T1 Values Research Articles

Improve Threshold Range of Canopy Clustering Using Optimization Algorithms

Canopy clustering is an effective method for determining the number of clusters dynamically without requiring a predefined cluster count, making it particularly suitable for large and complex datasets. However, its performance is highly dependent on the manual tuning of threshold parameters T1 and T2, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. This study aims to enhance the Canopy clustering algorithm by automating the optimization of threshold ranges using intelligent optimization algorithms. We propose a novel framework that integrates Simulated Annealing (SA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Snake Optimization (SO) to automatically determine the optimal values of T1 and T2. Additionally, to address high-dimensional data complexity, we employ dimensionality reduction techniques such as t-SNE, SNE, and Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA). The silhouette coefficient is utilized as the fitness function to evaluate clustering performance. Comprehensive experiments conducted on the Wine, Iris, and MNIST Subset datasets demonstrate that the proposed optimization-based Canopy clustering framework significantly improves clustering accuracy by up to 21% on the Wine dataset and 19% on the Iris dataset compared to traditional methods. Specifically, on the Wine dataset, the optimized Canopy clustering achieved a silhouette coefficient of 0.63, a 21% improvement over the original 0.52. On the Iris dataset, the optimized method outperformed k-means and manual Canopy clustering with silhouette coefficients of 0.62 versus 0.52 and 0.55, respectively. These results highlight the effectiveness of intelligent optimization algorithms in enhancing clustering adaptability and efficiency.

Assessing Asphalt Binder Aging with 1H Spin-lattice NMR Relaxometry: A Comparative Study of Temperature and UV Radiation Effects

Objective: Asphalt binder, a byproduct of the crude-oil refining process, is commonly used in road construction due to its favorable response to physical stresses. However, it is also susceptible to environmental aging, including temperature variations and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Standard laboratory methods for studying asphalt binder aging primarily focus on factors like temperature, pressure, and oxygen, often neglecting the impact of UV radiation. This study employs 1H spin-lattice nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry to investigate the effects of UV radiation on asphalt binder aging compared to temperature-induced aging. Methods: Primary relaxation times and ratios were derived from a bi-exponential fit of the experimental relaxation decay induced by a 200-MHz NMR magnet. NMR relaxometry analysis revealed that 90% (0.9 primary ratio) of the protons in unaged asphalt binders exhibited a characteristic primary spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) of approximately 470ms. Results: Cold exposure did not significantly alter these parameters. Mimicked heat aging, which considered only temperature and duration, resulted in slight increases in both the primary relaxation time and ratio. In contrast, after 72h of UV exposure, binders showed variable T1 values at a significantly decreased primary ratio. This variability was summarized with the new performance parameter, the Herbaw. Further testing showed that standardized heat aging, which considered sample size and pressure, reduced both the primary relaxation time and ratio when compared to the mimicked aging. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that UV radiation induces significant structural changes in asphalt binder, which can be effectively detected using spin-lattice NMR relaxometry. The Herbaw performance parameter was successful in describing the variability of the UV aging which greatly impacted the primary ratio, indicating oxidative stress. The Herbaw Parameter was not as successful in describing heat aging since only slight changes in the primary relaxation time were detected. While the hydrogen environments were not significantly impacted, temperature-based aging may depend on multiple mechanisms.

Using magnetic resonance relaxometry to evaluate the safety and quality of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spinal cord progenitor cells

BackgroundThe emergence of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers a promising approach for replacing damaged neurons and glial cells, particularly in spinal cord injuries (SCI). Despite its merits, iPSC differentiation into spinal cord progenitor cells (SCPCs) is variable, necessitating reliable assessment of differentiation and validation of cell quality and safety. Phenotyping is often performed via label-based methods including immunofluorescent staining or flow cytometry analysis. These approaches are often expensive, laborious, time-consuming, destructive, and severely limits their use in large scale cell therapy manufacturing settings. On the other hand, cellular biophysical properties have demonstrated a strong correlation to cell state, quality and functionality and can be measured with ingenious label-free technologies in a rapid and non-destructive manner.MethodIn this study, we report the use of Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry (MRR), a rapid and label-free method that indicates iron levels based on its readout (T2). Briefly, we differentiated human iPSCs into SCPCs and compared key iPSC and SCPC cellular markers to their intracellular iron content (Fe3+) at different stages of the differentiation process.ResultsWith MRR, we found that intracellular iron of iPSCs and SCPCs were distinctively different allowing us to accurately reflect varying levels of residual undifferentiated iPSCs (i.e., OCT4+ cells) in any given population of SCPCs. MRR was also able to predict Day 10 SCPC OCT4 levels from Day 1 undifferentiated iPSC T2 values and identified poorly differentiated SCPCs with lower T2, indicative of lower neural progenitor (SOX1) and stem cell (Nestin) marker expression levels. Lastly, MRR was able to provide predictive indications for the extent of differentiation to Day 28 spinal cord motor neurons (ISL-1/SMI-32) based on the T2 values of Day 10 SCPCs.ConclusionMRR measurements of iPSCs and SCPCs has clearly indicated its capabilities to identify and quantify key phenotypes of iPSCs and SCPCs for end-point validation of safety and quality parameters. Thus, our technology provides a rapid label-free method to determine critical quality attributes in iPSC-derived progenies and is ideally suited as a quality control tool in cell therapy manufacturing.

