bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demyelination and remyelination in cuprizone mouse model detected by CEST MRI at 3T
Authors: CHEN Zilin , HUANG Jianpan , LAI Joseph H.C. , TSE Kai-Hei , CHAN Kannie W.Y.
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common demyelinating disease that heavily relies on differential diagnosis. Specific CEST contrast is known to be sensitive to alterations in proteins and lipids, the major components of myelin. This includes amide protons at 3.5 ppm and relayed nuclear Overhauser effect (rNOE) at -1.6~-3.5 ppm. Here, we study these CEST contrasts and their uniqueness towards myelin changes in a cuprizone model, which recapitulates remyelination and demyelination in MS. We observed substantial changes of rNOE and amide, during demyelination (P<0.05) and remyelination, indicating great potential of CEST MRI in monitoring myelin change and MS identification at 3T.
Study of Neurometabolic Signature in Alzheimer’s Disease using High-Resolution 3D 1H-MRSI
Authors: Zhang Yaoyu , Hu Jialin , Zhang Miao , Guo Rong , Li Yudu , Zhao Yibo , Meng Ziyu , Wang Danni , Li Wenli , Li Biao , Liu Jun , Li Binyin , Liang Zhi-Pei , Li Yao
Published: August 2023

Early and accurate diagnosis of AD is clinically important. Neurometabolic signals measured noninvasively by MRSI showed potential. Previous MRSI studies, limited to single voxel/slice techniques, could only examine neurometabolite concentration from limited brain regions. Using a high-resolution 3D MRSI technique, we assessed neurometabolic signature in AD by integrating neurometabolite concentrations from multiple brain regions. The discriminative power of global neurometabolic signature was evaluated in comparison with that of Aβ PET for both AD detection and predicting cognitive decline, showing promising results. The study provides a good foundation for further investigation using neurometabolic signature for early and accurate diagnosis of AD.
Instability and hyper-connected pattern of dynamic functional network in MCI converters
Authors: Chen Zhihan , Chen Keliang , Li Yuxin , Zhao Qianhua , Yang Liqin
Published: August 2023

In this study, based on rs-fMRI, we analyzed the dynamic characteristics of 3 groups: MCI convert to AD within one-year follow-up (1Y_AD), stable in MCI within one-year follow-up (1Y_MCI) and revision from MCI within one-year follow-up (1Y_HC), including nodal entropy and measurements of dynamic brain functional network. We found that with the disease progression, the brain functional network was reconfigured into a highly-integrated/segregated pattern, and dwell time of highly-integrated pattern is associated with executive function in 1Y_AD. These findings provide the evidence for developing dynamic measurements as potential biomarkers for tracking mechanism of AD.
Selective Disruption of the Motor Connectome in Non-Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Tu Sicong , D'Souza Arkiev , Wang Chenyu , Maher Christina , Mahoney Colin , Huynh William , Barnett Michael , Kiernan Matthew
Published: August 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder with a widespread cortical disease signature. ALS patients demonstrate global network alterations in the white matter connectome in the early stage of disease. Selective disruption of cortical motor associated nodes with the thalamus and contralateral motor cortices is present at disease onset. Disease duration is associated with reduced structural interhemispheric cortical motor connectivity. Focal motor abnormalities present in the white matter connectome may be a sensitive marker in the earliest stages of ALS prior to functional decline.
Reduced GABA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex are associated with cognitive impairment in patients with NMOSD
Authors: Yang Yang , Yu Qiuyu , Wu Peng , Dai Hui , Wu Xiaojuan , Han Shuting , Li Yonggang
Published: August 2023

Cognitive impairment is a symptom present in part of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). We demonstrated decreased GABA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in NMOSD participants compared to healthy controls. The mPFC GABA levels showed significant associations with cognitive performance in patients with NMOSD. This study suggested that the changes in regional GABA levels might be a potential metabolic feature of cognitive decline in patients with NMOSD.
Improved Visualization of MR Neurography in the Cervical Nerve Roots using Accelerated Quantitative Double Echo Steady-State (qDESS)
Authors: Hamatani Yutaka , Abe Kayoko , Goto Yasuhiro , Yoneyama Masami , Lu Quin , Shiina Isao , Kodaira Kazuo , Ogawa Takumi , Kato Mana , Nagao Michinobu , Sakai Shuji
Published: August 2023

Accelerated quantitative double echo steady state (qDESS), which is combined with Compressed SENSE is expected to improve visualization of the cervical nerve roots and brachial plexus. The purpose of this study was to optimize flip angle (FA) and spatial resolution (3D voxel size) of accelerated qDESS to visualize the small nerve roots and brachial plexus in the cervical spine. As a result, a combination of FA: 35 degree and voxel size: 0.8mm3 was the most appropriate parameters to demonstrate them while suppressing the background signals including the muscles, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Aortic hemodynamics with accelerated dual-venc 4D fow MRI in patients with type B aortic dissection
Authors: Kilinc Ozden , Chu Stanley , Baraboo Justin , Weiss Elizabeth K. , Maroun Anthony , Jin Ning , Chow Kelvin , Bi Xiaoming , Davids Rachel , Mehta Chris , Malaisrie S. Chris , Hoel Andrew , Markl Michael , Allen Bradley D.
Published: August 2023

4D flow MRI is a well-validated imaging technique for quantitative assessment of blood flow hemodynamics and has shown promise in evaluation of type B aortic dissection (TBAD). However, single velocity encoding (venc) 4D flow MRI is limited by its inability to fully capture wide range of velocities related to variable pathologic hemodynamic patterns such as true lumen and false lumen flow range of velocities in TBAD. We hypothesize that dual-venc acquisition improves velocity-to-noise ratio, better captures full dynamic range of velocities in TBAD and provides improved characterization of flow hemodynamics relative to single-venc acquisitions.
Aortic kinetic energy in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients with or without aortic root dilatation
Authors: Yang Yu-Ru , Chang Meng-Chu , Wu Ming-Ting , Weng Ken-Pen , Peng Hsu-Hsia
Published: August 2023

The aortic hemodynamic flow pattern and aortic kinetic energy (KE) is less discussed for repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) patients without aortic root dilatation. We aimed to evaluate aortic KE in rTOF patients with or without aortic root dilatation. The rTOF1 patients (indexed aortic root diameter<16 mm/m2) demonstrated aortic regurgitation. Both rTOF1 and rTOF2 (indexed aortic root diameter≥16 mm/m2) patients exhibited normal aortic vorticity and decreased aortic KE. In conclusion, in rTOF patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, the altered velocity-derived KE and RF can provide an indication of aortapathy progress earlier than morphological aortic dilatation and aortic vorticity.
Aneurysmal wall enhancement is positively correlated with inflow angle in sidewall aneurysms
Authors: Fu Mingzhu , Peng Fei , Chen Wenwen , Liu Aihua Aihua , Li Rui
Published: August 2023

In this study, we utilized HR-VWI and 3D TOF-MRA images to investigate the relationship between AWE grades and aneurysm inflow angle. Statistics indicated that the AWE grades were positively associated with the aneurysm inflow angle. This is probably because a sidewall aneurysm with high inflow angle is easier to grow and cause slower inflow velocity and lower wall shear stress which contribute to inflammation processes on aneurysmal wall and lead to a high grade of AWE. The results of this study showed that the AWE was positively associated with aneurysm inflow angle.
Assessment of compressed sensing accelerated non-contrast-enhanced whole-heart coronary MR angiography at 3.0 T
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Cheng Jingliang , Lin Liangjie , Zhang Yong , Wang Keyan , Huang Huiyu , Ren Qi , Zhang WenHua
Published: August 2023

The feasibility of non-contrast-enhanced coronary MR angiography (CMRA) with acceleration by compressed sensing (CS) was assessed in patients with suspected coronary artery diseases on a 3.0 T scanner, compared with conventional coronary MRA. Results indicate that the whole-heart non-contrast CMRA accelerated by CS with a factor of 4 obtained relatively high sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy in a significantly shortened acquisition time compared with conventional CMRA.
The Value of Free-breathing 4D-Flow MRI in Children with Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Wu Huiying , Zhou Ning , Wen Zhe , Lu Lianwei , Zhang Mingjie , You Fuyu , Liu Tao , Wu Yunzhu , Zhang* Xiaochun
Published: August 2023

This preliminary study has investigated the feasibility of free-breathing 4D-flow MRI to evaluate portal hemodynamics in children with EHPVO. Free-breathing 4D-flow MRI is feasible and hopeful for the comprehensive 3D visualization and quantification of portal vein flow dynamics in 14 children and the peak velocity had similar diagnostic efficiency to ultrasound in our study. In the future, we intend to compare 4D-flow parameters with intraoperative manometry of the portal vein system and use the noninvasive radionics methodology to estimate portal vein hemodynamics in children.
Clinical application of 3.0T whole-heart non-contrast agent MRCA by using Compressed SENSE
Authors: Hu XianKuo , Zhang Yang , Li XiaoHu , Yuan Yu Shan , Peng Bin , Li YuanYuan
Published: August 2023

MR Coronary angiography (MRCA) technology can observe the anatomical morphology of coronary arteries and detect lumen stenosis, dilation, and abnormal wall lesions [1]. MRCA technology is relatively complex with long scanning time [2]. Compressed SENSE (CS) technology can greatly shorten the scanning time and improve the rate of succussed examination. This study aim to explore the clinical feasibility of Compressed SENSE technology in non-contrast agent MRA and explore the best acceleration factor of CS.
Native T1 mapping texture analysis discriminates hypertensive heart disease vs non-apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yuan Mei , Liu Jia , Liu Huan , Zhou Xiaoyue , Shi Heshui
Published: August 2023

本研究探索了原生T1映射的纹理分析（TA），以便检测非apic肥大性心肌病（HCM）、心肌梗塞和高血压心脏病（HHD）的特定模式，具有良好的诊断效果，可反映心肌纤维化。结果表明，TA能够有效地区分和显示与心脏功能相媲美的诊断精度，并结合菌株分析。TA、心脏功能和应变分析的结合，使非 apical HCM 或 apical HCM 与 HHD 的区分具有最佳诊断精度。这表明，将 TA 与心脏功能和应变参数相结合，比单独使用 TA 具有增量值。
Deep-learning for automatic assessment of paradoxical movement in left ventricular aneurysm after myocardial infarction using CMR cine imaging
Authors: Chen Binghua , Zhang Jilei , Chen Weibo , Zhang Yihong , Xu Jianrong , Wu Lianming
Published: August 2023

We propose an automatic diagnostic model for left ventricular aneurysm after myocardial infarction. A epicardium segmentation model was established by mixing 2- and 3-chamber images of 90 healthy volunteers, and the dice in all cohorts exceeded 0.95. Five heartphaseimages around end-systolic and end-diastolic stages, multiplied by the predicted mask using the segmentation model were used as the input of the classification model. Data from 259 AMI patients were divided into training cohort (206) and independent testing cohort (53). ResNet was selected to extract the features of 2- and 3- chamber data. Finally, AUC achieved on 0.987/0.946 in training and testing cohort. The automtic deep learning model can be used as a scheme to dignose LVA after AMI, and has potential clinical value for early detection of the risk of the ventricular aneurysm in AMI patients.
Collateral Circulation Detected by Arterial Spin Labeling Can Predict Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Liu Sangni , Fan Dandan , Xie Chunming
Published: August 2023

Robust collateral circulation is strongly associated with better outcomes in acute ischemic stroke. In this prospective study, collateral circulation was defined as arterial transit artifact in Arterial Spin Labeling(ASL) images. Patients with ASL collaterals represented higher rate of good outcome and there were significant differences for percent changes of mRS score and NIHSS score between groups. Furthermore, the presence of ASL collaterals could predict good outcome, even after controlling for baseline NIHSS score. Taken together, ASL collaterals provide a powerful tool to predict clinical outcome for acute ischemic stroke with 90 days follow-up.
Imaing the brain microstructures in patients of severe enlarged perivasclar spaces in the basal ganglia region using diffusion kurtosis imaging
Authors: Lyu Yuelei , Yang Shuna , Zhang Chen , Shi Qinglei , Yang Guang , Hu Wenli , Yang Qi
Published: August 2023

This study used DKI to investigate possible microstructural alterations of brain tissues associated with plenty of EPVS in the basal ganglia (BG) in patients of SVD. Our preliminary results revealed that patients with EPVS in the BG showed significant reductions in kurtosis parameters from DKI and elevated diffusion parameters derived from DKI in bilateral putamen. We also found abnormal diffusion parameters in mainly bilateral BG, limbic system, temporal lobe,and other scatter brain regions. Our data suggests patients with plenty of EPVS in the BG might undergo microstructure impairments in the regions above, especially bilateral insular and BG.
Association between antiplatelet therapy and cerebral microbleeds determined by susceptibility weighted imaging in stroke-free pupolation
Authors: Yu Miaoxin , Jia Yanan , Yang Dandan , Zhang Runhua , Jiang Yong , Zhang Guitao , Qiao Huiyu , Han Hualu , Shen Rui , Ning Zihan , Zhao Xihai , Liu Gaifen
Published: August 2023

In this cross-sectional, observational study, we investigated the association between antiplatelet therapy and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in community-based participants without stroke. The presence, count, and location of CMBs were evaluated by susceptibility weighted imaging. Antiplatelet therapy included aspirin use alone, clopidogrel use alone, cilostazol use alone, and dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. We found that antiplatelet therapy was independently associated with CMBs at any location, particularly lobar CMBs, and aspirin use was a risk factor for any CMB and lobar CMBs. Our study suggests that optimizing antiplatelet treatment strategies in stroke-free population may decrease the risk of CMBs.
Accuracy of Characterizing Carotid Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque by 3D MR Vessel Wall Imaging: A Histological Validation Study
Authors: Du Chenlin , Ning Zihan , Qiao Huiyu , Chen Shuo , Wang Tao , Cao Jingli , Ran Huo , Li Dongye , Hu Chunjiang , Yu Shuwan , Han Hualu , Shen Rui , Yang Dandan , Liu Cancheng , Wu Peng , Zhao Xihai
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the accuracy of 3D multi-contrast MR vessel wall imaging (VWI) in characterizing carotid vulnerable plaque compositions including lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and calcification (CA) validated by histology. Good agreements were found between MR and histology in identifying LRNC (κ=0.67), IPH (κ=0.66), and CA (κ=0.62) after excluding histological sections with the plaque components <1.77 mm2. Moderate agreements were reached in quantifying plaque compositions with r values ranged from 0.46 to 0.61 (LRNC: r=0.52; IPH: r=0.6; CA: r=0.46). Our study demonstrated that 3D multi-contrast MR VWI is capable of accurately characterizing carotid vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
3D Large-Coverage Simultaneous QUantitative T1-T2-T2* Mapping (LC-SQUMA) of Carotid Vessel Wall
Authors: Qiao Huiyu , Yang Qiansu , Chen Shuo , Ning Zihan , Han Hualu , Shen Rui , Wu Peng , Chen Huijun , Zhao Xihai
Published: August 2023

MR T1-, T2-, and T2*- mapping have been used to characterize carotid plaques. In this study, we realized a 3D Large-Coverage (longitudinal coverage: 160 mm) Simultaneous QUantitative T1-T2-T2* Mapping (LC-SQUMA) sequence with 0.8 mm isotropic spatial resolution. The LC-SQUMA sequence showed excellent agreements with reference imaging in measuring T1 (R2=0.96), T2 (R2=0.85) and T2* (R2=0.90) values. No significant difference was found in measuring T1, T2 and T2* values (all P>0.05) of cervical muscle between LC-SQUMA sequence and clinical referenced quantitative imaging sequences. The 3D LC-SQUMA sequence is feasible in the large-coverage carotid vessel wall quantitative imaging with isotropic spatial resolution.
Quantitative analysis of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Atherosclerotic Middle Cerebral Artery Plaques Using 7T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bai Xiaoyan , Kong Qingle , Li Zhiye , Fan Pingping , Sui Binbin
Published: August 2023

