Reliability of task-based fMRI in the dorsal horn of the human spinal cord DOI Creative Commons
Alice Dabbagh, Ulrike Horn, Merve Kaptan

et al.

Imaging Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2, P. 1 - 27

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Abstract The application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to the human spinal cord is still a relatively small field research and faces many challenges. Here we aimed probe limitations task-based fMRI at 3T by investigating reliability blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) responses repeated nociceptive stimulation across 2 consecutive days in 40 healthy volunteers. We assessed test–retest subjective ratings, autonomic responses, BOLD short heat-pain stimuli (1 s duration) using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). At group level, observed robust as well spatially specific expected location, but no spatial overlap response patterns days. While indicators pain processing showed good-to-excellent reliability, both β-estimates z-scores task-related poor target region (gray matter ipsilateral dorsal horn). When taking into account sensitivity gradient-echo echo planar (GE-EPI) draining vein signals including venous plexus analysis, with fair Taken together, these results demonstrate that 1 are able evoke response, which is, however, strongly variable within participants time, resulting low horn gray matter. Further improvements data acquisition analysis techniques thus necessary before event-related used here can be reliably employed longitudinal designs or clinical settings.

Language: Английский

Ignoring the cerebellum is hindering progress in neuroscience DOI
Bangjie Wang, Amanda LeBel, Anila M. D’Mello

et al.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Spinal fMRI demonstrates segmental organisation of functionally connected networks in the cervical spinal cord: A test–retest reliability study DOI Creative Commons
Olivia S. Kowalczyk, Sonia Medina, Dimitra Tsivaka

et al.

Human Brain Mapping, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 45(2)

Published: Jan. 31, 2024

Abstract Resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have identified intrinsic spinal cord activity, which forms organised motor (ventral) and sensory (dorsal) resting‐state networks. However, to facilitate the use of fMRI in, for example, clinical studies, it is crucial first assess reliability method, particularly given unique anatomical, physiological, methodological challenges associated with acquiring data. Here, we characterise connectivity relationships in cervical their between‐session test–retest 23 young healthy volunteers. Resting‐state networks were estimated two ways (1) by estimating seed‐to‐voxel maps (2) calculating seed‐to‐seed correlations. Seed regions corresponded four grey matter horns (ventral/dorsal left/right) C5–C8 segmental levels. Test–retest was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. Spatial overlap clusters derived from analysis between sessions examined Dice coefficients. Following analysis, observed distinct unilateral dorsal ventral organisation that largely confined rostro–caudal extent each level, more sparse connections segments. Additionally, strongest correlations within‐segment ipsilateral dorsal–ventral connections, followed dorso–dorsal ventro–ventral connections. these mixed. Reliability poor when on a voxelwise promising indications examining average signal within clusters. strength seeds highly variable, highest achieved dorso‐dorsal/ventro–ventral connectivity. spatial excellent. We demonstrate while mixed, similar across sessions, suggesting are characterised consistent representation over time.

Language: Английский

Citations

8
Reliability of resting-state functional connectivity in the human spinal cord: Assessing the impact of distinct noise sources DOI Creative Commons
Merve Kaptan, Ulrike Horn, S. Johanna Vannesjo

et al.

NeuroImage, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 275, P. 120152 - 120152

Published: May 2, 2023

The investigation of spontaneous fluctuations the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal has recently been extended from brain to spinal cord, where it stimulated interest a clinical perspective. A number resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated robust connectivity between time series BOLD in bilateral dorsal horns and those ventral horns, line with neuroanatomy cord. necessary step prior extension is assessing reliability such signals, which we aimed do here group 45 healthy young adults at clinically prevalent field strength 3T. When investigating entire cervical observed fair good for dorsal-dorsal ventral-ventral connectivity, whereas was poor within- between-hemicord dorsal-ventral connectivity. Considering how prone cord fMRI noise, extensively investigated impact distinct noise sources made two crucial observations: removal physiological led reduction - due stable participant-specific patterns thermal considerably increased detectability without clear influence on reliability. Finally, also assessed within segments that while pattern similar whole level single consistently poor. Taken together, our results demonstrate presence reliable human even after thoroughly accounting but same urge caution if focal changes (e.g. segmental lesions) are be studied, especially longitudinal manner.

