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Background: This study investigated the lumbosacral plexus (LSP) nerve root thickness and ligamentum flavum (LF) thickness and correlated them with age and sex. These findings provided a useful data for spinal nerve root micro-anastomosis surgery and lumbar decompression surgery. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted with 350 individuals with ages ranging from 21 to 80 years of age under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluated the possible cause of a lower back pain. Results: According to the morphometric measurements of the LSP root thickness, the diameter gradually increased from L1 to S1. L1 has the thinnest root (3.9 ± 0.81 mm) while S1 has the thickest root (5.45 ± 0.8 mm). The measurements revealed inconsiderable differences in the LSP thickness in relation to age, sex in the study population. Regarding the LF, the thickness of the LF was found to be insignificantly increase with age. Besides, the LF thickness was inconsequentially higher in female. The mean thickness of the right LF at different spinal levels was measured (L2-L3 = 3.19 ± 0.27, L3–L4 = 3.38 ± 0.11 mm, L4–L5 = 3.71 ± 0.29 mm, and L5–S1 = 3.64 ± 0.21 mm). The mean thickness of the left LF was non significantly higher. Conclusions: The LSP root and LF thicknesses not related to age or sex.

In the present fMRI study, we examined how anxious apprehension is processed in the human brain. A central goal of the study was to test the prediction that a subset of brain regions would exhibit sustained response profiles during threat periods, including the anterior insula, a region implicated in anxiety disorders. A second important goal was to evaluate the responses in the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminals, regions that have been suggested to be involved in more transient and sustained threat, respectively. A total of 109 participants performed an experiment in which they encountered “threat” or “safe” trials lasting approximately 16 sec. During the former, they experienced zero to three highly unpleasant electrical stimulations, whereas in the latter, they experienced zero to three benign electrical stimulations (not perceived as unpleasant). The timing of the stimulation during trials was randomized, and as some trials contained no stimulation, stimulation delivery was uncertain. We contrasted responses during threat and safe trials that did not contain electrical stimulation, but only the potential that unpleasant (threat) or benign (safe) stimulation could occur. We employed Bayesian multilevel analysis to contrast responses to threat and safe trials in 85 brain regions implicated in threat processing. Our results revealed that the effect of anxious apprehension is distributed across the brain and that the temporal evolution of the responses is quite varied, including more transient and more sustained profiles, as well as signal increases and decreases with threat.

Expansion of a primary spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (PSICH) has become lately of increasing interest, especially after the emergence of its early predictors. However, these signs lacked sensitivity and specificity. The flood phenomenon, defined as a drastic increase in the size of a PSICH during the same magnetic resonance study, was first described in this paper based on the data of a university medical center in Lebanon. Moreover, further review of this data resulted in 205 studies with presumed diagnosis of primary spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage within the last 10 years, of which 29 exams showed typical predictors of hematoma expansion on computed tomography. The intended benefit of this observation is to draw the radiologists’ attention towards minimal variations in the volume of the hematoma between the two extreme sequences of the same MRI study, in order to detect inconspicuous flood phenomena—a direct sign of hematoma expansion.

Background: Recurrent complex visual hallucinations (VHs) are common in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Previous investigations suggest that VHs are associated with connectivity changes within and...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess single right ventricular (RV) function in a large cohort of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) patients after the completion of total cavopulmonary connection by analysing serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies. METHODS CMR studies from 95 HLHS patients were analysed. RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (RVEDV, RVESV), ejection fraction (RVEF) and long-axis strain (LAS) were measured from cine images. RESULTS All 95 patients had at least 2 CMR scans and 35 patients had 3 CMR scans. The median age (first quartile–third quartile) at the 3 examinations was 4.2 (3.3–6.1), 9.4 (6.1–11.4) and 14.6 (11.8–16.8) years. RV indexed volumes (RVEDVi and RVESVi) increased from first to the second and from the first and second examination to the third examination in patients with >10 years of age (P CONCLUSIONS Serial assessment of CMR studies in HLHS patients after total cavopulmonary connection completion demonstrate an increase in indexed RV volumes in older HLHS patients but only mild reduction in RVEF and LAS. The correlation of indexed RV volumes with RVEF and LAS together with the significant increase in RV volumes over time suggests that indexed RV volumes might be superior to RV functional markers to monitor the RV in HLHS patients.