A total of 40 MCA atherosclerotic plaques of 34 patients (20 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic plaques) were quantitatively analyzed of plaque features including plaque burden, length, remodeling index, plaque distribution, and surface morphology using 7T vessel wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging (VW-MRI). Compared with the asymptomatic plaques, symptomatic MCA plaques had larger plaque length and higher plaque burden. Superior-wall distribution and irregular plaque surface were observed more commonly on the symptomatic MCA plaques. 7T VW-MRI is a promising method to evaluate the atherosclerotic plaque features at MCAs.
Assessment of cerebrovascular related tissue pH in patients with moyamoya disease: an amide proton transfer weighted imaging study
Authors: Xia Chao , Zeng Jiaxin , Wei Xia , Li Ziyu , Sun Yuan , Hu Na , Liu Yi , Ai Kai , Lui Su
Published: August 2023

The amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) imaging was used to investigate the collateral circulation change and pH alteration in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). Thirteen patients underwent computed tomography perfusion (CTP), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and APTw imaging. We analyzed the difference in APTw values between the cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Then subgroup analysis was conducted according to the stage of preinfarction period based on CTP. The results revealed that APTw values were significantly lower in cerebral hemispheres than those in cerebellar hemispheres. However, no significant difference in APTw values among patients with different stages of preinfarction period was found.
Comparison of time-encoded and sequential variable-TR scheme for multi-delay pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Obara Makoto , Togao Osamu , Vaclavu Lena , Wada Tatsuhiro , Tokunaga Chiaki , Mikayama Ryoji , Hamano Hiroshi , van Osch Matthias , van de Ven Kim , Van Cauteren Marc
Published: August 2023

There are two approaches proposed to calculate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) accurately, while ensuring sufficient SNR. One is time-encoded (TE) and the other is sequential variable-TR (vTR) pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL). In this study, we measured SNR, CBF, and ATT from these two methods and compared and verified their validity in 5 healthy subjects. The higher SNR was secured in TE-PCASL compared to vTR-PCASL. On the other hand, ATT calculated from vTR-PCASL showed higher correlation coefficient with reference compared with TE-PCASL. The CBF calculated from both schemes showed high correlation coefficient with reference.
Evaluate Articular Cartilage in Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis with a Two-Compartment Hybrid Multidimensional MR Imaging Method
Authors: Luo Peng , Hu Wentao , Li Guanwu , Dai Yongming
Published: August 2023

Evaluation of early-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) has long been of wide concern, while MRI has proved its value in this field by the richness of contrasts and non-invasive nature. However, MRI detection for composition change in OA still calls for deeper researches. ADC and T2 measured by conventional MRI are only an average of intra-voxel components and assumed to be independent. However, by performing a hybrid multidimensional MR imaging (HM-MRI) method, an implied correlation between ADC and T2 in articular cartilage has emerged. Moreover, Vnormal might offer extra information in detecting cartilage degeneration at early stage of OA than conventional ADC/T2 parameters.
Associations and mediation effects analysis of cortical porosity index, CKD stages, and bone metabolism markers
Authors: Xiong Yan , Hu Shuang , Zhang Yao , Wen Donglin , Liu Weiyin , Li Xiaoming
Published: August 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant negative impact on bone health. However, the mechanisms of cortical bone deterioration and cortical porosity enlargement caused by CKD have not been fully described. Double-echo ultrashort echo-time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE MRI) provides the possibility of quantifying cortical porosity in vivo. The increasing CKD stages were associated with a higher PI value (Ptrend < 0.001). The association of CKD stages and PI mediated 34.4% and 30.8% of the total effect by increased PTH and β-CTX, respectively. Our study revealed the internal mechanism of bone deterioration caused by CKD to some extent.
Focused shape model assessment of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement: 3D MR cam morphology visualizations with associated surgical reviews
Authors: Bugeja Jessica , Xia Ying , Chandra Shekhar , Murphy Nicholas , Crozier Stuart , Hunter David , Fripp Jurgen , Engstrom Craig
Published: August 2023

Evaluating hip shape change with statistical shape models (SSMs) has been reported as a biomarker for OA incidence, progression and end-stage outcomes. However, there have been few MR studies using 3D SSMs for assessing proximal femur shape, encompassing the femoral head-neck region, in patients with conditions such as FAI. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first study to use focused shape models from 3D MR hip images to assess a focal region of (clinical) interest for cam morphology evaluation in patients classified as having an ‘inadequate’, ‘borderline’ or ‘satisfactory’ surgical outcome as determined from expert surgical review.
Longitudinal Multiparametric Assessment of MRI in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis and Correlation with Clinical Severity over 1 year
Authors: Kang Woo Young , Hong Suk-joo , Lee Hyeonbin , Bae Ji-Hoon , Yang Zepa , Kim In-Seong
Published: August 2023

MRI is a valuable tool for to assess osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Although OA is a progressive degenerative disease involving the entire joint structure, cartilage degeneration is the central hallmark of the disease. MRI enables quantitative and semiquantitative assessment of longitudinal changes in articular cartilage morphology and composition in knee OA. We investigated the association between MRI biomarkers and knee OA progression over 12 months.
T2/T1-weighted MRI revealed the therapeutic role of microglial SMAD7 in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) mouse model
Authors: Ruan Yang , Huang Yimin , He Xuejun , Zhang Huaqiu , Lei Hongxia
Published: August 2023

We applied T2/T1-weighted MRI together with behavior, Hematoxylin&Eosin（HE）and immunohistochemistry fluorescence staining (IHC) to evaluate the role of microglial SMAD7, a novel therapeutic approach, in a TBI mouse model. The consistency between MRI results and behavior and myelin and neurnal marker outcomes suggest that the protective role of over-expression of microglial SMAD7 in TBI.
High-resolution multimodal imaging of the embryonic and neonatal mouse
Authors: Tsurugizawa Tomokazu , Kumamoto Takuma , Yoshimaru Daisuke , Yoshioka Yoshichika
Published: August 2023

