bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Intra-Voxel Dephasing in Liver Diffusion-Weighted Imaging
Authors: Raspe Johannes , McTavish Sean , Weiss Kilian , Peeters Johannes , Karampinos Dimitrios , Van Anh
Published: August 2024

Motion is a major source of artifacts in liver diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging leading to severe signal loss. Physical information about motion is encoded in the phase of DW images based on a pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) sequence. The present work proposes a methodology to estimate a phase-predicted attenuation (PPA) which correlates with the magnitude variation of DW images in motion-controlled phantom experiments and in vivo measurements. These phase-based predictions allow to isolate motion-related magnitude attenuation for further investigation of undesired signal loss effects and offer potential for refining algorithms to reduce magnitude loss in DW imaging of the liver.
Cow Colostrum Regresses STAM-induced Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice
Authors: Sharma Uma , Gupta Sangeetha , Tyagi Ritu , Dhawan Bhavya , Shokeen Ankit
Published: August 2024

Nutraceuticals is an emerging industry with the potential to cater the needs of many therapeutic domains, including cancer a major cause of health concerns. Despite the currently available therapeutics, complication and effective medical management of HCC, particularly at an advanced stage has several limitations. Hence, in the present study an alternative approach using an animal product cow colostrum as therapeutics for HCC is explored in STAM-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. If successful this might prove to be a very viable and effective management for NASH-associated HCC.
Intra- and Inter-vendor Reproducibility of T1ρ Measurements in the Healthy Human Knee Joint
Authors: Armbruster Ryan , Talluru Anjali , Barthakur Arijitt , Bilker Warren , Reddy Ravinder , Sarkar Susanta
Published: August 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease that results in cartilage loss and pain, but no drug is currently available for OA, largely due to the absence of a reliable index for measuring disease modifying effects of drug candidates in clinical trials. T1ρ MRI promises to be a reliable method because it provides a measure of cartilage degradation. However, it is critical to establish its reproducibility across MRI vendors before its universal use in clinical studies. Here we report the establishment of a clinically relevant reproducibility error in T1ρ in 25 healthy volunteer knees within and across 3T MRI scanners.
Associations between Weight Change, Knee Subcutaneous Fat and Cartilage Thickness: 4-Year Data from the OAI
Authors: Joseph Gabby , Takakusagi Melia , Arcilla Gino , Lynch John , Pedoia Valentina , Majumdar Sharmila , Lane Nancy , Nevitt Michael , McCulloch Charles , Link Thomas
Published: August 2024

This study assessed the relationship between 4-year changes in: (1) body weight and outcomes of joint-adjacent subcutaneous fat (SCF) and cartilage thickness, and (2) joint-adjacent SCF and knee cartilage thickness. A total of 399 individuals from the Osteoarthritis Initiative with >10% weight gain and >-10% weight loss over 4 years were compared with controls with less than 3% weight change. Weight gain and loss were associated with increases, and decreases, respectively in joint-adjacent SCF. Increases in SCF adjacent to the medial femur were associated with decreases in average cartilage thickness and in several medial and lateral locations in the knee.
Preserved patellar cartilage at the expense of anterior femoral cartilage damage in Hip Osteoarthritis: An Inter-Limb Inter-Joint qMRI analysis
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rupsa , Luitjens Johanna , Han Misung , Thahakoya Rafeek , Roach Koren , Souza Richard , Pedoia Valentina , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: August 2024

It is well documented that osteoarthritis often affects multiple joints in patients with the disease. However, direct associations between limbs and across the joints of the lower extremity remains understudied. With bilateral hip and knee MRI of 18 patients, this study utilizes automated segmentation and VBR-atlas-based methods to explore the associations between twelve femoral and acetabular sub-compartments with trochlear and patellar cartilage T1rho, T2 values. Significant negative correlations between the patellar T2 and anterior hip femoral T1rho and T2 values, suggest a probable ongoing gait dysfunction. The data-distribution indicates possibility of a subgroup of patients having different progression and compensatory trajectories, to be explored further with gait pattern analysis.
T1rho Sequences with FASE, UTE, and MAPSS Acquisitions for Knee Evaluation
Authors: Malis Vadim , Kassai Yoshimori , Miyazaki Mitsue , Bae Won
Published: August 2024

Three T1rho sequences based using 3D FASE, 3D UTE, and 3D MAPSS acquisitions were developed and compared by imaging agarose phantoms and normal human knees. The sequences utilize 4 to 6 spin lock times, and can be acquired in about 5 min or less. On phantoms, all three sequences resulted in consistent T1rho values that decreased with increasing agarose concentration, similar to past reports. T1rho values of cartilage and menisci were also in line with previously reported values. This work will be useful for evaluating knee osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases.
Assessing the effects of spin lock time duration on T1ρ relaxation times for imaging of the articular cartilage in the knee
Authors: CHAMPAGNE ALLEN , ZULEGER TAYLOR , SMITH DANIEL , SLUTSKY-GANESH ALEXIS , WARREN SHAYLA , SENGKHAMMEE LEXIE , MANDAVA SAGAR , WEI HONGJIANG , BARDANA DAVIDE , MYER GREG , DIEKFUSS JED
Published: August 2024

