Functional Imaging Research Articles

Diffuse correlation tomography: a technique to characterize tissue blood flow abnormalities in benign and malignant breast lesions

Accurate assessment and quantification of neoangiogenesis associated with breast cancer could be potentially used to improve the sensitivity and specificity of non-invasive diagnosis, as well as predict outcomes and monitor treatment effects. In this study, we adapted an emerging technology, namely diffuse correlation tomography (DCT), to image microvascular blood flow in breast tissues and evaluate the potential for discriminating between benign and malignant lesions. A custom-made DCT system was designed for breast blood flow imaging, with both the source-detector array and reconstruction algorithm optimized to ensure precise imaging of breast blood flow. The global features and local features of three-dimensional blood flow images were extracted from the relative blood flow index (rBFI), which was obtained from most of the breasts targeted to the lesion. A total of 37 women with 19 benign and 18 malignant lesions were included in the study. Significant differences between malignant and benign groups were found in 12 image features. Moreover, when selecting the lesion mean relative blood flow index (MrBFI) as a single indicator, the malignant and benign tumors were discriminated with an accuracy of 89.2%. The blood flow features were found to successfully identify malignant and benign tumors, suggesting that DCT, as an alternate functional imaging modality, has the potential to be translated into clinical practice for diagnosis and assessment of breast cancers. There is potential to reduce the need for biopsy of benign lesions by improving the specificity of diagnostic imaging, as well as monitoring response to breast cancer treatment.

Multi-echo Acquisition and Thermal Denoising Advances Precision Functional Imaging.

The characterization of individual functional brain organization with Precision Functional Mapping has provided important insights in recent years in adults. However, little is known about the ontogeny of inter-individual differences in brain functional organization during human development. Precise characterization of systems organization during periods of high plasticity is likely to be essential for discoveries promoting lifelong health. Obtaining precision fMRI data during development has unique challenges that highlight the importance of establishing new methods to improve data acquisition, processing, and analysis. Here, we investigate two methods that can facilitate attaining this goal: multi-echo (ME) data acquisition and thermal noise removal with Noise Reduction with Distribution Corrected (NORDIC) principal component analysis. We applied these methods to precision fMRI data from adults, children, and newborn infants. In adults, both ME acquisitions and NORDIC increased temporal signal to noise ratio (tSNR) as well as the split-half reliability of functional connectivity matrices, with the combination helping more than either technique alone. The benefits of NORDIC denoising replicated in both our developmental samples. ME acquisitions revealed longer and more variable T2* relaxation times across the brain in infants relative to older children and adults, leading to major differences in the echo weighting for optimally combining ME data. This result suggests ME acquisitions may be a promising tool for optimizing developmental fMRI, albeit application in infants needs further investigation. The present work showcases methodological advances that improve Precision Functional Mapping in adults and developmental populations and, at the same time, highlights the need for further improvements in infant specific fMRI.

Rare benign breast neoplasm masquerading as malignancy on anatomical and functional imaging with contrast-enhanced mammography

We discuss a unique case of a benign breast neoplasm that initially appeared to be an intracystic papillary carcinoma on digital breast tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced mammogram. However, subsequent histopathological examination (HPE) revealed it to be a benign adenomyoepithelioma, an uncommon neoplasm in the breast. Understanding this rare condition and confirming it pre-operatively through HPE can prevent unnecessary aggressive treatment.

8607 Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: Influence of Brain Network Connectivity Changes on Affect

