Differentiating axonal loss and demyelination in chronic MS lesions: A novel approach using single streamline diffusivity analysis
Open accessAbstract
We describe a new single-streamline based approach to analyse diffusivity within chronic MS lesions. We used the proposed method to examine diffusivity profiles in 30 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis and observed a significant increase of both RD and AD within the lesion core (0.38+/-0.09 μm 2/ms and 0.30+/-0.12 μm 2/ms respectively, p<0.0001 for both) that gradually and symmetrically diminished away from the lesion. T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss correlated highly with ΔAD (r = 0.82, p<0.0001), but moderately with ΔRD (r = 0.60, p<0.0001). Furthermore, the trendline of the ΔAD vs axonal loss intersected both axes at zero indicating close agreement between two measures in assessing the degree of axonal loss. Conversely, the trendline of the ΔRD function demonstrated a high positive value at the zero level of axonal loss, suggesting that even lesions with preserved axonal content exhibit a significant increase of RD. There was also a significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase (ΔRD-ΔAD) in the lesion core and the degree of axonal damage (r = -0.62, p<0.001), indicating that ΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss. Modelling diffusivity changes in the core of chronic MS lesions based on the direct proportionality of ΔAD with axonal loss and the proposed dual nature of ΔRD yielded results that were strikingly similar to the experimental data. Evaluation of lesions in a sizable cohort of MS patients using the proposed method supports the use of ΔAD as a marker of axonal loss; and the notion that demyelination and axonal loss independently contribute to the increase of RD in chronic MS lesions. The work highlights the importance of selecting appropriate patient cohorts for clinical trials of pro-remyelinating and neuroprotective therapeutics.
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TL;DR
The paper describes a single-streamline diffusivity analysis for chronic MS lesions and applies it to 30 RRMS patients, finding that ΔAD tracks T1-hypointensity-derived axonal loss while ΔRD reflects both demyelination and axonal loss. Modelling supports ΔAD as an axonal-loss marker and a dual origin of RD increase.
Key findings
- In 30 RRMS patients with 314 lesions, the lesion core showed increased ΔRD (0.38±0.09 μm²/ms) and ΔAD (0.30±0.12 μm²/ms) versus matched non-lesional fibers (p<0.0001 for both), diminishing symmetrically away from the lesion.
- T1-hypointensity-derived axonal loss in the core averaged 36.1±11.6% (range 22–66%); ΔAD correlated highly with axonal loss (r=0.82, p<0.0001), while ΔRD correlated moderately (r=0.60, p<0.0001). The ΔAD trendline intersected both axes at zero, whereas the ΔRD trendline had a residual value of 0.20 μm²/ms at zero axonal loss.
- Preferential RD increase (ΔRD−ΔAD) negatively correlated with axonal loss (r=−0.62, p<0.001), indicating ΔRD dominates in milder axonal loss; modelling based on direct ΔAD proportionality and dual-nature ΔRD yielded results similar to experimental data.
- In the rim, axonal loss was 21.2±6.0% (range 13–34%), with ΔAD r=0.73 (p<0.0001), ΔRD r=0.39 (p=0.026), and residual ΔRD of 0.15 μm²/ms at zero axonal loss.
Methods
- Single-streamline approach: each lesional streamline was limited to 5 mm on each side of the lesion and matched to at least 5 adjacent non-lesional streamlines of similar length and orientation from the same tract; ΔAD and ΔRD were computed voxel-by-voxel and averaged into patient-specific Personalized Lesional Diffusivity profiles.
- Thirty consecutive RRMS patients (McDonald 2010 criteria) underwent 3T MRI with T1, FLAIR, and diffusion-weighted imaging; lesions >100 mm³ were analyzed, Gd-enhancing lesions were excluded, and TractSeg identified 72 tracts with 2000 streamlines per tract. T1 hypointensity normalized by NAWM was used to estimate axonal loss.
- Statistical analysis used Pearson correlation, Student t-test, Shapiro-Wilk test, and SPSS 22.0, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Limitations
- Stated: voxel-based analysis may be more suited for cross-sectional tissue-loss measurement, especially with severe axonal loss; partial voluming from DTI resampling is possible; remyelination monitoring is limited to lesions with relatively preserved axons because when neurodegeneration exceeds 30–40%, ΔRD is mainly driven by axonal loss; and centrally located voxels in large lesions are less likely to be included due to constraints on non-lesional fiber selection.
- Stated: the single-fiber method is biased toward voxels with better axonal preservation—only 33% of lesional voxels contained a streamline, analyzed voxels had less T1 hypointensity (592 vs 751 units, p<0.001), and the proportion of analyzed voxels negatively correlated with lesion T1 hypointensity (r=−0.53, p=0.002).
- Evident from the text: axonal loss was inferred from T1 hypointensity rather than direct histopathology, so the reference measure is an imaging proxy.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
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Claims the paper makes
14 of 22 cited sources checked · 9 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
Axial diffusivity (AD) has been linked to axonal pathology.
“While axial diffusivity (AD) has been linked to axonal pathology, radial diffusivity (RD) has been suggested as a surrogate biomarker associated with the level of white matter myelination [1–3].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked- cites [1] S.-K. Song, 2005, Demyelination increases radial diffusivity in corpus callosum of mouse brain, Neuroimage source
- cites [2] E. C. Klawiter, 2011, Radial diffusivity predicts demyelination in ex vivo multiple sclerosis spinal cords, Neuroimage source
- cites [3] V. a Janve, 2013, The radial diffusivity and magnetization transfer pool size ratio are sensitive markers for demyelination in a rat model of type III multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, Neuroimage source
- Premisecitation
T1 hypointensity reflects the severity of axonal loss in MS lesions.
“Previous studies have demonstrated that the degree of hypointensity on T1-weighted MR images (T1 hypointensity) reflects the severity of axonal loss in MS lesions [22, 23].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked- cites [22] A. A. A. van Walderveen, 1998, Histopathologic correlate of hypointense lesions on Tl-weighted spin-echo lesions in multiple sclerosis MRI, Neurology source
- cites [23] P. a Brex, 2000, Lesion heterogeneity in multiple sclerosis: a study of the relations between appearances on T1 weighted images, T1 relaxation times, and metabolite concentrations, J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry source
The Results and Discussion (pages not provided) report lower tNAA in hypointense T1 lesions and an inverse correlation between tNAA and T1 relaxation time. But the paper treats tNAA as a surrogate for axonal density or function and says its reduction *may* reflect more extensive axonal damage; it does not establish that the degree of hypointensity directly measures the severity of axonal loss. (LLM, conf=0.83)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
In chronic MS lesions situated within highly coherent fiber tracts, the maximum AD and RD values do not exceed 2.5 μm2/ms and 1.7 μm2/ms respectively.
“We previously reported that in chronic MS lesions situated within highly coherent fiber tracts the maximum AD and RD values do not exceed 2.5 μm2/ms and 1.7 μm2/ms respectively [24], indicating some degree of diffusion restriction and residual anisotropy even in severely damaged white matter, which was attributed to lesional gliosis and axonal tortuosity [8–10, 25].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [24] A. Klistorner, 2018, Diffusivity in the core of chronic multiple sclerosis lesions, PLoS One source
- Premisecitation
Voxel-based analysis utilising DTI models does not adequately estimate orientationally-sensitive diffusivity measures such as axial and radial diffusivity (AD and RD).
