bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Digital Brain Bank, an open access platform for post-mortem datasets
Authors: Tendler Benjamin , Hanayik Taylor , Ansorge Olaf , Bangerter-Christensen Sarah , Berns Gregory , Bertelsen Mads , Bryant Katherine , Foxley Sean , van den Heuvel Martijn , Howard Amy , Huszar Istvan , Khrapitchev Alexandre , Leonte Anna , Manger Paul , Menke Ricarda , Mollink Jeroen , Mortimer Duncan , Pallebage-Gamarallage Menuka , Roumazeilles Lea , Sallet Jerome , Scholtens Lianne , Scott Connor , Smart Adele , Turner Martin , Wang Chaoyue , Jbabdi Saad , Mars Rogier , Miller Karla
Published: August 2023

We introduce the Digital Brain Bank (open.win.ox.ac.uk/DigitalBrainBank), a digital platform providing open access to curated, multimodal post-mortem neuroimaging datasets. Datasets span three themes; Digital Anatomist: datasets for neuroanatomical investigations; Digital Brain Zoo: datasets for comparative neuroanatomy; Digital Pathologist: datasets for neuropathology investigations. The first release includes 21 distinctive whole-brain diffusion MRI datasets, alongside microscopy and complementary MRI modalities. This includes one of the highest-resolution whole-brain human diffusion MRI datasets ever acquired, whole-brain diffusion MRI in 14 non-human primate species, and one of the largest post-mortem whole-brain cohort imaging studies in neurodegeneration. Our resource facilitates incorporating post-mortem data into neuroimaging studies.
A Highly Water-soluble Hemin-Based Polymeric Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Gong Xiaoling , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiaoyong , Ai Kai , Wu Bing
Published: August 2023

Contrast agents play a significant role in clinical MRI and are administered to detect pathology in over a third of clinical scans. Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are the mainstream MRI contrast agents used in the clinic. Although GBCAs have shown efficacy and are safe to use with most patients, some GBCAs have a small risk of adverse effects, such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and gadolinium deposition in the human brain. Therefore, developing novel Gd-free MRI contrast agents are in great demand. Herein, we developed a new type of MRI contrast agent using naturally derived hemin to shorten the T1 relaxation time of water.
Considering whole body metabolism in hyperpolarized MRI – an alternative way to quantification and normalization?
Authors: Sejersen Steffen , Rasmussen Camilla , Bøgh Nikolaj , Hansen Esben , Schulte Rolf , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: August 2023

Hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate MRI is an exciting emerging clinical tool for metabolic imaging. It has the potential for absolute quantitative metabolic imaging. However, in contrast to the most abundant metabolic imaging techniques, the signal itself is less quantitative by nature and, thus the most abundant analyses are relative or semiquantitative. Here, we propose a simple normalization to the whole body metabolic oxidative metabolism to overcome this limitation.
Time dependence of the diffusion and kurtosis tensors in strongly filtered diffusion signals
Authors: Shemesh Noam , Ianus Andrada , Jespersen Sune
Published: August 2023

The sensitivity of diffusion MRI (dMRI) towards microstructural features is quite high, but its specificity is low due to the ubiquity of water in biological tissues. Here, we harness a strongly filtered diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) approach to (i) suppress fast diffusion spins typically associated with extracellular space and (ii) measure the time dependencies of the full filtered diffusion and kurtosis tensors in an ex-vivo mouse brain at 16.4T. Following the application of a very strong filter of b1=15ms/µm2 perpendicular to axon fibers, we find signatures for restricted diffusion that are tentatively associated with intracellular space.
Temperature and Concentration Dependence of Diffusion Kurtosis Parameters in a Quantitative Phantom
Authors: Malyarenko Dariya , Chenevert Thomas , Ono Shigeto , Lynch Ted , Swanson Scott
Published: August 2023

Recently developed quantitative phantom based on lamellar-vesicles provides the range of tissue relevant diffusion kurtosis parameters for accurate evaluation of advanced multi-b DWI protocols and parametric diffusion models. This work studies temperature dependence of phantom diffusion kurtosis parameters to supply accurate nominal parameter values for typical scan room temperature range.
Calibration kernels with Alternative Sampling Scheme (CASS) for Parallel Imaging: SENSE meets CASS
Authors: Choi Sangcheon , Heule Rahel , Leks Edyta , Glang Felix , Yu Xin , Scheffler Klaus
Published: August 2023

We developed new calibration kernels with an alternative undersampling scheme (CASS) for parallel imaging to reduce coherent aliasing artifacts and noises. By sampling k-space lines with irregular and blockwise patterns, incoherent aliasing patterns and noise signals were spread in reconstructed CASS images. Noteworthily, the CASS method outperformed the conventional GRAPPA method at higher acceleration factors.
Millimeter Spatial Resolution and Subsecond Temporal Resolution in Real-Time fMRI using Multi-Band Echo-Volumar Imaging
Authors: Posse Stefan , Ramanna Sudhir , Moeller Steen , De La Rocque Guimaraes Bruno Sa , Mullen Michael , Yacoub Essa
Published: August 2023

