Frontal interhemispheric structural connectivity, attention, and executive function in children with perinatal stroke

Optimal performance in any task relies on the ability to detect and repair errors. The anterior cingulate cortex and the broader posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) are active during error processing. However, it is unclear whether damage to the pMFC impairs error monitoring. We hypothesized that successful error monitoring critically relies on connections between the pMFC and broader cortical networks involved in executive functions and the task being monitored. We tested this hypothesis in the context of speech error monitoring in people with post-stroke aphasia. Diffusion weighted images were collected in 51 adults with chronic left-hemisphere stroke and 37 age-matched control participants. Whole-brain connectomes were derived using constrained spherical deconvolution and anatomically-constrained probabilistic tractography. Support vector regressions identified white matter connections in which lost integrity in stroke survivors related to reduced error detection during confrontation naming. Lesioned connections to the bilateral pMFC were related to reduced error monitoring, including many connections to regions associated with speech production and executive function. We conclude that connections to the pMFC support error monitoring. Error monitoring in speech production is supported by the structural connectivity between the pMFC and regions involved in speech production and executive function. Interactions between pMFC and other task relevant processors may similarly be critical for error monitoring in other task contexts.

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Segmental Diffusion Properties of the Corticospinal Tract and Motor Outcome in Hemiparetic Children With Perinatal Stroke

Journal of Child Neurology ◽

10.1177/0883073817696815 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (6) ◽

pp. 550-559 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jacquie Hodge ◽

Bradley Goodyear ◽

Helen Carlson ◽

Xing-Chang Wei ◽

Adam Kirton

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽

Fractional Anisotropy ◽

Corticospinal Tract ◽

Diffusion Tensor ◽

Model Development ◽

Structural Connectivity ◽

Mean Diffusivity ◽

Radial Diffusivity ◽

Perinatal Stroke ◽

Motor Outcomes

Perinatal stroke injures developing motor systems, resulting in hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Diffusion tensor imaging can explore structural connectivity. We used diffusion tensor imaging to assess corticospinal tract diffusion in hemiparetic children with perinatal stroke. Twenty-eight children (6-18 years) with unilateral stroke underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Four corticospinal tract assessments included full tract, partial tract, minitract and region of interest. Diffusion characteristics (fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity) were calculated. Ratios (lesioned/nonlesioned) were compared across segments and to validated long-term motor outcomes (Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure, Assisting Hand Assessment, Melbourne Assessment). Fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity ratios decreased as tract size decreased, while mean diffusivity showed consistent symmetry. Poor motor outcomes were associated with lower fractional anisotropy in all segments and radial diffusivity correlated with both Assisting Hand Assessment and Melbourne Assessment. Diffusion imaging of segmented corticospinal tracts is feasible in hemiparetic children with perinatal stroke. Correlations with disability support clinical relevance and utility in model development for personalized rehabilitation.

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Apathy is associated with white matter network disruption and specific cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291720001907 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Ming-Ching Wen ◽

Alexandre Thiery ◽

Wen-Yih Isaac Tseng ◽

Trina Kok ◽

Zheyu Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Executive Function ◽

White Matter ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Structural Connectivity ◽

Visuospatial Ability ◽

Neural Integration ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Apathy is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) but its underlying white matter (WM) architecture is not well understood. Moreover, how apathy affects cognitive functions in PD remains unclear. We investigated apathy-related WM network alterations and the impact of apathy on cognition in the context of PD. Methods Apathetic PD patients (aPD), non-apathetic PD patients (naPD), and matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent brain scans and clinical assessment. Graph-theoretical and network-based analyses were used for group comparisons of WM features derived from diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI). Path analysis was used to determine the direct and indirect effects of apathy and other correlates on different cognitive functions. Results The aPD group was impaired on neural integration measured by global efficiency (p = 0.009) and characteristic path length (p = 0.04), executive function (p < 0.001), episodic memory (p < 0.001) and visuospatial ability (p = 0.02), and had reduced connectivity between the bilateral parietal lobes and between the putamen and temporal regions (p < 0.05). In PD, executive function was directly impacted by apathy and motor severity and indirectly influenced by depression; episodic memory was directly and indirectly impacted by apathy and depression, respectively; conversely, visuospatial ability was not related to any of these factors. Neural integration, though being marginally correlated with apathy, was not associated with cognition. Conclusions Our results suggest compromised neural integration and reduced structural connectivity in aPD. Apathy, depression, and motor severity showed distinct impacts on different cognitive functions with apathy being the most influential determinant of cognition in PD.

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The frontal aslant tract (FAT) and its role in speech, language and executive function

10.1101/249912 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anthony Steven Dick ◽

Dea Garic ◽

Paulo Graziano ◽

Pascale Tremblay

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽

