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Yuan A, Halabicky O, Liu J. Association between air pollution exposure and brain cortical thickness throughout the lifespan: A systematic review. Neuroscience 2024; 559:209-219. [PMID: 39236801 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.08.040] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Increasing research has focused on the impact of air pollution on brain health. As the prevalence of air pollution is increasing alongside other environmental harms, the importance of studying the effects of these changes on human health has become more significant. Additionally, gaining insight into how air pollution exposure, measured at different points in the lifespan, can affect brain structure is critical, as this could be a precursor to cognitive decline later in life. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the literature on the association between air pollutant exposure and cortical thickness, a structural change with known associations with later cognition and neurodegenerative disease. After screening, twelve studies were included in this systematic review. Across a majority of studies, results suggest significant associations between increasing air pollution exposure and decreases in cortical thickness, primarily in areas such as prefrontal cortex, precuneus, and temporal regions of the brain. These results did differ somewhat between age groups and different air pollutants, with the most prominent results being found with exposure to PM2.5, the smallest particulate matter size included in the review. In the future, it is important to continue studying cortical thickness as it is essential to brain functioning and can be influential in disease progression. Furthermore, conducting more longitudinal studies in which air pollution is measured as a cumulation throughout the lifespan would help elucidate when exposure is most impactful and when brain structural changes become observable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Yuan
- University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts & Sciences, 249 S 36th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Olivia Halabicky
- University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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Lu H, Li J, Chan SSM, Ma SL, Mok VCT, Shi L, Mak ADP, Lam LCW. Predictive values of pre-treatment brain age models to rTMS effects in neurocognitive disorder with depression: Secondary analysis of a randomised sham-controlled clinical trial. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 26:38-52. [PMID: 38963341 PMCID: PMC11225634 DOI: 10.1080/19585969.2024.2373075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One major challenge in developing personalised repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is that the treatment responses exhibited high inter-individual variations. Brain morphometry might contribute to these variations. This study sought to determine whether individual's brain morphometry could predict the rTMS responders and remitters. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data from a randomised clinical trial that included fifty-five patients over the age of 60 with both comorbid depression and neurocognitive disorder. Based on magnetic resonance imaging scans, estimated brain age was calculated with morphometric features using a support vector machine. Brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD) was computed as the difference between brain age and chronological age. RESULTS The rTMS responders and remitters had younger brain age. Every additional year of brain-PAD decreased the odds of relieving depressive symptoms by ∼25.7% in responders (Odd ratio [OR] = 0.743, p = .045) and by ∼39.5% in remitters (OR = 0.605, p = .022) in active rTMS group. Using brain-PAD score as a feature, responder-nonresponder classification accuracies of 85% (3rd week) and 84% (12th week), respectively were achieved. CONCLUSION In elderly patients, younger brain age appears to be associated with better treatment responses to active rTMS. Pre-treatment brain age models informed by morphometry might be used as an indicator to stratify suitable patients for rTMS treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ChiCTR-IOR-16008191.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sandra Sau Man Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suk Ling Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Chung Tong Mok
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Arthur Dun-Ping Mak
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Linda Chiu Wa Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Liu YT, Yang YT, Tang CX, Ma JQ, Kong X, Li JH, Li YM, Liu SY, Zhou CS, Wang YF, Zhang LJ. Aberrant cortical morphology patterns are associated with cognitive impairment in patients with chronic heart failure. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:3973-3983. [PMID: 38711292 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16382] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
A mounting body of evidences suggests that patients with chronic heart failure (HF) frequently experience cognitive impairments, but the neuroanatomical mechanism underlying these impairments remains elusive. In this retrospective study, 49 chronic HF patients and 49 healthy controls (HCs) underwent brain structural MRI scans and cognitive assessments. Cortical morphology index (cortical thickness, complexity, sulcal depth and gyrification) were evaluated. Correlations between cortical morphology and cognitive scores and clinical variables were explored. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for predicting 3-year major adverse cardiovascular events. Compared with HCs, patients with chronic HF exhibited decreased cognitive scores (p < .001) and decreased cortical thickness, sulcal depth and gyrification in brain regions involved cognition, sensorimotor, autonomic nervous system (family-wise error correction, all p values <.05). Notably, HF duration and New York Heart Association (NYHA) demonstrated negative correlations with abnormal cortex morphology, particularly HF duration and thickness in left precentral gyrus (r = -.387, p = .006). Cortical morphology characteristics exhibited positive associations with global cognition, particularly cortical thickness in left pars opercularis (r = .476, p < .001). NYHA class is an independent risk factor for adverse outcome (p = .001). The observed correlation between abnormal cortical morphology and global cognition suggested that cortical morphology may serve as a promising imaging biomarker and provide insights into neuroanatomical underpinnings of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ting Liu
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Ting Yang
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Xiang Tang
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Qing Ma
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Kong
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Hua Li
- Department of Cardiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Ming Li
- Department of Cardiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Yu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Sheng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Fei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Schwab K, Lauer D, Magbagbeolu M, Theuring F, Gasiorowska A, Zadrozny M, Harrington CR, Wischik CM, Niewiadomska G, Riedel G. Hydromethylthionine rescues synaptic SNARE proteins in a mouse model of tauopathies: Interference by cholinesterase inhibitors. Brain Res Bull 2024; 212:110955. [PMID: 38677558 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110955] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
In clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD), hydromethylthionine mesylate (HMTM) showed reduced efficacy when administered as an add-on to symptomatic treatments, while it produced a significant improvement of cognitive function when taken as monotherapy. Interference of cholinesterase inhibition with HMTM was observed also in a tau transgenic mouse model, where rivastigmine reduced the pharmacological activity of HMTM at multiple brain levels including hippocampal acetylcholine release, synaptosomal glutamate release and mitochondrial activity. Here, we examined the effect of HMTM, given alone or in combination with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, rivastigmine, at the level of expression of selected pre-synaptic proteins (syntaxin-1; SNAP-25, VAMP-2, synaptophysin-1, synapsin-1, α-synuclein) in brain tissue harvested from tau-transgenic Line 1 (L1) and wild-type mice using immunohistochemistry. L1 mice overexpress the tau-core unit that induces tau aggregation and results in an AD-like phenotype. Synaptic proteins were lower in hippocampus and cortex but greater in basal forebrain regions in L1 compared to wild-type mice. HMTM partially normalised the expression pattern of several of these proteins in basal forebrain. This effect was diminished when HMTM was administered in combination with rivastigmine, where mean protein expression seemed supressed. This was further confirmed by group-based correlation network analyses where important levels of co-expression correlations in basal forebrain regions were lost in L1 mice and partially re-established when HMTM was given alone but not in combination with rivastigmine. These data indicate a reduction in pharmacological activity of HMTM when given as an add-on therapy, a result that is consistent with the responses observed in the clinic. Attenuation of the therapeutic effects of HMTM by cholinergic treatments may have important implications for other potential AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Schwab
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Institute of Pharmacology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hessische Str. 3-4, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Dilyara Lauer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hessische Str. 3-4, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Mandy Magbagbeolu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hessische Str. 3-4, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Franz Theuring
- Institute of Pharmacology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hessische Str. 3-4, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Anna Gasiorowska
- Clinical and Research Department of Applied Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Maciej Zadrozny
- Clinical and Research Department of Applied Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Charles R Harrington
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., 395 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Claude M Wischik
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., 395 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Grażyna Niewiadomska
- Clinical and Research Department of Applied Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Gernot Riedel
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
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Penny LK, Lofthouse R, Arastoo M, Porter A, Palliyil S, Harrington CR, Wischik CM. Considerations for biomarker strategies in clinical trials investigating tau-targeting therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:25. [PMID: 38773569 PMCID: PMC11107038 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarker-led clinical trial designs has been transformative for investigating amyloid-targeting therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The designs have ensured the correct selection of patients on these trials, supported target engagement and have been used to support claims of disease modification and clinical efficacy. Ultimately, this has recently led to approval of disease-modifying, amyloid-targeting therapies for AD; something that should be noted for clinical trials investigating tau-targeting therapies for AD. There is a clear overlap of the purpose of biomarker use at each stage of clinical development between amyloid-targeting and tau-targeting clinical trials. However, there are differences within the potential context of use and interpretation for some biomarkers in particular measurements of amyloid and utility of soluble, phosphorylated tau biomarkers. Given the complexities of tau in health and disease, it is paramount that therapies target disease-relevant tau and, in parallel, appropriate assays of target engagement are developed. Tau positron emission tomography, fluid biomarkers reflecting tau pathology and downstream measures of neurodegeneration will be important both for participant recruitment and for monitoring disease-modification in tau-targeting clinical trials. Bespoke design of biomarker strategies and interpretations for different modalities and tau-based targets should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis K Penny
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Scottish Biologics Facility, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Richard Lofthouse
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Scottish Biologics Facility, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Mohammad Arastoo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Scottish Biologics Facility, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Andy Porter
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Scottish Biologics Facility, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Soumya Palliyil
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Scottish Biologics Facility, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Charles R Harrington
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- GT Diagnostics (UK) Ltd, Aberdeen, UK
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Claude M Wischik
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
- GT Diagnostics (UK) Ltd, Aberdeen, UK.
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, Aberdeen, UK.