Application of T1-mapping combined with high-spatial-resolution T2-weighted imaging in discriminating mucinous from nonmucinous adenocarcinoma in rectal cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of T1-mapping, high-spatial-resolution T2-weighted imaging (HR-T2WI), and their combined model in distinguishing between adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (AC) and mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) in rectal cancer. A total of 55 patients with pathologically confirmed AC and 37 patients with MC were included in the study. Two radiologists independently reviewed the HR-T2WI and provided assessments of histopathological type. Additionally, T1 relaxation times were quantified using whole-tumor volume methods both pre-contrast (T1p) and post-contrast administration (T1e). The absolute reduction in T1 value (T1d) and the percentage reduction (T1d%) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic efficacy. HR-T2WI demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 81.08%, 94.55%, and 89.13%, respectively, in distinguishing rectal MC. T1p, T1e, and T1d values were significantly higher in the MC group compared to the AC group (P < 0.001, = 0.019, and < 0.001, respectively), while there was no statistically significant difference in T1d% between the two groups. Among these quantitative parameters, T1p showed the highest diagnostic efficiency for identifying MC, with a sensitivity of 59.46%, specificity of 92.73%, and moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.819). Combining HR-T2WI with T1p (sensitivity = 86.49%, specificity = 92.73, AUC = 0.927) yielded superior performance over single parameters in distinguishing histopathological subtypes. T1p is effective in discriminating between AC and MC in rectal cancer. Importantly, the combined model incorporating HR-T2WI and T1p demonstrated enhanced capability in distinguishing histopathological subtypes of rectal cancer, which benefits individualized treatment.

Penatalaksanaan Fisioterapi pada Kasus Sprain Ankle Dekstra dengan Modalitas Ultrasound Therapy dan Terapi Latihan di RSUD Bandung Kiwari

ankle sprain is an injury that occurs to the lateral complex ligaments due to excessive stretching accompanied by inversion and plantar flexion which occurs suddenly when the foot does not rest perfectly on an uneven floor/ground surface. To determine the implementation of Physiotherapy in reducing pain, increasing muscle strength, increasing the Scope of Joint Movement and preventing re-injury in cases of right ankle sprains using Ultrasound therapy and Exercise Therapy modalities. After undergoing therapy 6 times, the results using VAS showed a decrease in pain in silent pain, obtained a value of 2 at T1 &amp; T2, a value of 1 at T3 - T5 and a value of 0 at T6. Pressure pain was obtained with a value of 3 at T1 - T3, a value of 2 at T4 and a value of 1 at T5 &amp; T6. Movement pain was obtained with a value of 6 on T1 &amp; T2, a value of 5 on T3 then a value of 4 on T4 4. On T5 &amp; T6, the pain value was reduced to 3. There was an increase in the range of motion of the joint in the right Ankle joint in the sagittal plane, the results of T1 &amp; T2 were obtained (S = 10ᴼ – 00ᴼ – 30ᴼ) T3 &amp; T4 (S = 15ᴼ - 00ᴼ - 35ᴼ) and T5 &amp; T6 there is an increase in the range of motion of the joints in the sagittal plane, namely (S = 20ᴼ - 00ᴼ - 35ᴼ ). In the Value Rotation field at T1 (R = 25ᴼ - 00ᴼ - 10ᴼ) then at T2 (R = 30ᴼ - 00ᴼ - 10ᴼ) at T3 (R = 30ᴼ - 00ᴼ - 15ᴼ) The value of T4 - T6 has an increase in value to (R = 30ᴼ - 00ᴼ - 20ᴼ). There was an increase in muscle strength by using MMT in the dorsiflexion plane of motion, a value of 4+ was obtained at T1-T3, a value of 5 at T4 - T6. Plantar flexion obtained a value of 4- at T1 &amp; T2, a value of 4 at T3 &amp; T4 and a value of 4+ at T5 and at T6 a value of 5. Inversion obtained a value of 4 at T1 &amp; T2, a value of 4+ at T3 – T5 and a value of 5 at T6 . Eversion was obtained with a value of 4 at T1 &amp; T2, a value of 4+ at T3 and an increase in value to 5 at T4 - T6. Ultrasound can reduce pain and reduce muscle tension, Theraband Exercise can increase the range of motion of joints, and Calf raises can increase muscle strength.

