bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between mean apparent propagator MRI and cerebrospinal fluid markers of AD pathology, neurodegeneration, and glial activation, in cognitively unimpaired adults
Authors: Moody Jason F. , Dean Douglas C. , Kecskemeti Steven R. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Johnson Sterling C. , Alexander Andrew L. , Bendlin Barbara B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have reported correlations between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and cerebrospinal (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. However, the assumption of Gaussian diffusion in DTI limits the ability to characterize white matter (WM) microstructural changes. Mean apparent propagator (MAP) MRI is a model that attempts to overcome this limitation by allowing for the estimation of parameters that convey more precise information about WM microstructure.To investigate MAP MRI’s sensitivity to early WM degeneration associated with preclinical, asymptomatic AD pathology, we examined the relationship between CSF biomarkers and MAP MRI microstructural parameters in 92 cognitively unimpaired adults.Method92 cognitively unimpaired controls from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention and the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center were imaged with multi‐shell diffusion‐weighted MRI. DTI metrics (FA, MD, RD, AxD) were computed and the MAP MRI model was employed to calculate various microstructural parameters: Return to origin probability (RTOP), return to axis probability (RTAP), return to plane probability (RTPP), mean squared displacement (MSD), Non‐Gaussianity (NG), and q‐space inverse variance (QIV). DTI and MAP parameter values were extracted from the cingulum and correlated to Aβ42, P‐Tau, P‐Tau/Aβ42, YKL‐40, and neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels in lumbar cerebrospinal fluid samples.ResultMAP parameters were moderately and significantly correlated to most CSF measures. RTPP was significantly correlated to all 5 CSF measures, while MSD, NG, and QIV were significantly correlated to 4 of 5 CSF measures. NFL, a known marker for axonal degeneration, was significantly related to 5 of the 6 MAP parameters assessed. Meanwhile, correlations between DTI and CSF measures were weak and non‐significant.ConclusionThese preliminary results highlight the potential of MAP MRI to detect early WM deterioration indicative of preclinical, asymptomatic AD and associated neurodegeneration. MAP metrics extracted from a commonly affected WM tract in AD were more strongly and significantly correlated with CSF measures than DTI metrics were, suggesting that MAP MRI may be more useful than DTI for identifying the earliest WM microstructural changes associated with AD. Future work will incorporate longitudinal data and assess the effects of CSF and molecular imaging markers on MAP age trajectories.
The Mediterranean diet and physical activity: A cross‐sectional analysis of the Maintain Your Brain randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ghacham Ali , Noble Yian , Rangel Carolina Almendrales , Mavros Yorgi , Radd‐Vagenas Sue , Sabeti Neda , Heffernan Megan , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder S , Lautenschlager Nicola T , Singh Maria A Fiatarone , O'Leary Fiona 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDementia has no pharmacological cure. Therefore, lifestyle interventions targeting modifiable risk factors to reduce cognitive decline are of interest. This study examines the cross‐sectional relationships between two potentially protective behaviours: Mediterranean diet (MediDiet) adherence and physical activity (PA).MethodParticipants were recruited from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study into the Maintain Your Brain trial. MediDiet adherence was assessed using the validated Mediterranean Diet and Culinary Index (MediCul) tool. The 50‐item tool consists of 17 sub‐categories focusing on key aspects of the MediDiet. Leisure time PA was assessed by a standard questionnaire and intensity was quantified using the BORG Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, modified for strength and aerobic activities. Associations between the MediDiet and PA were investigated using hierarchical linear regression and analysis of covariance.Result6236 participants [55‐77 years; mean (SD)=65.0 (5.8)] completed baseline assessments and were included. Mean (SD) MediCul score was 53.2 (13.0)/100), indicating low adherence to the MediDiet. Only 5% of participants achieved a score consistent with better cognitive outcomes in The PREDIMED study. Almost one‐half of participants (48.4%) met aerobic PA (150 min/week) but less than one‐quarter (24.2%) met resistance training (RT) recommendations (2 days/week). Unadjusted MediCul score explained a small but significant amount of the variance for light (1.0%) and moderate‐vigorous (MV) (3.1%) PA, both p<0.001. For light PA, the final model, including MediCul, age, sex, BMI, CAGE (alcohol use) score and diabetes explained 2.8% of the variance. For MV PA, the final model including MediCul, age, sex, BMI, CAGE, depression, diabetes and education explained 10.9% of the variance. A 10‐point higher MediCul score was associated with an additional 3.3 seconds of light PA/wk and additional 7.5 seconds of MV aerobic PA/wk (both p<0.001). Additionally, MediCul score was significantly higher in participants engaging in 2+days/wk of RT compared to 1 or fewer days/wk (56.6/100 vs. 52.2/100, respectively; p<0.001).ConclusionBoth aerobic and RT PA are significantly but weakly associated with better diet, but the clinical meaningfulness, as well as any causal nature, of these relationships requires further exploration. The outcomes of the MYB trial will contribute substantively to this question.
