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Imaging is critical in the evaluation and accurate staging of the patient with laryngeal cancer. Knowledge of relevant anatomy and characteristic patterns of tumor spread guides prognosis and facilitates treatment planning. Furthermore, imaging plays an important role in follow-up of the patient who has undergone successful treatment of their primary laryngeal cancer to detect recurrence and assess treatment-related complications. This review highlights the common imaging modalities used in laryngeal cancer imaging, unique anatomic considerations for each laryngeal subsite, and provides an overview of post-treatment surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selecting the appropriate number of clusters is a critical step in applying clustering algorithms. To assist in this process, various cluster validity indices (CVIs) have been developed. These indices are designed to identify the optimal number of clusters within a dataset. However, users may not always seek the absolute optimal number of clusters but rather a secondary option that better aligns with their specific applications. This realization has led us to introduce a Bayesian cluster validity index (BCVI), which builds upon existing indices. The BCVI utilizes either Dirichlet or generalized Dirichlet priors, resulting in the same posterior distribution. The proposed BCVI is evaluated using the Calinski-Harabasz, CVNN, Davies–Bouldin, silhouette, Starczewski, and Wiroonsri indices for hard clustering and the KWON2, Wiroonsri–Preedasawakul, and Xie–Beni indices for soft clustering as underlying indices. The performance of the proposed BCVI with that of the original underlying indices has been compared. The BCVI offers clear advantages in situations where user expertise is valuable, allowing users to specify their desired range for the final number of clusters. To illustrate this, experiments classified into three different scenarios are conducted. Additionally, the practical applicability of the proposed approach through real-world datasets, such as MRI brain tumor images are presented. These tools are published as a recent R package 'BayesCVI'. • A new concept connecting Bayesian analysis and cluster validity indices which we call Bayesian Cluster Validity index (BCVI). • BCVI is applicable to any clustering algorithms attached with any existing cluster validity index. • BCVI can be computed using either Dirichlet or Generalized Dirichlet priors. • BCVI can be computed using our developed 'BayesCVI' R package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project will look to combine separate AI technologies currently under development by both the Mayo Clinic and Philips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is the design study and realisation of portable low-field open MRI system. Design/methodology/approach: The design of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is based on an optimization study using a genetic algorithm. Non-linear two-dimensional and three-dimensional numerical electromagnetic models are developed and inserted in the optimization environment. Findings: The results are found to be consistent with those issued from fully experimental tests. The static field produced by the device is 0.295 T with a homogeneity of 2.8% (28,000 ppm) over 100 mm diameter sphere volume. The z-axis gradient coils are capable of generating switching gradients with an amplitude of 8 mT/m and a frequency of 1.2 kHz. Originality/value: Our system is an open portable MRI which can be used in an ambulance. The open topology permits an easy access into the lateral sides when a surgery using surgical instrument with video feedback is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pituitary gland is anatomically located between the hypothalamus and the pineal gland. This pea-sized oval structure lies in the sella turcica, which is a small depression in the sphenoid bone.1 The pituitary gland is divided into an anterior and posterior part.1 The anterior pituitary is the largest section, and its function is to produce and release six hormones.1 These include Somatotropin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicular stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone and prolactin.1 The posterior pituitary is a direction extension from the hypothalamus and does not directly synthesise hormones but is where oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone are released.1 Pituitary tumours which are measured <4mm are seen in about 10% of patients with intra-cranial tumours.2 Pituitary adenomas however are the third most common intra-cranial neoplasms in adults.2 Pituitary adenomas can be classified as micro-adenomas (<1cm diameter) or macroadenomas (≥1cm diameter)2 . Macroadenomas are also twice as common as microadenomas4 . Patients who Pituitary adenomas typically present with hormone hypersecretion, visual and neurological defects.2 Once diagnosed a pituitary adenoma can be treated either with medication, surgery and/or radiation therapy.3 This case report provides an overview of the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and the use of Nuclear Medicine PET/CT 11C-Methionine and its role in the diagnosis of pituitary adenomas. A general overview of the protocols undertaken in both imaging modalities will also be detailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is essential for evaluating patellofemoral pathology and injury. In addition to a detailed history and physical examination, PFJ imaging should be used