Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in children and can persist into adulthood in the absence of effective intervention.Previous clinical and neuroimaging studies have suggested that the neural mechanism...Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in children and can persist into adulthood in the absence of effective intervention.Previous clinical and neuroimaging studies have suggested that the neural mechanisms underlying strabismic amblyopia and anisometropic amblyopia may be different.Therefore,we performed a systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating brain alterations in patients with these two subtypes of amblyopia;this study is registered with PROSPERO(registration ID:CRD42022349191).We searched three online databases(PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science) from inception to April 1,2022;39 studies with 633 patients(324patients with anisometropic amblyo pia and 309 patients with strabismic amblyopia) and 580 healthy controls met the inclusion criteria(e.g.,case-control designed,pee r-reviewed articles) and were included in this review.These studies highlighted that both strabismic amblyopia and anisometropic amblyopia patients showed reduced activation and distorted topological cortical activated maps in the striate and extrastriate co rtices during tas k-based functional magnetic resonance imaging with spatial-frequency stimulus and retinotopic representations,respectively;these may have arisen from abnormal visual experiences.Compensations for amblyopia that are reflected in enhanced spontaneous brain function have been reported in the early visual cortices in the resting state,as well as reduced functional connectivity in the dorsal pathway and structural connections in the ventral pathway in both anisometro pic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia patients.The shared dysfunction of anisometro pic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia patients,relative to controls,is also chara cterized by reduced spontaneous brain activity in the oculomotor co rtex,mainly involving the frontal and parietal eye fields and the cerebellu m;this may underlie the neural mechanisms of fixation instability and anomalous saccades in amblyopia.With regards to specific alterations of the two forms of amblyo pia,anisometropic amblyo pia patients suffer more microstructural impairments in the precortical pathway than strabismic amblyopia patients,as reflected by diffusion tensor imaging,and more significant dysfunction and structural loss in the ventral pathway.Strabismic amblyopia patients experience more attenuation of activation in the extrastriate co rtex than in the striate cortex when compared to anisometropic amblyopia patients.Finally,brain structural magnetic resonance imaging alterations tend to be lateralized in the adult anisometropic amblyopia patients,and the patterns of brain alterations are more limited in amblyopic adults than in childre n.In conclusion,magnetic resonance imaging studies provide important insights into the brain alterations underlying the pathophysiology of amblyopia and demonstrate common and specific alte rations in anisometropic amblyo pia and strabismic amblyopia patients;these alterations may improve our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying amblyopia.展开更多
Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a common acute abdomen disease of the digestive system.It has a potentially fatal risk because of its variable severity and various complications.With the widespread application of the Revised...Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a common acute abdomen disease of the digestive system.It has a potentially fatal risk because of its variable severity and various complications.With the widespread application of the Revised Atlanta Classification,new requirements for AP imaging reports are introduced.Experts in abdominal radiology and pancreatology in the United States published the first structured computed tomography reporting template for AP in 2020.However,there is no corresponding structured magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)reporting template globally.Therefore,this article focuses on the structured MRI report of AP images from our pancreatitis imaging center,which is intended to improve the systematic understanding of this disease and standardize the writing of MRI structured reports.In the meantime,we aim to promote the clinical diagnosis and assessment of MRI efficacy for AP and its multiple complications.It is further intended to facilitate academic exchanges and scientific research between different medical centers.展开更多
The impact of resonant magnetic perturbation(RMP)on blob motion and structure in the SOL of the HL-2A tokamak is studied using a gas puff imaging diagnostic.Ellipse fitting is applied to study the structure and motion...The impact of resonant magnetic perturbation(RMP)on blob motion and structure in the SOL of the HL-2A tokamak is studied using a gas puff imaging diagnostic.Ellipse fitting is applied to study the structure and motion of blobs quantitatively.The radial locations,amplitudes and scale sizes of blobs are obtained based on the fitted ellipse.Furthermore,based on the measurement of blob location,the radial and poloidal velocities of blobs are calculated.With the application of RMP,the edge poloidal shear flow is significantly weakened and the wave number spectrum changes from quasisymmetric to significantly up-down asymmetric.The application of RMP also causes the detected blob location to be much further into the far scrape-off layer(SOL)and increases the blob amplitude.Blob poloidal velocity in the SOL is slowed.Larger-size and longer-lifetime blobs are observed with RMP.With the application of RMP,stronger-amplitude and larger-size blobs are detected in the far SOL and they may cause a more serious erosion problem to the first wall.展开更多
Applications of multifractal analysis to white matter structure changes on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) have recently received increasing attentions. Although some progresses have been made, there is no evident s...Applications of multifractal analysis to white matter structure changes on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) have recently received increasing attentions. Although some progresses have been made, there is no evident study on applying multifractal analysis to evaluate the white matter structural changes on MRI for Alzheimer's disease(AD) research. In this paper, to explore multifractal analysis of white matter structural changes on 3D MRI volumes between normal aging and early AD, we not only extend the traditional box-counting multifractal analysis(BCMA) into the 3D case, but also propose a modified integer ratio based BCMA(IRBCMA) algorithm to compensate for the rigid division rule in BCMA. We verify multifractal characteristics in 3D white matter MRI volumes. In addition to the previously well studied multifractal feature,△α, we also demonstrated △ f as an alternative and effective multifractal feature to distinguish NC from AD subjects.Both △α and △ f are found to have strong positive correlation with the clinical MMSE scores with statistical significance.Moreover, the proposed IRBCMA can be an alternative and more accurate algorithm for 3D volume analysis. Our findings highlight the potential usefulness of multifractal analysis, which may contribute to clarify some aspects of the etiology of AD through detection of structural changes in white matter.展开更多
