Dataset Information

Imaging the human placental microcirculation with micro-focus computed tomography: Optimisation of tissue preparation and image acquisition.

ABSTRACT: Micro-CT provides 3D volume imaging with spatial resolution at the micrometre scale. We investigated the optimal human placenta tissue preparation (contrast agent, perfusion pressure, perfusion location and perfusion vessel) and imaging (energy, target material, exposure time and frames) parameters. Microfil (Flow Tech, Carver, MA) produced better fill than Barium sulphate (84.1%(±11.5%)vs70.4%(±18.02%) p = 0.01). Perfusion via umbilical artery produced better fill than via chorionic vessels (83.8%(±17.7%)vs78.0%(±21.9%), p < 0.05), or via umbilical vein (83.8%(±16.4%)vs69.8%(±20.3%), p < 0.01). Imaging at 50 keV with a molybdenum target produced the best contrast to noise ratio. We propose this method to enable quantification and comparison of the human fetoplacental vascular tree.

SUBMITTER: Pratt R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5730539 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Imaging the human placental microcirculation with micro-focus computed tomography: Optimisation of tissue preparation and image acquisition.

Pratt Rosalind R Hutchinson J Ciaran JC Melbourne Andrew A Zuluaga Maria A MA Virasami Alex A Vercauteren Tom T Ourselin Sebastien S Sebire Neil J NJ Arthurs Owen J OJ David Anna L AL

Placenta 20171003

Micro-CT provides 3D volume imaging with spatial resolution at the micrometre scale. We investigated the optimal human placenta tissue preparation (contrast agent, perfusion pressure, perfusion location and perfusion vessel) and imaging (energy, target material, exposure time and frames) parameters. Microfil (Flow Tech, Carver, MA) produced better fill than Barium sulphate (84.1%(±11.5%)vs70.4%(±18.02%) p = 0.01). Perfusion via umbilical artery produced better fill than via chorionic vessels (83 ...[more]

PMID: 29208237

Similar Datasets

Project description:This study used available or purchased equipment and an image reconstruction system developed by the college of dentistry to establish a basic self-assembled micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) system. Such a system would be suitable for teaching dental radiology to dental students. Specifically, it could help students to understand the principles governing dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and provide graduate students with a system for scanning small samples (e.g., individual teeth) during the early stages of research. The self-assembled micro-CT system was constructed using a portable dental X-ray tube, an intraoral digital X-ray detector, a high-precision rotation stage, related bracket accessories, and a notebook computer. Reconstructed images and three-dimensional models of the maxillary right third molar were produced using the self-assembled micro-CT system and an advanced commercially available micro-CT system (Skyscan 2211). Subsequently, the reconstructed images and 3D models produced using the two systems were compared by two senior dentists to determine whether considerable visual differences could be observed. Finally, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was used for quantitative analysis and to compare the systems. Although the self-assembled micro-CT system produced image boundaries that were not as sharp as those of Skyscan 2211, the images were nonetheless remarkably similar. In addition, the two micro-CT systems produced 3D models that were almost identical in appearance and root canal shape. Quantitative analysis revealed that Skyscan 2211 had produced a SNR that was superior to that of the self-assembled micro-CT system, with the difference ranging from 36.77% to 136.22%; enamel, which has a higher density, exhibited lower SNR differences, whereas dentin, which has a lower density, exhibited higher SNR differences. The self-assembled micro-CT system with a resolution of 36 μm was created using a portable dental X-ray tube and an intraoral digital X-ray detector. Although the scanning time was relatively long (~30 min to scan images of a tooth), the images were adequate in the preliminary stage of experiments. More importantly, students were afforded the opportunity to observe the process of assembling and disassembling each component of a micro-CT scanner and thereby achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the principles governing micro-CT and dental CBCT.

Project description:BackgroundMicro computed tomography (micro CT) has been shown to provide exceptionally high quality imaging of the fine structural detail within urinary calculi. We tested the idea that micro CT might also be used to identify the mineral composition of urinary stones non-destructively.MethodsMicro CT x-ray attenuation values were measured for mineral that was positively identified by infrared microspectroscopy (FT-IR). To do this, human urinary stones were sectioned with a diamond wire saw. The cut surface was explored by FT-IR and regions of pure mineral were evaluated by micro CT to correlate x-ray attenuation values with mineral content. Additionally, intact stones were imaged with micro CT to visualize internal morphology and map the distribution of specific mineral components in 3-D.ResultsMicro CT images taken just beneath the cut surface of urinary stones showed excellent resolution of structural detail that could be correlated with structure visible in the optical image mode of FT-IR. Regions of pure mineral were not difficult to find by FT-IR for most stones and such regions could be localized on micro CT images of the cut surface. This was not true, however, for two brushite stones tested; in these, brushite was closely intermixed with calcium oxalate. Micro CT x-ray attenuation values were collected for six minerals that could be found in regions that appeared to be pure, including uric acid (3515 - 4995 micro CT attenuation units, AU), struvite (7242 - 7969 AU), cystine (8619 - 9921 AU), calcium oxalate dihydrate (13815 - 15797 AU), calcium oxalate monohydrate (16297 - 18449 AU), and hydroxyapatite (21144 - 23121 AU). These AU values did not overlap. Analysis of intact stones showed excellent resolution of structural detail and could discriminate multiple mineral types within heterogeneous stones.ConclusionsMicro CT gives excellent structural detail of urinary stones, and these results demonstrate the feasibility of identifying and localizing most of the common mineral types found in urinary calculi using laboratory CT.

Dataset Information

Imaging the human placental microcirculation with micro-focus computed tomography: Optimisation of tissue preparation and image acquisition.

Publications

Imaging the human placental microcirculation with micro-focus computed tomography: Optimisation of tissue preparation and image acquisition.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets