News Articles

Meet Tracie Jensen Jacquemin

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:59:32 +0000

Tracie Jensen Jacquemin's life changed dramatically in 1989 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time, Tracie and her husband, John were living in the Washington, DC area. An alumna of Duke University where she received a BA degree and graduate of Vanderbilt University where she earned an MBA, Tracie had been working in banking and commercial real estate for ten years.

Looking at ways to slow disease progression by reducing stress, Tracie changed her career and became a certified Montessori teacher. She and John proceeded to raise three daughters in Northern Virginia while hoping her MS would be a mild form. Unfortunately, that was not to be. Tracie's MS turned out to be progressive.

When asked what advice she has for others with progressive MS, Tracie offers two tips.

Don’t fight getting the help you need. Life is much easier and safer when you have the right assistive devices. For instance, three years ago I was using a rollator. When I started wondering if I could walk safely from point A to B, I knew it was time to use a wheelchair. Initially, it took a bit to adjust psychologically but I quickly got over that because by using the wheelchair I could do so much more than without it.

The second tip is to let people help you! Sometimes we value independence so much that we put our own safety at risk. Try saying, "Yes" when help that is offered and learn how to ask for help, too.

Both recommendations are great advice for anyone, with or without MS.

Over the years, Tracie has used a cane, a rollator, a scooter, and now, an electric wheelchair.

Tracie Jacquemin is a founding member of Buffalo Neuroimaging Center's Advisory Council, serving as its first chair. In addition to being on the Council, Tracie is a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. She and her family have supported MS research at BNAC since 2010. Thank you, Tracie, for all you do for Buffalo Neuroimaging!

BNAC at ACTRIMS Forum 2025

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:49:26 +0000

BNAC at ACTRIMS Forum 2025

West Palm Beach, FL | February 27 – March 1, 2025

The Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) demonstrated a strong presence at the 2025 Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum, sharing innovative work spanning the spectrum of multiple sclerosis (MS) research. The team delivered one platform presentation and 13 posters, engaging attendees with insights on neuroimaging phenotyping, glymphatic system dysfunction, proteomics, and connectome vulnerability. A central theme of the presentations was the application of advanced imaging techniques to characterize aggressive MS and track long-term disability progression. From paramagnetic rim lesions to novel metrics of brain clearance pathways, the BNAC team continues to bridge imaging biomarkers with clinical outcomes.

“This work fills a critical gap in MS research and high-lights the importance of addressing cortical pathology.”
— Genentech, sponsor of the ORATORIO trial

In one of the main platform sessions on Friday February 28, BNAC presented a landmark secondary analysis of the ORATORIO trial using advanced post-processing techniques to detect cortical lesions (CL) on legacy MRI. The study showed that treatment with ocrelizumab reduced new or enlarging cortical lesion activity by 74.8% and volume accumulation by over 86% compared to placebo over 120 weeks in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS). This is the first large-scale, multi-center trial to demonstrate a therapeutic effect on cortical gray matter lesions—an area long considered difficult to study but highly relevant to disease progression. Dr. Michael Dwyer added, “ACTRIMS is always a great opportunity to share, learn, and connect with colleagues who are pushing the field forward.” BNAC’s collaborative energy was evident throughout the conference, as faculty, postdocs, and students stood side by side to present and discuss. The quality of research and diversity of methods presented captured BNAC’s commitment to excellence and innovation in neuroimaging science.

Ashley Tranquille shared new insights on PRLs and glymphatic function and presented findings from a 10-year longitudinal study on MS disability and glymphatic impairment.

PhD student, Ashley Tranquille, presented compelling work on the glymphatic system’s role in MS, with a focus on how impaired waste clearance may contribute to long-term neurodegeneration. Her decade-long follow-up study revealed that reduced glymphatic function is significantly associated with accelerated disability progression, in progressive MS phenotypes. In a second presentation, she explored the presence of paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs)—chronic active lesions visible on MRI—and demonstrated their strong link to glymphatic dysfunction. These findings underscore the emerging view that impaired clearance pathways in the brain play a central role in sustaining inflammation and injury in MS, beyond traditional white matter lesions.

Alexander Bartnik discussed imaging-derived connectomic vulnerability in MS.

Dr. Alexander Bartnik, a post-doctoral fellow in BNAC, introduced a novel connectomic framework to explore how structural damage from MS lesions affects the brain’s functional network. Using advanced imaging techniques, his analysis identified highly connected “hub” regions that may be more vulnerable to lesion-related disruption. By mapping lesion location onto these hubs, Dr. Bartnik’s work offers a more precise way to understand which areas of the brain are at greater risk for functional decline. “This is a step toward personalized prediction of damage impact,” said Bartnik, highlighting the potential for this approach to inform individualized risk profiling and therapeutic strategies in MS.

BNAC’s researchers analyzed early aggressive and late severe MS using data from the BUFFALO-MS database. In a cohort of over 900 participants, they found that people with aggressive/severe MS had significantly worse MRI outcomes than matched controls. Cortical lesion burden was the main driver of disability in early aggressive MS, while spinal cord atrophy, brain atrophy, and deep gray matter loss contributed to disability in late severe MS. The findings emphasize differing imaging phenotypes and drivers of disability across aggressive/severe MS trajectories.

Drs. Zivadinov, Tranquille, and Bartnik presented work on aggressive MS imaging phenotypes.

The future of BNAC’s research is bright. The entire team continues to advance the use of cutting-edge techniques to better understand MS, with the ultimate aim of helping to understand how to improve the lives of those affected by the disease.

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UB studies on MS patients reveal how paramagnetic rim lesions evolve, what they mean for disease progression

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:09:19 +0000

New multiple sclerosis study results revealed

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:41:16 +0000

UB researchers report findings from first studies of patients with rare severe MS

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:37:33 +0000

Severe MS: UB Researchers Report Findings on Patients With Rare Form of Disease

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:47:25 +0000

Advisory Council Spotlight: Mitch Sturgeon

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:29:18 +0000

Buffalo Neuroimaging Shines a Spotlight on Mitch Sturgeon

Advisory Council member Mitch Sturgeon was interviewed by Linda Safran

Linda: Mitch, tell me about your MS journey.

Mitch: Here are the highlights, so to speak. In 2001, at the age of thirty-eight, I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. PPMS is a relatively rare form of MS where the patient experiences no relapses and no remissions, only slow, steady progression. PPMS tends to produce more disability than relapsing remitting MS, and that has been my experience.

By 2008, I had become a full-time wheelchair user, and in 2009 I took disability retirement from my chemical engineering/business management career. That is when I founded my blog Enjoying the Ride, with the theme of living a contented life as a person with a disability. In 2018, I published my memoir — ENJOYING THE RIDE: Two Generations of Tragedy and Triumph. By 2023, I no longer had enough strength in my hands to operate the joystick of my wheelchair, having been rendered a quadriplegic by MS. I now control my wheelchair and my computer mouse with head movements.

Linda: How about the personal side? How have you and your family coped with your disease?

Mitch: As devastating as the disease has been for me, I still find meaning in each day. When I was five years old, my mother had a fall and became a quadriplegic. She lived an inspirational life and set an example I never dreamed would be so relevant. My mother’s gifts of favorable genetics and lessons learned are largely responsible for my resilient nature. But the biggest reason I have continued to enjoy life despite these challenges is the friendship, love, and care of my high school-sweetheart-turned-spouse, Kim. She is the best.

Linda: Why did you accept the invitation to join the BNAC Advisory Council?

Mitch: My dear friend, Marc Stecker, is on the Council, and he spoke highly of the experience. A few years ago, he called to let me know there was an opening and asked if I would be interested. He told me of the Buffalo Neuroimaging's focus on patient-centered research and briefed me on the research projects underway. I asked who the other members of the Council were, and I recognized several of them as leaders in the MS advocacy space. And the folks I hadn’t heard of — Marc spoke highly of each of them.