“Therefore, apart from the limited area of white matter occupied by coherent fiber tracts, voxel-based analysis utilising DTI models does not adequately estimate orientationally-sensitive diffusivity measures, such as axial and radial diffusivity (AD and RD) [12, 13].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked- cites [12] S. Taipel, 2014, Fractional Anisotropy Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease Depend on the Underlying Fiber Tract Architecture: A Multiparametric DTI Study using Joint Independent Component Analysis, J. Alzheimer’s Dis. source
- cites [13] C. A. M. Wheeler-Kingshott, 2009, About ‘Axial’ and ‘Radial’ Diffusivities, Mag Res Med source
The Abstract and Discussion (page not available in our copy) explain that axial and radial diffusivity measures can be misleading in crossing-fiber and other complex regions when the principal eigenvector changes direction. The claim overstates this as a general failure of voxel-based DTI outside coherent tracts: the paper recommends checking eigenvector alignment to identify where comparisons are unreliable, rather than ruling out adequate estimation everywhere else. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
The majority of white matter voxels are characterized by extensive crossing, kissing, bending or fanning of fibers.
“The majority of white matter voxels are characterized by extensive crossing, kissing, bending or fanning of fibers [11].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [11] B. Jeurissen, 2013, Investigating the Prevalence of Complex Fiber Configurations in White Matter Tissue with Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hum. Brain Map source
The In Vivo Estimation of Fiber Orientations section reports multiple orientations in about 90% of white-matter voxels using CSD and complex configurations in 63% using bedpostx, supporting the claim that a majority have complex fiber organization. The paper discusses bending and fanning, but these measurements do not establish how many voxels have each listed configuration, including kissing fibers, or that the configurations are extensive. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Interpretationcitation
The distribution of the observed increase in AD suggested that it may be related to the extent of the axonal transection within the lesion and the subsequent loss of a distal part of connected axons caused by Wallerian Degeneration (WD).
“The distribution of the observed increase in AD suggested that it may be related to the extent of the axonal transection within the lesion and the subsequent loss of a distal part of connected axons caused by Wallerian Degeneration (WD).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] A. Klistorner, 2015, Decoding diffusivity in multiple sclerosis: Analysis of optic radiation lesional and non-lesional white matter, PLoS One source
- Interpretationcitation
The difference in magnitude of the diffusivity increase between the model and the experimental data, noticeable at the high end of the axonal loss scale, is likely related to the restricting effect of glial fibers on the diffusion of water molecules, which are particularly dense in severely damaged tissue.
“The difference in magnitude of the diffusivity increase between the model and the experimental data, noticeable at the high end of the axonal loss scale, is likely to be related to the restricting effect of glial fibers on the diffusion of water molecules [8, 25], which are particularly dense in severely damaged tissue.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked- cites [8] H. Zhang, 2012, NODDI: practical in vivo neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of the human brain, Neuroimage source
- cites [25] M. D. Budde, 2011, The contribution of gliosis to diffusion tensor anisotropy and tractography following traumatic brain injury: validation in the rat using Fourier analysis of stained tissue sections, Brain source
Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 0 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 1 unverifiable, 1 not checked. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Findingown data
The correlation of lesional ΔRD with RD asymmetry outside of lesion is not significant (p = 0.07).
“However, the correlation of lesional ΔRD with RD asymmetry outside of lesion was not significant (p = 0.07).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
There is a significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase (ΔRD-ΔAD) in the lesion core and the degree of axonal damage (r = -0.62, p<0.001).
“There was also a significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase (ΔRD-ΔAD) in the lesion core and the degree of axonal damage (r = -0.62, p<0.001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Findingown data
In individual voxels of normal white matter, AD and RD have a strong negative relationship (r = 0.85, p<0.001).
“we examined association between AD and RD in individual voxels of normal white matter, which indeed demonstrated strong negative relationship (r = 0.85, p<0.001, see S1a and S1b Fig).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The intersection of the ΔRD trendline with zero value of the axonal loss axis in the lesion rim demonstrated a significant residual value of ΔRD (0.15 μm2/ms).
“However, intersection of the ΔRD trendline with zero value of the axonal loss axis still demonstrated significant residual value of ΔRD (0.15 μm2/ms) (Fig 5d).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was considerable variation between individual patients in the relationship between ΔAD and ΔRD in the lesional core.
“By further examining changes of AD and RD in the lesional core of individual patients, we observed considerable variation in both the magnitude of diffusivity increase (reflected in a relatively large standard deviation, Fig 4d), and the relationship between ΔAD and ΔRD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The slope of ΔAD correlation with axonal loss is considerably steeper than the slope of ΔRD (0.0034 vs 0.0021).
“The slope of ΔAD correlation with axonal loss was considerably steeper than the slope of ΔRD (0.0034 vs 0.0021).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Findingown data
The distribution of mean diffusivity in brain white matter is relatively uniform.
“based on based on an observation that distribution of mean diffusivity in the brain white matter is relatively uniform (see S1 Fig)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
The loss of axonal tissue in the lesion core ranged between 22% and 66% (average 36.1±11.6%).
“According to this calculation, the loss of axonal tissue in the lesion core ranged between 22% and 66% (average 36.1+/-11.6%).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Findingown data
ΔRD was only weakly correlated with T1 signal in the lesion rim (r = 0.39, p = 0.026).
“Conversely, ΔRD was only weakly correlated with T1 signal (r = 0.39, p = 0.026) showing flatter slope of the correlation curve compare to the correlation in the lesion core (0.0013).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Increase in RD in the lesion core is significantly associated with loss of T1 signal, with moderate correlation (r = 0.60, p<0.0001).
“While increase in RD in the lesion core was also significantly associated with loss of T1 signal, the correlation was moderate (r = 0.60, p<0.0001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Findingown data
We observed a parallel change in lesional and matching non-lesional AD and RD profiles external to the lesion.
“We observed a parallel change in lesional and matching non-lesional AD and RD profiles external to the lesion, as seen in individual examples (Fig 4); and symmetrical (on either side of the core) alteration in RD and AD (Fig 4, column c), supporting our proposition that single fiber-based technique can potentially extend the application of diffusivity profile analysis beyond coherent fiber tracts,”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The relationship of ΔRD and ΔAD slopes is similar between the model and experimental data.
“Note that the similarity of the relationship of ΔRD and ΔAD slopes between the model and experimental data (ΔRD and ΔAD trendlines of lesion core data are presented in Fig 7c).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Increase in radial diffusivity can be modelled as a sum of demyelination-related ΔRDdem and axonal loss-related ΔRDax changes.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Axonal loss-related ΔRDax can be calculated as a replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water.
- Findingown data
There was considerable variation between individual patients in the magnitude of diffusivity increase in the lesional core.
“By further examining changes of AD and RD in the lesional core of individual patients, we observed considerable variation in both the magnitude of diffusivity increase (reflected in a relatively large standard deviation, Fig 4d), and the relationship between ΔAD and ΔRD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
The demyelination-related increase of RD (ΔRDdem) was 0.2 μm2/ms.
“Assuming that in hypothetical lesions with fully preserved axons, the increase of RD is entirely driven by demyelination, the intersection of the ΔRD trendline with the zero value of the (horizontal) axonal loss axis (Fig 5b) was used to identify the value of demyelination-related increase of RD (ΔRDdem), which was equal to 0.2 μm2/ms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: In hypothetical lesions with fully preserved axons, the increase of RD is entirely driven by demyelination.
