scholarly journals Pushing CT and MR Imaging to the Molecular Level for Studying the “Omics”: Current Challenges and Advancements

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsuan-Ming Huang ◽  
Yi-Yu Shih

During the past decade, medical imaging has made the transition from anatomical imaging to functional and even molecular imaging. Such transition provides a great opportunity to begin the integration of imaging data and various levels of biological data. In particular, the integration of imaging data and multiomics data such as genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and pharmacogenomics may open new avenues for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. However, to promote imaging-omics integration, the practical challenge of imaging techniques should be addressed. In this paper, we describe key challenges in two imaging techniques: computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and then review existing technological advancements. Despite the fact that CT and MRI have different principles of image formation, both imaging techniques can provide high-resolution anatomical images while playing a more and more important role in providing molecular information. Such imaging techniques that enable single modality to image both the detailed anatomy and function of tissues and organs of the body will be beneficial in the imaging-omics field.

2019 ◽  
pp. 141-160
Author(s):  
T. K. Padma Shri ◽  
N. Sriraam

The short term and long term effects of alcohol on various organs of the body, especially on the human brain is well established by numerous studies. Invasive methods such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and non invasive imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and functional MRI activated electro-encephalogram (EEG) have been used to study the changes in EEG activity due to alcoholism. Even with the advent of neuro imaging techniques, EEG happens to be an important tool for brain study providing a non- invasive and cost effective method to detect the effects of alcohol on the human brain. This paper discusses the harmful effects of alcohol on different organs of the body. The advances in the development of EEG signal processing algorithms over the past decade for alcoholic detection are reviewed and their limitations are reported. Further the use of EEG for mass screening of alcoholics and biometric application is discussed in detail.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. K. Padma Shri ◽  
N. Sriraam

The short term and long term effects of alcohol on various organs of the body, especially on the human brain is well established by numerous studies. Invasive methods such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and non invasive imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and functional MRI activated electro-encephalogram (EEG) have been used to study the changes in EEG activity due to alcoholism. Even with the advent of neuro imaging techniques, EEG happens to be an important tool for brain study providing a non- invasive and cost effective method to detect the effects of alcohol on the human brain. This paper discusses the harmful effects of alcohol on different organs of the body. The advances in the development of EEG signal processing algorithms over the past decade for alcoholic detection are reviewed and their limitations are reported. Further the use of EEG for mass screening of alcoholics and biometric application is discussed in detail.


Author(s):  
Silvia Martin-Almedina ◽  
Peter Mortimer ◽  
Pia Ostergaard

Primary lymphedema is a long-term (chronic) condition characterized by tissue lymph retention and swelling that can affect any part of the body, although it usually develops in the arms or legs. Due to the relevant contribution of the lymphatic system to human physiology, while this review mainly focusses on the clinical and physiological aspects related to the regulation of fluid homeostasis and edema, clinicians need to know that the impact of lymphatic dysfunction with a genetic origin can be wide ranging. Lymphatic gene dysfunction can affect immune function so leading to infection; it can influence cancer development and spread; and it can determine fat transport so impacting on nutrition and obesity. Genetic studies and the development of imaging techniques for the assessment of lymphatic function have enabled the recognition of primary lymphedema as a heterogenic condition in terms of genetic causes and disease mechanisms. In this review, the known biological function of several genes crucial to the development and function of the lymphatic system are used as a basis for understanding normal lymphatic biology. The disease conditions originating from mutations in these genes are discussed together with a detailed clinical description of the phenotype and the up-to-date knowledge in terms of disease mechanisms acquired from in vitro and in vivo research models.


2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 79-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. N. Sorokina ◽  
A. A. Tulupov ◽  
T. G. Tolstikova ◽  
V. Yu. Ussov

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is primarily used in medical imaging to visualize the structure and function of the body and essential tool for diagnostics of broad range of pathologies. But still in a growing number of cases there are indications to use contrast agent to delineate areas of interest and for more precise diagnosis definition. In a review the properties and clinical applications of most popular paramagnetic contrast agents based on Gd(III), Fe(II) и Mn(II) are discussed. It is also focused on discussion of modern experimental targeted contrast agents (conjugates of antibodies, nanoparticles and dendrimers) and advances of their application for early diagnostics of most common pathologies: cardiovascular, cancer and Alzheimer diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Shathur ◽  
A Rashid ◽  
V Patel ◽  
L Ffolkes ◽  
R Jayaram

Abstract Background Lipomas are commonly identified tumours of the body however they are rarely found in the oral cavity. Rarer still is it to report a case of a lipoma in the tongue as they are more commonly located in the buccal mucosa. Objectives To diagnose and explore the pathogenesis of a soft-tissue swelling of unknown origin Method A thorough patient history and clinical examination was undertaken followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which revealed an alarming report at first glance. An incisional biopsy of the lesion was then carried out to aid in diagnosing the lesion. Results The swelling caused the patient no pain however the mere size of the lesion affected the patient’s tongue movement and function which therefore affected the patient’s quality of life. The imaging and the biopsy of the lesion led to a diagnosis of a large lipoma on the lateral border of the tongue. Conclusions To the authors’ best knowledge, we present a rare case of a patient whom we diagnosed with a large lipoma on the lateral border of the tongue. This case report discusses the stages of patient management from initial presenting complaint, up to the maintenance of the patient following the diagnosis of this lesion.