Abstract Disclosure: J. Andreano: None. A. Lopez: None. M. Misra: None. Background: Previous research indicates that acute gonadal treatments and fluctuations in ovarian hormone levels over the course of the menstrual cycle can alter patterns of communication between brain regions, as well as producing significant changes in self-reported affect. Recent research from our laboratory indicates changes in both brain connectivity and affect with gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). However, the relationship between these changes with GAHT are not well understood. Additionally, it is difficult to separate influences of GAHT and transgender identity in understanding differences in connectvity and affect from cisgender controls. A better understanding of the influence of GAHT on intrinsic network connectivity could point the way towards improved GAHT treatment regimens that minimize affective side effects. Objective: To assess relationships between changes in brain network connectivity and affective changes following GAHT, identifying regions in which changes of connectivity are associated with changes in self-reported affect, and to examine differences in brain network connectivity between transgender participants and cisgender controls. Methods: 14 transgender individuals receiving GAHT (estradiol n =7, testosterone n = 7)) were scanned using functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) at rest at two timepoints: baseline, prior to treatment, and 6 months into GAHT. Additionally, 20 cisgender controls (10 male, 10 female) were scanned once each. The time course of neural activity was computed for each voxel in the brain, then tested for correlation with each other voxel to develop a whole-brain connectome for each participant. Maps of average connectivity to two seeds known to associate with two major networks in the brain (posterior cingulate cortex for Default Mode Network, and anterior insula for Salience Network) were then generated for each participant. Within transgender participants, these maps were then compared between the baseline and 6 month timepoints. Additionally, baseline scans were also compared to scans from cisgender controls corresponding to biological sex. Results: Within-subjects analyses of transgender participants showed diverse associations between changes in seed-based connectivity and changes in self-reported anxiety and depression following GAHT in both the default mode and salience networks. Between subjects comparisons showed significantly higher connectivity within the salience network in trans men relative to cis women, as well as greater inter-network connectivity in this group. In contrast, cis men showed greater connectivity within both default mode and salience networks relative to trans women. Conclusions: Changes in affect following GAHT appear related to GAHT-induced changes in network connectivity; these influences appear independent of differences between cis and transgender individuals. Presentation: 6/2/2024

7698 A case of Pheochromocytoma in a patient with severe aortic stenosis

Abstract Disclosure: C. Lane: None. L.E. Aguirre: None. J. Azocar-Villalobos: None. R.I. Dorin: None. Background: Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla and can secrete catecholamines. Pre-operative management of pheochromocytoma involves initiation of a- followed by b-adrenergic receptor blockade. In critical aortic stenosis (AS), adrenergic blockade may be complicated by decreased cardiac output and hypotension owing to dependence of venous return on maintenance of high afterload (1). We report a case of critical AS and incidentally discovered pheochromocytoma and describe our management strategy, which involved prioritization of aortic valve repair prior to adrenal surgery and multidisciplinary approach to initiation and titration of a- and b-adrenergic blockade prior to cardiac catheterization and transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. Clinical Case: A 75-year-old Caucasian male with past medical history of obstructive sleep apnea, tobacco use, and cocaine use disorder was admitted with progressive dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, and involuntary weight loss of 18 kg over 3 months, and community acquired pneumonia. On admission, he was found to have critical aortic stenosis (valve area of 0.59 cm2, mean gradient 83 mmHg) and new HFrEF (EF 40-45%). CT chest demonstrated incidental right adrenal mass (5.6 x 5.0 x 4.7 cm) with central necrosis, HU units >10, and evidence of internal hemorrhage. Subsequent laboratory and functional imaging studies confirmed diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Pre-procedural a-adrenergic blockade with doxazosin followed by beta-blockade was managed by a multidisciplinary team with ICU admission for monitoring and uncomplicated completion of cardiac catheterization and TAVR. Conclusions: Pre-procedural diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, multidisciplinary management, and intensive care setting for monitoring hemodynamic response to initiation and titration of a and b-adrenergic blockade appeared to be key factors in achieving uncomplicated completion of cardiac interventions prior to surgical resection of pheochromocytoma and critical AS. Successful TAVR was associated with marked improvement in hemodynamic status. Maintenance of b-adrenergic blockade to reduce myocardial contractility was critical to preservation of the prosthetic aortic valve and in preparation for planned robotic resection of the pheochromocytoma.

