Feasibility of simultaneous PET/MR imaging in the head and upper neck area.

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to test and demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and upper neck area using a new hybrid PET/MRI system.

Methods: Eight patients with malignant head and neck tumours were included in the pilot study. Directly after routine PET/CT imaging with a whole-body system using the glucose derivative 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-2deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) as a radiotracer additional measurements were performed with a prototype PET/MRI system for simultaneous PET and MR imaging.

The effect of patient positioning aids on PET quantification in PET/MR imaging.

Objectives: Clinical PET/MR requires the use of patient positioning aids to immobilize and support patients for the duration of the combined examination. Ancillary immobilization devices contribute to overall attenuation of the PET signal, but are not detected with conventional MR sequences and, hence, are ignored in standard MR-based attenuation correction (MR-AC). We report on the quantitative effect of not accounting for the attenuation of patient positioning aids in combined PET/MR imaging.

Simultaneous 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI for IMRT treatment planning for meningioma: first experience.

Purpose: To evaluate intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment planning based on simultaneous positron-emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) of meningioma.

Methods And Materials: A meningioma patient was examined prior to radiotherapy with dedicated planning computed tomography (CT), MRI, PET/CT with gallium-68-labeled DOTATOC (68Ga-DOTATOC), and simultaneous 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI. The first gross target volume (GTV) was defined based on a combination of separate MR and 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT imaging (GTVPET/CT+MR).

Combined PET/MRI: one step further in multimodality imaging.

Given the need for sophisticated in vivo detection techniques to better characterize the cellular and subcellular processes in animals and humans, molecular imaging has become an important discipline. Techniques in molecular imaging have developed from stand alone modalities to multimodality methods. Among these, the combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) is a successful imaging method and has become an important tool in clinical practice.

A point mutation in the dynein heavy chain gene leads to striatal atrophy and compromises neurite outgrowth of striatal neurons.

The molecular motor dynein and its associated regulatory subunit dynactin have been implicated in several neurodegenerative conditions of the basal ganglia, such as Huntington's disease (HD) and Perry syndrome, an atypical Parkinson-like disease. This pathogenic role has been largely postulated from the existence of mutations in the dynactin subunit p150(Glued). However, dynactin is also able to act independently of dynein, and there is currently no direct evidence linking dynein to basal ganglia degeneration.

Assessment of MR compatibility of a PET insert developed for simultaneous multiparametric PET/MR imaging on an animal system operating at 7 T.

The combination of positron emission tomography and MR in one system is currently emerging and opens up new domains in the functional examinations of living systems. This article reports on relevant influences of a positron emission tomography insert on MR imaging. The basic conditions of main magnetic field and RF field homogeneity were measured as well as image quality and signal-to-noise ratio when applying the usual MR sequence types including echo-planar techniques.

Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 promoting tumor progression and metastasis in gastric cancer - detected in a tumor mouse model using positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging.

Background/aims: Tumor dissemination is frequent in gastric cancer and implies a poor prognosis. Cure is only achievable provided an accurate staging is performed at primary diagnosis. In previous studies we were able to show a relevant impact of increased phosphoglycerate kinase 1 expression (PGK1; a glycolytic enzyme) on invasive properties of gastric cancer in-vivo and in-vitro.

High-resolution animal PET imaging of prostate cancer xenografts with three different 64Cu-labeled antibodies against native cell-adherent PSMA.

Background: The prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed by virtually all prostate cancers and represents an ideal target for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This article compares the in vivo behavior and tumor uptake of three different radiolabeled anti-PSMA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and corresponding F(ab)(2) and Fab fragments thereof.

Methods: The mAbs 3/A12, 3/F11, and 3/E7 and fragments of 3/A12 were conjugated with the chelating agent DOTA and radiolabeled with 64Cu.

Isochronous assessment of cardiac metabolism and function in mice using hybrid PET/MRI.

Unlabelled: Recently, integrated small-animal PET/MRI prototypes that provide isochronous and coregistered datasets of morphology and function through the simultaneous acquisition of PET and MRI data have been developed. However, the need for MRI compatibility can constrain the technical design of the PET components and may lead to a lower sensitivity and lower spatial and temporal resolutions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a prototype preclinical PET/MRI system for the simultaneous assessment of cardiac metabolism and function in mice.

Hybrid PET/MRI of intracranial masses: initial experiences and comparison to PET/CT.

Unlabelled: Simultaneous PET and MRI using new hybrid PET/MRI systems promises optimal spatial and temporal coregistration of structural, functional, and molecular image data. In a pilot study of 10 patients with intracranial masses, the feasibility of tumor assessment using a PET/MRI system comprising lutetium oxyorthosilicate scintillators coupled to avalanche photodiodes was evaluated, and quantification accuracy was compared with conventional PET/CT datasets.

Methods: All measurements were performed with a hybrid PET/MRI scanner consisting of a conventional 3-T MRI scanner in combination with an inserted MRI-compatible PET system.

Effects of in vitro exposure of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes to cytostatic drugs on in vivo growth and proliferation of the parasite.

The cytostatic drugs Vincristine (VCR), Navelbine (NAV), and Methotrexate (MTX) were evaluated for their growth inhibitory potential against metacestodes of Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) by in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro cultures of E. multilocularis were exposed to IC 90, IC 80, and IC 5 concentrations of VCR, NAV, or MTX for 1 week, then parasite tissue cultures were kept for 1 week without drug exposure in vitro, and thereafter, metacestode tissues were injected intra-peritoneally into Meriones unguiculatus.

