Non-invasive Investigation Research Articles

Noninvasive Investigation of Gold Nanoparticle Transport and Fate in Soil

Noninvasive Investigation of Gold Nanoparticle Transport and Fate in Soil

Georadar Survey and Simulation for Subsurface Investigation at Historical Mosque of Sorghatmesh, Cairo, Egypt

Sorghatmesh mosque is a historical structure that was constructed in Cairo, Egypt, by Prince Saif El-Din Sorghatmesh in 1356. A dual-frequency ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with 250–700 MHz was used to investigate the subsurface of the Sorghatmesh mosque for restoration purposes. A total of 37 lines were surveyed on the ground floor of the mosque. The subsurface utilities were detected, and the status of the concrete base and the medium of the ground floor were assessed. A set of subsurface anomalies were detected and interpreted within the ground floor area of the mosque. In order to validate the interpretation, a trial pit was drilled on the ground floor, allowing for the visual inspection of the subsurface, and a Georadar numerical simulation was carried out to study the responses of the subsurface materials and conditions. For a better comprehension of the results, the ground floor area was categorized into five zones where the GPR interpretations between survey lines are almost similar. This work not only demonstrates the effectiveness of GPR as a non-invasive investigation tool but also highlights the potential of integrating advanced technologies into cultural heritage preservation by offering refined methodologies and insights for future research and restoration efforts.

Non-invasive real-time investigation of colorectal cells tight junctions by Raman microspectroscopy analysis combined with machine learning algorithms for organ-on-chip applications.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in developed countries. Diagnosis strongly depends on the pathologist's expertise and laboratory equipment, and patient survival is influenced by the cancer's stage at detection. Non-invasive spectroscopic techniques can aid early diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and assess changes in physiological parameters in both heterogeneous samples and advanced platforms like Organ-on-Chip (OoC). In this study, Raman microspectroscopy combined with Machine Learning was used to analyse structural and biochemical changes in a Caco-2 cell-based intestinal epithelial model before and after treatment with a calcium chelating agent. The Machine Learning (ML) algorithm successfully classified different epithelium damage conditions, achieving an accuracy of 91.9% using only 7 features. Two data-splitting approaches, "sample-based" and "spectra-based," were also compared. Further, Raman microspectroscopy results were confirmed by TEER measurements and immunofluorescence staining. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach, combined with supervised Machine Learning, can investigate dynamic biomolecular changes in real-time with high spatial resolution. This represents a promising non-invasive alternative technique for characterizing cells and biological barriers in organoids and OoC platforms, with potential applications in cytology diagnostics, tumor monitoring, and drug efficacy analysis.

Advanced UltraTech approach for distinguishing granulomatous from non-granulomatous corneal endothelial exudates in autoimmune rheumatic anterior uveitis

Background: Anterior uveitis is a common manifestation in individuals with rheumatic conditions such as spondylarthritis, Behçet’s syndrome, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and sarcoidosis. Clinical differentiation between granulomatous and non-granulomatous corneal endothelial exudates is crucial to subsequent diagnosis and treatment. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) can ensure an accurate differential diagnosis and appropriate follow-up after local and systemic therapy. Objective: This study aimed to distinguish between granulomatous and non-granulomatous endothelial exudates in patients with anterior uveitis using AS-OCT. Methods: This longitudinal observational study involved 30 patients diagnosed with or suspected of having rheumatic autoimmune disease presenting with anterior uveitis. The study was conducted at the combined Rheumatology and Ophthalmology Clinic, San Marco Hospital, Catania, Italy. All patients underwent slit-lamp examination, which revealed or suspected corneal endothelial exudates. A comprehensive rheumatological and ophthalmological evaluation was also performed. Subsequently, the patients were subjected to AS-OCT using the Optovue Solix device. Results: Granulomatous corneal exudates were identified in 30% of the subjects, with counts ranging from 5 to 20 and sizes varying between 50 and 150 μm. Detailed 3D scans further exhibited the morphology of these exudates. A follow-up of patients after steroid therapy (both topical and systemic) and immunosuppressive treatment demonstrated a progressive reduction in the exudates, ultimately leading to their complete resolution. Conclusion: Use of ophthalmological equipment that allows for simple, rapid, and non-invasive investigations in combination with a multidisciplinary approach, enables appropriate diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy in patients with inflammatory ocular conditions presenting with corneal endothelial exudates.

