bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic MRI derived relaxation mapping in evaluating cartilaginous degeneration caused by prolonged excessive exercise
Authors: Yu Likai , Shi Xiaoqing , Jie Lishi , Wei Yibao , Dou Weiqiang , Liu Shaowei , Zhang Nongshan
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether prolonged overexertion can lead to cartilage degeneration through Synthetic MRI derived relaxation maps. In this study, 30 participants were recruited and measured with T1 and T2 mapping derived by Synthetic MRI. There was a statistically significant trend in cartilage T1 and T2 values in the long-term exercise group compared to the normal exercise group. Based on altered T1 and T2 relaxation properties of cartilage tissues, we conclude that chronic overexercise may lead to cartilage degeneration.
Tracking Abdominal Organ Motion in Real-time T2-weighted MRI with 2 Simultaneously Acquired Orthogonal Slices
Authors: Hickey Samantha , Reichert Andreas , Bielak Lars , Ptacek Wolfgang , Bortfeld Thomas , Bock Michael
Published: August 2024

Radiotherapy, cryoablation, and percutaneous needle biopsy procedures profit from MR-guidance with real-time lesion tracking. T2-weighted images often provide superior lesion contrast, but the temporal resolution of conventional T2-weighted sequences is insufficient for real-time MRI. Here, we present a fast, T2-weighted sequence Ortho-SSFP-Echo, which simultaneously acquires two orthogonal images, to track breathing induced kidney motion.
Diffusion-Weighted Half-Fourier Acquisition Single-Shot Turbo Spin-Echo (HASTE) Imaging with improved sensitivity
Authors: Arbabi Aidin , Khlebnikov Vitaliy , Marques Jose P. , Norris David. G.
Published: August 2024

Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo diffusion-weighted is a clinically established magnetic resonance imaging tool for the detection of small lesions, particularly cholesteatoma. However, in the standard approach, half of the available signal is sacrificed through displacing one echo parity out of the acquisition window to fulfill the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill condition. We present a selective parity approach to tackle this problem. The proposed method features a near full sensitivity, a low specific absorption rate for long echo trains, and more than two-fold increase in signal-to-noise ratio, compared to the manufacturer's method under the same conditions.
Explainable machine learning for microstructural imaging of neonatal brain
Authors: Wu Yihan , Kebiri Hamza , Gholipour Ali , Karimi Davood
Published: August 2024

Deep learning has a great potential for estimating brain tissue micro-structure from diffusion MRI measurements. However, it is hard to understand and interpret how these models work. Therefore, until now these deep learning models have been designed using ad-hoc approaches. In this work, we propose a method for determining the contribution of different measurements to the prediction produced by these deep learning models. We apply this method for estimating the parameters of the NODDI model for the neonatal brain. Results show that this method is highly effective in determining the subsets of the measurements that result in lower estimation error.
A toolbox of chi-separation for magnetic susceptibility source separation
Authors: Lee Jun-Hyeok , Shin Hyeong-Geol , Kim Minjun , Lee Jongho , Oh Se-Hong
Published: August 2024

The susceptibility maps generated by QSM and $$$\chi$$$-separation show magnetic susceptibility distributions, which have been proposed as important biomarkers for brain disorders. However, susceptibility mapping requires a complicated multi-step procedure that is difficult for inexperienced researchers. There is a need to design a convenient application that can easily conduct susceptibility mapping. In this work, we developed a MATLAB based GUI software, called the ‘$$$\chi$$$-separation toolbox’ that generates high-quality susceptibility maps in just a few clicks. The GUI of our toolbox is intuitive and user-friendly that it helps researchers to conduct QSM and $$$\chi$$$-separation processing without difficulty.
Continuous automated MRS data analysis workflow
Authors: Gudmundson Aaron , Zöllner Helge , Davies-Jenkins Christopher , Lee Erik , Hendrickson Timothy , Edden Richard , Oeltzschner Georg
Published: August 2024

Large-scale application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is limited by demanding data processing and reliance on expert knowledge. We have developed an open-source continuous automated analysis workflow for MRS data, substantially reducing the effort for manual data analysis and quality control. This workflow is of particular interest for application-oriented non-expert users and large-scale multi-center multi-vendor MRS studies, and should substantially protect against loss of data from acquisition protocol errors.
Artificial Neural Network for Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Fitting: an Application in Glioma
Authors: Costa Lucas da , Paschoal André , Leoni Renata
Published: August 2024

We proposed an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to fit the IVIM images and estimate diffusion, pseudo-diffusion, and perfusion fraction values. The ANN was first trained with simulated data and tested with images of 40 healthy controls and one patient with glioma. ANN provided parameter values similar to those obtained with a standard fitting method, but D* maps with less noise. The ANN fitting process was less time-consuming and was shown to be a possible tool for replacing a standard fitting algorithm.
Adverse effect of non-linearity in gradient on MRI and their impact on localization and morphology of testing sample
Authors: Harsh Rajesh , SINGH URVASHI , Verma Dharmesh
Published: August 2024

Study demonstrate the analysis of surface morphology and sample localization with variation from iso-center in the presence of non-linearity in gradient. In these experiments, we have analyzed that gradient non-linearity plays a crucial role in surface morphology and localization of samples. For the end position 200 mm and -200 mm, size of the object appears small. Additionally, the results suggest that when a large sample size is taken into account, gradient non-linearity exhibits greater negative impacts.
Identifying the Microvascular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with a Continuous Time Random-Walk Diffusion Model
Authors: Cheng Jiejun , Liu Dingxia , Zhang Yunfei , Dai Yongming , Yao Xiuzhong
Published: August 2024

