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de Rijk MM, Drake MJ, von Gontard A, Solomon E, Dmochowski R, Schurch B, van Koeveringe GA. Functional neuroimaging related to lower urinary tract sensations: Future directions for study designs and selection of patient groups: ICI-RS 2023. Neurourol Urodyn 2024; 43:1400-1408. [PMID: 37960970 DOI: 10.1002/nau.25333] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neuroimaging studies have advanced our understanding of the intricate central nervous system control network governing lower urinary tract (LUT) function, shedding light on mechanisms for urine storage and voiding. However, a lack of consensus in methodological approaches hinders the comparability of results among research groups and limits the translation of this knowledge to clinical applications, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and clinical utilization guidelines. METHODS This paper reports the discussions of a workshop at the 2023 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society, which reviewed uncertainties and research priorities to progress the field of neuroimaging in LUT control and dysfunction. RESULTS Neuroimaging holds great potential for improving our understanding of LUT control and pathophysiological conditions. To date, functional neuroimaging techniques have not yet achieved sufficient strength to make a direct clinical impact. Potential approaches that can improve the clinical utilization of neuroimaging were discussed and research questions proposed. CONCLUSIONS Neuroimaging offers a valuable tool for investigating LUT control, but it's essential to acknowledge the potential for oversimplification when interpreting brain activity due to the complex neural processing and filtering of sensory information. Moreover, technical limitations pose challenges in assessing key brain stem and spinal cord centers, particularly in cases of neurological dysfunction, highlighting the need for more reliable imaging of these centers to advance our understanding of LUT function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs M de Rijk
- Department of Urology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus J Drake
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alexander von Gontard
- Parent-Child and Adolescent Department, Hochgebirgsklinik, Davos, Switzerland
- Governor Kremers Centre, Department of Urology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eskinder Solomon
- Urology Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, UK
- Paediatric Nephro-Urology, Evelina Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Roger Dmochowski
- Department of Urologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brigitte Schurch
- Neuourology Unit, Clinique des Grangettes, Genève, Switzerland
- Department of Neuroscience, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gommert A van Koeveringe
- Department of Urology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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2
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Kuang C, Zha Y. Neurodegeneration within the rostral spinal cord is associated with brain gray matter volume atrophy in the early stage of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Spinal Cord 2024; 62:214-220. [PMID: 38454066 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-024-00971-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Case-control study. OBJECTIVES Investigating the association between neurodegeneration within rostral spinal cord and brain gray matter volume (GMV) and assessing the relationship between remote neurodegenerative changes and clinical outcomes at the early phase of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM). SETTING University/hospital. METHODS Using Spinal Cord Toolbox, spinal cord morphometrics (cross-sectional area [CSA], gray matter area [GMA], white matter area [WMA]) of 40 patients with CSM and 28 healthy controls (HCs) were computed and compared using two-sample t test. Brain GMV of the two groups was analyzed using voxel-based morphometry approach. Pearson's correlation between spinal cord morphometrics and altered brain GMV and Spearman's relationship between remote neurodegenerations and clinical outcomes were conducted in CSM group. RESULTS Compared to HCs, CSA and WMA at C2/3 and GMV in right postcentral gyrus (PoCG.R) and left supplementary motor area (SMA.L) were significantly decreased in patients with CSM. CSA and WMA at C2/3 were associated with GMV in SMA.L and MCG.R in patients with CSM. CSA at C2/3 and GMV in PoCG.R were related to modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score in patients with CSM. CONCLUSIONS The associations between CSA and WMA at C2/3 and GMV in SMA.L and MCG.R suggest a concordant change pattern and adaptive mechanisms for neuronal plasticity underlying remote neurodegeneration in early CSM. The atrophy of CSA at C2/3 and GMV loss in PoCG.R can serve as potential neuroimaging biomarkers of early structural changes within spinal cord and brain preceding marked clinical disabilities in patients with CSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuili Kuang
- Department of Radiological, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yunfei Zha
- Department of Radiological, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Morris S, Swift-LaPointe T, Yung A, Prevost V, George S, Bauman A, Kozlowski P, Samadi-Bahrami Z, Fournier C, Mattu PS, Parker L, Streijger F, Hirsch-Reinshagen V, Moore GRW, Kwon BK, Laule C. Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers of the Injured Spinal Cord: A Comparative Study of Imaging and Histology in Human Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:1223-1239. [PMID: 38318802 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0208] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
A significant problem in the diagnosis and management of traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is the heterogeneity of secondary injury and the prediction of neurological outcome. Imaging biomarkers specific to myelin loss and inflammation after tSCI would enable detailed assessment of the pathophysiological processes underpinning secondary damage to the cord. Such biomarkers could be used to biologically stratify injury severity and better inform prognosis for neurological recovery. While much work has been done to establish magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers for SCI in animal models, the relationship between imaging findings and the underlying pathology has been difficult to discern in human tSCI because of the paucity of human spinal cord tissue. We utilized post-mortem spinal cords from individuals who had a tSCI to examine this relationship by performing ex vivo MRI scans before histological analysis. We investigated the correlation between the histological distribution of myelin loss and inflammatory cells in the injured spinal cord and a number of myelin and inflammation-sensitive MRI measures: myelin water fraction (MWF), inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratio (ihMTR), and diffusion tensor and diffusion kurtosis imaging-derived fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial, radial, and mean diffusivity (AD, RD, MD). The histological features were analyzed by staining with Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) for myelin lipids and Class II major histocompatibility complex (Class II MHC) and CD68 for microglia and macrophages. Both MWF and ihMTR were strongly correlated with LFB staining for myelin, supporting the use of both as biomarkers for myelin loss after SCI. A decrease in ihMTR was also correlated with the presence of Class II MHC positive immune cells. FA and RD correlated with both Class II MHC and CD68 and may therefore be useful biomarkers for inflammation after tSCI. Our work demonstrates the utility of advanced MRI techniques sensitive to biological tissue damage after tSCI, which is an important step toward using these MRI techniques in the clinic to aid in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Morris
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Taylor Swift-LaPointe
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Yung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- UBC MRI Research Centre, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Valentin Prevost
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- UBC MRI Research Centre, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shana George
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Bauman
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- UBC MRI Research Centre, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Piotr Kozlowski
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- UBC MRI Research Centre, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zahra Samadi-Bahrami
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Caron Fournier
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Lisa Parker
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Femke Streijger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Veronica Hirsch-Reinshagen
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - G R Wayne Moore
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian K Kwon
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cornelia Laule