In this study we develop highly undersampled multi-band slab-segmented echo-volumar imaging (MB_EVI), which combines the sampling efficiency of single-shot 3D encoding with the sensitivity advantage of multi-echo acquisition, and explore the feasibility of shortening the readout duration using segmented within-slab slice encoding. Kz-segmented Segmented MB-EVI enabled a nominal 1x1x1 mm isotropic voxel size with 64 slices and a temporal resolution of 618 ms with sub-second acquisition time.
Chi-sepnet: Susceptibility source separation using deep neural network
Authors: Kim Minjun , Shin Hyeong-Geol , Oh Chungseok , Jeong Hwihun , Ji Sooyeon , An Hongjun , Kim Jiye , Jang Jinhee , Bilgic Berkin , Lee Jongho
Published: August 2023

The separation of positive and negative susceptibility source distributions (e.g., iron and myelin distributions) has important meanings in neuroscience and clinic. In this study, a deep learning-based χ-separation method is proposed to generate high-quality susceptibility source maps. For network training, multi-orientation head data are utilized, providing artifact-free label data. For the input data, either R2’ or R2* maps are utilized in addition to local field and QSM maps, producing two neural networks, χ-sepnet-R2’ and χ-sepnet-R2* (the latter requires no T2). The results of χ-sepnets outperformed the conventional method, revealing details of brain structures both in healthy volunteers and patients.
Neural correlates of fluid intelligence identified by empirical neural network-based brain states
Authors: Englert Robert , Kincses Balint , Gallitto Giuseppe , Kotikalapudi Raviteja , Hoffschlag Kevin , Spisak Tamas
Published: August 2023

We propose a novel method which considers the functional connectome as an already-trained, empirical continuous Hopfield Network, to extract brain states from a population connectome to analyze the dynamics of the so-called attractor states on the subject level. We apply our method to the Human Connectome Project dataset, and we could show, that the mean activation of the participants during different states is a significant predictor of fluid intelligence.
Brain functional fingerprinting predicts individual differences in cognition: An AI-based approach
Authors: Esmaeili Morteza , Salami Alireza
Published: August 2023

Machine learning approaches provide convenient autonomous object classification in medical imaging domains. This study examines the utility of convolutional neural networks in predicting individual differences in cognition from the resting-state functional connectome. We observed significant contributions from the subcortical areas (including hippocampus) and their interactions with the cortical default mode network to the training progress. Our results demonstrate that an AI-based model can predict an individual's EM scores.
Brainwide functional networks associated with hippocampal subfields during memory task using fMRI with 1-mm isotropic resolution
Authors: Chang Wei-Tang , Langella Stephanie , Huynh Khoi , Seo Min Sung , Yap Pew-Thian , Lin Weili , Giovanello Kelly
Published: August 2023

The interactions between the hippocampal subfields (HCSFs) and cerebral cortex during memory are unclear due to the inherently-low SNR, insufficient spatial resolution or limited spatial coverage. This study is the first fMRI study to examine how the HCSFs interact with the entire cortical surface during the memory encoding and retrieval process by addressing the above-mentioned issues successfully. Our results suggested that 1) the cortical-HCSF functional connectivity (FC) during encoding generally decreased compared to resting, 2) the cortical-HCSF FC increased compared to encoding during retrieval; 3) stronger FC between posterior CA1 and dorsal attention network are correlated with better behavioural performance.
Quantification of microvascular properties of gliomas using DSC – Hybrid EPI based MR Vascular Fingerprinting compared with Vessel Size Imaging
Authors: Venugopal Krishnapriya , Arzanforoosh Fatemehsadat , van Dorth Daniëlle , Smits Marion , Hernandez-Tamames Juan Antonio , Warnert Esther , van Osch Matthias , Poot Dirk
Published: August 2023

This study uses an MRVF approach to analyze the time evolution of a DSC hybrid -EPI (HEPI) sequence that simultaneously acquires gradient and spin echo images. HEPI properties are incorporated from the scanner into simulations including contrast agent extravasation, diffusion, and MR signal evolution and for varying the outcome parameters: CBV, mean vessel-size, and leakage. In vivo data of six glioma patients are used to compare MRVF output maps to those obtained from conventional VSI modelling. The results show reasonable agreement. Also, the noise sensitivity of both techniques was investigated.
A Scalable High-Performance Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting Search Engine using GPUs
Authors: Zihlmann Gabriel , Salameh Najat , Sarracanie Mathieu
Published: August 2023

Dictionary search for the reconstruction of MR Fingerprinting-based sequences can become a bottleneck due to the exponential growth of dictionary size with the number of parameters. Several approaches have been proposed to accelerate this search, yet the availability of efficient and scalable software implementations remains limited. Here, we extended an existing, highly optimized similarity search library to be compatible with the requirements of MR Fingerprinting dictionary search. The evaluation of our GPU implementation shows an acceleration by two orders of magnitude over the brute-force search yielding identical results for 99.9 % of the voxels.
DCE-DRONE: Perfusion MRI Parameter Estimation using a DRONE Neural Network
Authors: Kargar Soudabeh , Cohen Ouri , Otazo Ricardo
Published: August 2023

In this work, we demonstrate the estimation of DCE acquired perfusion parameters using a DRONE neural network trained on numeric simulated data. Experiments in a digital phantom are used to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach and the clinical utility is shown in subjects with gynecological tumors.
Evaluation of SAR and heating in children exposed to a 7T MRI Head Coil
Authors: Malik Shaihan , Carmichael David , Hand Jeffrey , Hajnal Joseph
Published: August 2023