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Rubido N, Riedel G, Vuksanović V. Genetic basis of anatomical asymmetry and aberrant dynamic functional networks in Alzheimer's disease. Brain Commun 2023; 6:fcad320. [PMID: 38173803 PMCID: PMC10763534 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic associations with macroscopic brain networks can provide insights into healthy and aberrant cortical connectivity in disease. However, associations specific to dynamic functional connectivity in Alzheimer's disease are still largely unexplored. Understanding the association between gene expression in the brain and functional networks may provide useful information about the molecular processes underlying variations in impaired brain function. Given the potential of dynamic functional connectivity to uncover brain states associated with Alzheimer's disease, it is interesting to ask: How does gene expression associated with Alzheimer's disease map onto the dynamic functional brain connectivity? If genetic variants associated with neurodegenerative processes involved in Alzheimer's disease are to be correlated with brain function, it is essential to generate such a map. Here, we investigate how the relation between gene expression in the brain and dynamic functional connectivity arises from nodal interactions, quantified by their role in network centrality (i.e. the drivers of the metastability), and the principal component of genetic co-expression across the brain. Our analyses include genetic variations associated with Alzheimer's disease and also genetic variants expressed within the cholinergic brain pathways. Our findings show that contrasts in metastability of functional networks between Alzheimer's and healthy individuals can in part be explained by the two combinations of genetic co-variations in the brain with the confidence interval between 72% and 92%. The highly central nodes, driving the brain aberrant metastable dynamics in Alzheimer's disease, highly correlate with the magnitude of variations from two combinations of genes expressed in the brain. These nodes include mainly the white matter, parietal and occipital brain regions, each of which (or their combinations) are involved in impaired cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. In addition, our results provide evidence of the role of genetic associations across brain regions in asymmetric changes in ageing. We validated our findings on the same cohort using alternative brain parcellation methods. This work demonstrates how genetic variations underpin aberrant dynamic functional connectivity in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Rubido
- Institute of Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Vesna Vuksanović
- Health Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
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Yang F, Liu R, He S, Ruan S, He B, Li J, Pan L. Being a morning man has causal effects on the cerebral cortex: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1222551. [PMID: 37547136 PMCID: PMC10400340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1222551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Numerous studies have suggested a connection between circadian rhythm and neurological disorders with cognitive and consciousness impairments in humans, yet little evidence stands for a causal relationship between circadian rhythm and the brain cortex. Methods The top 10,000 morningness-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics were used to filter the instrumental variables. GWAS summary statistics from the ENIGMA Consortium were used to assess the causal relationship between morningness and variates like cortical thickness (TH) or surficial area (SA) on the brain cortex. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and weighted median (WM) were used as the major estimates whereas MR-Egger, MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel-plot were used for heterogeneity and pleiotropy detecting. Results Regionally, morningness decreased SA of the rostral middle frontal gyrus with genomic control (IVW: β = -24.916 mm, 95% CI: -47.342 mm to -2.490 mm, p = 0.029. WM: β = -33.208 mm, 95% CI: -61.933 mm to -4.483 mm, p = 0.023. MR Egger: β < 0) and without genomic control (IVW: β = -24.581 mm, 95% CI: -47.552 mm to -1.609 mm, p = 0.036. WM: β = -32.310 mm, 95% CI: -60.717 mm to -3.902 mm, p = 0.026. MR Egger: β < 0) on a nominal significance, with no heterogeneity or no outliers. Conclusions and implications Circadian rhythm causally affects the rostral middle frontal gyrus; this sheds new light on the potential use of MRI in disease diagnosis, revealing the significance of circadian rhythm on the progression of disease, and might also suggest a fresh therapeutic approach for disorders related to the rostral middle frontal gyrus-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital of Shaoyang, Shaoyang, Hunan Province, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Basic Science and Prevention of Perioperative Organ Disfunction, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Tissue and Organ Injury and Repair Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Ru Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Sheng He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern China University, Hengyang, China
| | - Sijie Ruan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital of Shaoyang, Shaoyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Binghua He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital of Shaoyang, Shaoyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Junda Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Linghui Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Basic Science and Prevention of Perioperative Organ Disfunction, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center for Tissue and Organ Injury and Repair Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
