A towed magnetic gradiometer array for rapid, detailed imaging of utility, geological, and archaeological targets

Efficient and accurate acquisition of magnetic field and gradient data have applications over a large range of environmental, archaeological, engineering, and geologic investigations. Developments in new systems and improvements in existing platforms have progressed to the point where magnetic surveying is a heavily used and trusted technique. However, there is still ample room to improve accuracy and coverage efficiency and to include reliable vector information. We have developed a vector magnetic gradiometer array capable of recording high-resolution field and gradient data over tens of hectares per day at 50 cm sensor spacing. Towed by an all-terrain vehicle, the system consists of eight vertical gradiometer sensor packages and incorporates differential GPS and an inertial measurement system. With a noise floor of around 6 nT at 15 km/h towing speed and 230 Hz sample rates, large areas can be mapped efficiently and precisely. Data are processed using a straightforward workflow, using both standard and newly developed methodologies. The system described here has been used successfully in Denmark to efficiently map buried structures and objects. We give two examples from such applications highlighting the system's capabilities in archaeological and geological applications.

Imaging seismic wave-fields with AlpArray and neighboring European networks

The AlpArray experiment and the deployment of Swath-D together with the dense permanent network in Italy allow for detailed imaging of the spatio-temporal imaging complexity of seismic wave-fields within the greater Alpine region. The distance of any point within the area to the nearest station is less than 30 km, resulting in an average inter-station distance of about 45 km. With a much denser deployment in a smaller region of the Alps (320 km in length and 140 km wide), the Swath-D network possesses an average inter-station distance of about 15 km. We show that seismogram sections with a spatial sampling of less than 5 km can be obtained using recordings of these regional arrays for just a single event. Multiply reflected body waves can be observed for up to 2 h after source time. In addition, we provide and describe animations of long-period seismic wave-fields using recordings of about 1300–1600 broadband stations for six representative earthquakes. These illustrate the considerable spatio-temporal variability of the wave-field’s properties at a high lateral resolution. Within denser station distributions like those provided by Swath-D, even shorter period body and surface wave features can be recovered. The decrease of the horizontal wavelength from to to surface waves, deviations from spherically symmetric wavefronts, and the capability to detect multi-orbit arrivals are demonstrated qualitatively by the presented wave-field animations, which are a valuable tool for educational, quality control, and research purposes. We note that the information content of the acquired datasets can only be adequately explored by application of appropriate quantitative methods accounting for the considerable complexity of the seismic wave-fields as revealed by the now available station configuration.

Amniotic Band Sequence Syndrome – A Rare Disorder

Amniotic bands sequence is a inherited diseases distinguished by craniofacial, body wall, and limb oddities that may be in relation with foetal-placental fibrous bands. Its pervasiveness has been delineated to range from 0.19 to 8.1 per 10 000 births [1]. It is a customary state prospectively alike with a variety of different confinements’ disability. The deformities arise in the wake of the pompous bodily part have formed usually in early evolution. The required cause of amniotic disruption complex is undisclosed .The three most usual decorative design are constriction ring syndrome signalized by one or more limbs being high-flown; the limb-body- wall complex; and amniotic band syndrome characterized by abnormalities of the head and face (craniofacial abnormalities), inadequacies of the brain and genuine deformation of the appendages [2]. The condition in few cases might be considered prior to nativity (antepartum), unlikely to change upon the sequels of explicit detailed imaging practices, like fetal USG, which may give away the feature inadequacies [3]. Here we present a case of pregnant woman admitted in our Obstetrics and gynecological department with her ultrasonography report indicative of amniotic band and further discussed about antenatal diagnosis, diagnostic and therapeutic approach, prognosis and genetic counselling of amniotic disruption complex.

Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Bronchography and Angiography-Guided Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy for Pulmonary Nodules

Background Three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) provides detailed imaging information for pulmonary segmentectomy. This study was performed to verify the feasibility of 3D-CTBA-guided thoracoscopic segmentectomy for the treatment of pulmonary nodules. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent 3D-CTBA-guided uniport thoracoscopic segmentectomies or subsegmentectomies for pulmonary nodules in the period from May 2019 to May 2020. All of the information related to perioperative management and surgical operations was retrieved from the medical records and operating notes for detailed analysis. Results A total of 104 eligible operations involving the resection of 110 nodules with diameters in the range of 5-20 mm were included. Under 3D-CTBA guidance, the pulmonary nodules were located with an accuracy of 100% (110/110) and the median resection margin was 24.3 mm (17-33 mm). Additionally, the segmental (subsegmental) bronchi, arteries, and veins were identified with accuracy rates of 100% (104/104), 96.2% (100/104), and 94.2% (98/104), respectively. The postoperative complications consisted of 3 cases of pulmonary infection (2.9%), 6 cases of arrhythmia (5.8%), 2 cases of hemoptysis (1.9%), 4 cases of air leak (3.8%), and 2 cases of subcutaneous emphysema (1.9%). No perioperative death occurred. Conclusion 3D-CTBA-guided thoracoscopic segmentectomy is an effective surgical approach for the management of pulmonary nodules.