The potential of magnetic resonance microscopy is to image the multimodal function of the brain in small brain, such as embryo. In this study, we developed high resolution imaging of T1 image, T2 mapping, mean diffusivity, and neurite orientation dispersion by diffusion MRI in embryo and early postnatal (P07) in mouse. These values were different between embryo and early postnatal. Immunohistochemistry revealed distinct proliferation and maturation of neurons and astrocytes in these stages. These results indicate the possibility of high-resolution MR microscopy to detect the cellular maturation in development.
Brain redox imaging using the blood–brain barrier-permeable nitroxides with different resistances to esterase
Authors: EMOTO Miho , Sato Shingo , Sato-Akaba Hideo , Fujii Hirotada
Published: August 2023

Lipophilic 3-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (MCP) has been used as a redox-sensitive nitroxide probe in MRI and EPR brain redox studies. Despite its success for this purpose, MCP cannot evaluate the redox status at both hydrophobic and hydrophilic brain regions. Accordingly, it is necessary to identify a lipophilic nitroxide that can penetrate the BBB and is hydrolyzed to hydrophilic nitroxide by neuronal esterase in the brain. For this purpose, lipophilic 3-acetoxymethoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl was prepared and compared with MCP. Brain redox EPR imaging revealed that these two probes each detect a different redox status according to the antioxidant levels in the brain.
Glycolytic Flux Alterations Following Radiotherapy in Cancer and Immune Cells: Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Lai Ying-Chieh , Hsieh Ching-Yi , Lu Kuan-Ying , Chen Albert , Ng Shu-Hang , Chen Fang-Hsin , Lin Gigin
Published: August 2023

Alterations in metabolism following radiotherapy affect therapeutic efficacy, although the mechanism underlying such alterations is unclear. The present study demonstrates the potential for monitoring early metabolic alterations in both cancer and immune cells following radiation treatment by using hyperpolarized 13C-MRI. We demonstrated that cancer cells (human FaDu squamous carcinoma) and immune cells (HMC3 microglial cells and THP-1 monocytes) had distinct metabolic responses to ionizing radiation. Western blot analysis confirmed the similar trends in LDHA and LDHB expression levels. We furthered the knowledge of metabolic alterations resulting from not only cancer cells but also immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.
IVIM and DCE MRI to early detect hepatic injury and microcirculation alteration induced by intestinal ischemia reperfusion in a rat model
Authors: yang jiaxing , Dou Weiqiang , pan changjie , shi haifeng
Published: August 2023

This study demonstrated that intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can effectively estimate hepatic pathophysiological processes in a rat model with intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IIR) induced hepatic injury. The changes in microcirculation and perfusion were considered the major factors of IIR-induced hepatic injury. IVIM derived parameters of f and D* as well as DCE related parameter of Ve and Ktrans revealed high sensitivity to histological change, implying that IVIM and DCE-MRI might be an effective tool to evaluate the process of IIR-induced hepatic injury.
Whole-brain mouse fMRI combined with cortex-wide patterned optogenetic stimulation
Authors: Moon Hyun Seok , Kim Seonghoon , Vo Thanh , Im Geun Ho , Choi Myunghwan , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: August 2023

Cortex-wide, spatial-patterned optogenetic mouse fMRI with online stimulation planning in situ.
Noninvasive Assessment of Chronic Hepatitis B with Different Courses or Liver Cirrhosis Patients Receiving Interferon Therapy Using T1ρ Mapping
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Peng Xingui
Published: August 2023

The staging of chronic hepatitis B mainly relies on invasive pathological biopsy, interferon treatment can reduce the risk of deterioration. 93 patients were divided into three groups: mild, moderate, severe or liver cirrhosis according to histopathology and received T1ρ magnetic resonance liver scan before and after interferon treatment. With the aggravation of chronic hepatitis B, T1ρ relaxation time gradually increased, but it decreased significantly after treatment, which is linearly correlated with the level of ALT and AST. T1ρ magnetic resonance can non-invasively assess the severity of the chronic hepatitis B and monitor the improvement of fibrosis after receiving treatment dynamically.
Repeatability and reliability of intravoxel incoherent motion derived parameters in evaluation of liver heterogeneity
Authors: Liu Tianzhu , Liu Weiyin , Chen Jun , Huang Lesheng , Li Hongyi , Jiang Jinghua , Cai Kaili , Tang Jiahui , Zhang Wanchun , Yang Kailian , Tian Guangjun , Hu Meng , Peng Se , Zhang Dong , Zhang Dong , Li Dan , Zhuo Yongxiang
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the repeatability and reliability of IVIM derived parameters in evaluation of liver heterogeneity. Patients with early liver fibrosis and healthy subjects were recruited and underwent MRI using respiratory triggered SS-DWI with 12 b values and an IDEAL-IQ sequence. Two readers independently analyzed liver segment data using mono-exponential, bi-exponential and stretched exponential models. CVs and ICCs were calculated before and after the exclusion of subjects with potential liver fat deposition. ADC, D and α measurements of right liver lobe were satisfactorily repeatable, regardless of fat deposition. Segment-VII and -VIII values may be more repeatable and reliable.
Evaluation of T1 and R2* Mapping in Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Yue , Ju Ye , Lin Liangjie , Liu Ailian
Published: August 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has shown increased incidence gradually, is prevalent worldwide and occurs in conjunction with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of quantitative T1 and R2* mapping in diagnosis of CKD. Results showed that renal cortex R2* and T1 values can be used to distinguish mild CKD from healthy volunteers, and the combination of them can improve the diagnostic efficiency. Cortex R2*, cortex T1, and medulla T1 values can be used to distinguish mild from severe CKD, and the diagnostic efficiency was also significantly improved by using their combination.
High Temporal and Spatial Pulmonary Dynamic Ventilation Imaging Using Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
Authors: Li Hongchuang , Li Haidong , Zhang Ming , Liu Xiaoling , Zhao Xiuchao , Han Yeqing , Sun Xianping , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin
Published: August 2023

