Precise Imaging Research Articles

3D visualization diagnostics for lung cancer detection

<span>Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide with an estimated 2 million new cases and 1·76 million deaths yearly. Early detection can improve survival, and CT scans are a precise imaging technique to diagnose lung cancer. However, analyzing hundreds of 2D CT slices is challenging and can cause false alarms. 3D visualization of lung nodules can aid clinicians in detection and diagnosis. The MobileNet model integrates multi-view and multi-scale nodule features using depthwise separable convolutional layers. These layers split standard convolutions into depthwise and pointwise convolutions to reduce computational cost. Finally, the 3D pulmonary nodular models were created using a ray-casting volume rendering approach. Compared to other state-of-the-art deep neural networks, this factorization enables MobileNet to achieve a much lower computational cost while maintaining a decent degree of accuracy. The proposed approach was tested on an LIDC dataset of 986 nodules. Experiment findings reveal that MobileNet provides exceptional segmentation performance on the LIDC dataset, with an accuracy of 93.3%. The study demonstrates that the MobileNet detects and segments lung nodules somewhat better than other older technologies. As a result, the proposed system proposes an automated 3D lung cancer tumor visualization.</span>

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Enterography: From Protocols to Diagnosis

Both Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) and Computed Tomography Enterography (CTE) are crucial imaging modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CTE is often used in acute scenarios, such as when complications (such as abscesses, perforations, or bowel obstructions) are suspected. It can also help determine the degree and extent of pathological processes. Although CTE is rapid, generally accessible, and offers precise images that are useful in emergencies, it does expose patients to ionizing radiation. Nevertheless, MRE is very useful in assessing perianal illness and the small intestine, and it is frequently used in patients who need repeated follow-ups or are pregnant to minimize radiation exposure. Moreover, MRE can demonstrate oedema, fistulas, abscesses, and the thickening of the bowel wall. In addition, MRE offers superior soft tissue contrast resolution without ionizing radiation, which helps identify complications such as fistulas and abscesses. With their respective advantages and disadvantages, both approaches play essential roles in assessing IBD. The primary goal of this review is to provide an overview of the technical specifications, benefits, drawbacks, and imaging findings of CTE and MRE.

A Fluorogenic Sensor via Catalytic Hairpin Assembly for Precise Live-Cell Imaging of mRNA.

Accurate evaluation of the tumor-related mRNA expression levels provides important information for cancer diagnosis and therapy. We recently reported a fluorogenic sensor by coupling tetrazine-mediated bioorthogonal reaction with catalytic hairpin assembly for precise imaging of GalNac-T mRNA in live cells. Fluorescence signals are specifically generated by target mRNA triggered spatial localization of bioorthogonal chemicals. The proposed fluorogenic sensor exhibits low detection limit with signal amplification process. Importantly, the method can avoid false-positive results in biological environment because of the "click to release" feature of bioorthogonal reaction. Our method may provide a useful tool for precise imaging of intracellular mRNA with low expression levels.

Spatially Controlled MicroRNA Imaging in Mitochondria via Enzymatic Activation of Hybridization Chain Reaction.

Live-cell imaging of RNA in specific subcellular compartments is essential for elucidating the rich repertoire of cellular functions, but it has been limited by a lack of simple, precisely controlled methods. Here such an approach is presented via the combination of hybridization chain reaction and spatially restricted enzymatic activation with organelle-targeted delivery. The system can localize engineered DNA hairpins in the mitochondria, where target RNA-initiated chain reaction of hybridization events is selectively activated by a specific enzyme, enabling amplified RNA imaging with high precision. It is demonstrated that the approach is compatible with live cell visualization and enables the regulatable imaging of microRNA in mitochondria. Since in situ activation of the signal amplification with enzyme eliminates the need for genetically encoded protein overexpression, it is envisioned that this simple platform will be broadly applicable for precise RNA imaging with subcellular resolution in a variety of biological processes.