BACKGROUND The main clinical manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is memory loss,which can be accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms at different stages of the disease.Amygdala is closely related to emotion and ...BACKGROUND The main clinical manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is memory loss,which can be accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms at different stages of the disease.Amygdala is closely related to emotion and memory.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of amygdala on structural magnetic resonance imaging(sMRI)for AD.METHODS In this study,22 patients with AD and 26 controls were enrolled.Their amygdala volumes were measured by sMRI and analyzed using an automatic analysis software.RESULTS The bilateral amygdala volumes of AD patients were significantly lower than those of the controls and were positively correlated with the hippocampal volumes.Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the sensitivity of the left and right amygdala volumes in diagnosing AD was 80.8%and 88.5%,respectively.Subgroup analyses showed that amygdala atrophy was more serious in AD patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms,which mainly included irritability(22.73%),sleep difficulties(22.73%),apathy(18.18%),and hallucination(13.64%).CONCLUSION Amygdala volumes measured by sMRI can be used to diagnose AD,and amygdala atrophy is more serious in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the advantages of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in the assessment of detailed structures of pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) compared to computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHOD...AIM To evaluate the advantages of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in the assessment of detailed structures of pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) compared to computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS All patients with indeterminate PCNs underwent CT, MRI, and EUS. The detailed information, including size, number, the presence of a papilla/nodule, the presence of a septum, and the morphology of the pancreatic duct of PCNs were compared among the three imaging modalities. The size of each PCN was determined using the largest diameter measured. A cyst consisting of several small cysts was referred to as a motherdaughter cyst. Disagreement among the three imaging modalities regarding the total number of mother cysts resulted in the assumption that the correct number was the one in which the majority of imaging modalities indicated.RESULTS A total of 52 females and 16 males were evaluated. The median size of the cysts was 42.5 mm by EUS, 42.0 mm by CT and 38.0 mm by MRI; there was no significant difference in size as assessed among the three imaging techniques. The diagnostic sensitivity and ability of EUS to classify PCNs were 98.5%(67/68) and 92.6%(63/68), respectively. These percentages were higher than those of CT(73.1%, P < 0.001; 17.1%, P < 0.001) and MRI(81.3%, P = 0.001; 20.3%, P < 0.001). EUS was also able to better assess the number of daughter cysts in mother cysts than CT(P = 0.003); however, there was no significant difference between EUS and MRI in assessing mother-daughter cysts(P = 0.254). The papilla/nodule detection rate by EUS was 35.3%(24/68), much higher than those by CT(5.8%, 3/52) and MRI(6.3%, 4/64). The detection rate of the septum by EUS was 60.3%(41/68), which was higher than those by CT(34.6%, 18/52) and by MRI(46.9%, 30/64); the difference between EUS and CT was significant(P = 0.02). The rate of visualizing the pancreatic duct using EUS was 100%, whereas using CT and MRI it was less than 10%.CONCLUSION EUS helps visualize the detailed structures of PCNs and has many advantages over CT and MRI. EUS is valuable in the diagnosis and assessment of PCNs.展开更多
This study investigated the neural basis of social adjustment using multimodal brain imaging and social-adjustment measurements to analyze functional and structural brain features during social adjustment in college s...This study investigated the neural basis of social adjustment using multimodal brain imaging and social-adjustment measurements to analyze functional and structural brain features during social adjustment in college students. The results showed that, regarding brain function, some dimensions of social adjustment were associated with the insula, and some regions of the frontal and occipital lobes. Self-adjustment and satisfaction required activation of the middle frontal gyrus, while career adjustment and academic adjustment required inhibition of the inferior frontal gyrus and lingual gyrus, respectively. Decreased metabolic activity of the lingual gyrus was beneficial for obtaining satisfaction. Regarding brain structure, the total score and some dimensions of social adaptation were associated with the gray matter of portions of the temporal and parietal lobes. The superior temporal gyrus was associated with the total social adjustment and satisfaction score, the middle temporal gyrus with campus-life adjustment and satisfaction, and the post central gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule with emotional adjustment. The changes in the gray matter volume of these brain regions to a certain extent reflected socially adaptive behaviors. The results suggest that social adaptability is associated with various brain regions dispersed among both hemispheres of the brain, and requires synergistic inter-actions between multiple brain regions and both brain hemispheres.展开更多
In addition to the tens of millions of medical doses consumed annually around the world,a vast number of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)contrast agents are being deployed in MRI research and development,offeri...In addition to the tens of millions of medical doses consumed annually around the world,a vast number of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)contrast agents are being deployed in MRI research and development,offering precise diagnostic information,targeting capabilities,and analyte sensing.Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(SPIONs)are notable among these agents,providing effective and versatile MRI applications while also being heavy-metal-free,bioconjugatable,and theranostic.We designed and implemented a novel two-pronged computational and experimental strategy to meet the demand for the efficient and rigorous development of SPION-based MRI agents.Our MATLAB-based modeling simulation and magnetic characterization revealed that extremely small maghemite SPIONs in the 1-3 nm range possess significantly reduced transversal relaxation rates(R_(2))and are therefore preferred for positive(T_(1)-weighted)MRI.Moreover,X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption fine structure analyses demonstrated that the diffraction pattern and radial distribution function of our SPIONs matched those of the targeted maghemite crystals.In addition,simulations of the X-ray near-edge structure spectra indicated that our synthesized SPIONs,even at 1 nm,maintained a spherical structure.Furthermore,in vitro and in vivo MRI investigations showed that our 1-nm SPIONs effectively highlighted whole-body blood vessels and major organs in mice and could be cleared through the kidney route to minimize potential post-imaging side effects.Overall,our innovative approach enabled a swift discovery of the desired SPION structure,followed by targeted synthesis,synchrotron radiation spectroscopic studies,and MRI evaluations.The efficient and rigorous development of our high-performance SPIONs can set the stage for a computational and experimental platform for the development of future MRI agents.展开更多