The mutual restriction of temporal resolution and spatial resolution is a challenge for hyperpolarized gas dynamic MRI. Herein, we proposed a method to enhance the temporal resolution of pulmonary dynamic ventilation imaging without spatial resolution loss using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI. Furthermore, compressed sensing undersampling technique was used to accelerate the MRI data acquisition.
Evidence for nigral neuromelanin abnormalities in rat brain in the methamphetamine addiction assessed by neuromelanin-sensitive MRI
Authors: Tang Fei , Liu Jun , Dai Yongming , Zheng Liyun , Zhang Xiaojie , Zheng Huihui , Yang Wenhan , Du Yanyao
Published: August 2023

NM-MRI is a newly developed magnetic resonance imaging technique, which indirectly measures dopamine synthesis and demonstrate neuromelanin-related contrast. In this study, ten rats with acute methamphetamine exposure underwent a NM-MRI scan at different time points. The NM-MRI data of four brain regions were measured and compared. The results showed significantly higher NM-MRI signal in substantia nigra compared to other brain regions, and the NM-MRI signal gradually increased over time in almost all measured brain regions. These findings demonstrated the potential of NM-MRI as biomarker and the predictive value of NM-MRI for dopamine function.
Correlation of metabolomics of intestinal mucosal biopsies with enzyme and secretory activity of duodenal enterocytes in celiac disease
Authors: Sharma Uma , Upadhyay Deepti , Tyagi Ritu , Das Prasenjit , Makharia Govind
Published: August 2023

The present study revealed a correlation of metabolic activity of intestinal mucosa with enzymatic, secretory, and functional activity in patients with celiac disease (CeD). Significantly lower concentrations of choline, GPC, and histidine were observed patients along with the significantly lower expression of villin in both villi and crypt of the CeD compared to disease controls (DC) controls. Higher expression of Mucin 3 in the crypt of the CeD was seen. A significant correlation between expression of villin, mucin and metabolites GPC and histidine provided an insight into underlying biochemical and functional mechanism of mucosal damage in CeD.
Boosting of Half-Quadratic Splitting Algorithm for Undersampled Brain MRI Reconstruction
Authors: Zhu Qingyong , Cheng Jing , Cui Zhuo-Xu , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhu Yanjie , Liang Dong
Published: August 2023

The existing accelerated MRI methods have the limitations such as fine-structure loss in the cases of high reduction factors or noisy measurements. This work presents a novel mutual-structure filtering based half-quadratic splitting algorithm for accurate undersampled brain MRI reconstruction. Experimental results on in-vivo images have shown that the proposed approach has a superior ability to capture meaningful details compared with other state-of-the-art reference guided reconstruction technologies.
Low-Rank Shot-phase Estimation for Multi-shot DWI Reconstruction
Authors: Qian Chen , Wang Zi , Zhang Xinlin , Shi Boxuan , Guo Di , Jiang Boyu , Tao Ran , Qu Xiaobo
Published: August 2023

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is widely employed in clinical diagnosis and white matter connections mapping. Multi-shot interleaved echo planer imaging (ms-iEPI) is used for acquiring images with higher spatial resolution and fewer distortion but suffers from motion-induced shot-phase variations. In this work, a joint reconstruction model is proposed to obtain the shot-phase and composite magnitude image simultaneously. Specifically, the smoothness of the shot-phase is exploited to construct low-rank constraints. Experiment results show that the proposed method has better performance than state-of-the-art methods on shot-phase estimation and image reconstruction.
Investigation of cerebral asymmetry in full-term newborns and its relationship with neurobehavioural assessment
Authors: Bai Pengxuan , Zhu Linlin , Feng Yuying , Zhang Na , Ge Yao , Liu Congcong , Yang Jian , He Yichu , Shi Feng , Wei Xiaocheng , Jin Chao
Published: August 2023

The specialization of cerebral lateralization and hemispheric function is common in adults. Existing studies have shown that there is already left and right asymmetry in the fetal brain [1]. The study of normal brain structure and development information helps to identify abnormal developmental trajectories. This study takes healthy full-term newborns as the research object, aiming to explore the situation of cerebral asymmetry in the neonatal period and the relationship with neurobehavioral. Meanwhile expand our understanding of normal early brain development, and provide important insights for further revealing the inner connection between brain lateralization and certain diseases in the future.
Super-resolution MR Vessel Wall Images Using deep learning
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Jia Sen , Zhu Qing , Li Yikang , Zhang Hongying , Shen Shuai , Lin Fuliang , Li Ye , Liang Dong , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Zhang Na
Published: August 2023

