bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional optimal denoising with block matching is robust to misalignment and contrast changes
Authors: Huynh Khoi , Chung Sang , Lee Yueh , Yap Pew-Thian
Published: August 2024

Denoising methods can leverage common information from multiple image volumes for better noise reduction. However, performance can degrade with inter-volume misalignment or contrast changes. We proposed a block-matching denoising method for effective noise removal and robustness to inter-volume differences.
Improved pulmonary oxygen-enhanced MRI parameter precision enabled by hierarchical Bayesian inference
Authors: Naish Josephine , Tibiletti Marta , Short Christopher , Semple Tom , Padley Simon , Davies Jane , Parker Geoff
Published: August 2024

Lung oxygen-enhanced MRI can provide regional information relating to lung function, but voxel-wise parameter estimation is hampered by low SNR. Here we present a hierarchical Bayesian approach to voxel-wise parameter estimation implemented in R and the probabilistic programming language Stan. In both simulations and in OE-MRI data acquired in patients with cystic fibrosis, the Bayesian approach results in substantially less noisy parameter maps compared to conventional non-linear least squares estimation.
Efficacy of Perirenal Fat and Intra-organ Fat in differentiation Metabolic Syndrome from Adults with Overweight and Obesity of Suspected NAFLD
Authors: Wang Li , Ruan Xinzhong , Liu Mengxiao
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the fat quantitative Q-DIXON sequence to evaluate intra-organ fat content and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to find the association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults with overweight and obesity suspected with NAFLD. The results showed that the cut-off level of 9.15mm of perirenal fat thickness (PRFT) and 14.68% of liver fat fraction (LFF) can effectively predict MetS, and the combination of PRFT and LFF predict MetS better. Moreover, ectopic fat levels in pancreas and lumbar spines are positively associated with PRFT.
Is Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Antagonism after Ischemia Effective in Alleviating Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats?
Authors: Woo Dong Cheol , Heo Hwon , Chae Yeon Ji , Min Joongkee , Lee Do-Wan , Kim Sang Tae , Choi Monica Young , Sung Yu Sub , Kim Kyung Won , Choi Yoonseok , Woo Chul-Woong
Published: August 2024

Recent studies suggest that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) act as an important mediator of ischemic injury in brain. In particular, pharmacological inhibition of AhR activation after ischemia has been shown to attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. In this study, we investigated whether AhR antagonist administration after ischemia was also effective in ameliorating hepatic IR injury. Our results indicate that treatment with the AhR antagonist after ischemia alleviate liver damage, as evidenced by serum ALT and AST levels, MRI-based liver function indices, and histologic and molecular analysis. Thus, adequate AhR antagonist activity is a potential therapeutic approach for hepatic IR injury.
Reproducibility of pH-Weighted Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) Contrast in the Healthy Cervical Spinal Cord
Authors: Cronin Alicia , Liebig Patrick , Detombe Sarah , Duggal Neil , Bartha Robert
Published: August 2024

Ischemia and hypoxia can occur in the spinal cord due to several conditions, including compression and injury; however, in-vivo measurements of ischemia have been challenging. Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) can produce pH-weighted contrast, which is an indicator of tissue hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to optimize pH-weighted CEST contrast in the healthy cervical spinal cord using a prototype 3D CEST sequence on a 3T Siemens Prisma Fit MRI and determine the reproducibility of measurements at various levels along the cervical spinal cord.
Novel contrast agents for MR based on chemical exchange saturation transfer and its potential applications
Authors: Jia Yanlong , Wu Feng , Yang Lin , Chen Beibei , Zhong Yazhi , Wu Renhua , Li Feng
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate some small molecular compounds with an appropriate chemical exchange site that can be employed as negative contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. 17 kinds of small molecular substances were selected and the imaging were performed on 7.0T MR system. Except for biotin, a series of small molecular substances have the characteristics of CEST. Salicylic acid (9.3ppm), 5-aminosalicylic acid (8.0ppm), and olsalazinesodium (9.8ppm) have large frequency offset, with optimal pH value 6.4～6.8, which are ideal candidates for CEST contrast agents. Due to the differences of molecular structure, the CEST characteristics were different.
Effect of yawning on CSF and blood flow through the neck
Authors: Martinac Adam , Lloyd Robert , Waters Stean , Bilston Lynne
Published: August 2024

Despite being a common behaviour amongst many animals, research into the mechanics of yawning is limited. We have attempted to address this by performing sagittal real time scans and phase contrast scans to observe the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and blood through the midplane of the C3 vertebra of the spine during induced yawning. We found that over the course of a yawn venous flow and CSF flow both moved caudally during inspiration and rostrally during expiration.
Fluid mechanics based distinct cerebrospinal fluid dynamics signature in normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Karki Pragalv , Cogswell Petrice , Murphy Matthew , Ganji Sandeep , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Jones David , Alder Benjamin , Huston John
Published: August 2024

