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Porcaro C, Diciotti S, Madan CR, Marzi C. Editorial: Methods and application in fractal analysis of neuroimaging data. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1453284. [PMID: 39050380 PMCID: PMC11266171 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1453284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Porcaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies—National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Human Brain Health and School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” – DEI, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
- Alma Mater Research Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Marzi
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science and Applications “Giuseppe Parenti,” University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Marzi C, Giannelli M, Barucci A, Tessa C, Mascalchi M, Diciotti S. Efficacy of MRI data harmonization in the age of machine learning: a multicenter study across 36 datasets. Sci Data 2024; 11:115. [PMID: 38263181 PMCID: PMC10805868 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pooling publicly-available MRI data from multiple sites allows to assemble extensive groups of subjects, increase statistical power, and promote data reuse with machine learning techniques. The harmonization of multicenter data is necessary to reduce the confounding effect associated with non-biological sources of variability in the data. However, when applied to the entire dataset before machine learning, the harmonization leads to data leakage, because information outside the training set may affect model building, and potentially falsely overestimate performance. We propose a 1) measurement of the efficacy of data harmonization; 2) harmonizer transformer, i.e., an implementation of the ComBat harmonization allowing its encapsulation among the preprocessing steps of a machine learning pipeline, avoiding data leakage by design. We tested these tools using brain T1-weighted MRI data from 1740 healthy subjects acquired at 36 sites. After harmonization, the site effect was removed or reduced, and we showed the data leakage effect in predicting individual age from MRI data, highlighting that introducing the harmonizer transformer into a machine learning pipeline allows for avoiding data leakage by design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Marzi
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science and Applications "Giuseppe Parenti", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
- "Nello Carrara" Institute of Applied Physics (IFAC), National Research Council (CNR), 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Giannelli
- Unit of Medical Physics, Pisa University Hospital "Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana", 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Barucci
- "Nello Carrara" Institute of Applied Physics (IFAC), National Research Council (CNR), 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Tessa
- Radiology Unit Apuane e Lunigiana, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 54100, Massa, Italy
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Study, Prevention and netwoRk in Oncology (ISPRO), 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" - DEI, University of Bologna, 47522, Cesena, Italy.
- Alma Mater Research Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, University of Bologna, 40121, Bologna, Italy.
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Karperien AL, Jelinek HF. Morphology and Fractal-Based Classifications of Neurons and Microglia in Two and Three Dimensions. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 36:149-172. [PMID: 38468031 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47606-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Microglia and neurons live physically intertwined, intimately related structurally and functionally in a dynamic relationship in which microglia change continuously over a much shorter timescale than do neurons. Although microglia may unwind and depart from the neurons they attend under certain circumstances, in general, together both contribute to the fractal topology of the brain that defines its computational capabilities. Both neuronal and microglial morphologies are well-described using fractal analysis complementary to more traditional measures. For neurons, the fractal dimension has proved valuable for classifying dendritic branching and other neuronal features relevant to pathology and development. For microglia, fractal geometry has substantially contributed to classifying functional categories, where, in general, the more pathological the biological status, the lower the fractal dimension for individual cells, with some exceptions, including hyper-ramification. This chapter provides a review of the intimate relationships between neurons and microglia, by introducing 2D and 3D fractal analysis methodology and its applications in neuron-microglia function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L Karperien
- School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Herbert F Jelinek
- Department of Medical Sciences and Biotechnology Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Díaz Beltrán L, Madan CR, Finke C, Krohn S, Di Ieva A, Esteban FJ. Fractal Dimension Analysis in Neurological Disorders: An Overview. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 36:313-328. [PMID: 38468040 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47606-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Fractal analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for characterizing irregular and complex patterns found in the nervous system. This characterization is typically applied by estimating the fractal dimension (FD), a scalar index that describes the topological complexity of the irregular components of the nervous system, both at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, that may be viewed as geometric fractals. Moreover, temporal properties of neurophysiological signals can also be interpreted as dynamic fractals. Given its sensitivity for detecting changes in brain morphology, FD has been explored as a clinically relevant marker of brain damage in several neuropsychiatric conditions as well as in normal and pathological cerebral aging. In this sense, evidence is accumulating for decreases in FD in Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and many other neurological disorders. In addition, it is becoming increasingly clear that fractal analysis in the field of clinical neurology opens the possibility of detecting structural alterations in the early stages of the disease, which highlights FD as a potential diagnostic and prognostic tool in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Díaz Beltrán
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Research Unit, University Hospital of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | | | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Krohn
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonio Di Ieva
