Multimodal Imaging Applications Research Articles

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles assembled magnetic nanobubbles and their application for neural stem cells labeling

Micro/nanobubbles for use as ultrasound contrast agents have been fabricated with different shell materials. When various biomedical nanoparticles have been embedded in the shells of bubbles, the composite structures have shown promising applications in multi-modal imaging, drug/gene delivery, and biomedical sensing. In this study, we developed a new gas-liquid interface self-assembly method to prepare magnetic nanobubbles embedded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). The diameter of the generated assembled nanobubbles was 227.40 ± 87.21 nm with a good polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.29. Under the condition of 150 compression cycles, the nanobubble concentration could reach about 6.12 × 109/mL. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the assembled nanobubbles had a hollow gas core with SPIONs adsorbed on the surface. Ultrasound (US) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments indicated that the assembled magnetic nanobubbles exhibited good US and MR contrast capabilities. Moreover, the assembled magnetic nanobubbles were used to label neural stem cells under ultrasound exposure. After 40 s US exposure, the magnetic nanobubbles could be delivered into cells with 2.80 pg Fe per cell, which could be observed in the intracellular endosome by TEM. Compared with common incubation methods, the ultrasound exposure method did not introduce the potential cytotoxicity of transfection reagents and the efficiency was about twice as high as the efficiency of incubation. Therefore, the assembled magnetic nanobubbles prepared through the pressure-driven gas-liquid interface assembly approach could be a potential US/MRI dual model imaging nanocarrier for regenerative applications.

Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion properties of BiVO4 nanoparticles

Nanomaterials are the subject of extensive investigations due to their applications in medicine, multimodal imaging, volumetric displays, and photonics. Here, lanthanide-doped bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been reported. The nanoparticles have been synthesized by a microwave hydrothermal method. As-synthesized nanoparticles are highly crystalline in the tetragonal zircon phase with particles about 200 nm in size. Under 980 nm excitation, intense multicolor visible and near-infrared upconversion emissions are observed. Moreover, broadband infrared downshifting emissions are also observed. Time-resolved emission measurements have been carried out to investigate the involved upconversion and energy transfer mechanism. The BiVO4-based UCNPs may provide a new class of nanomaterials for multifunctional applications.

The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Right Ventricular Failure.

Right ventricular dysfunction is increasingly being recognized as a marker of poor prognosis in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, identification and accurate quantification of the degree of impairment is crucial. Although echocardiography remains the mainstay for right ventricular evaluation, multimodality noninvasive cardiac imaging provides additional useful corroborative assessment. Cardiac MRI is particularly useful for accurate quantification of right ventricular volumes and function, as well as myocardial tissue characterization. This article outlines the clinically useful applications of multimodality imaging for comprehensive assessment of the right heart and associated structures in the setting of right ventricular failure.

Multimodality Imaging to Guide Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Patients with Non-ischaemic Cardiomyopathy.

Catheter ablation is an effective treatment option for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). The heterogeneous nature of NICM aetiologies and VT substrate in patients with NICM play a role in long-term ablation outcomes in this population. Over the past decades, more precise identification of NICM aetiologies and better characterisation of various substrates have been made. Application of multimodal imaging has greatly contributed to the accurate diagnosis of NICM subtypes and improved VT ablation strategies. This article summarises the current knowledge of multimodal imaging used in the characterisation of non-ischaemic NICM substrates, procedural planning and image integration for the optimisation of VT ablation.

Right ventricular crypts in a myocardial bridge: Relevance to surgical relief

Crypts are very thin walled invaginations from the cavity of the left ventricle into the compact myocardium. With the advent and increased application of multimodality imaging, crypts are being increasingly identified in both normal individuals and patients, with various conditions including HCM, before and after the development of LV hypertrophy, LV non-compaction and hypertensive heart disease. to date crypts have not been described in the right ventricle. We here describe for the first time, RV crypts which were extending into a myocardial bridge, in a patient with HCM and dynamic obstruction of the LAD coronary artery. We also document and discuss the serious complications which can arise from crypts, and highlight the importance of preoperative identification of crypts. Further studies are required to determine the fetal origin of crypts and their clinical significance

Multi-modality imaging in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Transthyretin amyloid (TTR) cardiomyopathy is a disease of insidious onset, which is often accompanied by debilitating neurological and/or cardiac complications. The true prevalence is not fully known due to its elusive presentation, being often under-recognized and usually diagnosed only late in its natural history and in older patients. Because of this, effective treatment options are usually precluded by multiple comorbidities and frailty associated with such patients. Therefore, high clinical suspicion with earlier and better detection of this disease is needed. In this review, the novel applications of multimodality imaging in the diagnostic pathway of TTR cardiomyopathy are explored. These include the complimentary roles of transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, nuclear scintigraphy and positron emission tomography in quantifying cardiac dysfunction, diagnosis and risk stratification. Recent advances in novel therapeutic options for TTR have further enhanced the importance of a timely and accurate diagnosis of this disease.