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Zhang JP, Shen J, Xiang YT, Xing XX, Kang BX, Zhao C, Wu JJ, Zheng MX, Hua XY, Xiao LB, Xu JG. Modulation of Brain Network Topological Properties in Knee Osteoarthritis by Electroacupuncture in Rats. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1595-1605. [PMID: 37220632 PMCID: PMC10200108 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s406374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Osteoarthritis is a chronic, ongoing disease that affects patients, and pain is considered a key factor affecting patients, but the brain changes during the development of osteoarthritis pain are currently unclear. In this study, we used electroacupuncture (EA) to intervene the rat model of knee osteoarthritis and analyzed the changes in topological properties of brain networks using graph theory. Methods Sixteen SD rat models of right-knee osteoarthritis with anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) were randomly divided into electroacupuncture intervention group and control group. The electroacupuncture group was intervened on Zusanli (ST36) and Futu (ST32) for 20 min each time, five times a week for 3 weeks, while the control group was applied sham stimulation. Both groups were measured for pain threshold. The small-world properties and node properties of the brain network between the two groups after the intervention were statistically analyzed by graph theory methods. Results The differences are mainly in the changes in node attributes between the two groups, such as degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and so on in different brain regions (P<0.05). Both groups showed no small-world characteristics in the brain networks of the two groups. The mechanical thresholds and thermal pain thresholds were significantly higher in the EA group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The study demonstrated that electroacupuncture intervention enhanced the activity of nodes related to pain circuit and relieved pain in osteoarthritis, which provides a complementary basis for explaining the effect of electroacupuncture intervention on pain through graphical analysis of changes in brain network topological properties and helps to develop an imaging model for pain affected by electroacupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Peng Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Orthopedic, Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun-Ting Xiang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Xin Xing
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing-Xin Kang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic, Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mou-Xiong Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lian-Bo Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic, Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Lu H, Chan SSM, Ma S, Lin C, Mok VCT, Shi L, Wang D, Mak AD, Lam LCW. Clinical and radiomic features for predicting the treatment response of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in major neurocognitive disorder: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:5579-5592. [PMID: 35912517 PMCID: PMC9704797 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Image-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown clinical effectiveness in senior adults with co-occurring depression and cognitive impairment, yet the imaging markers for predicting the treatment response are less investigated. In this clinical trial, we examined the efficacy and sustainability of 10 Hz rTMS for the treatment of depression and cognitive impairment in major neurocognitive disorder (NCD) patients and tested the predictive values of imaging-informed radiomic features in response to rTMS treatment. Fifty-five major NCD patients with depression were randomly assigned to receive a 3-week rTMS treatment of either active 10 Hz rTMS (n = 27) or sham rTMS (n = 28). Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was the predefined treatment target. Based on individual structural magnetic resonance imaging scans, surface-based analysis was conducted to quantitatively measure the baseline radiomic features of left DLPFC. Severity of depression, global cognition and the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level were evaluated at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-week follow-ups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age, higher baseline cognition and randomized group were associated with the remission of depression. Increased cortical thickness and gyrification in left DLPFC were the significant predictors of clinical remission and cognitive enhancement. A 3-week course of 10 Hz rTMS is an effective adjuvant treatment for rapid ameliorating depressive symptoms and enhancing cognitive function. Pre-treatment radiomic features of the stimulation target can predict the response to rTMS treatment in major NCD. Cortical thickness and folding of treatment target may serve as imaging markers to detect the responders. ChiCTR-IOR-16008191, registered on March 30, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lu
- Department of PsychiatryThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina,The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Sandra Sau Man Chan
- Department of PsychiatryThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Sukling Ma
- Department of PsychiatryThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Cuichan Lin
- Department of PsychiatryThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Vincent Chung Tong Mok
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Imaging and Interventional RadiologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Defeng Wang
- Department of Imaging and Interventional RadiologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Arthur Dun‐Ping Mak
- Department of PsychiatryThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Linda Chiu Wa Lam
- Department of PsychiatryThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
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10
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Vuksanović V. Brain morphometric similarity and flexibility. Cereb Cortex Commun 2022; 3:tgac024. [PMID: 35854840 PMCID: PMC9283106 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The cerebral cortex is represented through multiple multilayer morphometric similarity networks to study their modular structures. The approach introduces a novel way for studying brain networks' metrics across individuals, and can quantify network properties usually not revealed using conventional network analyses.
Methods
A total of 8 combinations or types of morphometric similarity networks were constructed – 4 combinations of the inter-regional cortical features on 2 brain atlases. The networks' modular structures were investigated by identifying those modular interactions that stay consistent across the combinations of inter-regional morphometric features and individuals.
Results
The results provide evidence of the community structures as the property of (i) cortical lobar divisions, and also as (ii) the product of different combinations of morphometric features used for the construction of the multilayer representations of the cortex. For the first time, this study has mapped out flexible and inflexible morphometric similarity hubs, and evidence has been provided about variations of the modular network topology across the multilayers with age and IQ.
