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To increase granularity in human neuroimaging science, we designed and built a next-generation 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner to reach ultra-high resolution by implementing several advances in hardware. To improve spatial encoding and increase the image signal-to-noise ratio, we developed a head-only asymmetric gradient coil (200 mT m −1 , 900 T m −1 s −1 ) with an additional third layer of windings. We integrated a 128-channel receiver system with 64- and 96-channel receiver coil arrays to boost signal in the cerebral cortex while reducing g-factor noise to enable higher accelerations. A 16-channel transmit system reduced power deposition and improved image uniformity. The scanner routinely performs functional imaging studies at 0.35–0.45 mm isotropic spatial resolution to reveal cortical layer functional activity, achieves high angular resolution in diffusion imaging and reduces acquisition time for both functional and structural imaging. A combination of hardware developments has increased the achievable spatial resolution in 7 Tesla human neuroimaging to about 0.4 mm.

The first phase of the Human Connectome Project pioneered advances in MRI technology for mapping the macroscopic structural connections of the living human brain through the engineering of a whole-body human MRI scanner equipped with maximum gradient strength of 300 mT/m, the highest ever achieved for human imaging. While this instrument has made important contributions to the understanding of macroscale connectional topology, it has also demonstrated the potential of dedicated high-gradient performance scanners to provide unparalleled in vivo assessment of neural tissue microstructure. Building on the initial groundwork laid by the original Connectome scanner, we have now embarked on an international, multi-site effort to build the next-generation human 3T Connectome scanner (Connectome 2.0) optimized for the study of neural tissue microstructure and connectional anatomy across multiple length scales. In order to maximize the resolution of this in vivo microscope for studies of the living human brain, we will push the diffusion resolution limit to unprecedented levels by (1) nearly doubling the current maximum gradient strength from 300 mT/m to 500 mT/m and tripling the maximum slew rate from 200 T/m/s to 600 T/m/s through the design of a one-of-a-kind head gradient coil optimized to minimize peripheral nerve stimulation; (2) developing high-sensitivity multi-channel radiofrequency receive coils for in vivo and ex vivo human brain imaging; (3) incorporating dynamic field monitoring to minimize image distortions and artifacts; (4) developing new pulse sequences to integrate the strongest diffusion encoding and highest spatial resolution ever achieved in the living human brain; and (5) calibrating the measurements obtained from this next-generation instrument through systematic validation of diffusion microstructural metrics in high-fidelity phantoms and ex vivo brain tissue at progressively finer scales with accompanying diffusion simulations in histology-based micro-geometries. We envision creating the ultimate diffusion MRI instrument capable of capturing the complex multi-scale organization of the living human brain – from the microscopic scale needed to probe cellular geometry, heterogeneity and plasticity, to the mesoscopic scale for quantifying the distinctions in cortical structure and connectivity that define cyto- and myeloarchitectonic boundaries, to improvements in estimates of macroscopic connectivity.

While normal pelvic organ support has been defined for women with intact uterus, this is not the case for post- hysterectomy vault descent. A recent systematic review found that definitions of apical prolapse are highly variable. To investigate the relationship between prolapse symptoms and apical POP-Q measurements and establish cutoffs for 'significant apical descent using receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) statistics. Retrospective analysis of patients seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit. Evaluation included a standardized interview and clinical assessment using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system. ROC curves were prepared for the relationship between prolapse symptoms and POP-Q measure \"C\". The records of 3010 women were available for analysis. Prolapse symptoms were reported by 52.3% (n = 1573), with a mean bother of 5.9 (SD 3.0, range 0-10). POP-Q point \"C\" was associated with symptoms of prolapse (p <0.0001) and prolapse bother (p <0.0001) on both univariate and multivariate analysis. ROC curves for women with and without uterus were similar, although the relationship between apical descent and symptoms of prolapse was stronger for women with uterus (AUC 0.728 versus 0.678). After controlling for multi-compartment prolapse, the models improved, resulting in AUCs of 0.782 and 0.720. For prediction of prolapse symptoms, cutoffs were set at C = -5 (sensitivity 0.73, specificity 0.67 with uterus in situ, sensitivity 0.59, specificity, 0.73 after hysterectomy). A cut- off for 'significant central compartment descent' of 5 cm above the hymen on Valsalva seems valid regardless of previous hysterectomy.