Multimodality Imaging Assessment of Fabry Disease.

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disease with a variety of cardiac manifestations. Although not specific for a diagnosis of Fabry disease, certain cardiac imaging findings may be highly suggestive of the diagnosis of Fabry disease in previously undiagnosed patients or cardiac involvement for patients with a known diagnosis of Fabry disease. In this review, we explore the current applications of multimodality cardiac imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with Fabry disease. Additionally, data regarding tissue characterization by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and novel nuclear imaging techniques and their role in evaluating phenotype development is discussed.

In This Issue of the Journal

In This Issue of the Journal

Recent progress in imaging technology combined with nanomaterials for medical applications

The development of medical imaging technology has led to progress in nanomedical diagnosis, prevention, and detection. In this study, the latest applications of single-mode imaging, dual-mode imaging and multimode imaging in nanomedicine are reviewed. Meanwhile, in the single-mode imaging section, several imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography illuminate their respective characteristics and medical applications. In the part of dual-mode imaging, nanoprobes and nanodrug carriers as nanobiotechnology applications, which combined with dual-mode imaging are conducive to the accurate cancer diagnosis and efficient delivery of drugs, respectively. In the application of multimodal imaging, owing to the combination of treatment and multimodal imaging, functional diversity and fewer side effects are obtained. Each section outlines the current utilisation and potential of imaging in nanomedicine, illustrating the potential applications in the future. This review is supposed to provide some ideas for the multifunctional application and accelerate another technical leap of fusion imaging technology in medicine.

Gas-Mediated Cancer Bioimaging and Therapy

Gas-involving cancer theranostics have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their high therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. We have reviewed the recent significant advances in the development of stimuli-responsive gas releasing molecules (GRMs) and gas nanogenerators for cancer bioimaging, targeted and controlled gas therapy, and gas-sensitized synergistic therapy. We have focused on gases with known anticancer effects, such as oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen (H2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and heavy gases that act via the gas-generating process. The GRMs and gas nanogenerators for each gas have been described in terms of the stimulation method, followed by their applications in ultrasound and multimodal imaging, and finally their primary and synergistic actions with other cancer therapeutic modalities. The current challenges and future possibilities of gas therapy and imaging vis-à-vis clinical translation have also been discussed.

Machine learning for radiomics-based multimodality and multiparametric modeling.

Due to the recent developments of both hardware and software technologies, multimodality medical imaging techniques have been increasingly applied in clinical practice and research studies. Previously, the application of multimodality imaging in oncology has been mainly related to combining anatomical and functional imaging to improve diagnostic specificity and/or target definition, such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and single-photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT. More recently, the fusion of various images, such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, different PET tracer images, PET/MRI, has become more prevalent, which has enabled more comprehensive characterization of the tumor phenotype. In order to take advantage of these valuable multimodal data for clinical decision making using radiomics, we present two ways to implement the multimodal image analysis, namely radiomic (handcrafted feature) based and deep learning (machine learned feature) based methods. Applying advanced machine (deep) learning algorithms across multimodality images have shown better results compared with single modality modeling for prognostic and/or prediction of clinical outcomes. This holds great potentials for providing more personalized treatment for patients and achieve better outcomes.