- Computational NeuroSurgery (CNS) Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Francisco J Esteban
- Systems Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
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Marzi C, Scheda R, Salvadori E, Giorgio A, De Stefano N, Poggesi A, Inzitari D, Pantoni L, Mascalchi M, Diciotti S. Fractal dimension of the cortical gray matter outweighs other brain MRI features as a predictor of transition to dementia in patients with mild cognitive impairment and leukoaraiosis. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1231513. [PMID: 37822707 PMCID: PMC10562576 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1231513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relative contribution of changes in the cerebral white matter (WM) and cortical gray matter (GM) to the transition to dementia in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not yet established. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to analyze MRI features that may predict the transition to dementia in patients with MCI and T2 hyperintensities in the cerebral WM, also known as leukoaraiosis. Methods Sixty-four participants with MCI and moderate to severe leukoaraiosis underwent baseline MRI examinations and annual neuropsychological testing over a 2 year period. The diagnosis of dementia was based on established criteria. We evaluated demographic, neuropsychological, and several MRI features at baseline as predictors of the clinical transition. The MRI features included visually assessed MRI features, such as the number of lacunes, microbleeds, and dilated perivascular spaces, and quantitative MRI features, such as volumes of the cortical GM, hippocampus, T2 hyperintensities, and diffusion indices of the cerebral WM. Additionally, we examined advanced quantitative features such as the fractal dimension (FD) of cortical GM and WM, which represents an index of tissue structural complexity derived from 3D-T1 weighted images. To assess the prediction of transition to dementia, we employed an XGBoost-based machine learning system using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values to provide explainability to the machine learning model. Results After 2 years, 18 (28.1%) participants had transitioned from MCI to dementia. The area under the receiving operator characteristic curve was 0.69 (0.53, 0.85) [mean (90% confidence interval)]. The cortical GM-FD emerged as the top-ranking predictive feature of transition. Furthermore, aggregated quantitative neuroimaging features outperformed visually assessed MRI features in predicting conversion to dementia. Discussion Our findings confirm the complementary roles of cortical GM and WM changes as underlying factors in the development of dementia in subjects with MCI and leukoaraiosis. FD appears to be a biomarker potentially more sensitive than other brain features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Marzi
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications “Giuseppe Parenti, ” University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Scheda
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi, ” University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Emilia Salvadori
- NEUROFARBA Department, Neuroscience Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Giorgio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Poggesi
- NEUROFARBA Department, Neuroscience Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Domenico Inzitari
- NEUROFARBA Department, Neuroscience Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Pantoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio, ” University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Governance, Institute for Study, Prevention and Network in Oncology (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi, ” University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
- Alma Mater Research Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Portnova GV, Proskurnina EV, Skorokhodov IV, Sokolova SV, Semirechenko AN, Varlamov AA. Salivary Oxytocin and Antioxidative Response to Robotic Touch in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12322. [PMID: 37569698 PMCID: PMC10419114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with ASD are known to have a tendency to have tactile sensory processing issues that could be associated with their impairment as regards social communication. The alterations in tactile processing in autistic subjects are usually accompanied by hypersensitivity and other unpleasant emotions induced by tactile contact. In our study, we investigated the impact of the velocity and the force of a tactile stroke received impersonally by a custom-built robotic device. A total of 21 adults with ASD and 22 adults from a control group participated in our study. The participants' responses were assessed according to subjective scales, EEG changes, and the dynamics of saliva antioxidants and oxytocin. It was found that the oxytocin level was significantly lower in subjects with ASD but increased after tactile stimulation. However, contrary to expectations, the increase in the oxytocin level in the target group negatively correlated with the subjective pleasantness of tactile stimulation and was probably associated with a stress-induced effect. The basic levels of antioxidants did not differ between the TD and ASD groups; however, these had significantly increased in individuals with ASD by the end of the study. The EEG findings, which revealed enhanced antioxidant levels, contributed to the relief of the cognitive control during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V. Portnova
- Laboratory of Human Higher Nervous Activity, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V. Proskurnina
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye Str., 115522 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ivan V. Skorokhodov
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V. Sokolova
- Medical Scientific and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Prosp. 27-10, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey N. Semirechenko
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton A. Varlamov
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
