Integration of spatial distortion effects in a 4D computational phantom for simulation studies in extra-cranial MRI-guided radiation therapy: Initial results.

PURPOSE: Spatial distortions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are mainly caused by inhomogeneities of the static magnetic field, nonlinearities in the applied gradients, and tissue-specific magnetic susceptibility variations. These factors may significantly alter the geometrical accuracy of the reconstructed MR image, thus questioning the reliability of MRI for guidance in image-guided radiation therapy. In this work, we quantified MRI spatial distortions and created a quantitative model where different sources of distortions can be separated. The generated model was then integrated into a four-dimensional (4D) computational phantom for simulation studies in MRI-guided radiation therapy at extra-cranial sites. METHODS: A geometrical spatial distortion phantom was designed in four modules embedding laser-cut PMMA grids, providing 3520 landmarks in a field of view of (345 × 260 × 480) mm3 . The construction accuracy of the phantom was verified experimentally. Two fast MRI sequences for extra-cranial imaging at 1.5 T were investigated, considering axial slices acquired with online distortion correction, in order to mimic practical use in MRI-guided radiotherapy. Distortions were separated into their sources by acquisition of images with gradient polarity reversal and dedicated susceptibility calculations. Such a separation yielded a quantitative spatial distortion model to be used for MR imaging simulations. Finally, the obtained spatial distortion model was embedded into an anthropomorphic 4D computational phantom, providing registered virtual CT/MR images where spatial distortions in MRI acquisition can be simulated. RESULTS: The manufacturing accuracy of the geometrical distortion phantom was quantified to be within 0.2 mm in the grid planes and 0.5 mm in depth, including thickness variations and bending effects of individual grids. Residual spatial distortions after MRI distortion correction were strongly influenced by the applied correction mode, with larger effects in the trans-axial direction. In the axial plane, gradient nonlinearities caused the main distortions, with values up to 3 mm in a 1.5 T magnet, whereas static field and susceptibility effects were below 1 mm. The integration in the 4D anthropomorphic computational phantom highlighted that deformations can be severe in the region of the thoracic diaphragm, especially when using axial imaging with 2D distortion correction. Adaptation of the phantom based on patient-specific measurements was also verified, aiming at increased realism in the simulation. CONCLUSIONS: The implemented framework provides an integrated approach for MRI spatial distortion modeling, where different sources of distortion can be quantified in time-dependent geometries. The computational phantom represents a valuable platform to study motion management strategies in extra-cranial MRI-guided radiotherapy, where the effects of spatial distortions can be modeled on synthetic images in a virtual environment.

Improving the modelling of susceptibility-induced spatial distortions in MRI-guided extra-cranial radiotherapy.

Magnetic-resonance linear-accelerator (MR-LINAC) systems integrating in-room magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) guidance are a currently emerging technology. Such systems address the need to provide frequent imaging at optimal soft-tissue contrast for treatment guidance. However, the use of MRI-guidance in radiotherapy should address imaging-related spatial distortions, which may hinder accurate geometrical characterization of the treatment site. Since spatial encoding relies on well-defined magnetic fields, accurate modeling of the magnetic field alterations due to [Formula: see text]-inhomogeneities, gradient nonlinearities, and susceptibilities is needed. In this work, the modeling of susceptibility induced distortions is considered. Dedicated susceptibility measurements are reported, aiming at extending the characterization of different tissues for MRI-guided extra-cranial radiotherapy applications. A digital 4D anthropomorphic phantom, providing time-resolved anatomical changes due to breathing, is exploited as reference anatomy to quantify spatial distortions due to variations in tissue susceptibility. Sub-millimeter values can be attributed to susceptibility-induced distortions, with maximum values up to 2.3 mm at a gradient strength of 5 mT m-1. Improvements in susceptibility simulation for extra-cranial sites are shown when including specifically the contributions from lung, liver and muscular tissues.

Spectroscopic, radiochemical, and theoretical studies of the Ga3+-N-2-hydroxyethyl piperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES buffer) system: evidence for the formation of Ga3+ - HEPES complexes in (68) Ga labeling reactions.

Recent reports have claimed a superior performance of HEPES buffer in comparison to alternative buffer systems for (67/68) Ga labeling in aqueous media. In this paper we report spectroscopic ((1) H and (71) Ga NMR), radiochemical, mass spectrometry and theoretical modeling studies on the Ga(3+)/HEPES system (HEPES = N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid) performed with the aim of elucidating a potential contribution of HEPES in the (68/67) Ga radiolabeling process. Our results demonstrate that HEPES acts as a weakly but competitive chelator of Ga(3+) and that this interaction depends on the relative Ga(3+): HEPES concentration. A by-product formed in the labeling mixture has been identified as a [(68) Ga]Ga(HEPES) complex via chromatographic comparison with the nonradioactive analog. The formation of this complex was verified to compete with [(68) Ga]Ga(NOTA) complexation at low NOTA concentration. Putative chelation of Ga(3+) by the hydroxyl and adjacent ring nitrogen of HEPES is proposed on the basis of (1)H NMR shifts induced by Ga(3+) and theoretical modeling studies.