There is limited standardization of T1ρ acquisition parameters with respect to spin lock times (TSLs). Shorter TSL durations are susceptible to underestimating knee cartilage T1ρ relaxation times, warranting optimization for maximal measurement stability. Additionally, vertical estimation of T1ρ relaxation times throughout cartilage layers is limited. Here, we utilized 40 healthy knees to demonstrate enhanced T1ρ relaxation time measurement stability with maximum TSLs of 90 to 120ms compared to shorter TSL durations. Depth-specific differences in T1ρ were further compartmentalized into deep and superficial knee cartilage layers, highlighting the potential for T1ρ to indirectly and non-invasively evaluate proteoglycan content across cartilaginous layers.
Enabling Early Detection of Knee Osteoarthritis Using Diffusion-Relaxation Correlation Spectrum Imaging
Authors: Luo Peng , Hu Wentao , Dai Yongming , Li Guanwu
Published: August 2024

Early OA is subclinical for anatomic change of cartilage, making it difficult for conventional MRI detection. This study is aimed to apply diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) to knee early-stage OA detection. DR-CSI compartment volume fractions VA, VB and VC had correlation with the modified Whole-Organ MR Imaging Scores (WORMS). VC had better ability than VA, VB, VD, T2 and ADC to discriminate early OA patients from healthy controls. The results illustrated that DR-CSI compartment volume fractions may be sensitive indicators for detecting early-stage degeneration in knee articular cartilage.
QRAPMASTER for Quantitative evaluation of knee cartilage: ready for clinical daily practice?
Authors: Mu Lin , Wang Qianting , Fu Jiahui , Dong Dong , Jiang Yueluan , Li Lin , Zhang Huimao
Published: August 2024

Quantitative MRI assigns absolute quantiﬁcation of T1,T2 and PD based on tissue characteristics, such as the T2 metric values a surrogate marker for cartilage collagen integrity. The QRAPMASTER technology enables inline generation of quantitative T1maps and T2 maps and scans of high image quality, representing a promising synthetic MRI option that appears clinically feasible and may eventually facilitate the time neutral acquisition of quantitative T1 maps, T2 maps in the knee MRI.
Correlation of Cerebral Blood Flow with Cognitive Impairment in Hemodialysis Patients Based on 3D pCASL
Authors: Wang Man , Jiang Yuhan , Lin Liangjie , Cao Jiajun , Miao Yanwei
Published: August 2024

This work aimed to use 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (3D pCASL) imaging technology to compare the difference of cerebral blood flow between hemodialysis patients (HDs) and healthy controls (HCs), and to analyze the relationship between cerebral blood flow changes and cognitive impairment. Results showed that decreased cerebral blood flow in the left Fusiform (Fusiform-L) and the left Temporal Inferior of HDs compared with HCs. Mean CBF in Fusiform-L was positively correlated with recognition, and mean CBF in Fusiform-L was negatively correlated with psychomotor speed and visual attention in HDs.
Impact of resting physiology on the repeatability of phase contrast MRI measures of cerebral blood flow
Authors: Johnson Hannah , Stickland Rachael , Zvolanek Kristina , Chen Yufen , Bright Molly
Published: August 2024

Interpretation of clinically significant changes in total cerebral blood flow (CBF) can be confounded by normal variability in flow measures. We assessed the effects of resting end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) on inter-session variability in total CBF as measured with phase contrast MRI. Participants were scanned twice, 1-3 weeks apart, with PETCO2 clamped at resting physiology. Clamping PETCO2 at participants’ resting respiratory physiology does not notably improve inter-session variability in flow, which was found to be consistent with previously reported values. Furthermore, inter-session changes in resting PETCO2 did not help to explain noted variability in total CBF.
The value of high resolution black blood 3D T1-VISTA-MSDE in the detection of cerebral venous sinus
Authors: ZHENG Jianmin , Lian Jianxiu , Wang Hong , Li Leilei , Chang Yingjuan , Hou Guorui , Lin Gang , Li Yang , Li Yang , Zheng Minwen
Published: August 2024

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is one of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases with low morbidity and high mortality. Three-dimensional volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition(3D-VISTA)can be adopted, which has high resolution and most blood signals will be suppressed. In addition, a motion-sensitized and fault-driven equilibrium(MSDE) technology were applied for more thorough blood suppression. 3D-VISTA showed SNR and CNR were significantly higher than when compared with enhanced three-dimensional TFE sequence, which could more accurately identify CVST. 3D-VISTA sequence can be used to improve the recognition rate of craniocerebral veins, which could provide valuable evidence for accurate identification of clinical craniocerebral venous thrombosis.
Pulsatility in the circle of Willis increases with age
Authors: Voss Henning , Razlighi Qolamreza
Published: August 2024

As we get older, the elasticity of our blood vessels decreases significantly, which can lead to a diminished absorption of blood pressure pulsations, potentially causing damage including hemorrhagic stroke and microbleeds. We studied pulsatility in the circle of Willis, which has been hypothesized to be a pressure absorber, by the method of MRI hypersampling by analytic phase projection (APP). A significant correlation of pulsatility in the circle of Willis with age was found. This finding is interpreted as an ageing-related increase in pulsatile flow relative to the steady flow component of overall cerebral blood flow.
Application of imaging omics based on DCE-MRI,DWI, and APT in glioma IDH-1 and Ki-67 prediction
Authors: Yuan zhenguo , Liang hexin , Wang Yuhan
Published: August 2024