Neuronal basis of high frequency fMRI fluctuation: direct evidence from simultaneous recording.

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) has been extensively utilized for noninvasive investigation of human brain activity. While studies employing simultaneous recordings of fMRI and electrophysiology have established a connection between the low-frequency fluctuation (< 0.1 Hz) observed in RS-fMRI and the local field potential (LFP), it remains unclear whether the RS-fMRI signal exhibits frequency-dependent modulation, which is a well-documented phenomenon in LFP. The present study concurrently recorded resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) and local field potentials (LFP) in the striatum of 8 rats before and after a pharmacological manipulation. We observed a highly similar frequency-dependent pattern of amplitude changes in both RS-fMRI and LFP following the manipulation, specifically an increase in high-frequency band amplitudes accompanied by a decrease in low-frequency band amplitudes. These findings provide direct evidence that the enhanced high-frequency fluctuations and reduced low-frequency fluctuations observed in RS-fMRI may reflect heightened neuronal activity.

Non-invasive characterization of the manufacturing process of a Nuragic bronze statuette: a Neutron Imaging study

The Nuragic civilization (Sardinia, Italy, XVIII–VIII Cen. B.C) developed a flourishing bronze metallurgy. The production of Nuragic bronze figurines from Sardinia represents a rich historical archive that provides key information about the iconography, the metal production and casting techniques, and on the development of metallurgy in the Mediterranean basin. Since the question about their manufacturing method remains without definitive answer, the understanding of the Sardinian bronze metallurgy is essential to determine which manufacturing techniques were employed to produce complex bronze artefacts. In the frame of a wider research project relating to Nuragic bronzes, four artefacts, three anthropomorphic statuettes (a warrior, a priestess, and an offering figure), and one miniature of a basket, were made available by Museo Nazionale Preistorico “L. Pigorini” (Roma, IT). In this work we present the results of the analyses conducted on a bronze figurine depicting an iconic type of Nuragic figure: the Priestess. The analysis was performed using White Beam Neutron Tomography (NT) and Bragg Edge Neutron Transmission (BENT) at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) (Villigen, CH). Neutron techniques are nowadays the only available approach for revealing, non-destructively and with good spatial resolution, the morphological and microstructural properties within the whole volume of solid cast metallic artefacts such as this bronze statuette. This work presents the result of a non-invasive analytical investigation on an archaeological bronze artefact, providing outstanding results: from a quantitative analysis of the composition to an in-depth morphological and microstructural analysis capable of unveiling details on the ancient casting methods of the statuette.

Exploration of epileptic networks in temporal lobe encephaloceles with stereotactic EEG: Electroclinical characteristics and surgical outcomes.

Temporal lobe encephaloceles (TLEN) have been implicated as a cause of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the treatment which is primarily surgical; however, there is no clear consensus on the optimal surgical approach, because it is unclear whether TLE related to TLEN can be addressed by a restricted encephalocele resection or if a more extensive resection is required. The aim of the current article is to report the clinical and electrophysiological profile of patients with TLE secondary to TLEN who underwent stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) implantation to identify the epileptogenic network. A retrospective review was performed of patients with TLE related to TLEN who underwent SEEG implantation. Medical charts were reviewed for demographic data, the results of noninvasive and invasive investigations, and operative details. Surgical outcomes were based on Engel classification with at least 6 months follow-up. Nine patients were identified. The mean age at epilepsy onset was 28 years (range, 15-41 years), and 7/9 patients were female. Scalp EEG revealed interictal epileptiform activity most often maximum in the frontotemporal and/or temporal regions. A discrete TLEN was often not identified on initial imaging, but was identified during re-review or at the time of surgery. Seizure onset zones during SEEG were localized to the mesial temporal structures, the temporal pole, or both. One patient became seizure-free following SEEG and another refused further surgery. Of the 7 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery, 5/7 underwent an anterior temporal lobectomy-surgical outcomes were favorable, with 5/7 achieving Engel I outcomes. Invasive SEEG monitoring demonstrated ictal onsets may not be restricted to the TLEN, and often the temporal pole and mesial structures are involved at seizure onset. Ictal propagation patterns vary significantly, which may be related to the underlying pathology and explain the variability in semiology. These findings may inform surgical treatment options. Temporal lobe encephaloceles can cause intractable epilepsy, although their presence may be missed on routine imaging. The management of encephaloceles is primarily surgical; however, the optimal surgical approach can be unclear. Invasive monitoring with SEEG may help characterize the epileptogenic network and result in more optimal surgical outcomes.