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI and spectroscopy of gas exchange abnormalities in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

PurposeTo evaluate 3D gas-exchange functional imaging characteristics using 129Xe MRI in a group of study participants with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) as compared with healthy control participants. MethodsIn this prospective study, 11 participants with clinical and CT findings of CHP (4M 7F, mean age 67 ± 6.1 years) as well as 41 healthy subjects (25M 16F, mean age 44 ± 18 years) were enrolled between 2017 and 2022 and underwent 129Xe MRI. Three-dimensional images of ventilation, interstitial membrane uptake, and RBC transfer were rendered into quantitative 3D maps relative to a healthy reference cohort. In addition, 129Xe spectroscopy was used to assess the RBC:membrane ratio (RBC:M), the oxygen-dependent RBC chemical shift, and cardiogenically-driven RBC oscillation amplitude. Differences between the CHP participants and healthy subjects were assessed using the two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test as appropriate. ResultsCHP participants demonstrated significant differences in 6 parameters (p < 0.001) including regions of reduced ventilation, increased membrane uptake, and reduced RBC transfer as compared to healthy subjects. Gas exchange abnormalities measured on spectroscopy included a reduced RBC:M, reduced RBC chemical shift, and increased RBC oscillation amplitude. ConclusionIn participants with CHP, 129Xe MRI demonstrated gas exchange abnormalities common to other fibrotic lung diseases including increased membrane uptake, deficits in RBC transfer, and reduced RBC:M. However, CHP participants also exhibited prominent ventilation abnormalities, which may be reflective of the airway-centric nature of the disease. Further, the high variability observed in the membrane uptake could suggest varying degrees of disease progression or activity.

The neural plasticity and efficacy of acupuncture for post-stroke dysphagia: protocol for a randomized controlled trial with fMRI and DTI

BackgroundDysphagia, a common complication of acute stroke, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Acupuncture, a widely used swallowing therapy in China, has been suggested as an effective therapy for treating Post-Stroke Dysphagia (PSD) by recent meta-analyses and guidelines. The use of resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) could explore the change of regional spontaneous neural activity, functional relationships between brain regions, and white matter connectivity patterns after acupuncture intervention for PSD. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for PSD and explore its central mechanism by neuroimaging.Methods/designThis randomized controlled trial will recruit 40 PSD patients. All patients will be randomized to either the Real Acupuncture (RA) or Sham Acupuncture (SA) group by a ratio of 1:1. All patients will receive immediate acupuncture treatment in the MRI scanning room, followed by four weeks of long-term acupuncture treatment. The primary outcomes are the rs-fMRI and DTI indicators, which will be evaluated after the immediate and long-term acupuncture treatment. The secondary outcomes are the scales that assess the efficacy, including the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Water Swallowing Test (WST), Swallowing Quality Of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL), and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The modified version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (M-MASS) and fMRI sensation record table will also be evaluated.DiscussionThis protocol presents the design of a randomized, single-blind trial that will evaluate the efficacy and explore the neural plasticity of acupuncture treatment for PSD. This trial will deepen our insight into the clinical value of acupuncture for PSD and initially probe into the time-dosage-effect mechanism of acupuncture.Trial registration numbersChinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR2300067480. This study was registered on 9th January 2023.

Emotional interference and attentional bias in compulsive sexual behaviors disorder - An fMRI study on heterosexual males.

Despite the inclusion of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, emotional and cognitive impairments related to CSBD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral and neuronal effects of emotional interference on cognition among CSBD patients. Thirty heterosexual males with CSBD and matched healthy controls (HC) were studied with the Emotional Stroop Task using 5 categories of emotionally arousing words (sex-related, positive, fear-related, negative, neutral) during functional magnetic imaging. At the behavioral level, we found the main effect of the condition: sex-related words evoked a stronger Stroop effect than other conditions. At the neural level, we found a significant group effect. Among CSBD patients processing of sex-related words was related to increased activity in the right putamen, right thalamus, hippocampi, and left pulvinar, when compared to HC. We also found a negative correlation between neuronal activation and time spent on sexual activity during the week preceding study and numerous group differences in brain regions connected to the emotional and motivational processing of sexually explicit material, correlating with CSBD symptoms. Behavioral results indicate a specific attentional bias toward sex-related stimuli in both groups, while neural data uncovered stronger reactivity to sex-related words in CSBD compared to HC. This reactivity is related to CSBD symptoms and provides evidence for the interference of sex-related stimuli with cognition. Such results are firmly in line with the Incentive Salience Theory and conceptualizing CSBD as a behavioral addiction.