Influence of drug treatment on the microacidity in rat and human skin--an in vitro electron spin resonance imaging study.

PURPOSE: The possibilities of the noninvasive examination of microacidity (5) in different depths of the skin in vitro was explored, and the impact of drug treatment on the pH inside the skin was studied. METHODS: Spectral-spatial electron spin resonance imaging (ss-ESRI) and pH-sensitive nitroxides were used to obtain a pH map of rat and human skin in vitro. RESULTS: The dermal application of therapeutically used acids, such as salicylic acid and azelaic acid, caused a plain change of microacidity (pH) inside the skin. Species-linked differences between rat and human skin samples with respect to penetration and microacidity were found. CONCLUSIONS: ESRI has been shown to be a new and completely noninvasive method to monitor microacidity in different skin layers and on the skin surface. This nondestructive method allows serial measurements on skin samples to be performed without any preparatory steps.

Nitroxide metabolism in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT.

Metabolism of different nitroxides with piperidine structure used as spin labels in electron spin resonance (ESR) studies in vitro and in vivo was investigated in human keratinocytes of the cell line HaCaT by GC and GC-MS technique combined with S-band ESR. Besides the well known reduction of the nitroxyl radicals to the ESR silent hydroxylamines as primary products our results indicate the formation of the corresponding secondary amines. These reductions are inhibited by the thiol blocking agent N-ethylmaleimide and by the strong inhibitors of the thioredoxin reductase (TR) 2-chloro-2,4-nitrobenzene and 2,6-dichloroindophenol. The competitive inhibitor TR inhibitor azelaic acid and the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor metyrapone lack any effects. The rates of reduction to the hydroxylamines and secondary amines were dependent on the lipid solubility of the nitroxides. Therefore, it can be assumed that the nitroxides must enter the cells for their bioreduction. The mostly discussed intracellular nitroxide reducing substances ascorbic acid and glutathione were unable to form the secondary amines. In conclusion, our results suggest that the secondary amine represents one of the major metabolites of nitroxides besides the hydroxylamine inside keratinocytes formed via the flavoenzyme thioredoxin reductase most probably. Further metabolic conversions were detected with 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl and the benzoate of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl as substrates.

Differential pulse polarography and electron spin resonance spectroscopy of nitroxyl free radicals used as ESR-spin probes.

Differential pulse polarography (DPP) and electron spin resonance (ESR) were used to study the influence of substituents and of the pH of the medium on DPP peak potentials (electrochemical reduction) resp. kreduction (chemical reduction) of nitroxyl free radicals. The DPP peak potentials can be used to select the appropriate nitroxide spin label for relevant biochemical and biophysical applications.

Tetracycline-HCl-loaded poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres prepared by a spray drying technique: influence of gamma-irradiation on radical formation and polymer degradation.

Tetracycline-HCl (TCH)-loaded microspheres were prepared from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) by spray drying. The drug was incorporated in the polymer matrix either in solid state or as w/o emulsion. The spin probe 4-hydroxy-2,2,6, 6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL) and the spin trap tert-butyl-phenyl-nitrone (PBN) were co-encapsulated into the TCH-loaded and placebo particles. We investigated the effects of gamma-irradiation on the formation of free radicals in polymer and drug and the mechanism of chain scission after sterilization. Gamma-Irradiation was performed at 26.9 and 54.9 kGy using a 60Co source. The microspheres were characterized especially with respect to the formation of radicals and in vitro polymer degradation. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for characterization of the microspheres. Using EPR spectroscopy, we successfully detected gamma-irradiation induced free radicals within the TCH-loaded microspheres, while unloaded PLGA did not contain radicals under the same conditions. The relatively low glass transition temperature of the poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (37-39 degrees C) seems to favor subsequent reactions of free radicals due to the high mobility of the polymeric chains. Because of the high melting point of TCH (214 degrees C), the radicals can only be stabilized in drug loaded microspheres. In order to determine the mechanism of polymer degradation after exposure to gamma-rays, the spin trap PBN and the spin probe TEMPOL were encapsulated in the microspheres. gamma-Irradiation of microspheres containing PBN resulted in the formation of a lipophilic spin adduct, indicating that a polymeric radical was generated by random chain scission. Polymer degradation by an unzipping mechanism would have produced hydrophilic spin adducts of PBN and monomeric radicals of lactic or glycolic acid. These degradation products were not detected by EPR. This result is confirmed by the observation that possible diamagnetic reaction products of low molecular weight, consisting of TEMPOL and lactide or glycolide monomers, could not be detected by GC-MS. While an irradiation dose-dependent decrease in molecular weight of PLGA could be verified in agreement with the literature, TCH content of the microspheres was not affected by the exposure to gamma-rays. It can be concluded that EPR spectroscopy in combination with GPC, DSC, and HPLC allows a detailed characterization of the impact of gamma-sterilization on biodegradable parenteral drug delivery systems.