The predictive factors of dementia conversion in amyloid‐negative amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Ji , Lee Jae‐Hong , Jo Sungyang , Lee Sunju 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAround 15–20% of patients with clinically probable Alzheimer’s disease have been found to have no significant Alzheimer’s pathology on amyloid PET. A previous study shows that conversion to dementia from amyloid‐negative mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was observed in up to 11% of patients, drawing attention to this condition. We gathered the detailed neuropsychological and neuroimaging data of this population to elucidate factors for conversion to dementia from amyloid‐negative amnestic MCI.MethodThis study was a retrospective cohort study of patients over the age 50 with amyloid‐negative amnestic MCI who visited the memory clinic of Asan Medical Center with no less than a 36 months follow‐up period. All subjects underwent detailed neuropsychologic tests, three tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans including 3‐dimensional T1 imaging, and fluorine‐18[F18]‐florbetaben amyloid PET scans.ResultDuring the 36 months of follow‐up, 39 of 107 (36.4%) patients converted to dementia from amnestic MCI. The volumetric analysis revealed that the converter group had significantly reduced total hippocampal volume on the right side, gray matter volume in the right lateral temporal, lingual gyri, and occipital pole. In terms of cerebellar gray matter (GM) volumetric analysis, reduced Crus I/II volume adjusted with total intracranial volume (TIV) and age was observed in the converter group. The converter group had also more severe impairments in all visual memory tasks.ConclusionOur study showed that the reduced gray matter volume related to visual memory processing in the cerebrum and Significant cerebellar GM atrophy involving the bilateral Crus I/II may predict the clinical progression in this amyloid‐negative MCI population.
Cortical remodeling across the lifespan in healthy brain reveals structural network vulnerability to neurodegeneration
Authors: Agosta Federica , Basaia Silvia , Cividini Camilla , Spinelli Edoardo Gioele , Castelnovo Veronica , Leocadi Michela , Calderaro Davide , Magno Maria Antonietta , Canu Elisa , Filippi Massimo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAging is the main risk factor for most of the neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate typical cortical thinning changes across lifespan in the healthy brain revealing structural network vulnerability to neurodegeneration.MethodThe cohort included 128 healthy individuals aged 20‐85 years that underwent an MRI scan. Structural T1‐weighted images were used to estimate vertex‐wise cortical thickness maps, then grouped into 83 regions. For each region, cortical thickness trajectory with advancing age was estimated, including sex as covariate. Additionally, all regions were ranked based on their relative thickness at the end of the observed lifetime, assessing regional changes over time. Finally, regional mean thickness was correlated with relative change over time.ResultThe highest cortical thinning was observed in the temporal lobe (parahippocampal, entorhinal, superior and middle temporal and fusiform), in the frontal lobe (lateral orbitofrontal, superior and inferior frontal and rostral anterior cingulate), in the parietal lobe (the isthmus of cingulate, precuneus, supramarginal and inferior parietal) and in the insular cortex. Interestingly, occipital regions (cuneus, lateral occipital, lingual, pericalcarine), and motor and premotor areas (precentral, postcentral and paracentral regions) showed the least cortical thickness change relative to the whole brain. Finally, positive correlation was found between mean regional thickness and its relative change over time.ConclusionThis study highlights structural vulnerability of brain regions to aging. Furthermore, results provide information concerning trajectories of normal brain aging, identifying those areas that might be more vulnerable to the attack of neurodegeneration. Supported by: European Research Council (StG‐2016_714388_NeuroTRACK).