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in neurodegenerative disease: a review.

In recent years, with the aggravation of aging, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing year by year, and the prognosis of patients is poor. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a new and non-invasive neuroimaging technology, which has been gradually deepened in the application research of neurodegenerative diseases by virtue of its unique neurooxygen signal brain functional imaging characteristics in monitoring the disease condition, making treatment plans and evaluating the treatment effect. In this paper, the mechanism of action and technical characteristics of fNIRS are briefly introduced, and the application research of fNIRS in different neurodegenerative diseases is summarized in order to provide new ideas for future related research and clinical application.

Innovative optical imaging strategies for monitoring immunotherapy in the tumor microenvironments.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in cancer progression and response to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy targeting the immune system has emerged as a promising treatment modality, but challenges in understanding the TME limit its efficacy. Optical imaging strategies offer noninvasive, real-time insights into the interactions between immune cells and the TME. This review assesses the progress of optical imaging technologies in monitoring immunotherapy within the TME and explores their potential applications in clinical trials and personalized cancer treatment. This is a comprehensive literature review based on the advances in optical imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging (FLI), bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). These modalities were analyzed for their capacity to provide high-resolution, real-time imaging of immune cell dynamics, tumor vasculature, and other critical components of the TME. Optical imaging techniques have shown significant potential in tracking immune cell infiltration, assessing immune checkpoint inhibitors, and visualizing drug delivery within the TME. Technologies like FLI and BLI are pivotal in tracking immune responses in preclinical models, while PAI provides functional imaging with deeper tissue penetration. The integration of these modalities with immunotherapy holds promise for improving treatment monitoring and outcomes. Optical imaging is a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of the TME and optimizing immunotherapy. Further advancements in imaging technologies, combined with nanomaterial-based approaches, could pave the way for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment.

Administration of Aripiprazole Alleviates Memory Impairment and Restores Damaged Glutamatergic System in 5xFAD Mice.

Many patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) also have psychosis, and it has been reported that these patients have more severely impaired cognitive functions than patients without psychosis. The glutamatergic system in the brain is known to play an important role in memory and learning in the neural circuits. However, there has been limited research on how antipsychotic drugs affect the glutamatergic system of AD. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of aripiprazole on the glutamatergic system in an animal model of AD using functional molecular imaging. In this study, 5xFAD mice were used as the animal model. At the age of 5months, the mice were divided into wild-type, vehicle control, and aripiprazole-treated groups (n = 6 per group). The aripiprazole-treated group was administered aripiprazole for 2months at a dose of 1mg·kg-1·day-1. At 7months of age, the animals underwent behavioral tests and glutamate positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The aripiprazole-treated group exhibited alleviated memory impairment in a novel object recognition test. Moreover, this group displayed 7-8% higher binding in the glutamate PET scan than the vehicle-treated 5xFAD group. Postmortem examination confirmed the recovery of glutamatergic damage. The administration of aripiprazole alleviated memory impairment and restored the damaged glutamatergic system in 5xFAD mice. Although the use of aripiprazole in AD patients may be a constraint in terms of safety, we confirmed the possibility that the administration of antipsychotic drugs can be effective in AD.