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Departments of University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Büeler S, Freund P, Kessler TM, Liechti MD, David G. Improved inter-subject alignment of the lumbosacral cord for group-level in vivo gray and white matter assessments: A scan-rescan MRI study at 3T. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301449. [PMID: 38626171 PMCID: PMC11020367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables the investigation of pathological changes in gray and white matter at the lumbosacral enlargement (LSE) and conus medullaris (CM). However, conducting group-level analyses of MRI metrics in the lumbosacral spinal cord is challenging due to variability in CM length, lack of established image-based landmarks, and unknown scan-rescan reliability. This study aimed to improve inter-subject alignment of the lumbosacral cord to facilitate group-level analyses of MRI metrics. Additionally, we evaluated the scan-rescan reliability of MRI-based cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics. METHODS Fifteen participants (10 healthy volunteers and 5 patients with spinal cord injury) underwent axial T2*-weighted and diffusion MRI at 3T. We assessed the reliability of spinal cord and gray matter-based landmarks for inter-subject alignment of the lumbosacral cord, the inter-subject variability of MRI metrics before and after adjusting for the CM length, the intra- and inter-rater reliability of CSA measurements, and the scan-rescan reliability of CSA measurements and DTI metrics. RESULTS The slice with the largest gray matter CSA as an LSE landmark exhibited the highest reliability, both within and across raters. Adjusting for the CM length greatly reduced the inter-subject variability of MRI metrics. The intra-rater, inter-rater, and scan-rescan reliability of MRI metrics were the highest at and around the LSE (scan-rescan coefficient of variation <3% for CSA measurements and <7% for DTI metrics within the white matter) and decreased considerably caudal to it. CONCLUSIONS To facilitate group-level analyses, we recommend using the slice with the largest gray matter CSA as a reliable LSE landmark, along with an adjustment for the CM length. We also stress the significance of the anatomical location within the lumbosacral cord in relation to the reliability of MRI metrics. The scan-rescan reliability values serve as valuable guides for power and sample size calculations in future longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvan Büeler
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M. Kessler
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martina D. Liechti
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gergely David
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Emmenegger TM, Pfyffer D, Curt A, Schading-Sassenhausen S, Hupp M, Ashburner J, Friston K, Weiskopf N, Thompson A, Freund P. Longitudinal motor system changes from acute to chronic spinal cord injury. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16196. [PMID: 38258488 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In acute spinal cord injury (SCI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals tissue bridges and neurodegeneration for 2 years. This 5-year study aims to track initial lesion changes, subsequent neurodegeneration, and their impact on recovery. METHODS This prospective longitudinal study enrolled acute SCI patients and healthy controls who were assessed clinically-and by MRI-regularly from 3 days postinjury up to 60 months. We employed histologically cross-validated quantitative MRI sequences sensitive to volume, myelin, and iron changes, thereby reflecting indirectly processes of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. General linear models tracked lesion and remote changes in volume, myelin- and iron-sensitive magnetic resonance indices over 5 years. Associations between lesion, degeneration, and recovery (using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure [SCIM] questionnaire and the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury total motor score) were assessed. RESULTS Patients' motor scores improved by an average of 12.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.70-19.00) points, and SCIM by 26.08 (95% CI = 17.00-35.20) points. Within 3-28 days post-SCI, lesion size decreased by more than two-thirds (3 days: 302.52 ± 185.80 mm2 , 28 days: 76.77 ± 88.62 mm2 ), revealing tissue bridges. Cervical cord and corticospinal tract volumes transiently increased in SCI patients by 5% and 3%, respectively, accompanied by cervical myelin decreases and iron increases. Over time, progressive atrophy was observed in both regions, which was linked to early lesion dynamics. Tissue bridges, reduced swelling, and myelin content decreases were predictive of long-term motor score recovery and improved SCIM score. CONCLUSIONS Studying acute changes and their impact on longer follow-up provides insights into SCI trajectory, highlighting the importance of acute intervention while indicating the potential to influence outcomes in the later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim M Emmenegger
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus Hupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John Ashburner
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karl Friston
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alan Thompson
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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Rafati Fard A, Mowforth OD, Yuan M, Myrtle S, Lee KS, Banerjee A, Khan M, Kotter MR, Newcombe VFJ, Stamatakis EA, Davies BM. Brain MRI changes in degenerative cervical myelopathy: a systematic review. EBioMedicine 2024; 99:104915. [PMID: 38113760 PMCID: PMC10772405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104915] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of adult spinal cord dysfunction globally. Associated neurological symptoms and signs have historically been explained by pathobiology within the cervical spine. However, recent advances in imaging have shed light on numerous brain changes in patients with DCM, and it is hypothesised that these changes contribute to DCM pathogenesis. The aetiology, significance, and distribution of these supraspinal changes is currently unknown. The objective was therefore to synthesise all current evidence on brain changes in DCM. METHODS A systematic review was performed. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with magnetic resonance imaging on a cohort of patients with DCM were eligible. PRISMA guidelines were followed. MEDLINE and Embase were searched to 28th August 2023. Duplicate title/abstract screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted. A qualitative synthesis of the literature is presented as per the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline. The review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022298538). FINDINGS Of the 2014 studies that were screened, 47 studies were identified that used MRI to investigate brain changes in DCM. In total, 1500 patients with DCM were included in the synthesis, with a mean age of 53 years. Brain alterations on MRI were associated with DCM both before and after surgery, particularly within the sensorimotor network, visual network, default mode network, thalamus and cerebellum. Associations were commonly reported between brain MRI alterations and clinical measures, particularly the Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) score. Risk of bias of included studies was low to moderate. INTERPRETATION The rapidly expanding literature provides mounting evidence for brain changes in DCM. We have identified key structures and pathways that are altered, although there remains uncertainty regarding the directionality and clinical significance of these changes. Future studies with greater sample sizes, more detailed phenotyping and longer follow-up are now needed. FUNDING ODM is supported by an Academic Clinical Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. BMD is supported by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Cambridge (NIHR300696). VFJN is supported by an NIHR Rosetrees Trust Advanced Fellowship (NIHR302544). This project was supported by an award from the Rosetrees Foundation with the Storygate Trust (A2844).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Rafati Fard
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver D Mowforth
- Division of Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Melissa Yuan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Samuel Myrtle
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Keng Siang Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Arka Banerjee
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maaz Khan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R Kotter
- Division of Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Virginia F J Newcombe
- PACE Section, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emmanuel A Stamatakis
- PACE Section, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Davies
- Division of Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Wei L, Huang Y, Chen Y, Wu J, Chen K, Zheng Z, Wang S, Xue L. Biomarkers for predicting the severity of spinal cord injury by proteomic analysis. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1153230. [PMID: 38155913 PMCID: PMC10753799 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1153230] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Currently, there is a shortage of the protein biomarkers for classifying spinal cord injury (SCI) severity. We attempted to explore the candidate biomarkers for predicting SCI severity. Methods SCI rat models with mild, moderate, and severe injury were constructed with an electro-mechanic impactor. The behavior assessment and pathological examinations were conducted before and after SCI. Then, quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed in spinal cord tissues with different extents of injury. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in SCI relative to controls were identified, followed by Mfuzz clustering, function enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. The differential changes of candidate proteins were validated by using a parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay. Results After SCI modeling, the motor function and mechanical pain sensitivity of SCI rats were impaired, dependent on the severity of the injury. A total of 154 DEPs overlapped in the mild, moderate, and severe SCI groups, among which 82 proteins were classified in clusters 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 with similar expression patterns at different extents of injury. DEPs were closely related to inflammatory response and significantly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. PPI network showed that Fgg (Fibrinogen gamma chain), Fga (Fibrinogen alpha chain), Serpinc1 (Antithrombin-III), and Fgb (Fibrinogen beta chain) in cluster 1 were significant nodes with the largest degrees. The upregulation of the significant nodes in SCI samples was validated by PRM. Conclusion Fgg, Fga, and Fgb may be the putative biomarkers for assessing the extent of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangfeng Wei
- Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (900TH Hospital), Fuzhou, China
| | - Yubei Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fuding Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuding, China