Background Prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is largely dependent on right ventricular (RV) function. However, recent studies have suggested the presence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in PAH patients. The potential role of LV ischemia, as a contributor to progressive LV dysfunction, has not been systematically studied in PAH. We aim to assess the presence and extent of LV myocardial ischemia in patients with known PH and without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), using oxygen-sensitive (OS) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and stress/rest CMR T1 mapping. Methods We prospectively recruited 28 patients with right heart catheter-proven PH and no significant CAD, 8 patients with known CAD and 11 normal age-matched controls (NC). OS-CMR images were acquired using a T2* sequence and T1 maps were acquired using Shortened Modified Look-Locker Inversion recovery (ShMOLLI) at rest and adenosine-induced stress vasodilatation; ΔOS-CMR signal intensity (SI) index (stress/rest SI) and ΔT1 reactivity (stress-rest/rest T1 mapping) were calculated. Results Global LV ΔOS SI index was significantly lower in PH patients compared with controls (11.1%±6.7% vs. 20.5%±10.5%, P=0.016), as was ΔT1 reactivity (5.2%±4.5% vs. 8.0%±2.9%, P=0.047). The ischemic segments of CAD patients had comparable ΔOS SI (10.3%±6.4% vs. 11.1%±6.7%, P=0.773) to PH patients, but lower ΔT1 reactivity (1.1%±4.2% vs. 5.2%±4.5%, P=0.036). Conclusions Decreased OS-CMR SI and T1 reactivity signify the presence of impaired myocardial oxygenation and vasodilatory response in PH patients. Given their unobstructed epicardial coronary arteries, this is likely secondary to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD).

Introduction Axillary nerve injury is a major complication of shoulder surgery during glenoid exposure. The aim of this study was to measure the mean distance between the inferior glenoid and the axillary nerve in healthy shoulders and then to compare this distance between osteoarthritic and rotator cuff deficient glenohumeral joints. Methods The magnetic resonance images of 50 patients with normal glenohumeral joints were reviewed. The infra-glenoid tubercle was determined as a fixed point and the distance to the axillary nerve was measured. Two separate assessors measured on the same sagittal sections. With a study power of 80%, the sample needed in each comparison group was 28 patients. Measurements were then performed on scans in patients with osteoarthritis and cuff tear arthropathy. The mean distance was compared between groups. Results The mean distance between the infra-glenoid tubercle and axillary nerve was 12mm (standard deviation, SD, 5.6mm) in normal shoulders, 10.6mm (SD 5.4mm) in shoulders with osteoarthritis and 9.7mm (SD 3.7mm) in those with cuff tear arthropathy. For this sample size of 50 patients with a confidence interval of 95%, the mean range is 12mm (95% CI 10.4–13.6). A comparison between normal shoulder and osteoarthritis showed a p-value of 0.3, and between normal and cuff tear arthropathy a p-value of 0.06. This was not statistically significant. Conclusions The axillary nerve lies on average 12mm from the infra-glenoid tubercle. The presence of inferior osteophytes in glenohumeral osteoarthritis and the proximal migration of humeral head in cuff tear arthropathy does not seem to alter the course of the nerve significantly in relation to the inferior glenoid tubercle.

We demonstrated optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) measurements using three-dimensional (3D) arrayed silicon vacancies (VSis) in in-plane SiC pn diodes. Proton beam writing successfully created 3D arrayed VSis using different ion (proton) energies. The results of PL mapping analysis indicate that the features of luminescent spot such as size and depth can be estimated by a Monte Carlo simulation (SRIM). This suggests that diagnosis at any locations in SiC devices can be realized using VSi quantum sensors. Luminescent spots with different depth ranging 4-60 μm showed similar ODMR spectra including its contrast, which means that a similar sensor sensitivity is expected. The results suggest that 3D arrayed VSi can act as quantum sensor elements with uniform sensitivity in SiC devices.