Electromagnetic and thermal simulations of a range of models (body mass 14-70 kg) were performed for a 7T (297MHz) birdcage head transmit coil. Head averaged SAR (hdSAR) was found to be the limiting factor for all cases, and a (weak) negative linear correlation with body mass was observed (i.e. hdSAR increases with decreasing body mass). Thermal simulations with fixed blood temperature (assumes good thermoregulation) predict temperature increases remain within guidelines if SAR limits are respected. If blood temperature is allowed to vary then elevated core temperatures are predicted for subjects with smaller body mass even when SAR limits are respected.
Mapping autoregulatory mechanisms in the kidney using resting-state MRI
Authors: Morozov Darya , Baldelomar Edwin , Bennett Kevin
Published: August 2023

The kidney maintains stable glomerular perfusion and tubular filtration, despite fluctuation in blood pressure. This autoregulation of flow is performed by two key mechanisms: the myogenic response and the tubuloglomerular feedback. Each mechanism is associated with specific but spatially variable bands of low-frequency fluctuations. Mapping autoregulation throughout the kidney could provide new insights into pathophysiology on kidney disease, or provide noninvasive biomarkers to monitor disease. Here we demonstrate the presence of low-frequency fluctuations in the MRI signal in the rat kidney. This work provides new tools for preclinical investigation, and suggests the potential to evaluate kidney autoregulation in clinical setting.
Exploring the reproducibility of APT imaging technology in healthy adult kidneys based on breathing patterns
Authors: Wang Xia , Jiang# Yu , Du Zeliu , Tian Gang , Bu Chaoqun , Zhao Na , Yu Chanjuan , Han* Yuedong , Yue Xiuzheng , Shen Zhiwei
Published: August 2023

The current amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) imaging cannot control the effect of respiratory motion artifacts effectively during image acquisition. Respiratory motion artifacts are a major factor affecting the quality of APTw imaging of the liver [1].In this study, according to the characteristics of APTw imaging acquisition, the healthy adult volunteers were divided into free-breathing (FB) group and intermittent breath-holding (IBH) group. The the right renal axial plane APTw imaging acquisition with the same parameters was performed. The analysis results showed that the success rate and repeatability of APTw imaging in the IBH group were better than FB group.
Can combined DWI, IVIM and DKI predict prognostic factors and genotypes for patients with breast cancer?
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Sun Zhanguo , Chen Yueqin , Zhu Laimin , Zhou Zhe , Yu Hao , Dou Weiqiang
Published: August 2023

It is essential to accurately preoperatively predict genotypes and prognostic factors for patients with breast cancer in clinic treatment. Combined diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) were developed to comprehensively assess tumors at the cellular and molecular levels. In this study we aimed to explore whether the combination of these three diffusion techniques can help to comprehensively evaluate breast cancer.
Feasibility of Dynamic Contrast-free Vascular Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting
Authors: Wheeler Gregory , Lee Quimby , Manhard Mary Kate , Bilgic Berkin , Fan Audrey
Published: August 2023

Vascular magnetic resonance fingerprinting (vMRF) using both magnitude and phase information can achieve reasonable vascular parameter maps of the brain without contrast agents. This approach combined with a rapid, multi-echo pulse sequence enables dynamic vascular function mapping of brain physiology. Here we begin to investigate the feasibility and tradeoffs of performing vMRF with only 5 echoes and a temporal resolution of 5 seconds. Initial findings indicate that reasonable fingerprint matching can be done with only 5 echoes and that the proposed sequence has adequate signal-to-noise ratio for reliable results.
Clinical Feasibility of Brain Tumor Multi-voxel MR Spectroscopic Imaging using Rapid Semi-LASER and EPSI Encoding at 3T
Authors: Thakur Sunitha , Sutton Olivia , Bitencourt Almir , Noeske Ralph , Fahy Tara , Otazo Ricardo , Young Robert
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of optimized multi-voxel MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) at 3T using rapid symmetric echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) spatial encoding in patients with brain tumors. We performed the optimized MRSI at 3T using semi-localization by adiabatic selective refocusing pulses (semi-LASER), fast spatial encoding using symmetric EPSI, and robust water suppression with variable power and optimized relaxation delays. A radiologist with extensive experience in neuroimaging and spectroscopy assessed the overall spectral quality. This study is an attempt to integrate high-resolution MRSI in clinical practice for the assessment of brain cancer patients.
Contrast Enhanced Imaging of Apelin Effects on Vascularization of Orthotopic Glioblastoma in Mice
Authors: Topping Geoffrey , Barçi Enio , Cheng Jiying , Sühnel Sandra , Glass Rainer , Kälin Roland , Schilling Franz
Published: August 2023

Mice with orthotopically implanted glioblastoma were imaged during contrast injection, with the goals of establishing semi-quantitative DCE in this model and to investigate the impact of apelin-controlled tumour angiogenesis. Wild-type mice with control U87 tumours showed higher initial contrast accumulation but also faster washout compared to apelin knockout mice implanted with apelin knockdown tumour cells, consistent with apelin contributing to tumour vascularization. Control and apelin knockout mice had low contrast accumulation with genetically engineered human glioma-initiating cells.
Mapping Brain Metabolite Differences Between HIV Clade-C Infected Individuals and Healthy Subjects Using a Whole-Brain MRSI
Authors: Salan Teddy , Sheriff Sulaiman , Vyas Sameer , Aggarwal Deepika , Singh Paramjeet , Govind Varan
Published: August 2023