| | - Yehuang Chen
- Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (900TH Hospital), Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianwu Wu
- Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (900TH Hospital), Fuzhou, China
| | - Kaiqin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhaocong Zheng
- Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (900TH Hospital), Fuzhou, China
| | - Shousen Wang
- Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (900TH Hospital), Fuzhou, China
| | - Liang Xue
- Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University (900TH Hospital), Fuzhou, China
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Azad TD, Ran KR, Liu J, Vattipally VN, Khela H, Leite E, Materi JD, Davidar AD, Bettegowda C, Theodore N. A future blood test for acute traumatic spinal cord injury. Biomarkers 2023; 28:703-713. [PMID: 38126897 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2023.2298650] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) requires prompt diagnosis and intervention to minimize the risk of permanent neurologic deficit. Presently, SCI diagnosis and interventional planning rely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is not always available or feasible for severely injured patients. Detection of disease-specific biomarkers in biofluids via liquid biopsy may provide a more accessible and objective means of evaluating patients with suspected SCI. Cell-free DNA, which has been used for diagnosing and monitoring oncologic disease, may detect damage to spinal cord neurons via tissue-specific methylation patterns. Other types of biomarkers, including proteins and RNA species, have also been found to reflect neuronal injury and may be included as part of a multi-analyte assay to improve liquid biopsy performance. The feasibility of implementing liquid biopsy into current practices of SCI management is supported by the relative ease of blood sample collection as well as recent advancements in droplet digital polymerase chain reaction technology. In this review, we detail the current landscape of biofluid biomarkers for acute SCI and propose a framework for the incorporation of a putative blood test into the clinical management of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tej D Azad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen R Ran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Harmon Khela
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Enzo Leite
- Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Materi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Daniel Davidar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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9
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Larrea A, Elexpe A, Díez-Martín E, Torrecilla M, Astigarraga E, Barreda-Gómez G. Neuroinflammation in the Evolution of Motor Function in Stroke and Trauma Patients: Treatment and Potential Biomarkers. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8552-8585. [PMID: 37998716 PMCID: PMC10670324 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has a significant impact on different pathologies, such as stroke or spinal cord injury, intervening in their pathophysiology: expansion, progression, and resolution. Neuroinflammation involves oxidative stress, damage, and cell death, playing an important role in neuroplasticity and motor dysfunction by affecting the neuronal connection responsible for motor control. The diagnosis of this pathology is performed using neuroimaging techniques and molecular diagnostics based on identifying and measuring signaling molecules or specific markers. In parallel, new therapeutic targets are being investigated via the use of bionanomaterials and electrostimulation to modulate the neuroinflammatory response. These novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have the potential to facilitate the development of anticipatory patterns and deliver the most beneficial treatment to improve patients' quality of life and directly impact their motor skills. However, important challenges remain to be solved. Hence, the goal of this study was to review the implication of neuroinflammation in the evolution of motor function in stroke and trauma patients, with a particular focus on novel methods and potential biomarkers to aid clinicians in diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. A specific analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities was conducted, highlighting the key challenges to be faced in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Larrea
- Research and Development Division, IMG Pharma Biotech, 48170 Zamudio, Spain; (A.L.); (A.E.); (E.D.-M.); (E.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Ane Elexpe
- Research and Development Division, IMG Pharma Biotech, 48170 Zamudio, Spain; (A.L.); (A.E.); (E.D.-M.); (E.A.)
| | - Eguzkiñe Díez-Martín
- Research and Development Division, IMG Pharma Biotech, 48170 Zamudio, Spain; (A.L.); (A.E.); (E.D.-M.); (E.A.)
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - María Torrecilla
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Egoitz Astigarraga
- Research and Development Division, IMG Pharma Biotech, 48170 Zamudio, Spain; (A.L.); (A.E.); (E.D.-M.); (E.A.)
| | - Gabriel Barreda-Gómez
- Research and Development Division, IMG Pharma Biotech, 48170 Zamudio, Spain; (A.L.); (A.E.); (E.D.-M.); (E.A.)
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10
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Chen LM, Wang F, Mishra A, Yang PF, Sengupta A, Reed JL, Gore JC. Longitudinal multiparametric MRI of traumatic spinal cord injury in animal models. Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 102:184-200. [PMID: 37343904 PMCID: PMC10528214 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2023.06.007] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) technology enables non-invasive and quantitative assessments of the structural, molecular, and functional characteristics of various neurological diseases. Despite the recognized importance of studying spinal cord pathology, mpMRI applications in spinal cord research have been somewhat limited, partly due to technical challenges associated with spine imaging. However, advances in imaging techniques and improved image quality now allow longitudinal investigations of a comprehensive range of spinal cord pathological features by exploiting different endogenous MRI contrasts. This review summarizes the use of mpMRI techniques including blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT), and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI in monitoring different aspects of spinal cord pathology. These aspects include cyst formation and axonal disruption, demyelination and remyelination, changes in the excitability of spinal grey matter and the integrity of intrinsic functional circuits, and non-specific molecular changes associated with secondary injury and neuroinflammation. These approaches are illustrated with reference to a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI). We highlight the benefits of using NHP SCI models to guide future studies of human spinal cord pathology, and demonstrate how mpMRI can capture distinctive features of spinal cord pathology that were previously inaccessible. Furthermore, the development of mechanism-based MRI biomarkers from mpMRI studies can provide clinically useful imaging indices for understanding the mechanisms by which injured spinal cords progress and repair. These biomarkers can assist in the diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of therapies for SCI patients, potentially leading to improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Feng Wang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arabinda Mishra
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anirban Sengupta
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamie L Reed
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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11
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Kurahashi T, Nishime C, Nishinaka E, Komaki Y, Seki F, Urano K, Harada Y, Yoshikawa T, Dai P. Transplantation of Chemical Compound-Induced Cells from Human Fibroblasts Improves Locomotor Recovery in a Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13853. [PMID: 37762156 PMCID: PMC10530737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of regenerative medicine using cell therapy is eagerly awaited for diseases such as spinal cord injury (SCI), for which there has been no radical cure. We previously reported the direct conversion of human fibroblasts into neuronal-like cells using only chemical compounds; however, it is unclear whether chemical compound-induced neuronal-like (CiN) cells are clinically functional. In this study, we partially modified the method of inducing CiN cells (termed immature CiN cells) and examined their therapeutic efficacy, in a rat model of SCI, to investigate whether immature CiN cells are promising for clinical applications. Motor function recovery, after SCI, was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) test, as well as the CatWalk analysis. We found that locomotor recovery, after SCI in the immature CiN cell-transplanted group, was partially improved compared to that in the control group. Consistent with these results, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological analyses revealed that nerve recovery or preservation improved in the immature CiN cell-transplanted group. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that immature CiN cells highly express hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which has recently been shown to be a promising therapeutic agent against SCI. Our findings suggest that immature CiN cells may provide an alternative strategy for the regenerative therapy of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Kurahashi
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (T.K.); (T.Y.)
| | - Chiyoko Nishime
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Eiko Nishinaka
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Yuji Komaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Fumiko Seki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Koji Urano
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Yoshinori Harada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
| | - Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (T.K.); (T.Y.)
- Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, 103-5 Tanaka-Monzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
| | - Ping Dai
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (T.K.); (T.Y.)
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12
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Li J, Liu X, Wang J, Wang F, Zhu Z, Tang T, Wang J, Zhou Z, Gao M, Liu S. Identification of immunodiagnostic blood biomarkers associated with spinal cord injury severity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1101564. [PMID: 37063890 PMCID: PMC10090698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood always shows some immune changes after spinal cord injury (SCI), and detection of such changes in blood may be helpful for diagnosis and treatment of SCI. However, studies to date on blood immune changes after SCI in humans are not comprehensive. Therefore, to obtain the characteristics of blood immune changes and immunodiagnostic blood biomarkers of SCI and its different grades, a human blood transcriptome sequencing dataset was downloaded and analyzed to obtain differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIGs), related functions and signaling pathways related to SCI and its various grades. Characteristic biomarkers of SCI and its different grades were identified by using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression. Expression of biomarkers was verified through experiments. The area under the curve (AUC) of biomarkers was calculated to evaluate their diagnostic value, and differences in immune cell content were examined. In this study, 17 kinds of immune cells with different contents between the SCI group and healthy control (HC) group were identified, with 7 immune cell types being significantly increased. Differences in the content of immune cells between different grades of SCI and the HC group were also discovered. DEIGs were identified, with alteration in some immune-related signaling pathways, vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathways, and axon guidance signaling pathways. The SCI biomarkers identified and those of American Spinal Injury Society Impairment Scale (AIS) A and AIS D of SCI have certain diagnostic sensitivity. Analysis of the correlation of immune cells and biomarkers showed that biomarkers of SCI, AIS A grade and AIS D grade correlated positively or negatively with some immune cells. CKLF, EDNRB, FCER1G, SORT1, and TNFSF13B can be used as immune biomarkers for SCI. Additionally, GDF11and HSPA1L can be used as biomarkers of SCI AIS A grade; PRKCA and CMTM2 can be used as biomarkers of the SCI AIS D grade. Detecting expression of these putative biomarkers and changes in related immune cells may be helpful for predicting the severity of SCI.
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13
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Schading S, Seif M, Leutritz T, Hupp M, Curt A, Weiskopf N, Freund P. Reliability of spinal cord measures based on synthetic T 1-weighted MRI derived from multiparametric mapping (MPM). Neuroimage 2023; 271:120046. [PMID: 36948280 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Short MRI acquisition time, high signal-to-noise ratio, and high reliability are crucial for image quality when scanning healthy volunteers and patients. Cross-sectional cervical cord area (CSA) has been suggested as a marker of neurodegeneration and potential outcome measure in clinical trials and is conventionally measured on T1-weigthed 3D Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient-Echo (MPRAGE) images. This study aims to reduce the acquisition time for the comprehensive assessment of the spinal cord, which is typically based on MPRAGE for morphometry and multi-parameter mapping (MPM) for microstructure. The MPRAGE is replaced by a synthetic T1-w MRI (synT1-w) estimated from the MPM, in order to measure CSA. SynT1-w images were reconstructed using the MPRAGE signal equation based on quantitative maps of proton density (PD), longitudinal (R1) and effective transverse (R2*) relaxation rates. The reliability of CSA measurements from synT1-w images was determined within a multi-center test-retest study format and validated against acquired MPRAGE scans by assessing the agreement between both methods. The response to pathological changes was tested by longitudinally measuring spinal cord atrophy following spinal cord injury (SCI) for synT1-w and MPRAGE using linear mixed effect models. CSA measurements based on the synT1-w MRI showed high intra-site (Coefficient of variation [CoV]: 1.43% to 2.71%) and inter-site repeatability (CoV: 2.90% to 5.76%), and only a minor deviation of -1.65 mm2 compared to MPRAGE. Crucially, by assessing atrophy rates and by comparing SCI patients with healthy controls longitudinally, differences between synT1-w and MPRAGE were negligible. These results demonstrate that reliable estimates of CSA can be obtained from synT1-w images, thereby reducing scan time significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schading
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maryam Seif
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Leutritz
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Hupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
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14
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Duman A, Azizi E. Hindlimb muscle spindles inform preparatory forelimb coordination prior to landing in toads. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:286710. [PMID: 36576050 PMCID: PMC10086541 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Animals move across a wide range of surface conditions in real-world environments to acquire resources and avoid predation. To effectively navigate a variety of surfaces, animals rely on several mechanisms including intrinsic mechanical responses, spinal-level central pattern generators, and neural commands that require sensory feedback. Muscle spindle Ia afferents play a critical role in providing sensory feedback and informing motor control strategies across legged vertebrate locomotion, which is apparent in cases where this sensory input is compromised. Here, we tested the hypothesis that spindle Ia afferents from hindlimb muscles are important for coordinating forelimb landing behavior in the cane toad. We performed bilateral sciatic nerve reinnervations to ablate the stretch reflex from distal hindlimb muscles while allowing for motor neuron recovery. We found that toads significantly delayed the onset and reduced the activation duration of their elbow extensor muscle following spindle Ia afferent ablation in the hindlimbs. However, reinnervated toads achieved similar elbow extension at touchdown to that of their pre-surgery state. Our results suggest that while toads likely tuned the activation timing of forelimb muscles in response to losing Ia afferent sensation from the hindlimbs they were likely able to employ compensatory strategies that allowed them to continue landing effectively with reduced sensory information during take-off. These findings indicate muscle spindle Ia afferents may contribute to tuning complex movements involving multiple limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Duman
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Emanuel Azizi
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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15
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Baldassarro VA, Stanzani A, Giardino L, Calzà L, Lorenzini L. Neuroprotection and neuroregeneration: roles for the white matter. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2376-2380. [PMID: 35535874 PMCID: PMC9120696 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient strategies for neuroprotection and repair are still an unmet medical need for neurodegenerative diseases and lesions of the central nervous system. Over the last few decades, a great deal of attention has been focused on white matter as a potential therapeutic target, mainly due to the discovery of the oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the adult central nervous system, a cell type able to fully repair myelin damage, and to the development of advanced imaging techniques to visualize and measure white matter lesions. The combination of these two events has greatly increased the body of research into white matter alterations in central nervous system lesions and neurodegenerative diseases and has identified the oligodendrocyte precursor cell as a putative target for white matter lesion repair, thus indirectly contributing to neuroprotection. This review aims to discuss the potential of white matter as a therapeutic target for neuroprotection in lesions and diseases of the central nervous system. Pivot conditions are discussed, specifically multiple sclerosis as a white matter disease; spinal cord injury, the acute lesion of a central nervous system component where white matter prevails over the gray matter, and Alzheimer's disease, where the white matter was considered an ancillary component until recently. We first describe oligodendrocyte precursor cell biology and developmental myelination, and its regulation by thyroid hormones, then briefly describe white matter imaging techniques, which are providing information on white matter involvement in central nervous system lesions and degenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss pathological mechanisms which interfere with myelin repair in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnese Stanzani