to better understand the relationship between osseous and soft tissue structures, further confirm a diagnosis, and to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. This article reviews the relevant radiographic and advanced imaging studies utilized in the work-up and treatment of patients with patellofemoral disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalous diffusion has been investigated in many polymer and biological systems. The analysis of PFG anomalous diffusion relies on the ability to obtain the signal attenuation expression. However, the general analytical PFG signal attenuation expression based on the fractional derivative has not been previously reported. Additionally, the reported modified-Bloch equations for PFG anomalous diffusion in the literature yielded different results due to their different forms. Here, a new integral type modified-Bloch equation based on the fractional derivative for PFG anomalous diffusion is proposed, which is significantly different from the conventional differential type modified-Bloch equation. The merit of the integral type modified-Bloch equation is that the original properties of the contributions from linear or nonlinear processes remain unchanged at the instant of the combination. From the modified-Bloch equation, the general solutions are derived, which includes the finite gradient pulse width (FGPW) effect. The numerical evaluation of these PFG signal attenuation expressions can be obtained either by the Adomian decomposition, or a direct integration method that is fast and practicable. The theoretical results agree with the continuous-time random walk (CTRW) simulations performed in this paper. Additionally, the relaxation effect in PFG anomalous diffusion is found to be different from that in PFG normal diffusion. The new modified-Bloch equations and their solutions provide a fundamental tool to analyze PFG anomalous diffusion in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The company's Mammomat B.brilliant system includes a wide-angle X-ray tube and AI-powered image reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical imaging techniques are being rapidly developed and used for diagnosis and prognostic predictions. To validate a prognostic predictive utility of a new imaging marker, a temporal association needs to be established to show an association between its baseline value with a subsequent chance of having the relevant clinical outcome. Validation of such techniques has several difficulties. First, different from techniques based on blood or tissue specimen, imaging techniques often have no historical samples to study and require new studies to collect data. For rare events, it can be costly. Second, the rapid technology evolution requires such validation studies to be short in order to keep the evaluation relevant. A new statistical design is proposed that extends traditional prospective cohort study by adding cases with known time of events and including a short-term follow-up to estimate the prospective odds ratio for the clinical endpoint of interest within a reasonably short duration of time. Under a Markov model, this new design can deliver a consistent estimate of the odds ratio and a formula for asymptotic variance. Numerical studies suggest that the new design induces a smaller variance than the corresponding prospective cohort study within three follow-ups. An application to Alzheimer’s disease data demonstrates that the proposed design has a potential to be useful to rapidly establish a prognostic validity of a new imaging marker within a reasonable time, with a small sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kim Kardashian took to Instagram on Tuesday to boost the (already high) profile of scanning service provider Prenuvo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once the subject of a $1.2 billion market cap, ViewRay is now scrambling to stay afloat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered for the quantification of iron overload in the liver. Iron overload was found to correlate with T2* measurement using T2* weighted images. In this work, we address the problem of iron overload estimation in the liver using MRI. We propose a general framework for all liver models proposed in the literature. The iron overload estimation task is then formulated as a minimization problem, and suitable regularization functions are assigned to the unknown model parameters. Subsequently, an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is used to estimate these unknown parameters. Three different models are derived, tested and compared; namely the single exponential (SEXP), the bi-exponential (BiEXP), and the exponential plus constant (CEXP). Simulations conducted using synthetic datasets indicate good correlation between estimated and ground truth T2* for all models. Moreover, the algorithms are evaluated using MRI scans of nine patients of different iron concentrations, using a 3-Tesla MRI scanner. The estimated T2* values of the proposed approaches are found to correlate with those obtained by the MRI scanner console. Moreover, the proposed approaches outperform several existing methods in the literature for iron overload estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negotiated price data outline how hospital characteristics that increase bargaining power have yielded higher asking prices, researchers say. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experts at World Congress of Internal Medicines Reinforce Importance of BETADINE® in Disease Prevention, Infection Control and Oral Mucositis Treatment. First Dengue Vaccination Program in the Americas Starts in Paraná State of Brazil. Agilent Technologies Array CGH Platform Assures Quality of Cancer Cell Lines Used in Biomedical Research. ARTES and Burnet Institute Join Forces to Develop Novel Hepatitis C Vaccine. Cardiac Imaging Reveals the Association Between Increased Prevalence of Coronary Issues Among Men with HIV and Higher Indications of Cardiac Inflammation. NCCS Awards Contract for Proton Beam Therapy System to Hitachi Asia Ltd. Hitachi is Selected by National Cancer Centre Singapore for Southeast Asia's First Proton Beam Therapy System. FEI Introduces New Talos S/TEM for Life and Materials Sciences. Systematic Review of 58 Publications of Real-World Use of GARDASIL® Presented at AOGIN Congress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Journey Inside the Human Body Seward Stomacher Enables Clean and Odour Free Sample Preparation for Faecal Transplants. SCIEX and QPS Holdings Enter Collaboration to Establish the BioBA Solution for Bioanalysis of Biologics. Singapore Ranks 4th in How Its National Policies Impact Global Biopharma Innovation, ITIF Finds in New Analysis Marking World Health Day. Bosch Introduces New Generation of Pure Steam Generators and Distillation Units to the Market. Clearbridge BioMedics Partners with the ICR and The Royal Marsden to Demonstrate Label-free Approach in Isolating Heterogeneous Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) and PD-L1 Positive CTCs. Treatment Brings New Hope for Patients Suffering From Fatal Lung Disease. (Infographic): About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-Generation Large Molecule Affinity Purification Solution Improves Biotherapeutic, Disease Biomarker and Sports Anti-Doping Bioanalysis. MR Solutions Brings New 3D, 1000X Magnification Imaging Modality to Preclinical Research. Using Saltidin to Guard Against the Zika Virus. Nagasaki University Hospital Boosts Patient Care and Safety with Zebra Technologies' Enterprise-Class TC55 Touch Computer. CSIRO Uses Dell Supercomputer to Help Combat Post-Childbirth Complications in Women. Philips Launches 'World's Sleepiest Website' to Help Restless Sleepers Maximize Their Slumber. Telstar Aeolus Proven to Consume Up to 35% Less Power than the Current Market Average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SINGAPORE - International Collaboration to Advance Research on Non-Animal Approaches to Chemical Safety Testing. UNITED STATES - Coriell Institute Licenses PluriTest, a Novel Stem Cell Technology. UNITED STATES - Tackling World's Problems with Human-Computer Intelligence. UNITED STATES - Untapped Region in Brain Cell Offers Goldmine of Drug Targets for New Autism Treatments, UCLA Study Finds. UNITED STATES - Activating Beige Fat in Humans Could Combat Obesity. UNITED STATES - Cancer-Killing Proteins Destroy Tumor Cells in Bloodstream. UNITED STATES - Measuring the Mechanical Forces of Disease. UNITED STATES - Scientists Identify Molecule That Appears to Fuel Deadly Genetic Illness. AUSTRALIA - Medlab Supports New Federal Legislation for Medical Cannabis. UNITED KINGDOM - BioAscent Expands Compound Management Services Offering with Pierre Fabre Collaboration. SWITZERLAND - Harmful Mutations Have Accumulated during Early Human Migrations Out of Africa. JAPAN - BIOTRONIK's Itrevia 7 HF-T is First CRT-D Approved for Full-Body MRI Scanning in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebellar superficial siderosis (SS) has been recently reported to be present in about 10% of both hereditary and sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) on 3T MRI using primarily susceptibility-weighted imaging., Objectives: Our aim was to assess cerebellar SS in sporadic CAA patients using 1.5T T2*-weighted MRI and to evaluate possible underlying mechanisms., Method: We retrospectively screened MRI scans of sporadic probable CAA patients initially presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage-, acute subarachnoid hemorrhage- or cortical SS-related symptoms between September 2009 and January 2022 registered in our stroke database. Patients with familial CAA were excluded. On 1.5T T2*-weighted MRI, cerebellar SS (including kappa statistics for interobserver agreement) was assessed together with typical CAA hemorrhagic features and with the presence of supratentorial macrobleed and cortical SS adjacent to the tentorium cerebelli (TC) and TC hemosiderosis., Results: We screened 151 patients and finally included 111 CAA patients (median age 77) with cerebellar SS observed in 6 (5%) patients. Cerebellar SS presence was associated with a higher number of supratentorial macrobleeds (median n = 3 vs. n = 1, p = 0.0012), presence of supratentorial macrobleed adjacent to the TC (p = 0.002), and TC hemosiderosis (p = 0.005)., Conclusions: Cerebellar SS in CAA patients can be identified on 1.5T T2*-weighted imaging. Associated MRI characteristics suggest contamination from supratentorial macrobleeds., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Hyperfine has gotten the greenlight to take its talents to the EU—but whether the portable MRI maker will actually make the trip is another story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel two-stage region of interest (ROI) segmentation is proposed for detecting glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors from brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs). The method involves multi-level thresholding followed by post-processing. Initially discrete curve evolution (DCE) identifies multiple intervals around the significant (or visually critical) points, with a threshold being selected in each such interval using Otsu’s method or Li and Lee’s entropy. Next a post-processing on the segmented image, based on connected-component analysis and flood-fill operation, helps to extract each refined ROI around a single seed inserted by the user. The segmented ROI is more accurate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, as compared to related methods – inspite of using only a single seed. This is evaluated (i) visually, (ii) in terms of the Jaccard and Dice indices (on the ROI), and (iii) over time complexity of the algorithm. The experimental results on contrast enhanced T1-weighted MRI slices of 25 patients, each having the corresponding ground truth about the tumor regions, establish the effectiveness of our algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral corner injuries are less common than anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Over the last decade or so, there has become increased awareness of these injuries and also the realization of potential poor clinical outcomes if not repaired, to include chronic instability, osteoarthritis, and both anterior cruciate ligament and PCL graft failures. This, in turn, has led to improvements in imaging technique and understanding of biomechanical anatomy. The objective of this article is to review the normal anatomy and normal appearance of PCL and posterolateral corner structures on magnetic resonance imaging. We would then discuss the imaging findings of injuries of PCL and posterolateral corner and common imaging pitfalls that can mimic an injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and biomechanical function of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee is vitally important when evaluating injury and considering reconstruction. The PCL and the PLC both have important roles to play in the stability of the knee. Through numerous experimental designs, the biomechanical roles of the PCL and PLC have been clarified. The PCL’s most well-defined role is as a primary restraint and stabilizer to posterior stress. It appears that this role is greatest at higher degrees of knee flexion. The natural history of a PCL deficiency leads to increased contact pressures and degeneration of both the medial and patellofemoral compartments. The PLC is a restraint to posterior translation, posterolateral rotation, external rotation, and varus loads. It is important to recognize a PLC injury before cruciate ligament reconstruction, as a failure to diagnose may lead to subsequent graft rupture. Poor surgical outcomes after PCL reconstruction have been attributed to many factors, the most common of which include the following: additional intra-articular pathology, poor fixation methods, insufficient knowledge of PCL or PLC anatomy leading to improper tunnel placement, and poor surgical candidates. In this article, we attempt to provide a framework for understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of the PCL and PLC and their surgical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature of the gradient coils is an important issue in the development of MRI scanners. Gradient coil performance must be maximised within temperature limits imposed by safety and system requirements. Here we present a model that determines the temperature distribution in gradient coils designed using an inverse boundary element method (IBEM). This forward approach is derived by applying a constant boundary element method (BEM) on a steady-state approximation of the heat equation and combined with the stream function associated to an electric current density. It can be used to estimate the temperature distribution, as well as, the location and temperature of hot spots in gradient coils of arbitrary shape. Several examples of the applicability of the proposed BEM model on different coil geometries and thermal characteristics are presented. In order to validate the method, a small prototype X -gradient coil was built and tested, and the temperature distribution experimentally measured. It was found to be in a good agreement to the temperature distribution simulated by the proposed numerical approach with a suitable choice of the thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The primary brain image segmentation goal is to partition a given brain image into different regions representing anatomical structures. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) segmentation is especially interesting because the accurate representation of white matter, grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid provides a way to identify many brain disorders, such as dementia, schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This paper presents a fully unsupervised method for MRI segmentation based on Self-Organising Maps (SOMs) and Genetic Algorithms (GAs). In particular, the proposed method is based on five stages consisting of image acquisition, feature extraction, feature selection using evolutionary computation, voxel classification using SOM, and sharp map clustering. Moreover, a novel SOM clustering mechanism is presented that defines cluster borders by considering the output space and the relationship with the input space. This clustering mechanism accommodates spatial relationships using an entropy-gradient (EG) function calculation to group the units on the output space (SOM). The complete procedure does not use any a priori knowledge regarding voxel class assignment, but reveals a fully unsupervised, automated method for MRI segmentation to directly identify different tissue classes. Our algorithm was tested using images from the Internet Brain Image Repository (IBSR), outperforming the CGMM method in WM and CSF delineation, and was found to be the most effective among other techniques. Furthermore, this method provided excellent results using high-resolution MR images provided by the Nuclear Medicine Service of the “Virgen de las Nieves” Hospital (Granada, Spain). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We review the anatomy of the jugular fossa in the context of current computed tomography and magnetic resonance techniques with examples of common and unusual presentations of these masses. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging both can suggest etiology; define the size and full intracranial, transforaminal, and extracranial extent; and evaluate the regional anatomy to optimize surgical approach and minimize cranial nerve deficits. As inadequate exposure is a leading contributor to incomplete resection and recurrence, the ability to reformat high-resolution imaging in multiple planes is an asset to surgical planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Primary adenomatous and adenocarcinomatous lesions of the temporal bone are rare tumors. Primary low-grade papillary adenocarcinomas of the endolymphatic sac origin were first reported by Heffner. These lesions, which are referred to as “Heffner tumors,” are slow-growing, bone-destructive infiltrating tumors. Owing to the local bone destruction (usually centered at posterior petromastoid plate), the general consensus favors the endolymphatic sac as being the origin of these tumors. However, controversies regarding the cellular origins of adenomatous tumors of the temporal bone have been reported. Mafee and Shah reported a unique case in which histology was identical to papillary adenocarcinoma of endolymphatic sac in which the sac and duct showed normal findings on magnetic resonance images, which were confirmed on surgery. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are excellent imaging methods for evaluation of normal and anomaly of the vestibular aqueduct and endolymphatic duct and sac and for the diagnosis of these endolymphatic tumors. This article reviews computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of adenocarcinomatous tumors of temporal bone. This report also concerns a unique case of a papillary adenocarcinoma of presumed endolymphatic sac in a 12-year-old child, in which tumor replaced almost the entire petromastoid resulting in a markedly egg-shell appearance of the bone. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest child with papillary endolymphatic sac tumor reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this review of cerebellopontine angle tumors, we focus on the most common neoplasm in this location—vestibular schwannoma. We examine both the usual and unusual imaging manifestations of this tumor, which often presents with sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and rarely vertigo. We also review key imaging findings that can have significant implications in presurgical planning. Thereafter, we undertake a brief review of the next most common tumors that occur in this location, including meningioma, facial nerve schwannoma, metastasis, and congenital epidermoid cyst. We emphasize distinctive imaging features of these entities, which can help increase our diagnostic accuracy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Arachnoid granulations (AGs) are villous structures that are formed during the development of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system. Their function is to drain the CSF into the dural venous sinuses. A variable number of AGs do not reach a dural venous lumen and are aberrantly embedded in the skull bones, primarily in the tegmen tympani, tegmen mastoidea, petromastoid plate, occipital squama, cribriform plate, and greater wing of the sphenoid bone. It has been shown that when these AGs are adjacent to pneumatized parts of the skull, they are lesions responsible for spontaneous otorrhea or rhinorrhea in adults. This article reviews the role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of patients with CSF otorrhea caused by AGs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cholesteatomas of the temporal bone may be congenital (primary) or acquired (secondary). Congenital cholesteatomas (epidermoid cysts) fall into the category of maldevelopmental cysts, arising owing to inclusion of ectodermal elements at the time of closure of the neural tube. Secondary cholesteatomas of the middle ear are most often related to prior infection and most frequently occur in the epitympanic cavity. Primary cholesteatomas of the temporal bone most often occur in the mesotympanum, but can be seen in the mastoid, facial nerve canal, and petrous apex. Primary cholesteatomas of the petrous apex on computed tomography have similar imaging features as cholesterol granulomas and mucoceles of the petrous bone. Magnetic resonance imaging is the study of choice to differentiate cholesteatomas from cholesterol graulomas and mucoceles. This article reviews computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of choleateatomas, cholesterol graulomas, and mucoceles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although the microanatomy of the membranous labyrinth remains beyond the capacity of clinical scanners, developments in imaging technology and postprocessing have continued to improve