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) based studies investigating brain metabolite alterations due to HIV infection generally acquired MR spectra from single or multi-voxels covering regions related to HIV. In this study, we acquire whole-brain MRSI data to map regional metabolite variations in the entire brain, determine regions mostly affected by HIV clade-C infection, and identify the mechanism by which HIV damages the brain. Results show widespread increases in myo-inositol, glutamate/glutamine, choline, and creatine, and decreases in N-acetylaspartate, indicating neuronal dysfunction and astrogliosis in the white matter, as well as disruptions in synaptic transmission, neurotoxicity and inflammation throughout the brain.
Validation of semi-automated analysis of pancreas MRI-PDFF using a scan re-scan cohort from the Long COVID-19 study (COVERSCAN)
Authors: Bagur Alexandre Triay , Brady Michael , Jandor Arun , Aljabar Paul , Bulte Daniel
Published: August 2023

Impairment of the pancreas has been shown in initial findings of the Long COVID-19 study (COVERSCAN), that uses quantitative MRI and expert manual analysis of the pancreas. Quantitative MRI analysis in such large-scale studies benefits from the decision support made possible by advanced image analysis methods. In this work, we validate a semi-automated pancreas processing pipeline that involves manual slice selection and automated segmentation and MRI-PDFF quantification. We show good agreement of the semi-automatic method with the reference manual processing by experts, as well as repeatable quantification in a scan re-scan subset of healthy subjects within COVERSCAN (n=35).
Acceleration of Quantitative Semisolid MT/CEST Imaging using a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN-CEST)
Authors: Weigand Jonah , Sedykh Maria , Herz Kai , Coll-Font Jaume , Nguyen Christopher , Zaiss Moritz , Farrar Christian , Perlman Or
Published: August 2023

Quantitative metabolite concentration and pH biomarker maps, as provided by semisolid MT/CEST-MR-Fingerprinting (MRF), constitute a useful means for determining the molecular origin of pathology. However, the lengthy dictionary generation time and the prolonged 3D acquisition time may hinder clinical dissemination. Here, we developed a generative adversarial network (GAN), aimed to drastically shorten the 3D semisolid MT/CEST-MRF acquisition time and circumvent the need for dictionary generation. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments in 4 volunteers and a patient were conducted at 3 different sites using 3 different scanner models, showing substantial reduction in scan time, while retaining a good agreement with ground-truth reference.
Comparing geometric accuracy in MRI using a 3D printed distortion phantom
Authors: Barrett Alex , Rea Marc
Published: August 2023

Distortion in MRI can have a significant impact on diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment planning. We have 3D printed a large, low cost phantom that we used along with a CT ground truth to measure 6 MR scanners geometric accuracy. We found significantly more distortion for the 3T and mobile scanners tested which we conclude means they would require a more careful evaluation of distortion if they are to be used for radiotherapy applications and that care should be taken for all scanners where specialist radiotherapy applications such as stereotactic radiosurgery are used.
Effect of circadian rhythm on brain NAD: an MRS study at 7 T
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Cuenoud Bernard , Hartweg Mickael , Wenz Daniel , Xin Lijing
Published: August 2023

Our understanding of circadian rhythm has expanded to provide molecular insights into physiology and disease since the discovery of circadian clock.Pre-clinical experiments have shown that circadian rhythm is linked with the Nicotinamid Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) levels and the redox ratio. However, clinical data is still lacking. In this study, we aim to study the effect of circadian rhythm on NAD levels in the human brain. By measuring the NAD levels in the occipital lobe with 31P-MRS, preliminary interim results suggest a negative correlation trend between cortisol level and total NAD level.
Evaluation of brain volumetric changes and alterations in T1 relaxation times in American football players using 7 Tesla MRI
Authors: Kraff Oliver , Deuschl Cornelius , Dodel Richard , Evers Janis , Nietert Anika , Verheyen Annika , Quick Harald
Published: August 2023

American football players were examined before and after a season of the German Football League. High resolution quantitative MRI at 7T for evaluations of volumetric changes and alterations in T1 relaxation times of various brain regions was performed. Age- and gender-matched subjects with no history of contact and collision sports served as a control group. In addition, structural susceptibility weighted imaging was compared between 3T and 7T. Loss of gray matter volume and an overall increase in T1 relaxation times were observed in players between both scans. SWI was superior in detecting cerebral microbleeds at 7T compared to 3T.
Tissue-level probabilistic mapping of treatment-induced effects in recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Ellison Jacob , Tran Nate , Cluceru Julia , Phillips Joanna , Shai Anny , Nair Devika , Molinaro Annette , Pedoia Valentina , Li Yan , Villanueva-Meyer Javier , Berger Mitchel , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Aghi Manish , Chang Susan , Lupo Janine
Published: August 2023

Treatment-induced effects can mimic tumor recurrence and pose a challenge to accurately assessing treatment response. We aim to provide a machine learning framework and identify important imaging features for discriminating treatment-induced injury from recurrent glioblastoma at biopsy level resolution. Our best model performs with a mean AUC of .77+/-0.11 across 4 fold cross-validation of 108 tissue samples. rCBV, choline-to-NAA index (CNI), and normalized lipid levels were the top three most import features in distinguishing treatment effects from recurrent tumor.
T2 Relaxometry in the Prediction of Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Primary Glioblastoma: Whole Brain and Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Rulseh Aaron , Vymazal Josef
Published: August 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Any methods that may improve confirmation or early detection of progression are highly desirable. T2 relaxometry shows great promise in the monitoring of GBM patients following complex therapy. We found WB metrics, such as median 1/T2, correlated with PFS and were able to distinguish progression from pseudo-progression. A deep neural network trained on automatically segmented 1/T2 data achieved an F1 accuracy of 85% in classifying progression with a threshold of 18 months.
Portal Venous 4D Flow MRI in Obese Patients without Known Liver Disease Undergoing Weight Loss Surgery
Authors: Spahic Alma , Roberts Grant , Wolfson Tanya , Harris David , Panagiotopoulos Nikolaos , Roldán-Alzate Alejandro , Johnson Kevin , Wieben Oliver , Sirlin Claude , Reeder Scott , Oechtering Thekla
Published: August 2023

