bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Development Trajectories of White Matter through MR imaging-based Virtual Elastography in Children
Authors: Liu Congcong , Wang Miaomiao , Li Xianjun , Ge Yao , Yang Jian
Published: August 2023

Characterizing development trajectories of white matter (WM) is vital for identifying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Besides DKI, MRE depicted mechanical properties of brain as a sensitive technique. But WM development trajectories of children were lack of researches on MRE. Therefore, we aimed to investigate age-related development of WM based on virtual elastography, comparing with DKI. We found virtual shear stiffness of WM was positively correlated with age, particularly presenting rapid-growth period of WM before 4-years old, consistent with changes of MK, FA. Virtual elastography may be potentially a valuable technique for depicting WM development trajectories, complementary to diffusion metrics.
Application of Deterministic Tractography Analysis Using SIGMA atlas: Stroke Model
Authors: Im Sang-Jin , Suh Ji-Yeon , Shim Jae hyuk , Baek Hyeon-Man
Published: August 2023

Unlike image analysis studies with human subjects, where various programs have been developed and validated to provide a complete assessment and step-by-step work procedure, methods for analyzing image data using MRI in preclinical research settings have not been agreed upon. Therefore, in this study, for the high-accuracy SIGMA atlas, we present a deterministic tractographic analysis pipeline that can perform detailed structural segmentation of the rat brain and confirm structural connectivity based on the segmented regions.
Pyramidal tract visualization ability of automatic brain white matter extraction software in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Suzuki Yuichi , Yuki Shinya , Ueyama Tsuyoshi , Sakata Kentaro , Iwasaki Takahiro , Saito Nobuhito , Iwanaga Hideyuki , Abe Osamu
Published: August 2023

There are no reports on the use of TractSeg in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of the presence of BAVMs on TractSeg findings of the corticospinal tract (CST) and their clinical usefulness. In case of BAVMs through which the CST runs, the visualization was affected, but in most cases, tractography reconstruction was possible. In case of BAVMs through which the CST does not run, the same results as that of normal volunteers were obtained.
3D NerveView Neurography of the lumbosacral plexus with a deep learning constrained Compressed SENSE Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Caijuan , Dong Dong , Guo Shiyu , Wu Lishan , Zhu Yi , Jiang Ke
Published: August 2023

High resolution three dimensional (3D) sequences of MR Neurography always takes a very long scan time. However, using very high acceleration factors leads to degradation of image quality due to insufficient noise removal. In this study, we used Compressed-SENSE Artificial Intelligence (CS-AI) framework to acquire highly accelerated 3D NerveView imaging of lumbosacral plexus. The result showed that CS-AI reconstruction can significantly decrease scan time with sufficient image quality compared to Compressed SENSE(CS) and might be clinically useful in assessment of lumbosacral plexus.
3D T2-FFE MR Neurography of lumbosacral plexus with a deep learning constrained Compressed SENSE reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Caijuan , Dong Dong , Guo Shiyu , Wu Lishan , Zhu Yi , Jiang Ke , Wang Wenxin
Published: August 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) T2 Fast Field Echo (FFE) sequence of MR Neurography always takes a very long scan time. However, using very high acceleration factors (AF) will result in degradation of image quality due to insufficient noise removal. In this study, we used Compressed-SENSE Artificial Intelligence (CS-AI) framework to acquire highly accelerated T2 FFE imaging in lumbosacral plexus. The results showed that CS-AI reconstruction might significantly decrease scan time with sufficient image quality compared with conventional SENSE, and might be clinically useful for assessment of lumbosacral plexus.
Radiomics Model to Predict Radiation-induced Temporal Lobe Injury in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Bao Dan , Zhao Yanfeng , Luo Dehong
Published: August 2023

In order to early identify and predict RTLI after IMRT in patients with NPC, we developed and validated a radiomics model based on pretreatment MRI of temporal lobe. The radiomics model demonstrated excellent predictive performance in the validation set (AUC, 0.93; sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 97%). The clinical-radiomics nomogram outperformed clinical nomogram, and showed excellent predictive performance of RTLI in patients within different clinical-pathologic subgroups. These findings suggest that the identified radiomics signature has the potential as a biomarker for risk stratification in RTLI, which may potentially improve the quality of life and prognosis in NPC patients.
Evaluation of banding artifacts suppression for inner ear MR imaging by 3D b-FFE-XD technique
Authors: Wu Qiaoling , Hu Geli
Published: August 2023

High resolution inner ear MR imaging plays an important role for preoperative plan of hearing system, such as cochlear implant surgery etc. Nowadays, 3D balanced fast-field echo sequence (3D b-FFE) is an effective technique to deliver high-resolution images up to a spatial resolution 0.5 0.5 0.5mm. However, black banding artifacts are frequently observed in the images of inner ear anatomic structures at 3.0T due to magnetic field inhomogeneity. In this study, the 3D b-FFE-XD technique which combines a cycling RF phase with the conventional b-FFE sequence to suppress the banding artifacts and improve the image quality.
fMRI response to individualized cue-reactivity paradigm of males with gaming behavior
Authors: Tikhonov Pavel , Efimtcev Alexander , Iskhakov Dmitriy , Zubkov Mikhail
Published: August 2023