resolution of subtle intralabyrinthine pathology. This article reviews imaging selection and optimization for labyrinthine symptoms, limitations owing to patient and technical factors, and examples of discrete pathology and inferred findings based on imaging characteristics. In addition to the desire to improve resolution and contrast within a clinically acceptable acquisition time, current imaging dilemmas include computed tomography dose reduction strategies and optimizing imaging utilization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An MRI study of cerebral circulation in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined etiology showed evidence of atherosclerotic plaque in most patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUSTRALIA - Successful FDA end-of-Phase-2 for Hatchtech head lice product DeOVO™ AUSTRALIA - Senz Oncology secures seed funding for promising cancer drug. AUSTRALIA - Geneworks develops DNA barcodes for international security. INDIA - Stress hormones: Good or Bad for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder risk? SINGAPORE - New study shows fertility knowledge gaps may exacerbate Singapore's declining birth rate challenge. SINGAPORE - World's first wearable robotic device for stroke rehabilitation comes to Singapore. SRI LANKA - Conflicting reports highlight scientific data gaps in Sri Lanka's chronic kidney disease. EUROPE - InDex Pharmaceuticals strengthens IP position for Kappaproct. EUROPE - Novozymes and Terranol to market advanced biofuel yeast. EUROPE - The world's first (official) biosimilar antibody goes to... Rheumatoid Arthritis. USA - MRI reveals brain's response to reading. USA - Novozymes partner Chemtex receives USDA commitment to build advanced biofuels plant in United States. USA - Fossil fuel and renewable energy subsidies on the rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the relationship between histopathological lesions and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in diseases of the foot of the horse. The suitability of MR imaging for the identification of the diseases affecting various anatomical structures of the foot, such as tendinopathy of the deep digital flexor tendon, villous hypertrophy in the navicular bursa and short tau inversion recovery in the navicular bones, is discussed.

Abstract: Boundary element methods represent a valuable approach for designing MRI gradient coils. The temporally varying magnetic fields produced by gradient coils induce electric currents in conducting tissues and so the exposure of human subjects to these magnetic fields has become a safety concern, especially with the increase in the strength of the field gradients used in MRI. Here we extend the boundary element method presented in Cobos Sanchez et al. (2010) , for the design of coils that minimize the electric field induced in prescribed multi-compartment volume conductor made of different homogeneous sub-domains. The multi-domain E-coil method is illustrated with the design of cylindrical head gradient coils, whose performance is numerically compared to that produced by conventional coils and single domain E-coils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knee dislocations are complex high-energy injuries that require skill and experience to manage successfully. Current reconstruction techniques allow us to reproduce the ligament anatomy well, but problems remain with arthrofibrosis, pain, and recurrent instability. However, results continue to improve as our reconstructions replicate the anatomy more precisely. This article focuses on how we diagnose knee dislocation patients and determine the appropriate surgical method needed for successful repair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Fuss & Sprunggelenk is the property of Elsevier GmbH, Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hamstring injuries are quite common among professional football players and can have a significant effect on the time lost as a result of the injury. The reported recurrence rate of hamstring strain is between 30% and 40%. Along with history and physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is very useful in not only confirming the diagnosis, but it can also guide to predict recovery time. The recovery time varies with the site, cross-sectional area, and longitudinal extent of the injury. The more proximal and larger the tear, the longer it takes to recover. Patients with an initial injury around cross-sectional area of more than 50% of the muscle circumference and an initial length of the injury greater than 60 mm are at increased risk of a repeat injury. Occasionally, the radiologic changes in the hamstring muscles can be present on MRI even after 6 weeks after the initial injury. MRI scan appears to be less helpful in minor injuries in comparison with more severe injuries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Decompression sickness (DCS) affecting the spinal cord is the most dangerous form of diving-related injury with potential sequelae. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between spinal cord lesions on MRI and clinical findings in divers with spinal DCS. Methods: We studied 45 cases of DCS that were referred to our hyperbaric facility with clinical evidence of spinal involvement during the period 2002-2007. The study included only patients who underwent MRI within 10 d of injury. The severity of spinal DCS for each patient was rated numerically for both the acute event and 1 mo later. The presence or absence of back pain was also noted. Results: Spinal cord lesions were significantly more frequent in divers with severe DCS, and did not occur in any diver who experienced a favorable outcome (sensitivity = 67%, specificity = 100%, negative predictive value = 77%, positive predictive value = 1 00%). The presence of vertebral degenerative changes that impinged on the spinal cord was strongly associated with MRI abnormalities, but not with a negative outcome. Acute back pain was associated with hyperintense lesions and persistence of neurological sequelae [OR = 14 (95% CI, 3.1 to 63.5)]. Conclusion: The results show that MRI could be helpful in predicting clinical outcome in divers with spinal cord DCS. The presence of medullary compressive factors and vertebral back pain after surfacing indicate increased likelihood of severe myelopathy with incomplete recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imaging goals in patients with osteochondritis dissecans are lesion identification, characterization, staging, and follow-up. The macroscopic features visible by imaging reflect the microscopic histology of the abnormality. Osteochondritis dissecans involves subchondral bone with possible resultant effect on the overlying articular cartilage. Unresolved, degenerative arthritis, effusion, and loose bodies may occur. In this article, features of the disorder as they appear on plain film, bone scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging are reviewed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Athletes with hip pain can have a variety of potential causes of the pain, including intra-articular pathology such as labral or cartilaginous injuries, as often seen in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement, surrounding soft-tissue pathology such as muscle or tendon injuries, and referred pain from stress injuries of the pubic bones, often from traction enthesitis from the adductors. With the use of dedicated surface coils, high-resolution noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging of the hip can provide detailed information regarding articular cartilage and labral injuries in the athlete with hip pain. The addition of a fat suppression sequence helps to identify areas of bone marrow edema that may be indicative of stress reaction or fracture. The three-dimensional capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging further afford the evaluation of osseous morphology of the hip, including the degree of osseous proliferative change and potential offset of the femoral head neck junction in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article describes several research methods aimed at capturing the multifaceted nature of acute operational stress during survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training. Some of the key players implicated in the stress response are reviewed, to which investigative techniques employed in the SERE study are linked. The operational relevance of each neurophysiologic measure, how each may serve as a tool to predict and monitor stress reactivity, cognition, and memory is discussed.

Copyright of Acta Endoscopica is the property of Lavoisier and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Fuss & Sprunggelenk is the property of Elsevier GmbH, Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Fuss & Sprunggelenk is the property of Elsevier GmbH, Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

L’IRM du pelvis féminin est une technique en pleine évolution. L’apparition d’appareillages permettra une étude assise et debout, et va encore améliorer la qualité des résultats. L’utilisation d’antennes endorectales et endovaginales sera très certainement très intéressante pour mieux étudier la micro-anatomie. Dans le cadre des prolapsus, elle intervient essentiellement pour les anomalies postérieures et l’étude du compartiment péritonéal. Dans le cadre des troubles à type d’incontinence urinaire ou fécale, l’anatomie zonale est très démonstrative et l’étude des différents sphincters est facilitée par les antennes endorectales. Enfin, l’IRM va devenir irremplaçable pour la surveillance post opératoire immédiate. MRI of the female pelvis is a fully evolutive technique. New devices allowing examination in standing up and sitting position will improve results quality. Use of endorectal and endovaginal probes is interesting progress for micro-anatomic study. Concerning prolapses, usual indications today are posterior anomalies and mainly study of peritoneal compartment. In case of disturbances linked to urinary and fecal incontinence sphincter, zonal anatomy is very demonstrative and endorectal probes facilitate sphincter studies. Lastly, MRI will be the device used for the immediate postsurgical follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Endoscopica is the property of Lavoisier and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The resolution of magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known as MRI, depends on the homogeneity and field strength of the used primary magnetic field vecB0 over the volume of interest. In clinical tomographs homogeneous fields are produced by solenoid coil windings or long round permanent magnets. These solutions are unsuitable for mobile usage because of weight and costs. This paper introduces an optimized magnetic circuit for a mobile universal surface explorer (MOUSE) which meets the requirements of sufficient homogeneity and low weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Endoscopica is the property of Lavoisier and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)