Even before Marc’s invitation, I had developed a positive opinion of Buffalo Neuroimaging. During the CCSVI hyperactivity of a dozen years ago, BNAC stood out to me because they took us seriously. Instead of dismissing the controversial CCSVI theory of MS, they explored it in depth with a 1,000 person study. They treated people with MS respectfully. We just wanted answers about the safety and efficacy of vascular treatment for MS.

So, I told Marc I would be honored to join the Council. After a conversation with Dr. Zivadinov, I was in.

Linda: What message do you have for the broader MS research community?

First, thank you. You have infinite choices for your research careers, but you selected a particularly tough nut to crack, and we all appreciate that.

Second, keep your eye on the prize — a cure for MS. I appreciate the need for basic research into causes and characteristics of the disease. But what all patients are hoping for is nothing short of a cure. So, when appropriate, postulate a cure, and test for it. Somebody is going to find the answer. What a wonderful day that will be.

Linda: What has been your involvement with CASA MS?

When I joined the Patient Advisory Council, CASA MS was already underway. I was particularly pleased that it involved The Boston Home, a facility to which I had previously donated a wheelchair, a facility I knew of through another nonprofit I am active in — 3i Housing of Maine.

If not for my ideal living situation in Maine, I would be a candidate for admission to the Boston Home, a facility for those with advanced MS. So, this Buffalo Neuroimaging study really hits home with me, and I was happy to be able to contribute to it through advocacy and fundraising. Traditionally, those of us with advanced MS haven’t received as much attention from the research community as have others, so this is groundbreaking work.

Linda: Thanks, Mitch.

Photos courtesy of Mitch Sturgeon.

Researcher Spotlight: Alexander Bartnik, Ph.D.

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:46:18 +0000

A recent graduate of the University at Buffalo’s Neuroscience program, Alexander Bartnik, PhD. is a member of BNAC’s leadership team, serving as IT Unit Director in addition to his involvement in BNAC’s Neuroinformatics Development Lab and Core Lab. His expertise lie in neuroinformatics and the development of novel tools to facilitate the translation of neuroimaging research into clinical practice.

Dr. Bartnik began working with BNAC as an undergraduate student in 2017 under Michael Dwyer, PhD., BNAC’s Deputy Director and Neuroinformatics Director. Initially focusing on the use of functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate the role of brain activity and cognition in multiple sclerosis under the guidance of Tom Fuchs, MD, PhD., Dr. Bartnik quickly developed a passion for computational research. This work culminated in a Masters of Science at the University at Buffalo and Dr. Bartnik’s first publication, “Functional alteration due to structural damage is network dependent: insight from multiple sclerosis ” in Cerebral Cortex.

Dr. Bartnik then began his doctoral work in Neuroscienceon the development of a fully automated of a fully automated neuroinformatics platform to help clinical researchers apply neuroimaging methods and data to translational research for use throughout the University at Buffalo’s Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI). During his doctoral degree, Dr. Bartnik produced several tools to aid in the integration of neuroimaging with biomedical research, including “An Automated Tool to Classify and Transform Unstructured MRI Data into BIDS Datasets,” published in Neuroinformatics. Additionally, Dr. Bartnik’s work on the MRI Ontology, which is used to drive full automation of the CBI neuroinformatics platform, has been integrated into gold-standard ontologies used by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and globally for harmonizing biomedical research data. Dr. Bartnik has presented his work on the MRI Ontology to NIH panels and biomedical ontology conferences, and is always eager for collaboration to help foster the use of neuroimaging data to answer new scientific questions.

Not just a technically savvy researcher, Dr. Bartnik has also used his proficiency with computer systems to help improve BNAC’s information security throughout his tenure with BNAC. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bartnik was instrumental in helping BNAC adapt to a rapidly changing virtual landscape, helping to secure BNAC’s Core Lab as the world shifted to working remotely. With Dr. Bartnik’s help, the IT Unit was able to ensure BNAC’s operations continued to function smoothly throughout the pandemic and transition to hybrid work models, and even facilitated collaborations with global partners at the highest standards of IT security. Shortly after becoming the IT Unit Director, Dr. Bartnik used these experiences to lead BNAC to its ISO 27001k Certification, a globally recognized standard given to organizations who maintain and continually improve information security management systems. Under Dr. Bartnik’s leadership, BNAC is able to assure research participants, collaborators, industry partners, and funding agencies that BNAC handles their data with the highest level of security.

