Head Model Research Articles

Improving EEG Forward Modeling Using High-Resolution Five-Layer BEM-FMM Head Models: Effect on Source Reconstruction Accuracy

Electroencephalographic (EEG) source localization is a fundamental tool for clinical diagnoses and brain-computer interfaces. We investigate the impact of model complexity on reconstruction accuracy by comparing the widely used three-layer boundary element method (BEM) as an inverse method against a five-layer BEM accelerated by the fast multipole method (BEM-FMM) and coupled with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) as forward solver. Modern BEM-FMM with AMR can solve high-resolution multi-tissue models efficiently and accurately. We generated noiseless 256-channel EEG data from 15 subjects in the Connectome Young Adult dataset, using four anatomically relevant dipole positions, three conductivity sets, and two head segmentations; we mapped localization errors across the entire grey matter from 4,000 dipole positions. The average location error among our four selected dipoles is ∼5mm (±2mm) with an orientation error of ∼12∘ (±7∘). The average source localization error across the entire grey matter is ∼9mm (±4mm), with a tendency for smaller errors on the occipital lobe. Our findings indicate that while three-layer models are robust under noiseless conditions, substantial localization errors (10–20mm) are common. Therefore, models of five or more layers may be needed for accurate source reconstruction in critical applications involving noisy EEG data.

Identification and validation of M2 macrophage-related gene signature as a novel prognostic model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor. Commonly used tumor staging don’t sufficiently and accurately assess the prognosis of HNSCC patients, resulting in a lack of guidance for clinical treatment decisions. M2 macrophage infiltration has been shown to be strongly associated with the tumor prognosis. In this study, we used the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to screen for genes co-expressed with M2 macrophages in HNSCC. We used univariate Cox regression to screen out the genes associated with HNSCC prognosis, and constructed a HNSCC prognosis model by Lasso regression analysis. The results confirmed that the model had good predictive value and accuracy for the prognosis of HNSCC patients by survival analysis, ROC curve and nomogram. We divided the HNSCC samples into high-risk and low-risk groups according to the risk score, and the results showed that patients in the high-risk group were more prone to genetic mutations and had a higher tumor mutational burden. In addition, there were significant differences between risk groups in terms of immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. The HNSCC prognostic model established in this study may provide guidance for clinical therapeutic decision-making and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of new immunotherapy methods.

Gold-siRNA supraclusters enhance the anti-tumor immune response of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy at primary and metastatic tumors.

Strategies to enhance the anti-tumor immune response of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) at primary tumors and abscopal sites are under intensive investigation. Here we report a metabolizable binary supracluster (BSCgal) that combines gold nanoclusters as radiosensitizing adjuvants with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the immunosuppressive mediator galectin-1 (Gal-1). BSCgal comprises reversibly crosslinked cationic gold nanoclusters and siRNA complexes in a polymer matrix that biodegrades over weeks, facilitating clearance (90.3% in vivo clearance at 4 weeks) to reduce toxicity. The particle size well above the renal filtration threshold facilitates passive delivery to tumors. Using mouse models of head and neck cancer, we show that BSCgal augments the radiodynamic and immunotherapeutic effects of SABR at the primary and metastatic tumors by promoting tumor-inhibitory leukocytes, upregulating cytotoxic granzyme B and reducing immunosuppressive cell populations. It outperforms SABR plus Gal-1 antagonists, chemoradiation drug cisplatin or PD-1 inhibitor. This work presents a translatable strategy to converge focal radiosensitization with targeted immune checkpoint silencing for personalized radioimmunotherapy.

Alum-anchored IL-12 combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade enhanced antitumor immune responses in head and neck cancer models

BackgroundFirst-line treatment with pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has improved survival. However, the overall response rate with this standard of care...