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Chen X, Luo Y, Zhang S, Yang X, Dong Z, Wang Y, Wu D. Deep medullary veins: a promising neuroimaging marker for mild cognitive impairment in outpatients. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:3. [PMID: 36604624 PMCID: PMC9814341 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-03037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mild cognitive impairment is an age-dependent pre-dementia state caused by varied reasons. Early detection of MCI helps handle dementia. Vascular factors are vital for the occurrence of MCI. This study investigates the correlation between deep medullary veins and multi-dimensional cognitive outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 73 participants with MCI and 32 controls were enrolled. Minimum Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were used to examine the global cognitive function, and different cognitive domains were measured by specific neuropsychological tests. MRI was used to assess the visibility of the DMV and other neuroimage markers. RESULTS DMV score was statistically significantly higher in the MCI group compared with the control group (P = 0.009) and independently related to MCI (P = 0.007). Linear regression analysis verified that DMV score was linearly related to global cognition, memory, attention, and executive function after adjusting for cerebrovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION DMV score was independently related to the onset of MCI, and correlates with overall cognition, memory, attention, and executive function in outpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqi Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, No.801, He Qing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufan Luo
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, No.801, He Qing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufan Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, No.801, He Qing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jing’an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, No.801, He Qing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Dong
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, No.801, He Qing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Georgetown Preparatory School, North Bethesda, MD Washington, USA
| | - Danhong Wu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, No.801, He Qing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
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Lau CI, Yeh JH, Tsai YF, Hsiao CY, Wu YT, Jao CW. Decreased Brain Structural Network Connectivity in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Novel Fractal Dimension Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010093. [PMID: 36672073 PMCID: PMC9856782 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is widely regarded to be the intermediate stage to Alzheimer's disease. Cerebral morphological alteration in cortical subregions can provide an accurate predictor for early recognition of MCI. Thirty patients with MCI and thirty healthy control subjects participated in this study. The Desikan-Killiany cortical atlas was applied to segment participants' cerebral cortex into 68 subregions. A complexity measure termed fractal dimension (FD) was applied to assess morphological changes in cortical subregions of participants. The MCI group revealed significantly decreased FD values in the bilateral temporal lobes, right parietal lobe including the medial temporal, fusiform, para hippocampal, and also the orbitofrontal lobes. We further proposed a novel FD-based brain structural network to compare network parameters, including intra- and inter-lobular connectivity between groups. The control group had five modules, and the MCI group had six modules in their brain networks. The MCI group demonstrated shrinkage of modular sizes with fewer components integrated, and significantly decreased global modularity in the brain network. The MCI group had lower intra- and inter-lobular connectivity in all lobes. Between cerebral lobes, the MCI patients may maintain nodal connections between both hemispheres to reduce connectivity loss in the lateral hemispheres. The method and results presented in this study could be a suitable tool for early detection of MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Ieong Lau
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan
- Dementia Center, Department of Neurology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Taipa 999078, Macau
| | - Jiann-Horng Yeh
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Feng Tsai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Hsiao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Te Wu
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-T.W.); (C.-W.J.); Tel.: +886-02-28267169 (Y.-T.W.); +886-02-28267394 (C.-W.J.)
| | - Chi-Wen Jao
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Research, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-T.W.); (C.-W.J.); Tel.: +886-02-28267169 (Y.-T.W.); +886-02-28267394 (C.-W.J.)
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Nazlee N, Waiter GD, Sandu A. Age-associated sex and asymmetry differentiation in hemispheric and lobar cortical ribbon complexity across adulthood: A UK Biobank imaging study. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:49-65. [PMID: 36574599 PMCID: PMC9783444 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical morphology changes with ageing and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies suggest that the age effect is more pronounced in the frontal lobe. However, our knowledge of structural complexity changes in male and female brains is still limited. We measured cortical ribbon complexity through fractal dimension (FD) analysis at the hemisphere and lobe level in 7010 individuals from the UK Biobank imaging cohort to study age-related sex differences (3332 males, age ranged 45-79 years). FD decreases significantly with age and sexual dimorphism exists. With correction for brain size, females showed higher complexity in the left hemisphere and left and right parietal lobes whereas males showed higher complexity in the right temporal and left and right occipital lobes. A nonlinear age effect was observed in the left and right frontal, and right temporal lobes. Differential patterns of age effects were observed in both sexes with relatively more age-affected regions in males. Significantly higher rightward asymmetries at hemisphere, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobe level and higher leftward asymmetry in temporal lobe were observed. There was no age-by-sex-by asymmetry interaction in any region. When controlling for brain size, the leftward hemispheric, and temporal lobe asymmetry decreased with age. Males had significantly lower asymmetry between hemispheres and higher asymmetry in the parietal and occipital lobes than females. This work provides distinct patterns of age-related sex and asymmetry differences that can aid in the future development of sex-specific models of the normal brain to ascribe cognitive functional significance of these patterns in ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafeesa Nazlee
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging CentreUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenScotland
| | - Gordon D. Waiter
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging CentreUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenScotland
| | - Anca‐Larisa Sandu
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging CentreUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenScotland
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Li B, Du B, Gu Z, Wu C, Tan Y, Song C, Xu Y, Yin G, Gao X, Wang W, Sun X, Bi X. Correlations among peripheral blood markers, white matter hyperintensity, and cognitive function in patients with non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1023195. [PMID: 36533171 PMCID: PMC9755852 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1023195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both inflammation and cerebral white matter injury are closely associated with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between peripheral serological markers, white matter injury, and cognitive function in patients with non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events (NICE); to identify potential biological markers for the diagnosis and prediction of VCI; and to provide a basis for the early diagnosis and intervention of VCI. METHODS We collected clinical data, along with demographic and medical history data, from 151 NICE patients. Fasting venous blood samples were collected. Based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) after admission, we divided the patients into normal cognitive function (NCF) and VCI groups, and then classified them into mild white matter hyperintensity (mWMH) and severe white matter hyperintensity (sWMH) based on Fazekas scores. The differences in serological marker levels were compared between the cognitive function groups and the white matter hyperintensity groups. Binary logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the diagnostic predictive value of serological markers for VCI in patients with NICE and in the white matter hyperintensity subgroups. RESULTS Among 151 patients with NICE, 95 were male and 56 were female. Lymphocyte count (OR = 0.405, p = 0.010, 95% CI [0.201, 0.806]), red blood cell count (OR = 0.433, p = 0.010, 95% CI [0.228, 0.821]), and hemoglobin level (OR = 0.979, p = 0.046, 95% CI [0.958, 0.999]) were protective factors for cognitive function in patients with NICE. The sWMH group had a higher age, granulocyte/lymphoid ratio (NLR), and neutrophil percentage but a lower MoCA score, hemoglobin level, and lymphocyte count than the mWMH group. In the mWMH group, lymphocyte count (AUC = 0.713, p = 0.003, 95% CI [0.593, 0.833]) had an acceptable predictive value for the diagnosis of VCI, whereas white blood cell count (AUC = 0.672, p = 0.011, 95% CI [0.545, 0.799]), red blood cell count (AUC = 0.665, p = 0.014, 95% CI [0.545, 0.784]), and hemoglobin level (AUC = 0.634, p = 0.047, 95% CI [0.502, 0.765]) had marginal predictive value for the diagnosis of VCI. In the sWMH group, no significant differences were found in serological markers between the NCF and VCI groups. CONCLUSION Lymphocyte count, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin level were independent protective factors for cognitive function in patients with NICE; they can be used as potential biological markers to distinguish VCI in patients with NICE and are applicable to subgroups of patients with mWMH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xu Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Bi
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Aminuddin N, Achuthan A, Ruhaiyem NIR, Che Mohd Nassir CMN, Idris NS, Mustapha M. Reduced cerebral vascular fractal dimension among asymptomatic individuals as a potential biomarker for cerebral small vessel disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11780. [PMID: 35821514 PMCID: PMC9276662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15710-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease is a neurological disease frequently found in the elderly and detected on neuroimaging, often as an incidental finding. White matter hyperintensity is one of the most commonly reported neuroimaging markers of CSVD and is linked with an increased risk of future stroke and vascular dementia. Recent attention has focused on the search of CSVD biomarkers. The objective of this study is to explore the potential of fractal dimension as a vascular neuroimaging marker in asymptomatic CSVD with low WMH burden. Df is an index that measures the complexity of a self-similar and irregular structure such as circle of Willis and its tributaries. This exploratory cross-sectional study involved 22 neurologically asymptomatic adult subjects (42 ± 12 years old; 68% female) with low to moderate 10-year cardiovascular disease risk prediction score (QRISK2 score) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA) brain scan. Based on the MRI findings, subjects were divided into two groups: subjects with low WMH burden and no WMH burden, (WMH+; n = 8) and (WMH−; n = 14) respectively. Maximum intensity projection image was constructed from the 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MRA. The complexity of the CoW and its tributaries observed in the MIP image was characterised using Df. The Df of the CoW and its tributaries, i.e., Df (w) was significantly lower in the WMH+ group (1.5172 ± 0.0248) as compared to WMH− (1.5653 ± 0.0304, p = 0.001). There was a significant inverse relationship between the QRISK2 risk score and Df (w), (rs = − .656, p = 0.001). Df (w) is a promising, non-invasive vascular neuroimaging marker for asymptomatic CSVD with WMH. Further study with multi-centre and long-term follow-up is warranted to explore its potential as a biomarker in CSVD and correlation with clinical sequalae of CSVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niferiti Aminuddin
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Anusha Achuthan
- School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Che Mohd Nasril Che Mohd Nassir
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Suhaila Idris
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab II, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Muzaimi Mustapha
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. .,Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab II, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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12
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Explanations of Machine Learning Models in Repeated Nested Cross-Validation: An Application in Age Prediction Using Brain Complexity Features. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) is a framework for explainable AI that makes explanations locally and globally. In this work, we propose a general method to obtain representative SHAP values within a repeated nested cross-validation procedure and separately for the training and test sets of the different cross-validation rounds to assess the real generalization abilities of the explanations. We applied this method to predict individual age using brain complexity features extracted from MRI scans of 159 healthy subjects. In particular, we used four implementations of the fractal dimension (FD) of the cerebral cortex—a measurement of brain complexity. Representative SHAP values highlighted that the most recent implementation of the FD had the highest impact over the others and was among the top-ranking features for predicting age. SHAP rankings were not the same in the training and test sets, but the top-ranking features were consistent. In conclusion, we propose a method—and share all the source code—that allows a rigorous assessment of the SHAP explanations of a trained model in a repeated nested cross-validation setting.
