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Ren W, Ji B, Guan Y, Cao L, Ni R. Recent Technical Advances in Accelerating the Clinical Translation of Small Animal Brain Imaging: Hybrid Imaging, Deep Learning, and Transcriptomics. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:771982. [PMID: 35402436 PMCID: PMC8987112 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.771982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Small animal models play a fundamental role in brain research by deepening the understanding of the physiological functions and mechanisms underlying brain disorders and are thus essential in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic imaging tracers targeting the central nervous system. Advances in structural, functional, and molecular imaging using MRI, PET, fluorescence imaging, and optoacoustic imaging have enabled the interrogation of the rodent brain across a large temporal and spatial resolution scale in a non-invasively manner. However, there are still several major gaps in translating from preclinical brain imaging to the clinical setting. The hindering factors include the following: (1) intrinsic differences between biological species regarding brain size, cell type, protein expression level, and metabolism level and (2) imaging technical barriers regarding the interpretation of image contrast and limited spatiotemporal resolution. To mitigate these factors, single-cell transcriptomics and measures to identify the cellular source of PET tracers have been developed. Meanwhile, hybrid imaging techniques that provide highly complementary anatomical and molecular information are emerging. Furthermore, deep learning-based image analysis has been developed to enhance the quantification and optimization of the imaging protocol. In this mini-review, we summarize the recent developments in small animal neuroimaging toward improved translational power, with a focus on technical improvement including hybrid imaging, data processing, transcriptomics, awake animal imaging, and on-chip pharmacokinetics. We also discuss outstanding challenges in standardization and considerations toward increasing translational power and propose future outlooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuwei Ren
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Energy Efficient and Custom AI IC, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Radiopharmacy and Molecular Imaging, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Shanghai Changes Tech, Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ali DG, Bahrani AA, Barber JM, El Khouli RH, Gold BT, Harp JP, Jiang Y, Wilcock DM, Jicha GA. Amyloid-PET Levels in the Precuneus and Posterior Cingulate Cortices Are Associated with Executive Function Scores in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease Prior to Overt Global Amyloid Positivity. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:1127-1135. [PMID: 35754276 PMCID: PMC10349398 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the brain can be quantified by Aβ-PET scans to support or refute a diagnosis of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (pAD). Yet, Aβ-PET scans enable quantitative evaluation of regional Aβ elevations in pAD, potentially allowing even earlier detection of pAD, long before global positivity is achieved. It remains unclear as to whether such regional changes are clinically meaningful. OBJECTIVE Test the hypothesis that early focal regional amyloid deposition in the brain is associated with cognitive performance in specific cognitive domain scores in pAD. METHODS Global and regional standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr) from 18F-florbetapir PET/CT scanning were determined using the Siemens Syngo.via® Neurology software package across a sample of 99 clinically normal participants with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores≥23. Relationships between regional SUVr and cognitive test scores were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and education. Participants were divided into two groups based on SUVr in the posterior cingulate and precuneus gyri (SUVR≥1.17). Between group differences in cognitive test scores were analyzed using ANCOVA models. RESULTS Executive function performance was associated with increased regional SUVr in the precuneus and posterior cingulate regions only (p < 0.05). There were no significant associations between memory and Aβ-PET SUVr in any regions of the brain. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that increased Aβ deposition in the precuneus and posterior cingulate (the earliest brain regions affected with Aβ pathology) is associated with changes in executive function that may precede memory decline in pAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa G. Ali
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
- Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
| | - Ahmed A. Bahrani
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
| | - Justin M. Barber
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
| | - Riham H. El Khouli
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Brian T. Gold
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jordan P. Harp
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
| | - Yang Jiang
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
- Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
| | - Donna M. Wilcock
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Gregory A. Jicha
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
- Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
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Rizzi L, Aventurato ÍK, Balthazar MLF. Neuroimaging Research on Dementia in Brazil in the Last Decade: Scientometric Analysis, Challenges, and Peculiarities. Front Neurol 2021; 12:640525. [PMID: 33790850 PMCID: PMC8005640 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.640525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The last years have evinced a remarkable growth in neuroimaging studies around the world. All these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the cerebral outcomes of dementia, even in the earliest phases. In low- and middle-income countries, studies involving structural and functional neuroimaging are challenging due to low investments and heterogeneous populations. Outstanding the importance of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment and dementia, the purpose of this paper is to offer an overview of neuroimaging dementia research in Brazil. The review includes a brief scientometric analysis of quantitative information about the development of this field over the past 10 years. Besides, discusses some peculiarities and challenges that have limited neuroimaging dementia research in this big and heterogeneous country of Latin America. We systematically reviewed existing neuroimaging literature with Brazilian authors that presented outcomes related to a dementia syndrome, published from 2010 to 2020. Briefly, the main neuroimaging methods used were morphometrics, followed by fMRI, and DTI. The major diseases analyzed were Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and vascular dementia, respectively. Moreover, research activity in Brazil has been restricted almost entirely to a few centers in the Southeast region, and funding could be the main driver for publications. There was relative stability concerning the number of publications per year, the citation impact has historically been below the world average, and the author's gender inequalities are not relevant in this specific field. Neuroimaging research in Brazil is far from being developed and widespread across the country. Fortunately, increasingly collaborations with foreign partnerships contribute to the impact of Brazil's domestic research. Although the challenges, neuroimaging researches performed in the native population regarding regional peculiarities and adversities are of pivotal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liara Rizzi
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Harch PG, Fogarty EF. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Alzheimer's dementia with positron emission tomography imaging: a case report. Med Gas Res 2019; 8:181-184. [PMID: 30713673 PMCID: PMC6352566 DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.248271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A 58-year-old female was diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia (AD) which was rapidly progressive in the 8 months prior to initiation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). 18Fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging demonstrated global and typical metabolic deficits in AD (posterior temporal-parietal watershed and cingulate areas). An 8-week course of HBOT reversed the patient's symptomatic decline. Repeat PET imaging demonstrated a corresponding 6.5-38% regional and global increase in brain metabolism, including increased metabolism in the typical AD diagnostic areas of the brain. Continued HBOT in conjunction with standard pharmacotherapy maintained the patient's symptomatic level of function over an ensuing 22 months. This is the first reported case of simultaneous HBOT-induced symptomatic and 18FDG PET documented improvement of brain metabolism in AD and suggests an effect on global pathology in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Harch
- Department of Medicine, Section of Emergency and Hyperbaric Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Edward F Fogarty
- Department of Radiology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bismarck, ND, USA
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