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a brain pathology with enlarged ventricles and is diagnosed as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics disorder based on a delayed ascent of radiotracer over the cerebral convexity and elevated flow through the cerebral aqueduct. In this study, we provide fluid dynamics-based evidence of disruption in CSF oscillation within the cerebral aqueduct in NPH patients. Particularly, we show that the peak volumetric flow is delayed with respect to peak transmantle pressure in NPH patients as compared to healthy control participants.
Cross vendors test-retest validation of diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space for evaluating glymphatic system function
Authors: Liu Xiaodan , Barisano Giuseppe , Shao Xingfeng , Jann Kay , Lu Hanzhang , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Caprihan Arvind Caprihan , DeCarli Charles , Gold Brian T. , Maillard Pauline , Satizabal Clandia L. , Fadaee Elyas , Habes Mohamad , Stables Lara , Singh Herpreet , Fischl Bruce , van der Kouwe Andre , Schwab Kristin , Helmer Karl G. , Greenberg Steven M. , Wang Danny JJ
Published: August 2024

The diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) method was proposed to evaluate glymphatic system (GS) function. However, few studies validate its reliability and reproducibility. 50 participants’ DTI data from the MarkVICD consortium were recruited in this study. Two pipelines by using DSI studio and FSL software were developed for data processing and ALPS-index calculation. The mean ALPS-index was obtained by the average of bilateral ALPS-index and was used for testing the cross vendors test-retest reliability by using R studio. Mean ALPS-index demonstrated favorable inter-scanner reproducibility, inter-rater reliability and test-retest repeatability, offering a potential biomarker for GS function.
Reductions in nigral volume of de novo and moderate Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Langley Jason , Hwang Kristy , Huddleston Daniel , Hu Xiaoping
Published: August 2024

Neuronal loss in substantia nigra pars compacta is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. In this abstract, we examine nigral volume in a group without Parkinson's disease (non-carriers, non-manifest LRRK2 and GBA mutations), de novo Parkinson's disease, and moderate Parkinson's disease. Reductions in nigral volume are seen in the Parkinson's disease groups relative to the group without Parkinson's disease. A further reduction is seen in nigral volume of the moderate Parkinson's disease group relative to the de novo group, suggesting that nigral degeneration continues as Parkinson's disease progresses.
Quantitative Iron-Neuromelanin MRI Matches Expert Visual Performance and Is Associated with Parkinson’s Disease Severity
Authors: Hartono Septian , Chen Robert , Welton Thomas , Tan An Sen , Lee Weiling , Teh Peik Yen , Chen Celeste , Hou Wenlu , Tham Wei Ping , Lim Ee Wei , Kumar Prakash , Shih Yao-Chia , Lee Kuan Jin , Tan Louis Chew Seng , Tan Eng King , Chan Ling Ling
Published: August 2024

Nigrosome-1, a subregion of substantia nigra (SN), and neuromelanin have been identified as good biomarkers of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative iron-neuromelanin parameters and compared these against visual analysis of nigrosome-1 and neuromelanin hyperintensity as proxies of nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Susceptibility map-weighted imaging surpassed neuromelanin sensitive MRI in blinded visual PD classification; reader expertise affected performance. Composite quantitative iron-neuromelanin marker matched diagnostic accuracy of expert reader in visual evaluation of nigrosome-1 using susceptibility map-weighted imaging, potentially improving diagnostic confidence in non-experts. Quantitative susceptibility mapping showed moderate negative correlation with motor dysfunction in PD patients.
Neuromelanin hemispheric asymmetry in normal aging and early Parkinson’s disease with motor symptom laterality
Authors: Liu Xueling , Li Yuxin , Wu Puyeh , Wang Na , Liu Fengtao , Geng Daoying
Published: August 2024

The bilateral neuromelanin degeneration pattern in substantia nigra in normal aging and underlying mechanisms of asymmetric motor symptoms in early Parkinson’s disease (PD) are still unknown. Here we examined the neuromelanin hemispheric asymmetry in normal elderly people and early PD patients with motor symptoms laterality by short-echo-time magnitude images derived from QSM. We demonstrated hemispheric asymmetry of neuromelanin in normal aging, as well as a left-hemispheric preferential nigral dysfunction in early-stage PDR, but a different spatial neuromelanin loss pattern in PDL. This template-based neuromelanin measurement might help to detect aging-related change and deepen our understanding of PD with motor laterality.
Reliability Verification and Diagnostic Value Based on Brain Metastases of STAGE at 1.5T
Authors: Xiang Huijing , Li Yi , Duan Yuqi , Liang Xiaoyun , Huang Feng , Hu Peian , Zhang Dongbing , Zhou Zhengrong , Chen Lei
Published: August 2024

As the first choice to identify brain metastases (BM), the anatomical, functional and metabolic information extracted by various MR sequences is the basis. However, synthetic MR technique mostly relies on expensive equipment and high field strength, which is challenging for primary institutions to implement. In this study, we assessment the reliability and diagnostic value based on BM of Strategically Acquired Gradient Echo (STAGE) at 1.5T. Enhanced T1W map of STAGE showed better GM/WM CNR compare with T1MPRAGE for BM identification. Reliable values and inconspicuous physiological variability were observed in the quantitative maps for various brain tissues.
Identification of a single-dose, low-flip angle based CBV threshold for fractional tumor burden (FTB) mapping in recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Anil Aliya , Stokes Ashley , Alhilali Lea , Karis John , Bell Laura , Hu Leland , Boxerman Jerrold , Schmainda Kathleen , Quarles C
Published: August 2024