Conclusions
The results contribute to understanding of intra-regional characteristics in cortical interactions, which potentially can be used to map heterogeneous neurodegeneration patterns in diseased brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Vuksanović
- Health Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Data Science Building , Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, United Kingdom
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11
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Vuksanović V, Staff RT, Morson S, Ahearn T, Bracoud L, Murray AD, Bentham P, Kipps CM, Harrington CR, Wischik CM. Degeneration of basal and limbic networks is a core feature of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab241. [PMID: 34939031 PMCID: PMC8688778 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by changes in behaviour, cognition and functional ability. Although atrophy in frontal and temporal regions would appear to be a defining feature, neuroimaging studies have identified volumetric differences distributed across large parts of the cortex, giving rise to a classification into distinct neuroanatomical subtypes. Here, we extended these neuroimaging studies to examine how distributed patterns of cortical atrophy map onto brain network hubs. We used baseline structural magnetic resonance imaging data collected from 213 behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia patients meeting consensus diagnostic criteria and having definite evidence of frontal and/or temporal lobe atrophy from a global clinical trial conducted in 70 sites in Canada, United States of America, Australia, Asia and Europe. These were compared with data from 244 healthy elderly subjects from a well-characterized cohort study. We have used statistical methods of hierarchical agglomerative clustering of 68 regional cortical and subcortical volumes (34 in each hemisphere) to determine the reproducibility of previously described neuroanatomical subtypes in a global study. We have also attempted to link the structural findings to clinical features defined systematically using well-validated clinical scales (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised, the Mini-Mental Status Examination, the Frontotemporal Dementia Rating Scale and the Functional Assessment Questionnaire) and subscales derived from them. Whilst we can confirm that the subtypes are robust, they have limited value in explaining the clinical heterogeneity of the syndrome. We have found that a common pattern of degeneration affecting a small number of subcortical, limbic and frontal nodes within highly connected networks (most previously identified as rich club members or functional binding nodes) is shared by all the anatomical subtypes. Degeneration in these core regions is correlated with cognitive and functional impairment, but less so with behavioural impairment. These findings suggest that degeneration in highly connected basal, limbic and frontal networks is a core feature of the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia phenotype irrespective of neuroanatomical and clinical heterogeneity, and may underly the impairment of integration in cognition, function and behaviour responsible for the loss of insight that characterizes the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Vuksanović
- Swansea University Medical School, Health Data Research UK, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.,School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.,TauRx Therapeutics, Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Roger T Staff
- Medical Physics, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Suzannah Morson
- TauRx Therapeutics, Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK.,School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Trevor Ahearn
- Medical Physics, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | - Alison D Murray
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | - Christopher M Kipps
- University Hospital Southampton and University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Charles R Harrington
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.,TauRx Therapeutics, Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Claude M Wischik
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.,TauRx Therapeutics, Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK
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12
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Zheng S, Liang Z, Qu Y, Wu Q, Wu H, Liu Q. Kuramoto Model-Based Analysis Reveals Oxytocin Effects on Brain Network Dynamics. Int J Neural Syst 2021; 32:2250002. [PMID: 34860138 DOI: 10.1142/s0129065722500022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The oxytocin effects on large-scale brain networks such as Default Mode Network (DMN) and Frontoparietal Network (FPN) have been largely studied using fMRI data. However, these studies are mainly based on the statistical correlation or Bayesian causality inference, lacking interpretability at the physical and neuroscience level. Here, we propose a physics-based framework of the Kuramoto model to investigate oxytocin effects on the phase dynamic neural coupling in DMN and FPN. Testing on fMRI data of 59 participants administrated with either oxytocin or placebo, we demonstrate that oxytocin changes the topology of brain communities in DMN and FPN, leading to higher synchronization in the FPN and lower synchronization in the DMN, as well as a higher variance of the coupling strength within the DMN and more flexible coupling patterns at group level. These results together indicate that oxytocin may increase the ability to overcome the corresponding internal oscillation dispersion and support the flexibility in neural synchrony in various social contexts, providing new evidence for explaining the oxytocin modulated social behaviors. Our proposed Kuramoto model-based framework can be a potential tool in network neuroscience and offers physical and neural insights into phase dynamics of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zhichao Liang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Youzhi Qu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Qingyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive, Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern, Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Normal University, 100875 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University, of Macau, Macau, P. R. China
| | - Quanying Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518005, P. R. China
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13
