Background-Free Detection of Spin-Exchange Dynamics at Ultra-Low Magnetic Field.

Ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and imaging (MRI) inherently suffer from a low signal-to-noise ratio due to the small thermal polarization of nuclear spins. Transfer of polarization from a pre-polarized spin system to a thermally polarized spin system via the Spin Polarization Induced Nuclear Overhauser Effect (SPINOE) could potentially be used to overcome this limitation. SPINOE is particularly advantageous at ultra-low magnetic field, where the transferred polarization can be several orders of magnitude higher than thermal polarization.

Enhanced Xe T relaxation in whole blood and in the presence of SPIONs at low magnetic field strengths.

Purpose: To compare the effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on the T of Xe and H and to measure the relaxation of Xe in blood at low and high magnetic field strengths.

Methods: Xe and H T relaxometry was performed at low- and high-field strengths in samples containing different SPION concentrations, while imaging was used to compare the contrast obtainable in these two field regimes. In vivo experiments at variable field strengths were performed to determine the depolarization of Xe in blood and the feasibility of in vivo dissolved-phase spectroscopy and imaging at low field.

Determining the impact of age and sex on the psychophysical and neurophysiological response to thermal pain across the adult lifespan.

Aims: Determine sex- and age-associated psychophysical and neurophysiological differences in the processing of pain across the adult lifespan.

Design: Preliminary, exploratory, cross-sectional study.

Methods: Using psychophysics (to measure intensity and unpleasantness) and functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygenation level dependent methods (to measure stimulus-evoked brain activation), we will examine sex- and age-associated differences in thermal pain processing and their underlying neurophysiology in a broad range of healthy adults (ages 30-89).

Neuroimaging Methods for Nursing Science.

Background: Since the inception of magnetic resonance imaging, thousands of studies have appeared in the literature reporting on multiple imaging techniques. However, there is a paucity of neuroimaging research programs developed by nurse scientists.

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to introduce the nurse scientist to complex neuroimaging methods with the ultimate goal of creating impetus for future use of brain imaging in nursing research.

Thermal Psychophysics and Associated Brain Activation Patterns Along a Continuum of Healthy Aging.

Objective: To examine psychophysical and brain activation patterns to innocuous and painful thermal stimulation along a continuum of healthy older adults.

Design: Single center, cross-sectional, within-subjects design.

Methods: Thermal perceptual psychophysics (warmth, mild, and moderate pain) were tested in 37 healthy older adults (65-97 years, median = 73 years).

Network Alterations in Comorbid Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction: An Exploratory Approach.

The comorbidity of chronic pain and opioid addiction is a serious problem that has been growing with the practice of prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Neuroimaging research has shown that chronic pain and opioid dependence both affect brain structure and function, but this is the first study to evaluate the neurophysiological alterations in patients with comorbid chronic pain and addiction. Eighteen participants with chronic low back pain and opioid addiction were compared with eighteen age- and sex-matched healthy individuals in a pain-induction fMRI task.

Sex Differences in the Psychophysical Response to Contact Heat in Moderate Cognitive Impairment Alzheimer's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Brief Report.

Background: People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) report pain less frequently and receive less pain medication than people without AD. Recent studies have begun to elucidate how pain may be altered in those with AD. However, potential sex differences in pain responsiveness have never been explored in these patients.

Sex Differences in Brain Regions Modulating Pain Among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Resting State Functional Connectivity Study.

Objective: A long-standing hypothesis is that when compared with males, females may be at increased risk of experiencing greater pain sensitivity and unpleasantness. The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in pain psychophysics and resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in core pain regions in an age- and sex-matched sample of healthy older adults.

Design: Between groups, cross-sectional.

The Impact of Alzheimer's Disease on the Resting State Functional Connectivity of Brain Regions Modulating Pain: A Cross Sectional Study.

Background: It is currently unknown why people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) receive less pain medication and report pain less frequently.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of AD on thermal psychophysics and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) among sensory, affective, descending modulatory, and default mode structures.

Methods: Controls (n = 23, 13 = female) and age-matched people with AD (n = 23, 13 = females) underwent psychophysical testing to rate perceptions of warmth, mild, and moderate pain and then completed resting-state fMRI.