We developed and validated radiomic models based on DWI, DCE, and APTw sequences to evaluate Ki-67 proliferation and IDH-1 mutation in glioma
A novel VR based and motion tolerant capability for MR imaging of awake young children
Authors: Qian Kun , Hajnal Joseph , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Edwards A David , Arichi Tomoki
Published: August 2024

MRI examinations in young children are typically performed during natural or induced sleep to reduce distress and movement artefacts. However, those approaches have high failure rate and/or carry risks. We describe a system for MR imaging in awake children which combines immersive and interactive MR compatible virtual reality, eye tracking, and robust post-acquisition motion correction. We demonstrate effectiveness in a pilot study with a 2 year old child who used the system on 3 occasions for average 19.5 minutes. The described approach opens new possibilities for awake MR studies in young children for both clinical and research purposes.
Deep learning-based DWI connectome analysis to improve the prediction of postoperative language improvement in pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Lee Min-Hee , Sim Nathan , Papamarcos Marie , Sonoda Masaki , Juhász Csaba , Asano Eishi , Jeong Jeong-Won
Published: August 2024

We present a novel deep learning-based tract classification to effectively remove false positive tract streamlines from preoperative DWI connectome data of children with medically intractable epilepsy. Compared to the prediction model without the presented classification where uncontrollable false positive tracts significantly limit the accurate prediction of postoperative language improvement using local efficiency values of key hub regions in the receptive and expressive language networks, the prediction model with the presented classification enhanced the accuracy of about 34% up to 100%/88% for the prediction of receptive/expressive language improvement, especially when the local efficiency values were combined with the clinical variables.
A machine learning model for identifying idiopathic central precocious puberty in girls based on medical images and clinical multi-parameters
Authors: Lu Yi , Zou PinFa , Zhang LingFeng , han lu , Yan Zhihan
Published: August 2024

Early identification of precocious puberty (PP) is important to guarantee the growth and development of children. The aim of this study was to propose a robust machine learning model that incorporate information from pituitary MRI images, carpal bone age, gonadal ultrasound, baseline sex hormone tests, and clinical information to identify idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). The experiments show that the AUCs are 0.860, 0.862, and 0.866 respectively for the training set, internal validation sets, and external validation sets. The performance suggests that the presented model could be an alternative clinical approach.
Disturbed cerebral white matter network topological mediate the symptom severity and cognition in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Lu Yi , Chen Fangfang , Yu Chenyi , Chen Tao , han lu , Yan Zhihan , Fu Yuchuan
Published: August 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children can cause deficits in cognition. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of OSA-related cognitive impairment by investigating the altered topology of brain white matter networks in children with OSA. Based on graph theory and mediating effects analysis, we discovered that OSA had significantly higher global assortativity than control group, and that the nodal clustering coefficients of temporal lobes mediated the relationship between the symptom severity of OSA and the verbal comprehension index. Our findings provided a further neuroimaging evidence of impaired cognitive function in children with OSA.
the value of ASL-based cerebral blood flow and network metrics in evaluating children with MR-negative epilepsy
Authors: Zhuang Yi , Hua Chenchen , Qiu Lu , Jiang Haoxiang
Published: August 2024

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Frontal lobe epilepsy is a common type of seizure after temporal lobe epilepsy, which makes the diagnosis of frontal lobe epilepsy and its treatment difficult due to its presence of not only motor symptoms but also other autonomic symptoms during seizures. Arterial spin labeling can be used to identify brain regions and brain network lesions associated with the propagation of epileptiform activity, and is of higher investigative value especially in children with negative MRI. keyword: Epilepsy, brain network, arterial spin labeling, pediatrics
Efficacy of virtual reality therapy using functional connectivity and structural measures in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kumaran S Senthil , Shruthi N M , Bhat Priyanka , Gulati Sheffali , Gandhi Tapan Kumar
Published: August 2024

Hemiparetic cerebral palsy patients were administered Virtual reality therapy (VRT) in addition to constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) in VRT group, and CIMT alone in CIMT group in a randomised trial. Task based functional MRI of left and right fist clenching and structural data were acquired in a 3T MR scanner. Cortical thickness, gyrification (using cat12 toolbox) and functional connectivity (using conn toolbox) results revealed presence of salience and motor networks in the VRT group, highlighting better recovery mechanism stimulated by virtual reality based training.
Functional plasticity development of visual-motor cortex in neonatal brain is modulated by postnatal experience
Authors: Shuai Yifan , Li Ruolin , Wu Yihan , Zhao Zhiyong , Wu Dan
Published: August 2024

The present study aimed to investigate how the brain entropy (BEN) changes with age during early development and whether it exists differences between term- and preterm-born neonates. The results found that the BEN in visual-motor cortex was positively correlated with PMA but had no significant correlation with GA, which showed an increase in preterm- than term-born neonates with matched PMA. Moreover, both age and preterm have a significant effect on the functional connectivity between visual-motor cortex and other regions. These findings suggest the functional plasticity development of visual-motor cortex is modulated by early postnatal experience in human neonates.
Individualised perioperative brain growth in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD): correlation with clinical risk factors
Authors: Cromb Daniel , Bonthrone Alexandra , Maggioni Alessandra , Cawley Paul , Dimitrova Ralica , Kelly Christopher , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , Carney Olivia , Egloff-Collado Alexia , Hughes Emer , Hajnal Joseph , Simpson John , Pushparajah Kuberan , Rutherford Mary , Edwards A , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Counsell Serena
Published: August 2024

Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairments, which may be associated with impaired brain growth. We mapped brain volumes from pre- and postoperative brain MRI in 36 infants with CHD undergoing cardiac surgery or intervention to normative curves derived from 219 healthy infants. Perioperative brain growth was impaired, and was associated with clinical and surgical risk factors, including higher preoperative serum creatinine levels, older postnatal age at surgery, longer cardiopulmonary bypass duration and longer postoperative intensive care stay. Brainstem and deep grey matter growth appear particularly vulnerable to clinical factors.
Tumor Tissue Segmentation for Seed-based Mapping of Peritumoral Resting-State Connectivity in Patients with Glioblastomas
Authors: Rosenberg Kevin , Posse Stefan
Published: August 2024

In this study, we developed a model-free seed selection approach using deep learning-based tumor tissue segmentation in combination with iterative subject-specific seed-optimization which improves the specificity of peri-tumoral seed selection. The methodology automates seed placement in the vicinity of the tumor in the zone that is at risk during surgical resection without relying on neurofunctional brain atlases. Evaluation of cortical eloquence in different tumor subregions, such as edematous and infiltrative regions was feasible using a single MRI contrast. This computationally efficient approach was integrated into a real-time resting-state fMRI analysis pipeline to characterize peri-tumoral connectivity in patients with glioblastomas.
Comparison of test–retest reliability of structural, resting state functional, and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hu Di , Lv Yanqiu , Zheng Dandan , Hu Geli , Sun Peng , Peng Yun
Published: August 2024

We measured imaging reproducibility in structural, resting state fMRI and diffusion tensor scans across different time points and scanners in healthy volunteers. First, we assessed structural imaging variability by calculating volume for seven subcortical structures. Second, we evaluated across-scanner and across-time reliability of rsfMRI by assessing temporal signal-to-noise ratio of five networks. Finally, we assessed variability in diffusion metrics across scanners and time points. Our results provide statistical validations for longitudinal work on multiple systems, especially for structural study. The influence of different equipment in rsfMRI and DTI related research may be considered, especially DMN and GCC analysis involved.
3D Multi-echo spiral acquisition with model-based reconstruction for fMRI
Authors: Yu Zidan , Rettenmeier Christoph , Stenger V. Andrew
Published: August 2024

Multi-echo fMRI is of current interest due to its potential for more accurate BOLD contrast with reduced artifacts. Furthermore, spiral trajectories are advantageous for fMRI because of high sampling efficiency. However, images are susceptible to blurring due to B0 inhomogeneity. In this study, we present a 3D multi-echo spiral sequence with a model-based reconstruction method that combines under sampled spiral data from different echoes for increased sampling efficiency and reduced B0 artifacts. Multi-echo and single-echo spiral fMRI data including T2* maps were acquired and compared at 3T demonstrating the method.
A Novel Approach to Estimate Whole-Brain Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation using Task-fMRI
Authors: Han Joo , Sprick Justin , Krishnamurthy Lisa , Song Serena , Krishnamurthy Venkatagiri
Published: August 2024

The limitation of estimating Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation (dCA) using Transcranial Doppler ultrasound is the lack of whole-brain estimation capabilities. In this study, the data acquisition of whole-brain task-fMRI scan during a novel Passive Cyclical Leg Raise (PCLR) task allows us to induce blood pressure (BP) changes. A surrogate BP signal was acquired from the brain stem and depicts expected fluctuations based on the PCLR-task design. The whole-brain dCA was estimated using voxel-wise TFA to obtain the transfer gain, coherence, and phase-offset. These results show similar significant brain regions but with distinct values based on the participant’s varying level of constitution.
Time-Dependent Diffusion MRI for the Breast to Differentiate between Benign and Malignant Lesions
Authors: Su Yun , Zhang Xiang , Hu Huijun , Yang Lingjie , Wang Yu , Zhao Chen , Wang Yishi
Published: August 2024

Defining the nature of benign and malignant breast tumors is essential to reduce unnecessary biopsies of benign tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging modality for evaluating breast carcinoma lesions, but its specificity is relatively low. This study investigated the significance of the parameters for the differential diagnosis of mammary mass using time-dependent diffusion MRI. Results showed significant cell size differences between benign and malignant space-occupying lesions, with high accuracy (85.7%), specificity (83.3%), sensitivity (87.5%) and AUC (0.823). This provides a new direction for noninvasively differentiating benign and malignant lesions of the mammary gland.
Comparison of ZOOMit DWI and Conventional DWI with the same geometric parameters at 3T in Patients with Breast Diseases
Authors: Kaiguo Zhu , Pingping Wang , Yanli Dang , Lifang Wang , Rumei Liu , Baoying Chen , wang shaoyu
Published: August 2024

