White matter tract visualization using properties of termination coordinate eigenmaps

We present a fast and informative technique for determining colors that differentiate white matter pathways generated by deterministic diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) based on streamline termination coordinate (TC) locations in native space. In particular, terminations coordinates are mapped to a standard stereotactic space and colors are generated using a fast eigenmapping approach designed to provide a single eigenvector representing both TCs. This eigenvector is then colored by mapping the vector x‐coordinate to the red channel, the y‐coordinate to the green channel, and the z‐coordinate to the blue channel. This visualization technique generates a TC color (TCC) map and represents a novel technique for white matter anatomical visualization that does not require explicit white matter pathway segmentation. TCC maps of the pons, cerebral peduncle, thalamus, arcuate fasciculus, and corpus callosum are demonstrated and shown to correspond well with known white matter anatomy. Furthermore, TCC maps are consistent between subjects and may be modulated by the eigenvalue of the TCC map or streamline length to provide additional visual contrast. Finally, these color maps may be generated from deterministic or probabilistic tractography data that are computed from either diffusion tensor or high angular resolution diffusion‐weighted MRI acquisitions. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Brain tumor classification using the diffusion tensor image segmentation (D-SEG) technique

BackgroundThere is an increasing demand for noninvasive brain tumor biomarkers to guide surgery and subsequent oncotherapy. We present a novel whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) segmentation (D-SEG) to delineate tumor volumes of interest (VOIs) for subsequent classification of tumor type. D-SEG uses isotropic (p) and anisotropic (q) components of the diffusion tensor to segment regions with similar diffusion characteristics.MethodsDTI scans were acquired from 95 patients with low- and high-grade glioma, metastases, and meningioma and from 29 healthy subjects. D-SEG uses k-means clustering of the 2D (p,q) space to generate segments with different isotropic and anisotropic diffusion characteristics.ResultsOur results are visualized using a novel RGB color scheme incorporating p, q and T2-weighted information within each segment. The volumetric contribution of each segment to gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid spaces was used to generate healthy tissue D-SEG spectra. Tumor VOIs were extracted using a semiautomated flood-filling technique and D-SEG spectra were computed within the VOI. Classification of tumor type using D-SEG spectra was performed using support vector machines. D-SEG was computationally fast and stable and delineated regions of healthy tissue from tumor and edema. D-SEG spectra were consistent for each tumor type, with constituent diffusion characteristics potentially reflecting regional differences in tissue microstructure. Support vector machines classified tumor type with an overall accuracy of 94.7%, providing better classification than previously reported.ConclusionsD-SEG presents a user-friendly, semiautomated biomarker that may provide a valuable adjunct in noninvasive brain tumor diagnosis and treatment planning.     

大丁草中抗菌活性成分的研究Ⅳ

从秋季采收的菊科植物大丁草Gerbera anandria(L.)Sch Bip.全草中共分出十三种成分。本文报道其中三个新化合物的结构鉴定.它们分别是3,8-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-coumarin(ⅪⅩ),3,8-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-2-oxo-2 H-1-benzopyran-5-carboxylic acid(ⅩⅦ),和5,8-dihydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-5-methyl-coumarin-3-)-coumarin(ⅩⅪ)。     

Juvenile colloid milium: a case report

Juvenile colloid milium is extremely rare, has its onset before puberty, may be inherited, may be caused by ultraviolet light, and is thought to result from the degeneration of keratinocytes. We report a 7-year-old girl with juvenile colloid milium. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case in Turkey.     

Risky behavior in teens with cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and age of onset of common risky behaviors such as smoking and sexual activity in teens with cystic fibrosis and those with sickle cell disease and to compare their behaviors with those of adolescents in the general population. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: All five major pediatric tertiary care centers in North Carolina (study participants with sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis) and North Carolina public schools (comparison population). PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred twenty-one adolescents with cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease aged 12 to 19 years (mean age, 15.6 years; 49% female). Demographically matched comparison teens for each group were selected from 2760 in-school adolescents (mean age, 16.0 years; 51% female). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Prevalence of tobacco and marijuana use, alcohol use, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, seat belt use, weapon carrying, and age of onset of these behaviors. RESULTS: Chronically ill teens reported significantly less lifetime and current use of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol; less sexual intercourse; less weapon carrying, less drunk driving, and more seat belt use than their peers. Nonetheless, 21% of the teens with cystic fibrosis and 30% of those with sickle cell disease had smoked; sexual intercourse was reported by 28% and 51%, respectively. Age of onset of these behaviors was frequently older for the chronically ill teens. CONCLUSION: Teens with cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease took more potentially damaging health risks than might be expected, although the prevalence was lower than reported by their peers. Future longitudinal studies should examine the relationships between chronic illness, physical and psychosocial maturation, and risky behavior. Screening for psychosocial issues, including risky behaviors, should be incorporated into the routine health care of chronically ill teens.