- Findingown data
In the model, demyelination has a leading contribution to ΔRD in lesions with minimal axonal loss, which rapidly diminishes as axonal loss progresses.
“The relative contribution of two opposing processes, increasing ΔRDax and decreasing ΔRDdem, to ΔRD is plotted in Fig 7a, highlighting the leading contribution of demyelination to ΔRD in lesions with minimal axonal loss, which rapidly diminishes as axonal loss progresses.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Increase in radial diffusivity can be modelled as a sum of demyelination-related ΔRDdem and axonal loss-related ΔRDax changes.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Axonal loss-related ΔRDax can be calculated as a replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water.
- Findingown data
Normalized reduction of T1 signal intensity was significantly more prominent (by 26.8%) in voxels used for analysis compared to the rest of the lesion (592 vs 751 units, p<0.001).
“Normalized (by NAWM) reduction of intensity of the T1 signal was significantly more prominent (by 26.8%) in voxels used for the analysis compared to the rest of the lesion (reduction of T1 intensity 592 and 751 units respectively, p<0.001, paired t-test)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There is a high correlation between increase in AD and axonal loss in corresponding voxels of the lesion core (r = 0.82, p<0.0001).
“The analysis of lesion core revealed a high degree of correlation between increase in AD and axonal loss in corresponding voxels (r = 0.82, p<0.0001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Findingown data
33% of all lesional voxels contained at least one streamline and were used to analyse T1-hypointensity.
“Overall, 33% of all lesional voxels contained at least one streamline and were used to analyse T1-hypointensity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Correlation between T1 hypointensity-derived axonal loss and ΔAD in the lesion rim remained high (r = 0.73, p<0.0001).
“Correlation between T1 hypointensity-derived axonal loss and ΔAD, however, remained high (r = 0.73, p<0.0001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In 30 RRMS patients, both RD and AD are significantly increased in the lesion core compared to non-lesional fibers (average ΔRD 0.38±0.09 μm2/ms and ΔAD 0.30±0.12 μm2/ms, p<0.0001 for both).
“observed a significant increase of both RD and AD within the lesion core (0.38+/-0.09 μm2/ms and 0.30+/-0.12 μm2/ms respectively, p<0.0001 for both) that gradually and symmetrically diminished away from the lesion.”
- Also stated in: § Diffusivity profile of chronic MS lesions · boosted
“Patient-based diffusivity profiles of lesional fibers demonstrated a significant increase of both RD and AD in the lesion core compared to non-lesional fibers (average ΔRD and ΔAD 0.38+/-0.09 μm2/ms and 0.30+/-0.12 μm2/ms, p<0.0001 for both)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Diffusivity profile of chronic MS lesions · boosted
- Findingown data
The trendline of the correlation function in the lesion rim intersected with the zero value of the horizontal (T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss) axis very close to zero value of ΔAD (-0.004 μm2/ms).
“The trendline of the correlation function demonstrated a similar slope to the lesion core (0.0035) and intersected with the zero value of the horizontal (T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss) axis very close to zero value of ΔAD (-0.004 μm2/ms) (Fig 5c), again indicating close agreement between T1 signal and ΔAD as a measure of axonal damage.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Diffusivity was lower in the lesion rim than the lesion core.
“In agreement with previous reports, diffusivity was lower in the lesion rim than the lesion core (Table 1).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The trendline of ΔAD vs axonal loss intersects both axes at zero, indicating close agreement between the two measures in assessing the degree of axonal loss.
“Furthermore, the trendline of the ΔAD vs axonal loss intersected both axes at zero indicating close agreement between two measures in assessing the degree of axonal loss.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Findingown data
The degree of axonal loss (as determined by T1-hypointensity) in voxels corresponding to the rim area was reduced compared with the lesion core (21.2+/-6.0%, range 13-34%).
“The degree of axonal loss (as determine by T1-hypointensity) in the voxels corresponding to the rim area was also reduced compared with the lesion core (21.2+/-6.0%, range 13–34%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The trendline of the correlation function in the lesion rim demonstrated a similar slope to the lesion core (0.0035).
“The trendline of the correlation function demonstrated a similar slope to the lesion core (0.0035) and intersected with the zero value of the horizontal (T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss) axis very close to zero value of ΔAD (-0.004 μm2/ms) (Fig 5c), again indicating close agreement between T1 signal and ΔAD as a measure of axonal damage.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The trendline of the ΔAD vs T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss function intersected both axes at zero.
“Furthermore, the trendline of the ΔAD vs T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss function intersected both axes at zero, indicating close agreement between two measures in assessing the axonal loss (Fig 5a, arrow).”
- Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
“Furthermore, the trendline of the correlation function intersected both axes at zero, reinforcing the notion that both measures reflect similar underlying patho-mechanisms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
- Findingown data
Modelling diffusivity changes in the core of chronic MS lesions based on the direct proportionality of ΔAD with axonal loss and the proposed dual nature of ΔRD yielded results that were strikingly similar to the experimental data.
“Modelling diffusivity changes in the core of chronic MS lesions based on the direct proportionality of ΔAD with axonal loss and the proposed dual nature of ΔRD yielded results that were strikingly similar to the experimental data.”
- Also stated in: § Discussion · boosted
“Modelling diffusivity changes in the core of chronic MS lesions based on the direct proportionality of ΔAD with axonal loss and the proposed dual nature of ΔRD yielded results that were strikingly similar to the experimental data.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: ΔAD is directly proportional to axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Increase in radial diffusivity can be modelled as a sum of demyelination-related ΔRDdem and axonal loss-related ΔRDax changes.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Axonal loss-related ΔRDax can be calculated as a replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The increase in axial diffusivity (ΔAD) in chronic MS lesions can be estimated based on replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water.
- Also stated in: § Discussion · boosted
- Findingown data
There is a high correlation (r = 0.67, p<0.001) between relative asymmetry of AD within and outside of lesions (lesion core vs average of 2 most remote extra-lesional points).
“There was a high correlation (r = 0.67, p<0.001) between relative asymmetry of AD within and outside of lesions (lesion core vs average of 2 most remote extra-lesional points).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In some patients, ΔRD in the lesional core was significantly larger than ΔAD.
“Thus, in some patients ΔRD in the lesional core was significantly larger than ΔAD (see, for example Fig 4, bottom row), while in other patients a similar increase of parallel and perpendicular diffusivities was noted (Fig 4, top row).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There is a significant negative correlation between the proportion of analysed voxels in each lesion and lesion T1 hypointensity (r = -0.53, p = 0.002).
“This was also supported by the significant negative correlation between the proportion of analysed voxels in each lesion and lesion T1 hypointensity (r = -0.53, p = 0.002).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
We observed symmetrical alteration in RD and AD on either side of the core.
“We observed a parallel change in lesional and matching non-lesional AD and RD profiles external to the lesion, as seen in individual examples (Fig 4); and symmetrical (on either side of the core) alteration in RD and AD (Fig 4, column c), supporting our proposition that single fiber-based technique can potentially extend the application of diffusivity profile analysis beyond coherent fiber tracts,”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The correlation curve of ΔRD with T1 signal in the lesion rim had a flatter slope compared to the correlation in the lesion core (0.0013).
“Conversely, ΔRD was only weakly correlated with T1 signal (r = 0.39, p = 0.026) showing flatter slope of the correlation curve compare to the correlation in the lesion core (0.0013).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The increase in RD and AD in the lesion core gradually and symmetrically diminishes away from the lesion, in some patients almost reaching the level of diffusivity in non-lesional fibers.
