Reduced spatial resolution MRI suffices to image and quantify drought induced embolism formation in trees

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is uniquely suited to non-invasively and continuously monitor embolism formation in trees. Depending on the MRI method used, quantitative parameter maps of water content and MRI signal relaxation behavior can be generated. The ability to measure dynamic differences in water content and relaxation behavior can be used to detect xylem embolism formation, even if xylem conduits are too small to be spatially resolved. This is especially advantageous when using affordable small-scale low-field MRI scanners. The amount of signal that can be obtained from an object strongly depends on the strength of the magnetic field of the imager’s magnet. Imaging at lower resolutions thus would allow to reduce the cost, size and weight of the MRI scanner and to shorten image acquisition times.ResultsWe investigated how much spatial resolution can be sacrificed without losing the ability to monitor embolism formation in coniferous softwood (spruce, Picea abies) and diffuse porous beech (Fagus sylvatica). Saplings of both species were bench dehydrated, while they were continuously imaged at stepwise decreasing spatial resolutions. Imaging was done by means of a small-scale MRI device, utilizing image matrix sizes of 128 × 128, 64 × 64 and 32 × 32 pixels at a constant FOV of 19 and 23 mm, respectively. While images at the lowest resolutions (pixel sizes 0.59 × 0.59 mm and 0.72 × 0.72 mm) were no longer sufficient to resolve finer details of the stem anatomy, they did permit an approximate localization of embolism formation and the generation of accurate vulnerability curves.ConclusionsWhen using MRI, spatial resolution can be sacrificed without losing the ability to visualize and quantify embolism formation. Imaging at lower spatial resolution to monitor embolism formation has two advantages. Firstly, the acquisition time per image can be reduced dramatically. This enables continuous imaging at high time resolution, which may be beneficial to monitor rapid dynamics of embolism formation. Secondly, if the requirements for spatial resolution are relaxed, much simpler MRI devices can be used. This has the potential to make non-invasive MR imaging of embolism formation much more affordable and more widely available

A small‐scale MRI scanner and complementary imaging method to visualize and quantify xylem embolism formation

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful tool to image xylem embolism formation in plants. MRI scanners configured to accept intact plants are rare and expensive. Here, we investigate if affordable small-scale, custom-built low-field MRI scanners would suffice for the purpose. * A small-scale, C-shaped permanent magnet was paired with open, plane parallel imaging gradients. The setup was small enough to fit between leaves or branches and offered open access for plant stems of arbitrary length. To counter the two main drawbacks of the system, low signal to noise and reduced magnetic field homogeneity, a multi-spin echo (MSE) pulse sequence was implemented, allowing efficient signal acquisition and quantitative imaging of water content and T2 signal relaxation. * The system was tested visualizing embolism formation in Fagus sylvatica during bench dehydration. High-quality images of water content and T2 were readily obtained, which could be utilized to detect the cavitation of vessels smaller than could be spatially resolved. A multiplication of both map types yielded images in which filled xylem appeared with even greater contrast. * T2 imaging with small-scale MRI devices allows straightforward visualization of the spatial and temporal dynamics of embolism formation and the derivation of vulnerability curves

Biomechanical Porcine Model of Median Sternotomy Closure

Background. Healing complications following median sternotomy commonly include instability, nonunion, and infection. They are associated with a high mortality rate if mediastinitis supervenes. Closure complications are best avoided by improving stability at the union, but there has thus far been no widespread agreement among surgeons about relative superiority among the available closure techniques. Materials and methods. A biological sternotomy closure model was developed utilizing whole porcine sterna. A special stainless-steel clamp with multiple spikes was created to reliably attach the sterna to a biomechanical testing device. Results. Two wiring techniques, single peristernal and pericostal figure-eight, were used in 14 fresh cadaveric porcine sterna. The more rigid closure utilized single peristernal wires (P \u3c 0.0001). There was no tissue associated with clamp spikes penetrating the specimen\u27s layers, and there was no clamp displacement even at closure failure loads. Conclusions. The porcine sternotomy model is a valuable tool for comparing closure techniques based on geometrical and mechanical wiring patterns. The model\u27s low cost and easy reproducibility make it a promising first step in sternotomy closure research. The stainless-steel clamp used in the porcine model provided reliable repeat specimen fixation