To develop a super-resolution method based on the 3D high-resolution MR vessel wall images for generating high-resolution images from low-resolution, a 3D complex-valued super resolution (CVSR) neural network was proposed, which maintained complex algebraic structure of the original acquired images. CVSR was trained on 20 pairs of data sets and tested on 5 pairs. Ground truth with 0.44 mm were compared with Fourier interpolation method, EDSR with two real-valued channels and CVSR. Evaluations were performed using structural similarity (SSIM), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and error map quality metrics. The CVSR achieved the best performance when compared with the other methods.
Characterizing diffusion properties on extremities of patients with lymphedema by MRI
Authors: Lee Yeefan , Cho Kuan-Hung , Tang Chih-Hsing , Chiang Chia-Wen , Lin Shih-Yen , Kuan Chen-Hsiang , Lin Chien-Yuan , Lee Hsiao-Ling , Kuo Li-Wei
Published: August 2023

Lymphedema is defined as accumulation of fluid and fibroadipose tissues due to disruption of lymphatic flow. Our results demonstrate a significant difference of diffusion measures between lymphedema and normal groups. DKI and DTI derivatives have similar tendency when comparing lymphedema patients with healthy subjects. The diffusion properties may aid the diagnosis of lymphedema and have the potential for evaluating the severity in postoperative follow-up.
High-quality reconstruction of diffusion tensor based on deep learning and multi-slice information sharing
Authors: Chen Zunquan , Wang Jiechao , Wu Zhigang , Bao Jianfeng , Cheng Jingliang , Cai Congbo , Cai Shuhui
Published: August 2023

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) requires several diffusion-weighted image (DWI) acquisitions, leading to a long scan time. In this study, a deep-learning model based on multi-slice information sharing was implemented to obtain ultrafast DTI. This method uses the similarity of DWIs among neighboring slices to minimize the requirement of the number of diffusion-encoding directions. The results indicate that the proposed method can reconstruct high-quality diffusion and DTI-derived maps, exceptionally robust to noise in fractional anisotropy mapping even when only 3-direction DWIs.
Time-reversed CENTRA-PLUS profile ordering (SULP-ARTNEC) for improvement of image contrast in contrast-enhanced brain metastasis screening
Authors: Sakai Takayuki , Yokota Hajime , Yoneyama Masami , Beck Gabriele M , Murayama Daichi , Ochi Shigehiro , Miyati Tosiaki , Watanabe Atsuya
Published: August 2023

Shorter examination time might miss the appropriate timing for depicting the “delayed-enhanced” lesions, such as brain metastasis and multiple sclerosis plaques. We focused on the CENTRA-PLUS view-ordering framework and tried to modify the k-space profile ordering to enable completely timing-reversed (SLUP-ARTNEC). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of SULP-ARTNEC in the patients with brain metastasis. SLUP-ARTNEC is the unique approach in the post compressed sensing era that can improve the image contrast between delayed-enhanced brain metastasis lesions and background tissues in the contrast-enhanced studies without having the extra-waiting time, resulting in maintain the shorter examination time.
Physics informed neural networks for phase-based magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography
Authors: Garcia Adan , Huang Shao Ying , Imamoglu Nevrez , Yu Wenwei
Published: August 2023

Magnetic Resonance Electrical Property Tomography (MREPT) could provide important contrast for non-calcified tumors. However, MREPT relies on numerical differentiation, which is noise sensitive and prone to artifacts near boundaries.

In this work, physics-informed neural networks (PINN), NN empowered automatic differentiation is proposed to improve MREPT by mitigating artifacts and reducing noise sensitivity. Instead of calculating partial derivatives numerically, is obtained by backpropagation through PINNs.

For clinical MREPT, reduction of ground-truth information to guide PINNs was investigated. Results show that above 25% collocation points, reconstruction can be made at 100 SNR. PINNs enable noise-robust and artifact-free MREPT from less ground-truth information.
Distortion-Free DWI using PSF-EPI at High-Performance 0.5T MRI
Authors: Liu Simin , Xie Yunhao , Luo Hai , Wang Yishi , Li Sisi , Zhang Jieying , Pan Ziyi , Wu Ziyue , Guo Hua
Published: August 2023

Low-field MR systems with state-of-the-art hardware may improve the accessibility of MRI. DWI is valuable for diagnosing diseases, while it requires multiple averages at low-field MRI considering SNR. Given similar acquisition time, multi-shot EPI DWI can be considered alternatively. Particularly, the tilted-CAIPI accelerated multi-shot PSF-EPI has been proposed in recent years to achieve fast distortion-free DWI. This study tested the feasibility of PSF-EPI on a high-performance 0.5T MR scanner, and proposed a method for further noise reduction using B0 field information. The results show that PSF-EPI eliminates distortions and improves structure fidelity at tissue boundaries compared with interleaved EPI.
A general framework to incorporate transcytolemmal water exchange in diffusion MRI-based microstructural imaging
Authors: Li Sisi , Shi Diwei , Chen Li , Zheng Quanshui , Guo Hua , Xu Junzhong
Published: August 2023

Quantitative microstructural imaging based on diffusion MRI provides a non-invasive means to measure microstructural parameters, e.g., cell size. However, due to the remarkable complexity of incorporating transcytolemmal water exchange into diffusion biophysical models, water exchange is usually ignored. This leads to biased estimation of microstructural parameters, particularly intracellular volume fraction. Here, we propose a new approach to incorporate water exchange naturally in diffusion biophysical models with arbitrary gradient waveforms, making it possible to fit cell size, density, and intracellular water lifetime simultaneously. This establishes a general framework to incorporate transcytolemmal water exchange in any diffusion MRI-based microstructural imaging models.
Diffusion MRI harmonization and thresholding improve multicentre network analysis: a demonstration in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: de Brito Robalo Bruno Miguel , de Luca Alberto , Chen Christopher , Dewenter Anna , Duering Marco , Hilal Saima , Koek Huiberdina , Kopczak Anna , Lam Bonnie , Leemans Alexander , Mok Vincent , Onkenhout Laurien , van den Brink Hilde , Biessels Geert Jan
Published: August 2023

