Abstract: Radiofrequency (RF) coil unit and a housing for the RF coil unit is provided. The RF coil unit can include a substantially annular body having a concave indent along a longitudinal direction along the substantially annular body such that when a head of the patient is inserted into an interior of the substantially annular body, at least a portion of the head of the patient is viewable and accessible from a location exterior to the substantially annular body. The housing for the RF coil unit can include a channel to receive the RF coil unit of a MRI device. The housing can enclose regions with high voltages (e.g., 1000 Volts) and/or separate these regions from patient body parts by, for example, including insulating material, thereby enhancing a safety of the patient.

Abstract: Radiofrequency (RF) coil unit and a housing for the RF coil unit is provided. The RF coil unit can include a substantially annular body having a concave indent along a longitudinal direction along the substantially annular body such that when a head of the patient is inserted into an interior of the substantially annular body, at least a portion of the head of the patient is viewable and accessible from a location exterior to the substantially annular body. The housing for the RF coil unit can include a channel to receive the RF coil unit of a MRI device. The housing can enclose regions with high voltages (e.g., 1000 Volts) and/or separate these regions from patient body parts by, for example, including insulating material, thereby enhancing a safety of the patient.

Abstract: Radiofrequency (RF) coil unit and a housing for the RF coil unit is provided. The RF coil unit can include a substantially annular body having a concave indent along a longitudinal direction along the substantially annular body such that when a head of the patient is inserted into an interior of the substantially annular body, at least a portion of the head of the patient is viewable and accessible from a location exterior to the substantially annular body. The housing for the RF coil unit can include a channel to receive the RF coil unit of a MRI device. The housing can enclose regions with high voltages (e.g., 1000 Volts) and/or separate these regions from patient body parts by, for example, including insulating material, thereby enhancing a safety of the patient.

Abstract: A method of determining tyrosinase activity of a cell is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) contacting the cell with a phenol under conditions wherein tyrosinase of the cell catalyzes a reaction with said phenol, so as to generate a product which produces an electrical signal; and (b) measuring a level of the electrical signal, thereby determining tyrosinase activity of the cell. Use of the method for detecting melanoma in skin samples is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and systems for performing ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsies. A template having a plurality of apertures and attached to a transrectal ultrasound probe is used for planning and guiding the biopsy. The template is placed against the patient's perineum and transverse ultrasound images having a projected template image are displayed. Planned biopsy locations are marked on the projected aperture image and biopsy samples are obtained through the corresponding template apertures. Sagittal ultrasounds may be viewed to ensure the correct depth of the biopsy needle during the biopsy. Information about the location of the biopsy sample can be recorded by identifying the template aperture through which the biopsy was obtained. Stored biopsy location information can be used for planning later treatments which can use a template having the same set of apertures.