The aim of this study was to examine the variations of the Achilles tendon (AT) insertion point into the calcaneal bone (CB) in relation to age and sex using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 202 foot and ankle MRIs were reviewed and patients were allocated into three age groups: (I)18, (II) 18-65, and (III)65 years. All measurements were obtained on a mid-sagittal scan. The mean measurement values were used to assess the relationships among the AT insertion point, sex, and age. Our main findings revealed that (1) the distance between the most inferior point of the CB and the most inferior part of the AT insertion into the CB increases with age, (2) the height of the AT insertion into the posterior aspect of the CB decreases with age, and (3) the length of the AT insertion into the posterior aspect of the CB decreases with age. The terminal insertion point of the AT on the CB in younger subjects was more distal, whereas in older individuals it was more proximal. These results could help in developing novel strategies for the treatment and prophylaxis of AT injuries in particular patient age groups. Anatomical data about the AT insertion are crucial for developing a computer model of the AT and for biomechanical considerations regarding this tendon. Clin. Anat. 33:545-551, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), a major clinical problem, has no effective preventive therapies. We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) systolic function would be improved in a chronic hypobaric hypoxia environment at high altitude. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance could reveal the cardioprotective effect of chronic hypobaric hypoxia on DIC. METHODS: In total, 60 rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups (n=10 per group): the P group (plain), PD group (plain + DOX), HH group (high altitude), HHD4 group (high altitude + DOX for 4 weeks), HHD8 group (high altitude + DOX for 8 weeks), and HHD12 group (high altitude + DOX for 12 weeks). The rats were transported to either Yushu (altitude: 4,250 m) or Chengdu (altitude: 500 m) where they underwent intraperitoneal injection of DOX (5 mg/kg/week for 3 weeks) or saline. Preclinical 7 T cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Tissue tracking was used to measure LV cardiac function and to analyze global and segmental strains. Subsequently, histological and oxidative stress tests were performed to evaluate the protective effect of a high-altitude environment on DIC. RESULTS: The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global and regional strains in the middle, apical, anterior, septal, inferior, and lateral segments (all P

Objectives: The aim of the study is to demonstrate the characteristic of motor development and MRI changes of related brain regions in preterm infants with different iron statuses and to determine whether the daily iron supplementation can promote motor development for preterm in early infancy.Methods: The 63 preterm infants were grouped into non-anemia with higher serum ferritin (NA-HF) group and anemia with lower serum ferritin (A-LF) group according to their lowest serum Hb level in the neonatal period as well as the sFer at 3 months old. Forty-nine participants underwent MRI scans and Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB) at their 3 months. At 6 months of corrected age, these infants received the assessment of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) after 2 mg/kg/day iron supplementation.Results: In total, 19 preterm infants were assigned to the NA-HF group while 44 preterm infants to the A-LF groups. The serum ferritin (sFer) level of the infants in A-LF group was lower than that in NA-HF group (44.0 ± 2.8 mg/L vs. 65.1 ± 2.8 mg/L, p < 0.05) and was with poorer scores of INFANIB (66.8 ± 0.9 vs. 64.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.05) at 3 months old. The structural connectivity between cerebellum and ipsilateral thalamus in the NA-HF group was significantly stronger than that in the A-LF group (n = 17, 109.76 ± 23.8 vs. n = 32, 70.4 ± 6.6, p < 0.05). The decreased brain structural connectivity was positively associated with the scores of PDMS (r = 0.347, p < 0.05). After 6 months of routine iron supplementation, no difference in Hb, MCV, MCHC, RDW, and sFer was detected between A-LF and NA-HF groups as well as the motor scores of PDMS-2 assessments.Conclusion: Iron status at early postnatal period of preterm infant is related to motor development and the enrichment of brain structural connectivity. The decrease in brain structural connectivity is related to the motor delay. After supplying 2 mg/kg of iron per day for 6 months, the differences in the iron status and motor ability between the A-LF and NA-HF groups were eliminated.

Background: Correction of tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF) often results in pulmonary valve pathology and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Reduced exercise capacity in cTOF patients cannot be explained by these findings alone. We aimed to explore why cTOF patients exhibit impaired exercise capacity with the aid of a comprehensive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance exercise testing (CMR-ET) protocol. Methods: Thirty three cTOF patients and 35 matched healthy controls underwent CPET and CMR-ET in a prospective case-control study. Real-time steady-state free precession cine and phase-contrast sequences were obtained during incremental supine in-scanner cycling at 50, 70, and 90 W. RV and left ventricle (LV) volumes and pulmonary blood flow (Qp) were calculated. Differences of CPET and CMR-ET between cTOF versus controls and correlations between CPET and CMR-ET parameters in cTOF were evaluated statistically for all CMR exercise levels using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman rank-order correlation tests. Results: CPET capacity was significantly lower in cTOF than in controls. cTOF patients exhibited not only significantly reduced Qp and RV function but also lower LV function on CMR-ET. Higher CPET values in cTOF correlated with higher Qp (Qp 90 W versus carbon dioxide ventilatory equivalent %: R =−0.519, P R =0.452, P r =−0.463, P r =0.66, P r =0.52, P Conclusions: Impaired exercise capacity in cTOF resulted from a reduction in not only RV, but also LV function. cTOF with good exercise capacity on CPET demonstrated higher LV reserve and pulmonary blood flow during incremental CMR-ET. Apart from RV parameters, CMR-ET–derived LV function could be a valuable tool to stratify cTOF patients for pulmonary valve replacement.