Beyond seizure freedom: Reduction in anti-seizure medication after epilepsy surgery

IntroductionPatients considering therapeutic epilepsy surgery often seek to decrease the number of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) they need. Predicting such reductions remains challenging. Although predictors of seizure freedom after epilepsy surgery are well-established, long-term outcomes remain modest and factors associated with ASM reduction, even in the absence of seizure freedom, may improve surgical planning to align with patient goals. MethodsWe studied a large multi-institutional cohort of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery between 2001 and 2022, with a minimum of two years follow-up. Preoperative features, including duration of epilepsy, epilepsy etiology, non-invasive investigation data, and total number of ASMs prescribed immediately prior to surgery were extracted for each patient. Primary endpoints included likelihood of ASM reduction and ASM freedom at multiple post-operative time points up to 15 years and stratified by seizure control. ResultsA total of 250 patients were followed for a median of 6.0 (range 2, 22) years after intracranial EEG (iEEG) surgery. Significant ASM reduction was only observed in those who underwent subsequent resection, whereas those undergoing neuromodulation saw their ASM usage maintained. Engel I outcomes were the strongest driver of ASM reduction. In patients with persistent seizures, patients with lateralized seizure onset zones (SOZs) also achieved sustained ASM reduction over time. Similarly, an increased number of preoperative ASMs also corresponded to a higher likelihood of ASM reduction across all follow-up periods. Other preoperative factors, including seizure etiology, did not independently influence ASM reduction. ConclusionsEven patients with persistent seizures after epilepsy surgery can observe meaningful ASM reduction during long-term follow-up. ASM reduction may be a relevant secondary outcome measure for epilepsy surgery.

Exercise transcutaneous oximetry in functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome diagnosis.

Functional poplitealartery entrapment syndrome is a subtype of poplitealartery entrapment syndrome (PAES) without vascular disease or musculotendinous anomaly behind the knee. Symptoms are induced by popliteal artery extrinsic compression, leading to calf pain during lower limbs exercise. Non-invasive tests are still required to improve the diagnostic management of functional PAES. Exercise transcutaneous oxygen pressure (Ex-tcpO2) is of interest to provide objective arguments for the presence of regional blood flow impairment. The aim of the study was to analyze whether Ex-tcpO2 could serve as a non-invasive technique for detecting ischemia resulting from PAES. Patients with suspected PAES were recruited between 2017 and 2020. The diagnosis was confirmed or rejected, according to the surgical decision based on our diagnosis management involving a multidisciplinary team. Each patient underwent Ex-tcpO2 with specific maneuvers. The decrease from rest of oxygen pressure (DROP) index served for the interpretation of exercise results. Sixty-five legs with suspected PAES were recruited. Diagnosis was confirmed in 34 (52.3%) and rejected in 32 (47.7%). The average DROP values found in confirmed and rejected group at left leg were -21.6 ± 15.4mmHg and -10.9 ± 11.1mmHg, respectively (p for Mann-Whitney 0.004), and -15.8 ± 11mmHg and -11.1 ± 7.5mmHg, respectively, at right leg (p = 0.088). Ex-tcpO2 sensitivity and specificity were 52.9% and 78.1%, respectively. Ex-tcpO2 is an original non-invasive investigation for patients with claudication of doubtful arterial origin. The sensitivity and specificity are 52.9% and 78.1% in functional PAES diagnosis using 15mmHg as threshold to detect ischemia during tiptoeing elevations.

