Impact of source data on the interpretation of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the lower limbs

Background The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether use of source data is effective in increasing the number of arterial segments that can be interpreted from maximum intensity projections of lower limb MR angiograms. Correlation between sites of arterial disease and venous contamination was also measured. Interpretation of source data is performed routinely by radiologists, but the value of this has not been well studied with randomized studies. Results The proportion of segments visible above the knee was 87% using maximal intensity projection alone (MIP) and 88% when the MIP was combined with source data. The proportions were 67% for MIP and 72% for MIP plus source data below the knee. There was substantial agreement between presence of arterial disease and venous contamination in the calf and thigh. Conclusion The use of source data increases the number of assessable segments, but not individuals, by a statistically significant but small amount (1.2%, p <0.05). This study supports the association between arterial disease and venous contamination

New Dual Mode Gadolinium Nanoparticle Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

BACKGROUND: Liposomal-based gadolinium (Gd) nanoparticles have elicited significant interest for use as blood pool and molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Previous generations of liposomal MR agents contained gadolinium-chelates either within the interior of liposomes (core-encapsulated gadolinium liposomes) or presented on the surface of liposomes (surface-conjugated gadolinium liposomes). We hypothesized that a liposomal agent that contained both core-encapsulated gadolinium and surface-conjugated gadolinium, defined herein as dual-mode gadolinium (Dual-Gd) liposomes, would result in a significant improvement in nanoparticle-based T1 relaxivity over the previous generations of liposomal agents. In this study, we have developed and tested, both in vitro and in vivo, such a dual-mode liposomal-based gadolinium contrast agent. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: THREE TYPES OF LIPOSOMAL AGENTS WERE FABRICATED: core-encapsulated, surface-conjugated and dual-mode gadolinium liposomes. In vitro physico-chemical characterizations of the agents were performed to determine particle size and elemental composition. Gadolinium-based and nanoparticle-based T1 relaxivities of various agents were determined in bovine plasma. Subsequently, the agents were tested in vivo for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) studies. Characterization of the agents demonstrated the highest gadolinium atoms per nanoparticle for Dual-Gd liposomes. In vitro, surface-conjugated gadolinium liposomes demonstrated the highest T1 relaxivity on a gadolinium-basis. However, Dual-Gd liposomes demonstrated the highest T1 relaxivity on a nanoparticle-basis. In vivo, Dual-Gd liposomes resulted in the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio in CE-MRA studies. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The dual-mode gadolinium liposomal contrast agent demonstrated higher particle-based T1 relaxivity, both in vitro and in vivo, compared to either the core-encapsulated or the surface-conjugated liposomal agent. The dual-mode gadolinium liposomes could enable reduced particle dose for use in CE-MRA and increased contrast sensitivity for use in molecular imaging

Smart microfabricated chemical preconcentrator

The mass-sensitive smart preconcentrator (SPC) can determine when it has collected sufficient sample for analysis by a downstream chemical sensor system. The SPC consists of a Lorentz-Force-actuated MEMS resonator with an integral heater and surface coating for the collection of chemical analytes. The resonant frequency of the device varies with the mass of collected analyte. The limit of detection (LOD) of the SPC is less than 50 ppb for DMMP (dimethyl-methyl-phosphonate). At 1 ppm, 1 second collection of DMMP is sufficient to trigger analysis in a downstream microsystem. This paper gives a brief overview of the SPC and its integration into microanalytical systems. The theory of operation, which is applicable to other torsional oscillators, is used to predict a shear modulus of silicon(100) of G = 57.0 GPa ± 2.2 GPa

Mass sensitive, Lorentz-Force actuated, MEMS preconcentrator and chemical sensor

The mass-sensitive smart preconcentrator (SPC) consists of a Lorentz-Force-actuated MEMS resonator with an integral heater and surface coating for the collection of chemical analytes. Control circuitry is used to drive the SPC to resonance and measure its oscillation frequency. The frequency shift produced by adsorption of analyte on the SPC surface is inversely proportional to the mass of analyte collected. Thus, the SPC can measure when it has collected sufficient analyte for a downstream detection system. The limit of detection (LOD) of the SPC is less than 50 ppb for DMMP (dimethyl-methyl- phosphonate). At 1 ppm, less than 1 second collection of DMMP is sufficient to trigger analysis. An analytical model of operation of the SPC is used to predict the motion of the paddle and the shear modulus of silicon. © The Electrochemical Society