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Cao X, Wang Z, Chen X, Liu Y, Abdoulaye IA, Ju S, Zhang S, Wu S, Wang Y, Guo Y. Changes in Resting-State Neural Activity and Nerve Fibres in Ischaemic Stroke Patients with Hemiplegia. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:255-268. [PMID: 36604349 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-022-00937-6] [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: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Many neuroimaging studies have reported that stroke induces abnormal brain activity. However, little is known about resting-state networks (RSNs) and the corresponding white matter changes in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Here, we utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure neural activity and related fibre tracts in 14 ischaemic stroke patients with hemiplegia and 12 healthy controls. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) calculation and correlation analyses were used to assess the relationship between regional neural activity and movement scores. Tractography was performed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data to analyse the fibres passing through the regions of interest. Compared with controls, stroke patients showed abnormal functional connectivity (FC) between some brain regions in the RSNs. The fALFF was increased in the contralesional parietal lobe, with the regional fALFF being correlated with behavioural scores in stroke patients. Additionally, the passage of fibres across regions with reduced FC in the RSNs was increased in stroke patients. This study suggests that structural remodelling of functionally relevant white matter tracts is probably an adaptive response that compensates for injury to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejin Cao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Idriss Ali Abdoulaye
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shenghong Ju
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuancheng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China. .,Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Zhang K, Wu C, Lyu Y, Xiang J, Pan C, Guo X, Tong S. Upper-limb amputation disrupts the interhemispheric structural rather than functional connectivity. Brain Connect 2022; 13:133-142. [PMID: 36082989 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2022.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent neuroimaging studies on upper-limb amputation have revealed the reorganization of bilateral sensorimotor cortex after sensory deprivation, underpinning the assumption of changes in the interhemispheric connections. In the present study, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we aim to explore the alterations in the interhemispheric functional and structural connectivity after upper-limb amputation. Methods: Twenty-two upper-limb amputees and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited for MRI scanning. The amputees were further divided into subgroups by amputation side and residual limb pain (RLP). DTI metrics of corpus callosum (CC) subregions and resting-state functional connectivity (FC) between the bilateral sensorimotor cortices were measured for each participant. Linear mixed models were carried out to investigate the relationship of interhemispheric connectivity with the amputation, amputation side, and RLP. Results: Compared with healthy controls, upper-limb amputees showed lower axial diffusivity (AD) in CC subregions II and III. Subgroup analyses showed that the dominant hand amputation induced significant microstructural changes in CC subregion III. In addition, only amputees with RLP showed decreased fractional anisotropy and AD in CC, which was also correlated with the intensity of RLP. No significant changes in interhemispheric FC were found after upper-limb amputation. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the interhemispheric structural connectivity rather than FC degenerated after upper-limb amputation, and the degeneration of interhemispheric structural connectivity was shown to be relevant to the amputation side and the intensity of RLP. Impact statement Neuroimaging studies have revealed the functional reorganization of bilateral sensorimotor cortex after amputation, with expanded activation from the intact hemisphere to the deprived hemisphere. Our findings indicated a degeneration of interhemispheric white matter connections in upper-limb amputees, unveiling the underlying structural basis for bilateral functional reorganization after amputation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexu Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Jiangchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China, Shanghai, China, 200240
| | - Chaowei Wu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lyu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbo Xiang
- The 2nd People’s Hospital of Changzhou of Nanjing Medical University, the Department of Radiology, Changzhou, China,
| | - Changjie Pan
- The 2nd People’s Hospital of Changzhou of Nanjing Medical University, the Department of Radiology, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanbao Tong
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, China
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Zarei AA, Jensen W, Faghani Jadidi A, Lontis R, Atashzar SF. Gamma-band Enhancement of Functional Brain Connectivity Following Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35234662 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac59a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been suggested as a possible non-invasive pain treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of the analgesic effect of TENS and how brain network functional connectivity is affected following the use of TENS is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-frequency TENS on the alternation of functional brain network connectivity and the corresponding topographical changes, besides perceived sensations. APPROACH Forty healthy subjects participated in this study. EEG data and sensory profiles were recorded before and up to an hour following high-frequency TENS (100 Hz) in sham