Recent Advances in Multifunctional Graphitic Nanocapsules for Raman Detection, Imaging, and Therapy

AbstractBenefiting from their unique physicochemical properties, graphitic nanocapsules with a core–shell structure have attracted tremendous interest in bioanalysis and biomedicine recently. Using rational design, various types of graphitic nanocapsules with controllable properties are prepared to meet the demands of different biomedical applications. Graphitic nanocapsules exhibit excellent stability and superior capacity for loading nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, and drugs due to the large specific surface area of their graphitic shells. Moreover, using the unique Raman bands of graphitic shells with large scattering cross‐sections, graphitic nanocapsules are applied in Raman‐based detection and imaging. Various types of nanocapsules with superior optical and magnetic properties are available for multimodal imaging applications. By making full use of the intrinsic near‐infrared optical absorbance of the graphitic shell and specific metal core, graphitic nanocapsule‐based light‐mediated therapies are realized, showing superior performance in the killing of cancer cells and pathogenic bacteria, as well as anti‐tumor therapeutic efficacy in animal experiments. This review summarizes the synthesis, properties, and functionalization of graphitic nanocapsules and discusses the recent advances in Raman detection and imaging, multimodal imaging, and light‐mediated therapy, including concerns related to toxicity. Future prospects of graphitic nanocapsules in biomedical applications are also highlighted.

Boosting Fluorescence-Photoacoustic-Raman Properties in One Fluorophore for Precise Cancer Surgery

Summary Multi-modality organic imaging agents hold great potential for comprehensive disease diagnosis and treatment by taking advantage of each mode, yet the development is less than satisfied. Here, we develop the one-for-all agent with boosted fluorescence, photoacoustic (PA), and Raman properties by tuning the molecular structure and intramolecular motion for triple-modality imaging-guided cancer surgery. Compared with the other analogs, compound OTPA-TQ3 can generate the highest fluorescence, PA, and Raman (2,215 cm−1) signals, which presents the first organic molecule integrating with these optical imaging modalities. In vivo experiments with the OTPA-TQ3-based nanoagent help to decipher tumor information at different surgical stages and improve cancer surgery outcomes. The pre-operative fluorescence and PA imaging are capable of providing comprehensive tumor information, while the intraoperative fluorescence and Raman imaging delineate tumor margins in a sensitive high-contrast manner. This one-for-all organic molecular agent allows for accurate cancer imaging and resection, rendering great promise for integrated multi-modality imaging applications.

Multimodal Clinical Imaging Assessment of the Outcome in Mild-to-Moderate Acne: A Prospective Study

Background: The quality of outcome assessment in acne studies has been either subjective/insufficient or time consuming through the ordinary lesion counting. Objective: To evaluate the application of multimodal clinical imaging (MCI), a combination of imaging technology and computation, in the assessment of acne lesions in a clinical study setting. Methods: A prospective, monocentric, single-group open study designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a cosmetic product (IP/SG) in subjects with mild-to-moderate facial acne by classical clinical counting (CCC) – change in the total/inflammatory/noninflammatory acne lesion number compared with baseline (D0) – Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and self-reported outcomes. Concomitantly, MCI was administered. The study was performed for 12 weeks (D84) with a 4-week follow-up (D112). Results: Mean age of patients (n = 49) was 18.2 ± 3.7 years (range 13–25). The mean acne duration was 3.8 ± 2.8 years. The total number of lesions did not differ significantly between D0/D84 by both CCC and MCI. However, the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) and uncomfortable feeling improved at D28/D0, the perception of oily skin improved at D14/D0, and the perception of sticky skin improved from D28/D0 to D56/D0. Deterioration was detected between D84/D0 and D112/D0, namely after product discontinuation. Interestingly, a change in trend was recorded for acne lesions at D14/D0 by MCI but not by CCC. Conclusion: MCI, applied for the first time in a small clinical study setting, is at least as reliable as CCC and may allow for a sensitive longitudinal evaluation of single acne lesions and their response to products, especially in conditions where clinical evaluation reaches its limits.

Multimodal imaging of the infant and pediatric eye: pearls and pitfalls

There has been a significant increase in available imaging modalities that can be applied to pediatric ocular conditions. The application of multimodal imaging in pediatric ophthalmology practice assists clinicians in diagnosing and managing many disorders more effectively. The purpose of this workshop is to demonstrate utility and limitations of a variety of current and new imaging modalities like ultrasound bio-microscopy (UBM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, wide-field fundus imaging and autofluorescence, and integrating these to better diagnose and manage various pediatric ocular conditions.

Discussion on the Application of Multi-modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fusion in Schizophrenia.

