Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Researchers are evaluating the use of high-resolution 7 Tesla MRI to provide detailed images of the cervical spine. This imaging technique helps differentiate nerve roots and surrounding tissues within the spinal foramen and measures the diameter of nerve roots and ganglia. The study also assesses the detailed anatomy of the vertebral artery and its relationship to neural structures and foramina. Participants will undergo 7 Tesla MRI scans, which are diagnostic tests used to capture high-detail images of the spine. The study includes both patients with chronic back pain lasting more than 2 months without recent trauma and asymptomatic individuals to depict normal microanatomy. There are no treatment interventions; the focus is on advanced imaging to gather anatomical data. During the study, researchers will measure standard diameters of nerve roots, ganglia, and neuroforamen segments and assess the contact between the vertebral artery and neural structures by evaluating the presence of fat tissue between them. These assessments occur over one year. Participants will provide informed consent and undergo MRI scans without additional treatments or procedures. The total duration and follow-up details are aligned with imaging and anatomical assessments.

Researchers are investigating the imaging characteristics of Parkinson's Disease (PD) using 7-Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study aims to detect subtle changes in patients with a short history of PD compared to healthy individuals, explore imaging differences among PD subtypes, and identify neuroimaging biomarkers that can distinguish these subtypes. This observational study also includes a long-term follow-up to assess the relationship between imaging changes and clinical symptom progression. Participants will undergo 7T-MRI scanning to capture detailed brain images. The study focuses on comparing imaging data from different PD subtypes and healthy subjects to understand functional and structural brain connectivity alterations. Follow-up imaging and clinical assessments will be conducted over several years to monitor changes and their correlation with motor symptoms. During the study, participants will have regular MRI scans and clinical evaluations to track motor symptoms and brain connectivity features. Researchers will measure changes in motor function five years after enrollment, alongside clinical and imaging variables. The study includes healthy volunteers and patients with PD, with ongoing observation to link imaging findings to disease progression and motor symptom changes.

Researchers are investigating early detection and risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults with advanced liver disease, specifically those with liver cirrhosis from various causes. This prospective multicenter study aims to compare ultrasound and abbreviated MRI (AMRI) as surveillance tools to assess their ability to detect HCC, as well as to study how body composition, such as fat and muscle levels, relates to disease progression and HCC risk. Participants with cirrhosis undergo regular clinical evaluations and imaging tests at set intervals, including ultrasound and abbreviated MRI scans. The study collects detailed data on body composition and tracks clinical outcomes like liver-related complications and mortality. These assessments occur over multiple visits, including baseline and follow-ups at 6, 12, and 18 months, with additional monitoring for up to 24 months to observe new cases of HCC and disease progression. During the study, participants receive structured exams, imaging, and body composition measurements at each visit. Researchers evaluate lesion risk for HCC using LI-RADS criteria and measure muscle mass through the Muscle Assessment Score. They also monitor liver stiffness and organ volumes at baseline and follow-up visits. The study's goal is to develop prediction models based on these clinical and imaging data to better understand HCC risk and liver disease progression over time.

Researchers are investigating how the hormonal and metabolic changes during puberty affect brain development and function in boys and girls. The study focuses on understanding the impact of puberty on neurobiology, behavior, and stress response, aiming to explain why certain neuropsychiatric disorders show differences between males and females after puberty. This observational study follows participants from childhood through adolescence to adulthood, exploring genetic and environmental influences on pubertal timing and brain changes. Participants include healthy children aged 8 to 17 years and adults aged 25 to 35 years. The study involves regular assessments every eight to ten months, measuring reproductive hormones, metabolism, brain structure, and function using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Cognitive and behavioral tests and evaluations of stress hormone responses are also conducted. Some children from earlier phases will be invited to return as adults to compare adolescent and adult brain development. During the study, participants undergo multiple brain scans, physical exams, metabolic tests, and behavioral assessments. Researchers track pubertal stages and hormone levels to link these changes with brain activity and structure. The primary outcome includes brain activity measured by functional MRI, with additional imaging and cognitive evaluations. The study aims to improve understanding of puberty's role in mental health and may help guide prevention and treatment of related disorders. Participation may last several years with follow-up into adulthood.

Researchers are investigating the relationship between gut microbiota dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on how gut-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) may influence brain function through the "gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks" pathway. This observational study will explore differences in SCFAs among people across the AD spectrum, including cognitively normal individuals, those with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD dementia. The project aims to clarify the interactions between gut microbiome, metabolites, and brain changes using high-throughput metabolomics and multi-modal MRI techniques. Participants will be grouped into four categories: cognitively normal, SCD, MCI, and AD dementia. The study involves collecting multi-omics data, including gut microbiome analysis, metabolomics, and neuroimaging, to establish a diagnostic model for SCD due to preclinical AD using machine learning methods. The study spans five years, during which gut microbiome changes, SCFAs levels, and multi-omics biomarkers related to cognitive impairment conversion will be monitored. Participants will undergo cognitive tests and brain imaging scans, along with gut microbiome and metabolite sample collection. Researchers will assess the interaction mechanisms of the gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks over five years. The study includes both healthy volunteers and patients aged 60 to 80. Outcome measures focus on changes in gut microbiome, SCFAs, and biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, with long-term follow-up to better understand the disease progression and its early detection.