4D flow MRI of the portal vein has the potential to provide diagnostic value for detecting and staging certain liver diseases. To date, it is unknown whether weight loss influences portal flow in obese patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of weight loss on portal flow rate measured by non-contrast 4D flow MRI in obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery. Preliminary data of this ongoing study detected no statistically significant change in the mean volumetric portal flow rate in subjects during 2-6 months of weight loss. However, portal flow rate normalized to body weight or BMI increased significantly.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF BASELINE MRI FOR LIVER VOLUME CHANGES FOLLOWING LOW CALORIE DIET
Authors: Ceriani Lael , Barahman Mark , Wolfson Tanya , Batakis Danielle , Lubenow Robert , Weeks Jake , Hasenstab Kyle , Delgado Timoteo , Covarrubias Yesenia , Gonzalez Celene , Middleton Michael , Henderson Walter , Harris David , Panagiotopolous Nikolaos , Reeder Scott , Fowler Kathryn , Sirlin Claude
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify the prognostic value of baseline MRI-determined imaging biomarkers for liver volume changes following low-calorie liquid diet in bariatric surgery patients
The over-expression of human hydrolase hMTH1 modulates metabolism and fat composition in mice exposed to high fat diet: a MRI and MRS study
Authors: Canese Rossella , De Luca Gabriele , Singh Taljinder , Dell'Orso Ambra , Iorio Egidio , Chirico Mattea , Pisanu Maria Elena , Fortini Paola , SImonelli Valeria
Published: August 2023

Oxidative stress is implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration and aging. hMTH1 is a hydrolase able to remove oxidized precursors from nucleotide’s pool, thus avoiding oxidative nucleic acids damage. Overexpression of hMTH1 in mice is protective against oxidative damage, neurodegeneration and prolongs life span. Our study showed that the overexpression of hMTH1 in mice fed with high fat diet (HFD), a dietary regimen linked to inflammation, is associated with increased brown interscapular fat (linked to protection from obesity) and with reduced perivesical fat volume (indicator of poor cardiovascular outcomes) up to four weeks. These effects seem to be reversed by prolonging HFD.
Heterogeneity of ASL perfusion MRI in low-grade paediatric glioma as imaging biomarker to assess treatment effect
Authors: Alic Lejla , Willekens Sanneke , Mutsaerts Henk-Jan , Petr Jan , Meeteren Netteke Schouten-van , Lequin Maarten , Wiegers Evita
Published: August 2023

ASL-MRI is reported as an option to assess potentially heterogeneous physiological processes important for tumour treatment. Therefore, we explored the heterogeneity in normalised CBF as an imaging biomarker for assessment of treatment effect in pLGG. There is a noticeable effect of chemotherapy observed as a change in texture of healthy appearing brain tissue. A high difference in texture between treated and non-treated patients for non-enhancing tumour part is observed, suggesting that texture, based on co-occurrence matrices, is suitable as an imaging biomarker for assessment of treatment effect in pLGG.
Reduced field-of-view multi-shell DWI of the sciatic nerve: A reproducibility assessment
Authors: Boonsuth Ratthaporn , Samson Rebecca , Grussu Francesco , Battiston Marco , Schneider Torben , Yoneyama Masami , Prados Ferran , Tur Carmen , Collorone Sara , Cortese Rosa , Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia Gandini , Yiannakas Marios
Published: August 2023

Advanced diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) methods are powerful diagnostic and research tools when applied in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the use of DWI methods to study individual nerves outside the CNS in vivo, such as the sciatic nerve, has been hampered by a number of technical challenges. In this study, we explore the feasibility of acquiring multi-shell DWI metrics in the sciatic nerve using reduced field-of-view echo planar imaging and report results from a reproducibility assessment in in healthy controls.
REconstruction of MR images acquired in highly inhOmogeneous fields using DEep Learning (REMODEL 2.0)
Authors: Jimeno Marina Manso , Vaughan John , Geethanath Sairam
Published: August 2023

The trade-off of a shorter MRI magnet design is having to compromise image quality due to reduced field homogeneity. Moreover, the sample induces unique field perturbations during the scan that can only be corrected if the exact field map is known. Here we proposed a DL model that synthesizes sample-specific field maps based on artifact-corrupted acquired images and the system’s field distribution. In the retrospective study, we obtained a mean NRMSE of 0.04 during testing between model output and the true field maps and found that using the model output for correction significantly reduced the artifacts on the images.
The effect of systematic errors reduction in the brain DTI on the 1.5T clinical MR scanner.
Authors: Stefańska-Bernatowicz Anna , Mazur Weronika , Obuchowicz Rafał , Krzyżak Artur
Published: August 2023