Task-related fMRI studies are providing increasing amount of information on the neurobiological aspects of the Gaming Disorder. This study aims to Explore both the activation patterns and the functional connectivities present in the gaming disorder-like subject brains via task-based fMRI study using individualized visual stimuli. 24 male test participants and 25 male control participants took part in the fMRI scanning with gaming-related and neutral visual stimuli. Data analysis showed altered nucleus accumbens connectivity and amygdala resembling that in cases of substance addiction1,2.
Altered functional connectivity associated with cognitive impairment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Yang Yang , Yu Qiuyu , Wu Peng , Han Shuting , Wu Xiaojuan , Dai Hui , Li Yonggang
Published: August 2023

Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) develop cognitive symptoms during the course of disease. We observed decreased intra- and internetwork connectivity in the main cognitive networks by Independent Component Analysis in cognitively impaired patients compared to cognitively preserved patients and healthy controls. The decreased intra- and internetwork connectivity was significantly correlated with cognitive performance in the whole NMOSD group. Our findings indicated that aberrant connectivity patterns across the main cognitive networks might suggest the neural substrates underlying cognitive decline in NMOSD.
Malignancy-specific structural-functional dyscoupling in brains with glioma
Authors: Cai Siqi , Jiang Chunxiang , Shi Zhifeng , Zhou Shihui , Zhang* Lijuan
Published: August 2023

The structural-functional coupling in the connectivity of the contralesional hemisphere was enhanced and specific to the malignancy grades of glioma. Structural and functional networks in brains with low grade glioma featured with increased global and local efficiency, whereas the plasticity of the functional networks was limited in brians with high grade glioma. These findings provide new knowledge toward innovating the characterization of glioma.
Abnormal functional stability in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
Authors: Cai LiMin , Chen HuaJun
Published: August 2023

We investigated the stability of brain functional architectures and its relationship with cognitive impairment in cirrhotic patients. From healthy controls, to NHE, and to minimal hepatic encephalopathy(MHE) group, a stepwise reduction of FS was found in right supramarginal gyrus , right middle cingulate cortex, left superior frontal gyrus, and BPCC; whereas, a progressive increment of FS was observed in left middle occipital gyrus and right temporal pole. Mean FS was correlated with Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score among cirrhotic patients. FS index showed moderate discrimination potential between NHE and MHE. FS alteration could be potential biomarkers serving for diagnosis about MHE.
Stressful life events associate with adolescent depression through dysfunction of frontoparietal network
Authors: Gao Yingxue , Feng Ruohan , Zhuo Lihua , Liang Kaili , Bao Weijie , Qiu Hui , Zhou Zilin , Huang Guoping , Huang Xiaoqi
Published: August 2023

The current study investigate functional network alterations in adolescent MDD using the clustering analysis. We found that adolescents with MDD showed decreased connectivity between the frontoparietal network (FPN) and other networks relative to HC. The global connectivity strength of FPN was negatively correlated with the punishment and academic pressure factors, and mediated the association between these two stressors and depression. Our findings suggest that punishment and academic pressure may contribute to the development of depression in adolescence through dysfunction of the FPN, which may promote future prevention of adolescent MDD.
Improved reliability of functional connectivity with multi-echo task fMRI
Authors: Jog Amod , Madhavan Radhika , Abad Nastaren , Fiveland Eric , Fernandez Brice , Bhushan Chitresh , Marinelli Luca , Morris H Doug , Foo Thomas
Published: August 2023

Signal from conventional single-echo fMRI depends on multiple factors including cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2), blood flow (CBF) and blood volume (CBV). Interpretation of functional connectivity analyses derived from conventional single-echo fMRI is complicated due to coupling of various factors in the fMRI signal. In this work, we use multi-echo task-fMRI to estimate functional connectivity from fluctuations in R2* (transverse relaxation rate) assumed to be surrogates for fluctuations in CMRO2. We also investigate the similarities and differences between single-echo and R2* multi-echo fMRI derived functional activation in a visuo-motor decision task paradigm.
Food pictures versus corresponding calorie information stimuli: an event-related fMRI study at 7 T of brain response differences in adult males
Authors: Han Jiawei , Wang Qiangfeng , Chu Ying-Hua , Liu Ying , Xu Junqi , Wang He
Published: August 2023

Balancing food calories and nutrients has become a great concern for contemporary young people. In this study, we found that the calorie information of food activates the response of left middle occipital gyrus, which is related to the current sense of individual satiety. Therefore, it is likely that a sensory hub of the digestive system, corresponding to the visual stimulation of food, is existing.
Non-local low rank denoising method for complex-valued DWI
Authors: Ye Xinyu , Ma Xiaodong , Pan Ziyi , Moller Steen , Auerbach Eddie , Ugurbil Kamil , Wu Xiaoping , Guo Hua
Published: August 2023

Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) suffers from the intrinsic low SNR, especially for high-resolution and/or high b-value acquisitions. Thus, denoising methods are critical for diffusion images. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to complex DWI image denoising. Here, we propose a 2-step non-local low-rank joint denoising method to process complex-valued DWI images. Simulation data and in-vivo brain data were used to test the proposed method. The results showed that the proposed method may further improve the image quality.
What happens to the brain over a single season of playing high school rugby: structural and white matter fibre tract changes related to impact
Authors: Tayebi Maryam , Kwon Eryn , Schierding William , McGeown Joshua , McDonald Matthew , Condron Paul , Potter Leigh , Qiao Miao , Maller Jerome , Holdsworth Samantha , Fernandez Justin , Wang Alan , Shim Vickie
Published: August 2023