Dr. Bartnik has applied what he has done in BNAC’s IT Unit to create a similar environment at home. When not playing with computers, he also enjoys reading fantasy novels, karaoke, and playing guitar in several genres including classical, jazz, metal, and rock.

Artificial Intelligence: Moving With the Speed of Light Into Medical Research and Practice

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:12:03 +0000

A BNAC research team receives $1.77 million NIH grant to study oxygen metabolism in multiple sclerosis.

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:22:03 +0000

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A team led by a BNAC faculty member, Junghun Cho, Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Neurology, has been awarded a five-year, $1.77 million Research Project Grant (R01) from the National Institutes of Health. The team will develop new technology to map brain oxygen metabolism and use it to study it relationship to progressive neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Oxygen metabolism, the process by which cells extract oxygen from the blood, is crucial for tissue growth and function. Measuring this process – specifically, the percentage of oxygen tissue consume, known as the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) – can reveal the extent of tissue damage in neurologic diseases like multiple sclerosis and dementia. Currently, there is no clinically available technique for mapping OEF. Junghun Cho’s team plans to develop a method that, when combined with common MRI scanners, will provide accurate and reliable OEF maps.

In this project, Dr. Cho will work with other BNAC faculty members, including Robert Zivadinov, the BNAC director, and Ferdinand Schweser, the Director of Sequence Development. Using the OEF mapping technique, they will explore how abnormal OEF in MS lesions may be linked to the disease’s characteristic progressive neurodegeneration. Although the exact cause of this degeneration is not yet known, one theory suggests it relates to mitochondrial dysfunction (a disruption in the part of the cell that generates energy) or ongoing inflammation in MS lesions. Recent findings by Dr. Cho and his colleagues suggest that these factors can be assessed through OEF mapping, offering doctors a more detailed understanding of the condition.

Dr. Cho believes this study will advance our understanding of the causes of and how MS progresses, from the novel perspective of abnormal oxygen metabolism.

UB awarded $1.77 million grant to create toolset for oxygen metabolism mapping

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:30:20 +0000

Meet BNAC's newest faculty member - Niels Bergsland, PhD

Mon, 06 May 2024 16:02:00 +0000

Niels Bergsland is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the State University of New York at Buffalo and serves as the Integration Director in BNAC and is part of BNAC’s leadership team.

Dr. Bergsland began working with BNAC as far back as the beginning of 2004 when he was undergraduate student at the University at Buffalo. Initially hired to help maintain the lab’s computer systems, he quickly became directly involved in the development of BNAC’s analysis pipelines and helped build out BNAC’s infrastructure for housing and processing the rapidly growing collection of MRI data. This eventually led to Dr. Bergsland pursuing a Master of Science in computer science from Nova Southeastern University.

For personal reasons, Dr. Bergsland moved to Pavia, Italy in the Summer of 2011. Despite the oceanic divide, he continued to work with BNAC. In collaboration with Fondazione Don Gnocchi in Milan, Italy, Dr. Bergsland completed a PhD in biomedical engineering at the Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy in March of 2016. His PhD thesis focused on the implementation and use of advanced MRI techniques to help better understand the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. His technical expertise in advanced imaging paired with a broad knowledge of underlying biology underlying CNS tissue damage along with its clinical relevance has led to an extensive scientific production as well as several national and international collaborations in the field of multiple sclerosis. Moreover, his work was recognized by other faculty members in the Department of Neurology at Buffalo and subsequently led to successful collaborations in other neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke. In the beginning of 2023, Dr. Bergsland was recruited to join as a faculty member in the Department.