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Life Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna; Fondazione IRET, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Laura Calzà
- Fondazione IRET, Ozzano Emilia; Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna; Montecatone Rehabilitation Institute, Imola, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Dietz VA, Roberts N, Knox K, Moore S, Pitonak M, Barr C, Centeno J, Leininger S, New KC, Nowell P, Rodreick M, Geoffroy CG, Stampas A, Dulin JN. Fighting for recovery on multiple fronts: The past, present, and future of clinical trials for spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:977679. [PMID: 36212690 PMCID: PMC9533868 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.977679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Through many decades of preclinical research, great progress has been achieved in understanding the complex nature of spinal cord injury (SCI). Preclinical research efforts have guided and shaped clinical trials, which are growing in number by the year. Currently, 1,149 clinical trials focused on improving outcomes after SCI are registered in the U.S. National Library of Medicine at ClinicalTrials.gov. We conducted a systematic analysis of these SCI clinical trials, using publicly accessible data downloaded from ClinicalTrials.gov. After extracting all available data for these trials, we categorized each trial according to the types of interventions being tested and the types of outcomes assessed. We then evaluated clinical trial characteristics, both globally and by year, in order to understand the areas of growth and change over time. With regard to clinical trial attributes, we found that most trials have low enrollment, only test single interventions, and have limited numbers of primary outcomes. Some gaps in reporting are apparent; for instance, over 75% of clinical trials with "Completed" status do not have results posted, and the Phase of some trials is incorrectly classified as "Not applicable" despite testing a drug or biological compound. When analyzing trials based on types of interventions assessed, we identified the largest representation in trials testing rehab/training/exercise, neuromodulation, and behavioral modifications. Most highly represented primary outcomes include motor function of the upper and lower extremities, safety, and pain. The most highly represented secondary outcomes include quality of life and pain. Over the past 15 years, we identified increased representation of neuromodulation and rehabilitation trials, and decreased representation of drug trials. Overall, the number of new clinical trials initiated each year continues to grow, signifying a hopeful future for the clinical treatment of SCI. Together, our work provides a comprehensive glimpse into the past, present, and future of SCI clinical trials, and suggests areas for improvement in clinical trial reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A. Dietz
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Nolan Roberts
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Katelyn Knox
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sherilynne Moore
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Michael Pitonak
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Chris Barr
- Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jesus Centeno
- Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Kent C. New
- Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Peter Nowell
- Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Cedric G. Geoffroy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Argyrios Stampas
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer N. Dulin
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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17
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Yang HE, Kim WT, Kim DH, Kim SW, Yoo WK. Utility of Diffusion and Magnetization Transfer MRI in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Pilot Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092090. [PMID: 36140491 PMCID: PMC9497906 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092090] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help detect spinal cord pathology, and tract-specific analysis of their parameters, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and MT ratio (MTR), can give microstructural information. We performed the tract-based acquisition of MR parameters of three major motor tracts: the lateral corticospinal (CS), rubrospinal (RuS) tract, and lateral reticulospinal (RS) tract as well as two major sensory tracts, i.e., the fasciculus cuneatus (FC) and spinal lemniscus, to detect pathologic change and find correlations with clinical items. MR parameters were extracted for each tract at three levels: the most compressed lesion level and above and below the lesion. We compared the MR parameters of eight cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients and 12 normal controls and analyzed the correlation between clinical evaluation items and MR parameters in patients. RuS and lateral RS showed worse DTI parameters at the lesion level in patients compared to the controls. Worse DTI parameters in those tracts were correlated with weaker power grasp at the lesion level. FC and lateral CS showed a correlation between higher RD and lower FA and MTR with a weaker lateral pinch below the lesion level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hea-Eun Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VHS Medical Center, Seoul 05368, Korea
| | - Wan-Tae Kim
- Department of Radiology, VHS Medical Center, Seoul 05368, Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Kim
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Seok-Woo Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Korea
| | - Woo-Kyoung Yoo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Korea
- Correspondence:
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18
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Rossano S, Toyonaga T, Bini J, Nabulsi N, Ropchan J, Cai Z, Huang Y, Carson RE. Feasibility of imaging synaptic density in the human spinal cord using [ 11C]UCB-J PET. EJNMMI Phys 2022; 9:32. [PMID: 35503134 PMCID: PMC9065222 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-022-00464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuronal damage and synapse loss in the spinal cord (SC) have been implicated in spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurodegenerative disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Current standards of diagnosis for SCI include CT or MRI imaging to evaluate injury severity. The current study explores the use of PET imaging with [11C]UCB-J, which targets the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), in the human spinal cord, as a way to visualize synaptic density and integrity in vivo. RESULTS First, simulations of baseline and blocking [11C]UCB-J HRRT scans were performed, based on SC dimensions and SV2A distribution to predict VT, VND, and VS values. Next, human baseline and blocking [11C]UCB-J HRRT images were used to estimate these values in the cervical SC (cSC). Simulation results had excellent agreement with observed values of VT, VND, and VS from the real human data, with baseline VT, VND, and VS of 3.07, 2.15, and 0.92 mL/cm3, respectively, with a BPND of 0.43. Lastly, we explored full SC imaging with whole-body images. Using automated SC regions of interest (ROIs) for the full SC, cSC, and thoracic SC (tSC), the distribution volume ratio (DVR) was estimated using the brain gray matter as a reference region to evaluate SC SV2A density relative to the brain. In full body imaging, DVR values of full SC, cSC, and tSC were 0.115, 0.145, and 0.112, respectively. Therefore, measured [11C]UCB-J uptake, and thus SV2A density, is much lower in the SC than in the brain. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here provide evidence for the feasibility of SV2A PET imaging in the human SC, however, specific binding of [11C]UCB-J is low. Ongoing and future work include further classification of SV2A distribution in the SC as well as exploring higher-affinity PET radioligands for SC imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Rossano