Pharmacokinetic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of an Optimized CD38-Targeted 68Ga-Labeled Peptide in Multiple Myeloma: A Pilot Study.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease characterized by its clinical and prognostic heterogeneity. Despite conventional chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the management of relapsed and refractory MM disease poses significant challenges, both medically and socioeconomically. CD38, highly expressed on the surface of MM cells, serves as a distinct tumor biological target in MM. Peptides offer advantages over antibodies, enabling precise tumor imaging and facilitating early tumor diagnosis and dynamic immunotherapy monitoring. In this study, we developed PF381, a CD38-targeted peptide, and investigated its role in diagnosis, biodistribution, and dosimetry through 68Ga-labeling for preclinical evaluation in tumor-bearing models. We screened a microchip-based combinatorial chemistry peptide library to obtain the amino acid sequence of PF381. Affinity for human CD38 was evaluated by SPRi. PF381 was conjugated with DOTA for radiolabeling with 68Ga, and the complex was characterized by HPLC. PET imaging was performed in murine tumor models after the administration of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-PF381. Biodistribution analysis compared CD38-positive H929 and CD38-negative U266 tumors, and human radiation dosimetry was estimated. Tumor sections were stained for CD38 expression. SPRi showed that PF381 had a high affinity for CD38 with a KD of 2.49 × 10-8 M. HPLC measured a radiolabeling efficiency of 78.45 ± 7.91% for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-PF381, with >98% radiochemical purity. PET imaging revealed rapid and persistent accumulation of radioactivity in CD38-positive H929 tumors, contrasting with negligible uptake in CD38-negative U266 tumors. Biodistribution confirmed higher uptake in H929 tumors (0.75 ± 0.03%ID/g) vs U266 (0.26 ± 0.08%ID/g, P < 0.001). The kidney received the highest radiation dose (3.57 × 10-02 mSv/MBq), with an effective dose of 1.41 × 10-02 mSv/MBq. Immunofluorescence imaging supported PET and biodistribution findings. We developed a novel peptide targeting CD38 and proved that 68Ga-labeled PF381 had rapid targeting and good tumor penetration capabilities. Therefore, 68Ga-labeled PF381 could achieve high sensitivity in vivo imaging for CD38-positive hematological malignancies.

Importance of CBCT diagnostics in dental implantology

ABSTRACT In today's world, the aesthetic demands of patients in dentistry are very high, followed by functional requirements. CBCT diagnostics facilitate the achievement of these goals. Modern dentistry involves replacing missing teeth with dental implants. In dental implantology, precise imaging techniques are essential to accurately capture the area where implants will be placed, in order to avoid damaging adjacent vital structures during surgery. Today, radiological analysis of CBCT scans is considered the best method of choice, or the gold standard, in the pre-implantation procedure. On CBCT scans, we can visualize the height, width, and density of the available bone for implant placement, the precise location of the maxillary sinus, mandibular canal, mental foramen, incisive canal, and diagnose certain present pathological changes.

NIR-II Fluorescence/Photoacoustic Dual Ratiometric Probes with Unique Recognition Site for Quantitatively Visualizing H2S2 in Vivo.

Hydrogen persulfide (H2S2) plays a significant role in redox biology and signal transduction; therefore, quantitative visualization of H2S2 in the deep tissue of living organisms is essential for obtaining reliable information about relevant pathophysiological processes directly. However, currently reported H2S2 probes are unsuitable for this purpose because of their poor selectivity for many polysulfide species or their short wavelength, which hinders precise imaging in deep tissues. Herein, for the first time, we report a unique H2S2-mediated dithiole formation reaction. Based on this reaction, we construct the first NIR-II fluorescence (FL) and photoacoustic (PA) dual-ratiometric probe (NIR-II-H2S2) for quantitatively visualizing H2S2 in vivo. This probe shows dual-ratiometric NIR-II fluorescence (I840/I1000, 107-fold) and photoacoustic (PA800/PA900, 6.5-fold) responses towards Na2S2 species with high specificity, excellent sensitivity (1.8nM), improved water solubility, and deep-tissue penetration. More importantly, using NIR-II dual-ratiometric FL/PA imaging, we successfully demonstrated that the probe could be used to accurately quantify the fluctuating H2S2 levels in the liver-injury mouse models induced by lipopolysaccharides or metformin drugs. Overall, this study not only presents a promising tool for H2S2-related pathological research, but also provides a unique recognition site that may be generalized for designing more useful H2S2 imaging agents in the future.