Assessment of hypoxia and its dynamic evolution in glioblastoma via qBOLD MRI: a comparative study with metformin treatment

BackgroundTo investigate the accuracy of quantitative blood oxygen level-dependent (qBOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying hypoxia within glioblastoma and explore dynamic changes in oxygenation status of glioblastoma with and without metformin administration.MethodsThree healthy and seven C6-bearing rats underwent 7-T qBOLD MRI. Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolism rate of O2 (CMRO2) were calculated from qBOLD data. Tumor tissues were stained using hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and pimonidazole. The correlation between the hypoxia markers and corresponding qBOLD-based parameters was analyzed. Six C6-bearing rats were divided into metformin-treated and control groups for a longitudinal study of qBOLD imaging changes, with scans conducted on the 12th, 15th, and 18th day post-tumor implantation.ResultsIn healthy rats, gray matter showed higher values than white matter in T2, T2*, cerebral blood volume (CBV), and cerebral blood flow (CBF), whereas OEF was lower. Glioblastoma tissues exhibited elevated T2, T2*, CBV, and CBF but decreased OEF and CMRO2 relative to normal-appearing white matter. No significant correlation was found between staining scores from HIF-1α and pimonidazole. T2* and T2 values were negatively correlated with pimonidazole scores in tumor regions. As the tumor progressed, OEF values increased with intra-tissue variations, whereas CMRO2 decreased. Metformin delayed the reduction of T2 and T2* values, with significant differences in OEF and CMRO2 values compared to controls on day 18.ConclusionT2* and T2 values were significantly associated with the hypoxia status in glioma. Metformin could potentially mitigate the progression of hypoxia in glioblastoma, which can be tracked by qBOLD parameters.Relevance statementThis study demonstrates the potential of qBOLD parameters in assessing glioma dynamic oxygen metabolism and the efficacy of metformin as an anti-hypoxic agent, providing insights into improving glioblastoma treatment strategies.Key PointsThe study investigated qBOLD imaging’s accuracy in identifying hypoxia status within glioblastoma.qBOLD effectively assesses hypoxia and its dynamic evolution in glioblastoma.qBOLD parameters assist in identifying a suitable patient demographic for metformin treatment.Graphical

Detection of PD-L1 expression levels in malignant pleural mesothelioma with a targeted MRI nanoprobe in vivo.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated potential in inhibiting the growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), and their efficacy is associated with the expression of programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1). This study evaluated a PD-L1-targeted nanoprobe for detecting PD-L1 expression in a nude mouse model of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). A PD-L1-binding peptide (WL-12) was conjugated with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to create the nanoprobe WL-12@Fe₃O₄. The nanoprobe's stability, biotoxicity, targeting ability, and in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effects were assessed and compared to non-targeted Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. ΔT2 values and PD-L1 expression were measured in H226 and MSTO-211H tumor tissues over 4 weeks to analyze correlations. The WL-12@Fe₃O₄ nanoprobe demonstrated uniform distribution and a spherical shape, with a larger size (43.82nm) and lower surface potential (-9.34 ± 0.54mV) compared to Fe₃O₄ (32.67nm, -20.20 ± 0.88mV, P < 0.05). The XPS and FT-IR analysis results indicate the successful coupling of WL-12 with Fe3O4. It was well dispersed in serum and saline and showed no cytotoxicity or organ damage in vivo. The probe selectively accumulated in PD-L1-expressing MPM cells, especially MSTO-211H, and exhibited significantly higher uptake in high PD-L1-expressing H460 cells (930.22 ± 11.75ng/mL) compared to low PD-L1-expressing A549 cells (254.89 ± 17.33ng/mL, P < 0.05). Tumor iron levels in the WL-12@Fe₃O₄ group were significantly elevated (141.02 ± 17.33μg/g) compared to controls (36.43 ± 3.56μg/g, P < 0.05), with no significant differences in other organs (P > 0.05). The T2 values of H226 and MSTO-211H tumors decreased after probe injection, with ΔT2 values significantly higher in the targeted group than the nontargeted group (P < 0.05). ΔT2 values increased over 4weeks, correlating strongly with PD-L1 expression (P < 0.05). The PD-L1-targeted nanoprobe with MRI is a promising tool for noninvasive, real-time assessment of PD-L1 expression in MPM.

Cancer detection in patients with prostate-specific antigen levels within the grey zone: can synthetic magnetic resonance imaging aid in the differentiation between prostate cancer and noncancerous lesions?

