Increased Signal Intensity Research Articles

Pediatric whole-body magnetic resonance imaging: comparison of STIR and T2 Dixon sequences in the detection and grading of high signal bone marrow changes

ObjectivesTo compare short time inversion recovery (STIR) and T2 Dixon in the detection and grading of high signal intensity areas in bone marrow on whole-body MRI in healthy children.MethodsProspective study, including whole-body 1.5-T MRIs from 77 healthy children. Two experienced radiologists in consensus identified and graded areas of high bone marrow signal on STIR and T2-weighted (T2W) turbo spin echo (TSE) Dixon images (presence, extension) in two different sessions at an interval of at least 3 weeks. In a third session, a third observer joined the two readers for an additional consensus reading with all sequences available (substitute gold standard).ResultsFour hundred ninety of 545 (89.9%) high signal areas were visible on both sequences, while 27 (5.0%) were visible on STIR only and 28 (5.1%) on T2W Dixon only. Twenty-four of 27 (89%) lesions seen on STIR only, and 25/28 (89%) seen on T2W Dixon only, were graded as mildly increased signal intensity. The proportion of true positive high signal lesions was higher for the T2W Dixon images as compared to STIR (74.2% vs. 68.2%) (p = 0.029), while the proportion of false negatives was lower (25.9% vs. 31.7% (p = 0.035) for T2W Dixon and STIR, respectively). There was a moderate agreement between the T2W Dixon and STIR-based extension scores on a 0–4 scale, with a kappa of 0.45 (95% CI = 0.34–0.56).ConclusionsMost high signal bone marrow changes identified on a 1.5-T whole-body MRI were seen on both STIR and water-only T2W Dixon, underscoring the importance of using identical protocols when following bone-marrow signal changes over time.Key Points• Whole-body MRI is increasingly being used to diagnose and monitor diseases in children, such as chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis, malignant/metastatic disease, and histiocytosis.• Standardized and validated imaging protocols, as well as reference standards by age for the growing skeleton are lacking.• Prospective single-center study showed that 90% of high signal bone marrow areas identified on a 1.5-T whole-body MRI in healthy children is seen on both STIR and water-only T2W Dixon, while 5% is seen on STIR only and 5% on T2W Dixon only.

A Multiplex Molecular Cell-Based Sensor to Detect Ligands of PPARs: An Optimized Tool for Drug Discovery in Cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria produce a wealth of secondary metabolites. Since these organisms attach fatty acids into molecules in unprecedented ways, cyanobacteria can serve as a novel source for bioactive compounds acting as ligands for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR). PPARs (PPARα, PPARβ/δ and PPARγ) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors, involved in the regulation of various metabolic and cellular processes, thus serving as potential drug targets for a variety of pathologies. Yet, given that PPARs' agonists can have pan-, dual- or isoform-specific action, some controversy has been raised over currently approved drugs and their side effects, highlighting the need for novel molecules. Here, we expand and validate a cell-based PPAR transactivation activity biosensor, and test it in a screening campaign to guide drug discovery. Biosensor upgrades included the use of different reporter genes to increase signal intensity and stability, a different promoter to modulate reporter gene expression, and multiplexing to improve efficiency. Sensor's limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.36-0.89 nM in uniplex and 0.89-1.35 nM in multiplex mode. In triplex mode, the sensor's feature screening, a total of 848 fractions of 96 cyanobacteria extracts were screened. Hits were confirmed in multiplex mode and in uniplex mode, yielding one strain detected to have action on PPARα and three strains to have dual action on PPARα and -β.

A Rapid Screening Method for the Detection of Additives in Electronics and Plastic Consumer Products Using AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS.

A novel method was developed and optimized for the fast-screening analysis of additives in electronics and plastic consumer products using atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (AP-MALDI) coupled with a high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (qTOF) mass spectrometer (MS). To simplify sample preparation and increase sample throughput, an innovative 48 well graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) doped AP-MALDI target plate was developed. The GNP incorporated in the target plate fulfilled the role of the MALDI matrix and, therefore, sample extracts could be directly transferred to the AP-MALDI 48 well target plate and analyzed without a subsequent matrix addition. The homogeneously dispersed and immobilized GNP target plates also provided increased signal intensity and reproducibility. Furthermore, analytical standards of various plastic additives and plastic products with known concentrations of additives were studied to assess the AP-MALDI ionization mechanisms and method capability. The analysis time was 15 s per measurement using an automated sequence. The GNP-doped target plates exhibited high desorption/ionization of low molecular weight molecules (<1000 Da) and can be used in both positive and negative ionization modes. The AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS method was applied to screen for additives in various electronics and plastic consumer products. Suspect screening was performed using a database containing 1366 compounds. A total of 56 additives including antioxidants, flame retardants, plasticizers, UV-stabilizers, and UV-filters were identified (confidence level 4). Identification of certain plastic additives in plastic children's toys may indicate that they are recycled from waste electronic and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Exploring spatiotemporal changes of the urban heat Island effect in high-latitude cities at a neighbourhood level: A case of Edmonton, Canada