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13
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Zhou X, Tan Y, Yu H, Liu J, Lan X, Deng Y, Yu F, Wang C, Chen J, Zeng X, Liu D, Zhang J. Early alterations in cortical morphology after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: A longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:4513-4528. [PMID: 35665982 PMCID: PMC9491291 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that chemotherapy may have a significant impact on the brains of breast cancer patients, causing changes in cortical morphology. However, early morphological alterations induced by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients are unclear. To investigate the patterns of those alterations, we compared female breast cancer patients (n = 45) longitudinally before (time point 0, TP0) and after (time point 1, TP1) the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and surface‐based morphometry (SBM). VBM and SBM alteration data underwent correlation analysis. We also compared cognition‐related neuropsychological tests in the breast cancer patients between TP0 and TP1. Reductions in gray matter volume, cortical thickness, sulcal depth, and gyrification index were found in most brain areas, while increments were found to be mainly concentrated in and around the hippocampus. Reductions of fractal dimension mainly occurred in the limbic and occipital lobes, while increments mainly occurred in the anterior and posterior central gyrus. Significant correlations were found between altered VBM and altered SBM mainly in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus. We found no significant differences in the cognition‐related neuropsychological tests before and after chemotherapy. The altered brain regions are in line with those associated with impaired cognitive domains in previous studies. We conclude that breast cancer patients showed widespread morphological alterations soon after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, despite an absence of cognitive impairments. The affected brain regions may indicate major targets of early brain damage after chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaosong Lan
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongchun Deng
- Breast Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Yu
- Breast Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengfang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohua Zeng
- Breast Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daihong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiuquan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Fractal dimension of the brain in neurodegenerative disease and dementia: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 79:101651. [PMID: 35643264 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sensitive and specific antemortem biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease and dementia are crucial to the pursuit of effective treatments, required both to reliably identify disease and to track its progression. Atrophy is the structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hallmark of neurodegeneration. However in most cases it likely indicates a relatively advanced stage of disease less susceptible to treatment as some disease processes begin decades prior to clinical onset. Among emerging metrics that characterise brain shape rather than volume, fractal dimension (FD) quantifies shape complexity. FD has been applied in diverse fields of science to measure subtle changes in elaborate structures. We review its application thus far to structural MRI of the brain in neurodegenerative disease and dementia. We identified studies involving subjects who met criteria for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Multiple Systems Atrophy, Spinocerebellar Ataxia and Multiple Sclerosis. The early literature suggests that neurodegenerative disease processes are usually associated with a decline in FD of the brain. The literature includes examples of disease-related change in FD occurring independently of atrophy, which if substantiated would represent a valuable advantage over other structural imaging metrics. However, it is likely to be non-specific and to exhibit complex spatial and temporal patterns. A more harmonious methodological approach across a larger number of studies as well as careful attention to technical factors associated with image processing and FD measurement will help to better elucidate the metric's utility.