The detection of prostate cancer (PCa) via conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels within the grey zone remains challenging. Whether synthetic MRI can provide supplementary benefits for the accurate diagnosis of PCa in this specific population is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic performance of synthetic MRI for differentiating PCa lesions from noncancerous lesions in patients with PSA levels within the grey zone (4-10 ng/mL). Clinical and MRI data, including synthetic MRI data of patients suspected of having PCa between August 2020 and August 2022, were retrospectively collected from The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Patients with PSA levels ranging from 4-10 ng/mL were enrolled. Pathology was obtained either from transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy or radical prostatectomy. Regions of interest were manually drawn by two independent radiologists, and the values of quantitative parameters, including longitudinal relaxation time (T1), transverse relaxation time (T2), proton density (PD), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), were separately measured. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The differences in quantitative parameter values between PCa and noncancerous lesions were assessed using an independent sample t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of each parameter (T1, T2, PD, and ADC values), as well as their combination. P<0.05 indicated statistical significance. A total of 130 patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 67.32±8.87 years. The interobserver agreement of all the T1, T2, PD, and ADC values was classified as good or above (ICC =0.60-1.00). The means of the T1, T2, PD, and ADC values were significantly different between PCa and noncancerous lesions (P=0.022, P<0.001, P=0.035, P<0.001, respectively). Notably, the ADC value demonstrated superior diagnostic performance compared to that of the other parameters, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.854 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.781-0.909]. The combination of T1, T2, PD, and ADC values had a greater diagnostic performance (AUC =0.853, 95% CI: 0.781-0.909) than the T1 (AUC =0.622), T2 (AUC =0.721), or PD (AUC =0.608) values for differentiating PCa lesions from non-cancerous lesions. However, compared to the difference in the ADC value, no significant difference was found (P=0.982). Quantitative parameters, including T1, T2, and PD, derived from synthetic MRI can be applied to differentiate PCa lesions from noncancerous lesions in patients with PSA levels within the grey zone. However, when these parameters were combined with the ADC, the diagnostic performance did not improve compared to that with the ADC value alone.

Diagnosis of liver hemangioma using magnetic resonance diffusion-derived vessel density (DDVD) pixelwise map: a preliminary descriptive study.

Liver hemangiomas (HGs) are characterized by cavernous venous spaces delineated by a lining of vascular endothelial cells and interspersed with connective tissue septa. Typically, a liver HG has higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 values than those of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and liver metastases, and lower ADC and T2 values than those of liver simple cysts. However, a portion of HGs shows ADC and T2 overlapping with those of HCC, liver metastasis, and simple cyst. When MRI is the first line examination for the liver, contrast enhanced imaging is commonly used to confirm the diagnosis of liver HG. Magnetic resonance diffusion-derived vessel density (DDVD) is a physiological surrogate of the area of microvessels per unit tissue area. DDVD is calculated according to: DDVD(b0b2) = Sb0/ROIarea0 - Sb2/ROIarea2, where Sb0 and Sb2 refer to the tissue signal when b is 0 or 2 (s/mm2). Sb2 and ROIarea2 can also be approximated by other low b-values (such as b=10) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). In this study, we conducted a preliminary evaluation of magnetic resonance DDVD pixelwise map (DDVDm) for liver HG diagnosis. Three testing datasets were included. All imaging data were acquired at 3.0T. Dataset-1 consisted of 16 HGs (lesion diameter: 1.5-8.85 cm), 4 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNHs, lesion diameter: 1.72-5.7 cm), and 24 HCCs (lesion diameter: 1.83-12.77 cm), and DDVDm was reconstructed with b=0 and b=2 images. Dataset-2 consisted of 6 HGs (lesion diameter: 1.14-6.2 cm), and DDVDm was reconstructed with b=0 and b=10 images. Dataset-3 consisted of 28 HCCs (lesion diameter: 1.91-3.52 cm), and DDVDm was reconstructed with b=0 and b=2 images. For dataset-1 and dataset-2, a trained reader was required to make a diagnosis for a lesion solely based on DDVDm with 4 choices: (I) HG with confidence; (II) HG without confidence; (III) solid mass-forming lesion (MFL) with confidence; (IV) solid MFL without confidence. Then, three readers attempted to confirm whether DDVDm features summarized from dataset-1 and dataset-2 would be generalizable to dataset-3. For dataset-1 and dataset-2 together, the correct diagnosis was made by the trained reader in 90.9% (20/22) of the HGs (77.7% with confidence) and 96.4% (27/28) of the MFLs (85.7% with confidence). HG generally showed substantially higher DDVD signal relative to background liver parenchyma. Though not necessarily, HG DDVD signals could be similar to those of blood vessels. Some HGs showed DDVD signals higher or similar to that of kidneys which have a higher perfusion than the liver. MFL generally showed DDVD signals only slightly higher, similar to, or even slightly lower, than that of background liver parenchyma. The DDVDm features of dataset-3 were all consistent with MFL. When DDVDm is used to evaluate the liver, HG can be diagnosed with confidence in a substantial portion of patients without the need for a contrast enhanced scan. Our result will be relevant for HG confirmation when MRI is the first line examination for the liver.

Optimizing prostate biopsy decision-making for patients with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) ≥3 lesions: novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based nomograms.