Daily high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) for sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction in patients with mild vascular cognitive impairments: A study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Poor sleep quality is increasingly considered to be an underlying cause of cerebrovascular diseases. This is a slowly progressing condition that gradually leads to vascular cognitive impairment and stroke during ageing. At present, randomized clinical trials examining the non-pharmacological therapies in the management of this comorbidity are very limited. Transcranial current stimulation (tCS) is a non-invasive technology for promoting cognitive function and treating brain disorders. As advanced modalities of tCS, transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), could deliver frequency-specific waveforms of currents that can modulate brain activities in a more specific manner. Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 90 years, who are right-handed and have mild vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) with sleep disturbances, will participate in a randomized study. They will undergo a 2-week intervention period where they will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: high-frequency (hf)-tRNS, 40 Hz tACS, or sham tCS. Each group will consist of 15 participants. Before the intervention, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data will be used to create a computational head model for each participant. This will help identify the treatment target of left inferior parietal lobe (IPL). Throughout the study, comprehensive assessments will be conducted at multiple time points, including baseline, 2nd week, 6th week, and 12th week. These assessments will evaluate various factors such as sleep quality, domain-specific cognitive performance, and actigraphic records. In addition, the participants' adherence to the program and any potential adverse effects will be closely monitored throughout the duration of the intervention. The primary objective of this study is to examine the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of hf-tRNS and 40 Hz tACS interventions targeting left IPL in individuals with mild vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) who experience sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the program's adherence, tolerability, and any potential adverse effects associated with frequency-specific transcranial current stimulation (tCS). The findings from this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between oscillation, sleep, and cognition. Furthermore, the results will provide valuable insights to guide future investigations in the field of sleep medicine and neurodegenerative diseases. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06169254.

Surrogate Modeling of Brain Trauma Risks Associated With Soccer Ball Headers

Abstract This study presents a coupled mathematical surrogate modeling and finite element analysis to quantify the risk of brain injury resulting from contact between a soccer ball and a player's head. Our approach implements a previously developed and validated regulation size finite element soccer ball and a 50th percentile adult male head model to inform the surrogate models regarding the positioning of the soccer ball's impact, inbound velocity, and the role of the activation of the neck musculature. Surrogate models are developed using injury metrics such as HIC15 and BrIC, which can be correlated to clinical assessments. The surrogate models predict occipital-temporal impacts as the highest risk of injury along a perpendicular axis and highlight the risk of increased velocity and passive neck musculature. The surrogate model predicts the worst-case scenarios to produce HIC15 and BrIC values of approximately 80 and 0.65, which correlate to 4.27% of a minor head injury (AIS1) and 71% of a moderate head injury (AIS2), respectively. These models are also used to develop a graphical user interface that may be used to supplement existing clinical knowledge of soccer headings to improve the head health of athletes participating in the game of soccer.

Measurement and performance evaluation of triple band differential integrated extraoral rectifying antenna for data transfer and RF energy harvesting for tongue drive system

Wearable assistive devices are vitally important for tetraplegic individuals to provide valuable insights into their intended directives tailored to tongue motions in wireless healthcare industries. The flexible differentially driven extraoral antenna and rectenna measurement system are developed to enable differential sensing and monitoring of the set of unique tongue gestures for extraoral tongue drive system (eTDS) applications in three frequency bands of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) (915.0 MHz, 2400 MHz, and 5800 MHz). The performance analysis is carried out using the heterogeneous human head model. The differential rectifier is coplanarly integrated with the differential extraoral antenna on the same 0.254 mm thin and 9.5 mm wider Rogers RT/ Duroid 6010 LM substrate. The footprint of the fabricated differential rectenna is 0.135 \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{\\varvec{\\lambda\\:}}_{\\varvec{g}}\ imes\\:$$\\end{document} 0.082 \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{\\varvec{\\lambda\\:}}_{\\varvec{g}}$$\\end{document}\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\ imes\\:$$\\end{document} 0.002 \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{\\varvec{\\lambda\\:}}_{\\varvec{g}}$$\\end{document} where the planar size of differential rectifier is 15.75\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\:\ imes\\:$$\\end{document} 2.5 mm2. The fabricated systems are situated closely to an artificial head model. The maximum conversion efficiency achieved at 2400 MHz and 5800 MHz is 83.45% and 74.8%, respectively, for 11 dBm of RF input power. Further, the link analysis, including interfacing circuit losses, was carried out theoretically at 915 MHz. Thus, the proposed differential extraoral systems can be employed to acquire and transmit the user intentions in eTDS inspired healthcare applications.