and intervention groups. Brain source activity from EEG data was estimated using the LORETA algorithm. In order to generate the brain connectivity network, the Phase lag index was calculated for all pair-wise connections of eight selected brain areas over six different frequency bands (i.e., δ, θ, α, β, γ, and 0.5-90 Hz). MAIN RESULTS The results suggested that the functional connectivity between the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), in addition to functional connectivity between S1 and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), were significantly increased in the gamma-band, following the TENS intervention. Additionally, using graph theory, several significant changes were observed in global and local characteristics of functional brain connectivity in gamma-band. SIGNIFICANCE Our observations in this paper open a neuropsychological window of understanding the underlying mechanism of TENS and the corresponding changes in functional brain connectivity, simultaneously with alternation in sensory perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghar Zarei
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7 D3, Aalborg, 9220, DENMARK
| | - Winnie Jensen
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, 9220 Aalborg, Aalborg, 9220, DENMARK
| | - Armita Faghani Jadidi
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7 D3, Aalborg, 9220, DENMARK
| | - Romulus Lontis
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7 D3, Aalborg, 9220, DENMARK
| | - S Farokh Atashzar
- Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, 5 MetroTech Center #266D Brooklyn, NY 11201, New York, New York, NY 11201, UNITED STATES
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Browne JD, Fraiser R, Cai Y, Leung D, Leung A, Vaninetti M. Unveiling the phantom: What neuroimaging has taught us about phantom limb pain. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2509. [PMID: 35218308 PMCID: PMC8933774 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a complicated condition with diverse clinical challenges. It consists of pain perception of a previously amputated limb. The exact pain mechanism is disputed and includes mechanisms involving cerebral, peripheral, and spinal origins. Such controversy limits researchers' and clinicians' ability to develop consistent therapeutics or management. Neuroimaging is an essential tool that can address this problem. This review explores diffusion tensor imaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography in the context of PLP. These imaging modalities have distinct mechanisms, implications, applications, and limitations. Diffusion tensor imaging can outline structural changes and has surgical applications. Functional magnetic resonance imaging captures functional changes with spatial resolution and has therapeutic applications. Electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography can identify functional changes with a strong temporal resolution. Each imaging technique provides a unique perspective and they can be used in concert to reveal the true nature of PLP. Furthermore, researchers can utilize the respective strengths of each neuroimaging technique to support the development of innovative therapies. PLP exemplifies how neuroimaging and clinical management are intricately connected. This review can assist clinicians and researchers seeking a foundation for applications and understanding the limitations of neuroimaging techniques in the context of PLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Browne
- School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, California, USA
| | - Ryan Fraiser
- Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yi Cai
- Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Dillon Leung
- College of Letters and Science, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Albert Leung
- Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michael Vaninetti
- Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Cao X, Wang Z, Chen X, Liu Y, Wang W, Abdoulaye IA, Ju S, Yang X, Wang Y, Guo Y. White matter degeneration in remote brain areas of stroke patients with motor impairment due to basal ganglia lesions. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:4750-4761. [PMID: 34232552 PMCID: PMC8410521 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25583] [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] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have revealed distinct white matter (WM) characteristics of the brain following diseases. Beyond the lesion‐symptom maps, stroke is characterized by extensive structural and functional alterations of brain areas remote to local lesions. Here, we further investigated the structural changes over a global level by using DTI data of 10 ischemic stroke patients showing motor impairment due to basal ganglia lesions and 11 healthy controls. DTI data were processed to obtain fractional anisotropy (FA) maps, and multivariate pattern analysis was used to explore brain regions that play an important role in classification based on FA maps. The WM structural network was constructed by the deterministic fiber‐tracking approach. In comparison with the controls, the stroke patients showed FA reductions in the perilesional basal ganglia, brainstem, and bilateral frontal lobes. Using network‐based statistics, we found a significant reduction in the WM subnetwork in stroke patients. We identified the patterns of WM degeneration affecting brain areas remote to the lesions, revealing the abnormal organization of the structural network in stroke patients, which may be helpful in understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying hemiplegia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejin Cao
- Department of Neurology, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Idriss Ali Abdoulaye
- Department of Neurology, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shenghong Ju
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuancheng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Neurology, Lishui People's Hospital, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Nanjing, China
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