DWI performs an important role in the diagnosis of the benign and malignant breast lesions. This study compared the overall image quality, SNR,CNR and the diagnostic performance of ADC values between ZOOMit DWI and conventional DWI in breast cancer with same geometric parameters. The result showed that ZOOMit DWI provided significantly higher image quality and lesion conspicuity than C-DWI with no difference diagnostic performance for ADC values and with almost the same scanning time, which can help to improve the diagnosis efficiency in breast cancer.
A Physiologically-Decomposed DWI machine-learning model improves prediction of response to NAC treatment in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Gilad Maya , Freiman Moti
Published: August 2024

Early prediction of pathological complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer plays a critical role in surgical planning and optimizing treatment strategies. Recently, machine and deep-learning based methods were suggested for early pCR prediction from multi-parametric MRI data with moderate success. We introduce PD-DWI, a physiologically-decomposed DWI machine-learning model to predict pCR from DWI and clinical data. Our model first decomposes the raw DWI data into the various physiological cues that are influencing the DWI signal and then uses the decomposed data, in addition to clinical variables, as the input features of a radiomics-based XGBoost model.
7T spin-echo dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI to assess cerebral microvascular perfusion
Authors: Elschot Elles , van den Kerkhof Marieke , van Oostenbrugge Robert , Kroon Abraham , Backes Walter , Jansen Jacobus
Published: August 2024

Ultra-high-field exploits the possibilities of MRI techniques, which are less sensitive at lower field strength, such as spin-echo (SE) perfusion MRI. We assessed the feasibility of SE dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI at 7T and investigated the ability to measure variations in perfusion in an elderly, partially hypertensive, population (n=36). Microvascular cerebral blood flow (CBF) was higher in grey matter compared to white matter, corresponding with biological expectations, serving as a first validation step. Furthermore, CBF significantly decreased with age.
Assessment of Splenic Switch-Off With Arterial Spin Labeling in Adenosine Perfusion Cardiac MRI
Authors: Aramendia-Vidaurreta Verónica , Solís-Barquero Sergio M. , Ezponda Ana , Vidorreta Marta , Echeverria-Chasco Rebeca , Pascual Marina , Bastarrika Gorka , Fernández-Seara María A.
Published: August 2024

Splenic switch-off, defined as the stress to rest splenic blood flow (SBF) attenuation in response to adenosine, is an indicator of stress adequacy. This study aims to explore the ability of pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) to identify splenic switch-off in patients with suspected CAD. In healthy subjects, multi-delay PCASL data were acquired to quantify SBF and determine the adequate postlabeling delay. In patients, single-delay PCASL and first-pass perfusion images were acquired under rest and adenosine conditions. This study could demonstrate the feasibility of PCASL to identify splenic switch-off during adenosine perfusion MRI.
APOE genotype-dependent sex differences in cortical hemodynamics measured with arterial spin labeling MRI
Authors: Damestani Nikou , Jacoby John , Rashid Barnaly , Lovely Allison , Yadav Shrikanth , Michael Aurea , Eshghi Marziye , Terpstra Melissa , Cruchaga Carlos , Salat David , Juttukonda Meher
Published: August 2024

Identifying biomarkers that could characterize typical from atypical aging is crucial for understanding the aging process. One of the most significant genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease, an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, is the presence of an apolipoprotein-E (APOE) ε4 allele. Here, we investigate the impact of APOE genotype on cortical hemodynamics in a large cohort of participants across the lifespan, accounting for interacting effects of age, sex, and cardiovascular risk. We found unique spatial patterns of cerebral blood flow and arterial transit time between males and females within distinct APOE genotypes, potentially indicating the presence of a complex interaction.
The ASL Challenge Reproduction Study: Replicating Findings from The OSIPI-ISMRM ASL MRI Challenge
Authors: Tham Channelle , Abdalle Ahmed , Woods Joseph , Dounavi Maria-Eleni , Pascoal Andre , Anazodo Udunna
Published: August 2024

While the recommendation for ASL acquisition is widely adopted to standardize quantification of cerebral blood flow (CBF), ASL analysis still produces wide variability in CBF estimates. The recent OSIPI-ISMRM ASL MRI Challenge highlighted how differences in image processing contribute to CBF variability. Here, we explored the replicability of ASL image processing approaches when used as documented to quantify CBF. The results of 5 of the 8 ASL Challenge teams were replicated and compared to their submitted results. The overall errors in global mean CBF were 0.03-5 times larger in the replicated results, demonstrating the need for ASL analysis standards.
Feasibility study of paraspinal muscle fat infiltration assessed by lumbar disc degeneration grade
Authors: Lan Jiujun , Wang Wei , Wei Xiaocheng , Chen Junrong
Published: August 2024

Previous study found that low back pain (LBP) and Modic changes were closely associated with fatty infiltration and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the paraspinal muscles. However, conflicting evidences were reported. This study investigated the association between intervertebral discs degeneration and lumbar paraspinal muscles CSA and fat infiltration, and explored the relationship between Modic change and intervertebral discs degeneration. Our results found that lumbar disc’s Pfirrmann grading was weakly correlated with CSA of multifidus, fat fraction of multifidus and erector spinae, and the incidence rate of Modic changes increased in higher Pfirrmann grading.
Deep learning system for automated detection of posterior ligamentous complex injury in patients with thoracolumbar fracture on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jo Sang Won , Khil Eun Kyung , Lee Seun Ah , Lim Jihe , Lee Jae Hyeok , Yoon Yu Sung
Published: August 2024