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Podgórski P, Bladowska J, Sasiadek M, Zimny A. Novel Volumetric and Surface-Based Magnetic Resonance Indices of the Aging Brain - Does Male and Female Brain Age in the Same Way? Front Neurol 2021; 12:645729. [PMID: 34163419 PMCID: PMC8216769 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.645729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Novel post-processing methods allow not only for assessment of brain volumetry or cortical thickness based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but also for more detailed analysis of cortical shape and complexity using parameters such as sulcal depth, gyrification index, or fractal dimension. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in brain volumetry and other cortical indices during aging in men and women. Material and Methods: Material consisted of 697 healthy volunteers (aged 38–80 years; M/F, 264/443) who underwent brain MRI using a 1.5-T scanner. Voxel-based volumetry of total gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was performed followed by assessment of cortical parameters [cortical thickness (CT), sulcal depth (SD), gyrification index (GI), and fractal dimension (FD)] in 150 atlas locations using surface-based morphometry with a region-based approach. All parameters were compared among seven age groups (grouped every 5 years) separately for men and women. Additionally, percentile curves for men and women were provided for total volumes of GM, WM, and CSF. Results: In men and women, a decrease in GM and WM volumes and an increase in CSF volume seem to progress slowly since the age of 45. In men, significant GM and WM loss as well as CSF increase start above 55 years of age, while in women, significant GM loss starts above 50 and significant WM loss as well as CSF increase above 60. CT was found to significantly decrease with aging in 39% of locations in women and in 36% of locations in men, SD was found to increase in 13.5% of locations in women and in 1.3% of locations in men, GI was decreased in 3.4% of locations in women and in 2.0% of locations in men, and FD was changed in 2.7% of locations in women compared to 2.0% in men. Conclusions: Male and female brains start aging at the similar age of 45. Compared to men, in women, the cortex is affected earlier and in the more complex pattern regarding not only cortical loss but also other alterations within the cortical shape, with relatively longer sparing of WM volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Podgórski
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Bladowska
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Sasiadek
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Zimny
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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14
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Shiells H, Schelter BO, Bentham P, Baddeley TC, Rubino CM, Ganesan H, Hammel J, Vuksanovic V, Staff RT, Murray AD, Bracoud L, Wischik DJ, Riedel G, Gauthier S, Jia J, Moebius HJ, Hardlund J, Kipps CM, Kook K, Storey JMD, Harrington CR, Wischik CM. Concentration-Dependent Activity of Hydromethylthionine on Clinical Decline and Brain Atrophy in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 75:501-519. [PMID: 32280089 PMCID: PMC7306898 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydromethylthionine is a potent inhibitor of pathological aggregation of tau and TDP-43 proteins. OBJECTIVE To compare hydromethylthionine treatment effects at two doses and to determine how drug exposure is related to treatment response in bvFTD. METHODS We undertook a 52-week Phase III study in 220 bvFTD patients randomized to compare hydromethylthionine at 200 mg/day and 8 mg/day (intended as a control). The principal outcomes were change on the Addenbrookes Cognitive Examination - Revised (ACE-R), the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), and whole brain volume. Secondary outcomes included Modified Clinical Global Impression of Change (Modified-CGIC). A population pharmacokinetic exposure-response analysis was undertaken in 175 of the patients with available blood samples and outcome data using a discriminatory plasma assay for the parent drug. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the two doses as randomized. There were steep concentration-response relationships for plasma levels in the range 0.3-0.6 ng/ml at the 8 mg/day dose on clinical and MRI outcomes. There were significant exposure-dependent differences at 8 mg/day for FAQ, Modified-CGIC, and whole brain atrophy comparing patients with plasma levels greater than 0.346 ng/ml with having minimal drug exposure. The exposure-response is biphasic with worse outcomes at the high concentrations produced by 200 mg/day. CONCLUSIONS Hydromethylthionine has a similar concentration-response profile for effects on clinical decline and brain atrophy at the 8 mg/day dose in bvFTD as recently reported in AD. Treatment responses in bvFTD are predicted to be maximal at doses in the range 20-60 mg/day. A confirmatory placebo-controlled trial is now planned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bjoern O Schelter
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Thomas C Baddeley
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Harish Ganesan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Schenectady, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hammel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Schenectady, NY, USA
| | - Vesna Vuksanovic
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roger T Staff
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alison D Murray
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Damon J Wischik
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Serge Gauthier
- McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jianping Jia
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Alzheimer's Disease Centre, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - John M D Storey
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Charles R Harrington
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Claude M Wischik
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, UK.,School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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15
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d'Arbeloff T, Elliott ML, Knodt AR, Sison M, Melzer TR, Ireland D, Ramrakha S, Poulton R, Caspi A, Moffitt TE, Hariri AR. Midlife Cardiovascular Fitness Is Reflected in the Brain's White Matter. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:652575. [PMID: 33889085 PMCID: PMC8055854 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.652575] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disappointing results from clinical trials designed to delay structural brain decline and the accompanying increase in risk for dementia in older adults have precipitated a shift in testing promising interventions from late in life toward midlife before irreversible damage has accumulated. This shift, however, requires targeting midlife biomarkers that are associated with clinical changes manifesting only in late life. Here we explored possible links between one putative biomarker, distributed integrity of brain white matter, and two intervention targets, cardiovascular fitness and healthy lifestyle behaviors, in midlife. At age 45, fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from diffusion weighted MRI was used to estimate the microstructural integrity of distributed white matter tracts in a population-representative birth cohort. Age-45 cardiovascular fitness (VO2Max; N = 801) was estimated from heart rates obtained during submaximal exercise tests; age-45 healthy lifestyle behaviors were estimated using the Nyberg Health Index (N = 854). Ten-fold cross-validated elastic net predictive modeling revealed that estimated VO2Max was modestly associated with distributed FA. In contrast, there was no significant association between Nyberg Health Index scores and FA. Our findings suggest that cardiovascular fitness levels, but not healthy lifestyle behaviors, are associated with the distributed integrity of white matter in the brain in midlife. These patterns could help inform future clinical intervention research targeting ADRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy d'Arbeloff
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maxwell L Elliott
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Annchen R Knodt
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maria Sison
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tracy R Melzer
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David Ireland
