Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
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Odor preference is one of the key factors for the rehabilitation of the swallowing function. On the other hand, sensitivity to odor differs between sexes and decreases with age. These factors rely on brain neuronal circuits. However, it remains not fully clarified which neuronal circuit determines the sex and age differences in odor sensitivity. In this study, we carried out both the odor sensitivity test and functional MRI (fMRI) to find the key neuronal circuits determining sex and age differences in odor sensitivity. ⋯ The functional MedFC-AG.l connectivity is one of the important neuronal circuits that affect the sex- and age-dependent odor sensitivity.
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Although structural disconnection represents the hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology, classification attempts based on structural connectivity have achieved low accuracy levels. Here, we set out to fill this gap, exploring the performance of supervised classifiers on features derived from microstructure informed tractography and selected applying a novel robust approach. ⋯ Applying a robust feature selection procedure to quantitative structural connectomes, we were able to classify MS patients with excellent accuracy, while providing information on the white matter connections and gray matter regions more affected by MS pathology.
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This study aims to investigate the feasibility of a "real-time" estimate of the optimal CT perfusion (CTP) acquisition time (Top ) in ischemic stroke patients. ⋯ The linear correlation between Top and the VOF time to peak is well suited to implement a new technique to automatically customize the patient's CTP acquisition time. The method does not require an additional dose of contrast medium and does not increase the overall study time, so its use would be desirable to decrease the average radiation dose.
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Some ALS patients exhibit concomitant nonmotor signs, and thus ALS is considered a multisystem disorder. The aim of this study is to investigate autonomous nervous system involvement in ALS. ⋯ This study confirms the presence of autonomic dysfunction in ALS patients and provides evidence of VN atrophy that correlates with disease severity and duration and is independent of bulbar involvement. Degeneration of dorsal nucleus neurons of the VN is hypothesized.
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Brain tumors can result in displacement or destruction of important white matter tracts such as the inferior fronto-occipital fascicle (IFOF). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can assess the extent of this effect and potentially provide neurosurgeons with an accurate map to guide tumor resection; analyze IFOF displacement patterns in temporoinsular gliomas based on tumor grading and topography in the temporal lobe; and assess whether these patterns follow a predictable pattern, to assist in maximal tumor resection while preserving IFOF function. ⋯ IFOF displacement patterns are reproducible and suitable for temporoinsular gliomas presurgical planning.