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Sexual Dimorphisms and Asymmetries of the Thalamo-Cortical Pathways and Subcortical Grey Matter of Term Born Healthy Neonates: An Investigation with Diffusion Tensor MRI. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030560. [PMID: 33804771 PMCID: PMC8003947 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-tensor-MRI was performed on 28 term born neonates. For each hemisphere, we quantified separately the axial and the radial diffusion (AD, RD), the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the thalamo-cortical pathway (THC) and four structures: thalamus (TH), putamen (PT), caudate nucleus (CN) and globus-pallidus (GP). There was no significant difference between boys and girls in either the left or in the right hemispheric THC, TH, GP, CN and PT. In the combined group (boys + girls) significant left greater than right symmetry was observed in the THC (AD, RD and ADC), and TH (AD, ADC). Within the same group, we reported left greater than right asymmetry in the PT (FA), CN (RD and ADC). Different findings were recorded when we split the group of neonates by gender. Girls exhibited right > left AD, RD and ADC in the THC and left > right FA in the PT. In the group of boys, we observed right > left RD and ADC. We also reported left > right FA in the PT and left > right RD in the CN. These results provide insights into normal asymmetric development of sensory-motor networks within boys and girls.
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Ma X, Tan J, Jiang L, Wang X, Cheng B, Xie P, Li Y, Wang J, Li S. Aberrant Structural and Functional Developmental Trajectories in Children With Intellectual Disability. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:634170. [PMID: 33927652 PMCID: PMC8076543 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.634170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is associated with aberrant structural and functional development of the brain, yet how the dynamical developmental changes of the structure and function of ID from childhood to around puberty remains unknown. To explore the abnormal developmental trajectories of structure and function, 40 children with ID aged 6-13 years and 30 sex-, age-, and educational level-matched healthy controls (HC) with age range from 6 to 13 were recruited. The automatic voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and resting-state functional connectivity (FC) analyses were adopted to delineate the structural and functional differences. Significantly decreased total gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV) in children with ID were found, and the developmental trajectories of GMV and WMV in children with ID showed an opposite direction as compared with HC. The voxel-wise VMB analysis further revealed significantly increased GMV in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), bilateral orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus (orb_IFG.L, orb_IFG.R), right cuneus (cuneus.R), and bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG.L, MFG.R) in children with ID. The following seed-based whole-brain functional connectivity analyses of the brain areas with changed GMV found decreased FCs between the cuneus.R and left intraparietal sulcus (IPS.L) and between the MFG.R and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in children with ID. Moreover, negative correlations between GMV values in the dmPFC, orb_IFG.L, cuneus.R, and intelligence quotient (IQ) scores and positive correlations between the FCs of the cuneus.R with IPS.L and MFG.R with ACC and IQ scores were found in children with ID and HC. Our findings provide evidence for the abnormal structural and functional development in children with ID and highlight the important role of frontoparietal network in the typical development. The abnormal development of GMV and functional couplings found in this study may be the neuropathological bases of children with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejin Ma
- Department of Radiology, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jianxia Tan
- Department of Radiology, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xuqin Wang
- Department of Child Health, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Bochao Cheng
- Department of Radiology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaojian Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Center for Language and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiguang Li
- Department of Radiology, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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Hamm B, Khokhar N, Jimenez XF. Refractory Self-Injurious Behavior in Severe Intellectual Disability Responsive to Topiramate: A Case Report. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2017; 58:209-212. [PMID: 28189287 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Hamm
- Department of Psychiatry, A. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
| | - Naveed Khokhar