Early differentiation of tumor recurrence from post treatment radiation effects (PTRE) in glioblastoma patients would improve patient management. The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal standardized relative cerebral blood volume (sRCBV) threshold for generating fractional tumor burden (FTB) maps derived from the new consensus protocol, single-dose, low-flip angle data. To establish the threshold, low-flip angle data was compared to well-validated, double-dose, moderate-flip angle data. In summary, with the optimized threshold, the single-dose, low-flip angle approach yielded FTB maps that strongly agreed with the reference standard, providing a compelling option for clinical use.
Association of MR image quality measures with diagnostic accuracy and inter-reader agreement of PI-RADS for detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Sompalle Pranav , Roge Ansh , Sobota Michael , Hiremath Amogh , Tirumani Sree Harsha , Bittencourt Leonardo Kayat , Ward Ryan , Ream Justin , Purysko Andrei , Madabhushi Anant , Viswanath Satish , Shiradkar Rakesh
Published: August 2024

Radiologists’ ability to detect clinically-significant prostate cancer on MRI is affected by image quality. While subjective guidelines are provided by the prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) and other recent methods, there is a need to develop objective and quantitative metrics of MRI quality. In this multi-reader study, we derive MRI quality metrics using an image processing-based open-source software tool and evaluate their association with radiologist-assigned PI-RADS scores to detect clinically-significant prostate cancer (csPCa). We observe that higher quality MRI is associated with improved detection of csPCa on MRI.
A Novel Deep Learning Tissue Normalization Method for Longitudinal Analysis of T2-Weighted MRI following Prostate Cancer Radiation Treatment
Authors: Algohary Ahmad , Zacharaki Evangelia , Alhusseini Mohammad , Breto Adrian , Wallaengen Veronica , Xu Isaac , Gaston Sandra , Castillo Patricia , Punnen Sanoj , Spieler Benjamin , Abramowitz Matthew , Pra Alan Dal , Kryvenko Oleksandr , Pollack Alan , Stoyanova Radka
Published: August 2024

In this work, we introduce a novel automated triple-reference intensity normalization method for T2W images with the aim of obtaining consistent longitudinal measurements leading to improved quantitative assessment of radiation treatment outcome for prostate cancer patients.
A Comprehensive Quality Assessment on Fast MRI Acquisition with united Compressed Sensing Techniques
Authors: Gu Zhuoyang , Guo Lianghu , Yang Qing , Cai Xinyi , Tao Tianli , He Sifan , Wang Qian , Qiang He , Shen Dinggang , Zhang Han
Published: August 2024

MRI acquisition from certain populations is difficult. For instance, infant MRI without sedation during wakefulness has a high failure rate due to head motion. Thus, a shorter scan time is required. Increasing studies focused on fast MRI acquisition but few studies examined their qualities. We argue that only calculating common image quality metrics (e.g., SNR) may not meet the satisfaction of brain MRI analysis with fast acquisition techniques. A whole-process quality assessment method is thus proposed comparing different fast acquisition techniques with practical guidelines. In future, comprehensive quality assessment on fast MRI acquisitions can become a study routine.
dbdicom: an open-source python interface for reading and writing DICOM databases
Authors: Sourbron Steven , Sousa Joao Almeida e , Daniel Alexander , Buchanan Charlotte , Gunwhy Ebony , Lennie Eve , Teh Kevin , Shillitoe Steve , Morris David , Priest Andrew , Thomas David , Francis Susan
Published: August 2024

DICOM is the universally recognized standard for medical imaging, but reading and writing from DICOM databases remains a challenging task for most data scientists. The dbdicom package was developed to provide an intuitive programming interface for reading and writing data from entire DICOM databases, and replaces confusing DICOM-native concepts by language and notations that will be more familiar to data scientists working in python. The package is available under an open license but is in the early stages of development and currently rolled out in 3 multi-vendor, multi-center studies.
Improved Image Quality with Deep Learning-Based Image Reconstruction for Multi-shot Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate
Authors: Lan Patricia , Wang Xinzeng , Scotti Alessandro , Jayapal Praveen , Wang Pingni , Guidon Arnaud , Loening Andreas
Published: August 2024

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a key component of identifying prostate tumors on MRI. Multi-shot DWI techniques (e.g. MUSE) have been shown to enable high resolution prostate DWI and, compared to single-shot DWI, reduce distortion artifacts due to rectal gas and hip implants at the expense of increased scan time. In this study, we evaluated a CNN-based deep learning (DL) image reconstruction method for MUSE. Our results indicate that for high b-value images the DL-based reconstruction improved perceived image quality even with half the original NEX, suggesting potential scan time reduction using DL.
Diagnostic performance of synthetic MRI and reduced filed-of-view DWI-based IVIM on cervical intraepithelial neoplasis
Authors: Tang Qian , Liu Weiyin , Zhou Qiqi , Chen Wen , Xu Lin
Published: August 2024