Fatigue affects multiple aspects of cognitive performance among drivers. However, even after fatigue builds up, some are still able to maintain the level of behavioral performance. To evaluate these adaptations on the neural network level, we utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Seventeen male professional drivers underwent two fMRI sessions, once while rested and once in a fatigued condition after 10-h of overnight driving. The cognitive task used in the study involved the detection of visual feature conjunctions, namely the shape and the color. There were no significant differences in the task performance between the conditions except for longer reaction times in the fatigued condition. However, we observed substantial differences in the activation patterns during the cognitive task involving selective attention between the conditions. On the global level, we observed a general decrease in activation strength in the fatigued condition, which appeared to be more pronounced in the left hemisphere. On the local level, we observed a (spatially) extended activation of the medial prefrontal regions in the fatigued condition, which reflected increased cognitive control mechanisms compensating for the diminished efficiency of mechanisms involved in meeting task demands.

Recently, a resurgence of interest has been noted in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) preservation in pediatric and adolescent patients. Different tear types, defined by their tear location, require different preservation techniques: proximal and distal avulsion tears can be treated with arthroscopic primary repair, whereas primary repair with biological scaffold has been proposed for midsubstance tears. The goal of this study was to assess the distribution of different tear types in pediatric and adolescent patients, as these are currently unknown.A retrospective search in an institutional radiographic database was performed for patients under 18.0 years undergoing knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for ACL tears between June 2005 and June 2016. Patients with reports of chronic tears, partial tears, and multiligamentous injuries were excluded.Tear locations were graded using MRI as: proximal avulsion (distal remnant length90% of total length; type I), proximal (75% to 90%; type II), midsubstance (25% to 75%; type III), distal (10% to 25%; type IV), and distal avulsion (10%; type V).A total of 274 patients (59% girls; mean±SD age, 15.1±2.1 y; range, 6.9 to 18.0 y) were included. Frequency of type I tears was 15%, type II 23%, type III 52%, type IV 1%, and type V 8% (of which 7% had bony avulsion).Prevalence of tear types varied with age. At age 6 to 10 years, 93% were type V (bony) avulsion tears. At age 11 to 13 years, 32% were type I, 16% type II, 32% type III, and 16% type V. At age 14 to 17 years, type III tears were more common (57%) than type I (14%), type II (25%) and type V (2%) tears.It was noted that the ACL was torn at different locations depending on the patients' age. These data provide more information on the potential application for ACL preservation in pediatric and adolescent patients. Future studies correlating these findings with arthroscopy are needed before using MRI for preoperative planning of ACL preservation surgery.Diagnostic level III.

Objectives: This study sought to quantify myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and examine the relationship between myocardial ...

BackgroundSubacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a latent and mutant measles virus which is extremely rare in developed countries. The lack of effective treatments leads to the research of other anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective treatments.CaseHere we present a case of a 17-year-old patient affected by subacute sclerosing panencephalitis who manifest a dramatic improvement in neurological and general clinical conditions, as well as an arrest in the progression of demyelinating process in the central nervous system, after the beginning of a high ratio ketogenic diet.ConclusionsGiven its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolic effects, we believe that ketogenic diet utilisation could be a rational approach, can be considered a safe add-on therapy, carrying on with only a minimal risk of adverse effects or interactions.

Objective: To investigate the altered brain spontaneous activity in acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) using resting-state amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF).Methods: Eighteen AACG patients and eighteen age, gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were included in the rs-fMRI scans. Two sample t tests were performed to observe the ALFF changes between AACG and HC. The correlations between ALFF values and the ophthalmologic measurements were analyzed.Results： Compared with HC，AACG patients showed decreased ALFF in the right lingual gyrus, right supra marginal gyrus , left precuneus，left medial superior frontal gyrus, left inferior parietal gyrus , left middle frontal gyrus. Meanwhile AACG patients showed increased ALFF in the right lobule crus2 of cerebellar hemisphere , left V1, right cuneus. In this study, no correlation between brain regions with abnormal ALFF value and intraocular pressure was found.Conclusion: AACG patients have abnormal brain spontaneous activity in the visual, sensual, motional and emotional areas, which provides a new insight into the neuropathological mechanism and treatment of AACG.