This study was aimed to develop a deep learning algorithm for automated detection and localization of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury on magnetic resonance imaging and evaluate its diagnostic performance. The sensitivity, the specificity and AUC of inception-ResNet V2 architecture of second step were 88%, 82% and 0.928, for the internal test set and 86%, 74% and 0.916 for the external test set, respectively. A deep learning algorithm detected PLC injury in patients with thoracolumbar fracture with a high diagnostic performance which was validated using external data set.
Free water alterations of deep gray matters over 1-2 years in small vessel disease
Authors: Sun Yawen , Wei Hongjiang , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2024

This study was to evaluate the neuroinflammation-related characteristics of the deep gray matter using free-water mapping in small vessel disease over 1-2 years.﻿Our results support the presence of elevated free water at the preclinical stage of small vessel disease, which remains persistent during the early course of the illness. The free water values changes might be the biomarkers for the mechanism of cognitive decline in the evolution of small vessel disease.
Microstructural alterations in gray and white matter integrity in migraine with aura
Authors: Gaudet Kyla , Eskandarian Laleh , Li Melanie , Huang Susie , Eikermann-Haerter Katharina
Published: August 2024

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders. Thirty percent of migraine patients develop transient neurological symptoms, the so-called migraine aura. Migraineurs, particularly those with aura, show an increased incidence of white matter lesions (WML). To improve our understanding of WML in migraineurs, we utilized Soma and Neurite Density Image (SANDI) as an advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging signal model to assess in-vivo microstructure of gray matter and white matter. We found evidence for occult changes in microstructural gray and white matter integrity that point to a common underlying mechanism driving cellular inflammation and neuronal injury in migraine.
Longitudinal quantitative MRI changes in normal-appearing brain tissue of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cagol Alessandro , Ocampo-Pineda Mario , Melie-Garcia Lester , Lu Po-Jui , Barakovic Muhamed , Weigel Matthias , Chen Xinjie , Lutti Antoine , Nguyen Thanh , Wang Yi , Kuhle Jens , Kappos Ludwig , Granziera Cristina
Published: August 2024

We explored the value of multiple longitudinal quantitative MRI (qMRI) measures in detecting microstructural changes occurring in normal-appearing tissue of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). While no differences in qMRI longitudinal changes were measured between PwMS and healthy controls, progressive PwMS showed accelerated T1-relaxometry increase in normal-appearing tissue with respect to both healthy controls and relapsing-remitting PwMS, reflecting increased micro/macrostructural damage. In PwMS the rates of qMRI changes during follow-up were associated with the severity of clinical disability, with higher neurological impairment being associated with qMRI changes reflecting accelerated micro/macrostructural damage, demyelination, and axon/dendrite loss.
Cortical thickness and white matter integrity abnormalities in dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Authors: Zou Mengsha , Zhu Hongzhang , Wu Yunzhu , Yang Zhiyun
Published: August 2024

A pilot study to examine the structural MRI features of patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) as compared to normal controls, and correlate pathologic MRI changes to clinical symptoms of the disease. DON patients show reduced cortical volume in precuneus and occipital pole, decrease area in precuneus and precentral gyrus, and widespread decreased FA value, mainly in genu of corpus callosuma and body of corpus callosum. Meanwhile, the FA of was associated with visual acuity. Our study provides a new insight of pathological mechanism of DON.
Microstructural neuroimaging using spherical convolutional neural networks
Authors: Kerkelä Leevi , Seunarine Kiran , Szczepankiewicz Filip , Clark Chris
Published: August 2024

We present a novel framework for estimating microstructural parameters of compartment models using recently developed orientationally invariant spherical convolutional neural networks and efficiently simulated training data. The networks were trained to predict the ground-truth parameter values from simulated noisy data and applied on imaging data acquired in a clinical setting to generate microstructural maps. Our network could estimate model parameters more accurately than conventional non-linear least squares or a multi-layer perceptron applied on powder-averaged data (i.e., the spherical mean technique).
Episodic menstrual migraine patients exhibit white matter microstructural
changes compared to hormonal controls
Authors: Fouto Ana R , Nunes Rita G , Guadilla Irene , Ruiz-Tagle Amparo , Esteves Inês , Caetano Gina , Silva Nuno A , Vilela Pedro , Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Figueiredo Patrícia
Published: August 2024

Migraine is one of the most prevalent brain disorders worldwide. Although features extracted from diffusion MRI have been suggested to hold potential as disease biomarkers, research outputs remain inconsistent across studies. We investigated voxelwise microstructural alterations in episodic menstrual migraine patients (interictal phase) and appropriate hormonal controls (post-ovulation) by comparing diffusion-tensor and diffusion-kurtosis imaging metrics. Moreover, we extracted histogram measures (median, peak height, width, and value for each metric); and we evaluated their relationship with clinical factors (disease duration, attack frequency and pain intensity). Several metrics revealed significant differences between groups, indicating that they may be potential disease biomarkers.
Remodeling of White Matter Caused by Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Gonzalez-Zacarias Clio , Choi SoYoung , Joshi Anand , Leahy Richard , Wood John
Published: August 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by the presence of different degrees (mild, moderate, or severe) of chronic anemia (quantified by hemoglobin values). Alterations in WM were assessed by performing a voxel-wise analysis in the fractional anisotropy (FA, i.e., overall directionality of water diffusion), mean diffusivity (MD) and their kurtosis analogous (FAK and MK) maps. Surprisingly, when controlling for log-age, sex and hemoglobin, MK showed bigger derangements in the watershed areas than other measurements like FA and FAK despite of controlling for Hb measurements.
Quantitative synthetic MRI reveals white matter alterations in patients with beta-thalassemia
Authors: Deng Xi , Bu Meiru , Wu Meiqing , Cui Wei , Qian Long , Zeng Zisan , Jiang Muliang
Published: August 2024