Introduction and hypothesis Childbirth is an established risk factor of pelvic floor dysfunction. The role of pregnancy is, however, not fully understood. This study was designed to evaluate the potential effect of pregnancy on pelvic floor function. The hypothesis was: Pregnancy has no effect on urethral mobility and levator hiatal dimensions. Methods This was a reanalysis of the translabial 3D/4D ultrasound volume data of 688 nulliparous pregnant women seen in the late 3rd trimester and again 4 months postpartum and that of 74 nulliparous, nonpregnant volunteers in previously reported studies. Hiatal dimensions and urethral mobility were determined as the outcome parameters. Multivariate regression analysis was performed after adjusting for age and BMI between the pregnant and nonpregnant cohorts. Results Comparison of 3rd trimester data of the pregnant cohort with that of the nonpregnant nulliparae revealed a 27 % and 41 % increase in hiatal area at rest and on Valsalva and an increase in segmental urethral mobility by 64 % to 91 % in late pregnancy. About 70 % of this difference in hiatal dimensions, but virtually identical differences in urethral mobility, were observed when comparing nonpregnant controls with women 4 months after prelabour or 1st stage caesarean section. Conclusion Both hiatal dimensions and urethral mobility were markedly higher in women in late pregnancy and at 4 months after prelabour/1st stage caesarean section compared to nulliparous controls. The hormonal and mechanical changes of pregnancy may have an irreversible effect on the pelvic floor.

Introduction and hypothesis Levator avulsion is a common consequence of vaginal childbirth. It is associated with symptomatic female pelvic organ prolapse and is also a predictor of recurrence after surgical correction. Skills and hardware necessary for diagnosis by imaging are, however, not universally available. Diagnosis of avulsion may benefit from an elevated index of suspicion. The aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of the International Continence Society Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (ICS POP-Q) for the diagnosis of levator avulsion by tomographic 4D translabial ultrasound. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of data obtained in a tertiary urogynaecological unit. Subjects underwent a standardised interview, POP-Q examination and 4D translabial pelvic floor ultrasound. Avulsion of the puborectalis muscle was diagnosed by tomographic ultrasound imaging. We tested components of the ICS POP-Q associated with symptomatic prolapse and other known predictors of avulsion, including previous prolapse repair and forceps delivery with uni- and multivariate logistic regression. A risk score was constructed for clinical use. Results The ICS POP-Q components Ba, C, gh and pb were all significantly associated with avulsion on multivariate analysis, along with previous prolapse repair and forceps delivery. A score was assigned for each of these variables and patients were classified as low, moderate or high risk according to total score. The odds of finding an avulsion on ultrasound in patients in the “high risk” group were 12.8 times higher than in the “low risk” group. Conclusion Levator avulsion is associated with ICS POP-Q measures. Together with simple clinical data, it is possible to predict the risk of avulsion using a scoring system. This may be useful in clinical practice by modifying the index of suspicion for the condition.

Introduction and hypothesisThe term ‘maternal birth trauma’ has undergone substantial changes in meaning over the last 2 decades. Leaving aside psychological morbidity, somatic trauma is now understood to encompass not just episiotomy, perineal tears and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), but also trauma to the levator ani muscle. This review covers diagnosis of maternal birth trauma by translabial ultrasound imaging.MethodsNarrative review.ResultsTomographic imaging of pelvic structures with the help of 4D ultrasound, used since 2007, has allowed international standardization and seems to be highly reproducible and valid for the diagnosis of OASI and levator avulsion.ConclusionsTranslabial and exo-anal ultrasound allows the assessment of maternal birth trauma in routine clinical practice and the utilization of avulsion and sphincter trauma as key performance indicators of maternity services. It is hoped that this will lead to a greater awareness of maternal birth trauma among maternity caregivers and improved outcomes for patients, both in the short term and in the decades to come.

