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Kang X, Yoon BC, Grossner E, Adamson MM. Characteristics of the Structural Connectivity in Patients with Brain Injury and Chronic Health Symptoms: A Pilot Study. Neuroinformatics 2024:10.1007/s12021-024-09681-7. [PMID: 38990502 DOI: 10.1007/s12021-024-09681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Diffusion properties from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are exquisitely sensitive to white matter abnormalities incurred during traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially for those patients with chronic post-TBI symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, etc. The evaluation of structural and functional connectivity using DTI has become a promising method for identifying subtle alterations in brain connectivity associated with TBI that are otherwise not visible with conventional imaging. This study assessed whether TBI patients with (n = 17) or without (n = 16) chronic symptoms (TBIcs/TBIncs) exhibit any changes in structural connectivity (SC) and mean fractional anisotropy (mFA) of intra- and inter-hemispheric connections when compared to a control group (CG) (n = 13). Reductions in SC and mFA were observed for TBIcs compared to CG, but not for TBIncs. More connections were found to have mFA reductions than SC reductions. On the whole, SC is dominated by ipsilateral connections for all the groups after the comparison of contralateral and ipsilateral connections. More contra-ipsi reductions of mFA were found for TBIcs than TBIncs compared to CG. These findings suggest that TBI patients with chronic symptoms not only demonstrate decreased global and regional mFA but also reduced structural network connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Kang
- WRIISC-Women, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
- Rehabilitation Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Byung C Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Heath Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Emily Grossner
- Department of Psychology, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Maheen M Adamson
- WRIISC-Women, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Rehabilitation Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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2
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Millevert C, Vidas-Guscic N, Vanherp L, Jonckers E, Verhoye M, Staelens S, Bertoglio D, Weckhuysen S. Resting-State Functional MRI and PET Imaging as Noninvasive Tools to Study (Ab)Normal Neurodevelopment in Humans and Rodents. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8275-8293. [PMID: 38073598 PMCID: PMC10711730 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1043-23.2023] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of complex neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Functional and molecular imaging techniques, such as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), can be used to measure network activity noninvasively and longitudinally during maturation in both humans and rodent models. Here, we review the current knowledge on rs-fMRI and PET biomarkers in the study of normal and abnormal neurodevelopment, including intellectual disability (ID; with/without epilepsy), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in humans and rodent models from birth until adulthood, and evaluate the cross-species translational value of the imaging biomarkers. To date, only a few isolated studies have used rs-fMRI or PET to study (abnormal) neurodevelopment in rodents during infancy, the critical period of neurodevelopment. Further work to explore the feasibility of performing functional imaging studies in infant rodent models is essential, as rs-fMRI and PET imaging in transgenic rodent models of NDDs are powerful techniques for studying disease pathogenesis, developing noninvasive preclinical imaging biomarkers of neurodevelopmental dysfunction, and evaluating treatment-response in disease-specific models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charissa Millevert
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnology (VIB) Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Nicholas Vidas-Guscic
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Vanherp
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Jonckers
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Daniele Bertoglio
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnology (VIB) Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
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Pozeg P, Alemán-Goméz Y, Jöhr J, Muresanu D, Pincherle A, Ryvlin P, Hagmann P, Diserens K, Dunet V. Structural connectivity in recovery after coma: Connectome atlas approach. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 37:103358. [PMID: 36868043 PMCID: PMC9996111 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Pathological states of recovery after coma as a result of a severe brain injury are marked with changes in structural connectivity of the brain. This study aimed to identify a topological correlation between white matter integrity and the level of functional and cognitive impairment in patients recovering after coma. METHODS Structural connectomes were computed based on fractional anisotropy maps from 40 patients using a probabilistic human connectome atlas. We used a network based statistics approach to identify potential brain networks associated with a more favorable outcome, assessed with clinical neurobehavioral scores at the patient's discharge from the acute neurorehabilitation unit. RESULTS We identified a subnetwork whose strength of connectivity correlated with a more favorable outcome as measured with the Disability Rating Scale (network based statistics: t >3.5, P =.010). The subnetwork predominated in the left hemisphere and included the thalamic nuclei, putamen, precentral and postcentral gyri, and medial parietal regions. Spearman correlation between the mean fractional anisotropy value of the subnetwork and the score was ρ = -0.60 (P <.0001). A less extensive overlapping subnetwork correlated with the Coma Recovery Scale Revised score, consisting mostly of the left hemisphere connectivity between the thalamic nuclei and pre- and post-central gyri (network based statistics: t >3.5, P =.033; Spearman's ρ = 0.58, P <.0001). CONCLUSION The present findings suggest an important role of structural connectivity between the thalamus, putamen and somatomotor cortex in the recovery from coma as evaluated with neurobehavioral scores. These structures are part of the motor circuit involved in the generation and modulation of voluntary movement, as well as the forebrain mesocircuit supposedly underlying the maintenance of consciousness. As behavioural assessment of consciousness depends heavily on the signs of voluntary motor behaviour, further work will elucidate whether the identified subnetwork reflects the structural architecture underlying the recovery of consciousness or rather the ability to communicate its content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polona Pozeg
- Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Connectomics Lab, Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Alemán-Goméz
- Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Connectomics Lab, Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Jane Jöhr
- Neurology and Acute Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Dafin Muresanu
- Department of Neuroscience, Luliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400347, Romania
| | - Alessandro Pincherle
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Hôpitaux Robert Schuman, Luxembourg 2540, Luxembourg
| | - Philippe Ryvlin
- Laboratory of Cortical Excitability and Arousal Disorders, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Patric Hagmann
- Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland; Connectomics Lab, Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Karin Diserens
- Neurology and Acute Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Dunet
- Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV-UNIL), Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.