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Takuya Toyonaga
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jason Bini
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jim Ropchan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Zhengxin Cai
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Richard E Carson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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19
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Taheri K, Vavasour IM, Abel S, Lee LE, Johnson P, Ristow S, Tam R, Laule C, Ackermans NC, Schabas A, Cross H, Chan JK, Sayao AL, Bhan V, Devonshire V, Carruthers R, Li DK, Traboulsee AL, Kolind SH, Dvorak AV. Cervical Spinal Cord Atrophy can be Accurately Quantified Using Head Images. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2022; 8:20552173211070760. [PMID: 35024164 PMCID: PMC8743948 DOI: 10.1177/20552173211070760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal cord atrophy provides a clinically relevant metric for monitoring MS. However, the spinal cord is imaged far less frequently than brain due to artefacts and acquisition time, whereas MRI of the brain is routinely performed. Objective To validate spinal cord cross-sectional area measurements from routine 3DT1 whole-brain MRI versus those from dedicated cord MRI in healthy controls and people with MS. Methods We calculated cross-sectional area at C1 and C2/3 using T2*-weighted spinal cord images and 3DT1 brain images, for 28 healthy controls and 73 people with MS. Correlations for both groups were assessed between: (1) C1 and C2/3 using cord images; (2) C1 from brain and C1 from cord; and (3) C1 from brain and C2/3 from cord. Results and Conclusion C1 and C2/3 from cord were strongly correlated in controls (r = 0.94, p<0.0001) and MS (r = 0.85, p<0.0001). There was strong agreement between C1 from brain and C2/3 from cord in controls (r = 0.84, p<0.0001) and MS (r = 0.81, p<0.0001). This supports the use of C1 cross-sectional area calculated from brain imaging as a surrogate for the traditional C2/3 cross-sectional area measure for spinal cord atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamyar Taheri
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Irene M Vavasour
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Ristow
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Roger Tam
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cornelia Laule
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Carruthers
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David Kb Li
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Shannon H Kolind
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adam Vladimir Dvorak
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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20
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Krisa L, Middleton DM, Saksena S, Faro SH, Leiby BE, Mohamed FB, Mulcahey MJ. Clinical Utility of Diffusion Tensor Imaging as a Biomarker to Identify Microstructural Changes in Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2022; 28:1-12. [PMID: 35521062 PMCID: PMC9009200 DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Lack of clarity about the neurological consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI) in children causes speculation about diagnoses, recovery potential, and treatment effectiveness. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has shown promising results as a biomarker to evaluate spinal cord integrity at a microstructural level. Objectives To look at the difference between pediatric participants with and without SCI to determine which DTI metrics best categorize spinal cord tissue damage and to correlate DTI metrics with two clinical measures: Capabilities of the Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T) and Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM-III). Methods This single-site, prospective study included pediatric participants with SCI (n = 26) and typically developed (TD) control subjects (n = 36). All participants underwent two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on a 3T MR scanner. Participants with SCI also completed the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI), CUE-T, and SCIM-III outcomes measures. Results This study found significant strength of association between fractional anisotropy (FA) and upper extremity muscle strength (UEMS) in participants with SCI. Most DTI parameters showed a significant difference between participants with SCI and TD participants and a moderate correlation with the CUE-T total score. Regional effects on group differences were found to be significant. Conclusion This study demonstrates the strength of association between DTI parameters and clinical measures in the pedantic SCI population. It illustrates DTI as a potential biomarker of SCI location and severity in the pediatric SCI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Krisa
- Department of Physical Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,Center for Outcomes and Measurement, Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Devon M. Middleton
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sona Saksena
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott H. Faro
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Benjamin E. Leiby
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Biostatistics Division, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Feroze B. Mohamed
- Jefferson Integrated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - MJ Mulcahey
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,Center for Outcomes and Measurement, Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review covers recent advances in identifying conventional and quantitative neuroimaging spinal cord biomarkers of lesion severity and remote spinal cord pathology following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). It discusses the potential of the most sensitive neuroimaging spinal cord biomarkers to complement clinical workup and improve prediction of recovery. RECENT FINDINGS At the injury site, preserved midsagittal tissue bridges - based on conventional sagittal T2-weighted scans - can be identified in the majority of SCI patients; its width being predictive of recovery. Remote from the injury, diffusion indices, and myelin/iron-sensitive neuroimaging-based changes are sensitive to secondary disease processes; its magnitude of change being associated with neurological outcome. SUMMARY Neuroimaging biomarkers reveal focal and remote cord pathology. These biomarkers show sensitivity to the underlying disease processes and are clinically eloquent. Thus, they improve injury characterization, enable spatiotemporal tracking of cord pathology, and predict recovery of function following traumatic SCI. Neuroimaging biomarkers, therefore, hold potential to complement the clinical diagnostic workup, improve patient stratification, and can serve as potential endpoints in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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22
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Generic acquisition protocol for quantitative MRI of the spinal cord. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:4611-4632. [PMID: 34400839 PMCID: PMC8811488 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative spinal cord (SC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presents many challenges, including a lack of standardized imaging protocols. Here we present a prospectively harmonized quantitative MRI protocol, which we refer to as the spine generic protocol, for users of 3T MRI systems from the three main manufacturers: GE, Philips and Siemens. The protocol provides guidance for assessing SC macrostructural and microstructural integrity: T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging for SC cross-sectional area computation, multi-echo gradient echo for gray matter cross-sectional area, and magnetization transfer and diffusion weighted imaging for assessing white matter microstructure. In a companion paper from the same authors, the spine generic protocol was used to acquire data across 42 centers in 260 healthy subjects. The key details of the spine generic protocol are also available in an open-access document that can be found at https://github.com/spine-generic/protocols . The protocol will serve as a starting point for researchers and clinicians implementing new SC imaging initiatives so that, in the future, inclusion of the SC in neuroimaging protocols will be more common. The protocol could be implemented by any trained MR technician or by a researcher/clinician familiar with MRI acquisition.