BSD DTI is a method to reduce systematic errors observed in standard Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) of anisotropic tissues. In the work the effect of systematic errors reduction was shown based on DTI of the brain. Diffusion tensor parameters and tractography were compared between standard DTI (STD) and after the application of BSD DTI method in 11 ROIs chosen in axial and sagittal image planes. Depending on ROI eigenvalues and FA were under- or overestimated in STD, which was corrected by BSD DTI. Reduction of systematic errors leads to decreased standard deviation and improved diffusion tensor tractography.
The potential value of whole-body MRI for the rheumatologist’s assessment and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients
Authors: Choida Varvara , Tattersall Rachel , Manson Jessica , Sen Debajit , Ciurtin Coziana , Hall-Craggs Margaret
Published: August 2023

The impact of musculoskeletal inflammation detected by whole-body MRI (WBMRI) in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on rheumatologists’ clinical decisions was investigated. Anonymised clinical information collected for 30 patients before undergoing research WBMRI scans was examined by two rheumatologists who recorded independently their disease activity ratings, investigations, and treatment plans before and after reviewing the WBMRI reports. WBMRI findings changed rheumatologists’ disease activity ratings in half the patients and treatment plan in one-third, approximately. WBMRI detected inflammation in sites recommended for regional imaging pre WBMRI in less than half of cases and in other sites in more than one-half.
Feasibility of T1-weighted USPIO-enhanced MR imaging of pelvic lymph nodes using stack-of-spirals UTE
Authors: Maas Marnix , Zámecnik Patrik , Schneider Moritz , Gaass Thomas , Benkert Thomas , Dinkel Julien , Scheenen Tom
Published: August 2023

Detection of lymph node (LN) metastases can be improved using Ferumoxtran-10, an ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) contrast agent . Commonly, T2* contrast is used to distinguish between normal LNs (high USPIO uptake, low signal) and metastases (low uptake, high signal). T1-weighted imaging may offer complementary information, but is challenging because of the strong T2* effects of the contrast agent. This work investigates whether ultrashort echotime (UTE) imaging with a stack-of-spirals sequence can mitigate this issue. High-resolution USPIO-enhanced T1-weighted UTE of the pelvis was achieved, and T1-mediated signal hyperintensities were indeed observed in LNs in patients with prostate cancer.
Identification of S100 Immunopositivity on T2-weighted MRI Using Deep Learning
Authors: Baş Abdullah , Tan Kübra , Danyeli Ayça , Pamir M.Necmettin , Dincer Alp , Ozduman Koray , Can Ozge , Ozturk-Isik Esin
Published: August 2023

S100 protein expression is a relevant indicator of prognosis in meningiomas and it is more common in benign meningiomas. To our knowledge, a clinically feasible non-invasive method that preoperatively identifies S100 protein expression is not available. In this study, we proposed registration-free deep learning models to predict S100 expression non-invasively using T2-w MRI. The proposed hybrid deep learning model could predict S100 protein expression in meningiomas using T2-w MRI, with 91% accuracy on the validation set, and 83% accuracy on the test set.
Principal Component Characterization of Deformation Variations Using Dynamic Imaging Atlases
Authors: Xing Fangxu , Jin Riwei , Gilbert Imani , El Fakhri Georges , Perry Jamie , Sutton Bradley , Woo Jonghye
Published: August 2023

High-speed dynamic magnetic resonance imaging is a highly efficient tool in capturing vocal tract deformation during speech. However, automated quantification of variations in motion patterns during production of different utterances has been a challenging task due to spatial and temporal misalignments between different image datasets. We present a principal component analysis-based deformation characterization technique built on top of established dynamic speech imaging atlases. Two layers of principal components are extracted to represent common motion and utterance-specific motion, respectively. Comparison between two speech tasks with and without nasalization reveals subtle differences on velopharyngeal deformation reflected in the utterance-specific principal components.
MP2UTE: T1 mapping of short-T2 components
Authors: Sommer Stefan , Hilbert Tom , Kober Tobias , Hinterholzer Natalie , Nanz Daniel , von Deuster Constantin
Published: August 2023

T1 mapping of species with very fast T2/T2* relaxation is impossible with conventional methods measuring echoes refocused by gradients or radiofrequency pulses. We therefore present a new approach to estimate T1 relaxation times of short-T2 tissue such as bone, tendon, or ligament by sampling transversal magnetization at different inversion times with a short-T2 sensitive ultra-short-TE readout. The presented T1 mapping method is efficient and B1-insensitive. By acquiring multiple echoes, it is possible to obtain T1 relaxation times at short and long echo-time and therefore assess the influence of short-T2 components.
Application of a two-pool model of water exchange to myelin water fraction in multiple sclerosis spinal cord
Authors: Balaji Sharada , Vavasour Irene , Dvorak Adam , Johnson Poljanka , MacKay Alex , Kolind Shannon
Published: August 2023

Myelin water fraction (MWF) quantifies myelin content in the central nervous system. MWF analysis typically assumes there is no water exchange between different water pools in tissue during the measurement. Here we investigate the effect of incorporating a two-pool model of exchange in a study of MWF in multiple sclerosis (MS) spinal cord and compare with results from the original algorithm. Including exchange resulted in higher MWF values and myelin water residence times that were correlated with MWF, but maintained the expected relationship in MWF between MS subtypes and controls.
Native T1 Mapping Combined With Liver Stiffness Measurement in Identifying Significant Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yuan , Liu Yu-Pin , Wu Yunzhu
Published: August 2023