Baseline associations of cardiometabolic risk factors, executive function, and white matter microstructure in the DIRECT‐PLUS trial
Authors: Kaplan Alon , Beyer Frauke , Witte A. Veronica , Shai Iris 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCardiometabolic risk factors including mid‐life obesity, diabetes and hypertension are associated with accelerated cognitive decline, e.g. in executive function, and brain aging, e.g. alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure [1].Method290 participants (34 females, mean age= 49 y (30 – 79 y) of the DIRECT‐PLUS trial (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03020186, [2]) participated in diffusion‐weighted imaging on a 3T Philips. Tract‐based spatial statistics provided hemisphere‐averaged fractional anisotropy (FA) of 9 fiber tracts (genu/body of corpus callosum, body and crus of fornix, (hippocampal) cingulum, inferior/superior longitudinal fasciculus (i/sLF) and uncinate fasciculus. We tested the association of age, sex, five risk factors (body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycated hemoglobin, high and low‐density lipoprotein), four measures of executive function from the brief executive function battery and average FA of these WM tracts with correlations and linear regression models, adjusting for age and sex, in R version 3.6.1, corrected for multiple testing using false discovery rate (FDR).ResultAge was associated with lower FA in the cingulum (r=‐0.56, p<0.001), uncinate fasciculus (r=‐0.51, p<0.001), hippocampus cingulum (r=‐0.39, p<0.001), iLF (‐0.19, p=0.001) and sLF (r=‐0.18, p=0.001). FA in the fornix, hippocampus cingulum and iLF were higher in men as compared to women (p<0.05 for all). Among cardiometabolic risk factors, higher BMI was associated with significantly lower FA in iILF (β = ‐0.002, p=0.0009, padj=0.035), and higher SBP was associated with lower FA in uncinate fasciculus (β= ‐0.0006, p=0.0012, padj=0.035)None of the executive function measures was significantly related to FA of WM tracts after adjusting for age and sex and controlling for FDR.ConclusionOur findings corroborate previous findings of the adverse impacts of cardiometabolic risk on WM microstructure. Upcoming longitudinal investigations in this dataset will show whether improved cardiometabolic function, induced by a dietary intervention, will modify the trajectories of WM microstructure and cognitive performance. Figure 1: Higher BMI and higher SBP were significantly associated with lower FA in two major WM tracts (blue: ILF, green: uncinate fasciculus)[1] Wassenaar, TM., et al. NBA (2019) [2] Tsaban, G, et al. Heart (2020).