Current protocols endorse biopsies for men with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS v2.1) scores ≥3. However, the subjective nature of PI-RADS can lead to increased false positives and unnecessary biopsies. Synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which quantifies multiple relaxation parameters, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), which is the most commonly used quantitative metric, have not yet been combined with a predictive tool. This study aimed to develop and validate novel nomograms using multiparametric MRI, including synthetic MRI, to forecast the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), and to assess the potential of these nomograms to reduce unnecessary biopsies in PI-RADS ≥3 cases. Between August 2020 and August 2022, 323 patients suspected of PCa were enrolled from two centers (cohort 1: 243; cohort 2: 80). All participants underwent multiparametric MRI, including synthetic MRI, before targeted biopsy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for PCa and csPCa. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrap resampling, and nomogram performance was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). External validation was performed with cohort 2 data. The impact of the nomograms on biopsy decisions was measured by the avoidance rate and the risk of missed diagnoses. The predictive nomogram for PCa incorporated four risk factors: age, quantitative transverse relaxation time (T2 value) from synthetic MRI, ADC value, and PI-RADS score. The csPCa nomogram included age, ADC value, and PI-RADS score. The nomograms showed high diagnostic accuracy with the area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.916 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.901-0.974] and 0.947 (95% CI: 0.900-0.994) for PCa prediction in training and external datasets, and 0.884 (95% CI: 0.840-0.928) and 0.935 (95% CI: 0.871-0.998) for csPCa. Calibration curves confirmed the accuracy of predictions. DCA indicated that the nomograms possessed significant net benefit. For PCa detection, biopsy strategy combining our nomogram reduced biopsy procedures by 20.2% and 13.8% in the training and external cohorts, respectively, with a PCa miss rate of 4.5% for both cohorts. The csPCa-targeted biopsy strategy also provided clinical benefits, with biopsy avoidance rates of 20.2% and 10.0%, and csPCa miss rates of 4.8% and 1.7% for PI-RADS ≥3 patients in the two cohorts. The nomograms integrating multiparametric MRI and synthetic MRI are highly effective in predicting PCa and csPCa, concurrently, reducing unnecessary biopsies for patients with PI-RADS ≥3 lesion.

Comparison of normalized cerebral blood flow between different post-processing methods of dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted imaging and arterial spin labeling in gliomas with different grading.

Two post-processing methods of dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted imaging (DSC-PWI), arterial input function (AIF) and gamma-variate fitting (GVF), can both derive cerebral blood flow (CBF). Moreover, AIF can provide T2* and T1 leakage indicators. This study aimed to compare the consistency of normalized CBF between different post-processing methods of DSC-PWI and arterial spin labeling (ASL) in gliomas, and take the quantitative metrics percentage of signal recovery (PSR) as a reference to verify the value of T2* and T1 leakage indicators in characterizing leakage effect and evaluating the grading of gliomas. From 1 January 2020 to 15 December 2023, 56 consecutive inpatients were retrospectively enrolled, comprising 24 patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) and 32 patients with high-grade glioma (HGG). The normalized CBF was derived from AIF, GVF and ASL. The T2* and T1 leakage indicators of AIF were graded by 4-point scale. The consistency and difference of normalized CBF between DSC-PWI and ASL were tested by linear correlation/regression analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and Student's t-test. The correlation between the difference of point for both leakage indicators and PSR was tested by Spearman correlation analysis, then inter-group difference of PSR was compared by t-test. The intra-group and inter-group differences of point for T2* and T1 leakage indicators were compared by χ2/Fisher's exact test. The normalized CBF derived from AIF and GVF were correlated with ASL in both groups (all r>0.7, all P<0.001), and linear regressions were not significantly different in each group (all P>0.05). The difference of normalized CBF between ASL and AIF in the HGG group was larger than that in the LGG group (P=0.017); however, the difference of normalized CBF between ASL and GVF was not significant (P=0.085). The strong correlation between the difference of point for both leakage indicators and PSR was verified (r=-0.739, P<0.0001), and the HGG group was shown to have higher PSR compared with the LGG group (t=2.043, P=0.04). The comparison of intra-group and inter-group differences in T2* leakage and T1 indicators showed that the HGG group was more prone to T1 leakage than the LGG group (P<0.05), and weight of T1 leakage was greater than that of T2* leakage (χ2=11.28, P=0.004). The normalized CBF derived from DSC-PWI has good consistency with ASL in gliomas, regardless of post-processing methods. GVF can provide less bias of normalized CBF between HGG and LGG groups. However, T2* and T1 leakage indicators of AIF can be utilized as a surrogate of PSR to characterize both leakage effects and evaluate glioma grading.

Time-division multiplexing (TDM) sequence removes bias in T2 estimation and relaxation-diffusion measurements.

To compare the performance of multi-echo (ME) and time-division multiplexing (TDM) sequences for accelerated relaxation-diffusion MRI (rdMRI) acquisition and to examine their reliability in estimating accurate rdMRI microstructure measures. The ME, TDM, and the reference single-echo (SE) sequences with six TEs were implemented using Pulseq with single-band (SB) and multi-band 2 (MB2) acceleration factors. On a diffusion phantom, the image intensities of the three sequences were compared, and the differences were quantified using the normalized RMS error (NRMSE). Shinnar-Le Roux (SLR) pulses were implemented for the SB-ME and SB-SE sequences to investigate the impact of slice profiles on ME sequences. For the in-vivo brain scan, besides the image intensity comparison and T2-estimates, different methods were used to assess sequence-related effects on microstructure estimation, including the relaxation diffusion imaging moment (REDIM) and the maximum-entropy relaxation diffusion distribution (MaxEnt-RDD). TDM performance was similar to the gold standard SE acquisition, whereas ME showed greater biases (3-4× larger NRMSEs for phantom, 2× for in-vivo). T2 values obtained from TDM closely matched SE, whereas ME sequences underestimated the T2 relaxation time. TDM provided similar diffusion and relaxation parameters as SE using REDIM, whereas SB-ME exhibited a 60% larger bias in the <R2> map and on average 3.5× larger bias in the covariance between relaxation-diffusion coefficients. Our analysis demonstrates that TDM provides a more accurate estimation of relaxation-diffusion measurements while accelerating the acquisitions by a factor of 2 to 3.