Clinical Obesity in Adults and Children A comprehensive and incisive exploration of obesity in society and the clinical setting In the newly revised Fourth Edition of Clinical Obesity in Adults and Children, a team of expert medical practitioners deliver a comprehensive exploration of the increasingly widespread disease of obesity. The book discusses topics such as the causes of obesity, the disease-model of obesity, the management of adult and childhood obesity, and policy approaches to obesity. Designed to enable readers to better understand the full complexity of obesity — both within society and in the clinical setting — the book discusses a disease that is the leading cause of ill health around the world. The editors have included contributions from leading international experts in their respective fields that address every major aspect of this often misunderstood disease. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: * Introductions to the history and scale of the obesity problem across the world and its epidemiology and social determinants * Comprehensive explorations of those affected by obesity, including fetal and infant origins, genetic causes, bias and stigma encountered by those affected by obesity, and the psychobiology of obesity * Practical discussions of obesity as a disease, including its co-morbidities of dyslipidemia, fertility, cardiovascular consequences, and obstructive sleep apnea * In-depth examinations of the management of obesity in adults and children, including contemporary approaches to clinical and dietary management, and behavioral treatments Perfect for doctors and allied health professionals who regularly work with patients suffering from obesity, Clinical;Obesity in Adults and Children will also earn a place in the libraries of health researchers and scholars studying obesity and nutrition, dieticians, nutritionists, and anyone else with a professional interest in an increasingly prevalent health problem.

There is increasing interest in imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance and ultrasound amongst pelvic floor surgeons, as evidenced by the number of workshops and conference presentations in this field. Ultrasound is employed more commonly, due to much lower costs, greater accessibility and practicability. Consequently, this review focuses on sonography. At this time, imaging is probably under-utilised in urogynaecology and female urology, although it has the potential to greatly benefit our patients. In this review, I will outline the main uses of imaging in the work-up of women with urinary incontinence, before and after treatment, and focus on areas in which this benefit to patients and clinicians is most evident.

Introduction and hypothesisWe assessed rotation/twisting of transobturator midurethral slings (TOTs) and tested for associations with de novo chronic pain and voiding dysfunction.MethodsA retrospective pilot study including patients seen after Monarc™ TOT surgery at a single tertiary hospital in 2005–2016. Patients underwent an interview, clinical examination, uroflowmetry and 4D pelvic floor ultrasound. Volume datasets were analyzed blinded against all other data. Sling rotation/twisting was evaluated in volumes obtained at rest. The sling axis was measured relative to the vertical in the midline and in the most lateral parasagittal slice. Total sling rotation was calculated by summation of absolute angle differences between midline and lateral angles. “Corkscrew” rotation was noted when direction of rotation was opposite on the contra-lateral side.ResultsThe study included 215 patients. Fifty-two (24%) were excluded, leaving 163. Mean age was 57 years (28–87; SD 12), mean BMI 29.4 kg/m2 (18.3–47.4, SD 6). Follow-up was at a median of 17 months (IQR 11–27). Chronic de novo pain was reported by 15 women (9%; dyspareunia by 11 and pelvic/vaginal pain by 4). On imaging, mean total sling rotation was 144° (12–335, SD 56). In the majority (n = 103, 63%) it rotated counter-clockwise from its midline position and in 30 (18%) it rotated clockwise. “Corkscrew” rotation was noted in 30 (18%). De novo chronic pain was associated with lower BMI and vaginal sling exposure but not with sling rotation. The latter was not found to be associated with voiding dysfunction either.ConclusionsMonarc™ TOTs rotate considerably throughout their course. The degree of twisting or rotation and its direction was not found to be associated with de novo postoperative chronic pain or voiding dysfunction.