AIM:To sufficiently improve magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) quality to enable reliable computer-aided diagnosis(CAD).METHODS:A set of image enhancement strategies that included filters(i.e.Gaussian,m...AIM:To sufficiently improve magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) quality to enable reliable computer-aided diagnosis(CAD).METHODS:A set of image enhancement strategies that included filters(i.e.Gaussian,median,Wiener and Perona-Malik),wavelets(i.e.contourlet,ridgelet and a non-orthogonal noise compensation implementation),graph-cut approaches using lazy-snapping and Phase Unwrapping MAxflow,and binary thresholding using a fixed threshold and dynamic thresholding via histogram analysis were implemented to overcome the adverse characteristics of MRCP images such as acquisition noise,artifacts,partial volume effect and large inter-and intra-patient image intensity variations,all of which pose problems in application development.Subjective evaluation of several popular pre-processing techniques was undertaken to improve the quality of the 2D MRCP images and enhance the detection of the significant biliary structures within them,with the purpose of biliary disease detection.RESULTS:The results varied as expected since each algorithm capitalized on different characteristics of the images.For denoising,the Perona-Malik and contourlet approaches were found to be the most suitable.In terms of extraction of the significant biliary structures and removal of background,the thresholding approaches performed well.The interactive scheme performed the best,especially by using the strengths of the graphcut algorithm enhanced by user-friendly lazy-snapping for foreground and background marker selection.CONCLUSION:Tests show promising results for some techniques,but not others,as viable image enhancement modules for automatic CAD systems for biliary and liver diseases.展开更多
Epilepsy can be defined as a dysfunction of the brain network,and each type of epilepsy involves different brain-network changes that are implicated diffe rently in the control and propagation of interictal or ictal d...Epilepsy can be defined as a dysfunction of the brain network,and each type of epilepsy involves different brain-network changes that are implicated diffe rently in the control and propagation of interictal or ictal discharges.Gaining more detailed information on brain network alterations can help us to further understand the mechanisms of epilepsy and pave the way for brain network-based precise therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.An increasing number of advanced neuroimaging techniques and electrophysiological techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging-based fiber tra ctography,diffusion kurtosis imaging-based fiber tractography,fiber ball imagingbased tra ctography,electroencephalography,functional magnetic resonance imaging,magnetoencephalography,positron emission tomography,molecular imaging,and functional ultrasound imaging have been extensively used to delineate epileptic networks.In this review,we summarize the relevant neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological techniques for assessing structural and functional brain networks in patients with epilepsy,and extensively analyze the imaging mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical application ranges of each technique.A greater focus on emerging advanced technologies,new data analysis software,a combination of multiple techniques,and the construction of personalized virtual epilepsy models can provide a theoretical basis to better understand the brain network mechanisms of epilepsy and make surgical decisions.展开更多
Based on the Wallerian degeneration in the spinal cord pathways,the changes in synaptic connections,and the spinal cord-related cellular responses that alter the cellular structure of the brain,we presumed that brain ...Based on the Wallerian degeneration in the spinal cord pathways,the changes in synaptic connections,and the spinal cord-related cellular responses that alter the cellular structure of the brain,we presumed that brain diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)parameters may change after spinal cord injury.However,the dynamic changes in DTI parameters remain unclear.We established a Beagle dog model of T10 spinal cord contusion and performed DTI of the injured spinal cord.We found dynamic changes in DTI parameters in the cerebral peduncle,posterior limb of the internal capsule,pre-and postcentral gyri of the brain within 12 weeks after spinal cord injury.We then performed immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of neurofilament heavy polypeptide(axonal marker),glial fibrillary acidic protein(glial cell marker),and NeuN(neuronal marker).We found that these pathological changes were consistent with DTI parameter changes.These findings suggest that DTI can display brain structure changes after spinal cord injury.展开更多
Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) often have cognitive impairment and structural brain abnormalities.The magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-based brain atrophy and lesion index can be used to evaluate common ...Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) often have cognitive impairment and structural brain abnormalities.The magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-based brain atrophy and lesion index can be used to evaluate common brain changes and their correlation with cognitive function,and can therefore also be used to reflect whole-brain structural changes related to T2 DM.A total of 136 participants(64 men and 72 women,aged 55–86 years) were recruited for our study between January 2014 and December 2016.All participants underwent MRI and Mini-Mental State Examination assessment(including 42 healthy control,38 T2 DM without cognitive impairment,26 with cognitive impairment but without T2 DM,and 30 T2 DM with cognitive impairment participants).The total and sub-category brain atrophy and lesion index scores in patients with T2 DM with cognitive impairment were higher than those in healthy controls.Differences in the brain atrophy and lesion index of gray matter lesions and subcortical dilated perivascular spaces were found between non-T2 DM patients with cognitive impairment and patients with T2 DM and cognitive impairment.After adjusting for age,the brain atrophy and lesion index retained its capacity to identify patients with T2 DM with cognitive impairment.These findings suggest that the brain atrophy and lesion index,based on T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging,is of clinical value for identifying patients with T2 DM and cognitive impairment.Gray matter lesions and subcortical dilated perivascular spaces may be potential diagnostic markers of T2 DM that is complicated by cognitive impairment.This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of University of South China(approval No.USC20131109003) on November 9,2013,and was retrospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration No.Chi CTR1900024150) on June 27,2019.展开更多
Our previous study used regional homogeneity analysis and found that activity in some brain areas of patients with ischemic stroke changed significantly. In the current study, we examined structural changes in these b...Our previous study used regional homogeneity analysis and found that activity in some brain areas of patients with ischemic stroke changed significantly. In the current study, we examined structural changes in these brain regions by taking structural magnetic resonance imaging scans of 11 ischemic stroke patients and 15 healthy participants, and analyzing the data using voxel-based morphometry. Compared with healthy participants, patients exhibited higher gray matter density in the left inferior occipital gyrus and right anterior white matter tract. In contrast, gray matter density in the right cerebellum, left precentral gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus was less in ischemic stroke patients. The changes of gray matter density in the middle frontal gyrus were negatively associated with the clin- ical rating scales of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (r = -0.609, P = 0.047) and the left middle temporal gyrus was negatively correlated with the clinical rating scales of the nervous functional deficiency scale (r = -0.737, P = 0.010). Our findings call objectively identify the functional abnormality in some brain regions of ischemic stroke patients.展开更多
