The functional connectivity of the human caudate: an application of meta-analytic connectivity modeling with behavioral filtering.

Meta-analysis based techniques are emerging as powerful, robust tools for developing models of connectivity in functional neuroimaging. Here, we apply meta-analytic connectivity modeling to the human caudate to 1) develop a model of functional connectivity, 2) determine if meta-analytic methods are sufficiently sensitive to detect behavioral domain specificity within region-specific functional connectivity networks, and 3) compare meta-analytic driven segmentation to structural connectivity parcellation using diffusion tensor imaging. Results demonstrate strong coherence between meta-analytic and data-driven methods. Specifically, we found that behavioral filtering resulted in cognition and emotion related structures and networks primarily localized to the head of the caudate nucleus, while perceptual and action specific regions localized to the body of the caudate, consistent with early models of nonhuman primate histological studies and postmortem studies in humans. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed support for meta-analytic connectivity modeling's (MACM) utility in identifying both direct and indirect connectivity. Our results provide further validation of meta-analytic connectivity modeling, while also highlighting an additional potential, namely the extraction of behavioral domain specific functional connectivity.

Breast cancer screening in women at average risk and high risk.

Recent controversies over the recommendations for breast cancer screening have created some uncertainty about the best methods of providing this care for women, particularly women at average risk for breast cancer. This article reviews the current recommendations for breast cancer screening from various national organizations and the scientific data behind these recommendations, and it highlights some of the controversies and the reasons behind the differing viewpoints. This article focuses on providing the obstetrician-gynecologist with evidence-based recommendations for counseling and screening women who are at average and high risk for breast cancer. The ability to identify women at higher risk for breast cancer and the appropriate clinical use of mammography, ultrasonography, MRI, clinical breast examination, and self-breast examination ("breast self-awareness") for breast cancer screening in these different populations are discussed. Finally, incorporating specific recommendations for breast cancer screening in women at average and high risk into practice are included.

Benign breast disease.

Benign breast diseases are among the most common diagnoses that the busy obstetrician-gynecologist will see in practice. Moreover, breast cancer will undoubtedly be diagnosed numerous times in an obstetrician-gynecologist's career. An ability to accurately and promptly diagnose both benign and malignant breast diseases is within the purview of the generalist obstetrician-gynecologist. A thorough understanding of benign breast diseases, including appropriate diagnostic techniques, is vitally important in well-women care. In addition, a working knowledge of breast cancer risk factors with the ability to identify women at high risk and either refer or initiate risk reduction methods is equally important. This review outlines common benign breast diseases stratified by future risk of breast cancer and discusses appropriate management after diagnosis.