Low-field MRI: a report on the 2022 ISMRM workshop

In March 2022, the first ISMRM Workshop on Low-Field MRI was held virtually. The goals of this workshop were to discuss recent low field MRI technology including hardware and software developments, novel methodology, new contrast mechanisms, as well as the clinical translation and dissemination of these systems. The virtual Workshop was attended by 368 registrants from 24 countries, and included 34 invited talks, 100 abstract presentations, 2 panel discussions, and 2 live scanner demonstrations. Here, we report on the scientific content of the Workshop and identify the key themes that emerged. The subject matter of the Workshop reflected the ongoing developments of low-field MRI as an accessible imaging modality that may expand the usage of MRI through cost reduction, portability, and ease of installation. Many talks in this Workshop addressed the use of computational power, efficient acquisitions, and contemporary hardware to overcome the SNR limitations associated with low field strength. Participants discussed the selection of appropriate clinical applications that leverage the unique capabilities of low-field MRI within traditional radiology practices, other point-of-care settings, and the broader community. The notion of "image quality" versus "information content" was also discussed, as images from low-field portable systems that are purpose-built for clinical decision-making may not replicate the current standard of clinical imaging. Speakers also described technical challenges and infrastructure challenges related to portability and widespread dissemination, and speculated about future directions for the field to improve the technology and establish clinical value.Radiolog

The Crime of Murder under Section 140 of the Czech Criminal Code, Criminal-law and Criminological Aspects

This master's thesis entitled "The Crime of Murder under Section 140 of the Czech Criminal Code, Criminal-law and Criminological Acpects" provides a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant criminal-law and criminological aspects of the crime mentioned above. As the aim of this thesis is to compose a comprehensive text, this thesis also refers to related legal institutes. It is composed of seven chapters and other subchapters and parts, which are connected and arranged in a logical order. There are also considerations de lege ferenda throughout the entire text. The opening part of this thesis deals with the historical development of the legal codification of murder from the Middle Ages until the contemporary Criminal Code which came into effect in 2010. This Criminal Code introduced some significant changes to the area of intentional killings and murders, especially. This thesis also characterises human life and precisely defines the beginning and end thereof. Such moments are pivotal for the purpose of this thesis as these moments are important for determination whether the murder may have been commited or not. A summary of international and internal legal codification which protect human life is also included. The main part of this thesis analyzes systematically the valid legal regulation of..

Protocols for multi-site trials using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI for imaging of ventilation, alveolar-airspace size, and gas exchange: A position paper from the 129Xe MRI clinical trials consortium

Hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe MRI uniquely images pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, and terminal airway morphology rapidly and safely, providing novel information not possible using conventional imaging modalities or pulmonary function tests. As such, there is mounting interest in expanding the use of biomarkers derived from HP 129Xe MRI as outcome measures in multi-site clinical trials across a range of pulmonary disorders. Until recently, HP 129Xe MRI techniques have been developed largely independently at a limited number of academic centers, without harmonizing acquisition strategies. To promote uniformity and adoption of HP 129Xe MRI more widely in translational research, multi-site trials, and ultimately clinical practice, this position paper from the 129Xe MRI Clinical Trials Consortium (https://cpir.cchmc.org/XeMRICTC) recommends standard protocols to harmonize methods for image acquisition in HP 129Xe MRI. Recommendations are described for the most common HP gas MRI techniques—calibration, ventilation, alveolar-airspace size, and gas exchange—across MRI scanner manufacturers most used for this application. Moreover, recommendations are described for 129Xe dose volumes and breath-hold standardization to further foster consistency of imaging studies. The intention is that sites with HP 129Xe MRI capabilities can readily implement these methods to obtain consistent high-quality images that provide regional insight into lung structure and function. While this document represents consensus at a snapshot in time, a roadmap for technical developments is provided that will further increase image quality and efficiency. These standardized dosing and imaging protocols will facilitate the wider adoption of HP 129Xe MRI for multi-site pulmonary research