The magic, memory, and curiosity fMRI dataset of people viewing magic tricks

Videos of magic tricks offer lots of opportunities to study the human mind. They violate the expectations of the viewer, causing prediction errors, misdirect attention, and elicit epistemic emotions. Herein we describe and share the Magic, Memory, and Curiosity (MMC) Dataset where 50 participants watched 36 magic tricks filmed and edited specifically for functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) experiments. The MMC Dataset includes a contextual incentive manipulation, curiosity ratings for the magic tricks, and incidental memory performance tested a week later. We additionally measured individual differences in working memory and constructs relevant to motivated learning. fMRI data were acquired before, during, and after learning. We show that both behavioural and fMRI data are of high quality, as indicated by basic validation analysis, i.e., variance decomposition as well as intersubject correlation and seed-based functional connectivity, respectively. The richness and complexity of the MMC Dataset will allow researchers to explore dynamic cognitive and motivational processes from various angles during task and rest.

PYLORIC IMPEDANCE PLANIMETRY DURING ENDOSCOPIC PER-ORAL PYLOROMYOTOMY (POP) GUIDES MYOTOMY EXTENT

BACKGROUNDPer-oral pyloromyotomy (POP), also known as gastric per-oral pyloromyotomy (G-POEM), is the first-line endoscopic intervention for medically refractory gastroparesis. We sought to assess the value of pyloric impedance planimetry using functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) during POP. METHODSPatients undergoing POP were retrospectively reviewed from October 2019-February 2024. FLIP measurements, symptoms measured by the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI), and gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) were evaluated before and after POP. RESULTSThirty-five patients (29 (82.9%) female, 51.3 (38.4, 60.9) years old, BMI 29.26 (25.46, 32.56kg/m2) underwent POP. Twenty-three patients had pre- and post-POP FLIP measurements. Median pyloric diameter increased from 14.4 (12, 16) to 16 (14.8, 18) mm (S=116.5, p<0.0001). Median distensibility index (DI) increased from 4.85 (3.38, 6) to 8.45 (5.25, 11) mm2/mmHg (S=112, p<0.0001). Management changed based on FLIP values for 5 patients (21.7%) prompting additional myotomy. At 18 (12.8, 47.8) days post-procedure, median GCSI score decreased from 3.33/5 (2.56, 4.12) preoperatively to 2/5 (1, 2.89) postoperatively (S=-193, p<0.001). At 136 (114, 277) day follow-, improvement in GCSI score persisted with a median score of 2.44/5 (1.44, 3.67) (S=-61, p=0.021). Median retention at 4hours on GES decreased from 29% (16.5, 52) to 19.5% (5.75, 35.3) at 97 (88, 130) days post-procedure (S=-108, p=0.0038). There was 75% improvement and 40% normalization of objective gastric emptying (n=26). Greater increase in diameter after pyloromyotomy correlated to a greater decrease in four-hour gastric retention (r=-0.4886, p=0.021). CONCLUSIONPOP with FLIP resulted in clinical and radiographic improvement in patients with gastroparesis. FLIP measurements guided myotomy extent, changing management in 21.7% of patients and were correlated with gastric emptying, demonstrating its distinct utility in treatment of gastroparesis.

Discovery of a novel AhR–CYP1A1 axis activator for mitigating inflammatory diseases using an in situ functional imaging assay

