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Xu Y, Li X, Yan Q, Zhang Y, Shang S, Xing C, Wu Y, Guan B, Chen YC. Topological disruption of low- and high-order functional networks in presbycusis. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae119. [PMID: 38638149 PMCID: PMC11025675 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Prior efforts have manifested that functional connectivity (FC) network disruptions are concerned with cognitive disorder in presbycusis. The present research was designed to investigate the topological reorganization and classification performance of low-order functional connectivity (LOFC) and high-order functional connectivity (HOFC) networks in patients with presbycusis. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI) data were obtained in 60 patients with presbycusis and 50 matched healthy control subjects (HCs). LOFC and HOFC networks were then constructed, and the topological metrics obtained from the constructed networks were compared to evaluate topological differences in global, nodal network metrics, modularity and rich-club organization between patients with presbycusis and HCs. The use of HOFC profiles boosted presbycusis classification accuracy, sensitivity and specificity compared to that using LOFC profiles. The brain networks in both patients with presbycusis and HCs exhibited small-world properties within the given threshold range, and striking differences between groups in topological metrics were discovered in the constructed networks (LOFC and HOFC). NBS analysis identified a subnetwork involving 26 nodes and 23 signally altered internodal connections in patients with presbycusis in comparison to HCs in HOFC networks. This study highlighted the topological differences between LOFC and HOFC networks in patients with presbycusis, suggesting that HOFC profiles may help to further identify brain network abnormalities in presbycusis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixi Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Xiangxiang Li
- Department of Nephrology, Nanjing Yuhua Hospital, Yuhua Branch of Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Song’an Shang
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Chunhua Xing
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Yuanqing Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Bing Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
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Sun K, Li Y, Zhai Z, Yin H, Liang S, Zhai F, Cui Y, Zhang G. Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and exploration of brain network mechanisms in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1337101. [PMID: 38374975 PMCID: PMC10875019 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a collection of neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by poor social interaction and communication, a limited range of interests, and stereotyped behavior. High-functioning autism (HFA) indicates a subgroup of individuals with autism who possess cognitive and/or language skills that are within the average to above-normal range for their age. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) holds promise in children with HFA. However, few studies have used randomized controlled trials to validate the effectiveness of taVNS. Therefore, in this study, we intend to provide a study protocol to examine the therapeutic effects of taVNS in individuals diagnosed with HFA and to investigate the process of brain network remodeling in individuals with ASD using functional imaging techniques to observe alterations in large-scale neural networks. Methods and design We planned to employ a randomized, double-blind experimental design, including 40 children receiving sham stimulation and 40 children receiving real stimulation. We will assess clinical scales and perform functional imaging examinations before and after the stimulation. Additionally, we will include age- and gender-matched healthy children as controls and conduct functional imaging examinations. We plan first to observe the therapeutic effects of taVNS. Furthermore, we will observe the impact of taVNS stimulation on the brain network. Discussion taVNS was a low-risk, easy-to-administer, low-cost, and portable option to modulate the vagus system. taVNS may improve the social performance of HFA. Changes in the network properties of the large-scale brain network may be related to the efficacy of taVNS. Clinical trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300074035.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Sun
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhang Zhai
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Heqing Yin
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuli Liang
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Zhai
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghua Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guojun Zhang
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Sun Y, Shi Q, Ye M, Miao A. Topological properties and connectivity patterns in brain networks of patients with refractory epilepsy combined with intracranial electrical stimulation. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1282232. [PMID: 38075280 PMCID: PMC10701286 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Although intracranial electrical stimulation has emerged as a treatment option for various diseases, its impact on the properties of brain networks remains challenging due to its invasive nature. The combination of intracranial electrical stimulation and whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with refractory epilepsy (RE) makes it possible to study the network properties associated with electrical stimulation. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the brain network characteristics of RE patients with concurrent electrical stimulation and obtain possible clinical biomarkers. Methods Our study used the GRETNA toolbox, a graph theoretical network analysis toolbox for imaging connectomics, to calculate and analyze the network topological attributes including global measures (small-world parameters and network efficiency) and nodal characteristics. The resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) and the fMRI concurrent electrical stimulation (es-fMRI) of RE patients were utilized to make group comparisons with healthy controls to identify the differences in network topology properties. Network properties comparisons before and after electrode implantation in the same patient were used to further analyze stimulus-related changes in network properties. Modular analysis was used to examine connectivity and distribution characteristics in the brain networks of all participants in study. Results Compared to healthy controls, the rs-fMRI and the es-fMRI of RE patients exhibited impaired small-world property and reduced network efficiency. Nodal properties, such as nodal clustering coefficient (NCp), betweenness centrality (Bc), and degree centrality (Dc), exhibited differences between RE patients (including rs-fMRI and es-fMRI) and healthy controls. The network connectivity of RE patients (including rs-fMRI and es-fMRI) showed reduced intra-modular connections in subcortical areas and the occipital lobe, as well as decreased inter-modular connections between frontal and subcortical regions, and parieto-occipital regions compared to healthy controls. The brain networks of es-fMRI showed a relatively weaker small-world structure compared to rs-fMRI. Conclusion The brain networks of RE patients exhibited a reduced small-world property, with a tendency toward random networks. The network connectivity patterns in RE patients exhibited reduced connections between cortical and subcortical regions and enhanced connections among parieto-occipital regions. Electrical stimulation can modulate brain network activity, leading to changes in network connectivity patterns and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Sun
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Shi
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Ye
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ailiang Miao
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Guan M, Xie Y, Li C, Zhang T, Ma C, Wang Z, Ma Z, Wang H, Fang P. Rich-club reorganization of white matter structural network in schizophrenia patients with auditory verbal hallucinations following 1 Hz rTMS treatment. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 40:103546. [PMID: 37988997 PMCID: PMC10701084 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103546] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The human brain comprises a large-scale structural network of regions and interregional pathways, including a selectively defined set of highly central and interconnected hub regions, often referred to as the "rich club", which may play a pivotal role in the integrative processes of the brain. A quintessential symptom of schizophrenia, auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) have shown a decrease in severity following low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). However, the underlying mechanism of rTMS in treating AVH remains elusive. This study investigated the effect of low-frequency rTMS on the rich-club organization within the brain in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience AVH using diffusion tensor imaging data. Through by constructing structural connectivity networks, we identified several critical rich hub nodes, which constituted a rich-club subnetwork, predominantly located in the prefrontal cortices. Notably, our findings revealed enhanced connection strength and density within the rich-club subnetwork following rTMS treatment. Furthermore, we found that the decreased connectivity within the subnetwork components, including the rich-club subnetwork, was notably enhanced in patients following rTMS treatment. In particular, the increased connectivity strength of the right median superior frontal gyrus, which functions as a critical local bridge, with the right postcentral gyrus exhibited a significant correlation with improvements in both positive symptoms and AVH. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of rTMS in inducing reorganizational changes within the rich-club structural network in schizophrenia and shed light on potential mechanisms through which rTMS may alleviate AVH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzhen Guan
- Department of Mental Health, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yuanjun Xie
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Chenxi Li
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chaozong Ma
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhongheng Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhujing Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huaning Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Peng Fang
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Guan B, Xu Y, Chen YC, Xing C, Xu L, Shang S, Xu JJ, Wu Y, Yan Q. Reorganized Brain Functional Network Topology in Presbycusis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:905487. [PMID: 35693344 PMCID: PMC9177949 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.905487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Presbycusis is characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at high frequencies and is often accompanied by cognitive decline. This study aimed to identify the topological reorganization of brain functional network in presbycusis with/without cognitive decline by using graph theory analysis approaches based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods Resting-state fMRI scans were obtained from 30 presbycusis patients with cognitive decline, 30 presbycusis patients without cognitive decline, and 50 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls. Graph theory was applied to analyze the topological properties of brain functional networks including global and nodal metrics, modularity, and rich-club organization. Results At the global level, the brain functional networks of all participants were found to possess small-world properties. Also, significant group differences in global network metrics were observed among the three groups such as clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, normalized characteristic path length, and small-worldness. At the nodal level, several nodes with abnormal betweenness centrality, degree centrality, nodal efficiency, and nodal local efficiency were detected in presbycusis patients with/without cognitive decline. Changes in intra-modular connections in frontal lobe module and inter-modular connections in prefrontal subcortical lobe module were found in presbycusis patients exposed to modularity analysis. Rich-club nodes were reorganized in presbycusis patients, while the connections among them had no significant group differences. Conclusion Presbycusis patients exhibited topological reorganization of the whole-brain functional network, and presbycusis patients with cognitive decline showed more obvious changes in these topological properties than those without cognitive decline. Abnormal changes of these properties in presbycusis patients may compensate for cognitive impairment by mobilizing additional neural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yixi Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunhua Xing