Effects of cognitive training on memory in SCD and MCI participants: Preliminary results of a single‐blind RCT comparing a web‐based application and a narrative videogame
Authors: Nieto‐Vieites Ana , Pérez‐Blanco Lucía , Mallo Sabela C. , Campos‐Magdaleno Maria , Felpete Alba , Lojo‐Seoane Cristina , Cid‐Fernández Susana , Juncos‐Rabadán Onésimo , Pereiro Arturo X 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCognitive training has been found to be effective in preventing and delaying cognitive decline in MCI and early dementia, and gains could be enhanced with transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS). Cognitive‐training applications (app) allow remote interventions, optimize the cost‐benefit ratio, and a continuous monitoring. Most of apps are web‐based applications but specific narrative cognitive‐training video‐games are scarce. Our RCT aims to compare memory changes after training using a web‐based app (i.e., NeuronUp) and a narrative video‐game (i.e., ‘Following the traces of time’) combining with tDCS or Sham (placebo).MethodFifty‐three participants with SCDs and MCI were randomized assigned to the five experimental groups (i.e., Active‐control=11; NeuronUP‐tDCS=14; NeuronUP‐Sham=9; Videogame‐tDCS=9; Videogame‐Sham=10). NeuronUP groups sequentially performed 24 computerized activities (in 8 activities/session cycles) with increasing in complexity according actual performance. Videogame groups resolved puzzles with three difficulty levels integrated into a meaningful narrative plot allowing them to advance in the story. NeuronUP and Videogame mainly implemented memory and executive function training. The active‐control group attended specific classes for older people (i.e., computing and mildfulness/philosophy). All interventions extended along 20 hours (5 weekly sessions of 120 min for 2 weeks) and participants simultaneously received 20’ of tDCS/Sham in the last 6 sessions.Pre‐Post assessments were accomplished to tests changes in measures of immediate verbal recall (Lists A and B of the RAVLT), and prospective memory (Forms 1 and 2 of the Event‐Related Task; MPMT).ResultsRepeat measures ANOVA showed that Immediate recall (Figure 1) significantly improved in post‐intervention, F(1,48)=12.56, p=.001, ηp2
=.207, but Group*Measurement interaction was not significant. Group factor differences only pointed out significant improvement in the tDCS‐NeuronUP group compared to the Sham‐Videogame group.Prospective memory (Figure 2) also showed improvement in post‐intervention, F(1,48)=12.79, p=.001, ηp2
=.210, but neither main Group effect or Group*Measurement interaction achieved significance.ConclusionsTrends showed significant memory improvements particularly in NeuronUP‐groups. tDCS seems to take some responsibility in the improvement mainly in the videogame‐group. The intensity of training and automatic difficulty adjustment associated with the NeuronUP app, along with the enhancing effect of tDCS, appear to be responsible for further improving memory.
FANTASTIC‐D: A lifestyle questionnaire for people with dementia living at home
Authors: Schüssler Sandra , Zuschnegg Julia , Schatz Manuela , Russegger Silvia , Paletta Lucas , Draxler Sandra , Koini Marisa , Steiner Josef , Zweytik Elke , Ploder Karin , Strobl Bernhard , Hofmarcher‐Holzhacker Maria 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe neglect of certain lifestyle factors entails a risk for negative outcomes (e.g., reduced quality of life, cardiovascular diseases, increased mortality) for people with dementia. Internationally, short overview instruments for identifying lifestyle risk factors in people with dementia to positively influence the course of the disease are lacking. The FANTASTIC questionnaire, originally developed in Canada, provides a short but comprehensive assessment of physical and psychosocial lifestyle risk factors. The aim of this study was to translate the FANTASTIC lifestyle questionnaire into German, to adapt it for people with dementia and to pretest the questionnaire regarding completeness, comprehensibility and face validity.MethodIn accordance with the principles of the ISPOR society, the literature and expert knowledge, the FANTASTIC questionnaire was forward‐backward‐translated, adapted to people with dementia and checked by means of two pre‐tests (expert review, cognitive interviews). Three experts participated in the expert review (including three members of the research team) and gave feedback on the retranslated questionnaire, ensuring face validity. Cognitive individual interviews were then conducted with five people with mild dementia living at home. A qualitative content analysis was performed using a concept‐driven coding frame.ResultEvaluation of the expert review resulted in the following changes: usage of question words, addition of synonyms/examples for better understanding, development of a new dementia‐specific domain, and creation of answer cards (A4 landscape format) to make data collection easier for people with dementia. Analysis of cognitive interviews showed that people with dementia had problems with certain terms in the questions (e.g., emotional support), and with individual answer options (e.g., not weekly). The incomprehensible terms were either replaced by more understandable synonyms (e.g., "mental support" instead of "emotional support") or were explained with additional synonyms/examples in brackets after the questions. Unclear answer options were made more explicit (e.g., "1‐3 times per month" instead of "not weekly"). Furthermore, an interviewer manual was developed.ConclusionThe FANTASTIC‐D is now available to assess lifestyle risk factors for German‐speaking people with dementia living at home. The next step in the study will be to test further psychometric properties and to establish the English version of FANTASTIC‐D.