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15
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Longitudinal study of the effect of a 5-year exercise intervention on structural brain complexity in older adults. A Generation 100 substudy. Neuroimage 2022; 256:119226. [PMID: 35447353 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical inactivity has been identified as an important risk factor for dementia. High levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia. However, the mechanism by which exercise affects brain health is still debated. Fractal dimension (FD) is an index that quantifies the structural complexity of the brain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 5-year exercise intervention on the structural complexity of the brain, measured through the FD, in a subset of 105 healthy older adults participating in the randomized controlled trial Generation 100 Study. The subjects were randomized into control, moderate intensity continuous training, and high intensity interval training groups. Both brain MRI and CRF were acquired at baseline and at 1-, 3- and 5-years follow-ups. Cortical thickness and volume data were extracted with FreeSurfer, and FD of the cortical lobes, cerebral and cerebellar gray and white matter were computed. CRF was measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) using ergospirometry during graded maximal exercise testing. Linear mixed models were used to investigate exercise group differences and possible CRF effects on the brain's structural complexity. Associations between change over time in CRF and FD were performed if there was a significant association between CRF and FD. There were no effects of group membership on the structural complexity. However, we found a positive association between CRF and the cerebral gray matter FD (p < 0.001) and the temporal lobe gray matter FD (p < 0.001). This effect was not present for cortical thickness, suggesting that FD is a more sensitive index of structural changes. The change over time in CRF was associated with the change in temporal lobe gray matter FD from baseline to 5-year follow-up (p < 0.05). No association of the change was found between CRF and cerebral gray matter FD. These results demonstrated that entering old age with high and preserved CRF levels protected against loss of structural complexity in areas sensitive to aging and age-related pathology.
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16
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Meregalli V, Alberti F, Madan CR, Meneguzzo P, Miola A, Trevisan N, Sambataro F, Favaro A, Collantoni E. Cortical Complexity Estimation Using Fractal Dimension: A Systematic Review of the Literature on Clinical and Nonclinical Samples. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:1547-1583. [PMID: 35229388 PMCID: PMC9313853 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Fractal geometry has recently been proposed as a useful tool for characterizing the complexity of the brain cortex, which is likely to derive from the recurrence of sulci–gyri convolution patterns. The index used to describe the cortical complexity is called fractal dimensional (FD) and was employed by different research exploring the neurobiological correlates of distinct pathological and nonpathological conditions. This review aims to describe the literature on the application of this index, summarize the heterogeneities between studies and inform future research on this topic. Sixty‐two studies were included in the systematic review. The main research lines concern neurodevelopment, aging and the neurobiology of specific psychiatric and neurological disorders. Overall, the included papers indicate that cortical complexity is likely to reduce during aging and in various pathological processes affecting the brain. Nevertheless, the high heterogeneity between studies strongly prevents the possibility of drawing conclusions. Further research considering this index besides other morphological values is needed to better clarify the role of FD in characterizing the cortical structure. Fractal dimension (FD) is a useful tool for the assessment of cortical complexity. In healthy controls, FD is associated with development, aging and cognition. Alterations in FD have been observed in different neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Meregalli
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Miola
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicolò Trevisan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Sambataro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Favaro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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17
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Lei Z, Lou J, Wu H, Chen X, Ou Y, Shi X, Xu Q, Shi K, Zhou Y, Zheng L, Yin Y, Liu X. Regional cerebral perfusion in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: effect of cerebral small vessel disease. Ann Nucl Med 2022; 36:43-51. [PMID: 34664230 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-021-01682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effort of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) on regional cerebral perfusion in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using NeuroGam™ software and evaluate the capability of brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in distinguishing MCI with and without CSVD. METHODS 34 amnestic MCI subjects entered this study, conducting neuropsychological tests, MRI and 99mTechnetium ethyl cystine dimer brain perfusion SPECT imaging. All subjects were divided into those with CSVD and those without CSVD. Perfusion value was measured with Brodmann area (BA) mapping in these two groups. Automated software (NeuroGam™) was used for semi-quantitative analyses of perfusion value and comparison with normal database. RESULTS Compared with normal database, perfusion levels in BAs 23-left, 28 and 36-left of MCI without CSVD group had great deviations, while perfusion levels in BAs 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 36, 38 and 47-left of MCI with CSVD group had great deviations. Furthermore, compared with CSVD group, there was significantly lower perfusion value in BA 7-left (P < 0.001) in MCI without CSVD group. CONCLUSIONS CSVD could interact with pathological changes related to AD, exacerbating hypoperfusion in BAs 21, 23, 28, 36, 38 while compensating for cerebral blood perfusion disorder in BA 7-left in MCI patients. Meanwhile, MCI patients with CSVD shared similar hypoperfusion with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in BAs 24, 25 and 47L. Brain perfusion SPECT may help improve our ability to differentiate MCI with and without CSVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Lei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Lou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaohan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghui Ou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Keqing Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yujing Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Lingling Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - You Yin