Beta-thalassemia (β-TM) is a genetically haematological disorder leading to reduced production of hemoglobin. Yet its alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure remain unclear. The present study aimed to analyze quantitative MRI parameters of WM in β-TM patients using synthetic MRI. The results showed that T1, T2 and T1/T2 ratio of widespread WM areas were affected by β-TM, which may be related to iron deposition and decrease of myelin concentration. Thus, we concluded that WM alterations in β-TM patients can be revealed by quantitative MRI parameters.
CADASIL mice are characterized by simultaneous metabolic and vascular stress
Authors: Wei Zhiliang , Li Yuguo , Chen Lin , Liu Hongshuai , Yao Minmin , Xu Jiadi , Louvi Angeliki , Duan Wenzhen , Lu Hanzhang
Published: August 2024

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is the second leading cause of dementia and is often mixed with other pathologies. Related mouse models with relatively pure vascular pathologies are used for mechanistic studies or therapeutic trials. CADASIL (Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) is a monogenic condition causing lacunar strokes and vascular dementia. Using the established mouse model of CADASIL, we aimed to investigate potential microvascular dysfunctions with advanced non-contrast MRI techniques. We found that CADASIL mice displayed elevated oxygen consumption and impaired cerebrovascular reactivity, suggesting simultaneous metabolic and vascular stress.
Functional and Structural Connectivity in the TgF344-AD Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease using rs-fMRI & DTI at 21.1 T
Authors: Radovich Jenna , Ogg Jordan , Baty Zachary , Wilber Aaron , Grant Samuel
Published: August 2024

A hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is spatial disorientation, such as getting lost in new locations. A potential cause is disrupted exchange between egocentric and allocentric reference frames, in which the parietal and retrosplenial cortex have roles. This study aimed to examine rs-fMRI and DTI in relationship with coordination between reference frames in a transgenic AD rat model. Behavioral and DTI data suggest that both age and genotype lead to declines in action-orientation performance with alterations appearing at 5 mon, and at 6 mon structurally with profound changes developing longitudinally across multiple ROI.
Cascade of Perfusion and Brain Atrophy in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhou Tony , Zhang Zongpai , Balachandrasekaran Arvind , Raji Cyrus , Becker James , Kuller Lewis , Ge Yulin , Lopez Oscar , Dai Weiying , Gach H. Michael
Published: August 2024

We conducted a longitudinal study to determine if reduced temporoparietal and frontal cerebral blood flow (CBF) in elderly population leads to reduced gray matter volumes (GMVs) in the temporal lobe, or vice versa. We observed smaller GMVs in the temporal pole (TP) region in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. We also found associations of: (1) the TP GMVs with subsequent temporoparietal CBF declines; (2) the TP CBF with its own subsequent GMV changes; and (3) the hippocampal GMVs with longitudinal frontal CBF declines. Hypoperfusion in the temporal lobe may be an early event driving atrophy, followed by temporoparietal and frontal hypoperfusion.
Microstructure of the Fornix Correlates with Cognitive Status in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sakaie Ken , Koenig Katherine , Lin Jian , Lerner Alan , Leverenz James , Lowe Mark
Published: August 2024

Imaging measures of tissue microstructure of the fornix are are potential biomarkers for cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, partial volume averaging (PVA) between the fornix and cerobrospinal fluid can be substantial. As a result, measured changes may reflect atrophy, not changes in tissue microstructure. Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Direction Imaging and Free Water Elimination diffusion tensor imaging account for PVA. We present results from a cohort of AD patients, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitively normal (CN) subjects, showing that NODDI and DTI measures correlate with specific scores cognitive status.
Personalized fingerprint of neurodegenerative phenotypes using model-based simulations of brain networks
Authors: Monteverdi Anita , Palesi Fulvia , Schirner Michael , Argentino Francesca , Merante Mariateresa , Redolfi Alberto , Conca Francesca , Mazzocchi Laura , Ramusino Matteo Cotta , Costa Alfredo , Pichiecchio Anna , Farina Lisa , Cappa Stefano , Jirsa Viktor , Ritter Petra , Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia Gandini , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: August 2024

This work provides the first personalized and non-invasive assessment of resting-state networks connectivity and excitatory/inhibitory balance in health and in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal Dementia). Multiple networks were characterized at single-subject level performing brain dynamics simulations with The Virtual Brain (TVB). TVB-derived parameters identified specific network properties (at single network and inter-network level) and their disruption in neurodegeneration, underlined the relationship between neurophysiology and neuropsychology, and outlined a personalized fingerprint sensitive to clinical severity. This model-based simulation of brain networks functional dynamics lay the groundwork for customized biomarkers research and defines new trajectories for designing novel tailored interventional workflows.
7T GRE Enables Detection of Subiculum Iron Deposits in AD
Authors: Carlson Mackenzie , DiGiacomo Phillip , Burns Brian , Mouchawar Nicole , Maclaren Julian , Aksoy Murat , Spincemaille Pascal , Dimov Alexey , Wang Yi , Rutt Brian , Zeineh Michael
Published: August 2024