Thalamic abnormalities in older adults with early‐onset depression using structural magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Espinosa Nicole , Duffy Shantel L , LaMonica Haley , Mowszowski Loren , Hickie Ian B , Palmer Jake R , McKinnon Andrew C , Naismith Sharon L 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe thalamus is a key diencephalic structure involved in major depressive disorder (MDD). In particular, studies have consistently revealed abnormalities in thalamic volumes in older adults with late‐onset depression (LOD). However, similar abnormalities in older adults with early‐onset depression (EOD) have not been well studied.MethodFifty‐nine euthymic participants with a history of EOD and fifty‐nine matched comparison participants without a lifetime history of depression underwent neuroimaging, medical and neuropsychological assessments. Thalamic volumes were compared between groups. Due to the right hemispheric (RH) dominance theory of MDD, we explored both bilateral and right hemispheric thalamic volumes. Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate between‐group and within‐group effects. A correlational analysis examined associations between group and cognitive performance.ResultRelative to the comparison group, those with EOD had significantly larger bilateral and RH thalamic volumes. Those with EOD, those who were younger, and those who had fewer years of education, demonstrated larger bilateral thalamic volumes. When split by group (EOD vs comparison group), only age remained significantly different for those with EOD. For RH volumes, those with EOD and those who were younger demonstrated larger RH thalamic volumes. When split by group, the results showed that age only was significant for both groups. No significant correlations were found between cognitive performance and EOD groups.ConclusionOlder adults with a history of EOD showed significantly larger bilateral and RH thalamic volumes. Further research is needed to further elucidate the underlying mechanism of this change.
Stepwise connectivity paves the way to reveal functional network vulnerability in age‐related neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Basaia Silvia , Agosta Federica , Cividini Camilla , Spinelli Edoardo Gioele , Castelnovo Veronica , Leocadi Michela , Calderaro Davide , Canu Elisa , Filippi Massimo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAgeing is the main risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases and results in complex transformations of the human brain function. The aim of this study was to investigate how topological organization of the brain connectome changes with age using resting‐state functional MRI and stepwise functional connectivity (SFC) analyses.Method138 controls were recruited and divided into two groups according to age: 55 young (20‐30 years [YC]) and 83 old (41‐84 years [OC]). SFC analysis aims to characterize regions that connect to specific seed brain areas at different levels of link‐step distances. Eight well‐known hubs of the human connectome were selected as seeds: middle frontal gyrus, rostral anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, inferior parietal, middle temporal and lingual gyri and pericalcarine cortex. Whole‐brain two‐sample t‐test comparisons between groups were performed.ResultAt one‐link step distance, in OC, all the seed regions displayed decreased regional–local functional connectivity with superior frontal and medial orbital frontal gyri, rostral anterior and isthmus cingulate cortex, precuneus and middle and inferior temporal gyri relative to YC; across intermediate link‐steps, a reduced connectivity was observed between all seed regions and frontal‐parietal lobes. By contrast, at the first link‐step distance, YC showed lower connectivity only between few seed regions and precentral, paracentral and lateral occipital gyri compared to OC. At intermediate link‐step distances, increased connectivity with sensorimotor regions was found in OC relative to YC.ConclusionSFC approach might have important implication providing a starting point for evaluating network disruptions in age‐related neurodegenerative disorders. European Research Council (StG‐2016_714388_NeuroTRACK).