Diffusion tensor imaging in a human PET/MR hybrid system.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test and demonstrate the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with a hybrid positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging system for simultaneous PET and magnetic resonance (MR) data acquisition.

Materials And Methods: All measurements were performed with a prototype hybrid PET/MR scanner dedicated for brain and head imaging. The PET scanner, which is inserted into a conventional 3.

Akt2/PKBbeta-sensitive regulation of renal phosphate transport.

Aim: The protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt is known to stimulate the cellular uptake of glucose and amino acids. The kinase is expressed in proximal renal tubules. The present study explored the influence of Akt/PKB on renal tubular phosphate transport.

Evaluation of Geiger-mode APDs for PET block detector designs.

This paper presents an evaluation of two types of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (G-APDs) for their potential to be used in a positron emission tomography (PET) detector. While the MPPC G-APD had only 3600 cells, the solid state photomultiplier (SSPM)-type G-APD had 8100 cells. In a single-channel G-APD/LSO setup, the energy resolution (DeltaEpsilon/Epsilon) of the SSPM at 511 keV was 25%, while the (DeltaEpsilon/Epsilon) of the MPPC was 13.

PET/MRI: paving the way for the next generation of clinical multimodality imaging applications.

Multimodality imaging and, more specifically, the combination of PET and CT has matured into an important diagnostic tool. During the same period, concepts for PET scanners integrated into an MR tomograph have emerged. The excellent soft-tissue contrast of MRI and the multifunctional imaging options it offers, such as spectroscopy, functional MRI, and arterial spin labeling, complement the molecular information of PET.

Combined PET/MR imaging--technology and applications.

The combination of PET and MR in one imaging device has certain advantages over conventional imaging modalities. These include: no additional radiation dose from the MR, superior soft tissue contrast and a multitude of tracers for PET. Certain technical challenges exist when designing a PET/MR system.

Switching on the lights for real-time multimodality tumor neuroimaging: The integrated positron-emission tomography/MR imaging system.

A recent report of the feasibility of simultaneous PET/MR imaging of the healthy human brain has sparked excitement in the field of neuroimaging because of its potential influence and utility in clinical neuroscience research. The aim of this communication is to discuss the benefits and current drawbacks of the hybrid imaging system and to highlight some perspectives of the new technique for brain neoplasms.

Transgenic overexpression of the alpha-synuclein interacting protein synphilin-1 leads to behavioral and neuropathological alterations in mice.

Synphilin-1 has been identified as an interacting protein of alpha-synuclein, Parkin, and LRRK2, proteins which are mutated in familial forms of Parkinson disease (PD). Subsequently, synphilin-1 has also been shown to be an intrinsic component of Lewy bodies in sporadic PD. In order to elucidate the role of synphilin-1 in the pathogenesis of PD, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing wild-type and mutant (R621C) synphilin-1 driven by a mouse prion protein promoter.

Sparsification of neuronal activity in the visual cortex at eye-opening.

Eye-opening represents a turning point in the function of the visual cortex. Before eye-opening, the visual cortex is largely devoid of sensory inputs and neuronal activities are generated intrinsically. After eye-opening, the cortex starts to integrate visual information.

Direct crosstalk between mast cell-TNF and TNFR1-expressing endothelia mediates local tissue inflammation.

Signaling through tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) controls bacterial infections and the induction of inflammatory Th1 cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. By dissecting Th1 cell-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity responses (DTHRs) into single steps, we localized a central defect to the missing TNFR1 expression by endothelial cells (ECs). Adoptive transfer and mast cell knockin experiments into Kit(W)/Kit(W-v), TNF(-/-), and TNFR1(-/-) mice showed that the signaling defect exclusively affects mast cell-EC interactions but not T cells or antigen-presenting cells.

Exit-site care in Austrian peritoneal dialysis centers -- a nationwide survey.

Background: Catheter-associated infections markedly contribute to treatment failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. There is much controversy surrounding prophylactic strategies to prevent these infections.

Methods: In this nationwide multicenter study we analyzed strategies to prevent catheter-associated infections as performed in Austrian PD centers in 2006.

New perspectives on bone marrow contrast agents and molecular imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of bone marrow provides a noninvasive diagnosis of the vascularity, cell quantity, and composition of the normal and pathological bone marrow. This article reviews new and evolving techniques for bone marrow MR imaging with a special focus on translational and clinical applications. Evaluations of bone marrow perfusion with standard small molecular contrast agents and, more recently, with macromolecular contrast agents are currently being applied for therapy monitoring.

PET imaging of prostate cancer xenografts with a highly specific antibody against the prostate-specific membrane antigen.

Unlabelled: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is highly expressed by virtually all prostate cancers and is currently the focus of several diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We have previously reported on the generation of several monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and antibody fragments that recognize and bind with high affinity to the extracellular domain of cell-adherent PSMA. This article reports the in vivo behavior and tumor uptake of the radiolabeled anti-PSMA mAb 3/A12 and its potential as a tracer for PET.

Pre-clinical PET/MR: technological advances and new perspectives in biomedical research.

Introduction: Combined PET/MRI allows for multi-parametric imaging and reveals one or more functional processes simultaneously along with high-resolution morphology. Especially in small-animal research, where high soft tissue contrast is required, and the scan time as well as radiation dose are critical factors, the combination of PET and MRI would be beneficial compared with PET/CT.

Development: In the mid-1990's, several research groups used different approaches to integrate PET detectors into high-field MRI.