CIN III is currently reckoned as a high-risk precancerous lesion for highly-possible transformation into cervical cancers. To improve low diagnostic efficiency of traditional MRI on precancerous CIN III for its subtle changes at the cellular level, this study built a combination model with MAGiC and IVIM derived parameters. In particular, a combined model with T2 and f values showed good performance on differentiation CIN III from cervical cancer with the sensitivity, specificity and AUC of 0.0.968, 0.839, 956, and it indeed elevated diagnostic performance especially specificity. In our study, alteration of heterogeneity at the cellular level was suspected to occur as cervix gradually progresses to CIN III stage despite no obvious morphological changes on structural images.
Multi-exponential model of diffusion signal with fixed ADCs in healthy and cancerous cervix tissues
Authors: Rodríguez-Soto Ana , Lundström Elin , Besser Alexandra , Loubrie Stephane , Conlin Christopher , Jordan Stephan , Batasin Summer , Ebrahimi Sheida , Schlein Alexandra , Hahn Michael , Seibert Tyler , Dale Anders , Tom-Hedla Marianne , Saenz Cheryl , Varon Shira , McHale Michael , Rakow-Penner Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) has shown potential to become a DWI-based, contrast-free diagnostic tool for cancer as it separates the different water pools in tissues. Here, we describe the diffusion signal of cancerous and healthy cervical tissues using RSI. Multi-exponential models with fixed ADCs were determined and the signal contribution of each component estimated. Initial results indicate that the slowest diffusion compartment of a tetra-exponential RSI model has the potential to isolate cervical cancer signal from that of surrounding tissues. This model may increase the sensitivity and specificity of DWI to evaluate response to treatment of cervical cancer patients.
Imaging female pelvic anatomy with a portable, low field Magnetic Resonance Imager.
Authors: Mustafi Sourajit , Sadinski Meredith , Gomes Muller , Nacev Alexander , Davila Hugo , Venkataram Srirama
Published: August 2024

Promaxo's single sided, low-field MRI is used for female pelvic imaging. Five healthy female subjects were scanned. The butterfly shape of vagina and normal anatomy of the puborectails regions were observed. Delineation between puborectails and pubococcygneus muscles are clearly seen. MRI’s improved soft tissue contrast provides better visualization of anatomical regions and is less invasive than transvaginal ultrasound.
Extending inhomogeneous MT to assess both neuromelanin and myelin in brainstem structures
Authors: Varma Gopal , Fergusson Jane , Hassani Asma , Grant Aaron , Buchman Aron , Alsop David , VanderHorst Veronique
Published: August 2024

Application of neuromelanin MRI (NM-MRI) in the brainstem has been utilized in studies of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Acquisition of two types of MT preparation for inhomogeneous MT, MT applied at a single offset and then dual off-resonance frequencies, presents an advancement to NM-MRI by providing an acquisition with a myelin sensitive signal for complementary information. We demonstrate this in ex-vivo brainstem samples at 9.4 T, which allows comparison with other MRI microstructural techniques, as well as in-vivo at 3 T, where MT images provide a contrast comparable to NM-MRI by fast-spin-echo.
Characterization of semisolid proton $$$R_2$$$ orientation dependence in WM
Authors: Pang Yuxi
Published: August 2024

Quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging can indirectly probe $$$R_2$$$ orientation dependence in WM for semisolid methylene protons from lipid bilayers. Prior experimental and simulation studies indicate that the long lipid chain not only rotates rapidly around itself, but it also wobbles in a cone. The existing modeling methods, however, did not take the latter motional mode into account, potentially leading to a biased measure of myelin-specific anisotropic $$$R_2$$$ relaxation. This work thus proposes a new model encompassing both motional modes for better characterizing an anisotropic $$$R_2$$$ profile of semisolid protons in WM.
Imaging magnetization exchange between cerebrospinal fluid and brain parenchyma in humans at 3 T
Authors: Liu Jiaen
Published: August 2024

Imaging mass exchange between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain parenchyma tissue is promising for enhancing our understanding about the role of CSF in clearance of metabolic waste and contributes to clinical diagnosis of neurological disorders and degeneration. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of achieving this goal based on the magnetization transfer effect and CSF-selective spin echo contrast at 3 T in human subjects. The results suggested that techniques with low sensitivity to flow and partial volume effect are required for robust clinical application.
Model-based technique for rapid magnetization transfer corrected T1 mapping
Authors: Li Zhitao , Pauly Johe , Vasanawala Shreyas
Published: August 2024

A model-based technique for rapid magnetization transfer corrected T1 mapping is proposed, the T1 maps generated from the proposed technique is free of the under-estimation caused by MT effect. The technique is validated in both simulation and in-vivo experiments.
Sequence optimization for saturation transfer MR fingerprinting
Authors: Singh Munendra , Heo Hye-Young
Published: August 2024

An optimal saturation transfer MR fingerprinting (ST-MRF) acquisition schedule is critical for efficient and accurate tissue parameter mapping. To optimize RF saturation-encoded MRF acquisitions to a minimal number of saturation scan parameters for magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) parameter determination, we developed an optimization framework using a support vector regression-recursive feature elimination (SVR-RFE) method. Bloch simulations and in vivo studies showed that the proposed optimization method outperformed the quantification accuracy compared to existing methods. The SVR-RFE-based optimization method allowed us to reduce scan time by ~50% without sacrificing reconstruction accuracy.
Amide Proton Transfer-Weighted MRI in Preoperative Assessment of Microvascular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Huang Jingcheng , Hou Chengshi , Wen Qingqing , Dou Weiqiang , Luo Xianfu
Published: August 2024

