Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Breast Cancer Tissue In Vitro after PDT Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used in modern medicine. It has found application in the treatment of breast cancer. The most common cancer among women is breast cancer. We collected cancer cells from the breast from the material received after surgery. We focused on tumors that were larger than 10 mm in size. Breast cancer tissues for this quantitative non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study could be seen macroscopically. The current study aimed to present findings on quantitative non-contrast MRI of breast cancer cells post-PDT through the evaluation of relaxation times. The aim of this work was to use and optimize a 1.5 T MRI system. MRI tests were performed using a clinical scanner, namely the OPTIMA MR360 manufactured by General Electric HealthCare. The work included analysis of T1 and T2 relaxation times. This analysis was performed using the MATLAB package (produced by MathWorks). The created application is based on medical MRI images saved in the DICOM3.0 standard. T1 and T2 measurements were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk test, which showed that both samples belonged to a normal distribution, so a parametric t-test for dependent samples was used to test for between-sample variability. The study included 30 sections tested in 2 stages, with consistent technical parameters. For T1 measurements, 12 scans were performed with varying repetition times (TR) and a constant echo time (TE) of 3 ms. For T2 measurements, 12 scans were performed with a fixed repetition time of 10,000 ms and varying echo times. After treating samples with PpIX disodium salt and bubbling with pure oxygen, PDT irradiation was applied. The cell relaxation time after therapy was significantly shorter than the cell relaxation time before PDT. The cells were exposed to PpIX disodium salt as the administered pharmacological substance. The study showed that the therapy significantly affected tumor cells, which was confirmed by a significant reduction in tumor cell relaxation time on the MRI results.

Photodynamic Therapy for Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, which currently contributes to 31% of deaths globally, is of critical cardiovascular concern. Current diagnostic tools and biomarkers are limited, emphasizing the need for early detection. Lifestyle modifications and medications form the basis of treatment, and emerging therapies such as photodynamic therapy are being developed. Photodynamic therapy involves a photosensitizer selectively targeting components of atherosclerotic plaques. When activated by specific light wavelengths, it induces localized oxidative stress aiming to stabilize plaques and reduce inflammation. The key advantage lies in its selective targeting, sparing healthy tissues. While preclinical studies are encouraging, ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial for optimizing protocols and ensuring long-term safety and efficacy. The potential combination with other therapies makes photodynamic therapy a versatile and promising avenue for addressing atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease. The investigations underscore the possibility of utilizing photodynamic therapy as a valuable treatment choice for atherosclerosis. As advancements in research continue, photodynamic therapy might become more seamlessly incorporated into clinical approaches for managing atherosclerosis, providing a blend of efficacy and limited invasiveness.

Photodynamic Therapy for Eye, Ear, Laryngeal Area, and Nasal and Oral Cavity Diseases: A Review

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising modality for the treatment of various diseases. This non-invasive approach utilizes photosensitizing agents and light to selectively target and destroy abnormal cells, providing a valuable alternative to traditional treatments. Research studies have explored the application of PDT in different areas of the head. Research is focusing on a growing number of new developments and treatments for cancer. One of these methods is PDT. Photodynamic therapy is now a revolutionary, progressive method of cancer therapy. A very important feature of PDT is that cells cannot become immune to singlet oxygen. With this therapy, patients can avoid lengthy and costly surgeries. PDT therapy is referred to as a safe and highly selective therapy. These studies collectively highlight the potential of PDT as a valuable therapeutic option in treating the head area. As research in this field progresses, PDT may become increasingly integrated into the clinical management of these conditions, offering a balance between effectiveness and minimal invasiveness.

The Use of Photodynamic Therapy for Head, Neck, and Brain Diseases

Head-neck cancers as a group have the 7th highest rate of incidence worldwide. The most often diagnosed disease of the head and neck is squamous cell carcinoma (90% of cases). Another specific group of tumors is brain tumors. These can be divided into primary tumors and secondary tumors associated with metastasis. Research shows that treating head and neck cancers continues to be problematic and challenging, and researchers are actively seeking new treatments that would improve survival rates and reduce side effects. Irradiation of tumor tissue with the optimal wavelength of light in photodynamic therapy (PDT) generates predominantly singlet oxygen in tissue-based photosensitizers (PSs) or reactive oxygen radicals in the case of vascular PSs leading to cellular apoptosis and necrosis. A very important feature of PDT is that cells cannot become immune to the effects of singlet oxygen or reactive oxygen radicals. However, photosensitizer (PS) transport is influenced by the specific structures of cancer tumors and the concentration of PS decreases in cells far from the vessel lumen. Therefore, PSs may not reach tumor interiors, which decreases therapy effectiveness. The use of drug carriers and 3rd generation PSs that contain biocompatible functional groups makes it possible to control transport. This review of the current literature on PDT was conducted through databases such as PubMed and Scopus. The types of publications considered included clinical studies and most of the articles included were published in English. Based on the publications collected, we conclude that researchers have demonstrated the potential of PDT as a therapeutic platform for head, neck, and brain diseases.

Quantitative electroencephalography interpretation of human brain activity after COVID-19 before and after Sudarshan Kriya Yoga

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is wreaking havoc globally, leading to serious health problems and even death. The purpose of this study is to present the brainwave variability pattern using QEEG after exposure to COVID-19 and to introduce the subject of the Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY)-based breathing technique. QEEG is one of the basic neurological examinations through which we can compare the changes in the nervous system after SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and observe the variation of brainwave frequencies with a breathing technique.

Development of a brain wave model based on the quantitative analysis of EEG and EEG biofeedback therapy in patients with panic attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic

The current global crisis facing the world is the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus leads to serious health complications and even death. As it turns out, COVID-19 not only physically assails the health of those infected, but also leads to serious mental illness regardless of the presence of the disease. Social isolation, fear, concern for oneself and one's loved ones, all of this occurs when a pandemic overloads people. People exhibit numerous neurological disorders that have never happened to them before. Patients are diagnosed with frequent panic attacks, the result of which can be seen in their Quantitative Electroencephalogram results. This test may be one of the main diagnostic tools of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the results obtained, it is possible to compare and draw conclusions. This method of testing effectively allows EEG biofeedback training and observes its effect on brain activity. The feedback received in this way gives us the opportunity to properly tailor a protocol for the patient and their conditions. Numerous studies support the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback for panic attacks and other psychiatric disorders. The purpose of our study was to show the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback with a Quantitative Electroencephalogram of the brainwave pattern after having COVID-19 and what symptoms may result.