Neurological abnormalities identified via neuroimaging are common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.However,it is not yet possible to easily detect these abnormalities using head computed tomography in the early s...Neurological abnormalities identified via neuroimaging are common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.However,it is not yet possible to easily detect these abnormalities using head computed tomography in the early stages of the disease.In this review,we evaluated the ways in which modern imaging techniques such as positron emission computed tomography,single photon emission tomography,magnetic resonance spectrum imaging,structural magnetic resonance imaging,magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging,magnetic resonance perfusion weighted imaging,magnetic resonance sensitive weighted imaging,and functional magnetic resonance imaging have revealed specific changes not only in brain structure,but also in brain function in Alzheimer’s disease patients.The reviewed literature indicated that decreased fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism in the temporal and parietal lobes of Alzheimer’s disease patients is frequently observed via positron emission computed tomography.Furthermore,patients with Alzheimer’s disease often show a decreased N-acetylaspartic acid/creatine ratio and an increased myoinositol/creatine ratio revealed via magnetic resonance imaging.Atrophy of the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus,and posterior cingulate gyrus can be detected early using structural magnetic resonance imaging.Magnetic resonance sensitive weighted imaging can show small bleeds and abnormal iron metabolism.Task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging can display brain function activity through cerebral blood oxygenation.Resting functional magnetic resonance imaging can display the functional connection between brain neural networks.These are helpful for the differential diagnosis and experimental study of Alzheimer’s disease,and are valuable for exploring the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.展开更多
The characterisation of the pore-fracture structure(PFS)and its evolution in coal during mining are essential for preventing gas outbursts and improving gas extraction efficiency.In this study,the evolution of the PFS...The characterisation of the pore-fracture structure(PFS)and its evolution in coal during mining are essential for preventing gas outbursts and improving gas extraction efficiency.In this study,the evolution of the PFS in coal samples under the condition of mining stress was directly captured in situ by combination of the mechanical testing system with high-precision visualisation nuclear magnetic resonance equipment.A fractional derivative model was established to describe the relationship between stress and porosity based on experimental results of the PFS under different stress states.The results showed that with an increase in the deviatoric stress,the adsorption pore content increases rapidly initially and then increases slowly or remains unchanged;the seepage pore and fracture(SPF)content decreases initially and then increases.The SPF compressibility coefficient decreases with an increase in the deviatoric stress.The fractional derivative model can accurately describe the stress sensitivity of the SPFs at the pre-peak stage,thus providing a new approach for accurately characterising the seepage characteristics of coal reservoirs.展开更多
In the present study,we report a fabrication of dual-mode carbon coated gadolinia C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles by a facile hydrothermal synthesis method without using any organic solvents.The prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles...In the present study,we report a fabrication of dual-mode carbon coated gadolinia C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles by a facile hydrothermal synthesis method without using any organic solvents.The prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles have a core-shell structure and a narrow size distribution in the range of 261±27 nm.The fluorescent properties of the prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles were accessed by a room-temperature photoluminescence study,while the longitudinal relaxivity(r1)was examined by using a clinical 1.5 T MRI scanner.A murine fibroblast L-929 cell line was used to examine the cytotoxicity and capability of the prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles for the fluorescent labeling.The obtained results show that the prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles could be used as a dual-mode contrast agent for magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging.展开更多
文摘Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in children and can persist into adulthood in the absence of effective intervention.Previous clinical and neuroimaging studies have suggested that the neural mechanisms underlying strabismic amblyopia and anisometropic amblyopia may be different.Therefore,we performed a systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating brain alterations in patients with these two subtypes of amblyopia;this study is registered with PROSPERO(registration ID:CRD42022349191).We searched three online databases(PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science) from inception to April 1,2022;39 studies with 633 patients(324patients with anisometropic amblyo pia and 309 patients with strabismic amblyopia) and 580 healthy controls met the inclusion criteria(e.g.,case-control designed,pee r-reviewed articles) and were included in this review.These studies highlighted that both strabismic amblyopia and anisometropic amblyopia patients showed reduced activation and distorted topological cortical activated maps in the striate and extrastriate co rtices during tas k-based functional magnetic resonance imaging with spatial-frequency stimulus and retinotopic representations,respectively;these may have arisen from abnormal visual experiences.Compensations for amblyopia that are reflected in enhanced spontaneous brain function have been reported in the early visual cortices in the resting state,as well as reduced functional connectivity in the dorsal pathway and structural connections in the ventral pathway in both anisometro pic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia patients.The shared dysfunction of anisometro pic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia patients,relative to controls,is also chara cterized by reduced spontaneous brain activity in the oculomotor co rtex,mainly involving the frontal and parietal eye fields and the cerebellu m;this may underlie the neural mechanisms of fixation instability and anomalous saccades in amblyopia.With regards to specific alterations of the two forms of amblyo pia,anisometropic amblyo pia patients suffer more microstructural impairments in the precortical pathway than strabismic amblyopia patients,as reflected by diffusion tensor imaging,and more significant dysfunction and structural loss in the ventral pathway.Strabismic amblyopia patients experience more attenuation of activation in the extrastriate co rtex than in the striate cortex when compared to anisometropic amblyopia patients.Finally,brain structural magnetic resonance imaging alterations tend to be lateralized in the adult anisometropic amblyopia patients,and the patterns of brain alterations are more limited in amblyopic adults than in childre n.In conclusion,magnetic resonance imaging studies provide important insights into the brain alterations underlying the pathophysiology of amblyopia and demonstrate common and specific alte rations in anisometropic amblyo pia and strabismic amblyopia patients;these alterations may improve our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying amblyopia.