Dr. Bergsland’s recent work has focused on the role that the choroid plexus may play in both the initiation and progression of neurological disease. In the context of multiple sclerosis, he recently published in Neurology the manuscript “Association of Choroid Plexus Inflammation on MRI With Clinical Disability Progression Over 5 Years in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis”. Earlier this year, he was invited to give talks on the choroid plexus at both the annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) meeting as well as the North American Imaging in MS Cooperative (NAIMS) workshop titled Imaging Barriers of the CNS. Furthermore, the University at Buffalo recently awarded funding to Dr. Bergsland to fund an undergraduate stipend to further this work and provide valuable research experience. In this capacity, Michael Georger, who is pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in biomedical engineering before applying to medical school. Michael will begin working on better characterizing the temporal evolution of choroid plexus pathology in multiple sclerosis with Dr. Bergsland in Fall 2024. Dr. Bergsland is also serving as a mentor for Dr. Huasheng Wang’s PGY-4 research project, which will focus on the involvement of the choroid plexus in Parkinson’s disease.

“I very much enjoy mentoring those that are just beginning their research career. I hope that I can instill my own passion for research in those that I mentor and help them find their own path,” said Dr. Bergsland.

Beyond the BNAC and the University at Buffalo, Dr. Bergsland contributes to the larger scientific community by serving on the editorial boards of several journals, including Associate Editor for the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Section Editor for multiple sclerosis for the Journal of Neuroimaging, as well as being a member of the MSBase MRI steering committee.

Beyond his academic and scientific work, Dr. Bergsland enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children as well as traveling and reading a wide variety of both fiction and non-fiction.

PRLs are a Marker of a More Aggressive Ongoing Disease Course and may be a Valuable Use in Clinical Trials

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:45:04 +0000

A recent study conducted by a BNAC research team led by Jack Reeves, a Ph.D. candidate, showed that an imaging marker called “paramagnetic rim lesions” predicts greater multiple sclerosis (MS) related disability progression and clinical relapse frequency over 10 years.

The team studied 172 people with multiple sclerosis, using a specialized iron-sensitive neuroimaging technique called “Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping” to detect paramagnetic magnetic rim lesions in people with MS. The team then related number of paramagnetic rim lesions to subsequent disability worsening and rate of clinical relapse.

These results provide evidence that PRLs are a marker of a more aggressive ongoing disease course and may be a valuable for use in clinical trials.

The study was detailed in an article published by SAGE Publications Inc.

Researchers: Jack A Reeves, Maryam Mohebbi, Taylor Wicks, Fahad Salman, Alexander Bartnik, PhD, Dejan Jakimovski, MD, PhD, Niels Bergsland, PhD, Ferdinand Schweser, PhD, Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, MD, Michael G Dwyer, PhD and Robert Zivadinov, MD, PhD

Click here to see the full article.

Assessing Disability in MS Patients with the SNRS and CombiWISE Tools

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:09:35 +0000

A recent study found that the Scripps Neurological Rating Scale (SNRS) and the Combinatorial Weight-Adjusted Disability Score (CombiWISE) may be better suited for assessing disability in patients who are severely affected by MS.

Listen here.

BNAC's Commitment to Information Security: Our ISO 27k Certification

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:10:55 +0000

At the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC), we take the security and privacy of data very seriously. We are proud to hold the ISO 27001 certification, a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of information security and data protection. This prestigious certification is complemented by our ISO 9001:2015 certification, which covers our overall quality system, showcasing our comprehensive approach to excellence in all operational facets.

The ISO 27001 standard is internationally recognized and specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, continually improving, and maintaining an information security management system (ISMS). This framework ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, a crucial aspect of our work in neuroimaging analysis where handling sensitive data is a daily occurrence.

Our adherence to the rigorous standards set by ISO 27001 means that our research participants, collaborators, industry partners, and funding agencies can trust us to manage their data with the utmost care and security. It reinforces BNAC's position as a trusted partner in the research and core laboratory community, committed to safeguarding the sensitive information that is essential to our work.