“that gradually and symmetrically (on both sides) diminished away from the lesion, in some patients almost reaching the level of diffusivity in non-lesional fibers (Table 1).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In other patients, a similar increase of parallel and perpendicular diffusivities was noted.
“Thus, in some patients ΔRD in the lesional core was significantly larger than ΔAD (see, for example Fig 4, bottom row), while in other patients a similar increase of parallel and perpendicular diffusivities was noted (Fig 4, top row).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There is a significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase (ΔRD-ΔAD) and the degree of T1 hypointensity-derived axonal destruction (r = -0.62, p<0.001).
“The result, shown in Fig 6, demonstrates significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase and the degree of (T1 hypointensity-derived) axonal destruction (r = -0.62, p<0.001), indicating that ΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss (where majority of axons still survive, but remain demyelinated), but ΔAD and ΔRD approach parity as axonal damage advances.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The trendline of the ΔRD function demonstrated a high positive value (0.20 μm2/ms) at zero axonal loss.
“Conversely, the trendline of the ΔRD function demonstrated high positive value (0.20 μm2/ms) (Fig 5b, arrow) at zero axonal loss.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Both RD and AD of lesional fibers outside the lesion remain significantly higher than diffusivity measures in corresponding points of non-lesional fibers (paired t-test, p<0.0001 for all points).
“However, both RD and AD of lesional fibers outside the lesion remained significantly higher than diffusivity measures in the corresponding points of non-lesional fibers (paired t-test, p<0.0001 for all points).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the lesion rim, there was a higher degree of variability of ΔRD unrelated to axonal loss, as indicated by a weaker correlation with T1 signal.
“We also observed a higher degree of variability of ΔRD unrelated to axonal loss (as indicated by a weaker correlation with T1 signal) and lower value of ΔRD at the intersection of the trendline with “zero” on the T1 hypointensity axis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
We observed a highly significant correlation of ΔAD (but not ΔRD) between the lesion core and the extra-lesional part of the lesional fibers.
“In concordance with these findings, we observed a highly significant correlation of ΔAD (but not ΔRD) between the lesion core and the extra-lesional part of the lesional fibers and a preferential increase of AD in lesional fibers outside the lesion in the current study, supporting ΔAD as a potential biomarker of WD, even outside of highly coherent fiber tracts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There is a significant negative correlation between the proportion of analysed voxels and whole lesion T1 hypointensity.
“This is supported by the significantly greater T1 signal in voxels selected for single fiber-based analysis relative to the remaining lesional voxels and a significant negative correlation between the proportion of analysed voxels and whole lesion T1 hypointensity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was a high degree of correlation between increased axial diffusivity and T1 hypointensity-based measures of tissue destruction in the lesion core.
“In particular, there was high degree of correlation between increased axial diffusivity and T1 hypointensity-based measures of tissue destruction in the lesion core, suggesting a strong association between ΔAD and axonal loss.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the lesion rim, there was a lower value of ΔRD at the intersection of the trendline with zero on the T1 hypointensity axis.
“We also observed a higher degree of variability of ΔRD unrelated to axonal loss (as indicated by a weaker correlation with T1 signal) and lower value of ΔRD at the intersection of the trendline with “zero” on the T1 hypointensity axis.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
We observed a preferential increase of AD in lesional fibers outside the lesion.
“In concordance with these findings, we observed a highly significant correlation of ΔAD (but not ΔRD) between the lesion core and the extra-lesional part of the lesional fibers and a preferential increase of AD in lesional fibers outside the lesion in the current study, supporting ΔAD as a potential biomarker of WD, even outside of highly coherent fiber tracts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Altered diffusivity remained significant even in the extra-lesional component of lesional fibers.
“While small, altered diffusivity remained significant even in the extra-lesional component of lesional fibers.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
T1 signal is significantly greater in voxels selected for single fiber-based analysis relative to the remaining lesional voxels.
“This is supported by the significantly greater T1 signal in voxels selected for single fiber-based analysis relative to the remaining lesional voxels and a significant negative correlation between the proportion of analysed voxels and whole lesion T1 hypointensity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
In the lesion rim, the relative increase of both AD and RD was smaller compared to the lesion core.
“Finally, while changes of diffusivity in the lesion rim demonstrated similar trends, the relative increase of both AD and RD was smaller compared to the lesion core.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning
Presence of additional crossing fibers reduces fiber coherence within a voxel, causing decrease of diffusivity along the main axis (AD) and increase of diffusivity in other directions (RD).
“presence of additional crossing fibers will result in reduction of the fiber coherence within the voxel, which will cause decrease of diffusivity along the main axis (i.e. reduction of AD) and increase of diffusivity in other directions (i.e. rise of RD) compare to corresponding voxel not affected by the crossing fibers.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
The proposed approach eliminates the effect of irregular lesion shape on calculation of the diffusivity profile.
“Since each lesional streamline is individually matched to non-lesional fibers of similar length in the approach proposed here, the “intra-lesional” part each lesional fiber is identified independently and asymmetry analysis of each individual lesional/non-lesional pair performed prior to averaging. As a result, only corresponding parts of the asymmetry profile are averaged, eliminating the effect”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Neurodegeneration and non-axonal loss related factors have opposing effects on ΔRD.
“Furthermore, the high residual value of ΔRD at “zero” axonal loss level and a preferential increase of RD in patients with mild axonal loss (which gradually diminishes as axonal loss advances), suggest that neurodegeneration and non-axonal loss related factors have opposing effects on ΔRD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Factors not directly associated with axonal degeneration in part drive the increase in perpendicular diffusivity observed in chronic MS lesions.
“Conversely, we found only a moderate correlation of T1 hypointensity with ΔRD and a lesser slope of the correlation curve, indicating that factors not directly associated with axonal degeneration in part drive the increase in perpendicular diffusivity observed in chronic MS lesions (see comparison of ΔAD and ΔRD trendlines in Fig 7a).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The trendline of ΔRD function demonstrated a high positive value at zero level of axonal loss, suggesting that even lesions with preserved axonal content exhibit a significant increase of RD.
“Conversely, the trendline of the ΔRD function demonstrated a high positive value at the zero level of axonal loss, suggesting that even lesions with preserved axonal content exhibit a significant increase of RD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Premisenone given
AD and RD are strongly dependant on fiber coherence.
“Conversely, AD and RD, in accordance with their nature, are strongly dependant on fiber coherence.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Averaging of all lesional fibers and comparison with averaged non-lesional fibers will inevitably result in significant distortion of the lesional diffusivity profile.
“Due to the typically irregular shape of MS lesions, the length of the “intra-lesional” component of individual streamlines can vary substantially. Therefore, averaging of all lesional fibers (even within single fiber tract) and comparison with averaged non-lesional fibers, as is typically implemented in tract-based analysis, will inevitably result in significant distortion of the lesional diffus”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
The single fiber-based approach obviates the confounding effect of irregular lesion morphology on traditional tract-based analyses.
“The single fiber-based approach also obviates the confounding effect of irregular lesion morphology on traditional tract-based analyses.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The single fiber-based technique can potentially extend the application of diffusivity profile analysis beyond coherent fiber tracts.