文摘Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a common acute abdomen disease of the digestive system.It has a potentially fatal risk because of its variable severity and various complications.With the widespread application of the Revised Atlanta Classification,new requirements for AP imaging reports are introduced.Experts in abdominal radiology and pancreatology in the United States published the first structured computed tomography reporting template for AP in 2020.However,there is no corresponding structured magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)reporting template globally.Therefore,this article focuses on the structured MRI report of AP images from our pancreatitis imaging center,which is intended to improve the systematic understanding of this disease and standardize the writing of MRI structured reports.In the meantime,we aim to promote the clinical diagnosis and assessment of MRI efficacy for AP and its multiple complications.It is further intended to facilitate academic exchanges and scientific research between different medical centers.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Nos.2022YFE03100002,2022YFE03010004 and 2019YFE03060002)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U1867222,U1967206 and 51821005)the Sichuan Natural Science Foundation(Nos.2022NSFSC1791 and 2020JDTD0030).
文摘The impact of resonant magnetic perturbation(RMP)on blob motion and structure in the SOL of the HL-2A tokamak is studied using a gas puff imaging diagnostic.Ellipse fitting is applied to study the structure and motion of blobs quantitatively.The radial locations,amplitudes and scale sizes of blobs are obtained based on the fitted ellipse.Furthermore,based on the measurement of blob location,the radial and poloidal velocities of blobs are calculated.With the application of RMP,the edge poloidal shear flow is significantly weakened and the wave number spectrum changes from quasisymmetric to significantly up-down asymmetric.The application of RMP also causes the detected blob location to be much further into the far scrape-off layer(SOL)and increases the blob amplitude.Blob poloidal velocity in the SOL is slowed.Larger-size and longer-lifetime blobs are observed with RMP.With the application of RMP,stronger-amplitude and larger-size blobs are detected in the far SOL and they may cause a more serious erosion problem to the first wall.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.61271079)the Vice Chancellor Research Grant in University of Wollongongthe Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China
文摘Applications of multifractal analysis to white matter structure changes on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) have recently received increasing attentions. Although some progresses have been made, there is no evident study on applying multifractal analysis to evaluate the white matter structural changes on MRI for Alzheimer's disease(AD) research. In this paper, to explore multifractal analysis of white matter structural changes on 3D MRI volumes between normal aging and early AD, we not only extend the traditional box-counting multifractal analysis(BCMA) into the 3D case, but also propose a modified integer ratio based BCMA(IRBCMA) algorithm to compensate for the rigid division rule in BCMA. We verify multifractal characteristics in 3D white matter MRI volumes. In addition to the previously well studied multifractal feature,△α, we also demonstrated △ f as an alternative and effective multifractal feature to distinguish NC from AD subjects.Both △α and △ f are found to have strong positive correlation with the clinical MMSE scores with statistical significance.Moreover, the proposed IRBCMA can be an alternative and more accurate algorithm for 3D volume analysis. Our findings highlight the potential usefulness of multifractal analysis, which may contribute to clarify some aspects of the etiology of AD through detection of structural changes in white matter.
基金Supported by The Young Talents Fund of the Second Hospital of Shandong University,No.2018YT16Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Foundation of Shandong University,No.2019SDRX-09.
文摘BACKGROUND The main clinical manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is memory loss,which can be accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms at different stages of the disease.Amygdala is closely related to emotion and memory.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of amygdala on structural magnetic resonance imaging(sMRI)for AD.METHODS In this study,22 patients with AD and 26 controls were enrolled.Their amygdala volumes were measured by sMRI and analyzed using an automatic analysis software.RESULTS The bilateral amygdala volumes of AD patients were significantly lower than those of the controls and were positively correlated with the hippocampal volumes.Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the sensitivity of the left and right amygdala volumes in diagnosing AD was 80.8%and 88.5%,respectively.Subgroup analyses showed that amygdala atrophy was more serious in AD patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms,which mainly included irritability(22.73%),sleep difficulties(22.73%),apathy(18.18%),and hallucination(13.64%).CONCLUSION Amygdala volumes measured by sMRI can be used to diagnose AD,and amygdala atrophy is more serious in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
基金Supported by Scientific Research Fund of Army of China,No.14BJZ01
文摘AIM To evaluate the advantages of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in the assessment of detailed structures of pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) compared to computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS All patients with indeterminate PCNs underwent CT, MRI, and EUS. The detailed information, including size, number, the presence of a papilla/nodule, the presence of a septum, and the morphology of the pancreatic duct of PCNs were compared among the three imaging modalities. The size of each PCN was determined using the largest diameter measured. A cyst consisting of several small cysts was referred to as a motherdaughter cyst. Disagreement among the three imaging modalities regarding the total number of mother cysts resulted in the assumption that the correct number was the one in which the majority of imaging modalities indicated.RESULTS A total of 52 females and 16 males were evaluated. The median size of the cysts was 42.5 mm by EUS, 42.0 mm by CT and 38.0 mm by MRI; there was no significant difference in size as assessed among the three imaging techniques. The diagnostic sensitivity and ability of EUS to classify PCNs were 98.5%(67/68) and 92.6%(63/68), respectively. These percentages were higher than those of CT(73.1%, P < 0.001; 17.1%, P < 0.001) and MRI(81.3%, P = 0.001; 20.3%, P < 0.001). EUS was also able to better assess the number of daughter cysts in mother cysts than CT(P = 0.003); however, there was no significant difference between EUS and MRI in assessing mother-daughter cysts(P = 0.254). The papilla/nodule detection rate by EUS was 35.3%(24/68), much higher than those by CT(5.8%, 3/52) and MRI(6.3%, 4/64). The detection rate of the septum by EUS was 60.3%(41/68), which was higher than those by CT(34.6%, 18/52) and by MRI(46.9%, 30/64); the difference between EUS and CT was significant(P = 0.02). The rate of visualizing the pancreatic duct using EUS was 100%, whereas using CT and MRI it was less than 10%.CONCLUSION EUS helps visualize the detailed structures of PCNs and has many advantages over CT and MRI. EUS is valuable in the diagnosis and assessment of PCNs.