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23
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Wang HD, Wei ZJ, Li JJ, Feng SQ. Application value of biofluid-based biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:963-971. [PMID: 34558509 PMCID: PMC8552873 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.324823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) have confirmed the diagnostic potential of biofluid-based biomarkers, as a topic of increasing interest in relation to SCI diagnosis and treatment. This paper reviews the research progress and application prospects of recently identified SCI-related biomarkers. Many structural proteins, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100-β, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1, neurofilament light, and tau protein were correlated with the diagnosis, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, and prognosis of SCI to different degrees. Inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor α, are also good biomarkers for the diagnosis of acute and chronic SCI, while non-coding RNAs (microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) also show diagnostic potential for SCI. Trace elements (Mg, Se, Cu, Zn) have been shown to be related to motor recovery and can predict motor function after SCI, while humoral markers can reflect the pathophysiological changes after SCI. These factors have the advantages of low cost, convenient sampling, and ease of dynamic tracking, but are also associated with disadvantages, including diverse influencing factors and complex level changes. Although various proteins have been verified as potential biomarkers for SCI, more convincing evidence from large clinical and prospective studies is thus required to identify the most valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Da Wang
- Department of Orthopedics; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Wei
- Department of Orthopedics; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin; Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital; Shandong University Center for Orthopedics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jun-Jin Li
- Department of Orthopedics; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shi-Qing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin; Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital; Shandong University Center for Orthopedics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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24
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Vallotton K, David G, Hupp M, Pfender N, Cohen-Adad J, Fehlings MG, Samson RS, Wheeler-Kingshott CAMG, Curt A, Freund P, Seif M. Tracking White and Gray Matter Degeneration along the Spinal Cord Axis in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2978-2987. [PMID: 34238034 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to determine tissue-specific neurodegeneration across the spinal cord in patients with mild-moderate degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Twenty-four mild-moderate DCM and 24 healthy subjects were recruited. In patients, a T2-weighted scan was acquired at the compression site, whereas in all participants a T2*-weighted and diffusion-weighted scan was acquired at the cervical level (C2-C3) and in the lumbar enlargement (i.e., rostral and caudal to the site of compression). We quantified intramedullary signal changes, maximal canal and cord compression, white (WM) and gray matter (GM) atrophy, and microstructural indices from diffusion-weighted scans. All patients underwent clinical (modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association; mJOA) and electrophysiological assessments. Regression analysis assessed associations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) readouts and electrophysiological and clinical outcomes. Twenty patients were classified with mild and 4 with moderate DCM using the mJOA scale. The most frequent site of compression was at the C5-C6 level, with maximum cord compression of 38.73% ± 11.57%. Ten patients showed imaging evidence of cervical myelopathy. In the cervical cord, WM and GM atrophy and WM microstructural changes were evident, whereas in the lumbar cord only WM showed atrophy and microstructural changes. Remote cervical cord WM microstructural changes were pronounced in patients with radiological myelopathy and associated with impaired electrophysiology. Lumbar cord WM atrophy was associated with lower limb sensory impairments. In conclusion, tissue-specific neurodegeneration revealed by quantitative MRI is already apparent across the spinal cord in mild-moderate DCM before the onset of severe clinical impairments. WM microstructural changes are particularly sensitive to remote pathologically and clinically eloquent changes in DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Vallotton
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gergely David
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Hupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nikolai Pfender
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Functional Neuroimaging Unit, CRIUGM, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Mila-Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Department of Surgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Samson
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain Connectivity Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Seif
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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25
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Fehlings MG, Chen Y, Aarabi B, Ahmad F, Anderson KD, Dumont T, Fourney DR, Harrop JS, Kim KD, Kwon BK, Lingam HK, Rizzo M, Shih LC, Tsai EC, Vaccaro A, McKerracher L. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Local Delivery of a Rho Inhibitor (VX-210) in Patients with Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2065-2072. [PMID: 33559524 PMCID: PMC8309435 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in severe, lifelong neurological deficits. After SCI, Rho activation contributes to collapse of axonal growth cones, failure of axonal regeneration, and neuronal loss. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b/3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Rho inhibitor VX-210 (9 mg) in patients after acute traumatic cervical SCI. The study enrolled patients 14-75 years of age with acute traumatic cervical SCIs, C4-C7 (motor level) on each side, and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) Grade A or B who had spinal decompression/stabilization surgery commencing within 72 h after injury. Patients were randomized 1:1 with stratification by age (<30 vs. ≥30 years) and AIS grade (A vs. B with sacral pinprick preservation vs. B without sacral pinprick preservation). A single dose of VX-210 or placebo in fibrin sealant was administered topically onto the dura over the site of injury during decompression/stabilization surgery. Patients were evaluated for medical, neurological, and functional changes, and serum was collected for pharmacokinetics and immunological analyses. Patients were followed up for up to 12 months after treatment. A planned interim efficacy-based futility analysis was conducted after ∼33% of patients were enrolled. The pre-defined futility stopping rule was met, and the study was therefore ended prematurely. In the final analysis, the primary efficacy end-point was not met, with no statistically significant difference in change from baseline in upper-extremity motor score at 6 months after treatment between the VX-210 (9-mg) and placebo groups. This work opens the door to further improvements in the design and conduct of clinical trials in acute SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yang Chen
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Faiz Ahmad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Travis Dumont
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Daryl R Fourney
- Neurosurgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - James S Harrop
- Division of Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kee D Kim
- University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Brian K Kwon
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hari K Lingam
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco Rizzo
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ludy C Shih
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eve C Tsai
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lisa McKerracher
- BioAxone BioSciences, Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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26
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Schading S, Emmenegger TM, Freund P. Improving Diagnostic Workup Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Advances in Biomarkers. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2021; 21:49. [PMID: 34268621 PMCID: PMC8282571 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-021-01134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event with drastic implications for patients due to sensorimotor impairment and autonomous dysfunction. Current clinical evaluations focus on the assessment of injury level and severity using standardized neurological examinations. However, they fail to predict individual trajectories of recovery, which highlights the need for the development of advanced diagnostics. This narrative review identifies recent advances in the search of clinically relevant biomarkers in the field of SCI. RECENT FINDINGS Advanced neuroimaging and molecular biomarkers sensitive to the disease processes initiated by the SCI have been identified. These biomarkers range from advanced neuroimaging techniques, neurophysiological readouts, and molecular biomarkers identifying the concentrations of several proteins in blood and CSF samples. Some of these biomarkers improve current prediction models based on clinical readouts. Validation with larger patient cohorts is warranted. Several biomarkers have been identified-ranging from imaging to molecular markers-that could serve as advanced diagnostic and hence supplement current clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schading
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim M Emmenegger
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Brisset JC, Vukusic S, Cotton F. Update on brain MRI for the diagnosis and follow-up of MS patients. Presse Med 2021; 50:104067. [PMID: 33989722 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2021.104067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, MRI has become a major tool in the diagnosis and the follow-up of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. The recent international recommendations issued for the standardization of neurological and radiological clinical practices converge on many points. In this setting, recommendations made by the "Observatoire français de la sclérose en plaques", the French MS registry, can be distinguished by its interdisciplinary complementarity, its longevity, its size, and its positions in direct connection with the clinic. Hence, after suspicions of gadolinium deposition in the brain, with multiple warning from the American and European health authorities, a national consultation took place and resulted in limitation to useful injections. The precautionary principle prevailing, the patient receives a limited quantity of contrast product even if no clinically harmful manifestation has been detected to date. The result of this round table bringing together neurologists and neuroradiologists from specialized centers was published in the form of a recommendation in early 2020. The interest of this project also lies in the constant improvement of the management of patients with MS and the possibility of developing advanced techniques to assist the clinician. The aim of this review is to explain to the neurologist, the interest of following this imaging protocol both in his/her clinical practice and in the possibilities that this opens up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Brisset
- Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Sandra Vukusic
- Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, 69003 Lyon, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Neurologie, sclérose en plaques, pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation, 69677 Bron, France; Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Francois Cotton
- Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, 69003 Lyon, France; Eugène Devic EDMUS Foundation Against Multiple Sclerosis (a government approved foundation), 69677 Bron, France; Inserm, UJM-Saint-Étienne, CNRS, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, INSA-Lyon, University Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France.