Parameter optimization design of the helmet liner structure for mitigating traumatic brain injury under impact loading

Abstract Helmets play a crucial role in protecting motorcycle riders during two-wheeler accidents by reducing the risk of head injuries. This study investigated the complex interplay between the density, Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus of a helmet liner and their impact on biomechanical factors contributing to traumatic brain injury during collisions. A validated finite element model of a 50th percentile detailed human head was initially used, followed by the development of a coupled helmet head model for collision simulations. The accuracy of the model was assessed by comparing the center-of-mass acceleration data of the head with the experimental results. This study analyzed the von Mises stress, skull stress, and intracranial pressure, and the results revealed patterns in stress distribution and the potential for cranial and brain injuries. Stress concentrations were observed in the cervical region before the impact, characterized by compressive stress on the impacted side and tensile stress on the opposite side, with peak stress levels found in the temporal bone base and frontal bone. After the impact, brain inertia–driven movements can further increase the risk of traumatic brain injury. The study found a positive correlation between liner density and center-of-mass acceleration of the head in the absence of bottoming out of the liner. By optimizing the liner properties, the study achieved a 4.5% reduction in head acceleration, a 10.1% decrease in skull stress, and a 19.8% reduction in intracranial pressure. These findings offer valuable insights for biomechanical research on head injuries caused by traffic accidents and for improving helmet designs to enhance protective measures.

MR electrical properties mapping using vision transformers and canny edge detectors.

We developed a 3D vision transformer-based neural network to reconstruct electrical properties (EP) from magnetic resonance measurements. Our network uses the magnitude of the transmit magnetic field of a birdcage coil, the associated transceive phase, and a Canny edge mask that identifies the object boundaries as inputs to compute the EP maps. We trained our network on a dataset of 10 000 synthetic tissue-mimicking phantoms and fine-tuned it on a dataset of 11 000 realistic head models. We assessed performance in-distribution simulated data and out-of-distribution head models, with and without synthetic lesions. We further evaluated our network in experiments for an inhomogeneous phantom and a volunteer. The conductivity and permittivity maps had an average peak normalized absolute error (PNAE) of 1.3% and 1.7% for the synthetic phantoms, respectively. For the realistic heads, the average PNAE for the conductivity and permittivity was 1.8% and 2.7%, respectively. The location of synthetic lesions was accurately identified, with reconstructed conductivity and permittivity values within 15% and 25% of the ground-truth, respectively. The conductivity and permittivity for the phantom experiment yielded 2.7% and 2.1% average PNAEs with respect to probe-measured values, respectively. The in vivo EP reconstruction truthfully preserved the subject's anatomy with average values over the entire head similar to the expected literature values. We introduced a new learning-based approach for reconstructing EP from MR measurements obtained with a birdcage coil, marking an important step towards the development of clinically-usable in vivo EP reconstruction protocols.