Urban heat exposures have increased considerably in cities around the globe due to rapid urbanization and the changing climate. This study explores the spatiotemporal variations in surface urban heat islands (SUHIs) across multiple seasons as well as the relationship between neighbourhood-level SUHI intensity and three major factors—land surface, anthropogenic heat, and population characteristics—in a high-latitude city. The study focuses on the City of Edmonton, Canada, North America's northernmost high-latitude city with a population of one million. Results showed a significant SUHI intensity increase over the past two decades during spring, summer, and winter. Neighbourhood SUHI intensity in summer significantly reduces with the increase in areas covered by vegetation (r = -0.9) and water bodies (r = -0.6), whereas intensity significantly rises with increased road network (r = 0.6) and population density (r = 0.5). Results also indicated that increasing vegetation cover in neighbourhoods by up to 20% could reduce current SUHI intensity by one-third. The study revealed that neighbourhoods with more affluent and better-educated residents experience lower SUHI intensities. The findings will help municipal planners and policymakers develop heat mitigation strategies for new and existing neighbourhoods, along with high-latitude city design structures that enhance the winter benefits of SUHIs, while reducing summer penalties.

Upper gastrointestinal tract perforation assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography after oral Sonazoid administration in a stomach leakage mouse model.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) can visualize orally administered Sonazoid leaking into the peritoneal cavity in a postoperative stomach leakage mouse model. Adult female mice (n=33, 9-10 weeks old) were used. Preoperative CEUS was performed after delivering Sonazoid via intraperitoneal injection and the per oral route. A gastric leakage model was then generated by making a surgical incision of about 0.5 cm at the stomach wall, and CEUS with per oral Sonazoid administration was performed. A region of interest was drawn on the CEUS images and the signal intensity was quantitatively measured. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed model to compare the signal intensity sampled from the pre-contrast images with those of the post-contrast images obtained at different time points. CEUS after Sonazoid intraperitoneal injection in normal mice and after oral administration in mice with gastric perforation visualized the contrast medium spreading within the liver interlobar fissures continuous to the peritoneal cavity. A quantitative analysis showed that in the mice with gastric perforation, the orally delivered Sonazoid leaking into the peritoneal cavity induced a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in signal intensity in all CEUS images obtained 10 seconds or longer after contrast delivery. However, enhancement was not observed before gastric perforation surgery (P=0.167). CEUS with oral Sonazoid administration efficiently visualized the contrast medium spreading within the peritoneal cavity in a postoperative stomach leakage mouse model.

Automated determination of gallium in seawater using seaFAST pre-concentration and high-resolution inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry

There has been increased interest in dissolved gallium (Ga) in natural waters due to its long residence time and its usefulness in tracking water masses; however, current analytical approaches are time consuming and labor intensive (e.g., magnesium hydroxide co-precipitation method, (Mg(OH)2)) or have concerns such as carryover and sample recovery (automated resin column extraction). Ocean observing programs, such as GEOTRACES, recover hundreds of samples per expedition. There are both logistical (sample volume) and analytical (person-hour) demands to economically collect and analyze Ga. We present an automated isotope dilution method (using 99.8% enriched 71Ga) to determine Ga in seawater utilizing commercially available equipment while addressing the challenges of a) sample volume and sample pre-concentration factor, b) instrumental interferences, c) sample-sample carryover, d) sample recovery variability, and e) improving sample detection limits, accuracy and precision. A seaFAST SC-4DXS pico (Elemental Scientific, Inc.; ESI) was used to pre-concentrate 20 mL of sample on a Nobias PA1 resin column 67-fold before analysis in medium resolution on a ThermoFisher high-resolution inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) equipped with an APEX Q FAST enabled spray chamber (ESI) to increase signal intensity and decrease instrument interferences. The new automated seaFAST method reproduced Ga concentrations determined by the Mg(OH)2 method, but with greater precision (RSD <4%) and a lower detection limit (0.10 pmol L−1). This method is ideal for high throughput applications and can be easily implemented using commercially available equipment.