Segmental myocardial tissue remodeling and atrial arrhythmias in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Findings from T1-mapping MRI.

Myocardial fibrosis of the left ventricle (LV) has been associated with atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias in individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, few studies have quantitatively examined the segmental relationship between diffuse LV fibrosis and atrial arrhythmias in HCM using T1 mapping and extracellular volume fraction (ECV). The aim of this study is to explore this relationship through T1 mapping, offering imaging insights into the pathophysiology of HCM with atrial arrhythmia. A total of 38 patients with HCM were classified into two groups-those with atrial arrhythmia and those without-based on electrocardiographic and Holter monitor recordings. A covariance analysis was conducted to compare T1 mapping parameters between the two groups, adjusting for wall thickness (WT) as a covariate. Analysis was performed collectively for all 16 myocardial segments, as well as for each segment individually. Native T1 values were elevated in the entire LV myocardium and in segments S1-3 in patients with HCM with atrial arrhythmias compared to those without (P < 0.001; P < 0.05, 1316.0 ms ± 15.9 vs 1263.1 ms ± 13.6, 1350.5 ms ± 14.2 vs 1311.9 ms ± 11.7, 1305.7 ms ± 2.5 vs 1271.5 ms ± 10.6, respectively). Notably, the basal anterior segment (S1) and basal inferotseptal segment (S3) exhibited prolonged ECV and elevated native T1 values in patients with HCM and atrial arrhythmia (P < 0.05). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis identified myocardial native T1 values in the basal anteroseptal segment (S2) as a predictor of atrial arrhythmia presence in HCM, with values exceeding 1350 ms correlating with an increased likelihood of arrhythmia development. No significant difference in WT was observed between the groups in hypertrophic myocardial regions (P > 0.05), while non-hypertrophic myocardium in individuals with HCM and atrial arrhythmias exhibited reduced wall thickness (7.7 mm ± 3.0 vs 9 mm ± 3.0, P < 0.001) compared to those without arrhythmias. Fibrosis in the basal septal and anterior regions of the left ventricle plays a crucial role in myocardial tissue remodeling, contributing to the development of atrial arrhythmia in HCM. Elevated native T1 values in the basal anteroseptal segment may may serve as a significant marker for the concurrent occurrence of atrial arrhythmias in individuals with HCM.

To Study the Thyroid Hormone Levels in Neonates of Rural and Urban Vidarbha Region

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to evaluate thyroid hormone levels in neonates from the rural and urban Vidarbha region. Over the past decade, neonatal hypothyroidism screening has been conducted using filter paper techniques to identify congenital hypothyroidism (CH). In some screening programs, only T4 is measured initially, with TSH assessed if the T4 levels fall below normal. Conversely, some programs exclusively measure TSH to screen for CH. Currently, initial TSH screening can identify subclinical hypothyroidism in cases where T4 levels are normal, while preliminary T4 testing can reveal congenital hypothyroidism when TSH is elevated. If either T4 or TSH is found to be abnormal during preliminary screening, the other parameter should be monitored. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing intellectual disabilities in newborns. Material and Method: The present cross-sectional research will be conducted in collaboration with the Departments of Biochemistry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Community Medicine, and Pediatrics at Jawaharlal-Nehru Medical College Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha, along with the Datta-Meghe Institute of Medical Science (Deemed University) in Maharashtra, India, and Datta-Meghe Medical College, Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Centre, Nagpur. Results: A total of 272 neonates were tested for Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) from the study area of the Vidarba region in which 138 neonates were from the rural area and 134 neonates were from the urban area. A total of 144 (53%) males and 128 (47%) females were born in rural and urban areas. In the neonates, it was observed that the Mean ± SD for free T4 and TSH was 0.84 ± 0.15 and 3.83 ± 2.12, respectively. If the free T4 value was less than the lower limit, the TSH value CB ≥25 μIU/ml and plasma ≥10 μIU/ml was considered as screen positive in the present study. Conclusion: Newborn screening programs were established to assess neonates at birth by measuring (TSH) levels. In many screening programs, TSH is the primary marker for evaluating thyroid function and is the preferred test for clinicians diagnosing various thyroid disorders. However, TSH levels can vary significantly and exhibit a broad reference range within the general population, which presents challenges in interpreting the results during newborn screening and in using it later as a clinical diagnostic tool for thyroid function.