DWI is the most widely-used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique in clinical practice. It has been widely acknowledged that DWI has the potential to probe tissue cellularity, microstructures, and microvasculature at a subvoxel-level. In this study, we aim to access the clinical application of the continuous-time random-walk (CTRW) model which recognizes intravoxel diffusion heterogeneity in both time and space in the preoperative evaluation of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Our results showed that diffusion parameters derived from CTRW model can be used as noninvasive quantitative imaging markers for preoperatively predicting the MVI of HCCs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Liver Microenvironment to Assess Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth and Characteristics in Rat
Authors: Chae Yeon Ji , Heo Hwon , Woo Chul-Woong , Kim Sang-Tae , Lee Do-Wan , Choi Monica Young , Choi Yoonseok , Woo Dong-Cheol
Published: August 2024

In this study, a syngeneic orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rat model with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was established to elucidate the role of the liver microenvironment using MRI. Our findings demonstrated that the HCC growth and progression were accelerated by the disease severity of NASH in the syngeneic orthotopic HCC rat model. This suggests that the liver microenvironment is important for HCC promotion.
Differentiating Benign from Malignant Liver Lesions Using Non-Gaussian Models of Diffusion Weighted MRI
Authors: Yang Xiaojun , Duan Xiaohui , Wang Mengzhu , Yan Zhuoheng , Hu Huijun , Shen Jun
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of various diffusion metrics obtained from stretched exponential model (SEM), diffusion kurtosis (DK) and fractional-order calculus (FROC) models -based diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating benign from malignant liver lesions. The results demonstrated that, as non-Gaussian DWI models, the combination of SEM and FROC models showed good discriminative ability, which was able to differentiate benign and malignant liver lesions.
Deep learning–accelerated HASTE for single breath-hold liver T2-weighted imaging
Authors: Liu Kai , Fu Caixia , Nickel Dominik , Chen Caizhong , Sun Haitao , Zeng Mengsu
Published: August 2024

The HASTE sequence accelerated by deep learning (DL) reconstruction was used to perform liver T2-weighted imaging under a single breath-hold in a daily routine. Its image quality, including signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, artifacts, edge sharpness and slice continuity, was evaluated by comparing it with the conventional multi-breath-hold BLADE sequence. The result demonstrated that DL-accelerated HASTE could shorten the acquisition time remarkably while maintaining clinically satisfactory image quality.
High-resolution hepatocyte-specific phase MRI of the liver using golden-angle radial sparse parallel imaging
Authors: Chen Lihua , Liu Daihong , Li Qing , Zhang Jiuquan
Published: August 2024

Conventional abdominal MRI requires breath-holds in clinical routine which restricts acquisition times. Thus, radial MRI with additional motion compensation is desirable to further improve the performance of free-breathing abdominal exams for routine clinical use. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of free-breathing high-resolution hepatocyte-specific phase MRI of the liver using golden-angle radial sparse parallel imaging. The results suggest that high-resolution hepatocyte-specific phase MRI with GRASP may offers a flexible alternative to assess liver lesions in patients.
Evaluation of the relationship between meniscal T2* metrics and tibial bone shape
Authors: Argentieri Erin , Gao Kenneth , Pedoia Valentina , Gold Garry , Koff Matthew , Potter Hollis , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: August 2024

Features of tibial bone morphology such as tibial slope and tibial spine volume have a significant impact on overall joint mechanics and, results of the current study indicate that these feature of tibial bone shape impact both medial and lateral meniscal T2* metrics.
Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetization Transfer Imaging of Meniscus After a Marathon
Authors: Fang Yijie , Zhu Dantian , Wu Wenhao , Li Shaolin , Qian Long , Ma Yajun
Published: August 2024

In this study, a 3D UTE-MT preparation will be used to detecting changes in the meniscus of amateur marathon runners before and after a marathon. In this prospective cohort study, 23 amateur marathon runners were enrolled. There were three MRI scans (pre-race, 2 days post-race, and 4 weeks post-race) using the UTE-MT and UTE-T2* sequences. UTE-MTR values decreased 2 days post-race and increased after 4 weeks of rest. Conversely, the UTE-T2* values increased 2 days post-race and increased after 4 weeks of rest. UTE-MTR is a promising biomarker for the detection of changes in the meniscus after a marathon.
Imaging of Lenticulostriate Arteries and Pontine Arteries using 5.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Zhang Lei , Feng Fei , Yang Long , Cheng Guanxun , Zhang Na , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong
Published: August 2024

Small arteries and arterioles, particularly the lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) and pontine arteries (PAs) are known to be involved in small vessel disease, which contribute to progressive cognitive impairment in elderly persons. In this study, ultra-high field (5T) TOF-MRA was optimized and performed to visualize the LSAs and PAs. Our results show that 0.4mm3 is the optimal resolution for the visualization of LSAs and PAs.
Simple MRI score to evaluate the effect of cerebral small vascular disease on the mental state of patients with hemodialysis
Authors: Li Mengying , Jiang Yuhan , Zheng Dandan , Miao Yanwei
Published: August 2024