- Department of Psychiatry, A. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Zhu B, Chen C, Xue G, Lei X, Li J, Moyzis RK, Dong Q, Lin C. The GABRB1 gene is associated with thalamus volume and modulates the association between thalamus volume and intelligence. Neuroimage 2014; 102 Pt 2:756-63. [PMID: 25192656 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The GABRB1 gene encodes the beta 1 subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABA A receptor), which is responsible for mediating inhibitory neurotransmission in the thalamus. Potential relationships between the GABRB1 gene, thalamus volume, and intelligence have been suggested by previous clinical studies, but have not been directly examined among nonclinical samples. The current study collected structural MRI, genetic, and behavioral data from 316 healthy Chinese adults (including 187 females and 129 males), and examined associations between GABRB1 variants, thalamus volume, and intelligence (measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised). After controlling for intracranial volume, sex, and age, GABRB1 genetic polymorphism at the SNP rs7435958 had the strongest association with thalamus volume (p = 0.002 and 0.00008 for left and right thalamus volumes, respectively), with GG homozygotes having smaller bilateral thalamus volumes than the other genotypes. Furthermore, there were positive correlations between bilateral thalamus volumes and intelligence, especially for GABRB1 rs7435958 GG female homozygotes (r's = 0.31 and 0.29, p < 0.01, for the correlations of intelligence with left and right thalamus volumes, respectively). This study provides the first evidence for the involvement of the GABRB1 gene in the thalamus structure and their interactive effects on intelligence. Future studies of the thalamus-intelligence associations should consider genetic factors as potential moderators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Gui Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Robert K Moyzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chongde Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Ivanovic DM, Ibaceta CV, Correa PB, Orellana YZ, Calderón PM, Morales GI, Leyton BD, Almagià AF, Lizana PA, Burrows RA. Brain development and scholastic achievement in the Education Quality Measurement System tests in Chilean school-aged children. Pediatr Res 2014; 75:464-70. [PMID: 24322172 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head circumference (HC), the anthropometric index of both brain development and nutritional background, has been described to be significantly associated with scholastic achievement (SA). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of nutritional background and current nutritional status parameters on SA in the Education Quality Measurement System (SIMCE) tests. METHODS A representative sample of 33 schools was randomly chosen in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The sample consisted of 1,353 school-aged children of both sexes, from the fifth grade of elementary school and from the first grade of high school who in 2009 took the SIMCE tests. Nutritional status was assessed through anthropometric parameters. Brain development was measured through the HC expressed as HC-for-age Z-score (Z-HC). RESULTS Students with Z-HC < -2 SD and >2 SD obtained low and high SA, respectively, both in the language and the mathematics tests (P < 0.001). In general, in both grades, those students with Z-HC ≥ 0 SD increase more than double the probability to obtain language and mathematics SA scores ≥ the median (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION We confirm the hypothesis that HC is the most relevant physical index associated with SA; therefore, children with the lowest scores in the SIMCE tests probably have lower brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniza M Ivanovic
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila V Ibaceta
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina B Correa
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yasna Z Orellana
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio M Calderón
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gladys I Morales
- Public Health Department, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Bárbara D Leyton
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Atilio F Almagià
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology and Human Anatomy, Institute of Biology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Pablo A Lizana
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology and Human Anatomy, Institute of Biology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Raquel A Burrows
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Astrakas LG, Argyropoulou MI. Shifting from region of interest (ROI) to voxel-based analysis in human brain mapping. Pediatr Radiol 2010; 40:1857-67. [PMID: 20464386 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-010-1677-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Current clinical studies involve multidimensional high-resolution images containing an overwhelming amount of structural and functional information. The analysis of such a wealth of information is becoming increasingly difficult yet necessary in order to improve diagnosis, treatment and healthcare. Voxel-wise analysis is a class of modern methods of image processing in the medical field with increased popularity. It has replaced manual region of interest (ROI) analysis and has provided tools to make statistical inferences at voxel level. The introduction of voxel-based analysis software in all modern commercial scanners allows clinical use of these techniques. This review will explain the main principles, advantages and disadvantages behind these methods of image analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas G Astrakas