“We observed a parallel change in lesional and matching non-lesional AD and RD profiles external to the lesion, as seen in individual examples (Fig 4); and symmetrical (on either side of the core) alteration in RD and AD (Fig 4, column c), supporting our proposition that single fiber-based technique can potentially extend the application of diffusivity profile analysis beyond coherent fiber tracts,”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Demyelination and axonal loss independently contribute to the increase of RD in chronic MS lesions.
“and the notion that demyelination and axonal loss independently contribute to the increase of RD in chronic MS lesions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: ΔAD is directly proportional to axonal loss.
- Interpretationown data
ΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss.
“indicating that ΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The intersection of the trendline in the lesion rim indicates close agreement between T1 signal and ΔAD as a measure of axonal damage.
“The trendline of the correlation function demonstrated a similar slope to the lesion core (0.0035) and intersected with the zero value of the horizontal (T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss) axis very close to zero value of ΔAD (-0.004 μm2/ms) (Fig 5c), again indicating close agreement between T1 signal and ΔAD as a measure of axonal damage.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
ΔAD can be used as a marker of axonal loss.
“Evaluation of lesions in a sizable cohort of MS patients using the proposed method supports the use of ΔAD as a marker of axonal loss”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
- The authors state this as an assumption: The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
- Interpretationown data
Even lesions with preserved axonal content (T1-isointense lesions) exhibit a significant increase in RD.
“The presence of a significant residual value of ΔRD suggests that even lesions with preserved axonal content (i.e. T1-isointense lesions) exhibit a significant increase in RD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The intersection of the ΔAD vs T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss trendline at zero indicates close agreement between the two measures in assessing axonal loss.
“Furthermore, the trendline of the ΔAD vs T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss function intersected both axes at zero, indicating close agreement between two measures in assessing the axonal loss (Fig 5a, arrow).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The findings support the notion that the increase of RD in chronic MS lesions is driven by the combination of two factors: axonal destruction and loss of myelin sheath in survived axons.
“More importantly, the findings support the notion that the increase of RD in chronic MS lesions is driven by the combination of two factors: axonal destruction and loss of myelin sheath in survived axons.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Our results strongly support a direct link between the increase of axial diffusivity derived using the single fiber-based technique and the degree of axonal destruction.
“Taken together, our results strongly support a direct link between the increase of axial diffusivity derived using the single fiber-based technique and the degree of axonal destruction.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: T1-hypointensity is linked to the degree of axonal destruction.
- Interpretationreasoning
Single-fiber analysis is biased towards voxels with better axonal preservation because they have relatively high anisotropy and a greater chance of containing tractography streamlines.
“Contrary to ROI-based analysis (where all lesional voxels are combined together), single-fiber analysis is “biased” towards the voxels with better axonal preservation since they have relatively high anisotropy and, therefore, a greater chance of containing tractography streamlines.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
More centrally located voxels in large lesions are less likely to be included in analysis due to strict constraints imposed by the technique on the location of non-lesional fibers.
“In addition, due to strict constraints imposed by the technique on the location of non-lesional fibers (such as specific distance from the analysed single streamline), more centrally located voxels in large lesions are less likely to be included in analysis.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
In cases where neurodegeneration exceeds 30-40%, ΔRD is mainly driven by axonal loss and the contribution of demyelination becomes negligible.
“Monitoring remyelination using this technique is also limited to lesions with relatively well-preserved axons, since in cases where neurodegeneration exceeds 30–40% ΔRD is mainly driven by axonal loss and the contribution of demyelination becomes negligible.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Voxels with a high degree of axonal loss, which typically exhibit more isotropic diffusivity, are less likely to be included in the current analysis.
“Conversely, voxels with a high degree of axonal loss, which typically exhibit more isotropic diffusivity, are less likely to be included in the current analysis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
Monitoring remyelination using this technique is limited to lesions with relatively well-preserved axons.
“Monitoring remyelination using this technique is also limited to lesions with relatively well-preserved axons, since in cases where neurodegeneration exceeds 30–40% ΔRD is mainly driven by axonal loss and the contribution of demyelination becomes negligible.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Remyelination-induced change of diffusivity can only occur in survived (existing) axons.
- Interpretationown data
ΔAD is a potential biomarker of Wallerian Degeneration, even outside of highly coherent fiber tracts.
“In concordance with these findings, we observed a highly significant correlation of ΔAD (but not ΔRD) between the lesion core and the extra-lesional part of the lesional fibers and a preferential increase of AD in lesional fibers outside the lesion in the current study, supporting ΔAD as a potential biomarker of WD, even outside of highly coherent fiber tracts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
There is a strong association between ΔAD and axonal loss.
“In particular, there was high degree of correlation between increased axial diffusivity and T1 hypointensity-based measures of tissue destruction in the lesion core, suggesting a strong association between ΔAD and axonal loss.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
ΔAD derived using the single fiber-based approach is strongly associated with axonal loss in MS lesions.
“Since T1-hypointensity is linked to the degree of axonal destruction, it is reasonable to assume that ΔAD derived using the single fiber-based approach is also strongly associated with axonal loss in MS lesions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: T1-hypointensity is linked to the degree of axonal destruction.
- Interpretationreasoning
The single fiber-based method minimizes the diluting effect of existing tissue loss on longitudinal monitoring of orientation-sensitive diffusivity measures such as RD.
“As a result, the single fiber-based method minimizes the “diluting” effect of existing tissue loss on longitudinal monitoring of orientation-sensitive diffusivity measures such as RD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
The proposed single fiber-based technique estimates diffusivity only in parts of the lesion characterised by relative sparing of axons.
“The proposed single fiber-based technique preserves the advantage of the fiber-based approach by estimating the diffusivity only in parts of the lesion characterised by relative sparing of axons.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 8
- May combine two claims. 11
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationRadial diffusivity (RD) has been suggested as a surrogate biomarker associated with the level of white matter myelination.
“While axial diffusivity (AD) has been linked to axonal pathology, radial diffusivity (RD) has been suggested as a surrogate biomarker associated with the level of white matter myelination [1–3].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked- cites [1] S.-K. Song, 2005, Demyelination increases radial diffusivity in corpus callosum of mouse brain, Neuroimage source
- cites [2] E. C. Klawiter, 2011, Radial diffusivity predicts demyelination in ex vivo multiple sclerosis spinal cords, Neuroimage source
- cites [3] V. a Janve, 2013, The radial diffusivity and magnetization transfer pool size ratio are sensitive markers for demyelination in a rat model of type III multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, Neuroimage source
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe maximum AD and RD values in chronic MS lesions within highly coherent fiber tracts indicate some degree of diffusion restriction and residual anisotropy even in severely damaged white matter, attributed to lesional gliosis and axonal tortuosity.
“We previously reported that in chronic MS lesions situated within highly coherent fiber tracts the maximum AD and RD values do not exceed 2.5 μm2/ms and 1.7 μm2/ms respectively [24], indicating some degree of diffusion restriction and residual anisotropy even in severely damaged white matter, which was attributed to lesional gliosis and axonal tortuosity [8–10, 25].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 5 sources checked- cites [24] A. Klistorner, 2018, Diffusivity in the core of chronic multiple sclerosis lesions, PLoS One source
- cites [8] H. Zhang, 2012, NODDI: practical in vivo neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of the human brain, Neuroimage source
- cites [9] Y. Assaf, 2004, New Modeling and Experimental Framework to Characterize Hindered and Restricted Water Diffusion in source
- cites [10] E. Panagiotaki, 2012, Compartment models of the diffusion MR signal in brain white matter: A taxonomy and comparison, Neuroimage source
- cites [25] M. D. Budde, 2011, The contribution of gliosis to diffusion tensor anisotropy and tractography following traumatic brain injury: validation in the rat using Fourier analysis of stained tissue sections, Brain source
Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn highly coherent fiber tracts, ΔAD within chronic MS lesions reflects axonal loss, while ΔRD is related to both axonal loss and demyelination in survived axons.