Assessment of Increased T2 Signal Activity in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Undergoing Posterior Cervical Fusion.

To compare the preoperative and postoperative increased signal intensity (ISI) outcomes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients who underwent posterior decompression and fusion, and to assess the correlation between ISI changes and postsurgical clinical prognosis. The results from 123 patients were evaluated. In addition to demographic data, such as age and gender, factors, including body mass index (BMI); smoking history; duration of symptoms; follow-up periods; levels of decompression and fusion; comorbidities, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension; ISI grading; cervical sagittal vertical axis; C2-7 cervical lordosis parameters; and Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores, were statistically analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. ISI improved in 39 patients (31.7%), remained unchanged in 53 patients (latent, 43.1%), and deteriorated in 31 patients (25.2%). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, gender, BMI, or levels of decompression and fusion between patients with ISI improvement, latent ISI, and worsened ISI. Patients with ISI improvement had the highest postoperative C2-7 lordosis values and shortest duration of symptoms. There was no statistically significant difference in the mJOA scores between patients with and without ISI improvement. ISI improvement in CSM patients undergoing posterior cervical decompression and fusion is influenced by symptom duration and preoperative-postoperative cervical lordosis values. However, this study did not find a correlation between ISI improvement and clinical recovery based on the mJOA scores.

Enhancing metabolite coverage in MALDI-MSI using laser post-ionisation (MALDI-2).

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) of metabolites can reveal how metabolism is altered throughout heterogeneous tissues. Here negative ion mode MALDI-MSI has been coupled with laser post-ionisation (MALDI-2) and applied to the MSI of low molecular weight (LMW) metabolites (<m/z 600) to investigate the benefits MALDI-2 offers for spatial metabolomics in terms of metabolite coverage and sensitivity. When applied to mouse kidney tissue MALDI-2 provided almost double the number of on-tissue specific mass features compared to conventional MALDI. MALDI-2 also resulted in not only the increased detection sensitivity for multiple metabolite species but also permitted the imaging of LMW metabolites (e.g. uridine) that were not detected using conventional MALDI-MSI. When compared against ∼140 publically available kidney datasets submitted through the METASPACE analysis platform using the same N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (NEDC) matrix, MALDI-2 provided 34 unique metabolite m/z features that were not consistently annotated previously. To further evaluate the usefulness of this MALDI-2 approach to metabolite imaging, MALDI-2 was applied to the imaging of mouse liver tissue containing a metastasised breast cancer at a pixel size of 20 μm. Using a co-localisation analysis, MALDI-2 detected six tumour-specific metabolites that were not detected using conventional MALDI, as well as providing an up to 20-fold increase in signal intensities for many others (e.g., glutamate). This work provides one of the first reports of MALDI-2 applied to metabolite imaging and demonstrates the dramatic improvements in sensitivity and metabolite coverage it provides.

Cytotoxic effect of bionanocatalysts evaluated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in an in vivo model of hepatocellular carcinoma

Given the absence of effective and selective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the antitumor effect of novel bionanocatalysts was evaluated in two different tissues (liver and lung) of a rat model with HCC using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. The spectra obtained showed a significant decrease in signal intensity in the presence of tumor tissues with respect to healthy tissue. An increase in signal intensity was observed in diseased rats treated with bionanocatalysts, suggesting their antitumor effect in terms of tumor tissue reduction with respect to the diseased control.

Effect of matrix temperature on the LIBS signal of Au

Significant increases in signal intensity, signal quality, ablation and plasma electron density were observed for the gold element as the sample temperature increased, but the plasma temperature decreased.

Fluorescence-based chemical tools for monitoring ultrasound-induced hydroxyl radical production in aqueous solution and in cells.

We report the synthesis of hydroxyl-radical (˙OH) responsive fluorescent probes that utilise the 3,5-dihydroxybenzyl (DHB) functionality. 4-Methylumbeliferone-DHB (Umb-DHB) and resorufin-DHB (Res-DHB) in the presence of ˙OH radicals resulted in significant increases in their respective fluorescent emission intensities at 460 nm and 585 nm. The incubation of Res-DHB in HeLa cells followed by therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz) resulted in a significant increase in fluorescence emission intensity thus permitting the ability to monitor ultrasound-induced ˙OH production in live cells.