Noninvasive identification of significant liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients is of great value because it can be an important indication for anti-viral therapy according to EASL guideline. This abstract was to evaluate the diagnostic capability of variable flip angle native T1 mapping combined with liver stiffness measurement (LT1 model) in identifying significant liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. The LT1 score had good sensitivity and specificity for identifying significant liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients, and could provide a reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Mind the Myelin: Investigating the therapeutic impact of exercise on white matter damage in a rodent model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Milbocker Katrina , Brengel Eric , LeBlanc Gillian , Klintsova Anna
Published: August 2023

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term used to identify individuals with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure which results in a spectrum of diagnostic disorders. 1 in 20 infants born in the U.S. has been diagnosed with an FASD, creating a major public health crisis. Deficits in corpus callosum myelination resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure have been correlated with impairments to perceptual learning and executive function in adolescents diagnosed with FASD. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of an exercise intervention to ameliorate alcohol-induced damage to corpus callosum myelination in a rodent model of FASD.
Evaluating Reproducibility and Repeatability of Penalty Function Based Methods for Quantitative Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Analysis
Authors: Kayal Esha Baidya , Khare Kedar , Sharma Raju , Bakhshi Sameer , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Mehndiratta Amit
Published: August 2023

Reproducibility and repeatability of penalty-based IVIM analysis methodologies BE+TV and BE+HPF have been evaluated using clinical dataset with osteosarcoma in comparison with existing IVIM analysis methods. IVIM datasets at three time-points during chemotherapy were analyzed and healthy muscle tissue was used as local control for IVIM analysis and evaluation of scan-rescan repeatability and reproducibility. Results showed, parametric maps estimated by BE+TV and BE+HPF methods were observed to have higher reproducibility and lower spatial inhomogeneity than the existing IVIM analysis methods and produced satisfactory inter-scan agreement in parameters estimation proving its repeatability in clinical scenario.
Investigating Spiral Trajectories for Sub-second Conductivity Imaging in MREPT
Authors: Özdemir Safa , Ilicak Efe , Schad Lothar , Zöllner Frank
Published: August 2023

Magnetic Resonance Electrical Properties Tomography (MREPT) technique is used to obtain conductivity (σ) and permittivity (ε), using phase of the B1+ information. While spin echo and bSSFP based pulse sequences were shown to successfully obtain phase images, they are either very slow or suffer from artifacts and require multi-acquisitions. To overcome these limitations, in this work we investigate the use of spiral trajectory-based sequences in MREPT. Our results indicate that even for sub-second acquisition times, conductivity maps can be successfully acquired via spiral trajectory-based sequence, and therefore can improve the utility of MREPT techniques by shortening the acquisition time drastically.
In vitro MR-based Electric Properties Tomography during Temperature Increase
Authors: Martinez Jessica , Arduino Alessandro , Moulin Kevin , Troia Adriano , Bottauscio Oriano , Zilberti Luca
Published: August 2023

The feasibility of EPT to obtain electrical conductivity data during temperature increase was analyzed. Experiments were performed in two homogeneous phantoms with different saline concentrations during temperature increase.
Extension of k-space formalism with refocusing RF pulses
Authors: Zun Zungho , Shin Taehoon
Published: August 2023

Conventional k-space analysis of excitation based on Fourier relationship between excitation profile and RF deposit in k-space is extremely useful for pulse sequence design but is strictly limited to the small-tip-angle regime. We propose a new theoretical viewpoint for including refocusing pulses in the k-space formalism and demonstrate that the effect of refocusing pulse can be viewed as origin symmetric rotation of RF deposit in k-space. This new viewpoint may enable analytic approaches to designing RF pulses with multiple refocusing pulses and offer new opportunities to develop complex RF pulses that require insensitivity to off-resonance.
Making Reduced FOV Imaging Applicable on Low-Cost MRI Systems: A Sheared 2DRF Excitation Approach
Authors: Barlas Bahadir , Saritas Emine
Published: August 2023

The utilization of low-cost low-field MRI systems has been rising due to the recent image quality improvements. However, these systems cannot incorporate numerous popular MRI techniques due to their hardware limitations. This work proposes a sheared 2DRF pulse design to make reduced FOV imaging applicable for low-cost MRI systems. The proposed sheared 2DRF pulse design provides significant reduction in pulse duration together with improved signal under B0 field inhomogeneities, while ensuring robust sidelobe suppression and unlimited slice coverage. We demonstrate the proof-of-concept applicability of the proposed approach for a 0.35T and a 1.5T MRI scanner.
Visualizing the habenula using high resolution MPRAGE, MP2RAGE and QSM at 3T MRI
Authors: Bian BingYang , Zhang Lei , Jiang Yueluan , Yu ZeChen , Wang Zhuo , Wang HongChao
Published: August 2023

MPRAGE, MP2RAGE and QSM can clearly visualize the Hb compared to conventional T1WI. Due to its higher CNR, MP2RAGE and QSM could be considered for structural imaging in Hb morphology study.
Measurement of Cerebrospinal fluid and Interstitial Fluid Flow in Mouse Brain using Q-space Imaging
Authors: Yatsushiro Satoshi , Satou Anju , Matsumae Mitsunori , Atsumi Hideki , Horie Tomohiko , Kuroda Kagayaki
Published: August 2023

