Holistic image reconstruction for diffusion MRI

\u3cp\u3eDiffusion MRI provides unique information on the microarchitecture of biological tissues. One of the major challenges is finding a balance between image resolution, acquisition duration, noise level and image artifacts. Recent methods tackle this challenge by performing super-resolution reconstruction in image space or in diffusion space, regularization of the image data or of postprocessed data (such as the orientation distribution function, ODF) along different dimensions, and/or impose data-consistency in the original acquisition space. Each of these techniques has its own advantages; however, it is rare that even a few of them are combined. Here we present a holistic framework for diffusion MRI reconstruction that allows combining the advantages of all these techniques in a single reconstruction step. In proof-of-concept experiments, we demonstrate super-resolution on HARDI shells and in image space, regularization of the ODF and of the images in spatial and angular dimensions, and data consistency in the original acquisition space. Reconstruction quality is superior to standard reconstruction, demonstrating the feasibility of combining advanced techniques into one step.\u3c/p\u3

Holistic image reconstruction for diffusion MRI

Diffusion MRI provides unique information on the microarchitecture of biological tissues. One of the major challenges is finding a balance between image resolution, acquisition duration, noise level and image artifacts. Recent methods tackle this challenge by performing super-resolution reconstruction in image space or in diffusion space, regularization of the image data or of postprocessed data (such as the orientation distribution function, ODF) along different dimensions, and/or impose data-consistency in the original acquisition space. Each of these techniques has its own advantages; however, it is rare that even a few of them are combined. Here we present a holistic framework for diffusion MRI reconstruction that allows combining the advantages of all these techniques in a single reconstruction step. In proof-of-concept experiments, we demonstrate super-resolution on HARDI shells and in image space, regularization of the ODF and of the images in spatial and angular dimensions, and data consistency in the original acquisition space. Reconstruction quality is superior to standard reconstruction, demonstrating the feasibility of combining advanced techniques into one step

q-Space Deep Learning: Twelve-Fold Shorter and Model-Free Diffusion MRI Scans

Numerous scientific fields rely on elaborate but partly suboptimal data processing pipelines. An example is diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion MRI), a non-invasive microstructure assessment method with a prominent application in neuroimaging. Advanced diffusion models providing accurate microstructural characterization so far have required long acquisition times and thus have been inapplicable for children and adults who are uncooperative, uncomfortable, or unwell. We show that the long scan time requirements are mainly due to disadvantages of classical data processing. We demonstrate how deep learning, a group of algorithms based on recent advances in the field of artificial neural networks, can be applied to reduce diffusion MRI data processing to a single optimized step. This modification allows obtaining scalar measures from advanced models at twelve-fold reduced scan time and detecting abnormalities without using diffusion models. We set a new state of the art by estimating diffusion kurtosis measures from only 12 data points and neurite orientation dispersion and density measures from only 8 data points. This allows unprecedentedly fast and robust protocols facilitating clinical routine and demonstrates how classical data processing can be streamlined by means of deep learning

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis

Introduction. In this study, we analysed the results of applying various surgical methods in the combined treatment of inflammatory diseases of bones and joints.Materials and methods. The work was based on data from a multi-dimensional cohort study using non-concurrent (historical) control. A retrospective study included the analysis of medical records covering the period of 2009–2016 (1059 patients). A prospective study consisted in analysing the effectiveness of modern surgical methods in the combined treatment of inflammatory diseases of bones and joints in patients hospitalised to the Septic Surgery Department of the G.G. Kuvatov Republican Clinical Hospital (Ufa, Russia) in 2017–2018 (285 patients).Results and discussion. An analysis of the authors’ own data revealed that injuries (73.21%) and infectious complications after receiving surgery on bones and joints (15.03%) are the most common causes of osteomyelitis. In most cases, the following list of measures is optimal for diagnosing suspected osteomyelitis of various etiologies: X-ray, general clinical tests supplemented by the fistulography or CT of the affected area prior to surgery, as well as the examination of surgical material after surgery. The use of modern methods for surgical debridement and surgical repair of bone defects in the combined treatment of patients with chronic osteomyelitis can significantly reduce the relapse rate. It is recommended that patients with osteomyelitis be treated at large in-patient surgical facilities, which include a specialised department for the treatment of surgical infections and corresponding support services.Conclusion. Apparently, there is no one most optimal method for treating osteomyelitis. The optimal effect in the treatment of osteomyelitis is achieved through a personalised set of therapeutic measures using the following methods: laser vaporisation, negative-pressure wound therapy, ultrasonic cavitation in the focus of inflammation, as well as surgical repair of the post-trepanation bone defect or wound