Author(s):  
Andreas Pohlmann ◽  
João S. Periquito ◽  
Thoralf Niendorf

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging method to obtain valuable functional and structural information about the kidney noninvasively. Before performing specialized MR measurements for probing tissue structure and function, some essential practical steps are needed, which are common for most applications. Here we describe in a step-by-step manner how to (1) achieve the double-oblique slice orientation coronal-to-the-kidney, (2) adapt the scan protocol for avoiding aortic flow artifacts and covering both kidneys, (3) perform localized shimming on the kidney, and (4) check perfusion in the large renal blood vessels using time-of-flight (TOF) angiography. The procedures are tailored to preclinical MRI but conceptionally are also applicable to human MRI.This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol chapter explains the initial and essential MRI steps that precede specific functional and structural MR imaging techniques (T1- and T2*-mapping, DWI, ASL, etc.), which are described in separate chapters.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Calvillo ◽  
Di Fan ◽  
Andrei Irimia

Traditionally, neurobiologists have utilized microscale techniques of scientific investigation to uncover the fundamental organization and function of brain cells and neuronal ensembles. In recent decades, however, macroscale brain imaging methods like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) have facilitated a wider scope of understanding neural structure and function across the lifespan. Thanks to such methods, a broader picture of the relationship between microscale processes—studied by neurobiologists—and macroscale observations—made by clinicians—has emerged. More recently, the vascular component of neurodegeneration has come under renewed scrutiny partly due to increased appreciation of the relationship between neurovascular injury, cardiovascular disease and senescence. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are among the smallest lesions of the cerebrum which can be visualized using MRI to indicate blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment; as such, this class of hemorrhages are important for the evaluation and macroscale detection of geriatric patients’ microscale pathologies associated with neurovascular disease and/or neurodegeneration. This chapter details a streamlined protocol for MRI/CT multimodal imaging data acquisition, archiving and digital processing, including methods tailored for the analysis of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) scans to reveal CMB-related alterations of the human connectome. Efficient and effective MRI/CT methods like ours, when tailored for CMB and connectome analysis, are essential for future progress in this important field of scientific inquiry.


Author(s):  
Nazli Alizadeh-Tabrizi ◽  
Stefan Hall ◽  
Christian Lehmann

Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a unique imaging method providing insights in cellular functions and interactions in real-time, without the need for tissue extraction from the body. IVM of the lungs has specific challenges such as restricted organ accessibility, respiratory movements, and limited penetration depth. Various surgical approaches and microscopic setups have been adapted in order to overcome these challenges. Among others, these include the development of suction stabilized lung windows and the use of more advanced optical techniques. Consequently, lung IVM has uncovered mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment and function in several models of pulmonary inflammation and infection. This review focuses on bacterial pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, sepsis-induced acute lung Injury, and cystic fibrosis, as examples of lung inflammation and infection. In addition, critical details of intravital imaging techniques of the lungs are discussed.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3432
Author(s):  
Pedro Farinha ◽  
João M. P. Coelho ◽  
Catarina Pinto Reis ◽  
Maria Manuela Gaspar

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been studied for diagnostic purposes for decades. Their high surface-to-volume ratio, dispersibility, ability to interact with various molecules and superparamagnetic properties are at the core of what makes MNPs so promising. They have been applied in a multitude of areas in medicine, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are the most well-accepted based on their excellent superparamagnetic properties and low toxicity. Nevertheless, IONPs are facing many challenges that make their entry into the market difficult. To overcome these challenges, research has focused on developing MNPs with better safety profiles and enhanced magnetic properties. One particularly important strategy includes doping MNPs (particularly IONPs) with other metallic elements, such as cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn), to reduce the iron (Fe) content released into the body resulting in the creation of multimodal nanoparticles with unique properties. Another approach includes the development of MNPs using other metals besides Fe, that possess great magnetic or other imaging properties. The future of this field seems to be the production of MNPs which can be used as multipurpose platforms that can combine different uses of MRI or different imaging techniques to design more effective and complete diagnostic tests.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-209
Author(s):  
Syed Saqib Ali ◽  
Mohammad Khalid Zia ◽  
Tooba Siddiqui ◽  
Haseeb Ahsan ◽  
Fahim Halim Khan

Background: Ascorbic acid is a classic dietary antioxidant which plays an important role in the body of human beings. It is commonly found in various foods as well as taken as dietary supplement. Objective: The plasma ascorbic acid concentration may range from low, as in chronic or acute oxidative stress to high if delivered intravenously during cancer treatment. Sheep alpha-2- macroglobulin (α2M), a human α2M homologue is a large tetrameric glycoprotein of 630 kDa with antiproteinase activity, found in sheep’s blood. Methods: In the present study, the interaction of ascorbic acid with alpha-2-macroglobulin was explored in the presence of visible light by utilizing various spectroscopic techniques and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Results: UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy suggests the formation of a complex between ascorbic acid and α2M apparent by increased absorbance and decreased fluorescence. Secondary structural changes in the α2M were investigated by CD and FT-IR spectroscopy. Our findings suggest the induction of subtle conformational changes in α2M induced by ascorbic acid. Thermodynamics signatures of ascorbic acid and α2M interaction indicate that the binding is an enthalpy-driven process. Conclusion: It is possible that ascorbic acid binds and compromises antiproteinase activity of α2M by inducing changes in the secondary structure of the protein.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document