This thesis focussed on inflammation observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early phases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and was divided into two parts. In the first part we explored the... Show moreThis thesis focussed on inflammation observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early phases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and was divided into two parts. In the first part we explored the prevalence of inflammation and erosions detected on MRI in the general population. In the second part, we studied the early phases of RA and assessed factors which could be associated with radiographic joint damage or local inflammation detected on MRI. Show less
Mulder, I.A.; Khmelinskii, A.; Dzyubachyk, O.; Jong, S. de; Wermer, M.J.H.; Hoehn, M.; ... ; Maagdenberg, A.M.J.M. van den 2017
The prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, is increasing to epidemic proportions. In 2014, 11% of men and 15% of women worldwide were obese. Thus, more than... Show moreThe prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, is increasing to epidemic proportions. In 2014, 11% of men and 15% of women worldwide were obese. Thus, more than half a billion adults worldwide are classed as obese. The fundamental cause of obesity is an imbalance between energy intake (excessive intake of energy-dense foods) and energy expenditure (reduced physical activity). People with obesity are at risk for a range of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Furthermore, obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, which is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of diabetes in 2014 was estimated to be 9%, of which 90% was comprised of type 2 diabetes. This thesis focuses on cardiovascular and cerebral dimensions and function in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. State-of-the-art imaging techniques are used to investigate links between the heart, liver, abdominal fat, and brain to elucidate parts of the complex relationships between these organs. Show less
In the early nineties, Sidles (1991) came with a solution to combine the force microscopy techniques sensitive to atoms with that of magnetic resonance techniques: Magnetic Resonance Force... Show moreIn the early nineties, Sidles (1991) came with a solution to combine the force microscopy techniques sensitive to atoms with that of magnetic resonance techniques: Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) was born. The technique was promising, big steps were taken, and the holy grail of atomic resolution imaging of biological tissues seemed within an arm’s reach. Unfortunately, the last steps are the most difficult. The technique is experimentally challenging and so far, the images of biological structures are no better than those obtained by other conventional techniques. In order to be an attractive technique, MRFM needs to be scientifically relevant while the technique is further improved towards the holy grail of imaging biological structures on the nanometer scale. In this thesis, we show how MRFM can usefully contribute to the field of condensed-matter. Show less
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness caused by DMD gene mutations leading to absence of the full-length dystrophin protein in muscle. Multiple... Show moreDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness caused by DMD gene mutations leading to absence of the full-length dystrophin protein in muscle. Multiple dystrophin isoforms are expressed in brain, but little is known about their function. DMD is associated with specific learning and behavioral disabilities which are more prominent in patients with mutations in the distal part of the DMD gene, predicted to affect expression of shorter protein isoforms. The aim of this thesis was to provide a detailed description of the structural, perfusion and metabolic differences in the brain between patients with DMD and healthy age-matched controls and to assess the role of dystrophin isoforms. Show less
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is most commonly caused by lumbar herniated disc; emergency decompressive surgery is essential to increase chances of recovery. Even though micturition, defecation and... Show moreCauda equina syndrome (CES) is most commonly caused by lumbar herniated disc; emergency decompressive surgery is essential to increase chances of recovery. Even though micturition, defecation and/or sexual function are by definition affected in CES patients, little is known about the outcome of these functions after surgical intervention. This thesis provides a comprehensive overview on presentation and on short- and long term outcome of CES after surgical intervention focused on micturition, defecation and sexual function, demonstrating high prevalences of dysfunction even at long term follow up. In addition, this thesis provides insight into attitude and practice patterns of neurosurgeons regarding discussing sexual health and fertility with spinal patients and explores the relationship between presenting MRI features and clinical features (both at outcome and at presentation). Show less
In this thesis I have described the introduction and validation of a new spatially non-selective arterial spin labeling (SNS-ASL) method in healthy subjects. Acceleration selective ASL (AccASL... Show moreIn this thesis I have described the introduction and validation of a new spatially non-selective arterial spin labeling (SNS-ASL) method in healthy subjects. Acceleration selective ASL (AccASL) was compared with pseudo continuous ASL (pCASL), a traditional ASL method, as well as other spatially non-selective ASL methods (velocity selective ASL, as introduced by Wong et al with two velocity-selective blocks, and using only a single labeling module), and with [15O]-H2O PET as the gold standard for brain perfusion imaging. By combining an AccASL with VSASL labeling module, the location of label origin in the vascular tree was assessed. Furthermore, time-encoded pCASL was explored in combination with SNS-ASL labeling modules to obtain insight into labeling at multiple post labeling delays (PLD). Finally, te-pCASL was combined with T2-Relaxation-under-Spin-Tagging (TRUST) to provide a time efficient method to distinguish spin compartments based on their T2-values. Show less
Hooijmans, M.T.; Niks, E.H.; Burakiewicz, J.; Anastasopoulos, C.; Berg, S.I. van den; Zwet, E. van; ... ; Kan, H.E. 2017
