A Data Self-Calibration Method Based on High-Density Parallel Plate Diffuse Optical Tomography for Breast Cancer Imaging

When performing the diffuse optical tomography (DOT) of the breast, the mismatch between the forward model and the experimental conditions will significantly hinder the reconstruction accuracy. Therefore, the reference measurement is commonly used to calibrate the measured data before the reconstruction. However, it is complicated to customize corresponding reference phantoms based on the breast shape and background optical parameters of different subjects in clinical trials. Furthermore, although high-density (HD) DOT configuration has been proven to improve imaging quality, a large number of source-detector (SD) pairs also increase the difficulty of multi-channel correction. To enhance the applicability of the breast DOT, a data self-calibration method based on an HD parallel-plate DOT system is proposed in this paper to replace the conventional relative measurement on a reference phantom. The reference predicted data can be constructed directly from the measurement data with the support of the HD-DOT system, which has nearly a hundred sets of measurements at each SD distance. The proposed scheme has been validated by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, breast-size phantom experiments, and clinical trials, exhibiting the feasibility in ensuring the quality of the DOT reconstruction while effectively reducing the complexity associated with relative measurements on reference phantoms.

Removing the Breast from the Body, Cryoectomy or Cryopreservation of Tumors Preserve Breast Size, Reduce the Risk of Infection and Prevent Scarring

Unprecedented studies have shown that slow-growing breast cancers can be treated with highly targeted tumor cryopreservation technology without the need for surgery. Experiments show that this method is effective in women with low-risk breast cancer over the age of 60. Cryoablation is a solution that eliminates breast tumors safely, quickly and painlessly or without the need for surgery. Takes. This method exposes the patient's tissues to severe cold to remove them without the need for anesthesia in the clinic. The new study, which involved about 200 women, found that after eliminating low-risk breast cancer, patients were left without cancer for three years. This treatment can be used to treat cancers of the bone, kidney, prostate and other types. Unlike lumpectomy or mastectomy, which involves removing the breast from the body, cryoectomy or cryopreservation of tumors preserve breast size, reduce the risk of infection and prevent scarring, and allow patients to function normally quickly, the researchers said. Resume yourself. Keywords: Cancer; Cells; Tissues; Tumors; Prevention; Prognosis; Diagnosis; Imaging; Screening, Treatment; Management

Effect of Anatomical and Physiological Factors on Ultrasonic Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Score in Iraqi Women Presenting with Breast Lumps

BACKGROUND: Breast lumps are a common presentation that can be assess non-invasively using the ultrasonic examination. AIM: The study aimed to assess the effect of different anatomical and physiological factors on the outcome of ultrasonic scoring of breast lumps. METHODS: A total of 60 females presented with a breast lump on ultrasound assessment were randomly selected after their consent at the Clinic for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Baghdad. The results were expressed according to the ultrasound breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) scoring. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the BI-RADS score with breast size, age, postmenopausal state, and personal or familial history of breast disease. Most cases (46.7%) scored BI-RADS II, followed by scores of III (21.6%), 4 (16.7%), and V (15%). The upper lateral quadrant of the breast was the most commonly affected sites. Marital status, parity, and breastfeeding didn’t have statistically significant influence on the sores. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic BI-RADS scoring of breast lumps provides an initial reliable tool for the management of breast disease. Higher scores are associated with increasing breast size, age, postmenopausal state, and personal or familial history of breast disease. Several anatomical, physiological, hereditary, and environmental aspects influence such factors.

