Establishing a database of MR microscopic images of human embryos and an educational system for human embryology

1)采用1OT永磁体T1加权3D自旋回波序列(TR=100ms，TE=8-12ms，128X128X128图像体素)，在MR显微镜上采集人类胚胎(京都人类胚胎收藏)的三维(3D)图像，并累积4-16个信号以提高图像的信噪比。在8小时内获得了50-200微米立方体的空间分辨率，使人们能够观察到人类胚胎详细的外部和内部结构。为了便于对大量的人类胚胎(超过4000例)进行成像，我们研制了一台带有234T/40 cm超导磁体的四卡平行磁共振显微镜(超级平行磁共振显微镜)，以实现更高的空间分辨率。我们的目标是在未来几年内建立4000个胚胎的3D MR图像数据库。2)基于MR显微图像，我们开发了计算机图形(CG)动画和VRML系统，用于构建用于生物医学教育的人类产前发育教育软件。建立了脑、心、肝等特定器官的MR图像自动提取方法。3)制作了用于胚胎教育的人体发育3D模型和动画演示系统。到目前为止，已经制定了身体、头面部结构、四肢、心脏和大血管、消化道和中枢神经系统发育的试探性教育方案。该方法适用于医学教育的各个领域。

1) Three-dimensional (3D) MR microscope images of staged human embryos (Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos) were acquired using an MR microscope with a 1.OT permanent magnet T1 weighted 3D spin-echo imaging sequences,(TR=l00ms, TE =8-12ms, 128X128X128 image voxels) were used and 4-16 signals were accumulated to improve the SNR of the images. The spatial resolutions of 50-200 micron cube were obtained within 8 hours, which enabled to observe detailed external and internal structures of human embryos. To facilitate imaging of a large number of human embryos (over 4,000 cases), we developed a four-cal parallel MR microscope (super-parallel MR microscope) with a 234T/40cm superconducting magnet to achieve higher spatial resolutions. We aim at establishing a database of 3D MR images of 4,000 embryos within the next few years.2) Based on MR microscopic images, we developed a computer graphic (CG) animaltion and a VRML system for constructing educational softwares on human prenatal development for biomedical education. We established a method to automatically extract the MR image of specific organs such as the brain, heart, and liver.3) We made 3D models and movie demonstration systems of human development for embryological education. So far, tentative educational programs have been made for the development of the body, craniofacial structures, limbs, heart and great vessels, digestive tract, and central nervous system. The method developed is applicable to various fields in medical education.