文摘This study investigated the neural basis of social adjustment using multimodal brain imaging and social-adjustment measurements to analyze functional and structural brain features during social adjustment in college students. The results showed that, regarding brain function, some dimensions of social adjustment were associated with the insula, and some regions of the frontal and occipital lobes. Self-adjustment and satisfaction required activation of the middle frontal gyrus, while career adjustment and academic adjustment required inhibition of the inferior frontal gyrus and lingual gyrus, respectively. Decreased metabolic activity of the lingual gyrus was beneficial for obtaining satisfaction. Regarding brain structure, the total score and some dimensions of social adaptation were associated with the gray matter of portions of the temporal and parietal lobes. The superior temporal gyrus was associated with the total social adjustment and satisfaction score, the middle temporal gyrus with campus-life adjustment and satisfaction, and the post central gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule with emotional adjustment. The changes in the gray matter volume of these brain regions to a certain extent reflected socially adaptive behaviors. The results suggest that social adaptability is associated with various brain regions dispersed among both hemispheres of the brain, and requires synergistic inter-actions between multiple brain regions and both brain hemispheres.
基金supported by start-up funds from the laboratory of H.WFaculty Sponsored Student Research Awards(FSSRA)from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science and Mathematics at California State University,Fresno。
文摘In addition to the tens of millions of medical doses consumed annually around the world,a vast number of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)contrast agents are being deployed in MRI research and development,offering precise diagnostic information,targeting capabilities,and analyte sensing.Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(SPIONs)are notable among these agents,providing effective and versatile MRI applications while also being heavy-metal-free,bioconjugatable,and theranostic.We designed and implemented a novel two-pronged computational and experimental strategy to meet the demand for the efficient and rigorous development of SPION-based MRI agents.Our MATLAB-based modeling simulation and magnetic characterization revealed that extremely small maghemite SPIONs in the 1-3 nm range possess significantly reduced transversal relaxation rates(R_(2))and are therefore preferred for positive(T_(1)-weighted)MRI.Moreover,X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption fine structure analyses demonstrated that the diffraction pattern and radial distribution function of our SPIONs matched those of the targeted maghemite crystals.In addition,simulations of the X-ray near-edge structure spectra indicated that our synthesized SPIONs,even at 1 nm,maintained a spherical structure.Furthermore,in vitro and in vivo MRI investigations showed that our 1-nm SPIONs effectively highlighted whole-body blood vessels and major organs in mice and could be cleared through the kidney route to minimize potential post-imaging side effects.Overall,our innovative approach enabled a swift discovery of the desired SPION structure,followed by targeted synthesis,synchrotron radiation spectroscopic studies,and MRI evaluations.The efficient and rigorous development of our high-performance SPIONs can set the stage for a computational and experimental platform for the development of future MRI agents.