Metabolism of the stable nitroxyl radical 4-oxo-2,2,6, 6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPONE).

The formation of new metabolites of the stable nitroxyl radical 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPONE) inside the isolated perfused rat liver was examined. The paramagnetic 4-hydroxy derivative (TEMPOL) and the diamagnetic 1,4-dihydroxy derivative were found to be the major metabolites besides the well-known corresponding hydroxylamine of TEMPONE. No reoxidation of the hydroxyl group in the 4-position was observed. The conversion of nitroxides to the sterically hindered secondary amines remains speculative. A redox cycle of nitroxide and hydroxylamine including the secondary amines is discussed. For the first time the biotransformation of the stable nitroxyl radical TEMPONE detected by means of GC and GC-MS has been examined and new metabolites have been described, i.e. the newly discussed metabolites have to be considered for the interpretation of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) measurements on using the spin probe TEMPONE.

[Solid phase microextraction (SPME) of sample preparation during of a complex biological matrix in biotransformation studies]. / Untersuchungen zum Einsatz der Festphasenmikroextraktion SPME bei der Probenvorbereitung aus einer komplexen biologischen Matrix im Rahmen von Biotransformationsstudien.

Within the scope of the investigation of drug metabolism in keratinocytes solid phase microextraction (SPME) was investigated as a suitable method for sample preparation. The application of SPME is based on the fact, that a amount of analyte is absorbed by the polymer fiber at equilibrium, and the fiber is localized on a tip of a GC-syringe. The stable nitroxyl radical TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramthylpiperidine-1-oxyl) and its apolar metabolite 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine were analyzed by SPME and subsequent GC using thymol as internal standard. By means of the headspace-technique and an apolar fiber the recovery rate of TEMPO and the metabolite was nearly 100% and the precision was high. However, the results of the direct SPME were unsatisfactory. In comparison with conventional liquid/liquid extraction and solid phase extraction SPE the SPME proved the best results with regard to recovery rate and precision. Furthermore, the main advantages of SPME are the renunciation of organic solvents, the saving of time, the possibility to reuse the fiber about 100-150 times and the option for a complete automatisation of the extraction procedure.

Registered nurse students: academic admission and progression.

Review of the literature reveals no current studies on predictors of registered nurse success in baccalaureate programs. This retrospective study investigated the relationship between preadmission variables for RNs (grade point average [GPA] in previous course work, year of birth, and number of years of full-time or part-time work prior to admission) and subsequent achievement in a baccalaureate nursing program. Eighty-one RNs, of which 65 completed the program, were the sample for this study. Predictions of success for the study were determined by program completion and final nursing GPA (NGPA). Factor analysis of the variables revealed that RNs who passed all challenge exams had significantly higher mean NGPAs than RNs who did not pass all challenges. Also, RNs who had not received a D in previous course work at the time of enrollment had significantly higher NGPAs than RNs who had received a D. The data found significant in this study can be useful to faculty admission committees in attempting to predict RN success in baccalaureate programs. It can also be helpful in promoting successful outcomes for RNs in generic programs.

The 'high-risk' nursing student: identifying the characteristics and learning style preferences.

Declining enrollment has heightened the awareness of nurse educators to the importance of a heterogenous pool of nursing students. The purpose of this study was to identify the learning style preferences and other characteristics of 50 nursing students who were defined as high-risk for academic difficulty in the baccalaureate nursing program. Based on the findings from the study, implications are drawn and a sample of instructional activities outlined.

Growth kinetics of the G2-phase of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, separated from anaerobically treated asynchronous cultures.

Cell cycle progression of G2 fractions (75-80% G2 (4C) cells) from 8 h anaerobically cultured asynchronous hyperdiploid Ehrlich ascites tumor cells strain Karzel, separated by centrifugal elutriation, was studied after reaeration by flow cytometric methods, including the BrdU-H33258 technique and dual parameter measurements. Analyses of the growth kinetics demonstrated that one fraction of the cell population proceeds through a normal cell cycle (2C----4C) with a generation time of about 20 h. Another portion entered a new cycle (4C----8C) to form cells with a DNA content up to 8C; mono-, bi- and polynucleate cells could be detected. After 15 h aerobic recultivation of the anaerobically cultured G2 cells, a fraction containing 80-85% with a DNA content of greater than 4C was separated. On recultivation, these cells pass a 4C----8C division cycle with a generation time of about 10 h, and a G1 period of less than 4 h.

Polyploidization of G2M phase cells separated from aerobically and anaerobically grown Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

G2-enriched fractions of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (up to 80%-85% G2 cells) separated from anaerobically and aerobically cultured asynchronous populations by centrifugal elutriation revealed the same growth characteristics after recultivation under standard conditions: a significant proportion of cells with increased DNA (DNA content greater than 4C) emerged. Interruption of DNA synthesis by deprivation of oxygen may account for polyploidization (over-replication) of DNA but other mechanisms must be taken into consideration.