Hemodialysis(HD) can lead to hemodynamic changes and result in the occurrence of cerebral small vascular diseases(CSVD), which can cause changes in the mental state of patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of CSVD on the mental state of patients with hemodialysis by simple MRI score. Preliminary results show that HD is more likely to induce more serious CSVD and increase the prevalence of anxiety and depression, especially periventricular white matter hyperintensities (PVWMH) and cerebral microbleeds(CMB), which are closely related to the occurrence of anxiety and depression.
Cerebral vessel size imaging reveals altered microvascular architecture in patients with vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Voorter Paulien , van Dinther Maud , Drenthen Gerhard , Elschot Elles , Staals Julie , van Oostenbrugge Robert , Backes Walter , Jansen Jacobus
Published: August 2024

With vessel size imaging, utilizing hybrid spin-echo gradient-echo perfusion scans, we studied microvascular architectural differences in patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). We found lower vessel density and larger vessel radii in white matter hyperintensities compared to normal-appearing white matter. Moreover, we observed lower vessel density and larger vessel radii in deep gray matter of VCI patients compared to controls. Our findings suggest that the smallest capillaries are the first to collapse in VCI pathology and that the microvasculature not only alters in visibly injured tissue but also in regions that are less prone to hypoperfusion (gray matter).
Amide proton transfer-weighted MRI of brain tumors with fluid & solid compartment corrections using background magnetization transfer effects
Authors: Togao Osamu , Keupp Jochen , Yamashita Koji , Kikuchi Kazufumi , Wada Tatsuhiro , Ishigami Kousei
Published: August 2024

We propose a simple and efficient metric for APT-weighted MRI, which suppresses fluid signals and enhances signals form solid components based on the spectral shape of the background MT ratio. No extra acquisition or mathematical fitting is needed because the metric can be computed from the minimum Z-spectral data required for standard APT-weighted MRI. This post-processing normalizing for background MT effects may facilitate the quantitative evaluation of the APT-weighted signal of the active solid component in brain tumors.
A Novel Biomimetic Nanodrug with High Reactive Oxygen Species Production for Precision Combination Therapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Gao Haiyan , Wang Meiyun
Published: August 2024

This project intends to innovatively design and synthesize novel radiotherapy sensitization and enhanced CDT dual-effect sensitization nanodrugs, further wrap them with engineered red blood cell membrane vesicles, and construct a high-performance biomimetic nanomedicine synergistic treatment system with high targeting, high specificity and high yield of reactive oxygen species, in order to achieve the specificity and high efficiency accumulation of nanomedicines in the GBM, while reducing toxicity to normal tissues. Magnetic resonance and other imaging methods are used to guide the efficient treatment of drugs and monitor the effect of tumor ablation.
Mapping MRI and MR Spectroscopy to Quantify Tumor and Edema Metabolism in Glioma Patients
Authors: Sreepada Sribindu , Zhao Wufan , Coello Eduardo , Liao Vicky , Lin Alexander
Published: August 2024

This work examines the differences in metabolite concentrations in brain cancer lesions between the glioma and edema hyperintensities. Metabolites that showed statistically significant differences in this work are 2HG, total choline, glutamate plus glutamine, myoinositol, and lactate. Correlations between the metabolites and the partial volume fractions of hyperintense regions from MRIs revealed that the metabolite concentrations are higher in glioma than in edema. These results provide a simple method for fusing metabolic data with imaging findings which can provide added value for clinicians.
Clinical Utility of Optimised Ultra-Low Field Structural MR Brain imaging in Neonates
Authors: Cawley Paul , Padormo Francesco , Cromb Daniel , Maggioni Alessandra , Almalbis Jennifer , De La Fuente Botell Miguel , Marenzana Massimo , Teixeira Rui , Consortium UNITY , Williams Steve , Counsell Serena , Arichi Tomoki , Rutherford Mary , Hajnal Joseph , Edwards A David
Published: August 2024

Perinatal brain injury and congenital brain abnormalities are common. Access to definitive neuro imaging is limited globally, particularly within resource constrained settings, or in infants too sick to transfer to scanning departments. New devices utilising ultra-low field magnets may herald a revolution in lower-cost high-access MRI, but preliminary results using manufacturer standard adult-optimised sequences has produced suboptimal image quality in neonates. We performed optimisation of low field MRI pulse sequence design and demonstrate enhanced visualization of key brain tissues and neuroanatomical structures. Neonatal-specific sequences show promising performance across a range of gestational maturities and perinatal brain abnormalities.
Cerebrospinal fluid as a zero reference regularization for functional quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Huang Chang-Jin , Wu Hong-Yi , Wu Changwei , Hsu Shen-Mou , Chen Jyh-Hong
Published: August 2024

Functional quantitative susceptibility mapping (fQSM) providing complementary quantitative information for fMRI, has been applied to study brain functions. However, the sensitivity of fQSM suffers from the QSM reconstruction, especially solving an ill-posed deconvolution. To improve the sensitivity of fQSM, we first applied MEDI+0 in fQSM study. This method using cerebrospinal fluid as a zero reference regularization has been proven to reduce the variability of the susceptibility maps from rescan. The higher common voxel ratio and cosine similarity scores were obtained by MEDI+0 than by MEDI. Activated voxels were successfully detected by MEDI+0 during high cognition task from standard fMRI acquisition.
High-Frequency Resting-State Connectivity using Spectrally Segmented Regression of Movement, Physiological Noise and Spectral Residuals
Authors: Talaat Khaled , De La Rocque Guimaraes Bruno Sa , Posse Stefan
Published: August 2024