IMPROVING CARBON DOTS OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF MOLASSES USING EDTA AS A PASSIVATION AGENT WITH THE MICROWAVE METHOD

Synthesis of carbon dots from molasses using the microwave method with the addition of EDTA as a passivation agent has been carried out. Addition of EDTA to improve the optical properties of the carbon dots. The resulting carbon dots were characterized by UV, UV-Visible, PL, FTIR, and TEM lamps. A physical test of carbon dots under a UV lamp showed a change in light intensity, carbon dots with the addition of a passivation agent were brighter than those without a passivation agent. Analysis of the optical properties of carbon dots using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and photoluminescence showed a significant increase in absorbance intensity and emission intensity from 500 a.u to 3600 a.u. FTIR analysis shows the formation of carbon dots which are indicated by the presence of C=C, O-H, C-H, C-O-C, and C-N groups at certain wavenumbers. TEM analysis showed that the carbon dots produced had an average diameter of 1.8 nm. From the analysis, it is identified that the addition of EDTA can improve carbon dots’ optical properties.

Decoupling of the anode and cathode ultrasonic responses to the state of charge of a lithium-ion battery.

An ultrasonic method for lithium-ion battery (LIB) state of charge (SoC) estimation is a promising emerging technology which may largely improve the SoC estimation accuracy. Previously, it was unknown whether the SoC change induced ultrasonic signal change originated from the anode or the cathode, because the thicknesses of cathodes, anodes and separators are much smaller than the ultrasonic wavelength, which makes it impossible to decouple the anodic and cathodic influence. To quantitatively solve the above problem, we have designed a special half-cell architecture with an extra-thick separator (675 μm) to study the reflected ultrasonic signal. The thickened separator would significantly delay the reflection of ultrasonic waves from the counter-electrode (Li), so that the influence of the working electrode (LiFePO4 or graphite) on the ultrasonic wave can be studied separately. As a result, in the Gr anode, the time of flight (ToF) of the ultrasonic wave decreases with SoC, the changing rate coefficient of which is in the range of -110 to -70 ps μmGr thickness-1, depending on the compact density. A lower compact density electrode leads to a more significant ultrasonic ToF decrease and intensity increase while in the LFP cathode, the ToF increases with SoC, the changing rate coefficient of which is in the range of 15-43 ps μmLFP thickness-1. The ToF change of the transmitted ultrasound through multilayered LIB matches very well with the sum of the ToF change in each electrode measured with our half-cells.

Performance upgrade of a microbial explosives’ sensor strain by screening a high throughput saturation library of a transcriptional regulator

We present a methodology for a high-throughput screening (HTS) of transcription factor libraries, based on bacterial cells and GFP fluorescence. The method is demonstrated on the Escherichia coli LysR-type transcriptional regulator YhaJ, a key element in 2,4-dinitrotuluene (DNT) detection by bacterial explosives’ sensor strains. Enhancing the performance characteristics of the YhaJ transcription factor is essential for future standoff detection of buried landmines. However, conventional directed evolution methods for modifying YhaJ are limited in scope, due to the vast sequence space and the absence of efficient screening methods to select optimal transcription factor mutants. To overcome this limitation, we have constructed a focused saturation library of ca. 6.4 × 107 yhaJ variants, and have screened over 70 % of its sequence space using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Through this screening process, we have identified YhaJ mutants exhibiting superior fluorescence responses to DNT, which were then effectively transformed into a bioluminescence-based DNT detection system. The best modified DNT reporter strain demonstrated a 7-fold lower DNT detection threshold, a 45-fold increased signal intensity, and a 40 % shorter response time compared to the parental bioreporter. The FACS-based HTS approach presented here may hold a potential for future molecular enhancement of other sensing and catalytic bioreactions.

Higher magnetic susceptibility of globus pallidus in patients after macrocyclic GBCAs: assessment using quantitative susceptibility mapping.

As previous studies reported, gadolinium deposits in globus pallidus (GP) and dentate nucleus (DN) after repeated administrations of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and a signal intensity (SI) increase on T1-weighted images were related to linear GBCAs, not macrocyclic GBCAs. To identify whether quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) could measure a subtle increase in magnetic susceptibility in DN and GP in patients after repeated administrations of gadoteric acid meglumine (Gd-DOTA). In this study, 50 patients with cerebral tumors who had received at least three injections of Gd-DOTA (GBCA group) and 50 individuals without a history of GBCA injections (non-GBCA group) were included. The image data for QSM and T1-weighted images were reviewed. Spearman rank correlation was used to estimate the associations between the values (magnetic susceptibility of QSM and SI ratios of T1-weighted images) and the number of Gd-DOTA injections. The mean magnetic susceptibility of GP in GBCA group was 0.136 ± 0.031 ppm, which was significantly higher than that in control group (0.114 ± 0.030 ppm) (P = 0.001). In the GBCA group (n = 50), we found a substantial positive correlation between magnetic susceptibility of GP and the number of Gd-DOTA injections according to Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ = 0.673, P = 0.0001). There was a modest but significant correlation between magnetic susceptibility of DN and the number of Gd-DOTA injections (ρ = 0.311, P = 0.028). In comparison to the control group, the magnetic susceptibility of GP in the GBCA group was significantly higher and had a substantial positive association with the number of Gd-DOTA injections.

The Usefulness of MRI Dynamic Flow Sequences in Differentiating High- and Low-Flow Vascular Malformations.

Peripheral arteriovenous malformations (PVMs) can be classified into high-flow malformations (HFVMs) and low-flow malformations (LFVMs). Adequate distinguishment is crucial for therapeutic decision and can be done using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). The main aim of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic value of quantitative DCE-MRI ratios for differentiation between HFVM and LFVM, their optimal cut-off points, and predictive values. DCE-MRI time-resolved angiography with stochastic trajectory (TWIST) examinations of 90 patients with PVMs were included [28 HFVM (31%), 62 LFVM (69%)]. The measurements of artery-lesion time, maximum lesion enhancement, slope of the enhancement curve, and maximum percentage increase of signal intensity (SI) were obtained. The optimal cut-offs for HFVMs calculated using the Youden index were: for slope of enhancement curve < 8.7 s (sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 89%), artery-lesion time ≤ 5.6 s (sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 77%), time to maximum enhancement ≤ 30 s (sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 100%), and maximum percentage enhancement of the lesion > 662% (sensitivity of 68%, specificity of 69%). To summarize, DCE-MRI is very valuable for differentiation between HFVM and LFVM, especially if quantitative measurements are done.

Characterization of CdTe Thin Films Using Orthogonal Double-Pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Orthogonal reheating double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to the elemental analysis of CdTe thin film samples. Films were grown through nanosecond pulsed laser ablation over silicon and glass substrates. The analysis was performed by applying a 266 nm pulsed laser devised to minimize sample damage. Re-excitation was conducted using a nanosecond laser emitting at 1064 nm that induced air breakdown 1 mm above the target. Emission enhancement was investigated as a function of both time acquisition delay and inter-pulse delay. The plasma temperature and electron density calculations made showed that the double-pulse scheme produced higher temperature values and a longer plasma duration than single-pulse LIBS. The self-absorption coefficient of the lines was determined from the measured ablated matter, plasma volume and collected spectra. The results of the double-pulse LIBS configuration showed a significant increase in emission intensity, reducing the self-absorption effect. In addition, the relative concentration of the thin films was determined for both experimental schemes. The calculated elemental values for the double-pulse configuration coincide with those expected and are more accurate than those obtained using a single laser.

Detailed organisation of the human midbrain periaqueductal grey revealed using ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging

The midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) is a critical region for the mediation of pain-related behavioural responses. Neuronal tract tracing techniques in experimental animal studies have demonstrated that the lateral column of the PAG (lPAG) displays a crude somatotopy, which is thought to be critical for the selection of contextually appropriate behavioural responses, without the need for higher brain input. In addition to the different behavioural responses to cutaneous and muscle pain – active withdrawal versus passive coping – there is evidence that cutaneous pain is processed in the region of the lPAG and muscle pain in the adjacent ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG). Given the fundamental nature of these behavioural responses to cutaneous and muscle pain, these PAG circuits are assumed to have been preserved, though yet to be definitively documented in humans. Using ultra-high field (7-Tesla) functional magnetic resonance imaging we determined the locations of signal intensity changes in the PAG during noxious cutaneous heat stimuli and muscle pain in healthy control participants. Images were processed and blood oxygen level dependant (BOLD) signal changes within the PAG determined. It was observed that noxious cutaneous stimulation of the lip, cheek, and ear evoked maximal increases in BOLD activation in the rostral contralateral PAG, whereas noxious cutaneous stimulation of the thumb and toe evoked increases in the caudal contralateral PAG. Analysis of individual participants demonstrated that these activations were located in the lPAG. Furthermore, we found that deep muscular pain evoked the greatest increases in signal intensity in the vlPAG. These data suggest that the crude somatotopic organization of the PAG may be phyletically preserved between experimental animals and humans, with a body-face delineation capable of producing an appropriate behavioural response based on the location and tissue origin of a noxious stimulus.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TRAFFIC LIGHT COORDINATION PLAN ON NAUKI AVENUE IN KHARKIV