We conducted a multimodal MRI study on high school rugby players with bespoke kinematic mouthguard sensors to investigate the correlation between the cumulative effects of subconcussive head impact exposure and any change in the structure of the brain. Despite being underpowered, the study found that the volume of the corpus callosum changed the most over a season of rugby (PCA); Axial Diffusivity of the UF and ILF tracts negatively correlated with the cumulative impact sustained by the athletes. Further investigation of the cumulative effect of playing high-contact sports over an extended period is required, especially for children with developing brains.
Non-neuropsychiatric Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Changes in Brain Network Organization and White Matter Microstructure
Authors: Eskandarian Laleh , Cüceoğlu Müşerref Kasap , Demir Selcan , Cak Tuna , Kultur Ebru Cengel , Bilginer Yelda , Ozen Seza , Oguz Kader K
Published: August 2023

Central nervous system in childhood-onset SLE shows an increased risk of damage due to onset age, accumulating disease effect and other possible pathophysiologic mechanisms. Thus, an understanding of the timing and extent of changes occurring in the brains of these young patients with SLE is important for new therapeutic strategies. With this purpose, we investigated whether brain network and white matter microstructural changes occur in non-neuropsychiatric SLE patients with disease onset at childhood. TBSS and graph analysis of DTI data, showed significant alterations in white matter integrity and global and nodal connectivity, which revealed correlations with disease duration and severity.
Whole-brain assessment of age-related brain characteristics using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Ye Qiong
Published: August 2023

Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) can reveal the pathophysiological changes such as myelin, iron deposition, and tissue oxygenation. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is an effective tool to assess the integrity of white matter. In our study, we performed whole-brain analysis of rat QSM and DTI using the recently reported SIGMA rat brain template (Nature Communication, 2019). The whole-brain segmentation demonstrated excellent performance. The derived parameters show high repeatability and are sensitive to age-related changes.
Anatomical changes and iron deposition of Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy on 7 Tesla MRI
Authors: Dongning Su , Zhe Zhang , Wanlin Zhu , Binbin Sui , Yingkui Zhang , Jingfeng Bi , Qingle Kong , Zhijin Zhang , Yawen Gan , Jianing Jin , Xuemei Wang , Zhan Wang , Yongjun Wang , Tao Wu , Jing Jing , Tao Feng
Published: August 2023

Ultra-high field MRI enables visualization of anatomical alterations and quantification of iron deposition in the subcortical nucleus. To investigate whether 7T MRI could provide the diagnostic opportunity for Parkinson-plus syndromes, we recruited PD, MSA-P, MSA-C and PSP patients who underwent multi-modal scans including 3D MPRAGE and 3D multi-echo T2*-weighted MRI. All six patients with MSA-C showed visible nigrosome-1. The distances from SN to RN were significantly shorter in PSP than PD. The R2* values in SN, RN and putamen were significantly higher in MSA-P than PD. Our pilot study provided first-of-its-kind evidence that 7T MRI could help diagnose Parkinson-plus syndromes.
Quantitative Evaluation of Substantia Nigra Degeneration in Parkinson’s Disease using T1 mapping
Authors: Yokota Ayaka , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Hirai Tetsuyoshi , Sakae Nobutaka , Sasagasako Naokazu , Izumi Takahisa , Ohi Kuniharu , Kumazoe Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

We evaluated the T1 values of the whole and subregions of the substantia nigra (SN) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) to identify an imaging biomarker for the early diagnosis of PD. T1 values of the SN of patients with PD were significantly shorter than those of healthy controls and tended to be longer in the lateral part for both groups. T1 values may reflect the pathology of the SN and help assess the degeneration of the SN caused by PD.
Effect of 1 Hz rTMS on functional connectivity in Parkinson’s Disease.
Authors: Bhat Priyanka , Kumaran S Senthil , Goyal Vinay , Srivastava Achal K
Published: August 2023

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is known to render clinical benefits in subjects with Parkinson’s Disease. Because of dopaminergic depletion the cortical connectivity patterns are affected in PD. This study aimed to inhibit the primary motor area which is an important node in the movement control pathway. The effect was studied using clinical scales and task based functional connectivity. The results reveal the ability of rTMS to facilitate the movement by inducting cortical as well as subcortical brain regions.
Decreased the stability of brain hubs and the heterogeneity of whole brain dynamics in early onset schizophrenia
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Kumaran S Senthil , Pankaj Pankaj , Sagar Rajesh
Published: August 2023

The whole-brain effective connectivity (EC) was estimated to interpret the brain dynamics, time-dependent communicability and propagation of neuronal activity within the brain state in patients with early onset schizophrenia. We observed decreased effective connectivity (p<0.05) and global integration of local endogenous events in early onset schizophrenia (EOS) as compared to controls. EOS suffer decreased propagation of neuronal activity and responsiveness to events.
Myelin abnormalities in patients with bipolar disorder: an inhomogeneous magnetization transfer study
Authors: Zhou Zhifeng , Qian Long , Lai Wentao , Jiang Wentao , Hou Gangqiang , Zhang Yingli
Published: August 2023