Regression of filtering residuals is introduced to spectrally segmented regression of nuisance parameters in high-speed fMRI to enable the application of finite impulse response filters for spectral segmentation of regressors. This extension of our previously introduced method of spectrally and temporally segmented regression improves the removal of noise and mitigates the introduction of artefactual correlations in high frequency resting-state fMRI. Simulations and in-vivo data demonstrate significant advantages of spectrally segmented regression compared to whole-band regression when frequency-dependent errors are present in the regression model. High-frequency resting-state connectivity is detected with high sensitivity during normo-, hypo- and hypercapnic state.
Multi-echo EPI more effectively boosts BOLD sensitivity than sequence optimization in orbitofrontal cortex
Authors: Malekian Vahid , Corbin Nadège , Moutoussis Michael , Callaghan Martina
Published: August 2024

Multi-echo fMRI can boost BOLD sensitivity relative to conventional single-echo fMRI, especially in high-susceptibility brain regions like orbito-frontal cortex (OFC). Another option is to optimise slice-tilts, z-shimming and k-space traversal to minimise susceptibility effects. In this study, we sought to determine if multi-echo EPI, which requires the use of parallel imaging to achieve reasonable echo times, would remain optimal in OFC when compared to an OFC-optimised single echo alternative. The relative performance is quantified via BOLD contrast-to-noise ratio and an additional comparison is made by incorporating the TE Dependent ANAlysis (TEDANA) denoising approach. Multi-echo increased BOLD CNR, particularly following denoising.
Synthesis of Respiratory Phase from Image Phase in Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Jaffray Alexander , Medina Michelle , Kames Christian , Rauscher Alexander
Published: August 2024

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is routinely acquired using gradient-echo sequences with long echo times and short repetition time. Such sequences encode information about the magnetic field in the often discarded image phase. We demonstrate a method for processing the phase of reconstructed fMRI data to isolate temporal fluctuations in the harmonic fields associated with respiration by solving a blind source separation problem. Computed respiratory phase from the fMRI-derived field fluctuations was shown to be in strong agreement with breathing belt data acquired during the same scan. This work thus presents a hardware free measurement of respiratory phase.
Value of ADC Histogram Analysis in the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions Based on Multiplexed Sensitivity Encoding
Authors: liu jinrui , Chen Bing , xu mengyin , li zhihao , an zhaohui
Published: August 2024

The ADC histogram parameters based on the MUSE-DWI are important indicators for breast cancer diagnosis. ADC5% was more accurate for lesion discrimination than ADCMUSE.
Change in Blood-brain Barrier Permeability with Age – Comparing a Physiologically Informed Biophysical Model with a Triexponential Decay Model
Authors: Mahroo Amnah , Günther Matthias
Published: August 2024

With age the integrity of blood-brain barrier (BBB) slowly deteriorates. Multi-TE ASL, being a water-based MRI method, offers detection of subtle changes in the BBB by probing T2 relaxation. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of multi-TE ASL method in detecting changes in the BBB occurring due to age using two models; a physiologically informed biophysical (PIB) model by estimating exchange time and a simpler tri-exponential decay (TD) model by determining the rate of change of tissue fraction. We found that both models were able to detect age-based changes in BBB. Moreover, PIB model showed higher robustness.
Evaluation of 3D Stack-of-Spiral Turbo FLASH Acquisitions for PCASL- and VSASL-Derived Brain Perfusion Mapping
Authors: Zhu Dan , Xu Feng , Liu Dapeng , Lin Doris , van Zijl Peter , Qin Qin
Published: August 2024

The most-used 3D acquisition for ASL at 3T is GRASE or stack-of-spiral (SOS) based FSE, which requires multiple shots to cover the full k-space. Alternatively, turbo FLASH (TFL) acquisition allows longer echo trains with slower T1 (than T2) relaxation, and 3D SOS-TFL has the potential to reduce the number of shots to even single-shot, thus improving the temporal resolution for ASL. Here we demonstrated comparable performance of 3D SOS-TFL with 3D GRASE on PCASL- and VSASL-derived CBF mapping and VSASL-derived CBV mapping at 3T on 12 healthy subjects, and the utility of 3D SOS-TFL on a stroke patient.
Multi-parametric measures of in-vivo T2* mapping with δUTE and macromolecule exchange ZAP/CEST of cartilage, tendon, and muscle tissue in foot.
Authors: Malis Vadim , Bae Won , Vucevic Diana , Kassai Yoshimori , Miyazaki Mitsue
Published: August 2024

A δUTE sequence allows for collecting multiple echoes with short echo time intervals, without the restriction of in-phase TEs. This study utilizes data collected with δUTE for bi-exponential T2* mapping of cartilage, muscle and tendon tissues in a human foot. The same anatomies are also evaluated using Z-spectrum Analysis Protons (ZAP) and Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). While ZAP imaging provides overall exchange proton quantification of free and restricted exchange protons in a wide range of frequencies, CEST focuses on specific hydroxy (-OH, at 1.0 ppm), amine (-NH2, at 2 ppm), and amide (-NH, at 3.5 ppm) protons.
Decipher the simultaneous progress of fat infiltration and muscle atrophy with fat-clustering analysis of MRI
Authors: Mu Xin , Xu Huahui , Wang Jialin , Ni Chang , Tian Meng , Gu Xiaoli , Zhang Jeff
Published: August 2024