Conventional MRI methods are difficult to reveal histologic and molecular characteristic of HCC. In this study, we aimed to e explore the feasibility of amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) imaging for predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma. Significant difference in APTw values were observed for MVI positive and negative lesions. With these findings, APTw imaging can be considered a potential technique for noninvasive preoperational assessment of MVI in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Spectrum of Brain Injury in COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Findings
Authors: Wagner Rachel , Jurkiewicz Michael , Chen Jennifer , Jerath Angela , Slessarev Marat , Anazodo Udunna
Published: August 2024

While most COVID-19 patients present with mild symptoms, many of those hospitalized with severe infection develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)1 and frequently report central nervous system dysfunction2. While previous research has characterized clinical symptomatology, investigation regarding brain changes remains limited. To address this gap, this review summarized brain injuries from 372 COVID-19-ARDS and 370 ARDS patients and pooled findings. COVID-19-ARDS patients presented an unusual pattern of injury preferentially targeting white matter, suggesting impact to brain connectivity. The long-term consequences of white matter injury in COVID-19-ARDS should be taken into account in devising policies for managing patient health.
Feasibility and Improved Specificity of Brain Lipid Imaging at 7 Tesla using Transient Nuclear Overhauser Effect (tNOE)
Authors: Kumar Dushyant , Benyard Blake , Soni Narayan Datt , Swain Anshuman , Wilson Neil , Reddy Ravinder
Published: August 2024

Brain lipid imaging using steady-state nuclear Overhauser effect (ssNOE), though a traditionally popular approach, suffers from multiple confounding non-NOE specific sources, including direct saturation, magnetization transfer (MT), and relevant chemical exchange species. B0, B1+- dependent data are also needed to correct for the effect of (B0, B1+)- inhomogeneities¸ leading to other issues such as patient tolerability due to substantially increased scan time. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of brain lipid mapping using an easily implementable transient NOE (tNOE) approach for the first time. Advantages include improved specificity, faster scan time and robust quantification with minimal confounding contributions.
Feasibility of whole-brain functional MRI with 1-mm isotropic resolution at 3T
Authors: Chang Wei-Tang , Langella Stephanie , Seo Min Sung , Lin Weili , Giovanello Kelly
Published: August 2024

fMRI with ultrahigh resolution has typically been acquired at 7T in order to overcome the inherently low SNR at 3T. However, 7T scanners are inaccessible to the majority of investigators. In this study, we developed new acquisition and reconstruction approaches and employed the denoising method NORDIC to improve the resolution of 3T fMRI to 1 mm isotropic with whole-brain coverage and volumetric scan time of 2 seconds. Our results showed improved tSNR and low spatial blurring. The detection capability of resting-state networks was comparable to that of 7T. BOLD activations in cortical and subcortical regions were observed in task-based fMRI.
Pupil-fMRI correlation mapping of awake transgenic 5xFAD mice of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Hike David , Yang Wenchao , Xie Zeping , Zhang Bei , Liu Andy , Choi Sang Cheon , Zhu Biyue , Ran Chongzhao , Jiang Yuanyuan , Yu Xin
Published: August 2024

This study obtained visually stimulated high-resolution fMRI and real-time pupil dynamic signals in awake normal and AD mice. By analyzing the trial-specific pupillary responses to light (PRL), we identified unique temporal dynamic features in AD mice. By performing the pupil-fMRI event-related analysis, we detected specific subcortical functional nuclei in AD mice, showing strong correlations to the pupil dilation recovery features and the variability across different stimulation events. These results present novel function-behavioral linkage based on the pupillary responses to visual stimulation in AD mice, revealing an intriguing non-invasive and quantitative biomarker of the neurodegenerative progress of AD brains.
MRI phenotypes of the brain are related to long-term dementia outcome in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Keller Jasmin , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Abecassis Bárbara Schmitz , Kant Ilse , van Buchem Mark , Launer Lenore , van Osch Matthias , Gudnason Vilmundur , de Bresser Jeroen
Published: August 2024

Individual brain MRI markers only show at best a modest association with long-term occurrence of dementia. Therefore, it is challenging to accurately identify individuals at increased risk for dementia. We implemented a combined hierarchical clustering analysis based on neurodegenerative and neurovascular brain MRI markers and identified 14 distinct subgroups of individuals with different brain MRI phenotypes. These subgroups had a different long-term risk for dementia; especially the multi-burden brain MRI phenotype showed an increased risk (HR: 13.8 (95%-CI:4.28-44.37)). These findings may in the future be useful to determine patient prognosis and may aid in patient selection for future treatment studies.
A comprehensive set of gray matter labels for the MIITRA atlas: Interoperability with complementary atlases
Authors: Niaz Mohammad Rakeen , Wu Yingjuan , Ridwan Abdur Raquib , Zhang Shengwei , Bennett David A. , Arfanakis Konstantinos
Published: August 2024

The Multichannel Illinois Institute of Technology & Rush university Aging (MIITRA) atlas constructed using high quality MRI data on a large (N=400), diverse, community cohort of non-demented older adults, contains high resolution (0.5mm) structural and diffusion imaging templates. The present work constructed and evaluated a comprehensive set of gyral-based, cytoarchitecture-based, and functional connectivity-based gray matter labels in MIITRA space in order to enhance the functionality of the MIITRA atlas and its interoperability with complementary atlases.
Altered Resting-State Network Connectivity in Essential Tremor
Authors: Huang Sheng-Min , Huang Yu-Chin , Chen Nan-Hao , Shen Chun-Ying , Leung Ting-Kai , Kuo Li-Wei
Published: August 2024

We aim to characterize the functional connectivity in essential tremor to portray the resting-state network organization and its correlation to tremor features. Reduced functional connectivity between default mode network and ventral attention network was found in essential tremor subjects. The inter-network connectivity and intra-network connectivity were also shown to be associated with tremor features. Our result suggest that analysis of resting-state network is a potential approach in detecting the cerebral alterations in ET.
Effects on Granger causality Connectivity of Deaf Children during Working Memory Task after Aerobic Exercise Intervention
Authors: Qu Hang , Dou Wei-qiang , Wei Wang
Published: August 2024

The cross-modal plasticity was truly involved in theWorking memory (WM) that related to decision-making and memory processing after exercise intervention. However, we know little about the functional connectivity changes after the exercise intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross modal plasticity and Granger causality connectivity among the internetwork in deaf children when performing a WM task before and after exercise intervention. Our results show that aerobic exercise intervention could improve working memory performance in reaction time and mean accuracy rate accompanied with increased internetwork casual flow connectivity.
Lifestyle determinants of Hippocampal Volume: An AI-enabled Volumetric Analysis on a Large Healthy Cohort.
Authors: Garg Saurabh , Akbari Nasrin , Basar Saqib , Nguyen Thanh-Duc , London Sean , Chodakiewitz Yosef , Attariwala Rajpaul , Fatehi Mostafa , Hashemi Sam
Published: August 2024

The volume of the hippocampus and temporal horn of the lateral ventricle provides insight into the state of neurological health and the changes in volume are associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury1, Alzheimer's Disease 2 and treatment response. It remains an open question what are the normal age-related changes over time in hippocampal and temporal horn volumes in an average healthy population cohort. We seek to establish these baseline parameters via AI-based MRI brain segmentation and quantification techniques applied to a large cohort of screened healthy patients.
Patients with type 1 diabetes and albuminuria have reduced cerebral grey matter unrelated to cerebrovascular dysfunction.
Authors: Vestergaard Mark , Laursen Jens Christian , Heinrich Niels , Rossing Peter , Hansen Tine , Larsson Henrik
Published: August 2024

Patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1D) demonstrate brain alterations including gray matter (GM) atrophy. We examined whether a GM reduction could be related to cerebrovascular dysfunction. GM volume was measured by anatomical MRI. Cerebrovascular function was examined by measuring cerebral blood flow, oxygen metabolism and lactate concentration in response to inhalation of hypoxic air using phase-contrast MRI and MRS. T1D patients were evaluated for albuminuria as indication of vessel damages. Patients with T1D and albuminuria had reduced GM compared to patients with normal kidney function or healthy controls, however, the GM atrophy could not be related to cerebrovascular dysfunction.
ROI-based morphometry brain neuroimaging reveals grey and white matter abnormalities in type 2 and 3 juvenile SMA patients
Authors: Shen Wanqing , Chen Yingqian , Su Shu , Liang Yujian , Xiang Pei , Qian Long , Yang Zhiyun
Published: August 2024

The study investigated brain structure changes in type 2 and 3 SMA patients and their correlation with the severity of clinical symptoms. MRI examinations were performed on 3.0T MRI scanner and 3D T1W data were analyzed using FreeSurfer. The result showed SMA patients had extensive, multifocal, symmetrical gray white matter degeneration. The postcentral gyrus is strongly associated with symptom severity in SMA patients. It might be explained by the fact that motor neurons exhibit functional alterations, leading to selective motor neuron loss. So it is crucial for brain development and cognitive development if we intervene in SMA disease in an early stage.
Abnormal cerebral micro-structures in end-stage renal disease patients related to mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Zheng Jiahui , Dai Jiankun , Wu Xiangxiang , Shi Haifeng
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the abnormal cerebral micro-structures related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and further predict individual cognitive function in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Specially, diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), mediation analysis, and the least squares support vector regression machine (LSSVRM) were utilized to conduct our study. We observed that aberrant micro-structures partially mediated the association between clinical risk factors and MCI, which is a novel insight into the progression of cognitive dysfunction. The combination of DKI metrics and clinical characteristics could be used as features to efficiently predict cognitive function associated with ESRD.
Analyzing Cortical Thickness and Volume in patients with Sickle Cell Disease using 7T-MRI
Authors: Bharadwaj Sharadhi Umesh , Santini Tales , Disu Joel D.K , Oluwole Busola , Novelli Enrico M. , Ibrahim Tamer S , Wood Sossena
Published: August 2024

The study compares cortical thickness and volume between patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and healthy controls (HC). There were no significant differences in the cortical thickness and volume of the whole brain between HC and patients with SCD. We found significant differences (p<0.05) in the temporal and parietal regions between HC and patients with SCD. We found significant differences in the parietal and frontal lobes between severe SCD (HbSS) and HC. Between patients with mild SCD (HbSC and HbSβ+thalassemia) and HC, significant differences in cortical thickness in the inferior parietal and lateral occipital regions were found.
Investigating Regional Changes in Brain Magnetic Susceptibility in Tanzanian Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Lee Mitchel , Murdoch Russell , Jakob Mboka , Kirkham Fenella , Shmueli Karin
Published: August 2024