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sandhya Ramrakha
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richie Poulton
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Social, Genetic, & Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Terrie E Moffitt
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Social, Genetic, & Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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16
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Yang D, Shin YI, Hong KS. Systemic Review on Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Parameters and EEG/fNIRS Features for Brain Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:629323. [PMID: 33841079 PMCID: PMC8032955 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.629323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain disorders are gradually becoming the leading cause of death worldwide. However, the lack of knowledge of brain disease’s underlying mechanisms and ineffective neuropharmacological therapy have led to further exploration of optimal treatments and brain monitoring techniques. Objective This study aims to review the current state of brain disorders, which utilize transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and daily usable noninvasive neuroimaging techniques. Furthermore, the second goal of this study is to highlight available gaps and provide a comprehensive guideline for further investigation. Method A systematic search was conducted of the PubMed and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to October 2020 using relevant keywords. Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy were selected as noninvasive neuroimaging modalities. Nine brain disorders were investigated in this study, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, schizophrenia, and traumatic brain injury. Results Sixty-seven studies (1,385 participants) were included for quantitative analysis. Most of the articles (82.6%) employed transcranial direct current stimulation as an intervention method with modulation parameters of 1 mA intensity (47.2%) for 16–20 min (69.0%) duration of stimulation in a single session (36.8%). The frontal cortex (46.4%) and the cerebral cortex (47.8%) were used as a neuroimaging modality, with the power spectrum (45.7%) commonly extracted as a quantitative EEG feature. Conclusion An appropriate stimulation protocol applying tES as a therapy could be an effective treatment for cognitive and neurological brain disorders. However, the optimal tES criteria have not been defined; they vary across persons and disease types. Therefore, future work needs to investigate a closed-loop tES with monitoring by neuroimaging techniques to achieve personalized therapy for brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalin Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yong-Il Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan-si, South Korea
| | - Keum-Shik Hong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan-si, South Korea
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17
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Tzimourta KD, Christou V, Tzallas AT, Giannakeas N, Astrakas LG, Angelidis P, Tsalikakis D, Tsipouras MG. Machine Learning Algorithms and Statistical Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease Analysis Based on Resting-State EEG Recordings: A Systematic Review. Int J Neural Syst 2021; 31:2130002. [PMID: 33588710 DOI: 10.1142/s0129065721300023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most common type of dementia with a great prevalence in western countries. The diagnosis of AD and its progression is performed through a variety of clinical procedures including neuropsychological and physical examination, Electroencephalographic (EEG) recording, brain imaging and blood analysis. During the last decades, analysis of the electrophysiological dynamics in AD patients has gained great research interest, as an alternative and cost-effective approach. This paper summarizes recent publications focusing on (a) AD detection and (b) the correlation of quantitative EEG features with AD progression, as it is estimated by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. A total of 49 experimental studies published from 2009 until 2020, which apply machine learning algorithms on resting state EEG recordings from AD patients, are reviewed. Results of each experimental study are presented and compared. The majority of the studies focus on AD detection incorporating Support Vector Machines, while deep learning techniques have not yet been applied on large EEG datasets. Promising conclusions for future studies are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina D Tzimourta
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, GR50100, Greece.,Department of Medical Physics, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina GR45110, Greece
| | - Vasileios Christou
- Q Base R&D, Science & Technology Park of Epirus, University of Ioannina Campus, Ioannina GR45110, Greece.,Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Arta GR47100, Greece
| | - Alexandros T Tzallas
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Arta GR47100, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Giannakeas
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Arta GR47100, Greece
| | - Loukas G Astrakas
- Department of Medical Physics, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina GR45110, Greece
| | - Pantelis Angelidis
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani GR50100, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsalikakis
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani GR50100, Greece
| | - Markos G Tsipouras
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani GR50100, Greece
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18
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Amezquita-Sanchez JP, Mammone N, Morabito FC, Adeli H. A New dispersion entropy and fuzzy logic system methodology for automated classification of dementia stages using electroencephalograms. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 201:106446. [PMID: 33383465 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A new EEG-based methodology is presented for differential diagnosis of the Alzheimer's disease (AD), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and healthy subjects employing the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), dispersion entropy index (DEI), a recently-proposed nonlinear measurement, and a fuzzy logic-based classification algorithm. The effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed methodology are evaluated by employing a database of measured EEG data acquired from 135 subjects, 45 MCI, 45 AD and 45 healthy subjects. The proposed methodology differentiates MCI and AD patients from HC subjects with an accuracy of 82.6-86.9%, sensitivity of 91 %, and specificity of 87 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Amezquita-Sanchez
- Autonomous University of Queretaro (UAQ), Faculty of Engineering, Departments Biomedical and Electromechanical, Campus San Juan del Río, Río Moctezuma 249, Col. San Cayetano, C. P. 76807, San Juan del Río, Qro., Mexico
| | - Nadia Mammone
- Department DICEAM of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, 89060, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Francesco C Morabito
- Department DICEAM of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, 89060, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Hojjat Adeli
- Departments of Biomedical Informatics and Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, 470 Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43220, USA.