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes. Activating the AhR–CYP1A1 axis has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy against various inflammatory diseases. Here, a practical in situ cell-based fluorometric assay was constructed to screen AhR-CYP1A1 axis modulators, via functional sensing of CYP1A1 activities in live cells. Firstly, a cell-permeable, isoform-specific enzyme-activable fluorogenic substrate for CYP1A1 was rationally constructed for in-situ visualizing the dynamic changes of CYP1A1 function in living systems, which was subsequently used for discovering the efficacious modulators of the AhR–CYP1A1 axis. Following screening of a compound library, LAC-7 was identified as an efficacious activator of the AhR–CYP1A1 axis, which dose-dependently up-regulated the expression levels of both CYP1A1 and AhR in multiple cell lines. LAC-7 also suppressed macrophage M1 polarization and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in LPS-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages. Animal tests showed that LAC-7 could significantly mitigate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice, and markedly reduced the levels of multiple inflammatory factors. Collectively, an optimized fluorometric cell-based assay was devised for in situ functional imaging of CYP1A1 activities in living systems, which strongly facilitated the discovery of efficacious modulators of the AhR–CYP1A1 axis as novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Hierarchical Organ-Aware Total-Body Standard-Dose PET Reconstruction From Low-Dose PET and CT Images.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an important functional imaging technology in early disease diagnosis. Generally, the gamma ray emitted by standard-dose tracer inevitably increases the exposure risk to patients. To reduce dosage, a lower dose tracer is often used and injected into patients. However, this often leads to low-quality PET images. In this article, we propose a learning-based method to reconstruct total-body standard-dose PET (SPET) images from low-dose PET (LPET) images and corresponding total-body computed tomography (CT) images. Different from previous works focusing only on a certain part of human body, our framework can hierarchically reconstruct total-body SPET images, considering varying shapes and intensity distributions of different body parts. Specifically, we first use one global total-body network to coarsely reconstruct total-body SPET images. Then, four local networks are designed to finely reconstruct head-neck, thorax, abdomen-pelvic, and leg parts of human body. Moreover, to enhance each local network learning for the respective local body part, we design an organ-aware network with a residual organ-aware dynamic convolution (RO-DC) module by dynamically adapting organ masks as additional inputs. Extensive experiments on 65 samples collected from uEXPLORER PET/CT system demonstrate that our hierarchical framework can consistently improve the performance of all body parts, especially for total-body PET images with PSNR of 30.6 dB, outperforming the state-of-the-art methods in SPET image reconstruction.

Progress in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking for Evaluating Myocardial Strain in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The global prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has caused harm to human health and economies. Cardiovascular disease is one main cause of T2DM mortality. Increased prevalence of diabetes and associated heart failure (HF) is common in older populations, so accurately evaluating heart-related injury and T2DM risk factors and conducting early intervention are important. Quantitative cardiovascular system imaging assessments, including functional imaging during cardiovascular disease treatment, are also important. The left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has been traditionally used to monitor cardiac function; it is often preserved or increased in early T2DM, but subclinical heart deformation and dysfunction can occur. Myocardial strains are sensitive to global and regional heart dysfunction in subclinical T2DM. Cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking technology (CMR-FT) can visualize and quantify strain and identify subclinical myocardial injury for early management, especially with preserved LVEF. Meanwhile, CMR-FT can be used to evaluate the multiple cardiac chambers involvement mediated by T2DM and the coexistence of complications. This review discusses CMR-FT principles, clinical applications, and research progress in the evaluation of myocardial strain in T2DM.

Brain Functional Alterations in Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Demonstrate the Visual-Vestibular Interaction and Integration.

This study aimed to analyze the features of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and clinical relevance in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) that have undergone repositioning maneuvers. A total of 38 patients with BPPV who have received repositioning maneuvers and 38 matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the present study from March 2018 to August 2021. Imaging analysis software was employed for functional image preprocessing and indicator calculation, mainly including the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF), and seed-based functional connectivity (FC). Statistical analysis of the various functional indicators in patients with BPPV and HCs was also conducted, and correlation analysis with clinical data was performed. Patients with BPPV displayed decrease in ALFF, fALFF, and PerAF values, mainly in the bilateral occipital lobes in comparison with HCs. Additionally, their ALFF and fALFF values in the proximal vermis region of the cerebellum increased relative to HCs. The PerAF values in the bilateral paracentral lobules, the right supplementary motor area (SMA), and the left precuneus decreased in patients with BPPV and were negatively correlated with dizziness visual analog scale (VAS) scores 1 week after repositioning (W1). In addition, in the left fusiform gyrus and lingual gyrus, the PerAF values show a negative correlation with dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) scores at initial visit (W0). Seed-based FC analysis using the seeds from differential clusters of fALFF, ALFF, and PerAF showed reductions between the left precuneus and bilateral occipital lobe, the left precuneus and left paracentral lobule, and within the occipital lobes among patients with BPPV. The spontaneous activity of certain brain regions in the bilateral occipital and frontoparietal lobes of patients with BPPV was reduced, whereas the activity in the cerebellar vermis was increased. Additionally, there were reductions in FC between the precuneus and occipital cortex or paracentral lobule, as well as within the occipital cortex. The functional alterations in these brain regions may be associated with the inhibitory interaction and functional integration of visual, vestibular, and sensorimotor systems. The functional alterations observed in the visual cortex and precuneus may represent adaptive responses associated with residual dizziness.