基金Supported by The Brain Gain Malaysia international fellowship and post-doctoral program grant under the Ministry of Science,Technology and Innovation,Malaysia
文摘AIM:To sufficiently improve magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) quality to enable reliable computer-aided diagnosis(CAD).METHODS:A set of image enhancement strategies that included filters(i.e.Gaussian,median,Wiener and Perona-Malik),wavelets(i.e.contourlet,ridgelet and a non-orthogonal noise compensation implementation),graph-cut approaches using lazy-snapping and Phase Unwrapping MAxflow,and binary thresholding using a fixed threshold and dynamic thresholding via histogram analysis were implemented to overcome the adverse characteristics of MRCP images such as acquisition noise,artifacts,partial volume effect and large inter-and intra-patient image intensity variations,all of which pose problems in application development.Subjective evaluation of several popular pre-processing techniques was undertaken to improve the quality of the 2D MRCP images and enhance the detection of the significant biliary structures within them,with the purpose of biliary disease detection.RESULTS:The results varied as expected since each algorithm capitalized on different characteristics of the images.For denoising,the Perona-Malik and contourlet approaches were found to be the most suitable.In terms of extraction of the significant biliary structures and removal of background,the thresholding approaches performed well.The interactive scheme performed the best,especially by using the strengths of the graphcut algorithm enhanced by user-friendly lazy-snapping for foreground and background marker selection.CONCLUSION:Tests show promising results for some techniques,but not others,as viable image enhancement modules for automatic CAD systems for biliary and liver diseases.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province of China,Nos.2022NSFSC1545 (to YG),2022NSFSC1387 (to ZF)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing of China,Nos.CSTB2022NSCQ-LZX0038,cstc2021ycjh-bgzxm0035 (both to XT)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82001378 (to XT)the Joint Project of Chongqing Health Commission and Science and Technology Bureau,No.2023QNXM009 (to XT)the Science and Technology Research Program of Chongqing Education Commission of China,No.KJQN202200435 (to XT)the Chongqing Talents:Exceptional Young Talents Project,No.CQYC202005014 (to XT)。
文摘Epilepsy can be defined as a dysfunction of the brain network,and each type of epilepsy involves different brain-network changes that are implicated diffe rently in the control and propagation of interictal or ictal discharges.Gaining more detailed information on brain network alterations can help us to further understand the mechanisms of epilepsy and pave the way for brain network-based precise therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.An increasing number of advanced neuroimaging techniques and electrophysiological techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging-based fiber tra ctography,diffusion kurtosis imaging-based fiber tractography,fiber ball imagingbased tra ctography,electroencephalography,functional magnetic resonance imaging,magnetoencephalography,positron emission tomography,molecular imaging,and functional ultrasound imaging have been extensively used to delineate epileptic networks.In this review,we summarize the relevant neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological techniques for assessing structural and functional brain networks in patients with epilepsy,and extensively analyze the imaging mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical application ranges of each technique.A greater focus on emerging advanced technologies,new data analysis software,a combination of multiple techniques,and the construction of personalized virtual epilepsy models can provide a theoretical basis to better understand the brain network mechanisms of epilepsy and make surgical decisions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82102676 (to CBL)a grant from Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, No. Z171100001017076 (to JJL)+1 种基金National Key Research and Development Program, No. 2018YFF0301104 (to JJL)Research on Medical Protection Technology and Application of Induced Neural Stem Cells in the Treatment of Military Spinal Cord Injury, No. Z181100004118004 (to JL)
文摘Based on the Wallerian degeneration in the spinal cord pathways,the changes in synaptic connections,and the spinal cord-related cellular responses that alter the cellular structure of the brain,we presumed that brain diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)parameters may change after spinal cord injury.However,the dynamic changes in DTI parameters remain unclear.We established a Beagle dog model of T10 spinal cord contusion and performed DTI of the injured spinal cord.We found dynamic changes in DTI parameters in the cerebral peduncle,posterior limb of the internal capsule,pre-and postcentral gyri of the brain within 12 weeks after spinal cord injury.We then performed immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of neurofilament heavy polypeptide(axonal marker),glial fibrillary acidic protein(glial cell marker),and NeuN(neuronal marker).We found that these pathological changes were consistent with DTI parameter changes.These findings suggest that DTI can display brain structure changes after spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81271538 (to SNP)345 Talent Project and the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province of China,No.2019-ZD-0794 (to SNP)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province of China,Nos.2017JJ2225 (to JCL),2018JJ2357 (to GHL)Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Program of China,No.2017SK50203 (to HZ)。
文摘Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) often have cognitive impairment and structural brain abnormalities.The magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-based brain atrophy and lesion index can be used to evaluate common brain changes and their correlation with cognitive function,and can therefore also be used to reflect whole-brain structural changes related to T2 DM.A total of 136 participants(64 men and 72 women,aged 55–86 years) were recruited for our study between January 2014 and December 2016.All participants underwent MRI and Mini-Mental State Examination assessment(including 42 healthy control,38 T2 DM without cognitive impairment,26 with cognitive impairment but without T2 DM,and 30 T2 DM with cognitive impairment participants).The total and sub-category brain atrophy and lesion index scores in patients with T2 DM with cognitive impairment were higher than those in healthy controls.Differences in the brain atrophy and lesion index of gray matter lesions and subcortical dilated perivascular spaces were found between non-T2 DM patients with cognitive impairment and patients with T2 DM and cognitive impairment.After adjusting for age,the brain atrophy and lesion index retained its capacity to identify patients with T2 DM with cognitive impairment.These findings suggest that the brain atrophy and lesion index,based on T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging,is of clinical value for identifying patients with T2 DM and cognitive impairment.Gray matter lesions and subcortical dilated perivascular spaces may be potential diagnostic markers of T2 DM that is complicated by cognitive impairment.This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of University of South China(approval No.USC20131109003) on November 9,2013,and was retrospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration No.Chi CTR1900024150) on June 27,2019.
基金financially supported by the National Program on Key Basic Research Project of China(973 Program)No.2012CB518501the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81072864
文摘Our previous study used regional homogeneity analysis and found that activity in some brain areas of patients with ischemic stroke changed significantly. In the current study, we examined structural changes in these brain regions by taking structural magnetic resonance imaging scans of 11 ischemic stroke patients and 15 healthy participants, and analyzing the data using voxel-based morphometry. Compared with healthy participants, patients exhibited higher gray matter density in the left inferior occipital gyrus and right anterior white matter tract. In contrast, gray matter density in the right cerebellum, left precentral gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus was less in ischemic stroke patients. The changes of gray matter density in the middle frontal gyrus were negatively associated with the clin- ical rating scales of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (r = -0.609, P = 0.047) and the left middle temporal gyrus was negatively correlated with the clinical rating scales of the nervous functional deficiency scale (r = -0.737, P = 0.010). Our findings call objectively identify the functional abnormality in some brain regions of ischemic stroke patients.