- Medical Physics, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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Alkonyi B, Chugani HT, Behen M, Halverson S, Helder E, Makki MI, Juhász C. The role of the thalamus in neuro-cognitive dysfunction in early unilateral hemispheric injury: a multimodality imaging study of children with Sturge-Weber syndrome. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2010; 14:425-33. [PMID: 20447845 PMCID: PMC2917644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Revised: 03/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) with unilateral hemispheric involvement is a clinical model of early onset, chronic, often progressive hemispheric injury, resulting in variable neuro-cognitive impairment. AIMS To evaluate if abnormal diffusion and metabolism of the thalamus, a central relay station with extensive cortical connections, may serve as a simple imaging marker of neuro-cognitive dysfunction in SWS. METHODS We obtained both diffusion tensor imaging and FDG PET in 20 children (11 girls; age range: 3-12.4 years) with unilateral SWS. Diffusion parameters as well as FDG uptake were measured in thalami, compared to normal control values, and correlated with the extent of cortical hypometabolism, deep venous abnormalities and cognitive (IQ) as well as fine motor functions. RESULTS Children with SWS had significantly higher thalamic glucose metabolic asymmetry than controls (p=0.001). Thalamic metabolic asymmetries correlated positively with the asymmetry of thalamic diffusivity (p=0.001) and also with the extent of cortical hypometabolism (p<0.001). Severe thalamic asymmetries of glucose metabolism and diffusion were strong predictors of low IQ (metabolism: p=0.002; diffusivity: p=0.01), even after controlling for age and extent of cortical glucose hypometabolism in children with left hemispheric involvement. Ipsilateral thalamic glucose hypometabolism was also associated with impairment of fine motor functions (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Both diffusion and glucose metabolic abnormalities of the thalamus are closely related to cognitive functions, independent of age and cortical metabolic abnormalities, in children with unilateral SWS. Thalamic metabolic asymmetry is a robust but simple imaging marker of neuro-cognitive outcome in children with early unilateral hemispheric injury caused by Sturge-Weber syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Alkonyi
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Bhojraj TS, Sweeney JA, Prasad KM, Eack SM, Francis AN, Miewald JM, Montrose DM, Keshavan MS. Gray matter loss in young relatives at risk for schizophrenia: relation with prodromal psychopathology. Neuroimage 2010; 54 Suppl 1:S272-9. [PMID: 20441795 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.04.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The maturation of neocortical regions mediating social cognition during adolescence and young adulthood in relatives of schizophrenia patients may be vulnerable to heritable alterations of neurodevelopment. Prodromal psychotic symptoms, commonly emerging during this period in relatives, have been hypothesized to result from alterations in brain regions mediating social cognition. We hypothesized these regions to show longitudinal alterations and these alterations to predict prodromal symptoms in adolescent and young adult relatives of schizophrenia patients. 27 Healthy controls and 23 relatives were assessed at baseline and one-year follow-up using scale of prodromal symptoms and gray matter volumes of hypothesized regions from T1-MRI images. Regional volumes showing deficits on ANCOVA and repeated-measures ANCOVAs (controlling intra cranial volume, age and gender) were correlated with prodromal symptoms. At baseline, bilateral amygdalae, bilateral pars triangulares, left lateral orbitofrontal, right frontal pole, angular and supramarginal gyrii were smaller in relatives compared to controls. Relatives declined but controls increased or remained stable on bilateral lateral orbitofrontal, left rostral anterior cingulate, left medial prefrontal, right inferior frontal gyrus and left temporal pole volumes at follow-up relative to baseline. Smaller volumes predicted greater severity of prodromal symptoms at both cross-sectional assessments. Longitudinally, smaller baseline volumes predicted greater prodromal symptoms at follow-up; greater longitudinal decreases in volumes predicted worsening (increase) of prodromal symptoms over time. These preliminary findings suggest that abnormal longitudinal gray matter loss may occur in regions mediating social cognition and may convey risk for prodromal symptoms during adolescence and early adulthood in individuals with a familial diathesis for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejas S Bhojraj
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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