“Our previous work suggests that, in highly coherent fiber tracts, ΔAD within chronic MS lesions reflects axonal loss, while ΔRD is related to both axonal loss and demyelination in survived axons [24].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [24] A. Klistorner, 2018, Diffusivity in the core of chronic multiple sclerosis lesions, PLoS One source
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationWe recently reported an elevation of AD in the distal part of the lesional fibers in highly coherent fiber tracts (optic radiation).
“We recently reported an elevation of AD in the distal part of the lesional fibers in highly coherent fiber tracts (optic radiation) [17].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] A. Klistorner, 2015, Decoding diffusivity in multiple sclerosis: Analysis of optic radiation lesional and non-lesional white matter, PLoS One source
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataIn the model, the increase in RD is larger at low levels of axonal loss, and ΔRD and ΔAD become equal as axonal degeneration advances.
“Fig 7b demonstrates the predicted slopes of ΔRD and ΔAD vs axonal loss. While the increase in RD is larger at low levels of axonal loss, ΔRD and ΔAD become equal as axonal degeneration advances.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Increase in radial diffusivity can be modelled as a sum of demyelination-related ΔRDdem and axonal loss-related ΔRDax changes.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Axonal loss-related ΔRDax can be calculated as a replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water.
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataInside the lesion (core and rim), averaged ΔRD is larger than ΔAD; in the extra-lesional part, ΔAD dominates.
“While inside the lesion (both in the core and in the rim) averaged ΔRD was larger than ΔAD, this relationship was reversed in the extra-lesional part of PLD profile, where ΔAD dominated.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataOur analysis revealed a substantial increase of both AD and RD in the lesion core, which diminished towards the lesion rim.
“Our analysis revealed a substantial increase of both AD and RD in the lesion core, which diminished towards the lesion rim.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataConsiderable variability of the increase of lesional diffusivity was observed between patients, although the magnitude of ΔRD was typically larger.
“Considerable variability of the increase of lesional diffusivity was observed between patients, although the magnitude of ΔRD was typically larger.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss (where majority of axons still survive but remain demyelinated), but ΔAD and ΔRD approach parity as axonal damage advances.
“The result, shown in Fig 6, demonstrates significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase and the degree of (T1 hypointensity-derived) axonal destruction (r = -0.62, p<0.001), indicating that ΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss (where majority of axons still survive, but remain demyelinated), but ΔAD and ΔRD approach parity as axonal damage advances.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationreasoningThe contribution of demyelination to ΔRD is expected to decrease proportionally with attrition of demyelinated axons as axonal loss progresses.
“However, since the number of (demyelinated) axons decline as axonal loss progresses the contribution of demyelination to ΔRD is also expected to decrease proportionally with attrition of demyelinated axons.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Study design and conductnone givenThe current single fiber-based approach substantially minimizes the effect of crossing fibers.
“Since the current approach substantially minimizes the effect of crossing fibers, we hypothesized that diffusion modelling within coherent fiber tracts can be extended to lesions involving any region of the brain.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataVoxels with better axonal preservation have a higher chance of containing tractography streamlines and are preferentially selected for single fiber-based analysis.
“indicating that voxels with better axonal preservation have higher chance of containing tractography streamlines and, therefore, are preferentially selected for single fiber-based analysis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe proposed approach was designed to minimise the impact of crossing fibers on the inter-voxel variability of orientation-selective diffusivity measures and to eliminate the confounding effect of irregular MS lesion morphology, thereby improving the detection of pathology-specific DTI changes in MS lesions.
“The proposed approach was designed to minimise the impact of crossing fibers on the inter-voxel variability of orientation-selective diffusivity measures and to eliminate the confounding effect of irregular MS lesion morphology, thereby improving the detection of pathology-specific DTI changes in MS lesions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataDifferences from the lesion core are likely related to less severe axonal loss and a variable degree of remyelination between patients, both characteristic features of the lesion edge.
“Differences from the lesion core are likely be related to less severe axonal loss and a variable degree of remyelination between patients, both characteristic features of the lesion edge.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Study design and conductnone givenAnother limitation is potential partial voluming effect caused by resampling of DTI images.
“Another limitation is related to potential partial voluming effect caused by resampling of DTI images.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThe effect of demyelination dominates in cases of mild axonal destruction (where majority of axons still survive, but remain demyelinated), while neurodegeneration is a primary cause of RD increase in more destructive lesions.
“While the effect of demyelination dominates in cases of mild axonal destruction (where majority of axons still survive, but remain demyelinated), neurodegeneration is a primary cause of RD increase in more destructive lesions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationnone givenThe proposed approach is beneficial for longitudinal analysis of changes affecting survived axons (such as remyelination).
“While the proposed approach is beneficial for longitudinal analysis of changes affecting survived axons (such as remyelination), voxel-based analysis may be more suited for measurement of tissue loss in cross-sectional comparison studies, especially when axonal loss is severe.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Remyelination-induced change of diffusivity can only occur in survived (existing) axons.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
InterpretationreasoningThis limitation is probably applicable to all diffusion-based studies of remyelination.
“This limitation is probably applicable to all diffusion-based studies of remyelination.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Remyelination-induced change of diffusivity can only occur in survived (existing) axons.
The authors state this as an assumption.
Normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) represents intact brain tissue with no axonal loss.
“Based on assumptions that NAWM represents intact (i.e. no axonal loss) brain tissue”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons.
“while CSF characterises brain tissue totally devoid of axons”
The authors state this as an assumption.
The intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss.
“and the intensity of T1 signal is inversely proportional to the degree of axonal loss”
The authors state this as an assumption.
ΔAD is directly proportional to axonal loss.
“Modelling diffusivity changes in the core of chronic MS lesions based on the direct proportionality of ΔAD with axonal loss and the proposed dual nature of ΔRD yielded results that were strikingly similar to the experimental data.”
The paper relies on this without support.
MS lesions are rarely confined within a single coherent fiber tract.
“However, MS lesions are rarely confined within a single (coherent) fiber tract.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Multiple crossing tracts frequently traverse individual lesions in different directions.
“Rather, multiple crossing tracts frequently traverse individual lesions (or part thereof) in different directions”
The paper relies on this without support.
DTI's practical application, including use in clinical trials, is limited by inherent dependency on fiber coherency and complexity of the underlying brain structure.
“While DTI was suggested as a potential in-vivo biomarker of axonal loss and demyelination in MS more than a decade ago, its practical application, including use in clinical trials, is limited by inherent dependency on fiber coherency and complexity of the underlying brain structure.”
The paper relies on this without support.
T1-hypointensity is linked to the degree of axonal destruction.
“Since T1-hypointensity is linked to the degree of axonal destruction, it is reasonable to assume that ΔAD derived using the single fiber-based approach is also strongly associated with axonal loss in MS lesions.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
In hypothetical lesions with fully preserved axons, the increase of RD is entirely driven by demyelination.