Sports Bra Preferences by Age and Impact of Breast Size on Physical Activity among American Females

For many females, sports bras are an essential piece of equipment for participation in sports and physical activity. Breast pain or discomfort from lack of support may be a contributing factor to the noted gender disparity in physical activity of females compared to males. Our objective was to evaluate sports bra usage and characterize sports bra preferences of an active female cohort. This multicenter cross-sectional survey study was conducted at five geographically distinct academic centers. Our measure was administered during outpatient sports medicine clinic visits to females aged 11–64 years old. Chi-square tests were used to compare characteristics across subgroups. Our analysis consisted of 438 respondents, with a mean age of 22 ± 12.2 years. More than a quarter (27.4%) reported lack of breast support prevented them from being active or exercising. Age (p = 0.03), breast size (p < 0.0001), and household income (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with greater frequency of physical activity being limited by lack of breast support. Lack of breast support may be an important barrier for young females of specific populations to meeting physical activity recommendations. Further research is needed to improve the understanding of this important piece of sporting equipment for women.

The Assessment of Nipple Areola Complex Sensation with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments—Normative Values and Its Covariates

Objective: To establish normative data for nipple-areola complex (NAC) sensibility examined with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWMT) and two-point discrimination (TPD) in women with varying breast sizes, including women with gigantomastia. We also aimed to identify clinical variables influencing NAC sensation. Methods: A total of 320 breasts in 160 Caucasian women (mean age 33.6 years, SD 11 years) were examined (including 50 hypertrophic breasts). NACs sensation was examined using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) and the Weber Two-Point Discrimination Test. Results: The nipple appeared to be the most sensitive part of NAC. In normal-sized breasts, sensation thresholds (SWM) correlated with: age, BMI, history of births, breast size and ptosis (for all locations), breastfeeding history (for nipple and upper areola) and areola diameter (for all locations apart from the nipple). Regression analysis showed that age, cup size and suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance are risk factors for diminished NAC sensation. Sensation thresholds in all NAC locations of hypertrophic breasts were significantly higher compared to normal-sized breasts, while TPD tests did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: We provided normative values of NAC sensation (tactile threshold and TPD) for different NAC areas. Our investigation indicated that SWM are useful diagnostic tools when the following factors are considered while examining NAC sensation: location (nipple vs. areola), age, breast size, suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance, history of births and breastfeeding. Hypertrophic breasts presented significantly higher sensation thresholds for all NAC locations. The report may serve as a reference data for further investigations regarding NAC sensation after different breast surgeries.

Cryoablation and Cryolocalization in the Prevention, Prognosis, Diagnosis, Imaging, Screening, Treatment and Management of Breast Cancer

Unprecedented studies have shown that slow-growing breast cancers can be treated with highly targeted tumor cryopreservation technology without the need for surgery. Experiments show that this method is effective in women with low-risk breast cancer over the age of 60. Cryoablation is a solution that eliminates breast tumors safely, quickly and painlessly or without the need for surgery. Takes. This method exposes the patient's tissues to severe cold to remove them without the need for anesthesia in the clinic. The new study, which involved about 200 women, found that after eliminating low-risk breast cancer, patients were left without cancer for three years. This treatment can be used to treat cancers of the bone, kidney, prostate and other types. Unlike lumpectomy or mastectomy, which involves removing the breast from the body, cryoectomy or cryopreservation of tumors preserve breast size, reduce the risk of infection and prevent scarring, and allow patients to function normally quickly, the researchers said. Resume yourself. Keywords: Cancer; Cells; Tissues, Tumors; Prevention, Prognosis; Diagnosis; Imaging; Screening; Treatment; Management

Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Human Physique

<p>Charles Darwin proposed in The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex (1871) that traits which improve reproductive success, such as sexually attractive adornments, or weaponry that enhances fighting potential, have been selected for during the course of evolution. The field of evolutionary psychology has revitalized Darwin's hypotheses of sexual selection and human evolution through integrating the fields of anthropology, biology and psychology. In this thesis I investigate the potential for sexual selection to have acted upon sexual dimorphism in body composition and secondary sexual adornments in women and men. In women, body fat accumulation around the hips, buttocks and thighs can be measured using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Female body fat and body weight are critical as energy reserves for gestation, pregnancy and lactation. Female body shape, body weight and breast morphology have been implicated in male judgments of female physical attractiveness. Men from New Zealand (NZ), China, Samoa and the highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) rated images of women with low WHRs as most attractive, independent of changes in body weight. In studies of male preferences for female breast morphology, married men from NZ, Samoa and PNG preferred large breasts whereas unmarried men preferred medium-sized breasts. Darkly- and medium-pigmented areolae were preferred in each culture, as were symmetrical breasts. However, male preferences for female areolar size varied considerably across these cultures. Eye-tracking techniques were used to measure attention to morphological traits as men made attractiveness judgments of female images that varied in WHR and breast morphology. In studies using full-length female images that varied in WHR and breast size, men look most often and for longer at the regions of female physique in which fat deposits are greatest (i.e. the breasts followed by the waist). However, attractiveness judgments were driven primarily by WHR rather than breast size. In eye-tracking studies using female torsos as stimuli, men looked most often and for longest at the breasts and areolae, irrespective of differences in breast size and areolar pigmentation. Men rated large and medium size breasts, and medium and darkly pigmented areolae as most attractive. These eye-tracking studies show a possible discordance in male visual attention for morphological traits that appear to drive attractiveness decisions. However, when men were shown full-length images of women posed in back-view as well as in front-view there were significant differences in their viewing patterns. Men spent more time looking at the midriff region of back-posed images than front-posed images and, irrespective of body-pose, rated images with low WHRs as most sexually attractive. Darwin suggested that the human male beard evolved via female choice as a highly attractive secondary sexual adornment. Other authors have proposed that the beard may augment aggressive displays and enhance perceptions of social dominance among males. To test these hypotheses I developed a new questionnaire that integrated facial expressions with the presence or absence of the beard. These questionnaires were administered in NZ and Samoa. The presence of a beard augmented male perceptions of aggressive facial expressions in Samoa and NZ. However, women in these cultures rated faces without beards as more attractive than bearded men. Men and women in both cultures rated bearded men as looking older and as having higher social status. The findings suggest that the beard plays a stronger role in intra-sexual competition rather than inter-sexual mate choice.</p>

Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Human Physique

<p>Charles Darwin proposed in The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex (1871) that traits which improve reproductive success, such as sexually attractive adornments, or weaponry that enhances fighting potential, have been selected for during the course of evolution. The field of evolutionary psychology has revitalized Darwin's hypotheses of sexual selection and human evolution through integrating the fields of anthropology, biology and psychology. In this thesis I investigate the potential for sexual selection to have acted upon sexual dimorphism in body composition and secondary sexual adornments in women and men. In women, body fat accumulation around the hips, buttocks and thighs can be measured using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Female body fat and body weight are critical as energy reserves for gestation, pregnancy and lactation. Female body shape, body weight and breast morphology have been implicated in male judgments of female physical attractiveness. Men from New Zealand (NZ), China, Samoa and the highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) rated images of women with low WHRs as most attractive, independent of changes in body weight. In studies of male preferences for female breast morphology, married men from NZ, Samoa and PNG preferred large breasts whereas unmarried men preferred medium-sized breasts. Darkly- and medium-pigmented areolae were preferred in each culture, as were symmetrical breasts. However, male preferences for female areolar size varied considerably across these cultures. Eye-tracking techniques were used to measure attention to morphological traits as men made attractiveness judgments of female images that varied in WHR and breast morphology. In studies using full-length female images that varied in WHR and breast size, men look most often and for longer at the regions of female physique in which fat deposits are greatest (i.e. the breasts followed by the waist). However, attractiveness judgments were driven primarily by WHR rather than breast size. In eye-tracking studies using female torsos as stimuli, men looked most often and for longest at the breasts and areolae, irrespective of differences in breast size and areolar pigmentation. Men rated large and medium size breasts, and medium and darkly pigmented areolae as most attractive. These eye-tracking studies show a possible discordance in male visual attention for morphological traits that appear to drive attractiveness decisions. However, when men were shown full-length images of women posed in back-view as well as in front-view there were significant differences in their viewing patterns. Men spent more time looking at the midriff region of back-posed images than front-posed images and, irrespective of body-pose, rated images with low WHRs as most sexually attractive. Darwin suggested that the human male beard evolved via female choice as a highly attractive secondary sexual adornment. Other authors have proposed that the beard may augment aggressive displays and enhance perceptions of social dominance among males. To test these hypotheses I developed a new questionnaire that integrated facial expressions with the presence or absence of the beard. These questionnaires were administered in NZ and Samoa. The presence of a beard augmented male perceptions of aggressive facial expressions in Samoa and NZ. However, women in these cultures rated faces without beards as more attractive than bearded men. Men and women in both cultures rated bearded men as looking older and as having higher social status. The findings suggest that the beard plays a stronger role in intra-sexual competition rather than inter-sexual mate choice.</p>

