Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Synchrotrons”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Comparison of in-phantom dose distributions for coronary angiography using an x-ray machine and synchrotron radiation.

Coronary cineangiography using synchrotron radiation is anticipated, owing to the high intensity and availability of monoenergy. To investigate allowable dose levels in clinical application, absorbed dose distribution in a tissue substitute phantom for a conventional x-ray machine was measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters at the University of Tsukuba under the practical conditions used for digital angiography. The dose rate at a 0.5-cm depth was 0.145 Gy/s, and the dose per frame was 0.725 mGy for the irradiation period of 5 ms per frame. For synchrotron radiation, the dose distribution measurement was made at a 5-GeV AR (Accumulation Ring) of the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, in which a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom was irradiated with the strongest beam available at the facility, which was 33.32 keV, 5.2 x 6.2 cm2 beam. Using this beam, a 1-mm-diameter coronary artery has been visualized at 1% iodine concentration at the AR. Nonhomogeneous strength distribution in the beam was observed in the vertical direction. The maximum dose rate was 0.556 Gy/s, and it attenuated to 1/3000 at a 30-cm depth in the beam center. At the deep positions, the doses were influenced by the high harmonics, which was confirmed with an EGS4 Monte Carlo calculation. Outside the beam, beam contamination on both sides of the main beam affected the doses. For comparison to the x-ray machine, the measured dose was analytically converted to that needed for a 5.2 x 16 cm2 beam that is used for clinical application. The dose rate at 0.5-cm depth was found to be 0.215 Gy/s, which is 1.48 times larger than that for x-rays. Moreover, the attenuation rate in the phantom was significantly greater than that of the x-ray machine, because of the difference of the energy spectra between the x-rays and synchrotron radiation used.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Small-vessel radiography in situ with monochromatic synchrotron radiation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of a radiographic system with monochromatic synchrotron radiation to depict small vessels and peripheral secretory ducts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiography of various organs was tested in 14 anesthetized dogs and pancreatography was performed in an excised human pancreas by using the following system: monochromatic synchrotron radiation with an energy level just above the k absorption edge of iodine as an x-ray source and a high-definition TV system with a high-light-sensitivity image pick-up tube camera coupled with a fluorescent screen as a detector. RESULTS: This system allowed depiction of small vessels (diameter < 50-100 microns) of the heart (penetrating transmural artery), brain (perforating arteries that arise directly in the circle of Willis), and intestinal organs (vasa recta and their submucosal communications) and of small branches (down to the fifth order) of the pancreatic duct. CONCLUSION: The synchrotron radiation system may be useful for evaluating microcirculatory disorders and early-stage malignant tumors in various human organs.

Adult↗

Mammography with synchrotron radiation: phase-detection techniques.

The authors evaluated the effect on mammographic examinations of the use of synchrotron radiation to detect phase-perturbation effects, which are higher than absorption effects for soft tissue in the energy range of 15-25 keV. Detection of phase-perturbation effects was possible because of the high degree of coherence of synchrotron radiation sources. Synchrotron radiation images were obtained of a mammographic phantom and in vitro breast tissue specimens and compared with conventional mammographic studies. On the basis of grades assigned by three reviewers, image quality of the former was considerably higher, and the delivered dose was fully compatible.

Absorption↗

[Radiation therapy with synchrotron radiation and cisplatin-based chemotherapy as a treatment of gliomas].

The application of synchrotron radiation in medicine dates back to more than one decade. In particular, a team of researchers led by Dr. F. Esteve has been working for several years in the Grenoble Synchrotron (ESRF) on radiotherapy treatments to heal brain tumors. The team has recently obtained a very promising new result. Gliomas the commonest brain tumor in the adult and the mean survival in advanced disease patients is lower than one year. Conventional radiation therapy is used palliatively since it is one of the most radiotherapy-resistant tumors. Moreover, chemotherapy and surgery have no utility in most cases. Experiments at the Grenoble Synchrotron have been carried out in mice with gliomas and they consist of injecting cysplatine into the tumors so that an intense monochromatic radiation is applied afterwards. Half-life of sick untreated mice is 28 days. With the use of cysplatine alone, it expands to 48 days. However, the association of two treatments supposes a half-life of 206 days (six times greater than in untreated mice). After one year of treatment, 34% of animals remain alive, which constitutes a result never seen before in this type of radio-resistant tumors.