Although sickle cell anaemia (SCA) affects the brain, causing stroke and neurocognitive complications, its pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood. Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) reveals alterations in tissue composition. Therefore, we applied QSM to investigate changes in brain susceptibility in 168 SCA patients compared to 47 healthy controls scanned at 1.5 Tesla in Tanzania. We found a significant susceptibility decrease in SCA vs. controls in the caudate nucleus and globus pallidus and a significant increase in susceptibility in the red nucleus and dentate. Blood haemoglobin levels had a significant positive correlation with susceptibility in the globus pallidus, caudate nucleus and putamen.
A multicentric validation of cerebral morphologic changes in menopausal women: DARTEL-based voxel-based morphometry (VBM) study
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim Youe Ree , Jeong Chang-Won , Kim ByoungRyun , Lee Chungsub , Noh SiHyeong , Lim DongWook , Lee Young Hwan
Published: August 2024

Among recent voxel based-morphometry (VBM) technique, DARTEL (Diffeomorphic Anatomical Registration Through Exponentiated Lie Algebra)-based VBM method can provide powerful information to understanding morphologic variations in whole brain areas. In women, several VBM studies reported unveiling the brain morphologic reductions (putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, postcentral gyrus, frontal/paritetal/temporal gyrus, and so on) after menopause. These studies provided menopause-related brain centers in postmenopausal women; however these morphologic findings might be included potentially case-sensitive results as a consequence of the enrolled population. This study was performed a multicentric study to evaluate cerebral morphological changes in menopausal women by using a DARTEL-based VBM method.
Towards an enhanced characterization of white matter pathologies with Q-FiberMapper 2.0
Authors: Boshkovski Tommy , Peña-Nogales Óscar , Rodrigues Paulo , Prčkovska Vesna , Trivodaliev Kire
Published: August 2024

FiberMapper 2.0 facilitates automatic (pre-) processing of MRI data, reconstructs major white matter tracts and derives imaging biomarkers along the tracts sensitive to a wide range of microstructural properties. Additionally, Q-FiberMapper 2.0 implements tract lesion burden analysis which together with the quantitative MR imaging biomarkers could be very useful for early diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of different neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases that affect the white matter such as traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and others.
Morphological comparison of superficial white matter bundles between the human and chimpanzee brain
Authors: Chauvel Maëlig , Pascucci Marco , Uszynski Ivy , Herlin Bastien , Mangin Jean-François , Hopkins William , Poupon Cyril
Published: August 2024

The role of the superficial brain connections remains unclear. They appear to be important in the structural organization of the connectivity between the different brain gyri and are usually described as 'U-fibers' referring to their shape. Using an isomap algorithm, we explored in finer detail the superficial connectivity of the chimpanzee and human brains, still poorly known. This method allowed us to better capture the variability of the different shapes of the bundles that we observed and to overcome many bias due to subjective preconceptions.
Hyperperfusion precedes demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis lesion formation : a multimodal MRI and [11C]-PiB PET study
Authors: Soulier Théodore , Morena Emanuele , Panah Arya Yazdan , Tonietto Matteo , Hamzaoui Mariem , Ricigliano Vito , Boffa Giacomo , Bottlaender Michel , Bodini Benedetta , Stankoff Bruno
Published: August 2024

Studying prelesions, the healthy areas preceding lesion appearance, helps to understand the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) lesion formation process. We study here prelesions in a longitudinal cohort of 19 MS patients combining MRI with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). MRI allowed to identify prelesions, whereas [11C]-PiB PET allowed to quantify myelin content as well as perfusion. We found that the 69 analyzable prelesions of our cohort were heterogeneous regarding perfusion: 24.6% were hyperperfused and 18.8% hypoperfused. Hypoperfused prelesions showed multimodal evidence of demyelination whereas hyperperfused prelesions were not demyelinated yet, suggesting that hyperperfusion precedes demyelination in the MS lesion formation process.
Influence of Financial and Socioeconomic Factors on MR Imaging Follow-up Time in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Agarwal Rishab , Sadigh Gelareh , Allen Jason , Sandlin David , Fleischer Candace
Published: August 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition relying heavily on repeated MR imaging, and patients are particularly vulnerable to “financial toxicity”, a component of healthcare economics defined as the effects of healthcare costs on patient well-being. Our goal was to explore the effects of financial and socioeconomic factors on MRI follow-up time in patients with MS. Financial liability, or patient cost after primary insurance coverage, was associated with longer MRI follow-up time, suggesting financial toxicity may contribute to imaging frequency in MS patients. Further investigation over a longer time period is warranted.
Signal variability of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions on 3D IR-UTE MRI correlates with patient’s disability
Authors: Sedaghat Sam , Jang Hyungseok , Athertya Jiyo , Ma Yajun , Corey-Bloom Jody , Du Jiang
Published: August 2024

We found a significant correlation between the signal variability of MS lesions on IR-UTE / MPRAGE sequences and the EDSS, while the IR-UTE sequence is superior. By using direct myelin imaging, the grade of disability in MS patients could be estimated more accurately. The signal variability of MS lesions on IR-UTE could be used as a novel imaging biomarker for patient’s disability.
Comparison of a hybrid multi-delay pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling scheme with time-encoded and variable-TR schemes
Authors: Obara Makoto , Togao Osamu , Vaclavu Lena , Mikayama Ryoji , Wada Tatsuhiro , Ishida Shota , Hamano Hiroshi , van Osch Matthias J.P. , van de Ven Kim , Ueda Yu , Kwon Jihun , Yoneyama Masami , Van Cauteren Marc
Published: August 2024

