Analysis of simplicial complexes to determine when to sample for quantitative DCE MRI of the breast.

Purpose: A method is presented to select the optimal time points at which to measure DCE-MRI signal intensities, leaving time in the MR exam for high-spatial resolution image acquisition.

Theory: Simplicial complexes are generated from the Kety-Tofts model pharmacokinetic parameters K and v . A geometric search selects optimal time points for accurate estimation of perfusion parameters.

Quantitative multiparametric MRI predicts response to neoadjuvant therapy in the community setting.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether advanced quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be deployed outside of large, research-oriented academic hospitals and into community care settings to predict eventual pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Methods: Patients with stage II/III breast cancer (N = 28) were enrolled in a multicenter study performed in community radiology settings. Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI data were acquired at four time points during the course of NAT.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and tumor forecasting of breast cancer patients in the community setting.

This protocol describes a complete data acquisition, analysis and computational forecasting pipeline for employing quantitative MRI data to predict the response of locally advanced breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy in a community-based care setting. The methodology has previously been successfully applied to a heterogeneous patient population. The protocol details how to acquire the necessary images followed by registration, segmentation, quantitative perfusion and diffusion analysis, model calibration, and prediction.

The rate of breast fibroglandular enhancement during dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI reflects response to neoadjuvant therapy.

Purpose: This study assesses the rate of enhancement of breast fibroglandular tissue after administration of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium-based contrast agent and determines its relationship with response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in women with breast cancer.

Method: Women with locally advanced breast cancer (N = 19) were imaged four times over the course of NAT. Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI was acquired after administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent with a temporal resolution of 7.

Evaluating patient-specific neoadjuvant regimens for breast cancer via a mathematical model constrained by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging data.

The ability to accurately predict response and then rigorously optimize a therapeutic regimen on a patient-specific basis, would transform oncology. Toward this end, we have developed an experimental-mathematical framework that integrates quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data into a biophysical model to predict patient-specific treatment response of locally advanced breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy. Diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI data is collected prior to therapy, after 1 cycle of therapy, and at the completion of the first therapeutic regimen.

Antibacterial Activity of Strain T1 against -Bearing Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Genetic and Physiological Characterization.

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is caused by PirAB toxin-producing and has devastated the global shrimp aquaculture industry. One approach for preventing the growth of AHPND-producing spp. is through the application of beneficial bacteria capable of inhibiting these pathogens.

Magnetization Transfer MRI of Breast Cancer in the Community Setting: Reproducibility and Preliminary Results in Neoadjuvant Therapy.

Repeatability and reproducibility of magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging of the breast, and the ability of this technique to assess the response of locally advanced breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), are determined. Reproducibility scans at 3 different 3 T scanners, including 2 scanners in community imaging centers, found a 16.3% difference (n = 3) in magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in healthy breast fibroglandular tissue.

Repeatability, reproducibility, and accuracy of quantitative mri of the breast in the community radiology setting.

Background: Quantitative diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) have the potential to impact patient care by providing noninvasive biological information in breast cancer.

Purpose/hypothesis: To quantify the repeatability, reproducibility, and accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T -mapping of the breast in community radiology practices.

Study Type: Prospective.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for predicting the response of locally advanced breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis assesses the prognostic value of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) performed during neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) of locally advanced breast cancer. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies of quantitative DCE-MRI and DW-MRI performed during breast cancer NAT that report the sensitivity and specificity for predicting pathological complete response (pCR). Details of the study population and imaging parameters were extracted from each study for subsequent meta-analysis.

The experiences and needs of people seeking palliative health care out-of-hours: a qualitative study.

Aim: To explore the experiences of people with advanced cancer and/or their caregivers accessing out-of-hours care.

Background: The organisation and delivery of out-of-hours in the United Kingdom has undergone major reforms over the past three decades culminating in the new General Medical Service contract in 2004. There are concerns around continuity of care for patients with complex needs under the new arrangements.

Measurement properties of the neck disability index: a systematic review.

Study Design: Systematic review of clinical measurement.

Objective: To find and synthesize evidence on the psychometric properties and usefulness of the neck disability index (NDI).

Background: The NDI is the most commonly used outcome measure for neck pain, and a synthesis of knowledge should provide a deeper understanding of its use and limitations.

Accessing out-of-hours care following implementation of the GMS contract: an observational study.

Background: There is widespread concern that the quality of out-of-hours primary care for patients with complex needs may be at risk now that the new general medical services contract (GMS) has been implemented.

Aim: To explore changes in the use of out-of-hours services around the time of implementation of the new contract for patients with complex needs, using patients with cancer as an example.

Design Of Study: Longitudinal observational study.