What is currently not known about the microstructure of the fetal brain layers?5 answersThe current knowledge gap regarding the microstructure of fetal brain layers lies in the uncertainty surrounding the number of microstructural features that can be derived from Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) data based on the acquisition scheme. While studies have successfully identified and characterized various brain tissue microstructures using dMRI, the exact number of microstructural features that can be obtained from the data remains unclear. This limitation stems from the necessity of predefining the number of microstructural features in multi-compartmental models, which is a crucial aspect of the model but lacks clarity in terms of what is achievable with the given acquisition parameters. Further research is needed to elucidate the full extent of microstructural information that can be extracted from dMRI data to enhance our understanding of fetal brain development.
What is fetal programming in relation to 2D:4D?5 answersFetal programming refers to the concept that events during fetal life can have lasting effects on health and development across the lifespan, potentially leading to chronic diseases in adulthood. The 2D:4D digit ratio, a marker of prenatal testosterone exposure, has been linked to fetal programming. Studies have shown that 2D:4D may serve as a biomarker for developmental programming, with implications for physical abilities like handgrip strength. Additionally, prenatal testosterone levels have been associated with the development of callous-unemotional traits and externalizing behaviors in children, suggesting a potential link between prenatal testosterone exposure, 2D:4D digit ratio, and behavioral outcomes. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between prenatal factors, digit ratios, and long-term health outcomes.
How does magnetic resonance imaging determine the sex of chicken embryos?5 answersMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to determine the sex of chicken embryos by analyzing the position of the germinal disc. The germinal disc contains information that can be used to determine the genotypic sex of the egg. MRI is used to locate the germinal disc, which is typically found on top of the yolk. The position of the germinal disc can be influenced by the time spent in horizontal storage before scanning. Eggs that have been stored horizontally for longer periods of time show significant changes in the position of the germinal disc compared to freshly positioned eggs. By analyzing the position of the germinal disc using MRI, the sex of the chicken embryo can be determined early in the embryonic development.
What is the technological readiness of fetal standard plane recognition with AI?3 answersFetal standard plane recognition with AI has shown promising technological readiness. Several studies have proposed convolutional neural network (CNN) models for recognizing ultrasound standard planes of the fetal cranial brain. These models have achieved high recognition performance, with accuracy reaching up to 91.66%. Additionally, deep learning-based models, such as those combining CNN and recurrent neural network (RNN) components, have been developed to learn spatial and temporal features of ultrasound video streams. These models have demonstrated superior accuracy and performance compared to competing baselines. Another approach involves utilizing a detection framework that combines coarse-to-fine detection strategy and multi-task learning mechanism for feature-fused images. This framework has shown improved efficiency and accuracy in acquiring ultrasound standard planes. Furthermore, in the field of fetal and neonatal cardiology, AI-based methods have been developed for automatic recognition and classification of fetal heart ultrasonic standard planes, achieving high accuracy rates.
How are fetal mri brain volumes aligned in for transverse slices?5 answersFetal MRI brain volumes are aligned for transverse slices using various methods. One approach involves segmenting the reconstructed MR volume using a probabilistic atlas and simulating an ultrasound-like image volume from the segmentation. This ultrasound-like image volume is then affinely aligned with real ultrasound volumes using a robust block-matching approach. Another method involves localizing and segmenting the fetal brain in stacks of 2D slices using Maximally Stable Extremal Regions (MSER) and a Conditional Random Field (CRF). This segmentation process is combined with a robust motion correction method, allowing for refinement as the reconstruction proceeds. Additionally, a multi-task fully convolutional neural network (FCN) architecture has been proposed, which simultaneously learns features shared within the input data and branches out into task-specific output streams. This approach achieves brain alignment by defining a parametric coordinate system based on skull boundaries and intracranial structures.
What is the usefulness of 3D printing from fetal imaging?5 answers3D printing from fetal imaging has proven to be useful in various ways. It allows for the automatic generation and printing of fetal models, improving printing efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, 3D printing based on fetal imaging provides crucial spatial information that is lacking in conventional 2D imaging methods, making it ideal for creating accurate 3D models. This technology has the potential to enhance our understanding of fetal anatomy and can be used for educational purposes and to help parents visualize their unborn baby. Furthermore, the use of 3D printing in healthcare, specifically in the field of fetal imaging, can contribute to achieving a more sustainable healthcare system by balancing efficiency and effectiveness in health management.