Key Chemokine Pathways in Atherosclerosis and Their Therapeutic Potential

The search to improve therapies to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rages on, as CVDs remain a leading cause of death worldwide. Here, the main cause of CVDs, atherosclerosis, and its prevention, take center stage. Chemokines and their receptors have long been known to play an important role in the pathophysiological development of atherosclerosis. Their role extends from the initiation to the progression, and even the potential regression of atherosclerotic lesions. These important regulators in atherosclerosis are therefore an obvious target in the development of therapeutic strategies. A plethora of preclinical studies have assessed various possibilities for targeting chemokine signaling via various approaches, including competitive ligands and microRNAs, which have shown promising results in ameliorating atherosclerosis. Developments in the field also include detailed imaging with tracers that target specific chemokine receptors. Lastly, clinical trials revealed the potential of various therapies but still require further investigation before commencing clinical use. Although there is still a lot to be learned and investigated, it is clear that chemokines and their receptors present attractive yet extremely complex therapeutic targets. Therefore, this review will serve to provide a general overview of the connection between various chemokines and their receptors with atherosclerosis. The different developments, including mouse models and clinical trials that tackle this complex interplay will also be explored.

Systems Radiology and Personalized Medicine

Medicine has evolved into a high level of specialization using the very detailed imaging of organs [...]

A towed magnetic gradiometer array for rapid, detailed imaging of utility, geological, and archaeological targets

Efficient and accurate acquisition of magnetic field and gradient data have applications over a large range of environmental, archaeological, engineering, and geologic investigations. Developments in new systems and improvements in existing platforms have progressed to the point where magnetic surveying is a heavily used and trusted technique. However, there is still ample room to improve accuracy, coverage efficiency, and to include reliable vector information. We have developed a vector magnetic gradiometer array capable of recording high resolution field and gradient data over tens of hectares per day at 50 cm sensor spacing. Towed by an all-terrain vehicle, the system consists of 8 vertical gradiometer sensor packages, and incorporates differential GPS and an inertial measurement system. With a noise floor of around 6 nT at 15 km/h towing speed and 230 Hz sample rates, large areas can be mapped efficiently and precisely. Data are processed using a straightforward workflow, using both standard and newly developed methodologies. The system described here has been used successfully in Denmark to efficiently map buried structures and objects. We give two examples from such applications highlighting the system’s capabilities in archaeological and geological applications.

Severe degeneration of a sub-coronary pulmonary autograft in a young adult

Background: The pulmonary autograft is currently the best valve substitute in terms of longevity and performance. However, there is no agreement about the optimal method of insertion (sub- coronary position or freestanding root).Objectives: We sought to examine the clinical status, detailed imaging and morphometric changes in an explanted pulmonary autograft 22 years after sub-coronary implantation.Methods: A 30-year-old female underwent pulmonary autograft replacement of a severely stenotic valve at the age of 7 years, after presenting to us with signs of moderate to severe heart failure. She underwent clinical examination, detailed imaging including echocardiographic and CT examination with computerised image analysis. The explanted valve was examined by morphometry.Results: Clinical examination showed signs of heart failure (NYHA III). Trans-thoracic and trans- oesophageal 2D echo showed severe malfunction of both the aortic and pulmonary valves associated with dilatation and hypertrophy of both the right and left ventricles. Surgical correction was performed by replacing both the pulmonary and aortic valves with Medtronic 27mm Freestyle valves. The pulmonary autograft showed degeneration of the trilamellar layering of the leaflets, loss and disorganisation of GAGs, increased collagen with fibrotic overgrowth, and markers of fibrosis, inflammation, and calcification. Post-operative imaging showed good correction of the haemodynamic lesions.Conclusion: The pulmonary autograft implanted into the sub-coronary position presented with adverse remodelling, which was detrimental to the functionality and longevity of the valve.Authorship: NL, AM, MN all contributed equally to this paper.

Detailed imaging of mitochondrial transport and precise manipulation of mitochondrial function with genetically-encoded photosensitizers in adult Drosophila neurons

Precise distribution of mitochondria is essential for maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Although detailed mechanisms governing the transport of mitochondria have emerged, it is still poorly understood how the regulation of transport is coordinated in space and time within the physiological context of an organism. How alteration in mitochondrial functionality may trigger changes in organellar dynamics also remains unclear in this context. Therefore, the use of genetically-encoded tools to perturb mitochondrial functionality in real time would be desirable. Here we describe methods to interfere with mitochondrial function with high spatiotemporal precision with the use of photosensitisers in vivo in the intact wing nerve of adult Drosophila. We also provide details on how to visualise the transport of mitochondria and to improve the quality of the imaging to attain super-resolution in this tissue.