The LATTICE Study: Design of a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of lithium to delay cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment.

Introduction: Interest has grown in lithium's neuroprotective properties in neurodegenerative illnesses. We discuss the design, rationale, and implementation of a pilot feasibility, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT) examining whether lithium can delay cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: The study launched in September 2017.

RF shimming strategy for an open 60-channel RF transmit 7T MRI head coil for routine use on the single transmit mode.

Purpose: To develop an radiofrequency (RF) shimming approach for operating the 2nd Generation Tic Tac Toe RF coil system (60 transmit channels integrated with 32-channel receive insert) for routine use in 7T neuro MRI on the single transmit mode.

Methods: RF simulations were performed and used to develop non-subject-specific RF shim cases over three anatomically detailed head models: adult male, adult female, and child female. Multi-ROI shimming strategies were developed and implemented.

Ultrashort echo time imaging for quantification of hepatic iron overload: Comparison of acquisition and fitting methods via simulations, phantoms, and in vivo data.

Background: Current R2*-MRI techniques for measuring hepatic iron content (HIC) use various acquisition types and fitting models.

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy and precision of R2*-HIC acquisition and fitting methods.

Study Type: Signal simulations, phantom study, and prospective in vivo cohort.