Image quality of photon-counting detector CT for visualization of maxillofacial anatomy in comparison with energy-integrating detector CT and intraoperative C-arm CBCT

BackgroundAccurate diagnostic imaging is crucial for managing facial fractures, which are a common global occurrence. This study aimed to compare the image quality of Photon Counting Detector CT (PCD-CT) with state-of-the-art Energy Integrating Detector CT (EID-CT) and intraoperative C-arm CBCT (CBCT) in visualizing maxillofacial anatomy using a cadaveric sheep head model. MethodsThree fresh sheep heads were used, with surgical interventions simulating metal implants in two of them. The specimens were imaged using PCD-CT, EID-CT, and CBCT, following which quantitative assessments of signal-to-noise ratio, sharpness, and artifacts were conducted. A visual grading study was performed by six observers, using criteria focusing on the mandible, orbit, and soft tissues. Statistical analyses included Friedman tests for comparing modalities and Kendall’s W and Gwet’s AC1 for assessing inter- and intrarater agreement. ResultsPCD-CT demonstrated a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio (p = 0.03) and bone sharpness (p < 0.001) compared to CBCT. In visual grading, PCD-CT outperformed CBCT, but not EID-CT, particularly in delineating mandibular and orbital structures. EID-CT and PCD-CT showed slightly more severe hypodense artifacts (p = 0.01) but were comparable in streak artifact presentation. The interrater and intrarater agreements indicated consistent evaluations across and within observers. ConclusionPCD-CT exhibits superior image quality over CBCT in key parameters essential for maxillofacial imaging, while no apparent improvement was shown compared to state-of-the-art EID-CT. PCD-CT offers enhanced visualization of critical anatomical structures, suggesting its potential as a preferred modality in managing maxillofacial trauma. The findings in this study align with limited existing research on PCD-CT, underscoring its promise for advanced diagnostic imaging in maxillofacial applications.

Development of an EGSnrc multi-leaf collimator component module and treatment head model for a low-field MRI linear accelerator.

Monte Carlo (MC) modeling of MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) treatment machines enables the characterization of photon/electron interactions in the presence of a magnetic field. The EGSnrc MC code system is a well-established system for radiation dose calculations. The multi-leaf collimator (MLC) component modules presently available within the EGSnrc MC code system do not include a model of the double-focused MLC available on a low-field (0.35T) MRI linear accelerator (MR linac). Here we developed and validated a new component module (CM) for the low-field MRgRT MLC using the EGSnrc/BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc code system. We performed detailed modeling of the treatment head and validated the model using measurements and calculations from the vendor-specific treatment planning system (TPS). The detailed geometry of the low-field MR linac MLC and other treatment head structures were modeled using BEAMnrc. Comparisons of DOSXYZnrc simulated dose against measurements and the low-field MR linac TPS for a variety of AAPM TG-53 task group report suggested square and shaped fields, as well as a step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plan, are presented. Our model agrees with both measured and TPS calculated data on average within 2%/2mm (dose/DTA) criterion for square field profiles. Output factors agreed within 1% for field sizes down to 2.49×2.49cm2 and within 2% of TPS data for the smallest field size of 0.83×0.83cm2. Shaped field and IMRT MC calculations agreed with measured and TPS data such that the gamma pass rates (3%/2mm) were 99.5% and (3%/3mm) 96.2%, respectively. We developed and validated an MLC CM (SYNCVRMLC) for the low-field MR linac using the EGSnrc MC code systems. This new CM will facilitate MC computation of fluence and dose distributions using BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc for patients treated on the low-field MR linac.

Spatial arrangement of the whiskers of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) compared to whisker arrangements of house mice (Mus musculus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Whiskers (vibrissae) are important tactile sensors for most mammals. We introduce a novel approach to quantitatively compare 3D geometry of whisker arrays across species with different whisker numbers and arrangements, focusing on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), house mice (Mus musculus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Whiskers of all three species decrease in arclength and increase in curvature from caudal to rostral. They emerge from the face with elevation angles that vary linearly with dorsoventral position, and with curvature orientations that vary diagonally as linear combinations of dorsoventral and rostrocaudal positions. In seals, this diagonal varies linearly with horizontal emergence angles, and is orthogonal to the diagonal for rats and mice. This work provides the first evidence for common elements of whisker arrangements across species in different mammalian orders. Placing the equation-based whisker array on a CAD model of a seal head enables future mechanical studies of whisker-based sensing, including wake-tracking.

