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A Metzler

Publications and source records attributed to A Metzler.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Functional MRI of the human motor cortex using single-shot, multiple gradient-echo spiral imaging.

In this study, we combined the advantages of a fast multi-slice spiral imaging approach with a multiple gradient-echo sampling scheme at high magnetic field strength to improve quantification of BOLD and inflow effects and to estimate T2* relaxation times in functional brain imaging. Eight echoes are collected with echo time (TE) ranging from 5 to 180 ms. Acquisition time per slice and echo time is 25 ms for a nominal resolution of 4 x 4 x 4 mm3. Evaluation of parameter images during rest and stimulation yields no significant activation on the inflow sensitive spin-density images (rho or I0-maps) whereas clear activation patterns in primary human motor cortex (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA) are detected on BOLD sensitive T2*-maps. The calculation of relaxation times and rates of the activated areas over all subjects yields an average T2* +/- standard deviation (SD) of 46.1+/-4.5 ms (R2* of 21.8+/-2.2 s(-1)) and an average increase (deltaT2* +/- SD) of 0.93+/-0.47 ms (deltaR2* of -0.4+/-0.14 s(-1)). Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of a multiple gradient echo data acquisition approach in separating various vascular contributions to brain activation in fMRI.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Use of silica as a carrier to recover and prepare waterborne enteric viruses for detection by RT-PCR.

A rapid, efficient and inexpensive method was developed to concentrate poliovirus type 1 (PV1), rotavirus (RV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) from artificially spiked samples of tap and surface water. The method consists of adsorbing the viruses to silicon dioxide (SiO2) in the presence of 0.5 mM AlCl3 and adjustment of the pH to 3.5. The silica-adsorbed virus was collected by low speed centrifugation. Viral RNA was then extracted with guanidium thiocyanate (GT), and environmental nucleases and inhibitors of reverse transcriptase and Taq polymerase were further eliminated from concentrates by sequential treatment with GT, ethanol and acetone. Subsequent RT-PCR allowed the detection of as few as 1 to 10 TCID50 of PV1, RV, and HAV in seeded 1 liter samples of tap water. The same protocol was then used with effluents from two local sewage treatment plants. These samples, found to be free of HAV, were most commonly contaminated with enteroviruses and rotaviruses. Addition of 1000 TCID50 of HAV, PV1 or RV to a second 1 liter sample, taken at the same time from the corresponding surface waters allowed detection of the input virus without discernible inhibition by amplification inhibitors. The newly established method seems amenable to scaling up and promising for virus monitoring in different water types. The method is rapid and results can be obtained within 24 to 36 hours.

Feces↗
PubMed1996

Correlation-peak imaging.

Identification and quantitation in conventional 1H spectroscopic imaging in vivo is often hampered by the small chemical-shift range. To improve the spectral resolution of spectroscopic imaging, homonuclear two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy has been combined with phase encoding of the spatial dimensions. From the theoretical description of the coherence-transfer signal in the Fourier-transform domain, a comprehensive acquisition and processing strategy is presented that includes optimization of the width and the position of the acquisition windows, matched filtering of the signal envelope, and graphical presentation of the cross peak of interest. The procedure has been applied to image the spatial distribution of the correlation peaks from specific spin systems in the hypocotyl of castor bean (Ricinus communis) seedlings. Despite the overlap of many resonances, correlation-peak imaging made it possible to observe a number of proton resonances, such as those of sucrose, beta-glucose, glutamine/glutamate, lysine, and arginine.

Ricinus communis↗
PubMed1995

In situ inactivation of animal viruses and a coliphage in nonaerated liquid and semiliquid animal wastes.

The persistence of five animal viruses, representing picorna-, rota-, parvo-, adeno-, and herpesviruses, and the coliphage f2 was determined in the field by exposing the viruses to different animal wastes and by adopting an established filter sandwich technique. This technique allows us to copy the natural state of viruses in the environment, where adsorption onto or incorporation into suspended solids may prolong virus survival. Using filter sandwiches either equipped with porous (15 nm in diameter) or poreless polycarbonate (PC) membranes, it was possible to differentiate between overall virus inactivation and the effect of virucidal agents that act through poreless PC membranes. Depending on ambient temperature, pH, and type of animal waste, values for time, in days, required for a 90% reduction of virus titer varied widely, ranging from less than 1 week for herpesvirus to more than 6 months for rotavirus. Virus inactivation progressed substantially faster in liquid cattle manure, a mixture of urine and water (pH > 8.0), than in semiliquid wastes that consisted of mixtures of feces, urine, water, and bedding materials (pH < 8.0). Hitherto unidentified virucidal agents that permeate poreless PC membranes contributed substantially to the overall inactivation. On the other hand, substances that protect rotavirus and possibly other viruses from inactivation may be present in animal wastes. Together, the study showed that viruses contained in manure may persist for prolonged periods of time if stored under nonaerated conditions. At times of land application, this may lead to environmental contamination with pathogens.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1995

Detection of Borna disease virus RNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded brain tissues by nested PCR.

A method for detecting Borna disease virus (BDV) RNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded brain tissue sections was established. By digestion with proteinase K and subsequent extraction with guanidinium thiocyanate, phenol, and chloroform, we were able to efficiently release RNA from the fixed tissues. By reverse transcription of the RNA and nested PCR a 212-bp product was generated, as expected.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

[Natural borna virus infection in rabbits].

Two spontaneous cases of Bornea disease in rabbits are reported. With the help of fluorescence-serological methods it was possible to detect virus-specific antibodies in the brain and serum of both animals. Demonstration of viral antigen in the brain is a valuable supplement to cell culture from brains. The findings confirm earlier reports that the natural host spectrum of Borna virus includes the rabbit, in addition to the horse and sheep.

Animals↗