Previous DTI studies have revealed widespread increased radial diffusivity, which tend to be associated with myelin alteration, in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). This study utilizes a surrogate measure of myelin content termed inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) to investigate myelin abnormalities in patients with BD. Our results demonstrate that regions with myelin deficits are mainly concentrated in the premiddle corpus callosum and left anterior white matter tracts, suggesting that interhemispheric communication and information transmission of left anterior brain areas may be most affected in patients with BD. Overall, this study provides new insight into the neuropathological mechanisms underlying BD.
Anomalous functional connectivity of amygdala subregional networks in adolescents with major depressive disorder
Authors: Tang Mengyue , Zhou Zilin , Cao Lingxiao , Gao Yingxue , Zhang Lianqing , Li Hailong , Wang Yingying , Gong Qiyong , Huang Xiaoqi
Published: August 2023

Using seed based FC analysis, we investigated alterations in functional connectivity of amygdala subregional networks in a relatively large sample of adolescent MDD. Our findings identified adolescent MDD patients, compared to HC, have anomalous amygdala subregional functional network connections to several brain regions that play a pivotal role in emotional and cognitive processing, which may contribute to revealing the pathophysiology underlying MDD. These findings were not detected when using the whole amygdala as seeds, further verify the significance of analyses at the subregion level.
Functional Deficits in the Large-scale Circuitry Mediate the Links of Structural Atrophy to Social Anxiety Disorder Outcomes
Authors: Zhang Xun , Wang Song , Gong Qiyong
Published: August 2023

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent and disabling psychiatric disorder, for which the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, whole-brain voxel-based morphometry and coupled functional connectivity analyses were conducted to investigate structural and functional alterations, while correlation and mediation analyses were performed to probe the potential roles of structural-functional couplings in SAD diagnosis. As a result, we observed significant subcortical grey matter atrophy and widespread dysconnectivity in cortico-striato-thalamo-cerebellar circuitry in SAD; functional dysconnectivity could partially mediate the effects of structural atrophy on SAD diagnosis, which may contribute to clarifying the underlying mechanisms of structure-functional couplings for SAD.
3D texture analysis of MRI relaxation time maps for assessment of repair cartilage with treatment of mesenchymal progenitor cells
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Ruan Jingjing , Li Jia , Dai Chengxiang , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2023

We used 3D texture analysis of MRI relaxation times, combined with clinical outcomes, to evaluate the potential of repair cartilage with allogeneic human adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells in patients with KOA. Significant differences were observed in texture RLM parameters of T1rho and T2 maps in patients. We also found correlations between WOMAC pain scores and texture parameters, suggesting the spatial heterogeneity of relaxation time maps maybe associated with clinical scores. As conclusion, texture analysis has potential applications in understanding mechanism of stem cells repairing cartilage and assessing response to treatment.
Three-dimensional ultrashort echo time MRI to evaluate sacroiliac joint in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ren Cui , Li Qing , Sommer Stefan , Zhu Qiao , Yuan Hui
Published: August 2023

To assess the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional ultrashort echo time sequence (3D-UTE) in bone erosion detection of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in patients with clinically confirmed ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to test whether SIJ cartilage T2* values might help in identification of patients with AS.
Feasibility of ZTE-MRI on wrist in comparison with routine MR imaging and radiography
Authors: Yu Xingyao , Liu Weiyin Vivian , Sang Ling , Feng Qianqian , Wang Kejun , Xu Lin
Published: August 2023

ZTE-MRI have high feasibility of angle measurements such as femoral neck-shaft angle as well as bone erosions on temporomandibular joint in reflection of altered bone morphometry and function. In our study, X-ray taken as reference, good consistency of ulnar deviation angle and the length of ulnar styloid process was shown between each two modalities, but better consistency between ZTE-MRI processed with average intensity projection and X-ray. Significantly different number of bone erosions between ZTE-MRI and T1 weighted images were found. To sum up, ZTE-MRI might have potential in elevating diagnosis efficiency of detecting altered bone morphometry and function.
Shoulder PROPELLER MRI with Deep learning-based reconstruction: image quality and agreement between standard and accelerated sequence
Authors: Yi Jisook , Lee Ho-Joon , Hahn Seok , Lee Joonsung , Wang Xinzeng , Fung Maggie
Published: August 2023

Although the shorter scan time enabled by DLRecon has potential to reduce motion related image degradation, it cannot remove or mitigate such artifacts. The periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) or similar techniques can reduce motion artifacts in shoulder MRI, however usually takes a longer time to acquire. Recently, DLRecon for PROPELLER has been developed. Accelerated PROPELLER sequence with DLRecon showed improved image quality and comparable interobserver agreement for shoulder pathology compared to standard PROPELLER acquisition with conventional reconstruction, despite the shorter scan time (45% reduction).
Preliminary assessment of 3D APT-weighted combined with diffusion weighted imaging in characterization of bone and soft tissue tumors
Authors: Li Ying , Cheng Jingliang , Zhang Wenhua , Lin Liangjie
Published: August 2023

