Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Anton Nikulin, Alexandre Vignaud, Nikolai Avdievich, Djamel Berrahou, Julien de Rosny, Abdelwaheb Ourir
Summary: The study presents a new geometry of the birdcage coil for 7 Tesla anatomical brain imaging, which includes a large window on top without compromising homogeneity and efficiency. The experimental results show that the proposed opencage coil performs well in terms of patient comfort, functional MRI stimuli tracking, and maintaining imaging quality.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Seokwon Yoon, Juyoung Lee, Yong Hoon Jun, Ga Won Jeon
Summary: The term shaken baby syndrome has been replaced by abusive head trauma (AHT) for its mechanism of injury. Diagnosis of AHT remains a challenge when parents do not report trauma in preverbal infants. Reasonable suspicion of abuse, in combination with thorough physical examination, neuroimaging, and skilled neuroradiologist, can improve diagnosis and help victims in a timely manner.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lucia I. Navarro de Lara, Jason P. Stockmann, Qinglei Meng, Boris Keil, Azma Mareyam, Isil Uluc, Mohammad Daneshzand, Sergey Makarov, Lawrence L. Wald, Aapo Nummenmaa
Summary: We have designed and constructed a 28-channel receive-only RF coil that can be integrated with a multichannel TMS coil system. Sensitivity losses in the RF elements containing TMS units were found to be caused by eddy currents on the coil wire windings. Compared to commercial head coils, the TMSMR 28-channel coil has an average SNR performance of 66% and 86% of the 32-channel and 20-channel head coils, respectively, and its g-factor values are similar to the 32-channel coil and significantly better than the 20-channel coil.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Wenjun Wang, Juan Diego Sanchez-Heredia, Rie Beck Olin, Esben Sovso Szocska Hansen, Christoffer Laustsen, Vitaliy Zhurbenko, Jan Henrik Ardenkjaer-Larsen
Summary: This article introduces a novel 14-channel receive-only array for C-13 human head imaging at 3 T that achieves higher SNR by operating at cryogenic temperature cooled by liquid nitrogen. The array is cooled using cryostats and circuits are adapted to the low temperature environment. Imaging results show significant SNR improvement at cryogenic temperature compared to room temperature. The cryogenic coil array is suitable for scenarios that require high SNR deep in a head and decent SNR on the periphery.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Haoqin Zhu, Michael L. Lang, Yijin Yang, Melanie Martin, Gong Zhang, Qiang Zhang, Yuanyuan Chen, Xinqiang Yan
Summary: Inductively coupled radiofrequency (RF) coils are a cost-effective and simple method for wireless RF coils in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study proposes a novel wireless volume coil based on the Litzcage design, which has a simpler structure and lower cost compared to conventional wired coils, while maintaining comparable imaging performance with a commercial receive array.
NMR IN BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Laura Costanza De Angelis, Giorgia Brigati, Giulia Polleri, Mariya Malova, Alessandro Parodi, Diego Minghetti, Andrea Rossi, Paolo Massirio, Cristina Traggiai, Mohamad Maghnie, Luca Antonio Ramenghi
Summary: Neonatal hypoglycemia is common and usually resolves within the first 48 to 72 hours of life. Severe and prolonged hypoglycemia is associated with cerebral damage, potentially leading to neuronal injury.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyunwoo Song, Kyoung-Nam Kim, Daniel Hernandez
Summary: This study proposed a new design of birdcage (BC) coils to improve field intensity and uniformity in the brain region for MRI at 4.7T, compared to conventional designs. Finite-difference time-domain simulations showed that the proposed designs achieved better performance in field intensity and uniformity.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Marijn Jorien Vermeulen, Wolfram Burkhardt, Anne Fritze, Jorine Roelants, Lars Mense, Sten Willemsen, Mario Rudiger
Summary: This study established reference charts for cranial volume in newborn infants, which can be used to monitor brain growth in infants between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation. Boys had higher cranial volume than girls.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Graham King, Anna Truzzi, Rhodri Cusack
Summary: Individuals show differences in their functional connectome, and fingerprinting analysis can be used to identify individuals by comparing their connectome in different datasets. Recent studies have examined the origins of these fingerprints in infants, with varying results. This study suggests that the exact head position of the infant in the head coil can impact the measured connectome.
