Research Papers

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    Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Clinical Setting
    (2019) O'Grady, Meghan; submitted by Shelli Weddum
    Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a relatively new imaging modality used to measure the blood oxygen levels in the brain. Task-based and resting-state fMRI are two different methods used. When a specific task is performed, there is an increase in oxygenated blood flow to the active area, providing a map to aid in the resection of a lesion in the brain without damaging vital brain tissue. Resting-state fMRI is done to assess altered connectivity of regions of the brain, specifically for patients with a mental illness. This paper discusses the major uses of fMRI in the clinical setting, including preoperative mapping for brain tumors and assessing the connectivity of networks in the brain for patients suffering from Alzheimer disease and epilepsy. Research and clinical studies have proved that this imaging modality is becoming vital in surgical planning and in predicting postoperative deficits for each patient.
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    Alzheimer’s Disease: Structural, Functional, and Molecular Imaging
    (2018) Polt, Briana; submitted by Shelli Weddum
    Ever since German physician Alois Alzheimer came across this perplexing disease in 1906, later named after the physician, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still a mystery today (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016). Over the past century, numerous scientists and inventors have been devoted to finding a cure for this disease (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016). A promising area of research in radiologic neuroimaging procedures may have the potential to be the key to unlocking this mystery. These radiologic neuroimaging procedures can be further divided into structural, functional, and molecular imaging. In regards to structural imaging, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been proven to be the top line research tools used in this ongoing research process. Functional MRI (fMRI) and fluoro-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) analyze cell activities in functional imaging. Lastly, molecular imaging utilizes PET and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to follow the course of radioactive tracers to discover chemical changes of the brain in relation to AD. The ability to identify AD through radiographic neuroimaging procedures, monitor it through its progression, and understand the alterations of the brain’s structures are some of the monumental research achievements. Each study performed adds more promising information on how to combat this disease.