The paper presents the results of evaluating the performance measures of the newly developed and implemented in practice plan for coordinating the work of six local traffic lights on a 1.8 km long fragment of Nauki Avenue in Kharkiv. The analysis of existing methods of coordinated traffic light management has shown that at present they do not provide high performance and are roughly equal in effect to adaptive traffic light management methods. The main instrument of evaluation was the comparison of the results of the application of new parameters of traffic lights operation on the fragment of the street and road network, surrounding the coordinated section, with the traffic situation existing before its implementation. For this purpose, a study of travel time and the number of vehicle stops at intersections was conducted using the "floating car" method, and the speed of vehicles was calculated using TomTom service data. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and therefore they complemented each other in assessing the direct impact of the coordination plan on the state of traffic management on the studied fragment of the road network. The dual evaluation of the performance measures proved to be very appropriate in light of the operating conditions of the coordinated fragment of Nauki Avenue and the road network around it, which recorded a significant increase in traffic intensity during 2021 and after the implementation of the coordination plan in early 2022. The evaluation of its effectiveness in both ways convincingly showed the high efficiency of this measure, in terms of the number of stops and travel time, and the TomTom service data showed that even with an increase in traffic volume by almost one and a half times, the speed of cars in general increased by more than 14%. Taking into account the minimal costs for the implementation of the coordination plan, this testifies in favor of the means of arterial coordination in the Ukraine cities, as a priority direction for the development of local traffic lights systems in comparison with the creation of adaptive traffic light control systems. Keywords: coordination of traffic lights, urban arterial, travel time, vehicle speed.

991 A PATIENT WITH INFERIOR Q WAVES AND CHEST PAIN: WHEN HOOF BEATS ARE NOT HORSES

Abstract Background Cardiac masses are commonly classified as neoplastic (primary and secondary) or non-neoplastic (e.g., thrombus or vegetation). Cardiac tumors are rare, and primary tumors are even rarer, with an estimated autopsy prevalence of &amp;lt; 0.1%. Differentiating between these masses is of paramount importance as treatment options greatly differ. Case presentation A 46-year-old male patient, current smoker, with family history of CAD and new onset hyperlipidemia and hypertension, underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) screening for an episode of chest pain. His ECG showed sinus rhythm with Q waves in inferior leads. The laboratory tests did not reveal any abnormality. His transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal biventricular function, and a lobular mass of 30×20 mm, that seemed in continuity with the antero-lateral (A-L) papillary muscle. For the presence of multiple cardiovascular risk factor, the patient underwent diagnostic coronary angiography which showed normal coronary arteries. Differential diagnoses were: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with isolated hypertrophy of the A-L papillary muscle and LV mass. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed and demonstrated a pedunculated mobile non-enhancing 30×18mm mass within the LV anterior apex, that in the systolic phase contracts close relationships with the A-L papillary muscle which appears dislocated. This encapsulated formation determined a mild systolic obliteration of the LV cavity at the mid-apical portion. T1 imaging with and without suppression of adipose tissue, were compatible with cardiac intraventricular lipoma. The case was discussed in a multi-disciplinary heart team, and in accordance with the cardiac surgeon the patient underwent conservative management and follow up with echocardiography at 6 months and CMR at 1 year. Discussion Cardiac lipomas are rare benign primary cardiac tumors. They are usually indolent, asymptomatic and incidentally-discovered. Symptoms such as dyspnea, syncope or palpitations can occur if the tumor grows and causes LV obstruction, LV dysfunction or invasion of the conduction system. Sudden cardiac death has been reported, but the true incidence is unknown given its rarity. The most common location for cardiac lipomas is the inter-atrial septum, followed by endocardium of RA and LV. CMR is the imaging modality of choice when available and lipomas have a homogeneous appearance of increased signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging, with a reduction in signal intensity in fat-saturated sequences. As the prevalence of cardiac lipomas is very low, there are no randomized clinical trials or large prospective cohorts to provide guidance for optimal treatment. Embolization or infiltration of the myocardium are not common. For large lesions causing obstruction, surgical resection is usually indicated. Conclusion Cardiac lipoma is a rare primary tumor of the heart. The comprehensive evaluation is highly dependent on multimodality imaging methods. The best treatment strategy is still not clear and should be individualized.