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Osaki Y, Sako W, Harada M, Izumi Y. Magnetic resonance tractography exhibiting retrograde degeneration of the corticospinal tract in a patient with a unilateral spinal cord tumor. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02020. [PMID: 33638938 PMCID: PMC8035459 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transection-induced axonal retrograde degeneration, in contrast to Wallerian degeneration, has not been widely recognized in clinical practice. AIMS OF THE STUDY To assess a potential of corticospinal tractography for detecting axonal retrograde degeneration. METHODS We assessed the corticospinal tractography of a 74-year-old woman with monoplegia of the lower limb due to a unilateral thoracic spinal cord tumor. RESULTS The tractography revealed integrity reduction of the corticospinal tract in the cerebra contralateral to the spinal cord tumor. CONCLUSIONS The present report supports that magnetic resonance tractography has the potential for detecting this under-recognized phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Osaki
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Wataru Sako
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masafumi Harada
- Department of Radiology, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuishin Izumi
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
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29
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Tinnermann A, Büchel C, Cohen-Adad J. Cortico-spinal imaging to study pain. Neuroimage 2020; 224:117439. [PMID: 33039624 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain has helped to reveal mechanisms of pain perception in health and disease. Recently, imaging approaches have been developed that allow recording neural activity simultaneously in the brain and in the spinal cord. These approaches offer the possibility to examine pain perception in the entire central pain system and in addition, to investigate cortico-spinal interactions during pain processing. Although cortico-spinal imaging is a promising technique, it bears challenges concerning data acquisition and data analysis strategies. In this review, we discuss studies that applied simultaneous imaging of the brain and spinal cord to explore central pain processing. Furthermore, we describe different MR-related acquisition techniques, summarize advantages and disadvantages of approaches that have been implemented so far and present software that has been specifically developed for the analysis of spinal fMRI data to address challenges of spinal data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Tinnermann
- Department for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Max Planck School of Cognition, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Christian Büchel
- Department for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Max Planck School of Cognition, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Functional Neuroimaging Unit, CRIUGM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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30
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Adaptive trial designs for spinal cord injury clinical trials directed to the central nervous system. Spinal Cord 2020; 58:1235-1248. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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31
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Mehnert U, van der Lely S, Seif M, Leitner L, Liechti MD, Michels L. Neuroimaging in Neuro-Urology. Eur Urol Focus 2020; 6:826-837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sabaghian S, Dehghani H, Batouli SAH, Khatibi A, Oghabian MA. Fully automatic 3D segmentation of the thoracolumbar spinal cord and the vertebral canal from T2-weighted MRI using K-means clustering algorithm. Spinal Cord 2020; 58:811-820. [PMID: 32132652 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-0429-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Method development. OBJECTIVES To develop a reliable protocol for automatic segmentation of Thoracolumbar spinal cord using MRI based on K-means clustering algorithm in 3D images. SETTING University-based laboratory, Tehran, Iran. METHODS T2 structural volumes acquired from the spinal cord of 20 uninjured volunteers on a 3T MR scanner. We proposed an automatic method for spinal cord segmentation based on the K-means clustering algorithm in 3D images and compare our results with two available segmentation methods (PropSeg, DeepSeg) implemented in the Spinal Cord Toolbox. Dice and Hausdorff were used to compare the results of our method (K-Seg) with the manual segmentation, PropSeg, and DeepSeg. RESULTS The accuracy of our automatic segmentation method for T2-weighted images was significantly better or similar to the SCT methods, in terms of 3D DC (p < 0.001). The 3D DCs were respectively (0.81 ± 0.04) and Hausdorff Distance (12.3 ± 2.48) by the K-Seg method in contrary to other SCT methods for T2-weighted images. CONCLUSIONS The output with similar protocols showed that K-Seg results match the manual segmentation better than the other methods especially on the thoracolumbar levels in the spinal cord due to the low image contrast as a result of poor SNR in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Sabaghian
- Department of Software, School of Computer Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.,Neuro Imaging and Analysis Group (NIAG), Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging (RCMCI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Dehghani
- Neuro Imaging and Analysis Group (NIAG), Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging (RCMCI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Amir Hossein Batouli
- Neuro Imaging and Analysis Group (NIAG), Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging (RCMCI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Neuroscience and Addiction studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Khatibi
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mohammad Ali Oghabian
- Neuro Imaging and Analysis Group (NIAG), Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging (RCMCI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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Chien C, Juenger V, Scheel M, Brandt AU, Paul F. Considerations for Mean Upper Cervical Cord Area Implementation in a Longitudinal MRI Setting: Methods, Interrater Reliability, and MRI Quality Control. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:343-350. [PMID: 31974079 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinal cord atrophy is commonly measured from cerebral MRIs, including the upper cervical cord. However, rescan intraparticipant measures have not been investigated in healthy cohorts. This study investigated technical and rescan variability in the mean upper cervical cord area calculated from T1-weighted cerebral MRIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, 8 healthy participants were scanned and rescanned with non-distortion- and distortion-corrected MPRAGE sequences (11-50 sessions in 6-8 months), and 50 participants were scanned once with distortion-corrected MPRAGE sequences in the Day2day daily variability study. From another real-world observational cohort, we collected non-distortion-corrected MPRAGE scans from 27 healthy participants (annually for 2-4 years) and cross-sectionally from 77 participants. Statistical analyses included coefficient of variation, smallest real difference, intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman limits of agreement, and paired t tests. RESULTS Distortion- versus non-distortion-corrected MPRAGE-derived mean upper cervical cord areas were similar; however, a paired t test showed incomparability (t = 11.0, P = <.001). Higher variability was found in the mean upper cervical cord areas calculated from an automatic segmentation method. Interrater analysis yielded incomparable measures in the same participant scans (t = 4.5, P = <.001). Non-distortion-corrected mean upper cervical cord area measures were shown to be robust in real-world data (t = -1.04, P = .31). The main sources of variability were found to be artifacts from movement, head/neck positioning, and/or metal implants. CONCLUSIONS Technical variability in cord measures decreased using non-distortion-corrected MRIs, a semiautomatic segmentation approach, and 1 rater. Rescan variability was within ±4.4% for group mean upper cervical cord area when MR imaging quality criteria were met.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chien
- From the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., A.U.B., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine & Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., M.S., A.U.B., F.P.)
| | - V Juenger
- From the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., A.U.B., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine & Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., M.S., A.U.B., F.P.)
- Departments of Neuroradiology (V.J., M.S.)
| | - M Scheel
- Departments of Neuroradiology (V.J., M.S.)
| | - A U Brandt
- From the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., A.U.B., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine & Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., M.S., A.U.B., F.P.)
- Department of Neurology (A.U.B.), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - F Paul
- From the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., A.U.B., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine & Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center (C.C., V.J., M.S., A.U.B., F.P.)
- Neurology (F.P.), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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