To accurately calculate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT), there are two kinds of time-efficient approaches in use for multi-delay pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling: time-encoded and sequential variable-TR. Hybrid schemes have recently been proposed that exploit the strengths of these approaches, but they have not been evaluated head-to-head, and the purpose of this study is therefore to investigate the clinical validity of hybrid schemes. The SNR, CBF and ATT were measured and compared in seven healthy subjects. A higher SNR was obtained in the hybrid scheme with high correlation coefficients with other ATT schemes, suggesting quantitative ability.
Monitoring metronomic chemotherapy response in orthotopic breast cancer mouse model using DCE-MRI
Authors: Qayyum Sawwal , Zhang Jin , Kim Gene
Published: August 2024

Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) is a cost-effective combinatorial treatment that can be used to normalize tumor vasculature for further treatment. Current monitoring schemes of MCT response are either invasive or are partially sampled. Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI can be utilized to measure the spatial heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment which can serve as a noninvasive biomarker for treatment response. Using an MCT dose scheme of cyclophosphamide (70mg/kgx3 IP/week), the preliminary result shows that the DCE-MRI can detect the tumor vascular normalization in the treated group.
Quantitative BOLD with Variational Bayesian inference: model comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations and in an elderly cohort
Authors: Le Linh , Wheeler Gregory , Blockley Nicholas , Fan Audrey
Published: August 2024

This study uses Monte Carlo simulations to understand the behavior of quantitative BOLD in different physiological conditions, using a Variational Bayesian inference framework with prior information and data from Asymmetric Spin Echo (ASE) scans. The performance of the three models at 7 SNR levels (from 5 to 500) showed that one-compartment and two-compartment models estimated oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) more accurately than linear model across a full range of deoxygenated blood volume (DBV) (p<0.05 using two-way ANOVA with pairwise comparisons). In vivo data showed that Bayesian inference approach effectively enables smoother and quantitatively different parameter maps of OEF and DBV.
Magnetic Ferritin Nanoprobe Imaging Analysis with MRI Slow Velocity Mapping Measurement
Authors: He FangFei , Liu Wentao , Zhang Tongwei , Yang Fan , Hou Yi , Gan Zhihua , Han Dong
Published: August 2024

For effectively penetrating into tumors, drug diffusion speed should be greater than the outward tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) convection speed. Studying TIF is helpful to deeply understand the fluid behavior of tumor fluid flow and its impact on the delivery of nano drugs. In this experiment, an improved PC-MRI slow flow measurement sequence was used to detect the velocity of interstitial fluid in different tumor growth periods. Combined with clinical standard sequence, the relationship between the distribution of the magnetic ferritin (M-HFn) contrast agent in tumor and the velocity of TIF was observed and analyzed.
RF Interference Manifested Zipper Detection And Removal Using Channel Compression
Authors: Goel Megha , Shankpal Preetham , Joel Suresh , Sundareshan Rajagopalan , Agarwal Harsh
Published: August 2024

Zipper artifacts are commonly seen in MR images due to spurious radio-frequency signals or improper RF-shielding. Zipper-riddled images lose diagnostic value and are usually sent for rescan. Here, we attempt to mitigate zipper artifacts in the post-processing pipeline after scan has been acquired. We do this after channel combination technique has limited zipper appearance to 1-2 pseudo-channels, which we detect and remove from channel-combination process. We evaluated this on various brain contrasts and confirm reduction of zipper presence visually in the images. Given that zippers manifest as bright/dark discontinuous lines irrespective of the anatomy/contrast, the method should be generalizable.
Investigation of Susceptibility Gradient Artifacts in EPI at 7T
Authors: Moon Chan Hong , Hetherington Hoby , Pan Jullie W.
Published: August 2024

With the development of high-field 7T scanners, interest in high resolution neuroimaging for EPI-based functional and diffusion MRI has increased. However, EPI artifacts at 7T (spatial distortion and signal loss) increase compared to that seen at 3T due to increased B0 inhomogeneity. Furthermore, EPI artifacts become more significant and complicated when parallel imaging is used. As a result, 7T fMRI and DWI suffers from B0 inhomogeneity-induced aliasing as well as the more common EPI artifacts. In this study, the source of B0 inhomogeneity artifact in parallel imaging was investigated and methods to reduce these artifacts are proposed/tested at 7T.
Streak Artifact Reduction using Convolutional Neural Network: Clinical Feasibility Study in Liver MR Imaging
Authors: Funayama Satoshi , Ichikawa Shintaro , Tanahashi Yukichi , Ikeda Takanobu , Kubota Koh , Kutsuna Masaya , Goshima Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Radial sampling enables free free-breathing abdominal MR imaging. Meanwhile, while it suffers from streak artifacts. We propose streak artifact reduction using convolutional neural network (SARC) which utilize Hough domain. In Hough domain, a streak becomes like a dot which is more localized compared with image domain. The network was trained in end-to-end manner. The SARC was show better image quality in objective image quality metrics and visual evaluation by a radiologist. SARC showed feasibility for clinical MR imaging.