Fat content and clustering are linked to muscle function in various disorders and are of therapeutic importance because they reflect the physical activity. Thus, we studied the fat content and clustering in three groups: hip-joint replacement surgery (HJRS) patients, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients who received medicine, and healthy controls. Although the intramuscular fat of unaffected side remained same in HJRS patients, Moran's index declined. Meanwhile, the Moran index of HJRS patients' affected side decreased significantly when fat content decreased. Besides, the drug treatment for AS patients resulted in a decrease in both fat content and Moran's index.
Magnetic-Resonance Tag Imaging of Cervical Spinal-Cord Motion in Patients with Segmental Stenosis
Authors: von Deuster Constantin , Pazahr Shila , Pfender Nikolai , Curt Armin , Sutter Reto , Nanz Daniel
Published: August 2024

The reference standard for spinal-cord motion measurement is phase-contrast (PC) imaging. This approach, however, requires a dedicated phase correction during post processing, which renders clinical application very challenging. The objective of this work was to employ MR-tag imaging to directly visualize cervical spinal-cord motion in patients with spinal-canal stenosis and compare results with PC imaging. Among all patients, a good correlation between tag imaging and matched PC measurements was found (R2 = 0.84). Hence, MR-tag imaging may well complement standard static imaging within clinical routine of patients with spinal-canal stenosis, reflecting dynamic spinal cord distress.
Assessment of Rabbit Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Using Quantitative MR Imaging
Authors: Athertya Jiyo , Lo James , Ji Alicia , Ding Charles , Suprana Arya , Red Kiersten , Ge Yujia , Brown Madeline , Du Jiang , Chang Eric , Masuda Koichi , Ma Yajun
Published: August 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a leading cause of disability. In this study, quantitative T2 and ultrashort echo time magnetization transfer ratio (UTE-MTR) measurement techniques are utilized to assess biochemical component changes for better understanding of the mechanism of disc degeneration using a rabbit spinal intervertebral disc degeneration model. Both T2 and UTE-MTR values of nucleus pulposus (NP) are significantly different between normal and degenerated discs, indicating water and/or proteoglycan content changes.
Geometric mean T2 of the intra/extracellular water can help identify diffusely abnormal white matter in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vavasour Irene , Vavasour Kyle , Dvorak Adam , Joseph Tigris , Carruthers Robert , Kolind Shannon , Schabas Alice , Sayao Ana-Luiza , Devonshire Virginia , Tam Roger , Moore GR Wayne , Traboulsee Anthony , Li David , Laule Cornelia
Published: August 2024

Diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM) is seen on 25-50% of conventional brain MRI scans from all stages of multiple sclerosis (MS). From 8 advanced MRI metrics, geometric mean T2 of the intra/extracellular water (IET2) best separated MS participants with and without DAWM. Comparing IET2 to controls using z-scores, regions with an intermediate increase in IET2 (z-scores between 1-2) may identify DAWM voxels.
Assessment of the effects of coronary artery disease on brain oxygen extraction fraction using quantitative susceptibility mapping.
Authors: Rezaei Ali , Tremblay Stefanie , Sabra Dalia , Sanami Safa , Intzandt Brittany , Huck Julia , Potvin-Jutras Zacharie , Gagnon Christine , Mainville-Berthiaume Amelie , Wright Lindsay , Vuckovic Dajana , Iglesies-Grau Josep , Vincent Thomas , Gayda Mathieu , Nigam Anil , Bherer Louis , Gauthier Claudine
Published: August 2024

Here we investigated the effect of coronary artery disease (CAD) on the brain oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Our results, in a pilot dataset, show that OEF was significantly higher in CAD patients than in healthy controls in the caudate nucleus. This may be the result of declining cerebrovascular health in CAD patients in this region. However, since the caudate nucleus is iron-rich, this difference may also be interpreted as iron deposition as CAD has a known neuroinflammatory effect. Future work will investigate the impact of CAD on other metabolic and vascular components of brain health.
Deep multiple sclerosis lesion phenotyping using multimodal quantitative MRI
Authors: Boffa Giacomo , Schiavi Simona , Tazza Francesco , Lapucci Caterina , Piredda Gian Franco , Zacà Domenico , Roccatagliata Luca , Hilbert Tom , Kober Tobias , Inglese Matilde , Costagli Mauro
Published: August 2024

Quantitative MRI has the potential to disentangle the heterogeneity of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in vivo, which can be decisive for treatment and monitoring. In this study, we distinguished different types of MS lesions based on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and characterized them using T1 relaxometry, diffusion imaging and myelin mapping. We identified four types of lesions (hypo/isointense, homogeneous hyperintense, inhomogeneous hyperintense and paramagnetic rim), which were characterized by increasing degrees of axonal and myelin disruption. Paramagnetic rim lesions were closer to the ventricular CSF, corroborating the presence of a noxious activity of CSF in MS pathology.
Automatic detection of cognitive impairment in patients with White matter hyperintensity based on deep learning and radiomics of MRI
Authors: Feng Junbang , Zheng Qingqing , Xia Yuwei , Feng Shi , Zhou Qing , Yin Hang , Wang Shike , Li Chuanming
Published: August 2024

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is common in the aging brain, which is associated with cognitive decline and dementia. At present, there is still no objective method for early detection of cognitive impairment from these populations. In this study, deep learning and radiomics techniques were used to automatically segment and extract the characteristics of WMH and other regional brain tissues, and models were established to detect mild cognitive impairment.
Comparison of Myelin Water Imaging from Multi-echo T2 Decay Curve and Myelin Content from Synthetic MRI
Authors: Zhang Jing , Shin David , Banerjee Suchandrima
Published: August 2024