Language: Английский

Citations

13
EPISeg: Automated segmentation of the spinal cord on echo planar images using open-access multi-center data DOI Creative Commons
Rohan Banerjee, Merve Kaptan, Alexandra Tinnermann

et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 10, 2025

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the spinal cord is relevant for studying sensation, movement, and autonomic function. Preprocessing fMRI data involves segmentation on gradient-echo echo planar (EPI) images. Current automated methods do not work well these data, due to low spatial resolution, susceptibility artifacts causing distortions signal drop-out, ghosting, motion-related artifacts. Consequently, this task demands a considerable amount manual effort which takes time prone user bias. In work, we (i) gathered multi-center dataset EPI with ground-truth segmentations shared it OpenNeuro https://openneuro.org/datasets/ds005143/versions/1.3.0 , (ii) developed deep learning-based model, EPISeg, automatic data. We observe significant improvement in terms quality compared other available models. Our model resilient different acquisition protocols as commonly observed The training code at https://github.com/sct-pipeline/fmri-segmentation/ has been integrated into Spinal Cord Toolbox command-line tool.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Harnessing the power of endogenous pain control mechanisms for novel therapeutics: how might innovations in neuroimaging help? DOI Creative Commons
Matthew A. Howard, Timothy Lawn, Olivia S. Kowalczyk

et al.

Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 17(3), P. 150 - 155

Published: June 22, 2023

Purpose of review This explores the potential using novel imaging approaches to deepen our understanding descending modulatory mechanisms in pain, focussing on functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) spinal cord and combining molecular fMRI data. sheds light neural processes involved pain modulation, paving way for development targeted treatments. Recent findings The reviewed literature demonstrates significant advancements research. studies show investigate cord’s role modulation. Furthermore, analytical integrating data promise elucidating complex neurobiological underlying regulation. main themes explored here include identification neurochemical markers associated with modulation characterisation circuits control. Summary A comprehensive can inform treatments, targeting dysfunction these key pathways. By leveraging into brain fMRI, researchers identify therapeutic targets throughout neuraxis. These advances may contribute personalised medicine approaches, allowing tailored interventions based individual profiles.

Language: Английский

Citations

3
Reliability of task-based fMRI in the dorsal horn of the human spinal cord DOI Creative Commons
Alice Dabbagh, Ulrike Horn, Merve Kaptan

et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 23, 2023

The application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to the human spinal cord is still a relatively small field research and faces many challenges. Here we aimed probe limitations task-based fMRI at 3T by investigating reliability blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) responses repeated nociceptive stimulation across two consecutive days in 40 healthy volunteers. We assessed test-retest subjective ratings, autonomic responses, BOLD short heat pain stimuli (1s duration) using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). At group level, observed robust as well spatially specific expected location, but no spatial overlap response patterns days. While indicators processing showed good-to-excellent reliability, both

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral cord during a lower extremity motor task DOI Creative Commons
Christian W. Kündig, Jürgen Finsterbusch, Patrick Freund

et al.

Imaging Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2, P. 1 - 19

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Abstract Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to map neuronal function in the cervical cord, yet conclusive evidence supporting its applicability lumbosacral cord is still lacking. This study aimed (i) demonstrate feasibility of BOLD fMRI for indirectly mapping neural activity during a unilateral lower extremity motor task and (ii) investigate impact echo time (TE) on effect size. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent using four reduced field-of-view single-shot gradient-echo planar sequences, all with same geometry but different TE values ranging from 20 42 ms. Each sequence was employed acquire single 6-min rest run two 10-min runs, which included alternating 15-s blocks ankle dorsi- plantar flexion. We detected lateralized task-related at neurological levels L3-S2, centered ipsilateral (right) ventral spinal also extending into dorsal cord. pattern activation consistent our current understanding organization, wherein neurons are located gray matter horn, while interneurons proprioceptive pathway, activated movement, horns intermediate matter. At subject level, showed considerable variability participants. The highest size within as well split-half reliability, observed Sequences shorter (20 28 ms) medioventral part likely representing large vein effects. In summary, results detecting induced by voluntary limb movements. has significant implications assessing alterations disease or after injury.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Reliability of task-based fMRI in the dorsal horn of the human spinal cord DOI Creative Commons
Alice Dabbagh, Ulrike Horn, Merve Kaptan

et al.

Imaging Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2, P. 1 - 27

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Abstract The application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to the human spinal cord is still a relatively small field research and faces many challenges. Here we aimed probe limitations task-based fMRI at 3T by investigating reliability blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) responses repeated nociceptive stimulation across 2 consecutive days in 40 healthy volunteers. We assessed test–retest subjective ratings, autonomic responses, BOLD short heat-pain stimuli (1 s duration) using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). At group level, observed robust as well spatially specific expected location, but no spatial overlap response patterns days. While indicators pain processing showed good-to-excellent reliability, both β-estimates z-scores task-related poor target region (gray matter ipsilateral dorsal horn). When taking into account sensitivity gradient-echo echo planar (GE-EPI) draining vein signals including venous plexus analysis, with fair Taken together, these results demonstrate that 1 are able evoke response, which is, however, strongly variable within participants time, resulting low horn gray matter. Further improvements data acquisition analysis techniques thus necessary before event-related used here can be reliably employed longitudinal designs or clinical settings.

Language: Английский

Citations

0