Development of a clinical risk score for the prediction of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in hospitalised patients

BackgroundThe performance and availability of invasive and non-invasive investigations for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) vary across clinical settings. Estimating the pre-test probability of PCP is essential to the optimal selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests, such as the 1,3-β-D-glucan assay (BDG), for the prioritization of bronchoscopy, and to guide empiric treatment decisions. We aimed to develop a multivariable risk score to estimate the pre-test probability of PCP.MethodsThe score was developed from a cohort of 626 individuals who underwent bronchoscopy for the purposes of identifying PCP in a Canadian tertiary-care centre, between 2015 and 2018. We conducted a nested case-control study of 57 cases and 228 unmatched controls. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate adjusted odds ratios for PCP diagnosis. A clinical risk score was derived from the multivariable model and discrimination was assessed by estimating the score’s receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsParticipants had a median age of 60 years (interquartile range [IQR] 49–68) and 115 (40%) were female; 40 (14%) had HIV and 49 (17%) had a solid organ transplant (SOT). The risk score included prior SOT or HIV with CD4 ≤ 200/µL (+ 2), serum lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 265.5 IU/mL (+ 2), radiological pattern typical of PCP on chest x-ray (+ 2) or CT scan (+ 2.5), and PCP prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (-3) or other antimicrobials (-2). The median score was 4 points (IQR, 2-4.5) corresponding to a 28% probability of PCP. The risk prediction model had good discrimination with a c-statistic of 0.79 (0.71–0.84). Given the operating characteristics of the BDG assay, scores ≤ 3 in patients without HIV, and ≤ 5.5 in those with HIV, paired with a negative BDG, would be expected to rule out PCP with 95% certainty.ConclusionWe propose the PCP Score to estimate pre-test probability of PCP. Once validated, it should help clinicians determine which patients to refer for invasive investigations, when to rely on serological testing, and in whom to consider pre-emptive treatment.

Biobanking, digital health and privacy: the choices of 1410 volunteers and neurological patients regarding limitations on use of data and biological samples, return of results and sharing

BackgroundThe growing diffusion of artificial intelligence, data science and digital health has highlighted the role of collection of data and biological samples, thus raising legal and ethical concerns regarding its use and dissemination. Further, the expansion of biobanking, from the basic collection of frozen specimens to the virtual biobanks of specimens and associated data that exist today, has given a revolutionary potential on healthcare systems, particularly in the field of neurological diseases, due to the inaccessibility of central nervous system and the need of non-invasive investigation approaches. Informed Consent (IC) is considered mandatory in all research studies and specimen collections, and must specifically take into account the ethical respect to the individuals to whom the used biological material and data belong.MethodsWe evaluated the attitudes of patients with neurological diseases (NP) and healthy volunteers (HV) towards the donation of biological samples to a biobank for future research studies on neurological diseases, and limitations on the use of data, related to the requirements set by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The study involved a total of 1454 subjects, including 502 HVs and 952 NPs, recruited at Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, from 2020 to 2024.ResultsWe found that (i) almost all subjects agreed with the participation in biobanking (ii) and authorization to genetic studies (HV = 99.1%; NP = 98.3%); Regarding the return of results, (iii) we found a statistically significant difference between NP and HV, the latter preferring not to be informed of potential results (HV = 43%; NP = 11.3%; p < 0.0001); (iv) a small number limited the sharing inside European Union (EU) (HV = 4.6%; NP = 6.6%), whereas patients were more likely to refuse transfer outside EU (HV = 7.4%; NP = 10.7% p = 0.05); (v) nearly all patients agreed with the use of additional health data from EMR for research purposes (98.9%).ConclusionsConsent for the donation of material for research purposes is crucial for biobanking and biomedical research studies that use biological material of human origin. Here, we have shown that choices regarding participation in a neurological biobank can be different between HVs and NPs, even if the benefit for research and scientific progress is recognized. NP have a strong interest in being informed of possible results but limit sharing of samples, highlighting a perception of greater individual or relative benefit, while HV prefer a wide dissemination and sharing of data but not to have the return of the results, favoring a possible benefit for society and knowledge. The results underline the need to carefully manage biological material and data collected in biobanks, in compliance with the GDPR and the specific requests of donors.