q-Space Deep Learning for Twelve-Fold Shorter and Model-Free Diffusion MRI Scans

Diffusion MRI uses a multi-step data processing pipeline. With certain steps being prone to instabilities, the pipeline relies on considerable amounts of partly redundant input data, which requires long acquisition time. This leads to high scan costs and makes advanced diffusion models such as diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) inapplicable for children and adults who are uncooperative, uncomfortable or unwell. We demonstrate how deep learning, a group of algorithms in the field of artificial neural networks, can be applied to reduce diffusion MRI data processing to a single optimized step. This method allows obtaining scalar measures from advanced models at twelve-fold reduced scan time and detecting abnormalities without using diffusion models

Хирургическое лечение хронического остеомиелита

Introduction. In this study, we analysed the results of applying various surgical methods in the combined treatment of inflammatory diseases of bones and joints.Materials and methods. The work was based on data from a multi-dimensional cohort study using non-concurrent (historical) control. A retrospective study included the analysis of medical records covering the period of 2009–2016 (1059 patients). A prospective study consisted in analysing the effectiveness of modern surgical methods in the combined treatment of inflammatory diseases of bones and joints in patients hospitalised to the Septic Surgery Department of the G.G. Kuvatov Republican Clinical Hospital (Ufa, Russia) in 2017–2018 (285 patients).Results and discussion. An analysis of the authors’ own data revealed that injuries (73.21%) and infectious complications after receiving surgery on bones and joints (15.03%) are the most common causes of osteomyelitis. In most cases, the following list of measures is optimal for diagnosing suspected osteomyelitis of various etiologies: X-ray, general clinical tests supplemented by the fistulography or CT of the affected area prior to surgery, as well as the examination of surgical material after surgery. The use of modern methods for surgical debridement and surgical repair of bone defects in the combined treatment of patients with chronic osteomyelitis can significantly reduce the relapse rate. It is recommended that patients with osteomyelitis be treated at large in-patient surgical facilities, which include a specialised department for the treatment of surgical infections and corresponding support services.Conclusion. Apparently, there is no one most optimal method for treating osteomyelitis. The optimal effect in the treatment of osteomyelitis is achieved through a personalised set of therapeutic measures using the following methods: laser vaporisation, negative-pressure wound therapy, ultrasonic cavitation in the focus of inflammation, as well as surgical repair of the post-trepanation bone defect or wound.Введение. Основной целью данного исследования послужила оценка собственных результатов применения различных методов хирургического лечения в комплексном лечении воспалительных заболеваний костей и суставов.Материалы и методы. В работу вошли данные разнонаправленного когортного исследования с непараллельным (историческим) контролем. Ретроспективное исследование включало анализ историй болезней в период с 2009 по 2016 г. (1059 пациентов), проспективное исследование заключалось в анализе эффективности современных методов хирургического лечения в комплексном лечении гнойных заболеваний костей и суставов у пациентов, госпитализированных в отделение гнойной хирургии РКБ им. Г.Г. Куватова (г. Уфа) в период 2017–2018 гг. (285 пациентов).Результаты и обсуждение. В результате анализа собственного материала выявлено, что наиболее частыми причинами развития остеомиелитов являются травмы (73,21 %) и инфекционные осложнения после операций на костях и суставах (15,03 %). Комплекс диагностических мероприятий при подозрении на остеомиелитический процесс, включающий в себя рентгенологическое исследование, общеклинические анализы, дополненные фистулографией или КТ пораженной области до операции и исследованием операционного материала после операции, оптимален для диагностики остеомиелитов различной этиологии в большинстве случаев. Применение современных методов хирургической обработки и пластики костных дефектов в комплексном лечении пациентов с хроническими остеомиелитами позволяет достоверно уменьшить частоту рецидива заболевания. Лечение пациентов с остеомиелитами предпочтительнее осуществлять в крупных хирургических стационарах, имеющих в своем составе специализированное хирургическое отделение для лечения хирургических инфекций и соответствующие вспомогательные службы.Заключение. Однозначно лучшего метода лечения остеомиелитов, на наш взгляд, не существует. Оптимальный эффект при лечении остеомиелитов достигается при применении индивидуально подобранного набора лечебных мероприятий с применением таких методов, как лазерная вапоризация, вакуумная терапия ран, ультразвуковая кавитация в воспалительном очаге, пластика посттрепанационного дефекта кости или раны