Imaging myelin has long been a target in neuroimaging. Several MR techniques have been developed for in vivo measurement of myelin content. Myelin water fraction (MWF) from multi-echo T2 decay curve has been shown to be a reliable marker for myelin. Myelin content using quantitative synthetic MRI (SyMRI) has also been used to quantify myelin in the brain. In this work, we performed 3D GRASE and SyMRI (using multi-contrast 3D gradient echo) to estimate the myelin correlations between these two techniques. This work will provide guidance for future studies using myelin imaging techniques.
Multi-parametric MRI Characterization of the Aging Squirrel Monkey as a Model of Sporadic Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Wadghiri Youssef , Veerart Jelle , Murray Sean , Szabo Jakub , Akers Carolyn , Genovese Thomas , Goldman Hannah , Leung Jonathan , Kingsley Charles , Rusinek Henry , Gray Stanton , Hopkins William , Wisniewski Thomas , Scholtzova Henrieta
Published: August 2024

The current study seeks to identify neuroimaging biomarkers in a unique squirrel monkey (SQM) as a spontaneous model of cerebral amyloid angiopathy both in vivo and ex vivo using conventional MRI metrics in young and geriatric SQM cohorts and demonstrate the utility of quantitative R2* to map age-related differences in SQM neuropathology cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
Metabolic Imaging using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer in Rat Transgenic Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Comorbid with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Almanza Dustin Loren , Lam Wilfred , Koletar Margaret , Hill Mary , McLaurin JoAnne , Stanisz Greg , Stefanovic Bojana
Published: August 2024

Our study characterized the hippocampal glucose uptake in an Alzheimer’s Disease rat model (TgF344AD) comorbid with metabolic syndrome modeled by cafeteria (CAF) diet. Glucose uptake was evaluated by detecting 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI in 6- and 12-month-old cohorts, reflecting pre-clinical and established disease stages, respectively. CAF diet attenuated glucose uptake of both non-transgenic and transgenic-AD at 6 months of age; whereas at 12 months of age, CAF diet enhanced the hippocampal glucose uptake of TgAD but attenuated it in chow-fed TgAD, when compared to that in correspondingly fed nTg littermates.
Effects of Subcortical Atrophy and Alzheimer’s pathology on Cognition in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zhang Bing
Published: August 2024

Subcortical atrophy and increased cerebral β-amyloid and tau deposition are linked to cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes. However, whether and how subcortical atrophy is related to Alzheimer’s pathology in diabetes remains unclear. We investigated the subcortical structural alterations induced by diabetes and the relationship between subcortical alteration, Alzheimer’s pathology and cognition. Our results suggested that although both type 2 diabetes and AD are correlated with subcortical neurodegeneration, type 2 diabetes have no direct or indirect effect on the cerebral amyloid deposition and CSF p-tau.
Uncovering the biological mechanism of depression based on edge-centric functional connectivity: a correlation study
Authors: Dong Fanghui , Chu Tongpeng , Mao Ning , Xie Haizhu
Published: August 2024

This study aims to use the combination of the edge-centric functional network (eFC) model with transcribed gene datasets to explore the molecular basis of depression. In our study, we for the first time reported the correlation between eFC and transcriptional profiles in MDD patients. These findings revealed eFC phenotypes in MDD and bridged the gap between transcriptome and neuroimaging. It advanced our understanding of the neurobiological mechanism underlying depression and provided potential biomarkers for the evaluation of MDD treatment.
Association of Attention with Brain Global Efficiencies at Rest: a Dynamic ASL and BOLD fMRI Comparison Study
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Chen Shichun , Zhang Zongpai , Duan Wenna , Weinschenk George , Zhao Li , Gibb Brandon , Anderson Adam , Luh Wenming , Dai Weiying
Published: August 2024

We evaluated the relationship between attention levels and brain global efficiencies. This relationship was compared with brain global efficiencies measured with dynamic ASL (dASL) and with multi-echo (ME) BOLD fMRI. We found significantly greater correlation between attention levels (reflected by P3 properties when performing an attention task) and brain global efficiencies based on rsFC using dASL than those using ME BOLD fMRI, indicating that dASL can offer more accurate global neural signal fluctuations.
Exploring effect of rTMS at SMA in Parkinson’s Disease- An fMRI-MVPA study.
Authors: Bhat Priyanka , Kumaran S Senthil , Goyal Vinay , Srivastava Achal K , Dwivedi S N , Behari Madhuri
Published: August 2024

Transcranial Magnetic stimulation alters cortical connectivity in Parkinson’s disease (PD) imparting clinical benefits. The mechanisms by which this occurs remain unexplored. In this study, Multivariate pattern analyses of task-based connectivity was carried out to understand the effects of rTMS in PD. Visuospatial task based functional MRI was acquired before and after stimulation sessions. Correlation matrices revealed an increased connectivity between left supplementary motor area (SMA) and left primary motor area (M1), suggesting an improvement in the motor network.
Large-scale Modelling of Patient Motion for Head Coils at 7T
Authors: Ajanovic Amer , Tomi-Tricot Raphael , Hajnal Joseph , Malik Shaihan
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is 2-fold. First, it is to demonstrate the practicality of using MARIE workflow to generate models with variation due to patient pose/motion. The second aim is to explore use of a simple 1st order linear model to visualise and predict the variation in B1+ and SAR with pose. Consequently, 4 different coils are simulated in more than 2200 positions with respect to body. Low variability in key metrics is observed. 1st order linear model relating position with these metrics is found to further reduce variability.
Numerical Simulation of SAR for a dual-frequency 1H/19F Body Coil array at 3 Tesla
Authors: Mcelhinney Paul , Allwood-Spiers Sarah , Keith Graeme , Ding Belinda , Brennan David , Fullerton Natasha , Santosh Celestine , Porter David , Gunamony Shajan
Published: August 2024