Two stucco sculptures from the “Salone d’Ercole” in the Racconigi Castle (Cuneo, Italy): a case study

Non-invasive and micro-destructive diagnostic investigations were employed for the study of two stucco statues depicting Putti, from the “Salone d’Ercole” in the Racconigi Castle (Cuneo, Italy). The research made it possible to understand the construction technique, constituent materials, and the state of conservation of the statues. This information was useful for placing the artworks in the correct historical-artistic context and for conservation choices and restoration interventions. Different analytical investigations were applied, specifically: a) the internal metal structure was analyzed by cover meter relief combined with digital radiographic technique; b) the stucco composition and its stratigraphy were characterized by Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Electron Scanning Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX); c) finally, the presence of organic compounds was observed by UV-Induced Visible Fluorescence (UVL) and then characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. The results show that the stucco Putti were made with the techniques and raw materials widely used by Ticino artists and plasterers' workshops active between the 16th and 17th centuries, in the current Canton Ticino region. As regards the state of conservation, decay phenomena such as exfoliation and loss of material were mainly attributable to the presence of epsomite.

Anti TNF-Alpha Treatment Improves Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive investigation, which allows for the study of the microvasculature (anatomical and functional). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases, with endothelial dysfunction (macrovascular and microvascular) representing the first step in atherosclerosis development. The aim of this study is represented by the assessment of microvascular endothelial dysfunction in RA patients by means of nailfold capillaroscopy and to assess its evolution after a period of 12 months of anti TNF-alpha treatment. The study included 70 consecutive patients with RA and 70 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, as the control group. Rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, serum TNF-α, C reactive protein, and erythrocytes sedimentation rate were evaluated in all patients, but in controls, only rheumatoid factor, serum TNF-α, C reactive protein, and erythrocytes sedimentation rate were measured. The RA activity was measured by DAS28. Nailfold capillaroscopy was carried out in all patients and controls, determining the baseline nailfold capillary density (Db), nailfold capillary density during reactive hyperemia (Dh), and nailfold capillary density after venous congestion (Dc). Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Pearson's correlation, with p < 0.05 being statistically significant. Db, Dh, and Dc were lower in RA patients than in controls (p < 0.0001), correlating with RA activity and TNF-α (p < 0.05). After 12 months of anti TNF-α treatment, microvascular endothelial dysfunction improved (p < 0.0001). Microvascular endothelial dysfunction can be assessed by nailfold capillaroscopy, with anti TNF-α medication contributing to its improvement.

Deep intravital brain tumor imaging enabled by tailored three-photon microscopy and analysis

Intravital 2P-microscopy enables the longitudinal study of brain tumor biology in superficial mouse cortex layers. Intravital microscopy of the white matter, an important route of glioblastoma invasion and recurrence, has not been feasible, due to low signal-to-noise ratios and insufficient spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we present an intravital microscopy and artificial intelligence-based analysis workflow (Deep3P) that enables longitudinal deep imaging of glioblastoma up to a depth of 1.2 mm. We find that perivascular invasion is the preferred invasion route into the corpus callosum and uncover two vascular mechanisms of glioblastoma migration in the white matter. Furthermore, we observe morphological changes after white matter infiltration, a potential basis of an imaging biomarker during early glioblastoma colonization. Taken together, Deep3P allows for a non-invasive intravital investigation of brain tumor biology and its tumor microenvironment at subcortical depths explored, opening up opportunities for studying the neuroscience of brain tumors and other model systems.

Study of Visual Evoked Potentials in Schoolchildren: A Promising Aid to Pediatric Ophthalmology.

Background Visual evoked potential (VEP) is a noninvasive investigation conducted to identify abnormalities in the visual system. It is especially suitable for young children who are unable to express visual symptoms or participate in conventional vision tests. This study was undertaken to examine the VEP among schoolchildren to assess the functionality of their optic pathway. Methodology This short-term observational study was performed in the Clinical Neurophysiology Unit of the Physiology Department of a rural medical college. The study population consisted of 60 schoolchildren aged 7-12. Both eyes were examined for transient pattern reversal VEP recordingsusing a Recorders & Medicare Systems Electromyography-Evoked Potential recorder (RMS EMG-EP MARK-II Pvt. Ltd., Chandigarh, India). Results VEPs were analyzed for latency and amplitude of the main components, namely P100, N70, and N155. The results showedmarkedly extended P100 latency in33.33%, i.e., eight outof 24 eyes of standard (std.) III children. Similar latency prolongation was obtained in 36.36% (eight out of 22)eyes of std. IV, 30% (six of 20 eyes) of std. V, 13.63% (three of 22 eyes) of std. VI, and 50% (eight of 16 eyes) in std. VII and VIIIchildren. A markedly reduced P100 amplitude was observedin two of 20 eyes (10%) of std. V, two of 16 eyes (12.5%) in std. VII and VIIIchildren, amounting to a P100amplitude abnormality in5%eyesin toto. The interocular differences in all VEP parameters amongthe subjects were statistically insignificant. Conclusion In schoolchildren in whom normal latencies and amplitudes were obtained, the presence of reproducible VEPs indicated the normal functionalstatus of their visual pathway. On the other hand,in those children where alteredVEP findings were found, it hinted towardcomplementary informationthat they may have underlying ocular disordersthat were yet to be diagnosed. Hence, this study provides insight into the assessment of visual system function, which is primarily difficult in young children.