Amide proton transfer weighted imaging (APTWI) is a noninvasive emerging molecular MRI technique based on chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) between amide protons of proteins and polypeptides and free water protons. This work investigated and evaluated the ability of APT parameter in distinguishing benign from malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. Results indicated that APTWI combined with diffusion weighted imaging showed a significantly improved differentiation between benign and malignant tumors.
Fast and accurate creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer muscle imaging with quasi-steady state post-processing algorithm at 3T
Authors: Liu Zhou , Yang Qian , Luo Honghong , Luo Dehong , Qian Long , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Sun Phillip , Wu Yin
Published: August 2023

Although CrCEST MRI is increasingly employed in muscle imaging, its measurement depends on the RF saturation duration (Ts) and relaxation delay (Td). This study evaluated the quasi-steady-state (QUASS) algorithm for fast and robust CrCEST measurement. Briefly, CrCEST experiments were performed at 3T under two representative imaging conditions. Both phantom and volunteer experiments showed that the routine CrCEST increased significantly with Ts and Td and were significantly smaller than the corresponding QUASS indices. In comparison, the QUASS CrCEST meaurement showed little dependence on the scan protocol, establishing the robustness and accuracy of QUASS CrCEST muscle MRI.
Association of Thigh Muscle Fat with Isometric Strength Measurements in Patients with T2DM Using Chemical Shift Encoding-Based Water-Fat MRI
Authors: Zhu Hongli , Huang Yilong , Nie Lisha , Cun Hanxue , Qi Tianfu , He Bo
Published: August 2023

Iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation quantitation sequence (IDEAL-IQ) is a chemical shift encoding-based water-fat MRI technique which allows noninvasive fat quantification. In this study, we investigated the correlation between thigh muscle fat fraction (FF) and isokinetic strength measurements in middle-aged and elderly obese participants with T2DM scanned at 3.0T MR. Intramuscular FF was shown to be a significant predictor of peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) in the thigh muscle. Therefore, intramuscular FF might provide reliable imaging markers for the prevention and monitoring of thigh muscle dysfunction in participants with T2DM.
Exercise-induced muscle hyperemia as quantified by a BOLD modelling approach
Authors: Wang Yujie , Hanrahan Christopher , Zhang Jeff L.
Published: August 2023

Muscle hyperemia after exercise is a physiologic phenomenon that could reflect muscle function and performance. For a group of human subjects, we performed dynamic BOLD scan of calf muscles immediately after in-scanner plantar flexion. To analyze the dynamic data, a kinetic model of deoxy-hemoglobin (dHb) was proposed, with exponentially decayed perfusion as determinant. A hyperemia index (HI) was defined based on the estimated perfusion parameters, and was compared to muscle perfusion measured by DCE scans. In conclusion, we proposed a quantitative model for analyzing post-exercise muscle BOLD data, and the new parameter “hyperemia index”.
Age Related Atypical Dynamic Brain Activity of Autism Spectrum Disorder Analyzed by Co-Activate Pattern
Authors: Zhang Yunge , Zhou Dongyue , Zhao Wei , Hu Guoqiang , Cong Fengyu , Li Huanjie
Published: August 2023

Atypical dynamic brain activities (dBAs) of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were reported related to ASD symptoms. However, the most commonly used dynamic function connectivity method is affected by sliding window size. In this study, co-activate pattern analysis which keeps high temporal resolution and without the limitation of window size, is used to evaluate dBAs. It is found that the atypical dBAs of ASD is related to ASD core symptoms, and the atypical dBAs pattern of ASD is also affected by age.
MRS study on the correlation between frontal GABA+/Glx ratio and abnormal cognitive function in patients with narcolepsy
Authors: Gao Yanan , Liu Yanting , Zhao Sihui , Steve Hui , Mark Mikkelsen , Richard Edden , Zhang Chen , Yu Bing
Published: August 2023

A series of studies have suggested the cognitive deficits in patients with narcolepsy. The aim of the current study is to explore the correlation between abnormal GABA+/Glx ratio in sleep state and abnormal cognitive function in patients with narcolepsy using Hadamard Encoding and Reconstruction of Mega-Edited Spectroscopy (HERMES) method. This study demonstrate that the ratio of GABA+/Glx in prefrontal lobe of narcolepsy patients during N2 sleep stage were higher than that of normal control group, which may be related to their abnormal cognitive functions.
Regional comparison of brain standardized uptake values in FBPA PET-MR with FBPA PET-CT
Authors: Lee Chien-Ying , Li Chia-Wei , Lin Chien-Yuan , Huang Wen-sheng , Lin Ko-Han
Published: August 2023

18F-fluoro-Boronophenylalanine (FBPA) Positron emission tomography (PET) plays a crucial role for patient selection prior to boron neutron capture therapy. As integrated PET-MR is being used frequently in clinical research and routine, this study aimed to compare regional difference of brain standard uptake values on the PET quantification accuracy in FBPA PET-CT and PET-MR among lesions and normal tissues. Compared to SUVR in PET-CT, PET-MR data showed significant lower SUVR in lesion regions, while no significance was observed in the normal tissue regions. The result of this study may accelerate the routine use of PET-MR in tumoral quantification before BNCT.
Changes in serial DWI MRI imaging during radiation therapy can predict treatment response in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Trada Yuvnik , Keall Paul , Jameson Michael , Moses Daniel , Lin Peter , Clap Phillip , Holloway Lois , Min Myo , Forstner Dion , Fowler Allan , Lee Mark
Published: August 2023