- Department of Neurology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingdang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Huashan Hopstial, Fudan University, No. 12 Urumqi M. Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Kritikos M, Clouston SAP, Huang C, Pellecchia AC, Mejia-Santiago S, Carr MA, Kotov R, Lucchini RG, Gandy SE, Bromet EJ, Luft BJ. Cortical complexity in world trade center responders with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:597. [PMID: 34815383 PMCID: PMC8611009 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01719-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 23% of World Trade Center (WTC) responders are experiencing chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with their exposures at the WTC following the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001, which has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for cognitive impairment raising concerns regarding their brain health. Cortical complexity, as measured by analyzing Fractal Dimension (FD) from T1 MRI brain images, has been reported to be reduced in a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions. In this report, we hypothesized that FD would be also reduced in a case-control sample of 99 WTC responders as a result of WTC-related PTSD. The results of our surface-based morphometry cluster analysis found alterations in vertex clusters of complexity in WTC responders with PTSD, with marked reductions in regions within the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices, in addition to whole-brain absolute bilateral and unilateral complexity. Furthermore, region of interest analysis identified that the magnitude of changes in regional FD severity was associated with increased PTSD symptoms (reexperiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, negative affect) severity. This study confirms prior findings on FD and psychiatric disorders and extends our understanding of FD associations with posttraumatic symptom severity. The complex and traumatic experiences that led to WTC-related PTSD were associated with reductions in cortical complexity. Future work is needed to determine whether reduced cortical complexity arose prior to, or concurrently with, onset of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minos Kritikos
- Program in Public Health and Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sean A P Clouston
- Program in Public Health and Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Radiology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Alison C Pellecchia
- World Trade Center Health and Wellness Program, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Mejia-Santiago
- World Trade Center Health and Wellness Program, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Melissa A Carr
- World Trade Center Health and Wellness Program, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Samuel E Gandy
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn J Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J Luft
- World Trade Center Health and Wellness Program, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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19
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Podgórski P, Bladowska J, Sasiadek M, Zimny A. Novel Volumetric and Surface-Based Magnetic Resonance Indices of the Aging Brain - Does Male and Female Brain Age in the Same Way? Front Neurol 2021; 12:645729. [PMID: 34163419 PMCID: PMC8216769 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.645729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Novel post-processing methods allow not only for assessment of brain volumetry or cortical thickness based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but also for more detailed analysis of cortical shape and complexity using parameters such as sulcal depth, gyrification index, or fractal dimension. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in brain volumetry and other cortical indices during aging in men and women. Material and Methods: Material consisted of 697 healthy volunteers (aged 38–80 years; M/F, 264/443) who underwent brain MRI using a 1.5-T scanner. Voxel-based volumetry of total gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was performed followed by assessment of cortical parameters [cortical thickness (CT), sulcal depth (SD), gyrification index (GI), and fractal dimension (FD)] in 150 atlas locations using surface-based morphometry with a region-based approach. All parameters were compared among seven age groups (grouped every 5 years) separately for men and women. Additionally, percentile curves for men and women were provided for total volumes of GM, WM, and CSF. Results: In men and women, a decrease in GM and WM volumes and an increase in CSF volume seem to progress slowly since the age of 45. In men, significant GM and WM loss as well as CSF increase start above 55 years of age, while in women, significant GM loss starts above 50 and significant WM loss as well as CSF increase above 60. CT was found to significantly decrease with aging in 39% of locations in women and in 36% of locations in men, SD was found to increase in 13.5% of locations in women and in 1.3% of locations in men, GI was decreased in 3.4% of locations in women and in 2.0% of locations in men, and FD was changed in 2.7% of locations in women compared to 2.0% in men. Conclusions: Male and female brains start aging at the similar age of 45. Compared to men, in women, the cortex is affected earlier and in the more complex pattern regarding not only cortical loss but also other alterations within the cortical shape, with relatively longer sparing of WM volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Podgórski
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Bladowska
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Sasiadek
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Zimny
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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20
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Artificial intelligence applications in medical imaging: A review of the medical physics research in Italy. Phys Med 2021; 83:221-241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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21
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Marzi C, Giannelli M, Tessa C, Mascalchi M, Diciotti S. Toward a more reliable characterization of fractal properties of the cerebral cortex of healthy subjects during the lifespan. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16957. [PMID: 33046812 PMCID: PMC7550568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73961-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex manifests an inherent structural complexity of folding. The fractal geometry describes the complexity of structures which show self-similarity in a proper interval of spatial scales. In this study, we aimed at evaluating in-vivo the effect of different criteria for selecting the interval of spatial scales in the estimation of the fractal dimension (FD) of the cerebral cortex in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We compared four different strategies, including two a priori selections of the interval of spatial scales, an automated selection of the spatial scales within which the cerebral cortex manifests the highest statistical self-similarity, and an improved approach, based on the search of the interval of spatial scales which presents the highest rounded R2adj coefficient and, in case of equal rounded R2adj coefficient, preferring the widest interval in the log–log plot. We employed two public and international datasets of in-vivo MRI scans for a total of 159 healthy subjects (age range 6–85 years). The improved approach showed strong associations of FD with age and yielded the most accurate machine learning models for individual age prediction in both datasets. Our results indicate that the selection of the interval of spatial scales of the cerebral cortex is thus critical in the estimation of FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Marzi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Giannelli
- Unit of Medical Physics, Pisa University Hospital "Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana", Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Tessa
- Division of Radiology, Versilia Hospital, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Lido di Camaiore (Lu), Italy
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136, Bologna, Italy.