High-resolution compound-specific mapping in works of art via data fusion of MA-XRPD with hyperspectral data (part 1: Method evaluation)

BackgroundHyperspectral imaging techniques have emerged as powerful tools for non-invasive investigation of artworks. This paper employs either reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) or macroscopic X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) imaging in combination with macroscopic X-ray powder diffraction (MA-XRPD) for state-of-the-art chemical imaging of painted cultural heritage artefacts. While RIS can provide molecular information and MA-XRF can offer elemental distribution maps of paintings of high lateral resolution, the unique advantage of MA-XRPD lies in its ability to visualize the distributions of specific pigments and estimate in a quantitative manner the relative concentrations of the crystalline phases at the surface of artworks. However, MA-XRPD is more time-consuming and offers a lower lateral resolution than RIS and MA-XRF. ResultsThis study introduces a machine learning (ML) approach to obtain the distribution of specific compounds on the surface of artworks with a resolution that is comparable to that of RIS and MA-XRF data but with the compound specificity of MA-XRPD. The general aim is to expedite non-destructive artwork imaging analysis by fusing data from different imaging modalities via machine learning models. The effect of preprocessing techniques to enhance the predictive accuracy of the models is explored. The paper demonstrates the method's efficacy on a 16th-century illuminated manuscript, showcasing the feasibility of predicting compound-specific distribution maps. Three evaluation methods—visual examination of the predicted distribution, root mean square errors (RMSE), and feature permutation importance (FPI)—are employed to assess model performance. Fusing MA-XRF with MA-XRPD led to the best RMSE scores overall. However, fusing the RIS and MA-XRPD data blocks also yield very satisfactory and easily interpretable high-resolution compound maps. SignificanceWhile MA-XRPD allows for highly specific imaging of artworks, its time-consuming nature and limited resolution presents a bottleneck during non-invasive imaging of painted works of art. By integrating data from more time-efficient hyperspectral techniques such as MA-XRF and RIS, and employing machine learning, we expedite the process without compromising accuracy. The fusion process can also denoise the distribution maps, improving their readability for heritage professionals and art historical scholars.

Feasibility of magnetomyography with optically pumped magnetometers in a mobile magnetic shield

While magnetomyography (MMG) using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) is a promising method for non-invasive investigation of the neuromuscular system, it has almost exclusively been performed in magnetically shielded rooms (MSRs) to date. MSRs provide extraordinary conditions for biomagnetic measurements but limit the widespread adoption of measurement methods due to high costs and extensive infrastructure. In this work, we address this issue by exploring the feasibility of mobile OPM-MMG in a setup of commercially available components. From field mapping and simulations, we find that the employed zero-field OPM can operate within a large region of the mobile shield, beyond which residual magnetic fields and perturbations become increasingly intolerable. Moreover, with digital filtering and moderate averaging a signal quality comparable to that in a heavily shielded MSR is attained. These findings facilitate practical and cost-effective implementations of OPM-MMG systems in clinical practice and research.

Functional connectivity across the human subcortical auditory system using an autoregressive matrix-Gaussian copula graphical model approach with partial correlations.