We investigated if network thresholding and diffusion MRI (dMRI) harmonization improve a) cross-site consistency of network architecture and b) precision and sensitivity to detect network connections disrupted in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Brain networks were reconstructed from dMRI in five cohorts. Consistency of network architecture was examined in age-matched controls whereas sensitivity and precision to detect disrupted connections was assessed in sporadic SVD patients. Network consistency, as well as sensitivity and precision to detect disrupted connections were improved by thresholding and harmonization. We recommend using these techniques in networks studies of SVD to leverage existing multicentre datasets.
Accurate Estimation of Fiber Orientations in the Mouse Brain from Diffusion MRI Signals: Learning from Histological Ground Truth
Authors: Liang Zifei , Arefin Tanzil , Lee Choong , Zhang Jiangyang
Published: August 2023

Although dMRI tractograophy has been successfully used to examine brain connectivity, its limitation, mainly in specificity, has also been reported. In this study, we generated a comprehensive mouse brain streamline database based on 2700+ viral tracer data from Allen Institute. The database was used as a ground truth to train a deep learning network to estimate fiber orientations from diffusion MRI data of the mouse brain. Compared to conventional methods, the deep learning network provided more accurate estimation of fiber orientation leading to improved tractography.
Functional and structural connectomes of the lateral and medial geniculate nuclei in living humans using 7 Tesla MRI
Authors: Singh Kavita , Gomar Maria Guadalupe Garcia , Cauzzo Simone , Bianciardi Marta
Published: August 2023

The connectivity of lateral and medial geniculate nuclei with cortical and sub-cortical areas involved in visual and auditory functions is known in humans, yet their recently postulated connectivity with neuromodulatory, visceral and sensory brainstem nuclei is understudied. This is due to limited resolution of clinical scanners and lack of brainstem atlas in living humans. To this end, we applied our recently developed in-vivo atlas of brainstem and diencephalic nuclei to 7 Tesla HARDI and resting-state fMRI, and mapped structural and functional connectomes of lateral and medial geniculate nuclei with brainstem nuclei along with cortical and sub-cortical regions.
Effect of Meditation on Brain Function During an Attention Task Using ASL and BOLD fMRI
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Chen Shichun , Zhang Zongpai , Duan Wenna , Zhao Li , Weinschenk George , Luh Wen-Ming , Anderson Adam , Dai Weiying
Published: August 2023

The effect of meditation on brain functional activation when engaged in an attention task was evaluated longitudinally using dASL and BOLD fMRI in nine healthy subjects. Functional activation before and after meditation practice was compared and the change of functional activation was correlated with practice time. Using dASL, functional activation in the occipital region was significantly reduced; more practice time was associated with more reduced activation in the mediofrontal, temporal, and precuneus regions. Using BOLD fMRI, no significant activation was found. The findings suggest that dASL has superior performance in detecting task performance and that meditation can improve brain efficiency.
Longitudinal Recovery of Dynamic Functional Connectivity After Focused Ultrasound-Neuromodulation in V2L of Normal Rat Model
Authors: Hung Yu-Chieh , Wang Yi-Cheng , Liu Hao-Li , Peng Hsu-Hsia
Published: August 2023

Non-invasive focused ultrasound (FUS) offered attractive advantages to modulate neuronal activity. The functional connectivity (FC) between different brain regions is a dynamic process during a period of examinations. We aimed to explore the longitudinal effect of FUS-neuromodulation on secondary visual cortex lateral area (V2L) by dynamic FC. We assessed k-means analysis and dynamic network analysis of dynamic FC of Pre-FUS, Sham, 35-min, 3-hr, and 3-day after FUS sonication at V2L. We found the instant effect of FUS-neuromodulation (35-min) and the recovery in a longitudinal follow-up of 3-day, suggesting the potential usefulness of FUS-neuromodulation.
Evaluation of traumatic brain injury in pigs using a novel cross-group temporal correlation analysis
Authors: Sun Wenwu , Reeves William , Fagan Madison , Welch Christina , Scheulin Kelly , Sneed Sydney , West Franklin , Zhao Qun
Published: August 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to dynamic changes in functional network activity that can be assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we utilized a novel temporal correlation analysis approach to evaluate a novel microbiome transplantation treatment effect on network connectivity in a translational porcine. Sparse dictionary learning (sDL) and independent component analysis (ICA) were applied to both a full dataset (TBI and sham) and the Sham-only dataset, resulting in four groups of results. Consistency was observed across the four results, indicating that evaluation of treatment effects can be achieved through the proposed temporal correlation analysis.
Validation of Beat Sensor Cardiac Triggering against ECG Cardiac Triggering in both Volunteer and Patient Cohorts
Authors: Pan Yue , Varghese Juliet , Jin Ning , Hayes Carmel , Speier Peter , Ahmad Rizwan , Simonetti Orlando
Published: August 2023

In this study, the performance of Beat Sensor Cardiac (BSC) triggering was qualitatively and quantitatively compared with electrocardiogram (ECG) triggering. MR images typically acquired in a comprehensive exam including localizer, morphology, cine, 2D flow, parametric mapping and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were acquired using both BSC and ECG triggering in volunteers and patients. The overall image quality for BSC was equivalent to ECG. Quantitative measurements of function, flow, and parametric maps in healthy volunteers showed no significant differences except for peak aortic velocity.