Investigating the effect of template head models on Event-Related Potential source localization: a simulation and real-data study.

Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) are valuable for studying brain activity with millisecond-level temporal resolution. While the temporal resolution of this technique is excellent, the spatial resolution is limited. Source localization aims to identify the brain regions generating the EEG data, thus increasing the spatial resolution, but its accuracy depends heavily on the head model used. This study compares the performance of subject-specific and template-based head models in both simulated and real-world ERP localization tasks. Simulated data mimicking realistic ERPs was created to evaluate the impact of head model choice systematically, after which subject-specific and template-based head models were used for the reconstruction of the data. The different modeling approaches were also applied to a face recognition dataset. The results indicate that the template models capture the simulated activity less accurately, producing more spurious sources and identifying less true sources correctly. Furthermore, the results show that while creating more accurate and detailed head models is beneficial for the localization accuracy when using subject-specific head models, this is less the case for template head models. The main N170 source of the face recognition dataset was correctly localized to the fusiform gyrus, a known face processing area, using the subject-specific models. Apart from the fusiform gyrus, the template models also reconstructed several other sources, illustrating the localization inaccuracies. While template models allow researchers to investigate the neural generators of ERP components when no subject-specific MRIs are available, it could lead to misinterpretations. Therefore, it is important to consider a priori knowledge and hypotheses when interpreting results obtained with template head models, acknowledging potential localization errors.

Prognostic factors and risk-stratification model of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with cetuximab containing regimen

BackgroundIn recent years, the addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy has improved treatment outcomes for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). In this study, we present the real-world survival data of R/M HNSCC patients who received cetuximab-containing regimens from thirteen medical centers in Taiwan, as well as a three-level risk stratification model for this patient population.MethodsThis study enrolled R/M HNSCC patients from thirteen medical centers in Taiwan who received cetuximab-containing regimens from January 1, 2017 to June 6, 2022. The cases were divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort based on the start of treatment. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated in both cohorts and exploratory analysis was performed to identify associated adverse clinical and laboratory factors. The results of the exploratory analysis were used to construct a three-level risk stratification prediction model for OS.ResultsA total of 1434 patients with R/M HNSCC were enrolled in this study and received cetuximab-containing regimens. The overall population had a median OS of 8.57 months (95% CI: 8.07 – 9.08). Multivariate analysis of the training cohort identified poor ECOG performance status, heavy alcohol consumption, and prior adjuvant CCRT or lack of prior RT as adverse prognostic factors. Comparison of laboratory data between patients with OS≦6 and OS > 6 also revealed unfavorable factors, including increased white blood cell count, decreased hemoglobin level, increased platelet count, increased absolute neutrophil count, decreased absolute lymphocyte count, and increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Using forward prediction, a three-level risk stratification prediction model was constructed using the variables of ECOG performance status, alcohol consumption, skin metastasis, modality of radiation therapy, hemoglobin level, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The median OS in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 12.02 months (95% CI 10.44–13.61), 7.5 months (95% CI 7.33–8.17), and 4.01 months (95% CI 3.94–4.08), respectively, with a log-rank test p-value < 0.001.ConclusionThis study presents a three-level risk stratification model with strong prediction ability for OS in R/M HNSCC patients who received cetuximab-containing regimens. The results are based on real-world data and may provide valuable information for clinicians in treatment planning and future drug development.