An eight-channel transceiver 1H/19F dual-frequency 3-Tesla body array has been developed to investigate the use of a perfluorocarbon (PFC) compound for use in as diagnostic tool in the investigation of inflammation inside the human body. Dual-frequency operation enables the same coil to be used at both frequencies, which reduces scan time, improves patient comfort, and provides accurate anatomic localisation. This RF coil consists of 8 transceiver elements, with four in each posterior and anterior half. This abstract presents the electromagnetic (EM) simulations for B1+ homogenisation, SAR assessment and validation of the dual-frequency array.
Benchmarking local low rank denoising methods for task-based fMRI data analysis
Authors: Comby Pierre-Antoine , Amor Zaineb , Vignaud Alexandre , Ciuciu Philippe
Published: August 2024

Local-low-rank denoising in task-based fMRI increases sensitivity to statistical detection of neural activity, without harming specificity. We compared 5 methods (NORDIC, MP-PCA, Hybrid-PCA, Optimal-Threshold, Hybrid-OT) in 4 preprocessing configuration (denoising on magnitude/complex data, before/after motion correction) and their effect on downstream analysis. For best performance, the denoising shoud be done prior to motion correction, and using complex-valued data is only valuable in some settings. In average (n=6), up to 8 times more activations can be detected (p < 0.05, controlling for FDR). We also provide open-source implementations for broader use of Local-Low-Rank denoising methods in fMRI.
Manual registration and customized template for rodent fMRI data spatial normalization
Authors: Pan Wen-Ju , Anumba Nmachi , Xu Nan , Meyer-Baese Lisa , Keilholz Shella
Published: August 2024

Rodent EPI image qualities may vary across coil types, coil positioning and different animals that challenge atlas registration. We proposed an accurate registration with study-group customized EPI template and initially manual registration with an assistance of the newly-introduced tissue-boundary atlas. Our studies demonstrated some visible mismatching in local anatomic structures by the standard registration methods for rodent data which were effectively corrected by the presented method.
Spin-echo-based generalized Slice Dithered Enhanced Resolution (gSLIDER) for mesoscale fMRI at 3 Tesla
Authors: Torrisi Salvatore , Liao Congyu , Townsend Jennifer , Vu An
Published: August 2024

We demonstrate sub-millimeter generalized Slice Dithered Enhanced Resolution (gSLIDER) for high-resolution spin-echo (SE) fMRI at 3T. Activations were significantly greater than standard SE fMRI, demonstrating the suitability of this method for high-resolution, mesoscale fMRI.
Reliability and sensitivity of fMRI at 3T and 1.5 T: metrics toward fMRI guided individualized precise TMS treatment
Authors: Ge Qiu , Yao MinLiang , Yue Juan , Yang Xue , Ding YueJiao , Zhang Yong , Zang Yufeng
Published: August 2024

FDA cleared a TMS treatment protocol with fMRI-guided individualized targeting for major depressive disorder. This protocol was based on 3T scanner. However, 1.5 T MRI is more widely available in hospitals. We comprehensively tested the reliability and sensitivity of fMRI metrics related to TMS treatment on 1.5T and 3T scanners. In general, the sensitivity of 3T is larger than 1.5T. However, the reproducibility of peak FC location and the activation location, the reliability of RS-fMRI local metrics, are similar for 1.5T and 3T. In conclusion, 1.5 fMRI meets the needs for guiding individualized precise rTMS treatment.
Value of Native T1 Mapping for Differentiating Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions on MRI: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lian Chun , Zhuang Lulu , Wang Zehao , Wu Zhigang , Dai Yi , Huang Rong
Published: August 2024

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women ,early detection and timely treatment are the key to imprve survival rate. In this preliminary study, we aimed to differentiation lesions using native T1mapping. The mean T1 relaxation time was higher in the malignant group compared to the benign group by both observers (p<0.05). Results indicated that native T1mapping could be used to differentiate benign and malignant lesions, which might be promising in clinical applications. However, the combination of T1mapping and DWI dose not improve the AUC statistically significantly.
Diagnostic value of APT, DWI, and DCE-MRI in molecular classification and prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Wang Baojian , Zhang Litao , Ma Zhenbo , Wang Yanlei , Wang Yishi , Li Xiujuan , Xie Yuanzhong
Published: August 2024

According to the molecular classification of breast cancer, the clinical therapeutic strategy is formulated. Currently, the diagnostic value of amide proton transfer (APT) imaging in breast cancer is still unclear. This study aims to explore the diagnostic value of APT, DWI, and DCE-MRI in the molecular classification and prognosis of breast cancer. Our results showed that there were differences in TTP and BE values between luminal and non-luminal subtypes of breast cancer. The combination of APT, DWI, and DCE-MRI had the highest diagnostic efficiency. APT, DWI, and DCE-MRI parameters were correlated with different prognostic factors of breast cancer.
A novel nomogram built from mDixon-Quant MRI-based radiomics features and clinical characteristics for grading invasive ductal breast cancer
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Zhang Lina , Wu Qi , Ning Ning , Liang Hongbing , Song Qingwei , Zhang Qinhe , Liu Ailian , Sun Peng
Published: August 2024