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Song'an Shang
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin-Jing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanqing Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanqing Wu
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Qi Yan
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Cheng W, Zhang Y, He L. MRI Features of Stroke-Like Episodes in Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy With Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-Like Episodes. Front Neurol 2022; 13:843386. [PMID: 35222261 PMCID: PMC8863858 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.843386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial myopathy encephalopathy lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is an important cause of stroke-mimicking diseases that predominantly affect patients before 40 years of age. MELAS results from gene mutations in either mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or nuclear DNA (nDNA) responsible for the wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and imaging findings. Neurological manifestations can present with stroke-like episodes (the cardinal features of MELAS), epilepsy, cognitive and mental disorders, or recurrent headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool for detecting stroke-like lesions, accurate recognition of imaging findings is important in guiding clinical decision making in MELAS patients. With the development of neuroimaging technologies, MRI plays an increasingly important role in course monitoring and efficacy assessment of the disease. In this article, we provide an overview of the neuroimaging features and the application of novel MRI techniques in MELAS syndrome.
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Haast RAM, De Coo IFM, Ivanov D, Khan AR, Jansen JFA, Smeets HJM, Uludağ K. OUP accepted manuscript. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac024. [PMID: 35187487 PMCID: PMC8853728 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the mitochondrial DNA are an important cause of inherited diseases that can severely affect the tissue’s homeostasis and integrity. The m.3243A > G mutation is the most commonly observed across mitochondrial disorders and is linked to multisystemic complications, including cognitive deficits. In line with in vitro experiments demonstrating the m.3243A > G’s negative impact on neuronal energy production and integrity, m.3243A > G patients show cerebral grey matter tissue changes. However, its impact on the most neuron dense, and therefore energy-consuming brain structure—the cerebellum—remains elusive. In this work, we used high-resolution structural and functional data acquired using 7 T MRI to characterize the neurodegenerative and functional signatures of the cerebellar cortex in m.3243A > G patients. Our results reveal altered tissue integrity within distinct clusters across the cerebellar cortex, apparent by their significantly reduced volume and longitudinal relaxation rate compared with healthy controls, indicating macroscopic atrophy and microstructural pathology. Spatial characterization reveals that these changes occur especially in regions related to the frontoparietal brain network that is involved in information processing and selective attention. In addition, based on resting-state functional MRI data, these clusters exhibit reduced functional connectivity to frontal and parietal cortical regions, especially in patients characterized by (i) a severe disease phenotype and (ii) reduced information-processing speed and attention control. Combined with our previous work, these results provide insight into the neuropathological changes and a solid base to guide longitudinal studies aimed to track disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A. M. Haast
- Correspondence to: Roy A. M. Haast Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping Robarts Research Institute Western University 1151 Richmond St N., London ON, Canada N6A 5B7 E-mail:
| | - Irenaeus F. M. De Coo
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Unit Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, MHeNs School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dimo Ivanov
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ali R. Khan
- Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5B7
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada, N6A 3K7
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5B7
| | - Jacobus F. A. Jansen
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hubert J. M. Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Unit Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University, MHeNs School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kâmil Uludağ
- IBS Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro, 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, N Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro, 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon, South Korea
- Techna Institute and Koerner Scientist in MR Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1L5
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Finsterer J. Connectivity on fMRI in the MELAS brain may strongly depend on heteroplasmy and extension or dynamics of stroke-like lesions. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 30:102591. [PMID: 33712396 PMCID: PMC8209459 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Messerli Institute, Klinik Landstrasse, Postfach 20, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
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Wang R, Lin J, Li Y, Yang L. Reply to Josef Finsterer's letter referring to "Connectivity on fMRI in the MELAS brain may strongly depend on heteroplasmy and extension or dynamics of stroke-like lesions". NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 30:102596. [PMID: 33622627 PMCID: PMC8209460 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institution of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China; Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqin Yang
- Department of Radiology, HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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