Animals↗

Inhomogeneous vasodilatory responses of rat tail arteries to heat stress: evaluation by synchrotron radiation microangiography.

Tail blood flow is crucial for dissipating body heat in rats. Angiographies are convenient tools to evaluate tail circulation. However, conventional angiographies do not have sufficient sensitivity or spatial resolution for small vessels. Recently, we developed a novel microangiographic system using monochromatic synchrotron radiation and a high-definition video camera system. Here, we report an evaluation of rat tail circulation under heat stress using the synchrotron radiation microangiographic system. We performed an experiment using the microangiography of the caudal artery before and after heating up WKAH/HkmSlc rats to rectal temperature of 39 degrees C. The images were digitized and temporal subtraction was performed, and the diameters of caudal arteries were evaluated. After heating, the medial caudal artery was markedly dilated (320 +/- 53 to 853 +/- 243 micro m in diameter, p<0.001), while no significant change was observed in the lateral caudal arteries (139 +/- 42 to 167 +/- 73 micro m) and segmental anastomosing vessels. The heat stress allowed for visualization of the superficial caudal arteries with a diameter of approximately 60 micro m, not visible prior to heating. Thus, synchrotron radiation microangiography demonstrated that the rat tail possessed dual sets of arteries; one set was highly sensitive to heat-induced vasodilation (medial caudal artery and superficial caudal arteries) and the other set was less sensitive (lateral caudal arteries and segmental anastomosing vessels).

Angiography↗

Synchrotron radiation imaging of internal structures in live animals.

Ionizing radiation has long been used in medicine since the discovery of X-rays. Diagnostic imaging using synchrotron radiation has been under investigation since Rubenstein et al. reported dual-energy iodine-K-edge subtraction coronary angiography. Recently, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have provided better quality results than conventional radiology, providing important information on human internal structures. However, such techniques are unable to detect fine micron sized structures for the early diagnosis of tumors, vascular diseases and other medical objectives. Third generation synchrotron X-rays are well known for their superiority in coherence and energy tunability with respect to conventional X-rays. Consequently, new contrast mechanisms with a superior spatial resolution are becoming available. Here we present the extremely fine details of live animal internal structures using unmonochromatized synchrotron X-rays (white beam) and a simple detector system. Natural movements of the internal organs are also shown. The results indicate that this imaging technique can be applied to investigating microstructures and evaluating the function of the internal organs. Furthermore, this imaging system may be applied to humans as the next tool beyond CT and MRI.

Animals↗

Digitized cerebral synchrotron radiation angiography: quantitative evaluation of the canine circle of Willis and its large and small branches.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Conventional X-ray angiography lacks the sensitivity and spatial resolution needed to detect small amounts of iodinated contrast material and to quantitate diameters of the small vessels in the brain. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether digitized synchrotron radiation microangiography, with the use of a high-definition TV camera system, can accurately show small cerebral vessels. METHODS: Six anesthetized dogs were exposed to monochromatic synchrotron radiation with an energy level of 33.3 keV optimized for iodine detection while iodinated contrast material was injected into the brachiocephalic and vertebral arteries. The images were detected with a high-definition TV camera system with a spatial resolution of 30 microm. In all, 26 cerebral angiograms of the circle of Willis with its branches were obtained, and the images were digitized at a workstation. RESULTS: The small branches of the circle of Willis were clearly visible on all images. Vasodilatation of the circle of Willis and its large and small branches induced by CO2 inhalation was quantitatively confirmed on the images: for example, the diameter of one small branch was increased from 0.24 +/- 0.04 mm to 0.38 +/- 0.12 mm. Temporal subtraction improved the image quality. CONCLUSION: The synchrotron radiation angiographic system is useful for visualizing large and small vessels deep in the brain as well as for quantitating their diameters.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

[Refraction-contrast bone imaging using synchrotron radiation].