Pancreatic volume, fat content and T1 relaxation time using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with prior gestational diabetes mellitus.

To compare the volume, fat content, and T1 relaxation time of the pancreas in participants with and without prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In this prospective case-control study, we enrolled 29 women with prior GDM, and divided them into three groups (normoglycemic, prediabetic, and diabetic) based on their glycaemic status in the postpartum period; and a group of 13 participants as controls who had normoglycemia during pregnancy. Participants underwent MR examination including an axial multi-echo DIXON-based sequence and an axial-oblique T1 mapping sequence. The average proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and T1 value of the pancreas were measured by drawing multiple circular regions of interest (ROIs). Average hepatic PDFF was similarly calculated. Pancreatic volume was computed by summating cleaned freehand ROIs outlining pancreatic parenchyma. Women were evaluated at a mean age of 32.9 ± 4.0 years and with a mean BMI of 25.2 ± 2.9kg/m2. The median (IQR) duration of follow-up after childbirth was 24 (34-44) months. In controls, the pancreatic PDFF, T1 value, and volume were 5.4 ± 2.3%, 850.6 ± 101.6 ms, and 69.3 ± 16.2cm³, respectively, while in subjects with a history of GDM, these values were 4.7 ± 2.0%, 844.6 ± 91.8 ms, and 69.8 ± 16.6cm³, respectively. No statistical differences were observed (all p > 0.05). Mean hepatic PDFF was significantly higher in the diabetic and prediabetic groups (12.2 ± 6.4% and 11.0 ± 7.6% respectively) than in the control and normoglycemic groups (7.9 ± 7.3 and 4.7 ± 1.6% respectively; p -0.01). We did not find any significant changes in pancreatic volume, fat content, or fibrosis in women with prior GDM and with different glycaemic categories when evaluated in the early postpartum period, compared to the control group. These findings may be a consequence of the transient state of insulin resistance in GDM and the finite duration of the disease course in new-onset prediabetes and diabetes patients.

Impact of Different Organic Substrates on the Productivity and Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Black soldier fly larvae can clean up the environment by transforming low-value organic waste into high-nutrient proteins, which can be used in livestock farming, including aquaculture. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of the composition of various organic substrates on the productivity and nutritional quality of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae. Four treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4) are based on organic materials (brewer's grains, palm kernel cake, soybean okara, (Moringa oleifera) leaves, marine fish and poultry viscera) in defined proportions. The chemical analyses carried out on the substrates are: pH, moisture, total nitrogen, assimilable phosphorus, potassium, dry matter, ash and those on the BSF larvae concern: protein, fat, dry matter and ash. The experimental set-up used is a completely randomized block of 12 tanks arranged in triplicate. The loading density was 5750 larvae per kg of substrate. The experiment lasted 14 days. No significant difference was obtained between the pH values (p&gt;0.05) of treatments T1, T3 and T4. The highest results for moisture, total nitrogen, and assimilable phosphorus were obtained in treatments T3 (marine fish viscera) and T4 (poultry viscera) (p˂0.05). Also, the best (final weight, weight gain per larva and survival rate) and nutritional qualities (proteins and lipids) were recorded in BSF produced from treatments T3 and T4 (p˂0.05). We can therefore conclude that the quality of the production substrate influences the productivity and quality of the BSF produced. Such a substrate, rich in chemical and nutritive elements, improves the productivity and quality of the BSF.

Coexistent pleural effusion is found to be associated with aggravated subclinical myocardial injury in systemic lupus erythematous using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

Pleural effusion (PE) is a common pulmonary manifestation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and is associated with disease activity. However, little is known regarding the additive effects of PE on cardiac function. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate multi-parameter cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) findings in SLE patients with PE and to explore whether cardiac involvement is associated with PE. Patients with SLE and age-matched/sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Patients with SLE were diagnosed according to the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Moreover, the PE diagnosis was based on computed tomography, and the height of the effusion was > 5mm. All enrolled individuals underwent CMR imaging, including cine and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1, and T2 mapping imaging. The left and right ventricular function, LGE, T1, extracellular volume (ECV), and T2 values were evaluated. A total of 111 patients with SLE were enrolled, of whom 26 (23.42%) had PE. White cell count, hemoglobin, CRP, ESR, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were higher in SLE patients with PE than in SLE patients without PE (P<0.05). LGE was more prevalent in SLE patients with PE compared with those without PE (P<0.001). In addition, Native T1 (1348 ± 65 ms vs. 1284 ± 67 ms vs. 1261 ± 41 ms; P<0.001), ECV (31.92 ± 4.16% vs. 28.61 ± 3.60% vs. 26.54 ± 2.94%; P<0.001), and T2 (44.76 ± 3.68 ms vs. 41.96 ± 3.62 ms vs. 39.21 ± 2.85 ms; P<0.001) values were high in SLE patients with PE, intermediate in SLE patients without PE, and the lowest in the control group. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that PE was independently associated with LGE (β=0.329; P<0.05), T1 (β=0.346; P<0.05), ECV (β=0.353; P<0.05), and T2 (β=0.201; P<0.05). SLE patients with PE have a higher prevalence of LGE and more diffuse myocardial fibrosis and edema than SLE patients without PE. Moreover, PE is associated with increased diffuse interstitial fibrosis and edema.