The left and right atrial (LA and RA) volumes and function are tightly linked to the morbidity and mortality of multiple cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to establish cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reference values for LA and RA volumes and phasic function based on a large sample of healthy Chinese adults. 408 validated healthy Chinese adults (54% men; aged 21–70 years) were included. The atrial volumes: maximum, minimum, and pre-atrial contraction (Vmax, Vmin, and Vpac); atrial phasic emptying fractions: total, passive, and booster (EF total, EF passive, and EF booster); atrial phasic emptying volumes: total, passive, and active (TEV, PEV, and AEV); and atrial expansion index (EI) were measured. Normal reference values were calculated and were stratified by sex (men and women) and age decades. The absolute LA and RA volumes and the indexed RA volumes were all greater in men. Women demonstrated higher LAEF total, LAEF booster, LAEI, RAEF total, RAEF passive, RAEF booster, and RAEI, while men had greater RATEV and RAAEV. Aging was positively correlated with the absolute and indexed LA and RA volumes, except for LA Vmax. LA and RA reservoir and conduit function including EF total, EI, EF passive, and PEV increased with age, while the atrial booster function (EF booster and AEV) decreased. We systematically provide age- and sex-specific CMR reference values for LA, RA volumes and phasic function based on a large sample of healthy Chinese adults with a wide age range. Both age and sex are closely associated with atrial volumes and function.

Remanufacturing is one of the most effective strategies to achieve sustainable manufacturing and restore the performance of end-of-life products. However, the lack of an effective cleaning method to clean carbonaceous deposits severely hampers the remanufacturing of end-of-life engines. To explore an appropriate cleaning method, it is necessary to first study the characterization of the carbonaceous deposits. A broad range of analyses including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance study, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to conduct an in-depth characterization of the carbonaceous deposits. The results showed that a hybrid structure composed of organics and inorganics is the most distinguishing feature of the carbonaceous deposit in end-of-life engines. The inorganics form the skeleton on which organics get attached, thereby resulting in a strong adhesion of the deposit and increasing the difficulty of cleaning. Therefore, a method in which several cleaning forces can be simultaneously applied is more suitable for the present purpose. Molten salt cleaning was chosen to verify the feasibility of this proposal. This method was shown to have the potential to effectively clean the carbonaceous deposit. This finding could contribute towards promoting the effective remanufacturing of end-of-life engines.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique (non-ionizing radiation) with superior soft tissue contrasts and potential morphological and functional applications. However, long examination and interpretation times, as well as higher costs, still represent barriers to MRI use in clinical routine. Abbreviated MRI protocols have emerged as an alternative to standard MRI protocols. Abbreviated MRI protocols eliminate redundant sequences that negatively affect cost, acquisition time, patient comfort. However, the diagnostic information is generally not compromised. Abbreviated MRI protocols have already been utilized for hepatocellular carcinoma, for prostate cancer detection, and for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease screening.

Background: There is evidence suggesting that an imbalance between the levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, and inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), leads to migraine attacks; however, the pathophysiology and specific diagnostic markers remain unknown. Methods: Twenty-one migraine patients (18 female, 3 male, mean age=40.63 14.23years) and 11 healthy controls (9 female, 2 male, mean age=39.78 15.31 years) were included in this study. We used 1H-MRS at 3 Tesla with voxels-of-interest located in the bilateral thalamus and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (SG ACC) to quantify the GABA and GLX (glutamate-glutamine complex) concentrations measured via the Mescher-Garwood point-resolved spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) sequence in migraineurs and healthy controls. Result: Statistical analyses revealed significantly decreased GLX/NAA (N-acetylaspartate) in the right thalamus of migraine patients compared to healthy controls. However, we found no group differences in GABA levels in the SG ACC and bilateral thalamus.Conclusion: The right thalamus may be involved in the pain modulation process of migraineurs through changes in the GLX levels. Decreased GLX levels within the right thalamus might be associated with the disruption of "excitation-inhibition" homeostasis in migraine.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02580968. Registered 30 October 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT02580968

