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This paper presents an evaluation of a prototype diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system. Seventeen women with 18 breast lesions (10 invasive carcinomas, 2 fibroadenomas, and 6 benign cysts; diameters 13-54 mm) were evaluated with DOT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A substantial fraction of the original 36 recruited patients could not be examined using this prototype due to technical problems. A region of interest (ROI) was drawn at the lesion position as derived from MRI and at the mirror image site in the contralateral healthy breast. ROIs were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively by two observers independently in two separate readings. Intra- and interobserver agreements were calculated using kappa statistics (k) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Discriminatory values for presence of malignancy were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Intraobserver agreements were excellent (k 0.88 and 0.88; ICC 0.978 and 0.987), interobserver agreements were good to excellent (k 0.77-0.95; ICC 0.96-0.98). Discriminatory values for presence of malignancy were 0.92-0.93 and 0.97-0.99 for quantitative and qualitative ROC analysis, respectively. This DOT system has the potential to discriminate malignant from benign breast tissue in a reproducible qualitative and quantitative manner. Important technical improvements are required before this technique is ready for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One class of methods used in the treatment of apraxia of speech is based on rhythmic stimulation. Controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of these methods are still rare. Aims: To examine the effectiveness of a new treatment of apraxia of speech based on a metrical pacing technique (MPT) with acoustic stimulation. Methods & Procedures: MPT was applied to 10 patients with apraxia of speech. Conventional, non-rhythmic therapeutic techniques were used as a control treatment (cross-over design). Therapeutic effects were measured by variables describing speech rate, fluency, and segmental accuracy of sentence production. Corrections for spontaneous recovery were based on estimates inferred from a baseline period. Group statistics and multiple single case statistics were performed. Outcomes & Results: The complete intervention (MPT plus control treatment) yielded significant improvements in speech rate, fluency, and segmental accuracy. Regarding rate and fluency, MPT was superior to the control treatment. Regarding segmental accuracy, both treatments yielded comparable benefits. Conclusions: In a sample of 10 patients apraxia of speech could be modulated by behavioural treatment methods. The Metrical Pacing Therapy yielded specific improvements of rate and fluency, but also of segmental accuracy, which exceeded the effects of spontaneous recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]