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19
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Ozzoude M, Ramirez J, Raamana PR, Holmes MF, Walker K, Scott CJM, Gao F, Goubran M, Kwan D, Tartaglia MC, Beaton D, Saposnik G, Hassan A, Lawrence-Dewar J, Dowlatshahi D, Strother SC, Symons S, Bartha R, Swartz RH, Black SE. Cortical Thickness Estimation in Individuals With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, Focal Atrophy, and Chronic Stroke Lesions. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:598868. [PMID: 33381009 PMCID: PMC7768006 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.598868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regional changes to cortical thickness in individuals with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) can be estimated using specialized neuroimaging software. However, the presence of cerebral small vessel disease, focal atrophy, and cortico-subcortical stroke lesions, pose significant challenges that increase the likelihood of misclassification errors and segmentation failures. PURPOSE The main goal of this study was to examine a correction procedure developed for enhancing FreeSurfer's (FS's) cortical thickness estimation tool, particularly when applied to the most challenging MRI obtained from participants with chronic stroke and CVD, with varying degrees of neurovascular lesions and brain atrophy. METHODS In 155 CVD participants enrolled in the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative (ONDRI), FS outputs were compared between a fully automated, unmodified procedure and a corrected procedure that accounted for potential sources of error due to atrophy and neurovascular lesions. Quality control (QC) measures were obtained from both procedures. Association between cortical thickness and global cognitive status as assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was also investigated from both procedures. RESULTS Corrected procedures increased "Acceptable" QC ratings from 18 to 76% for the cortical ribbon and from 38 to 92% for tissue segmentation. Corrected procedures reduced "Fail" ratings from 11 to 0% for the cortical ribbon and 62 to 8% for tissue segmentation. FS-based segmentation of T1-weighted white matter hypointensities were significantly greater in the corrected procedure (5.8 mL vs. 15.9 mL, p < 0.001). The unmodified procedure yielded no significant associations with global cognitive status, whereas the corrected procedure yielded positive associations between MoCA total score and clusters of cortical thickness in the left superior parietal (p = 0.018) and left insula (p = 0.04) regions. Further analyses with the corrected cortical thickness results and MoCA subscores showed a positive association between left superior parietal cortical thickness and Attention (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that correction procedures which account for brain atrophy and neurovascular lesions can significantly improve FS's segmentation results and reduce failure rates, thus maximizing power by preventing the loss of our important study participants. Future work will examine relationships between cortical thickness, cerebral small vessel disease, and cognitive dysfunction due to neurodegenerative disease in the ONDRI study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miracle Ozzoude
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joel Ramirez
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Melissa F. Holmes
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kirstin Walker
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher J. M. Scott
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Gao
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maged Goubran
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donna Kwan
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Maria C. Tartaglia
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derek Beaton
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gustavo Saposnik
- Stroke Outcomes and Decision Neuroscience Research Unit, Division of Neurology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ayman Hassan
- Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | | | - Dariush Dowlatshahi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen C. Strother
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sean Symons
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Bartha
- Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, Department of Medical Biophysics, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Richard H. Swartz
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra E. Black
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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20
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Miraglia F, Vecchio F, Marra C, Quaranta D, Alù F, Peroni B, Granata G, Judica E, Cotelli M, Rossini PM. Small World Index in Default Mode Network Predicts Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia. Int J Neural Syst 2020; 30:2050004. [DOI: 10.1142/s0129065720500045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aim of this study was to explore the EEG functional connectivity in amnesic mild cognitive impairments (MCI) subjects with multidomain impairment in order to characterize the Default Mode Network (DMN) in converted MCI (cMCI), which converted to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), compared to stable MCI (sMCI) subjects. A total of 59 MCI subjects were recruited and divided -after appropriate follow-up- into cMCI or sMCI. They were further divided in MCI with linguistic domain (LD) impairment and in MCI with executive domain (ED) impairment. Small World (SW) index was measured as index of balance between integration and segregation brain processes. SW, computed restricting to nodes of DMN regions for all frequency bands, evaluated how they differ between MCI subgroups assessed through clinical and neuropsychological four-years follow-up. In addition, SW evaluated how this pattern differs between MCI with LD and MCI with ED. Results showed that SW index significantly decreased in gamma band in cMCI compared to sMCI. In cMCI with LD impairment, the SW index significantly decreased in delta band, while in cMCI with ED impairment the SW index decreased in delta and gamma bands and increased in alpha1 band. We propose that the DMN functional alterations in cognitive impairment could reflect an abnormal flow of brain information processing during resting state possibly associated to a status of pre-dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Miraglia
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Via Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vecchio
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Camillo Marra
- Memory Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Quaranta
- Memory Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Alù
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Peroni
- Institute of Neurology, Area of Neuroscience, Catholic University of The Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Granata
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elda Judica
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Cura Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Cotelli
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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21
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Vuksanović V. Cortical Thickness and Functional Networks Modules by Cortical Lobes. Neuroscience 2019; 423:172-176. [PMID: 31705964 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate topological organization of cortical thickness and functional networks by cortical lobes. First, I demonstrated modular organization of these networks by the cortical surface frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital divisions. Secondly, I mapped the overlapping edges of cortical thickness and functional networks for positive and negative correlations. Finally, I showed that overlapping positive edges map onto within-lobe cortical interactions and negative onto between-lobes interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Vuksanović
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
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