Background Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with cardiac events in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the clinical significance of LA function and geometry in patients with DCM remains uncertain. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the current gold standard modality to assess LA function and geometry. Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance of LA parameters assessed by CMR in patients with DCM. Methods The present study included patients with DCM and sinus rhythm who underwent CMR between December 2007 and April 2018. LA volume was measured using CMR. LA empty fraction was calculated according to LA volume differences. The LA sphericity index was computed as the ratio of the measured LA maximum volume to the volume of a sphere with maximum LA length diameter (Figure 1A). We investigated the relationship between LA parameters measured by CMR and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). Results We included 255 patients in this study. During the mean follow-up of 3.66 [1.85–6.25] years, hospitalization for HF occurred in 37 patients (14.5%). Although there were no significant differences in LA volume and LA empty fraction between patients with HF hospitalization and those without, LA sphericity index was significantly higher in patients with HF hospitalization than in those without (0.78±0.35 vs. 0.58±0.18, P Conclusions LA sphericity index was an independent predictor of hospitalization for HF. Assessment of LA geometric parameter including LA sphericity might be useful for risk stratification toward worsening HF in patients with DCM. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the normal reference values for olfactory sulcus depth, olfactory tract length and olfactory bulb volume in the paediatric population with routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and determine the relationship, if any, between these values and patient sex and age. Materials and methods: Ninety patients with a median age of 8 years (age range: 3–17 years), consisting of 45 males and 45 females with normal brain MRI scans were evaluated. The patients were divided into three subgroups based on age range, with n = 30 per subgroup; group 1: young children (3–6 years), group 2: children (7–11 years) and group 3: adolescents (12–17 years). In the cranial MRI examination of all groups, the right, left and total olfactory bulb volume values were measured in mm3 , the right and left olfactory tract length values and the right and left olfactory sulcus depth values were calculated manually in mm. Demographic data including sex and age were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the age groups in terms of sex. Right-left olfactory sulcus depth; right-left olfactory tract length and right-left total olfactory bulb volume values increased significantly when they are compared in terms of age groups (p < 0.0001, = 0.028; < 0.0001, < 0.0001; < 0.0001, < 0.0001; < 0.0001, respectively). There was no significant difference between right and left olfactory tract length and olfactory bulb volumes in all groups (p = 0.792 and p = 0.478), but the right olfactory sulcus depth was significantly larger than the left (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Especially as the age progresses, olfactory tract length and olfactory bulb volume dimensions of olfactory nerve and olfactory sulcus depth should be checked during diagnosis of respective illnesses in paediatric population. (Folia Morphol 2021; 80, 1: 33–39)

Reactive aluminum alkoxide (ASB, aluminium sec-butoxide) was chelated using β-diketone (EAA, ethyl acetoacetate) in order to gain control over rapid hydrolysis in the course of the sol-gel process. Derived chelates were analysed using several NMR spectroscopic techniques: one-dimensional 1H, 13C, 27Al NMR and two-dimensional COSY, HSQC and DOSY. The NMR analysis enabled identification of the formed chelate species, as well as determination of their quantitative relationships. Several complexation products were observed: tris-chelated monomer, Al(EAA)3, bis-chelated dimmer, Al2(OnBu)4(EAA) 2, tris-chelated dimmer, Al2(OnBu)3(EAA)3, tetra-chelated dimmer, Al2(OnBu)2(EAA)4, and monochelated trimer, Al3(OnBu)8(EAA). Of the formed oligomer compounds, this is the first evidence of Al2(OR)3L3 in any alkoxide and β-ketoester or β-diketone combination. Aluminium sec-butoxide and ethyl acetoacetate complexes Al2(OnBu)4(EAA) 2 and Al2(OnBu)2(EAA)4 were also observed for the first time. With the increase of the EAA/ASB ratio the coordination of aluminium shifts towards six, whereas above the EAA/ASB ratio of 2.5 solely six-coordinated aluminium exists. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

To assess the global and regional right ventricular (RV) deformation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with preserved right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) using 3.0-T cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue tracking (CMR-TT). Eighty-two HCM patients and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. HCM patients were divided into groups depending on the presence or absence of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), RV late gadolinium enhancement (RV-LGE), and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), respectively. The RV global and apical longitudinal peak strain (LPS) in HCM patients with RVH were significantly lower than that in HCM patients without RVH and controls (P 0.05). CMR-TT was able to detect subclinical RV myocardial deformation prior to RVEF impairment, which was more severe in the presence of RVH and RV-LGE.

To investigate the degree of impairment in left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) myocardial strain parameters over the course of acute myocarditis and to evaluate its value for the prediction of functional recovery upon follow-up.69 patients with acute myocarditis underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during the acute stage (baseline) and after a mean 92.5 ± 50.4 days follow-up. Standard "Lake Louise" criteria (T2 signal intensity ratio, early gadolinium enhancement ratio and late gadolinium enhancement) and feature tracking derived LV and RV strain parameters were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to find predictors of functional recovery upon follow-up.All inflammatory parameters showed a considerable decrease over the course of the disease (P 0.001 for all parameters). LV and RV function significantly improved on follow-up CMR (LV ejection fraction: 53.5 ± 12.7 % vs. 61.3 ± 9.5 %; P 0.001, RV ejection fraction: 54.1 ± 10.0 % vs. 59.4 ± 6.3 %; P 0.001). LV and RV myocardial strain (longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain) significantly improved from baseline to follow-up (P 0.05 for all parameters). On multivariate analysis, LV global peak systolic longitudinal strain (OR: 0.303; P = 0.007) was the only independent predictor of functional recovery upon follow-up. CONCLUSION: Alterations in LV and RV functional strain parameters occur frequently during the acute stage of myocarditis. During the course of the disease, a significant improvement in LV and RV strain parameters can be observed. It further appears that initial LV longitudinal strain may serve as a new parameter for the prediction of functional recovery upon follow-up.· Myocardial strain parameters significantly improve during the course of acute myocarditis.. · RV dysfunction can frequently be observed during the acute stage of myocarditis.. · LV longitudinal strain can independently predict functional recovery upon follow-up..· Luetkens JA, Petry P, Kuetting D et al. Left and right ventricular strain in the course of acute myocarditis: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2018; 190: 722 - 732.ZIEL: Gegenstand der Studie war die Untersuchung im Rahmen einer Verlaufsbeobachtung der akuten Myokarditis dahingehend, ob Beeinträchtigungen in links- (LV) und rechtsventrikulären (RV) Strainparametern vorhanden sind. Darüber hinaus war beabsichtigt, die Strainparameter hinsichtlich ihrer Voraussagekraft für eine Funktionsnormalisierung in der Nachuntersuchung zu evaluieren.Es wurden 69 Patienten mit Myokarditis in der Akutphase (Baseline) und nach durchschnittlich 92,5 ± 50,4 Tagen mittels kardialer Magnetresonanztomografie untersucht. Die „Lake Louise“ Kriterien (T2 Signalintensitätsratio, „early gadolinium enhancement ratio“ und „late gadolinium enhancement“) und LV und RV myokardiale Strainparameter wurden ausgewertet. Eine logistische Regressionsanalyse wurde durchgeführt, um Prädiktoren für eine Funktionsnormalisierung in der Nachuntersuchung zu finden.Alle inflammatorischen Parameter verbesserten sich deutlich in der Nachuntersuchung (P 0,001 für alle Parameter). Entsprechend war auch die LV und RV Funktion in der Nachuntersuchung signifikant verbessert (LV Ejektionsfraktion: 53,5 ± 12,7 % vs. 61,3 ± 9,5 %; P 0,001, RV Ejektionsfraktion: 54,1 ± 10,0 % vs. 59,4 ± 6,3 %; P 0,001). LV und RV Strainparameter (longitudinaler, zirkumferentieller und radialer Strain) verbesserten sich ebenfalls in der Nachuntersuchung signifikant im Vergleich zur initialen Untersuchung (P 0,05 für alle Parameter). Der initiale LV globale systolische longitudinale Strain war der einzige Parameter in der multivariaten Regressionsanalyse, der unabhängig eine Funktionsverbesserung in der Nachuntersuchung voraussagen konnte (OR: 0,303; P = 0,007).Pathologische Veränderungen in LV und RV Strainparameter lassen sich in der Akutphase der Myokarditis häufig beobachten. Im Laufe der Erkrankung erholen sich diese Funktionseinschränkungen häufig wieder. Die zusätzliche Bestimmung des initialen LV globalen systolischen longitudinalen Strains könnte zudem hilfreich sein, eine Funktionsnormalisierung im Laufe der Erkrankung vorauszusagen.· Beeinträchtigungen des myokardialen Strains bei Myokarditis erholen sich meist im Verlauf.. · Eine RV Dysfunktion kann in der Akutphase häufig beobachtet werden.. · Der LV longitudinale Strain kann eine Funktionsnormalisierung in der Verlaufsuntersuchung voraussagen..