基金This work was supported by the Science and Technology Support Plan of Guizhou Province of China,No.QianKeHe-Zhicheng[2020]4Y129(to HB)the Scientific Research Foundation of Guizhou Health Committee of China,No.gzwkj2017-1-022(to HB)the Scientific Research Project of Guizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Bureau of China,No.QZYY-2018-044(to HB).
文摘Neurological abnormalities identified via neuroimaging are common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.However,it is not yet possible to easily detect these abnormalities using head computed tomography in the early stages of the disease.In this review,we evaluated the ways in which modern imaging techniques such as positron emission computed tomography,single photon emission tomography,magnetic resonance spectrum imaging,structural magnetic resonance imaging,magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging,magnetic resonance perfusion weighted imaging,magnetic resonance sensitive weighted imaging,and functional magnetic resonance imaging have revealed specific changes not only in brain structure,but also in brain function in Alzheimer’s disease patients.The reviewed literature indicated that decreased fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism in the temporal and parietal lobes of Alzheimer’s disease patients is frequently observed via positron emission computed tomography.Furthermore,patients with Alzheimer’s disease often show a decreased N-acetylaspartic acid/creatine ratio and an increased myoinositol/creatine ratio revealed via magnetic resonance imaging.Atrophy of the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus,and posterior cingulate gyrus can be detected early using structural magnetic resonance imaging.Magnetic resonance sensitive weighted imaging can show small bleeds and abnormal iron metabolism.Task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging can display brain function activity through cerebral blood oxygenation.Resting functional magnetic resonance imaging can display the functional connection between brain neural networks.These are helpful for the differential diagnosis and experimental study of Alzheimer’s disease,and are valuable for exploring the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51827901,52121003,52142302,and 51904309)the 111 Project(No.B14006)the Yueqi Outstanding Scholar Program of CUMTB(No.2017A03).
文摘The characterisation of the pore-fracture structure(PFS)and its evolution in coal during mining are essential for preventing gas outbursts and improving gas extraction efficiency.In this study,the evolution of the PFS in coal samples under the condition of mining stress was directly captured in situ by combination of the mechanical testing system with high-precision visualisation nuclear magnetic resonance equipment.A fractional derivative model was established to describe the relationship between stress and porosity based on experimental results of the PFS under different stress states.The results showed that with an increase in the deviatoric stress,the adsorption pore content increases rapidly initially and then increases slowly or remains unchanged;the seepage pore and fracture(SPF)content decreases initially and then increases.The SPF compressibility coefficient decreases with an increase in the deviatoric stress.The fractional derivative model can accurately describe the stress sensitivity of the SPFs at the pre-peak stage,thus providing a new approach for accurately characterising the seepage characteristics of coal reservoirs.
基金supported by the 2014 Post-Doc,Development Program of Pusan National Universitysupported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MSIP)(No.2014R1A2A1A11051146).
文摘In the present study,we report a fabrication of dual-mode carbon coated gadolinia C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles by a facile hydrothermal synthesis method without using any organic solvents.The prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles have a core-shell structure and a narrow size distribution in the range of 261±27 nm.The fluorescent properties of the prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles were accessed by a room-temperature photoluminescence study,while the longitudinal relaxivity(r1)was examined by using a clinical 1.5 T MRI scanner.A murine fibroblast L-929 cell line was used to examine the cytotoxicity and capability of the prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles for the fluorescent labeling.The obtained results show that the prepared C@Gd_(2)O_(3)particles could be used as a dual-mode contrast agent for magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging.
文摘目的探讨阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)患者大脑灰质体积、灰质皮层厚度及基于皮层厚度的结构协变网络(structural covariance network,SCN)的拓扑属性改变。材料与方法本研究共筛选了250例来自ADNI数据库的被试,包括AD组100人,健康对照(healthy controls,HCs)组150人。首先,利用基于体素的形态学分析方法(voxel-based morphometry,VBM)和基于表面的形态学分析方法(surface-based morphometry,SBM)分别计算每组被试的灰质体积和皮层厚度并比较其组间差异。其次,将有组间差异的脑区定义为感兴趣区(region of interest,ROI),提取每一个ROI的灰质体积和皮层厚度值,与认知量表进行偏相关分析。最后,构建基于皮层厚度的SCN并利用图论分析方法分析该网络的全局属性及局部属性的变化特征。结果第一,相较于HCs组,AD组的灰质体积和皮层厚度显著下降[体素和顶点水平总体误差(family-wise error,FWE)校正后P<0.001]。AD组灰质体积下降的脑区主要包括双侧海马、双侧眶额皮层、左侧岛叶、右侧枕下回、左侧楔前叶、左侧中央前回、左侧中央扣带回。AD组皮层厚度变薄的脑区主要包括双侧颞叶、双侧额叶、双侧顶叶、双侧扣带回、双侧梭状回、双侧岛回、双侧楔前叶等。第二,偏相关分析表明,AD组简易精神状态检查量表(Mini-Mental State Examination,MMSE)得分分别与右侧海马体积[rs=0.35,错误发现率(false discovery rate,FDR)校正后P<0.001]、左侧海马体积(r_(s)=0.38,FDR校正后P<0.001)、右侧梭状回皮层厚度(r_(s)=0.38,FDR校正后P<0.001)呈正相关;临床痴呆评定量表(Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes,CDR-SB)评分与左侧梭状回皮层厚度(r_(s)=-0.39,FDR校正后P<0.001)呈负相关。第三,脑网络分析表明,AD组SCN的全局效率(P<0.001)、局部效率(P=0.03)及小世界属性(P<0.001)高于HCs组,最短路径低于HCs组(P<0.001)。结论联合VBM、SBM的形态学分析及SCN的图论分析有助于全面理解AD患者脑网络的重组及其意义,进而为AD患者神经影像学改变提供新的见解和证据。