Article
Neurosciences
Alina Scholz, Robin Etzel, Markus W. May, Mirsad Mahmutovic, Qiyuan Tian, Gabriel Ramos-Llorden, Chiara Maffei, Berkin Bilgic, Thomas Witzel, Jason P. Stockmann, Choukri Mekkaoui, Lawrence L. Wald, Susie Yi Huang, Anastasia Yendiki, Boris Keil
Summary: In this study, a 48-channel ex vivo whole brain array coil was designed and constructed for high-resolution and high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging on a 3T Connectome scanner. The coil showed significantly increased SNR in the peripheral cortex and center regions compared to a 64-channel head coil designed for in vivo use. Additionally, the coil reduced noise amplification in highly parallel imaging, allowing for higher acceleration factors.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yanir Levy, Kewei Bian, Luke Patterson, Ryan Ouckama, Haojie Mao
Summary: This study investigated head responses during hockey-related blunt impacts using a combination of experimental and computational methods, analyzing various head/brain injury metrics and highlighting the significant impact of rotational velocity on injury outcomes.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Tina Schmitt, Jochem W. Rieger
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of MRI head coils and the influence of the prescan normalize filter on different brain regions, showing that the prescan normalize filter can improve data quality. In functional data, the 20-channel head coil is suitable for deep brain areas, while the 64-channel head coil is more suitable for structural measurements.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun-Yong Wu, Yong-Jiang Li, Xiong-Bin Hu, Si Huang, Shilin Luo, Tiantian Tang, Da-Xiong Xiang
Summary: The study compared Exos and BNVs for brain tumor drug delivery, finding that BNVs derived from brain-derived endothelial cells are a promising alternative with higher yield and similar drug-loading capacity to natural exosomes. Despite different mechanisms, BNV/DOX showed similar therapeutic effects to Exo/DOX in inhibiting the progression of glioblastoma, with minimal systemic toxicity. The findings suggest that autologous BNVs are an effective alternative to Exos for brain tumor nanomedicine.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Karthik Lakshmanan, Giuseppe Carluccio, Jerzy Walczyk, Ryan Brown, Sebastian Rupprecht, Qing X. Yang, Michael T. Lanagan, Christopher M. Collins
Summary: The study demonstrates that strategic use of high-permittivity materials in a helmet design can significantly improve SNR throughout the brain, showing improvements in both transmit efficiency and receive-side SNR. This method is particularly effective in improving SNR at the center of the brain, where other methods may be less effective.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lulu Zu, Jing Wen, Shengbo Wang, Ming Zhang, Wuliang Sun, Baodong Chen, Zhong Lin Wang
Summary: In this study, a multiangle self-powered sensor array is proposed for real-time monitoring of head impact to assist in clinical analysis and prevention of mild concussions. The array utilizes triboelectric nanogenerator technology to convert impact force from multiple directions into electrical signals. The sensors exhibit excellent sensitivity, response time, and resolution, allowing for accurate mapping and assessment of head impact. Standardized data collected will contribute to future in-depth research on the effects of head impacts on mild concussions.