We are dedicated to maintaining and continually improving our information security practices, ensuring that BNAC remains at the forefront of secure and responsible neuroimaging analysis.

BNAC in the Spotlight at ECTRIMS 2023

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:54:45 +0000

Advancements and Challenges in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review in Lancet

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:59:47 +0000

Recent advancements in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, including improved diagnostic criteria and novel MRI techniques, have been highlighted in a new Lancet paper by researchers from the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) and the Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research. The paper, part of the Lancet Seminar series, acknowledges the progress made in MS treatment and diagnosis, particularly the development of more sensitive diagnostic criteria and advanced MRI methods, some of which originated at the University of Buffalo. Despite these advancements, the paper emphasizes the ongoing challenges in managing MS, especially for patients living longer due to more effective treatments. Dejan Jakimovski, MD, PhD from BNAC is a first author, and Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, MD, physician with UBMD Neurology, is the senior author of this comprehensive review, which is part of a series that revisits specific diseases every five years. Click here to read more.

Click here to see the Buffalo News Article.

BNAC Celebrates New Headquarters at Grand Opening

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:35:06 +0000

Possibilities of Measuring Cognitive Progression Independent of Relapses in MS: Tom Fuchs, MD, PhD

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:54:27 +0000

Grand Opening of BNACs New Offices

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:53:05 +0000

BNAC is excited to show off our new space at the UB Downtown Gateway. Please join us on Thursday, October 5th, 5:30pm at 77 Goodell Street, Suite 440 and 450 to celebrate. Meet the Research Team and Advisory Council, check out our new offices and enjoy food and drinks! To RSVP please click here.

MRI Scanner Launches New Biomedical Imaging Era at UB

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:53:08 +0000

‘One of the world’s most advanced scanners’: What UB researchers need to know

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:45:56 +0000

Researcher Spotlight: Ferdinand Schweser, Ph.D.

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:03:56 +0000

Associate Professor of Neurology, Radiology, and Biomedical Engineering at the University at Buffalo, Ferdinand Schweser, Ph.D., is a member of BNAC’s leadership team and continues to make significant contributions to the field of neuroimaging. His expertise lies in the MRI technique called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and its application in studying the relationship between brain iron and MS.

QSM measures the interactions between the strong magnetic field of an MRI and the iron present in brain tissues. This technique calculates the distribution of iron in the brain by analyzing the magnetization effect caused by iron as it reacts to MRI. Dr. Schweser has explored the method’s application in parallel with other brain components, such as myelin, for improved lesion characterization in MS.

Dr. Schweser's journey with BNAC began when he was working on his Ph.D. in Germany, focusing on the development of QSM. He came across a paper written by a former BNAC researcher who utilized a related brain iron measurement technique. The technique in the paper relied on the same raw data that Dr. Schweser needed for QSM.

Raw imaging data of this type is rarely available so he knew he needed to connect with the BNAC team. Intrigued by the potential of utilizing BNAC's extensive collection of clinical data, Dr. Schweser reached out to BNAC Director Dr. Robert Zivadinov.

“When I saw the paper I said wow,” said Schweser. “BNAC has an extensive repository of long-term MS data available nowhere else in the world. We had no relationship with BNAC prior to that. Everything changed when I read the BNAC paper.”

This initial contact led to a collaborative effort, during which Dr. Schweser traveled to Buffalo and partnered with Dr. Michael Dwyer, BNAC’s Neuroinformatics Director. Jointly, they later published several papers documenting their findings, including “Effect of Age on MRI Phase Behavior in the Subcortical Deep GM of Healthy Individuals” and “Impact of Tissue Atrophy on High-Pass Filtered MRI Signal Phase-Based Assessment in Large-Scale Group-Comparison Studies: A Simulation Study.”

Years later, Dr. Schweser seized the opportunity when a faculty position opened up at the University’s Department of Neurology. He was named Assistant Professor and his family relocated to the Buffalo area. Now, as a scientist, Associate Professor, and Director of Sequence Development for BNAC, Dr. Schweser's motivation stems from his passion for working with students and shaping the next generation of scientists. “Witnessing students’ growth and helping them become proficient researchers brings me immense satisfaction,” explains Dr. Schweser.