Introduction to matrix-based method for analyzing hybrid multidimensional prostate MRI data.

A new approach to analysis of prostate hybrid multidimensional MRI (HM-MRI) data was introduced in this study. HM-MRI data were acquired for a combination of a few echo times (TEs) and a few b-values. Naturally, there is a matrix associated with HM-MRI data for each image pixel. To process the data, we first linearized HM-MRI data by taking the natural logarithm of the imaging signal intensity. Subsequently, a hybrid symmetric matrix was constructed by multiplying the matrix for each pixel by its own transpose. The eigenvalues for each pixel could then be calculated from the hybrid symmetric matrix. In order to compare eigenvalues between patients, three b-values and three TEs were used, because this was smallest number of b-values and TEs among all patients. The results of eigenvalues were displayed as qualitative color maps for easier visualization. For quantitative analysis, the ratio (λr) of eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, λ3) was defined as λr=(λ1/λ2)/λ3 to compare region of interest (ROI) between prostate cancer (PCa) and normal tissue. The results show that the combined eigenvalue maps show PCas clearly and these maps are quite different from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 maps of the same prostate. The PCa has significant larger λr, smaller ADC and smaller T2 values than normal prostate tissue (p<0.001). This suggests that the matrix-based method for analyzing HM-MRI data provides new information that may be clinically useful. The method is easy to use and could be easily implemented in clinical practice. The eigenvalues are associated with combination of ADC and T2 values, and could aid in the identification and staging of PCa.

Multi-parametric MRI: can we assess renal function differently?

Abstract We are lacking tools to evaluate renal performance. In this review, we presented the current knowledge and potential future applications in nephrology of new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, focusing on Diffusion-weighted (DWI) MRI, Blood oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) MRI, and magnetic resonance relaxometry (T1 and T2 mapping). These sequences are sensitive to early changes in biological processes such as perfusion, oxygenation, oedema or fibrosis without requiring contrast medium injection and avoids irradiation and nephrotoxicity. Combining these different sequences into the so-called ‘multiparametric MRI’ enables non-invasive, repeated exploration of renal performance on each kidney separately. DWI MRI, which evaluates the movement of water molecules, is a promising tool for non-invasive assessment of interstitial fibrosis and the cortical restricted diffusion has a prognostic value for the deterioration of renal function in diabetic nephropathy. BOLD MRI is sensitive to changes in renal tissue oxygenation based on the paramagnetic properties of deoxyhemoglobin and is of particular interest in the setting of renal artery stenosis to assess tissue oxygenation in the post-stenotic kidney. This sequence can be used for predicting degradation of renal function in CKD and might be useful in preclinical studies to assess nephroprotective and nephrotoxic effects of drugs in development. T1 and T2 relaxation times change with tissue water content and might help assessing renal fibrosis. A corticomedullary dedifferentiation in T1 has been observed in CKD and negatively correlates with glomerular filtration rate. Data on the significance of T2 values in renal imaging is more limited. Multiparametric MRI has the potential to provide a better understanding of renal physiology and pathophysiology, a better characterization of renal lesions, an earlier and more sensitive detection of renal disease, and an aid to personalized patient-centered therapeutic decision-making. Further data and clinical trials are needed to allow its routine application in clinical practice.

An Exploratory Study: Can Native T1 Mapping Differentiate Sarcoma from Benign Soft Tissue Tumors at 1.5 T and 3 T?

Background/Objectives: T1 relaxation time has been shown to be valuable in detecting and characterizing tumors in various organs. This study aims to determine whether native T1 relaxation time can serve as a useful tool in distinguishing sarcomas from benign tumors. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with histologically confirmed soft tissue sarcomas and benign tumors were included. Only patients who had not undergone prior treatment or surgery and whose magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) included native T1 mapping were considered. Images were acquired using both 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners. T1 histogram parameters were measured in regions of interest encompassing the entire tumor volume, as well as in healthy muscle tissue. Results: Out of 316 cases, 16 sarcoma cases and 9 benign tumor cases were eligible. The T1 values observed in sarcoma did not significantly differ from those in benign lesions in both 1.5 T and 3 T MRIs (p1.5T = 0.260 and p3T = 0.119). However, T1 values were found to be lower in healthy tissues compared to sarcoma at 3 T (p = 0.020), although this difference did not reach statistical significance at 1.5 T (p = 0.063). At both 1.5 T and 3 T, no significant difference between healthy muscle measured in sarcoma cases or benign tumor cases was observed (p1.5T = 0.472 and p3T = 0.226). Conclusions: T1 mapping has the potential to serve as a promising tool for differentiating sarcomas from benign tumors in baseline assessments. However, the standardization of imaging protocols and further improvements in T1 mapping techniques are necessary to fully realize its potential.