Computer Graphical Representation of Complex Mathematical Functions in Turbo Basic

Computer graphic representation of complex mathematical functions plays an important role in the spatial perception of these functions by students. On the other hand, the diversity of spatial forms of complex functions and their beauty allows their use in the design of various architectural and advertising projects. In this article, the author presents an original program written in Turbo Basic, which allows building a spatial image of any given complex mathematical function on the computer screen.

Current principles of hybrid imaging of breast cancer: a review of the literature

Background. Breast cancer is a major global public health problem and is the most common malignancy affecting women. Bone metastases are a common complication of advanced breast cancer, with nearly 65% of patients developing bone metastases. The presence of bone metastases can cause severe morbidity and mortality, as well as impair quality of life and increase the risk of skeletal damage. Accuratedetection and reliable assessment of therapeutic responses to bone metastases are imperative to inform treatment decisions, preserve quality of life, and ultimately improve overall survival. Thus, early identification of bone metastases is essential for effective treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. Purpose – describe the modern principles and capabilities of hybrid imaging used for diagnosis, staging and follow-up of breast tumors. Illustrations are provided to better summarize and demonstrate the main concepts. Materials and methods. The analysis of full-text publications, which were selected through a literature search in foreign databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirectElsevier) for the period 2019–2023, was carried out. Results and discussion. During the analytical review of the literature, the experience of using modern methods of diagnosing breast tumors in Ukraine and abroad was analyzed. The selection of radiopharmaceutical drugs and tracers is considered. It has been established that the use of hybrid PET/CT and PET/MRI is the most promising imaging modality for the evaluation of breast cancer, providing a fully integrated morphological and functional imaging assessment. Conclusions. Hybrid imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis, staging, treatment selection, and follow-up of breast tumors. Awareness of this disease can reduce delay in diagnosis and facilitate interdisciplinary expert care.

Dropped head syndrome secondary to head and neck cancer: Impact on functıonal and body image scale

ObjectiveThe primary aim of our prospective study was to assess the impact of Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS), a rare condition in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) clinics, on patients' functional status and body image. Our secondary aim is to investigate the relationship between head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) and DHS, which will be examined for the first time in the literature. MethodsWe conducted a study involving 47 patients, aged between 18 and 75, who had been diagnosed with HNC, and exhibited clinical symptoms of DHS for at least 12 months. The staging of HNL was assessed using the MD Anderson Cancer Center HNL (MDACC HNL) staging system. We also administered The Total Functional Scale (TFS) which was a subscale of EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30) and the Body Image Scale (BIS). ResultsIn the study, it was observed that the BIS was significantly lower in patient groups aged 50 and over (p = 0.0495), those with a laryngectomy (p = 0.0002), those who had undergone bilateral neck dissection (p = 0.0291), and particularly in patients with stage 2–3 lymphedema (p < 0.0001). Similarly, it was noted that passive cervical extension limitation had a statistically significant impact on both the BIS (p < 0.0001) and the TFS (p < 0.0001). It was also found that BIS (p < 0.0001) and TFS (p < 0.0001) improved in the late postoperative period (12 months ≤) and this improvement was statistically significant. ConclusionsIn this study, we found statistical relationships between age, laryngectomy, surgery procedures, lymphedema stages, passive cervical extension limitations, total functional score, and BIS. Early diagnosis of DHS allows for supportive care and physiotherapy methods, which can lead to improvement. HNL and DHS should be prevented to improve quality of life and body image and increase survival. Therefore, further research with a much larger patient population is needed.