In head and cancer there is a need for a predictive biomarker for patients undergoing radiotherapy(RT) to allow personalisation of treatment.55 patients with HNSCC had DWI imaging performed at baseline, during (week 2, 3, 5 and 6) and post RT (1 and 3 months). Absolute and change in primary tumour ADCmean was correlated to local recurrence.Week 3 was the optimal timepoint for mid-treatment response assessment. Change in week 3 ADCmean of <24.4% predicted local recurrence; corresponding 2 year LRFS of 97% vs 42%.Changes in mid-treatment DWI imaging could be utilised in design of future adaptive clinical trials.
Evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic value of high-resolution 3D 1H-MRSI for patients with newly diagnosed glioma
Authors: Bo Bin , Wang Tianyao , Meng Ziyu , Guo Rong , Li Yudu , Zhao Yibo , Yu Xin , Liang Zhi-Pei , Li Yao
Published: August 2023

Conventional structural MRI has limited specificity in defining the extent and grade of glioma. MRSI complements MRI in tumor tissue characterization with neurometabolic fingerprints. In this study, we investigated the use of high-resolution 3D MRSI for glioma grading and evaluation of patient overall survival. Our results showed that the neurometabolic biomarkers could differentiate low-grade from high-grade gliomas and provide prognostic value for overall survival of newly diagnosed glioma patients.
Predicting the risk grades of thymic epithelial tumors using magnetic resonance T1 mapping and diffusion weighted imaging: a pilot study
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Wang Shengzhong , Wei Xiaocheng , Xiao Gang , Hu YUchuan , Cui Guangbin
Published: August 2023

The pathological staging system of Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) which called Masaoka staging, is an important prognostic factor, and its impact on survival is much greater than that of WHO classification. However, as the Masaoka stage can only be established postoperatively, preoperative imaging has important implications concerning treatment strategy. This study analyzes the differences of T1 values and ADC values in different regions, different types and stages of TETs tumors, and establishes a reliable noninvasive imaging technology to distinguish the risk classification and stage of tumors.
Evaluation of Endostar and chemoradiotherapy combination efficacy on cervical cancer bydiffusion kurtosis imaging histogram analysis
Authors: Qin Lanhui , Que Jin-ting , Li Xin-shu , Xu Wei-hui , Wen Sheng-lian , Zhang Huiting , Wu Fang , Liao Jin-yuan
Published: August 2023

This study explored the feasibility of whole tumor diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) histogram analysis (HA) to assess concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) combined with Endostar for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) before and during treatment. In terms of predicting efficacy, DKI whole tumor HA showed higher sensitivity and specificity, and higher the area under the ROC curve in the CCRT plus Endostar than in the CCRT group. During the treatment of LACC using Endostar, compared with the mean value of ADC, MD, MK and tumor diameter, DKI whole tumor HA showed excellent potential in monitoring treatment response and predicting early efficacy.
Monoexponential, bi-exponential, and diffusion kurtosis MR imaging models in the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Lu Tao , Wang Yishuang , Wang Shaoyu
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the diagnostic value of monoexponential, biexponential, and diffusion kurtosis MR imaging (MRI) in differentiating placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. The results showed that D mean and D max differed significantly among all the studied parameters for differentiating PAS disorders. A combined use of these two parameters yielded an AUC of 0.93 with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 83.08%, 88.89%, and 83.70%, respectively. This suggested the quantitative evaluation of PAS disorders with different DWI models and PAS disorders can be differentiated effectively with the combined use of the different DWI parameters.
Preliminary Application of Magnetization Transfer Imaging in EndometrialCarcinoma and Cervical Cancer
Authors: Bi Qiu , Li Qing , Wu Yunzhu , Wang Shaoyu , Wu Kunhua
Published: August 2023

Magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) is sensitive to reveal macromolecules in tumor tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and histological features and risk stratification in endometrial carcinoma and cervical cancer. We found that MTR value could differentiate endometrial carcinoma from cervical cancer and facilitate preoperative risk stratification of endometrial carcinoma. It could provide a preoperative basis for cancerous histologic origin and risk assessment in uterus.
Motion correction using Pilot Tone: a general model-based approach
Authors: HUANG YAN TU , Speier Peter , Hilbert Tom , Kober Tobias
Published: August 2023

Motion continues to be a major impediment in clinical MRI. Using Pilot Tone to correct for motion is highly attractive as it uses inexpensive hardware and is independent from sequence. Here, we propose a model-based approach to calculate motion parameters from Pilot Tone signal. To avoid non-convergence those models are prone to, we introduce predefined displacement fields with the Pilot Tone as auxiliary, resulting in a linear motion model with fewer unknowns. Validation is performed on numerically simulated data and in-vivo measurements, comparing different motion models. Image reconstructions with the Pilot Tone showed fewer residual motion artefacts and converged faster.
Synthetic-to-real domain adaptation with deep learning for fitting IVIM-DWI parameters
Authors: Huang Haoyuan , Liu Baoer , Xu Yikai , Zhou Wu
Published: August 2023

The intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model of DWI with IVIM parameters has been widely used in characterization. However, the optimal method to obtain the IVIM parameters is still being explored. In this work, we propose a synthetic-to-real domain adaptation method for fitting the IVIM parameters. Specifically, we use synthesized data to train the network to learn the accurate mapping of the b-value images to the parameter map, and design a discriminator to help the network gradually adapt the learned mapping to the real data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms previously reported methods for fitting IVIM parameters.
3D Automatic segmentation of breast lesion in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI using deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Lin Fuliang , Liu Zhou , Zhou Qinglei , Gao Pengyu , Wen Jie , Wang Meng , Ren Ya , Luo Dehong , Li Ye , Liang Dong , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Zhang Na
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with the highest incidence. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI is one of the backbone sequences for breast cancer diagnosis. Accurate segmentation of breast lesions based on DCE-MRI images is helpful for clinically objective and quantitative evaluation of breast lesions. However, the commonly used manual segmentation method is subject to high inter-observer variability. In this study, a 3D automatic algorithm is proposed for segmentation of breast lesions in DCE-MRI. The results show that the proposed network can obtain accurate and automatic 3D segmentation of breast lesions and achieves better segmentation results than VNet.
Multi-class brain lesion detection: establishing a baseline for fastMRI+ dataset
Authors: Mei Lifeng , Liu Sixing , Deng Guoxiong , Liu Shaojun , Zheng Yali , Lyu Mengye
Published: August 2023

Computer aided diagnosis (CAD) is widely considered an important application of deep learning in healthcare. However, brain data with lesion location labels are rare in MRI domain. Recently, Microsoft Research has released a dataset of clinical pathology annotations based on the raw images from fastMRI and named it fastMRI+. Here, fastMRI+ brain dataset was analyzed and used to train deep learning-based models for lesion detection. Some well-known object detection architectures such as YOLOv3, Faster-RCNN and YOLOX were compared. Overall, this abstract established a baseline with improvement suggestions for future studies.
HRMAS-NMR and Machine learning assisted untargeted Serum Metabolomics identified a panel of circulating biomarkers for detection of glioma.
Authors: FIRDOUS SAFIA , Nawaz Zubair , Cheng Leo , Sadaf Saima
Published: August 2023

Metabolic alterations, crucial indicators of glioma development, can be used for detection of glioma before the appearance of fatal phenotype. We have compared the circulating metabolic fingerprints of glioma (n=26) and healthy controls (n=16) to identify a panel of biomarkers for detection of glioma. HRMAS-NMR spectra was obtained from two study groups and data was analysed by ML as well as chemometric methods (PCA and PLSDA). A panel of 38 metabolites was identified by three ML algorithms (logistics regression, extra tree classifier, & random forest), Wilcoxon test (p<0.05), and PLSDA (VIP score>1) which can serve as diagnostic biomarker of glioma.
Use delta-radiomics based on T2-TSE-BLADE MRI images to predict histopathological tumor regression grade in Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Liu Yun , Lu Shuang , Wang Chenglong , Yan Xu , Qu Jinrong , Yang Guang
Published: August 2023

Histopathological tumor regression grade (TRG) has shown to be an important consideration for the choice of treatment plan in patients with esophagus cancer. Patients with same TNM stage may have different sensitivities to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). In this study, we proposed a new model to predict TRG grades by using the differences between radiomics features extracted from T2-TSE-BLADE images within 1 week before NAC and 3 to 4 weeks after NAC, but before surgery. This study enrolled 108 patients with esophageal cancer and underwent the mentioned MRI scans. In the test cohort, the proposed model achieved an AUC of 0.842.
Adaptive convolution kernels for breast tumor segmentation in multi-parametric MR images
Authors: Li Cheng , Sun Hui , Xue Zhenzhen , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Wang Shanshan
Published: August 2023

Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) provides high sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer diagnosis. Accurate breast tumor segmentation in mpMRI can help physicians achieve better clinical managements. Existing deep learning models have presented promising performances. However, the effective exploitation and fusion of information provided in mpMRI still need further investigation. In this study, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) with adaptive convolution kernels (AdaCNN) to automatically extract and absorb the useful information from multiple MRI sequences. Extensive experiments are conducted, and the proposed method can generate better breast tumor segmentation results than those obtained by CNNs with normal convolutions.
Accurate and simultaneous acquisition of T1, T2, PD weighted, and MT weighted images using SPGR and DESS
Authors: Hsu Yi-Cheng , Liebig Patrick , Chu Ying-Hua
Published: August 2023

We proposed a method to simultaneously acquire T1, T2, PD weighted, and MT weighted images. The scan time is the same as conventional SPGR T1 and DESS T2 mapping but with higher accuracy. This method will benefit diagnosis on muscular dystrophy, inflammation, fibrosis, and cartilage integrity.
Modular Graphene Quantum Dot Nano-transformers: An Efficient and Versatile Vehicle for Localized Tumor Imaging and Treatment
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Wang Baolong , Zhou Xin
Published: August 2023

A versatile nano-vehicle, quantum dots nano-transformers, smartly transforms its shape in acidic tumor microenvironment to prolong the tumor retention, and then disassembles and releases the encapsulated photosensitizers to “turn on” the imaging contrast. The total drug dose in repeated photodynamic therapy is reduced because one injection is enough for four times of light irradiation.
Frequency-dependent Correlation between Mechanical and Structural Properties of the Human Brain
Authors: Qiu Suhao , Kong Linghan , Wang Runke , Feng Yuan
Published: August 2023