Article
Pediatrics
Maria Feldmann, Cornelia Hagmann, Linda de Vries, Vera Disselhoff, Kuberan Pushparajah, Thushiha Logeswaran, Nicolaas J. G. Jansen, Johannes M. P. J. Breur, Walter Knirsch, Manon Benders, Serena Counsell, Bettina Reich, Beatrice Latal
Summary: Brain injury and neurodevelopmental impairment remain a concern in children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). This survey systematically evaluates the current practice of neuromonitoring, neuroimaging, and neurodevelopmental follow-up in European centers. The study highlights significant heterogeneity in these practices and emphasizes the need for a clear practice guideline to detect and prevent neurological and neurodevelopmental sequelae in neonates with complex CHD.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Sunniva Fenn-Moltu, Sean P. Fitzgibbon, Judit Ciarrusta, Michael Eyre, Lucilio Cordero-Grande, Andrew Chew, Shona Falconer, Oliver Gale-Grant, Nicholas Harper, Ralica Dimitrova, Katy Vecchiato, Daphna Fenchel, Ayesha Javed, Megan Earl, Anthony N. Price, Emer Hughes, Eugene P. Duff, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh, Chiara Nosarti, Tomoki Arichi, Daniel Rueckert, Serena Counsell, Joseph Hajnal, A. David Edwards, Grainne McAlonan, Dafnis Batalle
Summary: The formation of the functional connectome in early life is crucial for future learning and behavior. However, our understanding of how the functional organization of brain regions matures during the early postnatal period, especially in response to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes like preterm birth, is limited. In this study involving 366 neonates, we found that functional centrality (weighted degree) increased with age in visual regions and decreased in motor and auditory regions in term-born infants. Preterm-born infants scanned at term equivalent age showed higher functional centrality in visual regions and lower measures in motor regions. Functional centrality did not predict neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months old.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Ayse Sila Dokumaci, Fraser R. Aitken, Jan Sedlacik, Pip Bridgen, Raphael Tomi-Tricot, Ronald Mooiweer, Katy Vecchiato, Tom Wilkinson, Chiara Casella, Sharon Giles, Joseph Hajnal, Shaihan J. Malik, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh, David W. Carmichael
Summary: In this study, an optimized MP2RAGE protocol at 7 Tesla was developed to provide T1-weighted uniform image and gray matter-dominant fluid and white matter suppression contrast images simultaneously in a clinically applicable acquisition time. The results showed that high-contrast images with excellent anatomical detail could be obtained using the optimized parameter set.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Francesco Padormo, Paul Cawley, Louise Dillon, Emer Hughes, Jennifer Almalbis, Joanna Robinson, Alessandra Maggioni, Miguel De La Fuente Botella, Dan Cromb, Anthony Price, Lori Arlinghaus, John Pitts, Tianrui Luo, Dingtian Zhang, Sean C. L. Deoni, Steve Williams, Shaihan Malik, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh, Serena J. Counsell, Mary Rutherford, Tomoki Arichi, A. David Edwards, Joseph V. Hajnal
Summary: This study utilizes ultralow-field MRI systems to measure T-1 values in neonates and finds that these values are shorter than those previously measured at standard clinical field strengths, but longer than those of adults at ultralow-field. T-1 values decrease with postmenstrual age, making them a potential biomarker for perinatal brain development.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Abi Fukami-Gartner, Ana A. Baburamani, Ralica Dimitrova, Prachi A. Patkee, Olatz Ojinaga-Alfageme, Alexandra F. Bonthrone, Daniel Cromb, Alena U. Uus, Serena J. Counsell, Joseph Hajnal, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh, Mary A. Rutherford
Summary: Down syndrome (DS) is a common genetic cause of intellectual disability. In this study, researchers analyzed the brain volumes of neonates with DS using neuroimaging techniques. They found that the DS brain showed significant reductions in overall volume, cerebral white matter, and cerebellar volumes, as well as differences in relative lobar volumes. Furthermore, certain features such as enlarged deep gray matter volume and lateral ventricle enlargement were observed. Assessing phenotypic severity at the neonatal stage may help guide early interventions and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with DS.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Lucy Vanes, Sunniva Fenn-Moltu, Laila Hadaya, Sean Fitzgibbon, Lucilio Cordero-Grande, Anthony Price, Andrew Chew, Shona Falconer, Tomoki Arichi, Serena J. Counsell, Joseph V. Hajnal, Dafnis Batalle, David Edwards, Chiara Nosarti
Summary: Preterm birth increases the risk of adverse behavioural outcomes in later life. Our study examines the longitudinal development of neonatal brain volume and functional connectivity after preterm birth and their relationship to psychomotor outcomes and psychopathology in toddlerhood. We found that better psychomotor functioning is associated with specific brain volume and connectivity changes in the neonatal period, while increased psychopathology is related to alterations in regional subcortical volume. Additionally, socio-economic deprivation and cognitively stimulating parenting play different roles in predicting psychopathology and psychomotor outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of longitudinal imaging and environmental influences in understanding behavioural development in preterm infants.