The histological grade of invasive breast cancer should be obtained by invasive needle biopsy, and the extracted tissue might not represent the heterogeneity of the whole tumor. Therefore, a novel nomogram was built from mDixon-Quant MRI-based radiomics features and traditional clinical image characteristics for grading invasive ductal breast cancer. The AUC of the combined model reached 0.907, which was significantly higher than that of the model only using traditional clinical image characteristics (0.782) or radiomics features (0.834). The proposed method can be an effective supplement to conventional breast MRI in predicting the histological grade of invasive ductal breast cancer.
Investigating systematic error in pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labelling estimates of cerebrovascular reactivity
Authors: Milbourn Colette , Blockley Nicholas
Published: August 2024

New clinical tools are needed for the diagnosis and prognosis of cerebrovascular diseases. Cerebrovascular Reactivity (CVR) is a potential marker for brain health and can be induced using stressors to the brain like a hypercapnia challenge and quantitatively mapped using pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labelling (pCASL). However, measurements of CVR using pCASL have been shown to vary depending on the parameters of the unbalanced pCASL preparation scheme used. In this study the effect of a diminished B1 at the labelling plane and changes in B0 during hyperventilation were investigated as the origin of this discrepancy.
Dedicated ICTGV-regularized Reconstruction for time-encoded ASL
Authors: Sorgenfrei Ingmar , Baas Koen , Spann Stefan , Uecker Martin , Stollberger Rudolf
Published: August 2024

Time-encoded Arterial Spin Labeling (teASL) enables time-efficient acquisition of multiple averages of multiple post-labeling-delay (PLD) perfusion-weighted images (PWIs). We developed a dedicated teASL reconstruction that employs Infimal Convolution of Total Generalized Variation (ICTGV) regularization directly on the PWIs. Using simulated and healthy volunteer data, the ICTGV reconstruction produced inherently denoised images and improved cerebral blood flow and arterial transit time maps compared to a SENSE reconstruction. Also, for an 8-fold accelerated in-vivo dataset, the ICTGV reconstruction still produced reasonable PWIs, which the SENSE reconstruction could not. Therefore, ICTGV reconstruction is promising for teASL and allows high acceleration with inherent denoising.
Alteration in microcirculation with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: Study on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Wei Huan , Feng Yuan , Qiang Dou , Qing Wen , Wei Liu , Chao Lu , Chao Zhang , Wei Xia , Rong Shen
Published: August 2024

Osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) occurs due to a defect in the blood supply to the femoral head. In this study, Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) was applied to ONFH patients in different stages to explore the perfusion changes in the progression of the severity of ONFH. It was found that perfusion in the necrotic area was persistently reduced, while in the repair reaction areas, perfusion was progressively enhanced. DCE-MRI can sensitively detect the perfusion changes of ONFH and potentially could predict ONFH development.
Longitudinal Changes in Patella Bone Shape in Subjects after ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Peters James , Gaj Sibaji , Obuchowski Nancy , Winalski Carl , Subhas Naveen , Pedoia Valentina , Majumdar Sharmila , Potter Hollis , Koff Matthew , Amrami Kimberly , Jacobs Cale , Li Xiaojuan
Published: August 2024

Acute knee joint injury often leads to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA); however, the factors which may indicate PTOA progression are not well understood. Bone shape changes have been suggested as potential predictors for OA development. This study investigates longitudinal changes in patella bone shape in subjects who underwent ACL reconstruction. Subject’s patellae were segmented using machine learning methods and a statistical shape model was used to quantify patella bone shape. Data analysis showed longitudinal changes in patella shape between contralateral and ipsilateral sides, between subjects with allografts and autografts, and associations with age, sex, and BMI.
Brain WMH Load, Kinetics and regional Distribution with Aging: A signature of Structural and Cognitive Health
Authors: Gupta Niraj , Yadav Neha , Aman Aniket , Tiwari Vivek
Published: August 2024

Discriminating Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease is challenging due to overlapping subtle structural changes and cognitive variations. Load and distribution of white matter hyperintensity across brain regions may elicit structural atrophy and cognitive disabilities via continuous vascular insult. Here, we have investigated the kinetics and regional distribution of White matter hyperintensity with aging and its implications in brain structure and cognitive health using T2-FLAIR and T1w longitudinal MRI from the NACC cohort.
Measures of vascular function influence the number and volume of white matter hyperintensities in older, hypertensive subjects
Authors: Crofts Andrew , Steventon Jessica , Whittaker Joseph , Venzi Marcello , Chandler Hannah , Germuska Michael , Shezawi Mahfoudha Al , Stohr Eric , Pugh Chris , McDonnell Barry , Murphy Kevin
Published: August 2024

Damage to the deep white matter of the brain has been shown to correlate with hypertension and advanced age. However, the changes in the cerebral microvasculature that cause white matter lesions are unclear. Increased blood pressure causes morphological changes in cerebral vessels, and impaired vascular function and neurovascular coupling is a potential factor. Here, we demonstrate that age, central pulse pressure, and dual-echo MRI measures of CBF, CVR, CMRO2 and OEF influence the number and volume of white matter hyperintensities.