The X-ray refraction-contrast imaging using synchrotron radiation with some X-ray energies is successfully performed at B120B2 of SPring-8. The refraction-contrast images of bone samples such as human dried proximal phalanx, wrist, upper cervical vertebrae and sella turcica, and as mouse proximal femur, using the synchrotron X-ray are always better in image contrast and resolution than those of the absorption-contrast images using the synchrotron X-ray and/or the conventional X-ray tube. There is much likeness in the image contrast and resolution of trabeculae bone in the human dried proximal phalanx between X-ray energy of 30 keV at sample-to-film distance of 1m and those of 40, 50 keV at those of 4,5m, respectively. High-energy refraction-constrast imaging with suitable sample-to-film distance could reduce the exposure dose in human imaging. In the refraction-contrast imaging of human wrist, upper cervical vertebrae, sella turcica and mouse proximal femur using the synchrotoron X-ray, we can obtain better image contrast and resolution to correctly extract morphological information for diagnosis corresponding to each of the clinical field than those of the absorption-contrast images.

Animals↗

Synchrotron photoactivation of cisplatin elicits an extra number of DNA breaks that stimulate RAD51-mediated repair pathways.

Combination of cis-platinum with ionizing radiation is one of the most promising anticancer treatments that appears to be more efficient than radiotherapy alone. Unlike conventional X-ray emitters, accelerators of high energy particles like synchrotrons display powerful and monochromatizable radiation that makes the induction of an Auger electron cascade in cis-platinum molecules [also called photoactivation of cis-platinum (PAT-Plat)] theoretically possible. Here, we examined the molecular consequences of one of the first attempts of synchrotron PAT-Plat, performed at the European Synchrotron Research Facility (Grenoble-France). PAT-Plat was found to result in an extra number of slowly repairable DNA double-strand breaks, inhibition of DNA-protein kinase activity, dramatic nuclear relocalization of RAD51, hyperphosphorylation of the BRCA1 protein, and activation of proto-oncogenic c-Abl tyrosine kinase.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Structural inhomogeneity in mammography quality control phantoms detected by refraction-enhanced synchrotron radiation imaging.

Synchrotron radiation imaging with the refraction-enhancement mode visualized structural inhomogeneities in phantoms used for image quality control of mammography. Eight phantoms were examined, all of which were manufactured in the United States and approved by the American College of Radiology as dedicated phantoms. In addition to fiber- and mass-mimicking test objects, each phantom has 5 groups of calcification specks of various sizes. Synchrotron radiation (SR) imaging was performed at Spring-8, a synchrotron radiation facility in Japan. Images were obtained with monochromatic 20-keV x-ray beams, a radiation field of 15 mm X 26 mm at a sample plane, a CCD camera with a resolution of 6 micrometers as a detector, and a sample-to-detector distance of 10 to 11 m. Two hundred and forty specks were evaluated in total in the SR images, and the surrounding area of each speck was also included. Evaluation of the images showed that 14 crack-like structures were depicted near specks, and there were 62 specks with attached void(s) or air bubble(s). Refraction-enhanced SR imaging sensitively detected structural inhomogeneities and abnormalities in phantoms which were implicitly agreed to have a homogeneous matrix and test objects without foreign substances. A possible manufacturing-dependent quality issue was identified. The effect of inhomogeneities detected by SR imaging on visual scoring of specks could not be identified in the tested phantoms; this should be assessed on images of other phantoms in a future study.

Mammography↗

[Synchrotron radiation techniques for structural characterisation of biological entities: an example with renal stone analysis].

This paper describes the opportunities given by the synchrotron radiation techniques regarding the structural characterisation of biological entities. After a short recall on the characteristics of the synchrotron radiation, are described the experimental devices based on fluorescence X, wide angle X-ray scattering and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which may applied for biological samples, especially in the field of stone analysis. Recent progresses in medical research using synchrotron radiation will be also discussed.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Ultraspatially-resolved synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy of plant tissue in situ.