The auditory system comprises multiple subcortical brain structures that process and refine incoming acoustic signals along the primary auditory pathway. Due to technical limitations of imaging small structures deep inside the brain, most of our knowledge of the subcortical auditory system is based on research in animal models using invasive methodologies. Advances in ultrahigh-field functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisition have enabled novel noninvasive investigations of the human auditory subcortex, including fundamental features of auditory representation such as tonotopy and periodotopy. However, functional connectivity across subcortical networks is still underexplored in humans, with ongoing development of related methods. Traditionally, functional connectivity is estimated from fMRI data with full correlation matrices. However, partial correlations reveal the relationship between two regions after removing the effects of all other regions, reflecting more direct connectivity. Partial correlation analysis is particularly promising in the ascending auditory system, where sensory information is passed in an obligatory manner, from nucleus to nucleus up the primary auditory pathway, providing redundant but also increasingly abstract representations of auditory stimuli. While most existing methods for learning conditional dependency structures based on partial correlations assume independently and identically Gaussian distributed data, fMRI data exhibit significant deviations from Gaussianity as well as high-temporal autocorrelation. In this paper, we developed an autoregressive matrix-Gaussian copula graphical model (ARMGCGM) approach to estimate the partial correlations and thereby infer the functional connectivity patterns within the auditory system while appropriately accounting for autocorrelations between successive fMRI scans. Our results show strong positive partial correlations between successive structures in the primary auditory pathway on each side (left and right), including between auditory midbrain and thalamus, and between primary and associative auditory cortex. These results are highly stable when splitting the data in halves according to the acquisition schemes and computing partial correlations separately for each half of the data, as well as across cross-validation folds. In contrast, full correlation-based analysis identified a rich network of interconnectivity that was not specific to adjacent nodes along the pathway. Overall, our results demonstrate that unique functional connectivity patterns along the auditory pathway are recoverable using novel connectivity approaches and that our connectivity methods are reliable across multiple acquisitions.

Non-invasive investigation of a submerged medieval harbour, a case study from Puck Lagoon

This study presents an innovative approach to underwater archaeological prospection using non-invasive methods of seabed exploration. The research focuses on the Puck medieval harbour, a cultural heritage site, and utilises acoustic and optical underwater remote-sensing technology. The primary objectives include optimising the use of Airborne Laser Bathymetry in underwater archaeology, enhancing the filtration process for mapping underwater sites, and utilising data from both multibeam echosounder and bathymetric LiDAR for detailed archaeological research. A systematic approach to data processing is advocated to maximise the value of collected data and inform subsequent investigations. The study demonstrates the high accuracy of bathymetric datasets from optical and acoustic sources, with an R-squared correlation coefficient of 0.9853. The application of these techniques is demonstrated, underscoring the compatibility and effective combination of these methods in underwater archaeological exploration. This research provides valuable insights and directions for future archaeological prospections based on active remote-sensing measurements.

Ground-penetrating radar scanning and historical interpretation of the location of the destroyed Epiphany Cathedral in Kyiv Brotherhood Monastery (Ukraine)

Background The article presents results of a ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning carried out in a site of the Epiphany Cathedral of Brotherhood Monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine, destroyed in 1936 by the Soviets. The Cathedral is known as a burial site of Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi (1582–1622), a Ukrainian Cossack political and civic leader, guardian and patron of Kyiv Brotherhood Monastery. The collection of archival documents, blueprints, stock sources, photographs and cartographic materials of the 17th-19th centuries, as well as historical works of the 19th-21st centuries, were thoroughly analyzed and used as a basis for the interpretation of geophysical results. The set of historical data covers the period from 1615, that is, from the beginning of the construction of the wooden Epiphany Church, the predecessor of the cathedral, to the present day. Methods Summarized information about the construction, restoration after the fire, functioning and destruction of the Cathedral, as well as about the construction on its site in the 20th century, archaeological research in the 20th-21st centuries, was used to clarify possible location of hidden foundations and target GPR measurements. In this context, written testimonies of archaeologists who personally observed the foundations of the cathedral became especially valuable. The shielded GPR antennas, with a central frequency of 300 MHz and 700 MHz, is used for non-invasive investigation. Results GPR scanning specified the site and showed the best-preserved group of foundations of the western wall of the Epiphany Cathedral. Conclusions An integrated historical and geophysical study provided the basis to certify the foundation of the Epiphany Cathedral as a protected object of cultural heritage and facilitated its archaeological research.