A low-temperature magnetic resonance study of the quasi-two-dimensional antiferromagnet $\mathrm{Cu}(\mathrm{en}){({\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O})}_{2}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4}$ (en = ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{8}{\mathrm{N}}_{2}$) was performed down to 0.45 K. This compound orders antiferromagnetically at 0.9 K. The analysis of the resonance data within the hydrodynamic approach allowed us to identify anisotropy axes and to estimate the anisotropy parameters for the antiferromagnetic phase. Dipolar spin-spin coupling turns out to be the main contribution to the anisotropy of the antiferromagnetic phase. The splitting of the resonance modes and its nonmonotonous dependence on the applied frequency were observed below 0.6 K in all three field orientations. Several models are discussed to explain the origin of the nontrivial splitting, and the existence of inequivalent magnetic subsystems in $\mathrm{Cu}(\mathrm{en}){({\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O})}_{2}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4}$ is chosen as the most probable source.

We present a novel method to characterize the morphology of semicircular canals of the inner ear. Previous experimental works have a common nexus, the human-operator subjectivity. Although these methods are mostly automatic, they rely on a human decision to determine some particular anatomical positions. We implement a systematic analysis where there is no human subjectivity. Our approach is based on a specific magnetic resonance study done in a group of 20 volunteers. From the raw data, the proposed method defines the centerline of all three semicircular canals through a skeletonization process and computes the angle of the functional pair and other geometrical parameters. This approach allows us to assess the inter-operator effect on other methods. From our results, we conclude that, although an average geometry can be defined, the inner ear anatomy cannot be reduced to a single geometry as seen in previous experimental works. We observed a relevant variability of the geometrical parameters in our cohort of volunteers that hinders this usual simplification.

Background Mitral valve (MV) repair is currently recommended over replacement (1). The guidelines suggesting this are however based on historic evidence which compared outdated techniques of MV replacement. Recent data cast doubts on its validity in the current era of chordal-preservation techniques in MV replacement. Purpose Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, this study aimed to assess the impact of MV repair and MV replacement on cardiac left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling. Methods 65 patients with moderate-severe and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) were prospectively recruited. Of these, 37 patients (59% men, 65±15 years) to date with paired CMR scans at baseline and at 6 months were evaluated. Patients either underwent MV repair (n=9), MV replacement (n=10) or watchful waiting (n=18). The CMR protocol included cines for left ventricle (LV), left atria (LA), and aortic flow assessment. The LA and LV parameters, and MR fraction were analysed. Results At 6 months, both the MV repair and replacement groups exhibited a reduction in LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LA volumes when compared to the control group. The indexed LVEDV decreased significantly from 129±33ml/m2 to 99±37ml/m2, p Conclusion MV surgery leads to atrial and left ventricular reverse remodelling, and a decline in global LV ejection fraction. In this small series, MV replacement with chordal preservation showed similar cardiac reverse remodelling benefits to MV repair. Although residual MR is often seen following repair, this did not lead to less favourable cardiac reverse remodelling. Acknowledgement/Funding Leeds NIHR infrastructure

Background The three-dimensional rearrangement of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium during cardiac deformation is unknown. Previous in-vivo studies have shown that myocardial left ventricular (LV) deformation is driven by rearrangement of aggregations of cardiomyocytes that can be characterised by changes in the so-called E3-angle. Ex-vivo imaging offers superior spatial resolution compared with in-vivo measurements, and can thus provide novel insight into the deformation of the myocardial microstructure in both ventricles. This study sought to describe the dynamic changes of the orientations of the cardiomyocytes in both ventricles brought upon by cardiac contraction, with particular interest in the thin-walled RV, which has not previously been described in terms of its micro-architecture. Methods The hearts of 14 healthy 20 kg swine were excised and preserved in either a relaxed state or a contracted state. Myocardial architecture was assessed and compared between the two contractional states by quantification of the helical, transmural and E3-angles of the cardiomyocytes using high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging. Results The differences between the two states of contraction were most pronounced in the endocardium where the E3-angle decreased from 78.6° to 24.8° in the LV and from 82.6° to 68.6° in the RV. No significant change in neither the helical nor the transmural angle was found in the cardiomyocytes of the RV. In the endocardium of the LV, however, the helical angle increased from 35.4° to 47.8° and the transmural angle increased from 3.1° to 10.4°. Conclusion The entire myocardium rearranges through the cardiac cycle with the change in the orientation of the aggregations of cardiomyocytes being the predominant mediator of myocardial wall thickening. Interestingly, differences also exist between the RV and LV, which helps in the explanation of the different physiological capabilities of the ventricles. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12968-019-0547-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.