Routine use of 6 microm or 12 microm apertures with synchrotron microspectroscopy provide good spectra without excessive co-addition of scans. 100% mapping by stepping in pixel sized increments reveals chemical heterogeneity within cellular dimensions. The brightness of the synchrotron source and the absence of thermal noise compared to a conventional thermal (globar) source yields favorable signal-to-noise operation. The nondivergent characteristics of the source result in minimal loss of radiation at the aperture, hence, spatial resolution approaches the diffraction limit. Details of cellular dimensions are then localized within any maps produced and individual spectra obtained from adjacent pixels clearly shows the striking difference in chemistry even within a microscopic vicinity. In this report the mapping of plant tissue with the synchrotron is contrasted to previous lower spatial resolution mapping experiments done with the globar on similar materials using interpolation between separated sampling spots and larger apertures.

Absorption↗

High-spin- and low-spin-state structures of [Fe(chloroethyltetrazole)6](ClO4)2 from synchrotron powder diffraction data.

The spin-crossover complex [Fe(teec)(6)](ClO(4))(2) (teec = chloroethyltetrazole) exhibits a 50 % incomplete spin crossover in the temperature range 300-30 K. Time-resolved synchrotron powder diffraction experiments have been carried out to elucidate its structural behavior. We report crystal structure models of this material at 300 K (high spin) and 90 K (low spin), as solved from synchrotron powder diffraction data by using Genetic Algorithm and Parallel Tempering techniques and refined with Rietveld refinement. During short synchrotron powder diffraction experiments (five minutes duration) two distinguishable lattices were observed the quantities of which vary with temperature. The implication of this phenomenon, that is interpreted as a structural phase transition associated with the high-to-low spin crossover, and the structural characteristics of the high-spin and low-spin models are discussed in relation to other compounds showing a similar type of spin-crossover behavior.

Journal Article↗

A synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy investigation of fungal hyphae grown under optimal and stressed conditions.

Synchrotron FTIR can provide high spatial resolution (<10 microm pixel size) in situ biochemical analyses of intact biotissues, an area of increasing importance in the post-genomic era, as gene functions and gene networks are coming under direct scrutiny. With this technique, we can simultaneously assess multiple aspects of cell biochemistry and cytoplasmic composition. In this paper, we report the first results of our synchrotron FTIR examination of hyphae of three important fungal model systems, each with sequenced genomes and a wealth of research: Aspergillus, Neurospora, and Rhizopus. We have analyzed the FTIR maps of Aspergillus nidulans cells containing the hypA1 allele, a well-characterized single-gene temperature-sensitive morphogenetic mutation. The hypA1 cells resemble wildtype at 28 degrees C but have growth defects at 42 degrees C. We have also investigated Neurospora and Rhizopus cultures grown in media with optimal or elevated pH. Significant differences between the spectra of the three fungi are likely related to differences in composition and structure. In addition, high spatial resolution synchrotron FTIR spectroscopy provides an outstanding method for monitoring subtle subcellular changes that accompany environmental stress.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

Trace element determinations using a 15-keV synchrotron X-ray microprobe.

At the Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS), Daresbury, U.K., a synchrotron microprobe was constructed, in order to create an instrument capable of analyzing at the ppm or in favorite cases sub-ppm level with a lateral resolution of 10 x 15 microns2. In order to span a wide range of elements to be analyzed, a beam energy of 15 keV was chosen. Focusing and monochromation of the white beam was done in one single step with a high-precision ellipsoidally concave curved Si(111) crystal. Sufficient flux of X-rays in a narrow energy band is available in the spot to measure trace elements at the femtogram level. Measurements on standard materials, reference standard materials, and biological samples showed the lower relative minimum detection limits and higher sensitivity for the higher Z-elements obtainable with micro-SXRF (synchrotron X-ray fluorescence) as compared with microtechniques using ion accelerators. Moreover, the much lower energy deposited in the specimen represents a major argument to prefer X-rays to ions for the analysis of radiation-sensitive samples.

Animals↗

In situ synthesis of mixed-valent manganese oxide nanocrystals: an in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study.

Phase transformations of materials can be studied by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. However, most reported in situ synchrotron XRD studies focus on solid state/gel systems by measuring phase/structure changes during application of pressure or heat. Phase transformations during material synthesis and their applications, especially in wet chemistry processes with different media, have not drawn much attention. Here, using manganese oxides as examples, we report the successful characterization of phase transformations in in situ hydrothermal synthesis conditions by the in situ synchrotron XRD method using a quartz/sapphire capillary tube as the synthesis reactor. The results were used for better design of materials with controlled structures and properties. This method can be generally used for synthesis of manganese oxides as well as for in situ characterization of other material syntheses using hydrothermal, sol-gel, and other methods. In addition, catalytic processes in liquid-solid, gas-solid, and solid-solid systems can also be studied in such an in situ way so that catalytic mechanisms can be better understood and catalyst synthesis and catalytic processes can be optimized.