Film image processing and production based on high-performance calculation

In film and television production, efficient and precise image processing is vital for achieving realistic visual effects. Therefore, exploring and applying advanced image processing technologies has become an essential method for elevating the production quality of film and television projects. This work investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the processing and production of animated images in film and television scenarios. By comparing the performance of standard Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), DenseNet, and CycleGAN models under different noise conditions, it is found that CycleGAN performs the best in image denoising and detail restoration. Experimental results demonstrate that CycleGAN achieves a Peak Signal-to-noise Ratio (PSNR) of 30.1dB and a Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) of 0.88 under Gaussian noise conditions. Moreover, CycleGAN achieves a PSNR of 29.5dB and an SSIM of 0.85 under salt-and-pepper noise conditions. It outperforms the other models in both conditions. Additionally, CycleGAN’s mean absolute error is significantly lower than that of the other models. This work demonstrates that CycleGAN can more effectively handle complex noise and generate high-quality images under unsupervised learning conditions. These findings provide new directions for future image processing research and offer important references for model selection in practical applications. This work not only offers new perspectives on the development of animation image processing technology but also establishes a theoretical foundation for applying advanced AI techniques in film and television production. Through comparative analysis of various deep learning models, this work highlights the superior performance of CycleGAN under complex noise conditions. This advancement not only drives progress in image processing technology but also provides effective solutions for efficient production and quality enhancement of future film and television works.

NIR‐II Fluorescence/Photoacoustic Dual Ratiometric Probes with Unique Recognition Site for Quantitatively Visualizing H2S2 in Vivo

Hydrogen persulfide (H2S2) plays a significant role in redox biology and signal transduction; therefore, quantitative visualization of H2S2 in the deep tissue of living organisms is essential for obtaining reliable information about relevant pathophysiological processes directly. However, currently reported H2S2 probes are unsuitable for this purpose because of their poor selectivity for many polysulfide species or their short wavelength, which hinders precise imaging in deep tissues. Herein, for the first time, we report a unique H2S2‐mediated dithiole formation reaction. Based on this reaction, we construct the first NIR‐II fluorescence (FL) and photoacoustic (PA) dual‐ratiometric probe (NIR‐II‐H2S2) for quantitatively visualizing H2S2 in vivo. This probe shows dual‐ratiometric NIR‐II fluorescence (I840/I1000, 107‐fold) and photoacoustic (PA800/PA900, 6.5‐fold) responses towards Na2S2 species with high specificity, excellent sensitivity (1.8 nM), improved water solubility, and deep‐tissue penetration. More importantly, using NIR‐II dual‐ratiometric FL/PA imaging, we successfully demonstrated that the probe could be used to accurately quantify the fluctuating H2S2 levels in the liver‐injury mouse models induced by lipopolysaccharides or metformin drugs. Overall, this study not only presents a promising tool for H2S2‐related pathological research, but also provides a unique recognition site that may be generalized for designing more useful H2S2 imaging agents in the future.

The role of MRI in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: an update from the last two years.

Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is aggressive and requires radical cystectomy and neoadjuvant therapy, yet over 40% of patients face recurrence. The loss of the bladder also significantly reduces quality of life. Accurate staging, crucial for treatment decisions, is typically done through transurethral resection (TURBT), but inconsistencies in pathology affect diagnosis in 25% of cases. MRI is the most precise imaging method for evaluating local tumor invasiveness. This review discusses recent advances in MRI for staging MIBC and predicting responses to neoadjuvant therapy. Vesical imaging - reporting and data system (VI-RADS) accuracy may improve if combined with ADC maps and tumor contact length, while a bi-parametric MRI approach without contrast could reduce side effects without losing diagnostic precision, though evidence is mixed. VI-RADS shows promise in predicting neoadjuvant therapy responses, and the new nacVI-RADS score is in development. Non-Gaussian diffusion-weighted imaging techniques and machine learning could enhance accuracy but need more integration with mpMRI. VI-RADS may assist in evaluating responses in bladder-sparing regimens. Urodrill, an MRI-guided biopsy, aims to replace diagnostic TURBT but needs more accuracy data. MRI in MIBC is evolving, offering potential for accurate local staging and reduced side effects by avoiding TURBT. Predicting neoadjuvant treatment response could guide personalized treatment and bladder preservation. Larger trials are needed to validate these findings.

TMET-16. GABA PRODUCTION INDUCED BY IMIPRIDONES IS A TARGETABLE AND IMAGEABLE METABOLIC ALTERATION IN DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMAS

Abstract Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are lethal brain tumors in children. The imipridones ONC201 and ONC206 have emerged as promising therapies for DMG patients, but efficacy as monotherapy is limited. Another hurdle is the lack of biomarkers that report on drug-target engagement at an early timepoint after treatment. Here, using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), which is a non-invasive method of quantifying metabolite pool sizes, we show that imipridones induce accumulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in patient-derived (BT245, SF8628) and syngeneic (26-B7, 26-C2) cells. Importantly, in vivo1H-MRS detects a significant increase in GABA within a week of ONC206 treatment, when anatomical alterations are absent, in mice bearing orthotopic BT245, SF8628 or 26-B7 xenografts. Mechanistic studies show that imipridones activate the mitochondrial protease ClpP and upregulate the stress-responsive transcription factor ATF4. ATF4, in turn, upregulates glutamate decarboxylase, the enzyme that synthesizes GABA, and downregulates GABA transaminase, which degrades GABA, leading to GABA accumulation in DMG cells and orthotopic tumors. Since GABA is known to regulate oxidative stress signaling and since imipridones induce oxidative stress, we assessed whether GABA influences oxidative stress in DMG cells. Our studies indicate that GABA induces expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which scavenges superoxide radicals and, thereby, curbs apoptosis induced by imipridones. The biological effects of GABA are mediated via signaling cascades triggered by GABA receptors and we find that GABA acts in an autocrine manner via the GABAB receptor to upregulate SOD1. Importantly, the clinically translatable GABAB receptor antagonist SGS742 and the SOD1 inhibitor ATN-224 exacerbate oxidative stress and synergistically induce apoptosis in combination with imipridones in DMG cells. Furthermore, SGS742 is brain-penetrant and potentiates ONC206-induced apoptosis in mice bearing orthotopic SF8628 xenografts in vivo. Collectively, we identify GABA as a unique metabolic adaptation to imipridones that can be leveraged for imaging drug-target engagement and for enhancing response to therapy. Clinical translation of our studies will enable precision therapy and imaging for DMG patients.

BIOM-23. DEUTERIUM METABOLIC IMAGING OF RESPONSE TO PRECISION THERAPY IN BRAF-V600E MUTANT GLIOMAS

Abstract Oncogenic BRAF-V600E mutations are frequently observed in low- and high-grade gliomas in adults and children. BRAF transduces signals from receptor tyrosine kinases to downstream effectors such as MEK1/2 and ERK, which regulate both metabolism and proliferation. The combination of the BRAF-V600E inhibitor dabrafenib and the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib (Dab/Tra) improves patient survival. However, there is considerable variation in the durability of response, underscoring the need for early biomarkers of treatment response. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is the gold standard for patient management, does not reliably assess response to therapy. Since the BRAF/MEK pathway regulates metabolism, the goal of this study was to determine whether Dab/Tra induces alterations in glucose metabolism that can be leveraged for non-invasive imaging. Using gene expression profiling, in vivo metabolomics, and stable isotope tracing, we show that Dab/Tra downregulates glucose metabolism to lactate in human and murine BRAF-V600E mutant models (AM38, 2341). In vivo infusion with [U-13C]-glucose in mice bearing intracranial AM38 tumors confirmed that Dab/Tra downregulates glucose metabolism to lactate in the tumor in vivo. Mechanistically, Dab/Tra destabilizes hypoxia inducible factor-1a and downregulates glycolytic genes, including SLC2A1, HK2, PFKFB3, and LDHA. Deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) is a novel, clinical stage method of tracing glucose metabolism in vivo. Our studies show that lactate production from [6,6-2H]-glucose is reduced in AM38 and 2341 cells treated with Dab/Tra. Importantly, lactate production is reduced within 48 h of treatment with Dab/Tra in mice bearing intracranial AM38 tumors at the clinical magnetic field strength of 3T. Furthermore, this drop in 2H-lactate production is observed in the absence of MRI-detectable volumetric alterations and is predictive of extended survival. Collectively, our studies mechanistically link BRAF/MEK inhibition with downregulation of glycolysis and identify [6,6’-2H]-glucose as a novel contrast agent for imaging early response to therapy. Clinical translation of our studies will enable precision imaging of response to therapy for patients with BRAF-mutant gliomas.

Ultrasound and computed tomography in differentiating between simple and complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients.

This study aims to measure the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of US and CT in diagnosing complicated appendicitis among pediatric patients and to find the performance of the imaging modalities in detecting complication signs. a systematic review and meta-analysis were done on 15 eligible studies from the Medline Database concerning pediatric appendicitis and its complications. Studies either provided an overall estimate of sensitivity and specificity of the imaging modality or addressed signs of complicated appendicitis The reference standard employed was either surgical findings or histopathology reports. The review included assessments of 4,497 pediatric patients, with 285 undergoing CT and 4,212 undergoing US imaging. CT demonstrated sensitivities of 62% and 68.4%, and specificities of 81% and 92.4%. US showed sensitivities of 33.9% to 51.5% and specificities ranging from 68.8% to 95%. The ultrasound's ability to detect appendiceal wall diameter > 5mm showed the highest sensitivity (99.4%), while the conglomerate sign indicated the highest specificity (99.9%). The findings suggest that both US and CT exhibit higher specificity than sensitivity in diagnosing complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients. Given its favorable specificity, non-invasiveness, and lack of radiation exposure, US should be the first-line imaging modality in suspected cases of pediatric appendicitis. CT, offering robust specificity, should be reserved for ambiguous cases where US results are inconclusive. These insights underscore the critical role of precise imaging modalities in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing unnecessary surgeries, and improving clinical outcomes in pediatric appendicitis management.