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Visualization of human optic nerve by diffusion tensor mapping and degree of neuropathy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278987. [PMID: 36508429 PMCID: PMC9744320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the human optic nerve and tract is technically difficult because of its small size, the inherent strong signal generated by the surrounding fat and the cerebrospinal fluid, and due to eddy current-induced distortions and subject movement artifacts. The effects of the bone canal through which the optic nerve passes, and the proximity of blood vessels, muscles and tendons are generally unknown. Also, the limited technical capabilities of the scanners and the minimization of acquisition times result in poor quality diffusion-weighted images. It is challenging for current tractography methods to accurately track optic pathway fibers that correspond to known anatomy. Despite these technical limitations and low image resolution, here we show how to visualize the optic nerve and tract and quantify nerve atrophy. Our visualization method based on the analysis of the diffusion tensor shows marked differences between a healthy male subject and a male subject with progressive optic nerve neuropathy. These differences coincide with diffusion scalar metrics and are not visible on standard morphological images. A quantification of the degree of optic nerve atrophy in a systematic way is provided and it is tested on 9 subjects from the Human Connectome Project.
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Li Y, Wei Q, Adeli E, Pohl KM, Zhao Q. Joint Graph Convolution for Analyzing Brain Structural and Functional Connectome. MEDICAL IMAGE COMPUTING AND COMPUTER-ASSISTED INTERVENTION : MICCAI ... INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL IMAGE COMPUTING AND COMPUTER-ASSISTED INTERVENTION 2022; 13431:231-240. [PMID: 36321855 PMCID: PMC9620868 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-16431-6_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The white-matter (micro-)structural architecture of the brain promotes synchrony among neuronal populations, giving rise to richly patterned functional connections. A fundamental problem for systems neuroscience is determining the best way to relate structural and functional networks quantified by diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional MRI. As one of the state-of-the-art approaches for network analysis, graph convolutional networks (GCN) have been separately used to analyze functional and structural networks, but have not been applied to explore inter-network relationships. In this work, we propose to couple the two networks of an individual by adding inter-network edges between corresponding brain regions, so that the joint structure-function graph can be directly analyzed by a single GCN. The weights of inter-network edges are learnable, reflecting non-uniform structure-function coupling strength across the brain. We apply our Joint-GCN to predict age and sex of 662 participants from the public dataset of the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) based on their functional and micro-structural white-matter networks. Our results support that the proposed Joint-GCN outperforms existing multi-modal graph learning approaches for analyzing structural and functional networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueting Li
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Qingyue Wei
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ehsan Adeli
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kilian M Pohl
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Qingyu Zhao
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Alm KH, Soldan A, Pettigrew C, Faria AV, Hou X, Lu H, Moghekar A, Mori S, Albert M, Bakker A. Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity Uniquely Contribute to Episodic Memory Performance in Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:951076. [PMID: 35903538 PMCID: PMC9315224 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.951076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the independent contributions of structural and functional connectivity markers to individual differences in episodic memory performance in 107 cognitively normal older adults from the BIOCARD study. Structural connectivity, defined by the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measure of radial diffusivity (RD), was obtained from two medial temporal lobe white matter tracts: the fornix and hippocampal cingulum, while functional connectivity markers were derived from network-based resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) of five large-scale brain networks: the control, default, limbic, dorsal attention, and salience/ventral attention networks. Hierarchical and stepwise linear regression methods were utilized to directly compare the relative contributions of the connectivity modalities to individual variability in a composite delayed episodic memory score, while also accounting for age, sex, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of amyloid and tau pathology (i.e., Aβ42/Aβ40 and p-tau181), and gray matter volumes of the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. Results revealed that fornix RD, hippocampal cingulum RD, and salience network functional connectivity were each significant independent predictors of memory performance, while CSF markers and gray matter volumes were not. Moreover, in the stepwise model, the addition of sex, fornix RD, hippocampal cingulum RD, and salience network functional connectivity each significantly improved the overall predictive value of the model. These findings demonstrate that both DTI and rsfMRI connectivity measures uniquely contributed to the model and that the combination of structural and functional connectivity markers best accounted for individual variability in episodic memory function in cognitively normal older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie H. Alm
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anja Soldan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Corinne Pettigrew
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andreia V. Faria
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xirui Hou
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Abhay Moghekar
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Susumu Mori
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marilyn Albert
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Arnold Bakker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Arnold Bakker,
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