Journal Article↗

Application of advanced synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy to animal nutrition and feed science: a novel approach.

Synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform IR (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy has been developed as a rapid, direct, non-destructive and bioanalytical technique. This technique, taking advantage of synchrotron light brightness and a small effective source size, is capable of exploring the molecular chemistry within the microstructures of a biological tissue without the destruction of inherent structures at ultraspatial resolutions within cellular dimensions. This is in contrast to traditional 'wet' chemical methods, which, during processing for analysis, often result in the destruction of the intrinsic structures of feeds. To date there has been very little application of this technique to the study of feed materials in relation to animal nutrient utilisation. The present article reviews four applications of the SR-FTIR bioanalytical technique as a novel approach in animal nutrition and feed science research. Application 1 showed that using the SR-FTIR technique, intensities and the distribution of the biological components (such as lignin, protein, lipid, structural and non-structural carbohydrates and their ratios) in the microstructure of plant tissue within cellular dimensions could be imaged. The implication from this study is that we can chemically define the intrinsic feed structure and compare feed tissues according to spectroscopic characteristics, functional groups, spatial distribution and chemical intensity. Application 2 showed that the ultrastructural-chemical makeup and density of yellow- and brown-seeded Brassica rape could be explored. This structural-chemical information could be used for the prediction of rapeseed quality and nutritive value for man and animals and for rapeseed breeding programmes for selecting superior varieties for special purposes. More research is required to define the extent of differences that exist between the yellow- and brown-seeded Brassica rape. Application 3 showed with the SR-FTIR technique that chemical differences in the ultrastructural matrix of endosperm tissue between Harrington (malting-type) and Valier (feed-type) barley in relation to rumen degradation characteristics could be identified. The results indicated that the greater association of the protein matrix with the starch granules in the endosperm tissue of Valier barley may limit the access of ruminal micro-organisms to the starch granules and thus reduce the rate and extent of rumen degradation relative to that of Harrington barley. It is the first time that the microstructural matrix in the endosperm of barley has been revealed by using the SR-FTIR technique, which makes it possible to link feed intrinsic structures to nutrient utilisation and digestive behaviour in ruminants. Application 4 showed with the SR-FTIR technique that the chemical features of various feed protein (amide I) secondary structures (such as feather, wheat, oats and barley) could be quantified. With a multi-component fitting program (Lorentz function), the results showed feather containing about 88% beta-sheet and 4% alpha-helix, barley containing about 17% beta-sheet and 71% alpha-helix; oats containing about 2% beta-sheet and 92% alpha-helix; and wheat containing about 42% beta-sheet and 50% alpha-helix. The relative percentage of the two may influence protein value. A high percentage of beta-sheet may reduce the access of gastrointestinal digestive enzymes to the protein structure. Further study is required on feed protein secondary structures in relation to enzyme accessibility and digestibility. In conclusion, the SR-FTIR technique can be used for feed science and animal nutrition research. However, the main disadvantage of this technique is the requirement for a special light source; a synchrotron beam.

Animal Feed↗

Relaxation oscillations of the synchrotron motion caused by narrow-band impedances.

Although the linearized theory of small amplitude synchrotron oscillations and the instability thresholds derived from it have long been understood, there is no satisfactory description of the large amplitude highly nonlinear synchrotron motion of a bunched beam. With an appropriate tuning of the RF cavity impedance, large amplitude, low frequency, self-sustained relaxation oscillations of this synchrotron motion are generated. This paper presents detailed experimental data on such behavior, tracking code results that reproduce the important characteristics, and a simple analytical model that explains the key features of the relaxation oscillation: growth of the instability, saturation of the oscillation, breakup of the bunch, and subsequent damping of the system back to the beginning of the next cycle of the relaxation oscillation.

Journal Article↗