In order to study the application of multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion technology in schizophrenia, a 4-way multi-modal fusion method based on mCCA+jICA is used to fuse the local consistency and functional network connection of resting-state functional MRI, gray matter volume of structural MRI, and partial anisotropy of diffusion MRI four characteristics of large sample of schizophrenic patients in multi-site China, trying to find out the common characteristics of function and structure of significant differences between schizophrenia and healthy controls. It is found that compared with normal people, schizophrenic patients show higher local consistency, lower gray matter volume, lower functional network connectivity and decreased white matter integrity in the anterior thalamic radiation, upper bundle and other bundles in brain areas such as basal ganglia network, hippocampus and prominence network. There is a significant correlation between a thalamocortical perceptual loop and auditory hallucination in schizophrenia, and there is a high degree of spatial consistency and commonality among the three MRI features. The higher the volume of gray matter in the dorsolateral and medial prefrontal cortex is, the higher the integrity of white matter fibers such as corticospinal tract, superior longitudinal tract and anterior thalamic radiation is, the higher the digital backward score is, and the better the working memory ability of the subjects is.

Multimodality Imaging for the Assessment of Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Aortic stenosis is the most common type of valvular heart disease. Aortic stenosis is characterized both by progressive valve narrowing and the left ventricular remodeling response that ensues. In aortic stenosis, therapeutic decision essentially depends on symptomatic status, stenosis severity, and status of left ventricular systolic function. Imaging is fundamental for the initial diagnostic work-up, follow-up, and selection of the optimal timing and type of intervention. Noninvasive imaging has played a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding of the complex pathophysiology underlying aortic stenosis, as well as disease progression in both the valve and myocardium. The present review provides the application of multimodality imaging in aortic stenosis.

19F MRI of Polymer Nanogels Aided by Improved Segmental Mobility of Embedded Fluorine Moieties.

Using fluorinated probes for 19F MRI imaging is an emerging field with potential utility in cellular imaging and cell tracking in vivo, which complements conventional 1H MRI. An attractive feature of 19F-based imaging is that this is a bio-orthogonal nucleus and the naturally abundant isotope is NMR active. A significant hurdle however in the 19F MRI arises from the tendency of organic macromolecules, with multiple fluorocarbon substitutions, to aggregate in the aqueous phase. This aggregation results in significant loss of sensitivity, because the T2 relaxation times of these aggregated 19F species tend to be significantly lower. In this report, we have developed a strategy to covalently trap nanoscopic states with an optimal degree of 19F substitutions, followed by significant enhancement in T2 relaxation times through increased segmental mobility of the side chain substituents facilitated by the stimulus-responsive elements in the polymeric nanogel. In addition to NMR relaxation time based evaluations, the ability to obtain such signals are also evaluated in mouse models. The propensity of these nanoscale assemblies to encapsulate hydrophobic drug molecules and the availability of surfaces for convenient introduction of fluorescent labels suggest the potential of these nanoscale architectures for use in multimodal imaging and therapeutic applications.

Au-Fe3O4 heterostructures for catalytic, analytical, and biomedical applications

Heterostructures are a series of nanomaterials combining different components into a single nanostructure. Au-Fe3O4 heterostructures have received considerable attentions because of their superior properties coming from both individual and combinational features of gold and iron oxide nanoparticles. Their intrinsically peculiar magnetic, optical properties, and structure designability greatly enhance and broaden their potential applications in catalysis, assay, multimodal imaging, and synergistic treatment for tumor. In this review, we systematically introduce the preparation methods of Au-Fe3O4 heterostructures and their potential applications in the biomedical field, focusing on the unique synergistic effect caused by the combination of gold and iron oxide structures. This review will provide insights into the structure control in adjusting the function of heterogeneous or hybrid material, such as Au-Fe3O4 heterostructures, to implement their biomedical applications.

Paramagnetic and Superparamagnetic Inorganic Nanoparticles for T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a promising technique in the early diagnosis of cancers, especially the application of contrast agents can further enhance the detection limit. Compared with the dark signal in "negative" contrast agents (T2), "positive" contrast agents (T1) with bright signal are more desirable for high-resolution imaging. However, the clinically used gadolinium complexes have short circulation time and the risk of nephrogenic system fibrosis. Therefore, to overcome the disadvantage of T2 agents and traditional T1 agents, it is very interesting to develop nano-scaled T1-weighted MRI contrast agents with safer and more precise imaging performance. The present review systematically summarized the recent progress of paramagnetic and superparamagnetic inorganic nanoparticles as T1-weighted MRI contrast agents, including gadolinium oxide nanoparticles, gadoliniumbased upconversion nanoparticles, manganese oxide nanoparticles, and ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles. Moreover, we also described their applications in multi-modal imaging and visualized theranostics.