120 research outputs found
A Deep Learning Approach to Upscaling “Low-Quality” MR Images: An In Silico Comparison Study Based on the UNet Framework
No full textMR scans of low-gamma X-nuclei, low-concentration metabolites, or standard imaging at very low field entail a challenging tradeoff between resolution, signal-to-noise, and acquisition duration. Deep learning (DL) techniques, such as UNets, can potentially be used to improve such “low-quality” (LQ) images. We investigate three UNets for upscaling LQ MRI: dense (DUNet), robust (RUNet), and anisotropic (AUNet). These were evaluated for two acquisition scenarios. In the same-subject High-Quality Complementary Priors (HQCP) scenario, an LQ and a high quality (HQ) image are collected and both LQ and HQ were inputs to the UNets. In the No Complementary Priors (NoCP) scenario, only the LQ images are collected and used as the sole input to the UNets. To address the lack of same-subject LQ and HQ images, we added data from the OASIS-1 database. The UNets were tested in upscaling 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 undersampled images for both scenarios. As manifested by non-statically significant differences of matrices, also supported by subjective observation, the three UNets upscaled images equally well. This was in contrast to mixed effects statistics that clearly illustrated significant differences. Observations suggest that the detailed architecture of these UNets may not play a critical role. As expected, HQCP substantially improves upscaling with any of the UNets. The outcomes support the notion that DL methods may have merit as an integral part of integrated holistic approaches in advancing special MRI acquisitions; however, primary attention should be paid to the foundational step of such approaches, i.e., the actual data collected
"In vivo Detection of Nitroxide Free Radicals by RF EPR and PEDRI: A Preliminary Comparison”
No full text
Automated Segmentation and 4D Reconstruction of the Heart Left Ventricle from CINE MRI
No full textHeart disease is highly prevalent in developed countries, causing 1 in 4 deaths. In this work we propose a method for a fully automated 4D reconstruction of the left ventricle of the heart. This can provide accurate information regarding the heart wall motion and in particular the hemodynamics of the ventricles. Such metrics are crucial for detecting heart function anomalies that can be an indication of heart disease. Our approach is fast, modular and extensible. In our testing, we found that generating the 4D reconstruction from a set of 250 MRI images takes less than a minute. The amount of time saved as a result of our work could greatly benefit physicians and cardiologist as they diagnose and treat patients
Sul concetto di "Medicina unica"
No full textDefinizioni non contrastanti di “medicina unica” sono: 1) conoscenza integrata della salute e delle malattie dell’uomo e degli animali; 2) contributo reciproco che medicina umana e medicina veterinaria possono offrirsi; 3) tronco unico formato dalle branche della medicina umana e veterinaria, collegate dalla sanità pubblica.
Viene discusso il concetto che la medicina sia nata e si sia sviluppata “unica”. I guaritori primitivi curavano le malattie dell’uomo e degli animali. Tale tendenza continuò con le civiltà greca e romana. Durante il Medio-Evo prevalse la tendenza a separare le due medicine. Nel periodo tra il XVI e il XIX secolo, grandi medici e scienziati (ad es. Lancisi, Muratori e Ramazzini) promossero una grande rinascita della medicina comparata. Poiché i veterinari allora disponibili si dedicavano solo alla cura degli animali, le epidemie degli animali (ad es. la peste bovina) venivano combattute da medici ed altri scienziati. Furono istituiti le Scuole di veterinaria, e gli ordini professionali, con conseguente separazione tra le due medicine. L’Organizzazione mondiale della sanità cercò di superare gli inconvenienti di tale separazione costituendo la sezione di Sanità pubblica veterinaria.
Il modello olistico è il più coerente per rendere efficienti la medicina umana e quella veterinaria, chiamate a formare un unicum fondamentale per la salute ed il benessere delle persone e degli animali e per il rispetto e la conservazione dell’ambiente
The efficacy of MR techniques in the detection and assessment of renal injury in clinically relevant animal models of renal disease
No full textSIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN025457 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo
Interactive and immersive image-guided control of interventional manipulators with a prototype holographic interface
No full textThe emerging potential of augmented reality (AR) to improve 3D medical image visualization for diagnosis, by immersing the user into 3D morphology is further enhanced with the advent of wireless head-mounted displays (HMD). Such information-immersive capabilities may also enhance planning and visualization of interventional procedures. To this end, we introduce a computational platform to generate an augmented reality holographic scene that fuses pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sets, segmented anatomical structures, and an actuated model of an interventional robot for performing MRI-guided and robot-assisted interventions. The interface enables the operator to manipulate the presented images and rendered structures using voice and gestures, as well as to robot control. The software uses forbidden-region virtual fixtures that alerts the operator of collisions with vital structures. The platform was tested with a HoloLens HMD in silico. To address the limited computational power of the HMD, we deployed the platform on a desktop PC with two-way communication to the HMD. Operation studies demonstrated the functionality and underscored the importance of interface customization to fit a particular operator and/or procedure, as well as the need for on-site studies to assess its merit in the clinical realm
"In vivo Detection of an Exogeneous Nitroxide Spin Label (proxyl carboxylic acid)- A Comparison of ESR-Based Techniques”
No full textOccupational hazards in animal farming and related industries, with special reference to biological ones
No full textOccupational hazards in animal farming and related industries are discussed, with special reference to biological ones. The occupational hazards are treated according to the following points: (1) occupational pathology (by physical, chemical and biological agents; casualties and accidents; diseases of social and psychological origin); (2) biological hazards from the environment; (3) zoonoses (historical references; their socio-economic significance; emerging and re-emerging zoonoses; the working activities mainly involved; the zoonoses of major importance, with special reference to the Mediterranean region; the evaluation of damages and risks; their trasmission of zoonoses from farm workers to animals). Remarks on present situation of occupational biological hazards and related risks in industrialized farming activities and in traditional ones, and on the possible importance of some emerging and re-emerging zoonoses for the health of workers are pointed out. The author concludes by stressing that the prevention of occupational diseases in animal farming and related industries must be implemented jointly by different professional figures and services, mainly veterinary and medical services, through prevention and epidemiological surveillance of human and animal health, risk evaluation, diagnosis of infections and their prompt report
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