Sexual Selection and Human Breast Morphology

<p>Human females, uniquely among primates, develop prominent breasts during puberty, well before reproduction occurs. Adipose tissue in breasts forms part of the "gynoid" fat distribution, involving the hips, thighs, buttocks and breasts of women. Breasts are thus characterised as secondary sexual characteristics, and their evolution may be due, at least in part, to the effects of sexual selection. This partial reversal of the usual pattern of male adornment may be related to high paternal care in humans. Breast morphology is complex, so that women vary not only in the size and shape of their breasts, but also in the size, shape and pigmentation of their areolae and nipples. These traits change with reproductive status and age. Breasts are more prone to fluctuating asymmetry than many other features of human anatomy and such asymmetry may be closely related to some measures of reproductive success. This thesis used digitally altered images to investigate the impact of morphological changes on perceptions of attractiveness and other qualities. Study 1 investigated the impact of four breast sizes and three areola colours on the perceptions of two hundred participants. Breast size significantly impacted all ratings. Attractiveness and health ratings were maximised at the intermediate breast size for the lightest and original coloured areola, and at the largest breast size for the darkest areola. Ratings of nurturance, sexual maturity and estimates of age increased stepwise from the images with undeveloped breasts to the images with the largest breasts. Areola colour interacted with breast size. Darker areola were judged less attractive, less healthy and less nurturing when paired with small or intermediate breasts, but increased these ratings when paired with large breasts. There was no strong effect of areola colour on ratings of images with undeveloped breasts or on ratings of sexual maturity and age. Study 2 investigated the effect of breast asymmetry on attractiveness and health ratings using data provided by two hundred participants. Increasing levels of asymmetry, created by modifying one breast to increase the apparent volume (four levels from 102.5% to 110% of the original) or position (four levels from 1%-4% of the length of the image) resulted in progressively lower ratings. The differences in ratings between the images with extreme levels in asymmetry (107.5% vs 110% and 3% vs 4%) were smaller. Images that had been modified in the models left (and so seen on viewer's right side) were given higher ratings than those modified identically but on the other side. This may be an expression of a phenomena known as pseudoneglect, where people appear to attend more to the left. In Study 3, a diverse selection of images, taken from previously published reports on human breast morphology and attractiveness, were compiled as a single questionnaire and shown to 37 participants. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the impact of different image types on ratings of attractiveness and health. Photographic images were rated higher than line drawings or silhouettes. Photographs may be more ecologically valid, as they are more realistic and can be tailored to match the study population. The results presented in this thesis indicate that variations in human breast size, areola colour and breast asymmetry have measurable effects on the perceptions (of both sexes) of attractiveness and health. Breast size also has significant impacts on perceptions of nurturance, reproductive status and age, whereas areola colour has less effect on these ratings. Questionnaire studies employing photographs are likely to be more effective than more stylised images. Morphological changes in the human breast may signal mate value and fertility and therefore may have been subject to sexual selection, as well as natural selection, during human evolution.</p>