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22
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da Silva PHR, Rondinoni C, Leoni RF. Non-classical behavior of the default mode network regions during an information processing task. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2553-2562. [PMID: 32939584 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) efficient deactivation and suppressed functional connectivity (FC) during goal-directed tasks, which require attentional resources, have been considered essential to healthy brain cognition. However, recent studies have shown that DMN regions do not always show the expected behavior. Then, we aimed to investigate the functional activation and connectivity of DMN nodes in young, healthy controls during a goal-directed task. We used an adaptation of the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) to evaluate the information processing speed (IPS). Twenty-four subjects (10 women, age: 29 ± 7 years) underwent two functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging experiments: one during resting-state and one during a block-designed SDMT paradigm. We superimposed the templates of the DMN on the group activation map and observed the reorganization of the network. For the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) node of the DMN, which is spatially extensive, comprising the precuneus (dorsal portion) and the posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG, ventral portion), the extent of each region was different between conditions, suggesting different functional roles for them. Therefore, for the functional connectivity (FC) analysis, we split the DMN-PCC region into two regions: left precuneus (BA 7) and PCG. The left precuneus (BA 7) was positively correlated with the left lingual gyrus (BA 17), a task-positive region, and negatively associated with the DMN nodes when comparing task performance with the resting-state condition. The other DMN regions presented the classical antagonistic role during the attentional task. In conclusion, we found that the activation and functional connectivity of the DMN is, in general, suppressed during the information processing. However, the left precuneus BA 7 presented a context-dependent modulatory behavior, working as a transient in-between hub connecting the DMN to task-positive areas. Such findings support studies that show increased activation and excitatory functional connectivity of DMN portions during goal-directed tasks. Moreover, our results may contribute to defining more precise functional correlates of IPS deficits in a wide range of clinical and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Rondinoni
- InBrain, Department of Physics, FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renata F Leoni
- InBrain, Department of Physics, FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Nicolini P, Mari D, Abbate C, Inglese S, Bertagnoli L, Tomasini E, Rossi PD, Lombardi F. Autonomic function in amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment: spectral heart rate variability analysis provides evidence for a brain-heart axis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11661. [PMID: 32669640 PMCID: PMC7363846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68131-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous syndrome with two main clinical subtypes, amnestic (aMCI) and non-amnestic (naMCI). The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is a tool to assess autonomic function. Cognitive and autonomic processes are linked via the central autonomic network. Autonomic dysfunction entails several adverse outcomes. However, very few studies have investigated autonomic function in MCI and none have considered MCI subtypes or the relationship of HRV indices with different cognitive domains and structural brain damage. We assessed autonomic function during an active orthostatic challenge in 253 oupatients aged ≥ 65, [n = 82 aMCI, n = 93 naMCI, n = 78 cognitively normal (CN), neuropsychologically tested] with power spectral analysis of HRV. We used visual rating scales to grade cerebrovascular burden and hippocampal/insular atrophy (HA/IA) on neuroimaging. Only aMCI showed a blunted response to orthostasis. Postural changes in normalised low frequency (LF) power and in the LF to high frequency ratio correlated with a memory test (positively) and HA/IA (negatively) in aMCI, and with attention/executive function tests (negatively) and cerebrovascular burden (positively) in naMCI. These results substantiate the view that the ANS is differentially impaired in aMCI and naMCI, consistently with the neuroanatomic substrate of Alzheimer's and small-vessel subcortical ischaemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nicolini
- Cardiovascular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Daniela Mari
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Abbate
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Inglese
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Bertagnoli
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tomasini
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo D Rossi
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Lombardi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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