“Assuming that in hypothetical lesions with fully preserved axons, the increase of RD is entirely driven by demyelination, the intersection of the ΔRD trendline with the zero value of the (horizontal) axonal loss axis (Fig 5b) was used to identify the value of demyelination-related increase of RD (ΔRDdem), which was equal to 0.2 μm2/ms.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Increase in radial diffusivity can be modelled as a sum of demyelination-related ΔRDdem and axonal loss-related ΔRDax changes.
“Increase in radial diffusivity was modelled as a sum of demyelination-related ΔRDdem and axonal loss-related ΔRDax changes:”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Axonal loss-related ΔRDax can be calculated as a replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water.
“Axonal loss-related ΔRDax was calculated as a replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water: Where:”
The authors state this as an assumption.
The increase in axial diffusivity (ΔAD) in chronic MS lesions can be estimated based on replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water.
“Based on replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water, we previously estimated the increase in axial diffusivity (ΔAD) in chronic MS lesions [24].”
The paper relies on this without support.
Remyelination-induced change of diffusivity can only occur in survived (existing) axons.
“This is particularly applicable to measurement of remyelination in MS lesions, where remyelination-induced change of diffusivity can only occur in survived (existing) axons.”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
T1-intensity reduction is described in the opposite direction to its reported values
MinorThe stated reduction is 592 units in analysed voxels and 751 units in the rest of the lesion, so it is less prominent-not more prominent-in analysed voxels. The later statement that analysed voxels have greater T1 signal agrees with the numbers, not with the stated direction.
“Normalized (by NAWM) reduction of intensity of the T1 signal was significantly more prominent (by 26.8%) in voxels used for the analysis compared to the rest of the lesion (reduction of T1 intensity 592 and 751 units respectively, p<0.001, paired t-test)”
“This is supported by the significantly greater T1 signal in voxels selected for single fiber-based analysis relative to the remaining lesional voxels”
RD model parameter is labeled as an AD average
MinorThe modelling definitions assign different values to what both descriptions call average AD in non-lesional fibers. The 0.59 parameter is named RDnormal tissue, contradicting its description as AD.
“RDnormal tissue average AD in non-lesional fibers (0.59 μm2/ms)”
“ADnormal tissue average AD in non-lesional fibers (1.22 μm2/ms)”
A negative correlation is reported with a positive coefficient
MinorA correlation coefficient of 0.85 denotes a positive relationship, contrary to the sentence's description of a strong negative relationship.
“which indeed demonstrated strong negative relationship”
“(r = 0.85, p<0.001, see S1a and S1b Fig)”
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Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: 2010 revisions to the McDonald criteria
Polman, C. H., Reingold, S. C., Banwell, B., Clanet, M., Cohen, J. A., Filippi, M., Fujihara, K., Havrdova, E., Hutchinson, M., Kappos, L., et al. (2011) · Annals of Neurology · doi:10.1002/ana.22366 · Cited by 9,802 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Thirty consecutive patients with RRMS, defined according to the revised McDonald 2010 criteria, were enrolled [18].”
MethodNODDI: Practical in vivo neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of the human brain
Zhang, H., Schneider, T., Wheeler-Kingshott, C. A., & Alexander, D. C. (2012) · NeuroImage · doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.03.072 · Cited by 3,288 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The difference in magnitude of the diffusivity increase between the model and the experimental data, noticeable at the high end of the axonal loss scale, is likely to be related to the restricting effect of glial fibers on the diffusion of water molecules [8, 25], which are particularly dense in severely damaged tissu…”
BackgroundDemyelination increases radial diffusivity in corpus callosum of mouse brain
Song, S.-K., Yoshino, J., Le, T. Q., Lin, S.-J., Sun, S.-W., Cross, A. H., & Armstrong, R. C. (2005) · NeuroImage · doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.01.028 · Cited by 1,658 · see citing works
Jeurissen, B., Leemans, A., Tournier, J., Jones, D. K., & Sijbers, J. (2013) · Human Brain Mapping · doi:10.1002/hbm.22099 · Cited by 1,088 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The majority of white matter voxels are characterized by extensive crossing, kissing, bending or fanning of fibers [11].”
BackgroundAbout “axial” and “radial” diffusivities
Wheeler‐Kingshott, C. A. M., & Cercignani, M. (2009) · Magnetic Resonance in Medicine · doi:10.1002/mrm.21965 · Cited by 885 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Therefore, apart from the limited area of white matter occupied by coherent fiber tracts, voxel-based analysis utilising DTI models does not adequately estimate orientationally-sensitive diffusivity measures, such as axial and radial diffusivity (AD and RD) [12, 13].”
Tract profiles of white matter properties: automating fiber-tract quantification
Yeatman, J. D., Dougherty, R. F., Myall, N. J., Wandell, B. A., & Feldman, H. M. (2012) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049790 · Cited by 840 · see citing works
TractSeg - Fast and accurate white matter tract segmentation
Wasserthal, J., Neher, P., & Maier-Hein, K. H. (2018) · NeuroImage · doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.07.070 · Cited by 664 · cited 1× · see citing works
“TractSeg algorithm was used to identify 72 anatomically well-defined tracts as described by Wasserthal and co-workers [19, 20].”
MethodSelf-citationHistopathologic correlate of hypointense lesions on T1-weighted spin-echo MRI in multiple sclerosis
van Walderveen, M. A. A., Kamphorst, W., Scheltens, P., van Waesberghe, J. H. T. M., Ravid, R., Valk, J., Polman, C. H., & Barkhof, F. (1998) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/wnl.50.5.1282 · Cited by 656 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Previous studies have demonstrated that the degree of hypointensity on T1-weighted MR images (T1 hypointensity) reflects the severity of axonal loss in MS lesions [22, 23].”
BackgroundGreen, A. J., Gelfand, J. M., Cree, B. A., Bevan, C., Boscardin, W. J., Mei, F., Inman, J., Arnow, S., Devereux, M., Abounasr, A., et al. (2017) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(17)32346-2 · Cited by 593 · see citing works
Assaf, Y., Freidlin, R. Z., Rohde, G. K., & Basser, P. J. (2004) · Magnetic Resonance in Medicine · doi:10.1002/mrm.20274 · Cited by 519 · see citing works
Compartment models of the diffusion MR signal in brain white matter: A taxonomy and comparison
Panagiotaki, E., Schneider, T., Siow, B., Hall, M. G., Lythgoe, M. F., & Alexander, D. C. (2012) · NeuroImage · doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.09.081 · Cited by 422 · cited 1× · see citing works
“While more complex models [7–9] may help to better explain the observed experimental or clinical data [10], they require very high quality acquisition and measurements that may not be feasible in a clinical setting.”
