combinations were tested; resolution ranged between 4.0 lp/mm. and 7.4 lp/mm., with the better performance obtained with free focus radiography. The performance of a rare earth system was similar to other screen-film combinations tested in conventional radiography. In free focus radiography the performance of the rare earth system was slightly below the mean resolution for conventional screen-film combinations at 4.0 lp/mm. and 4.3 lp/mm. An example of a small cassette adapted for intraoral use was given.

Face↗

Complement activation occurs through both classical and alternative pathways prior to onset and resolution of adult respiratory distress syndrome.

We have previously reported that plasma concentrations of the terminal complement (C) complex (TCC), C5b-9, increased significantly 2 days prior to onset of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and also 1 day preceding its resolution. To determine the pathway of complement activation that preceded development and resolution of this acute inflammatory lung injury in septic patients, we quantified the C1rC1s-C1 inhibitor complex and the C3bP complex, which are generated following activation of classical and alternative complement pathways, respectively. Two days prior to diagnosis of ARDS, the plasma C1rC1s-C1 inhibitor complex and C3bP complex levels increased 22 and 14%, respectively. Furthermore, significant correlations were identified between concentrations of the TCC and C1rC1s-C1 inhibitor complex (r = 0.73, P = 0.003) and also with the levels of the TCC and C3bP complex (r = 0.81, P = 0.002) before onset of ARDS. Equally of interest, the C1rC1s-C1 inhibitor complex and C3bP complex concentrations increased 68 and 35%, respectively, 1 day before resolution of ARDS. Similarly, significant elevations of TCC concentrations preceding resolution of ARDS correlated with C1rC1s-C1 inhibitor complex (r = 0.66, P = 0.02) and also with C3bP complex (r = 0.72, P = 0.002) levels. Our results indicate that both the classical and alternative complement pathways are activated prior to onset of ARDS and also before its resolution in septic patients.

Complement Activating Enzymes↗

Recent advances in methods of direct optical resolution.

Very great advances have been made in the field of direct optical resolution of organic compounds by chromatographic techniques. Chiral capillary gas chromatography now permits a determination of the enantiomeric composition of a few nanograms of a compound present in a mixture of many others. Coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry the technique will additionally permit structural elucidation; of great interest in pheromone research and related areas. Analytical separations of enantiomers are now also carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods based on a variety of principles. Basically, two main types are used, differing as to whether the mobile phase has to be a chiral medium or not. Two-dimensional HPLC, whereby compounds separated on a non-chiral column are progressively and automatically transferred to a chiral column for optical resolution, has been used successsfully for chiral amino acid separations. Many different chiral sorbents for preparative LC and HPLC resolutions have been prepared; some of these are now used in columns capable of producing pure enantiomers from a given racemate at a rate of the order of one gram/hour in continuous, automatic HPLC procedures. Apart from all important applications of these results of optical resolution technology, an increased knowledge of the underlying chiral recognition phenomena responsible for enantioselection has also been achieved.

Chromatography, Gas↗