Moreover, he finds inspiration in high-impact research and innovative discoveries that challenge established paradigms. Dr. Schweser’s work has significantly influenced our understanding of the role of brain iron in people with MS. It suggests iron deficiency may be a catalyst for neurodegeneration with certain cell types. This hypothesis is contrary to a previous theory that the presence of iron promoted disease progression. Dr. Schweser recently shared the results of his research at the 2023 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Annual Meeting (see a list of his ISMRM contributions below).

When he's not engrossed in his scientific pursuits, Dr. Schweser dedicates his time to his wife and three daughters. He enjoys cycling, reading, and has a passion for baking traditional German breads.

Dr. Schweser's contributions to neuroimaging research, particularly in the field of brain iron and QSM, have been nothing short of remarkable. His work with BNAC has not only advanced our understanding of MS but also paved the way for further innovations in MRI techniques.

BNAC Summer 2023 Newsletter

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:04:39 +0000

Our latest newsletter includes an address from Dr. Zivadinov, which includes details on the new BNAC office, a feature about Dr. Ferdinand Schweser, student and researcher awards and recognition, and much more. Read the full newsletter here.

Links Between Eye Measurements and Brain Function in People with Multiple Sclerosis Point to Possible Biomarker for Cognitive Performance

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:12:05 +0000

A recent study led by BNAC Clinical Research Unit Director Dejan Jakimovski MD, Ph.D., investigated the relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of the eye and cognitive performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings suggest that retinal nerve fiber thickness could serve as a potential biomarker for cognitive impairment in people with MS, possibly predicting future cognitive decline.

OCT is a non-invasive technique that uses infrared light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina. The study, which entailed a systematic review and in-depth meta-analysis of existing research, found that reduced retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was significantly associated with cognitive abilities in multiple domains such as processing speed, memory, and verbal fluency in people with MS.

The RNFL is a thin layer of nerve fibers in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These nerve fibers originate from the cells in the innermost layer of the retina called ganglion cells.

A common manifestation of MS is cognitive impairment, or a decline in memory, attention, processing speed, and other cognitive functions. Identifying reliable biomarkers to assess current or even future cognitive performance in people with MS is essential for effective diagnosis and management of the condition.

OCT has emerged as a potential tool for evaluating neurodegeneration in MS. Dr. Jakimovski and his team conducted a comprehensive analysis of relevant studies on OCT measurements as well as studies of cognitive performance in people with MS. They applied strict inclusion criteria and followed established guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. They performed a meta-analysis to examine the overall association between RNFL thickness measured by OCT and various widely-accepted cognitive tests used in MS disease management and research, such as Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).

This analysis builds upon the continued BNAC research regarding OCT utility and relevance in the care of people with MS. Related studies* conducted by the BNAC team explore various aspects of OCT imaging and its correlation with MS progression and associated visual and cognitive impairments.

Together, these studies show that OCT can help us understand how MS affects the body. It helps us see the effects of inflammation of the optic nerve and changes in blood vessels in the eyes. These changes are linked to thinning of certain parts of the brain's outer layer, which can lead to problems with thinking and memory. The studies also suggest that these changes in the eyes can give us clues about how MS may progress and cause disability over time.

This latest study highlights the utility of OCT measurements of the eye to assess cognitive function in individuals with MS. OCT offers several advantages over alternative methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including shorter scanning time, reduced costs, and compatibility with patients who cannot undergo MRI scans. Using OCT as a routine screening tool could help healthcare professionals monitor cognitive impairment in MS patients more conveniently and efficiently.

Retinal Blood Vessel Analysis Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Multiple Sclerosis - PubMed (nih.gov)

Visual deficits and cognitive assessment of multiple sclerosis: confounder, correlate, or both? - PubMed (nih.gov)

Clinical effects associated with five-year retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in multiple sclerosis - PubMed (nih.gov)