DEVELOPMENTAL COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Laila Hadaya, Konstantina Dimitrakopoulou, Lucy D. Vanes, Dana Kanel, Sunniva Fenn-Moltu, Oliver Gale-Grant, Serena J. Counsell, A. David Edwards, Mansoor Saqi, Dafnis Batalle, Chiara Nosarti
Summary: Very preterm birth (VPT) has effects on brain development and can lead to cognitive and behavioral difficulties. This study aimed to categorize VPT children into different behavior subgroups and investigate the differences in neonatal brain structure and function between these subgroups.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Hai Le, Konstantina Dimitrakopoulou, Hamel Patel, Charles Curtis, Lucilio Cordero-Grande, A. David Edwards, Joseph Hajnal, Jacques-Donald Tournier, Maria Deprez, Harriet Cullen
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that deviations from normal early development may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia in adolescence and young adulthood. This study examined brain imaging changes associated with schizophrenia variants in newborns. The results revealed negative associations between schizophrenia genetic risk scores and brain volumes in several regions, indicating possible involvement of schizophrenia risk genes in early brain growth.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Carla L. Avena-Zampieri, Jana Hutter, Maria Deprez, Kelly Payette, Megan Hall, Alena Uus, Surabhi Nanda, Anna Milan, Paul T. Seed, Mary Rutherford, Anne Greenough, Lisa Story
Summary: This study used T2* relaxometry to assess the development of fetal lungs and found that T2* values increased with gestational age, possibly reflecting increased perfusion and metabolic requirements, as well as alterations in tissue composition. Evaluating the results in fetuses with pulmonary morbidity may improve prenatal prognostication and perinatal care planning.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Daniel Cromb, Alexandra F. Bonthrone, Alessandra Maggioni, Paul Cawley, Ralica Dimitrova, Christopher J. Kelly, Lucilio Cordero-Grande, Olivia Carney, Alexia Egloff, Emer Hughes, Joseph V. Hajnal, John Simpson, Kuberan Pushparajah, Mary A. Rutherford, A. David Edwards, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh, Serena J. Counsell
Summary: Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk of impaired brain growth, especially in the immediate postoperative period. The duration of postoperative intensive care stay is associated with the degree of impaired brain growth. Clinical risk factors, such as higher preoperative creatinine levels and longer cardiopulmonary bypass duration, are also associated with impaired brain growth.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Suresh Victor, Ben Forbes, Anne Greenough, A. David Edwards
Summary: Pioglitazone, an agonist of PPAR gamma, may have the potential to reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and improve neurodevelopment in extreme preterm babies. However, there is currently no formulation of pioglitazone suitable for administration to preterm babies, and further development is needed before clinical trials can be conducted.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Megan Hall, Jana Hutter, Alena Uus, Elise du Crest, Alexia Egloff, Natalie Suff, Mudher Al Adnani, Paul T. Seed, Deena Gibbons, Maria Deprez, Rachel M. Tribe, Andrew Shennan, Mary Rutherford, Lisa Story
Summary: This study investigated the changes in adrenal volumes prior to preterm birth using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and correlated these changes with histopathological chorioamnionitis. The study found that the adrenal: body volume ratios were higher in fetuses who go on to deliver preterm, which may be associated with chorioamnionitis, but the adrenal volumes themselves did not significantly increase.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