BackgroundBudde, M. D., Janes, L., Gold, E., Turtzo, L. C., & Frank, J. A. (2011) · Brain · doi:10.1093/brain/awr161 · Cited by 408 · see citing works
Radial diffusivity predicts demyelination in ex vivo multiple sclerosis spinal cords
Klawiter, E. C., Schmidt, R. E., Trinkaus, K., Liang, H.-F., Budde, M. D., Naismith, R. T., Song, S.-K., Cross, A. H., & Benzinger, T. L. (2011) · NeuroImage · doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.01.007 · Cited by 364 · see citing works
Cadavid, D., Balcer, L. J., Galetta, S. L., Aktaş, O., Ziemssen, T., Vanopdenbosch, L. J., Frederiksen, J. L., Skeen, M. B., Jaffe, G. J., Butzkueven, H., et al. (2017) · The Lancet Neurology · doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(16)30377-5 · Cited by 274 · see citing works
Reich, D. S., Smith, S. A., Gordon‐Lipkin, E. M., Öztürk, A., Caffo, B. S., Balcer, L. J., & Calabresi, P. A. (2009) · Archives of Neurology · doi:10.1001/archneurol.2009.107 · Cited by 167 · see citing works
Combined tract segmentation and orientation mapping for bundle-specific tractography
Wasserthal, J., Neher, P., Hirjak, D., & Maier-Hein, K. H. (2019) · Medical Image Analysis · doi:10.1016/j.media.2019.101559 · Cited by 167 · cited 2× · see citing works
“The TractSeg methodology through MS lesion is described in [20].”
MethodSelf-citationWang, Y., Sun, P., Wang, Q., Trinkaus, K. M., Schmidt, R. E., Naismith, R. T., Cross, A. H., & Song, S. (2015) · Brain · doi:10.1093/brain/awv046 · Cited by 162 · see citing works
Sepehrband, F., Clark, K. A., Ullmann, J. F. P., Kurniawan, N. D., Leanage, G., Reutens, D. C., & Yang, Z. (2015) · Human Brain Mapping · doi:10.1002/hbm.22872 · Cited by 143 · cited 1× · see citing works
“MD represents direction-insensitive measure of the total fiber membrane density [21]) and, as a result, remained relatively uniform across the entire white matter in normal brain tissue (see”
BackgroundBrex, P. A. (2000) · Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry · doi:10.1136/jnnp.68.5.627 · Cited by 140 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Previous studies have demonstrated that the degree of hypointensity on T1-weighted MR images (T1 hypointensity) reflects the severity of axonal loss in MS lesions [22, 23].”
BackgroundJanve, V. A., Zu, Z., Yao, S.-Y., Li, K., Zhang, F. L., Wilson, K. J., Ou, X., Does, M. D., Subramaniam, S., & Gochberg, D. F. (2013) · NeuroImage · doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.02.034 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Teipel, S. J., the EDSD study group, Grothe, M. J., Filippi, M., Fellgiebel, A., Dyrba, M., Frisoni, G. B., Meindl, T., Bokde, A. L. W., Hampel, H., et al. (2014) · Journal of Alzheimer s Disease · doi:10.3233/jad-131829 · Cited by 82 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Therefore, apart from the limited area of white matter occupied by coherent fiber tracts, voxel-based analysis utilising DTI models does not adequately estimate orientationally-sensitive diffusivity measures, such as axial and radial diffusivity (AD and RD) [12, 13].”
Jones, D. K., Catani, M., Pierpaoli, C. M., Reeves, S., Shergill, S. S., O'Sullivan, M. J., Maguire, P., Horsfield, M. A., Simmons, A., Williams, S., et al. (2005) · American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/appi.ajgp.13.12.1092 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Klistorner, A., Vootakuru, N., Wang, C., Yiannikas, C., Graham, S. L., Parratt, J., Garrick, R., Levin, N., Masters, L., Lagopoulos, J., et al. (2015) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122114 · Cited by 59 · cited 2× · see citing works
“We recently reported an elevation of AD in the distal part of the lesional fibers in highly coherent fiber tracts (optic radiation) [17].”
BackgroundSelf-citationAssessment of Opicinumab in Acute Optic Neuritis Using Multifocal Visual Evoked Potential
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Self-citationDiffusivity in multiple sclerosis lesions: At the cutting edge?
Klistorner, A. I., Wang, C., Fofanova, V., Barnett, M. H., Yiannikas, C., Parratt, J., You, Y., & Graham, S. L. (2016) · NeuroImage Clinical · doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2016.07.003 · Cited by 22 · cited 1× · see citing works
“This may render the lesion rim a better target for monitoring subtle changes of treatment-induced myelination in clinical trials [26].”
BackgroundSelf-citationDiffusivity in the core of chronic multiple sclerosis lesions
Klistorner, A., Wang, C., Yiannikas, C., Parratt, J., Barton, J., You, Y., Graham, S. L., & Barnett, M. H. (2018) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0194142 · Cited by 11 · cited 3× · see citing works
“Based on replacement of lost axonal tissue by extra-cellular water, we previously estimated the increase in axial diffusivity (ΔAD) in chronic MS lesions [24].”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citationTract orientation mapping for bundle-specific tractographyPreprint
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Self-citation
Flagged first, then by citations
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Superficial and deep white matter diffusion abnormalities in focal epilepsies
Urquia‐Osorio, H., Pimentel‐Silva, L. R., de Rezende, T. J. R., Bonilla, E. Y. A., Yasuda, C. L., Concha, L., & Cendes, F. (2022) · Epilepsia · doi:10.1111/epi.17333 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
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Klistorner, A. I., & Graham, S. L. (2021) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnins.2021.725187 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Self-citationKlistorner, S., Barnett, M. H., Yiannikas, C., Barton, J., Parratt, J., You, Y., Graham, S. L., & Klistorner, A. I. (2021) · Multiple Sclerosis Journal · doi:10.1177/13524585211033464 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Self-citationOladosu, O., Liu, W., Brown, L., Pike, G. B., Metz, L. M., & Zhang, Y. (2022) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2022.944908 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Remyelination Trials: Are We Expecting the Unexpected?
Klistorner, A. I., & Barnett, M. H. (2021) · PubMed Central · doi:10.1212/nxi.0000000000001066 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Self-citationMRI and laboratory monitoring of disease-modifying therapy efficacy and risks
Barnett, M. H., Barnett, Y., & Reddel, S. (2022) · Current Opinion in Neurology · doi:10.1097/wco.0000000000001067 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Though there is significant interlesional heterogeneity between patients, attempts have been made to develop a ‘personalized lesion profile’ that could potentially be used as a biomarker of treatment efficacy [25].”
BackgroundSelf-citationDiffusion imaging markers of accelerated aging of the lower cingulum in subjective cognitive decline
Flaherty, R., Sui, Y. V., Masurkar, A. V., Betensky, R. A., Rusinek, H., & Lazar, M. (2024) · Frontiers in Neurology · doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1360273 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Imagem por tensor de difusão em pacientes comepilepsias focais
Urquia‐Osorio, H. (2021) · doi:10.47749/t/unicamp.2021.1165440
- Authors
- Klistorner, S., Barnett, M. H., Wasserthal, J., Yiannikas, C., Barton, J., Parratt, J., You, Y., Graham, S. L., & Klistorner, A.
- Affiliations
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- German Cancer Research Center (DE)
- Royal North Shore Hospital (AU)
- Macquarie University (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Klistorner, Alexander
- ORCID
- Venue
- PLOS ONE
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Published
- 2021-01-06
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e0244766
- ISSN
- 1932-6203 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC7787472
- OpenAlex
- W3119276788
- Semantic Scholar
- 49bbeed860b14dc7e17a11ed6c17738282b386aa
- Cited by
- 10
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2024: 1 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 5
- FWCI
- 1.22
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- PLoS ONE (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Funders
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Advanced MRI Techniques and Applications
- Keywords
- multiple sclerosis, axonal loss, demyelination, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, T1 hypointensity, neuroprotection, remyelination
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Axons, Chronic Disease, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Sclerosis, Nerve Fibers, Myelinated, Recurrence, Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, White Matter
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-13.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-13.
Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
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