The relationship between mechanical properties and microscopic structures of brain is of interest to both neuroscience and clinical communities. Using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), we proposed and verified an empirical model to establish a linear correlation between shifted apparent diffusion coefficient (sADC) and shear modulus. A total of 43 healthy volunteers were included for MRE and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) scanning. Results demonstrated that, in the parietal lobe, a strong correlation exists between shear modulus and sADC.
Investigation of a transmit coil to reduce the magnetic field strength in the proximity of a MR system
Authors: Durst Daniel , Nistler Jürgen , Schneider Rainer
Published: August 2023

Birdcage coils used in MR imaging cause magnetic field strengths able to disturb electronic devices in the proximity to a MR system. Based on the principle of destructive superposition a configuration consisting of a main birdcage with additionally attached auxiliary birdcages is used to generate a field to reduce the magnetic field strength in the proximity of a MR system while maintaining the imaging quality. By electromagnetic simulations a reduction of up to 60 dB could be shown without drawbacks for the imaging performance if a distance of at least 25 cm between neighboring birdcages is retained.
A quadrature birdcage/48-channel receiver coil assembly for human brain imaging at 5T
Authors: Wei Zidong , Chen Qiaoyan , He Qiang , Zhang Xiaoliang , Liu Xin , zheng Hairong , Li Ye
Published: August 2023

Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of human brain with high resolution has been increasing used for clinical and research applications. Due to RF transmit homogeneity and specific absorption issues, clinical use of ultra-high field MRI were limited. In this work, a local quadrature birdcage/48-channel receiver coil assembly was designed and evaluated on a novel whole body 5T MRI scanner. The coil at 5T showed improved SNR, higher parallel acceleration capability and improved detection in vessel wall imaging compared to a 32-channel coil at a 3T commercial scanner.
A 24-channel ultra-light flexible receiver coil array for human body imaging at 5T
Authors: Tan Yingchao , Chen Qiaoyan , Zhao Rui , Lu Hai , Fan Xianwen , Chen Junyu , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Li Ye
Published: August 2023

To improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and patient comfort, flexible coils need to be made of very light and flexible materials. In this study, a novel 24-channal ultra-light flexible receiver coil array was designed and constructed for human abdominal imaging at a 5T ultra-high field MRI system. The 24-channel ultra-light flexible coil showed much higher SNR and a better parallel acceleration capability compared to a 24-channel conventional receiver coil. High quality human abdominal images were acquired by using the 24-channel ultra-light flexible coil.
High isolation 8-channel pTx system for UHF MRI
Authors: Chen Jifeng , Li Ye , Luo Jun , Liu Xin , Chu Xu , Zheng Hairong
Published: August 2023

Ultra-high filed (UHF) whole-body MRI technique usually utilizes radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) with high power rating [1,2]. It requires high isolation among transmission channels as well as between transmitting and receiving (T/R) circuits. It also requires high B1 homogeneity [3] and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). On the premise of meeting the abovementioned requirements, this paper presents an 8-channel high power pTx architecture, which can support the whole-body MRI system with high isolation among transmission channels as well as between T/R circuits.
A novel three-channel endorectal coil for prostate magnetic resonance imaging at 3T
Authors: Mo Zhiguang , Zhang Xiaoliang , Tie Changjun , Liang Huageng , Zhang Xiaoping , Xiao Wen , Cao Qi , Li Ye
Published: August 2023

We designed and fabricated a novel three-channel endorectal prostate coil and validated its feasibility of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3T. A commercial 3T surface coil was used for comparison. Both phantom imaging and in-vivo prostate imaging show that the 3-channel endorectal coil provides an improved SNR than the external surface coil. Prostate images at resolution of 0.47 mm × 0.47 mm × 4.0 mm are acquired using the 3-channel endorectal coil to demonstrate the performance. With the improved SNR and multichannel design, the proposed endorectal coil could enable parallel imaging based fast imaging in prostate imaging studies.
Parallel transmission RF pulse design for simultaneous multi‐slab excitation at 7 Tesla: a simulation study
Authors: Shao Xin , Ma Xiaodong , Liu Simin , Ugurbil Kamil , Guo Hua , Wu Xiaoping
Published: August 2023

It has been reported that combining ultrahigh field (UHF) with 3D imaging is beneficial for high-resolution imaging. Nevertheless, image quality may suffer from increased magnetic field inhomogeneity. Thus, we combined radiofrequency (RF) parallel transmission (pTx) with 3D simultaneous multi-slab (SMSlab) acquisition at 7T to get improved transmit field and optimal SNR efficiency concurrently. By simulation, it was proved that by using a 3-spoke RF pulses we could get 25% more uniform excitation magnitude than 2-spoke pulses (with almost the same RF peak power and identical pulse duration).
Bore integrated coil for whole-body imaging at 7 Tesla based on patch antennas
Authors: Solomakha Georgiy , Egorova Svetlana , Shchelokova Alena , Kretov Egor , Glybovski Stanislav
Published: August 2023

This work proposes a novel transmit radiofrequency coil integrated into the scanner bore for whole-body MRI for 7 Tesla MRI based on patch antennas. Numerical studies with a homogeneous phantom demonstrated 4.5-fold higher transmit efficiency in the phantom center compared to the state-of-the-art bore integrated stripline array.