To visualize cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) flows, in this study, q-space imaging (QSI) based on 3-dimensional stimulated echo and echo planar imaging (3D STE-EPI) was performed for mouse brain. QSI can measure velocity of flow as µm/s order. The preliminary results showed the CSF and ISF flows in the mouse brain. In addition, the technique seemed to exhibit the CSF/ISF flows along the corpus callosum of the mouse brain. In the future, QSI with STE-EPI may quantitatively reveal the CSF and ISF flows in human brain.
Surface-based Cortical Network Analysis in Post-Stroke Dementia with Subcortical lesions
Authors: Li Wenwen , Cai Huaying , Ni Linhui , Han Guocan , Zhao Zhiyong , Wu Dan
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate alterations of cortical network in post-stroke dementia (PSD) patients with subcortical lesions using a surface-based morphometry analysis. We calculated nine cortical morphometric metrics and constructed the structural covariate network for each participant. Comparisons between groups showed that PSD and post-stroke nondemented (PSND) groups both displayed an increased local efficiency and a similar global efficiency compared with the normal controls group, and the cortical network in three groups all remained a small-world property. Moreover, we found PSD-specific decreases in gray matter volume and surface area in lateral occipital cortex and middle temporal gyrus.
Effect of Dobutamine Stress on Ocular Blood Flow Measurements Using 3D Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: cai linkun , niu haijun , ren pengling , liu yawen , zhang tingting , li jing , wang hao , zheng wei , yin hongxia , wang zhenchang
Published: August 2023

Dobutamine stress testing is a very widely used tool in cardiological investigation. However, little is known about the effect of dobutamine on adult ocular blood flow with clinical dosage. In this study, we infused dobutamine in human subjects and examined the effects of dobutamine on ocular blood flow using 3D pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling(3D-pcASL). Dobutamine infusion significantly increased the ocular blood flow. And the heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were the main factors affecting the ocular blood flow.
Gray matter myelin quantification in Parkinson’s disease based on MP2RAGE T1 mapping
Authors: Shen Yu , Bai Yan , Zhang Xianchang , Wu Yaping , Luo Yu , Huang Zhun , Yue Xipeng , Zhang Menghuan , Wang Meiyun
Published: August 2023

Quantitative R1(1/T1) imaging has been proposed as surrogate imaging biomarkers for myelin content in cortical gray matter. This study, using high resolution T1 maps generated by MP2RAGE sequence, quantified gray matter myelin in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and compared the values with those in healthy controls. The results revealed that myelin (represented by R1) was significantly decreased in PD in several cortical and subcortical brain areas, which may be anatomic evidence for the spectrum of symptoms in PD, such as deficits of memory, mood, and cognition. Myelin quantification based on MP2RAGE-T1 mapping may be a valuable biomarker for characterizing PD.
Role of the superficial white matter in processing speed decline in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Wang Shuyue , Zhang Fan , Huang Peiyu , Hong Hui , Jiaerken Yeerfan , Yu Xinfeng , zhang Ruiting , Zeng Qingze , Zhang Yao , Kikinis Ron , Rathi Yogesh , Makris Nikos , Pasternak Ofer , Zhang Minming , O’Donnell Lauren
Published: August 2023

We assess microstructural alterations in superficial white matter (SWM) in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and evaluate their contributions to the decline in processing speed, which is the main dysfunction in CSVD. We identify that the significant decline in processing speed may relate to the involvement of WMH in the SWM under high burden of disease. The increased extracellular free water may be the main SWM microstructural change under low burden of disease. These observations suggest that the SWM may serve as a potential target for monitoring pathophysiological processes in CSVD. This study extends the current understanding of CSVD-related dysfunction.
Application of MRI in tracking and evaluating of SPIONS labeled stromal stem cells transplanted in traumatic spinal cord injury of beagle
Authors: Mai Xiaoli , Zhang Jilei , Zou Junting , Xie Yuanyuan , Wang Bin , Zhang Bing
Published: August 2023

Stromal cell transplantation plays an important role in the treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). The multi-parameter MRI, including DTI, T2 , T2* mapping and QSM , of all beagles were performed before and after operation. We found that the transplanted stromal stem cells with Ruicun-labeled in the injured spinal cord could be quantified by QSM within 28 days after transplantation. FA value can be used to quantitatively evaluate the integrity of spinal fibers and the recovery of spinal nerve function. Thus, MRI can used to track the dynamic changes of SPIONS labeled stromal stem cells transplanted.
Quantitative Evaluation of Spinal Cord Cine-MRI with Optical Flow Analysis
Authors: Horie Tomohiko , Konta Natsuo , Kawakubo Masateru , Hamano Hiroshi , Chang Han Soo , Niwa Tetsu , Kuroda Kagayaki , Matsumae Mitsunori
Published: August 2023

There are still many unclear issues in the motions of the spinal cord. This study is the first report to use optical flow analysis for quantitative evaluation of spinal cord motions. In the study of healthy volunteers, we found large displacement of the upper thoracic spinal cord. The study of clinical cases revealed that the spinal cord displacement changed before and after surgery. Therefore, these results suggested that quantitative evaluation of spinal cord motions is feasible using optical flow analysis.
Causal Evidence for a Mouse Homologue of the Human Salience Network via Default Mode Network Inhibition
Authors: Houldin Evan , Li Zengmin , Chuang Kai-Hsiang
Published: August 2023

Recent evidence indicates a putative mouse homologue of the human triple-network model, for which a salience network (SN) actively engages either internally-oriented default mode network (DMN) or externally-oriented central executive network (CEN). The interaction amongst these homologues has yet to be validated. This study probed SN responses to DMN inhibition in mice, during functional magnetic resonance imaging. We found that SN radically adjusts its connectivity profile with triple-network components, depending on which DMN hub is inhibited. This indicates that triple-network must be considered holistically, with SN serving an important role in overall triple-network connectivity.