Research on the Advantages and Challenges of Replacing LEDs with Lasers in Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Systems Based on Advanced Signal Processing Algorithms

Abstract: Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has received increasing attention as a non-invasive, portable brain hemodynamic monitoring tool due to its potential for use in natural Settings. Traditional fNIRS systems commonly use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources, which have become the mainstream choice because of their low cost, easy integration, low heat output, and availability of a variety of near-infrared wavelengths. However, LEDs are limited by their low optical output power and broad wavelength range, which restrict their effectiveness in deep tissue penetration and signal quality. In contrast, Laser Diodes (LD) have the advantages of good monochromaticity and high optical output power, which can provide deeper tissue penetration and higher signal stability. Therefore, this study explores the feasibility of using lasers instead of leds in fNIRS systems and their impact on signal quality and imaging depth. By comparing the performance of LED and laser-based fNIRS systems, it is evident that lasers provide significant improvements in signal quality and imaging depth, although they face challenges in terms of cost, thermal management, and safety. The research in this paper provides an important reference for the future design of fNIRS system, especially in the application scenarios requiring high precision imaging.

Cone-Beam CT to CT Image Translation Using a Transformer-Based Deep Learning Model for Prostate Cancer Adaptive Radiotherapy.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely utilized in image-guided radiation therapy; however, its image quality is poor compared to planning CT (pCT), thus restricting its utility for adaptive radiotherapy (ART). Our objective was to enhance CBCT image quality utilizing a transformer-based deep learning model, SwinUNETR, which we compared with a conventional convolutional neural network (CNN) model, U-net. This retrospective study involved 260 patients undergoing prostate radiotherapy, with 245 patients used for training and 15 patients reserved as an independent hold-out test dataset. Employing a CycleGAN framework, we generated synthetic CT (sCT) images from CBCT images, employing SwinUNETR and U-net as generators. We evaluated sCT image quality and assessed its dosimetric impact for photon therapy through gamma analysis and dose-volume histogram (DVH) comparisons. The mean absolute error values for the CT numbers, calculated using all voxels within the patient's body contour and taking the pCT images as a reference, were 84.07, 73.49, and 64.69 Hounsfield units for CBCT, U-net, and SwinUNETR images, respectively. Gamma analysis revealed superior agreement between the dose on the pCT images and on the SwinUNETR-based sCT plans compared to those based on U-net. DVH parameters calculated on the SwinUNETR-based sCT deviated by < 1% from those in pCT plans. Our study showed that, compared to the U-net model, SwinUNETR could proficiently generate more precise sCT images from CBCT images, facilitating more accurate dose calculations. This study demonstrates the superiority of transformer-based models over conventional CNN-based approaches for CBCT-to-CT translation, contributing to the advancement of image synthesis techniques in ART.

Precision Cancer Therapy Enabled Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Conjugated Manganese Core Phthalocyanine Bismuth Nanocomposite for Dual Imaging-Guided Breast Cancer Treatment.

Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, demanding the exploration of innovative treatment modalities with minimized side effects. One promising avenue involves the synergistic integration of targeted photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT), utilizing specially designed functional nanomaterials for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study introduces a composite biomaterial, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor-conjugated manganese core phthalocyanine bismuth (anti-EGFR-MPB), synthesized for precise cancer imaging and treatment. The biomaterial, synthesized via a solvothermal process, effectively treats and images breast cancer in mouse models. Its biomimetic design targets cancer cells precisely, with dual imaging for real-time monitoring. The biomimetic design of the composite enables precise targeting of cancer cells, whereas the dual imaging allows for real-time visualization and monitoring of the treatment. Invivo examinations confirm substantial damage to tumor tissues with no recurrence following 808-nm laser irradiation. The composite shows strong fluorescence/photoacoustic imaging (PAI) contrast, aiding malignancy detection. Biological assays and histological analyses confirmed the efficacy of the nanocomposite in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. The integrated targeted dual image-guided phototherapy offered by this composite substantially enhances the precision and efficacy of cancer therapy, achieving an impressive photothermal efficiency of ~33.8%. Our findings demonstrate the utility of the anti-EGFR-MPB nanocomposite for both invitro and invivo photoacoustic image-guided PTT and PDT. The optimal treatment strategy for triple-negative breast cancer is found to be the use of 250 μg/ml of nanocomposite irradiated with 1.0 W/cm2 808-nm laser for 7 min.