Researchers are studying whether a new method of defining the radiation target areas can improve progression-free survival and reduce radiation complications in patients with high-grade glioma. This trial compares this new target delineation approach with the standard European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) method. The goal is to see if the new method leads to better outcomes for patients after surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The trial group receives radiotherapy using the new target delineation scheme based on CT-MRI fusion images, with careful dose limits to protect sensitive brain areas. The control group receives radiotherapy following the EORTC target delineation method. Both groups receive temozolomide chemotherapy concurrently during radiotherapy at 75 mg/m² daily, followed by six cycles of adjusted temozolomide dosing after radiotherapy. During the study, participants will be monitored for progression-free survival up to three years after randomization. Researchers will also evaluate overall survival, quality of life using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and the incidence of radiation-related complications. Follow-up visits and assessments will continue through study completion to track these outcomes and ensure patient safety.

Researchers are conducting a pilot study to evaluate a new portable 0.7 Tesla (T) MRI brain scanner developed at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR). This study aims to demonstrate the human brain imaging capabilities of this innovative device, which is designed to be compact and more accessible compared to traditional MRI machines. The study uses a unique high-temperature superconducting magnet-based scanner that is lightweight, weighing only 400 kg, and requires no cryogens. The device allows participants to sit normally with clear sightlines to the room and produces lower noise during scanning, enhancing comfort during the procedure. Participants will undergo brain imaging using the portable 0.7 T MRI scanner. Researchers will assess the quality of the images obtained on the first day of scanning as the primary outcome. The study includes healthy volunteers aged 18 and older who can consent for themselves and have no contraindications for MRI. The total duration and follow-up details are not specified.

This research aims to evaluate Bevonescein, a sterile intravenous drug, in patients undergoing minimally invasive abdominopelvic surgery. The study focuses on assessing the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of Bevonescein in highlighting nerves and ureters during surgery. It also investigates how the drug behaves in the body and the dose needed to produce clear fluorescent imaging for nerve and ureter visualization. Participants will receive Bevonescein during two study phases: a dose defining phase and a dose expansion phase for each surgical setting. The drug is given as an intravenous infusion, and the study uses specialized imaging systems to record fluorescence signals in targeted tissues. These phases help determine the optimal dose and gather safety and imaging data. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored with fluorescence system surveys approximately 28 days after dosing, plus or minus 5 days. Researchers will collect data on the drug's imaging effects and safety. The total duration includes screening, dosing, and follow-up assessments to evaluate Bevonescein’s performance during minimally invasive surgery.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious vascular condition involving the enlargement of the abdominal aorta, which can lead to rupture and life-threatening bleeding. Because AAA often shows no symptoms until rupture, early detection and accurate monitoring are essential. This research focuses on evaluating computed tomography angiography (CTA) as a key imaging method to improve diagnosis and risk assessment for AAA. The study collects CTA imaging results from patients with AAA seen in inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings at the study hospital. CTA provides detailed images of the aneurysm's size, wall thickness, thrombus presence, and relation to nearby structures. These details are important for making decisions about when to intervene and how to manage the condition. Participants will have their maximal abdominal aortic diameter measured using CTA within one month, along with tracking of rupture events, mortality, and other aneurysm characteristics. The study gathers important clinical data to help refine AAA screening and treatment timing. Participation involves undergoing CTA scans and data collection, with the aim to develop better assessment standards and personalized care for AAA patients.

Researchers are evaluating a new approach to treating patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx who have larger primary tumors (stage T3-T4). This phase II randomized trial compares the current standard chemoradiation treatment with a new method that adapts radiotherapy based on MRI scans taken mid-treatment. The goal is to see if adjusting radiation therapy according to tumor shrinkage seen on MRI can reduce swallowing difficulties measured six months after treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The standard care group receives radiotherapy planned at the start of treatment, with adjustments only if major anatomical changes occur. The experimental group receives systematic radiation plan changes guided by mid-treatment MRI scans to target the shrinking tumor. Both groups may also receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment. This study uses advanced MR-Linac technology to enable detailed imaging during therapy. During the study, patients will undergo assessments including patient-reported swallowing function measured six months after treatment using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory. Researchers will also monitor acute and late side effects for up to five years after chemoradiation. The trial includes safety monitoring and statistical review of interim data to ensure appropriate sample size. Participation involves regular clinical visits, imaging, and questionnaires to track treatment effects and quality of life.