Abnormal accumulation of iron has been found in the subiculum of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients postmortem. This motivated us to push MRI resolution to observe iron accumulation in vivo in AD patients. Using optical prospective motion correction to enable higher resolution at 7T, we imaged 4 healthy controls, 3 mild cognitive impairment, and 1 Alzheimer’s Disease patient with a 60-minute research brain MRI protocol. Hippocampal iron deposits were detected by a neuroradiologist aware of diagnosis in 2 out of 4 MCI/AD subjects despite that mean R2* quantification in the subiculum was not significantly different between healthy control and MCI/AD subjects.
Exploring Tensor Decomposition as an Alternative to ICA for Denoising Multi-Echo fMRI data
Authors: Uruñuela Eneko , Veganzones Miguel Ánguel , Caballero-Gaudes César
Published: August 2024

Denoising of the blood oxygen level-dependent signal is critical for the study of brain dynamics with functional MRI data. However, disentangling neurobiological signals from non-neurobiological ones such as head motion-related artifacts, and cardiac-related and respiration-related fluctuations. Multi-echo ICA approaches are often used to denoise the data by exploiting the echo-time dependence of the BOLD signal. Nevertheless, these rely on the optimally combined data and do not employ the information contained in the different echo-time signals. Here, we explore the potential of tensor decomposition techniques, which can simultaneously consider all the information available, as a way to process multi-echo fMRI data.
Global signal regression improves model performance of connectome-based predictive modeling
Authors: Shi Dafa , Zhang Haoran , Wang Guangsong , Ren Ke
Published: August 2024

Physiologic significance of the global signal and the use (or omission) global signal regression (GSR) in fMRI data preprocessing remain controversial. Connectome-based predictive modeling(CPM) is one of the most commonly used machine-learning models. The effect of GSR on the performance of the CPM model is not well understood. We performed two preprocessing procedures for fMRI data: GSR and without GSR, and we used different brain atlases to construct CPM models to predict age, full-scale, performance and verbal IQ. We found that GSR can improve the predictive performance of CPM, at least for age, full-scale, performance and verbal IQ .
Characterization of cortical reorganization in persons with chronic spinal cord injury using mesoscale graph measures
Authors: Farahani Farzad , Sadowsky Cristina , Pekar James , Lindquist Martin , Choe Ann
Published: August 2024

Cortical plasticity contributes to neurological recovery in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and can be studied using resting-state fMRI. Global graph measures offer insufficient detail to investigate local changes. Here, we investigated whether mesoscale graph measures provide additional insight. Changes in sensorimotor, visual, and ventral attention networks were revealed. Notably, decreased communication between lower body SMN with the rest of the functional networks across the brain and increased communication within the upper body SMN were observed. This suggests a potential for the mesoscale graph measures' utility in understanding the complex brain functional reorganizations in persons with chronic SCI.
Multimodal neuroimaging data reveal intelligence-specific neurobiological correlates
Authors: Shi Dafa , Zhang Haoran , Wang Guangsong , Ren Ke
Published: August 2024

We used Brainnetome 246 atlas to construct FC matrices and extract image features from ALFF, DC, ReHo and VMHC maps. The classical CPM method using FC data and the combination model using multimodal data were constructed to predict FIQ scores. We found the combination model outperformed either classical models. Similar results were found with the Shen 268 atlas. The functional networks and regions related to intelligence mainly included intrafrontal, frontoparietal, frontotemporal and temporoparietal networks. The models constructed with the intelligence-related networks and regions could predict PIQ, VIQ, and CRT scores well, but not BDI, SAT, and TAT scores.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Simulations for Ultra-low-field (<0.1 T) MRI Systems
Authors: Parsa Javad , Webb Andrew
Published: August 2024

Simulations of the magnetic and electric fields produced by RF coil commonly used at ultra-low field systems (from 0.05 to 0.1 tesla) have been performed. The highest SAR locations is present in tissues such as the nose and skull that are closest to the coil. Based on these simulations, the specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiency can be derived to ensure safe operation on point-of-care (POC) MRI systems.
Relaxing exclusion criteria for human subjects in the UHF cardiac MRI with 8Tx/16Rx cardiac array using the SAR analysis for conductive implants.
Authors: Terekhov Maxim , Elabyad Ibrahim , Lohr David , Schreiber Laura
Published: August 2024

The incomplete consensus regarding SAR safety in ultra-high-field MRI leads to a large variety of exclusion criteria for volunteer cohorts in the different centers, especially regarding the acceptance of conductive implants. Therefore, SAR analysis of new commercial transceiver arrays contributes to supplying local IRBs with information regarding the safety of human subjects. This study aimed to analyze SAR for a prototype of a new 8Tx/16Rx array for 7T cardiac MRI. The main goal was to analyze the array safety for human subjects with a different type of passive implant located outside of the array borders.