Retraction Note: Quantum mesh neural network model in precise image diagnosing

Retraction Note: Quantum mesh neural network model in precise image diagnosing

The Current Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Detection of Its Complications: A Systematic Review.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses complex gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, primarily Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), requiring precise imaging for effective diagnosis and management of complications. This systematic review aimed to evaluatethe current role of imaging modalities in diagnosing IBD and detecting related complications. Thereview adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed a literature search using text words and controlled vocabulary applying Boolean operators "AND," "OR," with various combinations on databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The search targeted open-access articles involving humans, with full-text available, and published in the English Language from 2005 to 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias (RoB) checklist. Our search process identified 127 recordsfrom Cochrane (39), Embase (29), and PubMed (59). After removing 98 irrelevant records, 29 underwent further screening. Five were excluded as they involved irrelevant problems or outcomes, leaving us with 24 reports with full text, all of which were accessible. Following the eligibility assessment, two more reports were excluded due to inaccessibility, and 22 studies were included in the final analysis. The risk of bias and methodological quality assessment revealed that out of 22 studies analyzed, five (23%) had a high risk of bias, while 13 (59%) were classified as moderate risk, and four (18%) showed low risk. This distribution highlights a predominance of moderate-risk studies in research on imaging in IBD, emphasizing the need for enhanced study designs in future investigations. Our findings revealed the varying effectiveness of imaging modalities in diagnosing complications of CD and UC. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) stands out as the preferred method for CD due to its high sensitivity and noninvasive nature. In contrast, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for UC, providing direct visualization of mucosal lesions. While techniques like ultrasound and capsule endoscopy offer valuable insights, they havelimitations that may affect their utility in certain cases.

Volumetric Integrated Classification Index: An Integrated Voxel-Based Morphometry and Machine Learning Interpretable Biomarker for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PTSD is a complex mental health condition triggered by individuals' traumatic experiences, with long-term and broad impacts on sufferers' psychological health and quality of life. Despite decades of research providing partial understanding of the pathobiological aspects of PTSD, precise neurobiological markers and imaging indicators remain challenging to pinpoint. This study employed VBM analysis and machine learning algorithms to investigate structural brain changes in PTSD patients. Data were sourced ADNI-DoD database for PTSD cases and from the ADNI database for healthy controls. Various machine learning models, including SVM, RF, and LR, were utilized for classification. Additionally, the VICI was proposed to enhance model interpretability, incorporating SHAP analysis. The association between PTSD risk genes and VICI values was also explored through gene expression data analysis. Among the tested machine learning algorithms, RF emerged as the top performer, achieving high accuracy in classifying PTSD patients. Structural brain abnormalities in PTSD patients were predominantly observed in prefrontal areas compared to healthy controls. The proposed VICI demonstrated classification efficacy comparable to the optimized RF model, indicating its potential as a simplified diagnostic tool. Analysis of gene expression data revealed significant associations between PTSD risk genes and VICI values, implicating synaptic integrity and neural development regulation. This study reveals neuroimaging and genetic characteristics of PTSD, highlighting the potential of VBM analysis and machine learning models in diagnosis and prognosis. The VICI offers a promising approach to enhance model interpretability and guide clinical decision-making. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of PTSD and provide new avenues for future diagnosis and treatment.

3D manipulation of small multicellular organisms in soft microtubes

Small multicellular organisms, such as C. elegans and zebrafish larvae, are essential models in biological research, but their 3D manipulation poses challenges due to their small size. Manual positioning is labor-intensive and imprecise. To address this, we developed a soft PDMS microtube that can be gently stretched and released, immobilizing organisms without anesthetization and damage. This tube enables easy rotation and adjustment of orientation, facilitating comprehensive imaging. Functionality testing showed effective immobilization as well as precise imaging and microinjection. Zebrafish larvae were successfully injected with fluorescein in the hindbrain without anesthesia. This technique offers a simple, efficient, and non-damaging method for 3D manipulation and imaging of small multicellular organisms and provides a versatile tool for biological research practices.