Mesh registration-based boundary element method of head-related transfer function: unification of hair impedance boundary conditions

In the calculation of Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) using the Boundary Element Method (BEM), the head surface of a subject needs to be discretized into boundary elements with specific impedance. To simplify HRTF calculation, a method for coupling Mesh Registration and BEM (MR-BEM) is proposed in this work, which means that a template mesh for calculation is established to register and generate the calculation mesh of a new head model, to replace the tedious operations of boundary conditions configuration. To validate the proposed method, the widely-used KEMAR artificial head model was adopted to compare the HRTFs of two groups of calculation meshes manually assigned and automatically registered impedance boundary conditions, respectively. Based on the inherent similarities in head shape and hair regions across individuals, the non-rigid impedance was set only for the hair region. Although the reflections from the non-rigid impedance of hair and clothes were shielded by pinnae in practice, this work just aims to validate the feasibility of the MR-BEM, which is significant for the simplification of BEM-based HRTF calculation.

Comparing continuum and direct fiber models of soft tissues: An ocular biomechanics example reveals that continuum models may artificially disrupt the strains at both the tissue and fiber levels

Collagen fibers are the main load-bearing component of soft tissues but difficult to incorporate into models. Whilst simplified homogenization models suffice for some applications, a thorough mechanistic understanding requires accurate prediction of fiber behavior, including both detailed fiber-level strains and long-distance transmission. Our goal was to compare the performance of a continuum model of the optic nerve head (ONH) built using conventional techniques with a fiber model we recently introduced which explicitly incorporates the complex 3D organization and interaction of collagen fiber bundles [1]. To ensure a fair comparison, we constructed the continuum model with identical geometrical, structural, and boundary specifications as for the fiber model. We found that: 1) although both models accurately matched the intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced globally averaged displacement responses observed in experiments, they diverged significantly in their ability to replicate specific 3D tissue-level strain patterns. Notably, the fiber model faithfully replicated the experimentally observed depth-dependent variability of radial strain, the ring-like pattern of meridional strain, and the radial pattern of circumferential strain, whereas the continuum model failed to do so; 2) the continuum model disrupted the strain transmission along each fiber, a feature captured well by the fiber model. These results demonstrate limitations of the conventional continuum models that rely on homogenization and affine deformation assumptions, which render them incapable of capturing some complex tissue-level and fiber-level deformations. Our results show that the strengths of explicit fiber modeling help capture intricate ONH biomechanics. They potentially also help modeling other fibrous tissues. Statement of SignificanceUnderstanding the mechanics of fibrous tissues is crucial for advancing knowledge of various diseases. This study uses the ONH as a test case to compare conventional continuum models with fiber models that explicitly account for the complex fiber structure. We found that the fiber model captured better the biomechanical behaviors at both the tissue level and the fiber level. The insights gained from this study demonstrate the significant potential of fiber models to advance our understanding of not only glaucoma pathophysiology but also other conditions involving fibrous soft tissues. This can contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies across a wide range of applications.

Mapping the electric field of high-definition transcranial electrical stimulation across the lifespan

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a non-invasive technique widely used in modulating brain activity and behavior, but its effects differ across individuals and are influenced by head anatomy. In this study, we investigated how the electric field (EF) generated by high-definition tES varies across the lifespan among different demographic groups and its relationship with neural responses measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We employed an MRI-guided finite element method to simulate the EF for the two most common tES montages (i.e., targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and motor cortex, respectively) in two large cohorts of white and Asian participants aged 12 to 100 years. We found that the EF intensity decreased with age, particularly in individuals under 25 years of age, and was influenced by gender and ethnicity. We identified skull thickness, scalp thickness, and epidural cerebrospinal fluid thickness, as the primary anatomical factors accounting for the inter-individual EF variability. Using a concurrent tES-fMRI approach, we observed a spatial consistency between the simulated EF and the brain activity changes induced by tES in the target region. Finally, we developed an open-source toolbox incorporating age-stratified head models to facilitate efficient EF calculations. These findings characterize and quantify the individual differences in tES-induced EF, offering a reference for implementing personalized neuromodulation strategies.

Verification of mean dose in a tumor using 3D-printed tumor-model scintillators in anthropomorphic phantoms and a spherical phantom

To enhance treatment outcomes of radiotherapy, accurate verification of dosimetric parameters such as the mean, minimum, and maximum doses is essential. This study aimed to measure the mean absorbed dose in a tumor-shaped target and compare the results with the calculated value of the treatment planning system. Tumor model scintillators (TMSs) mimicking brain tumors were fabricated with a commercial 3D printer based on stereolithography files of tumors. The TMSs were irradiated following treatment plans made with the Leksell Gamma Plan® (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden), and the mean dose in each TMS was measured three times and compared with the calculated value. Eleven TMSs were set at the center of a spherical solid water phantom. Two additional TMSs were fabricated according to images of vestibular schwannomas and were set at the tumor location in head model phantoms following each patient's head shape. The mean relative differences between the measured and calculated mean doses were less than one percent. This method provides an independent parameter for evaluating the accuracy of the treatment planning system.

Interaction between Electromagnetic (EM) wave and human head: Normal adult and elderly heads

In recent years, there has been an increasing public concern about the health implications of electromagnetic (EM) wave exposure with the use of mobile telephones. In this paper, we have evaluated the EM absorption in the human head at GSM 900 MHz (Global System for Mobile telecommunications) and DCS 1800 MHz (Digital Cellular System) radiation. Two models for human head were considered. The first model was normal adult head whereas the second model was normal elderly head. First, a stratified structure of the human head is modeled. Next, a two-dimensional (2-D) cylindrical head model based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is investigated. Our previous described 2-D FDTD code based on LabVIEW has been utilized. Much attention has been paid to the induced specific absorption rate (SAR) in elderly human head.

Peptide-mediated targeting of Quantum Dots in a 3D model of head and neck cancer

BackgroundOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment mainly relies on surgery. The status of surgical margin is a major prognostic factor for patients as positive margins are associated with lower survival. However, the anatomical particularities of this area complicate margin establishment. Fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) could be employed as an intraoperative technique to improve tumor resection and margin investigation. Quantum dots (QDs) serve as ideal contrast agents in this technique due to their brightness and stability. Since αVβ6 integrin is overexpressed in OSCC, coupling QDs with A20FMDV2 peptide (QDs-A20) targeting the αVβ6 integrin constitute a real opportunity. This study investigates the accumulation of QDs-A20 in 2D and 3D tongue cancer models, as well as QDs coupled to a scrambled version of this peptide (QDs-Scr) or without peptide (QDs-SPP), for imaging purposes. MethodsCdSeCdS/ZnS quantum dots were coated with sulfobetaine polymers (QDs-SPP) and conjugated to A20FMDV2 peptide (QDs-A20) or its scrambled version (QDs-Scr). Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tongue cancer cells HSC-3 were employed to test the effectiveness of intracellular accumulation of all types of QDs. Targeting ability of each QDs was assessed by flow cytometry, while the depth of penetration into cancerous spheroids was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. ResultsQDs coating with sulfobetaines polymers (QDs-SPP) completely prevented their internalization by HSC-3 cells in 2D and 3D models, making QDs stealthy and preventing their non-specific accumulation. Conversely, peptides conjugated QDs (QDs-A20 & QDs-Scr) labeled HSC-3 monolayers and managed to label spheroid periphery up to 23 µm deep. However, no difference in accumulation was found between these two QDs whereas only A20 peptide could potentially target αVβ6 integrin. It appears that peptide conjugation increased QDs zeta potential, promoting their adsorption and subsequent endocytosis by cells, independently from αVβ6 integrin. ConclusionsThe present study highlighted the impact of peptide conjugation on QDs internalization in 2D and 3D tongue cancer cell models. QDs-SPP were stealthy and did not accumulate in cells. Peptides conjugated QDs could be used as contrast agents, but in a passive targeting approach. Modifications to surface chemistry are required to target αVβ6 integrin through active targeting. This study also highlights the need for controls such as scrambled peptides, the absence of which can lead to misinterpretation of results.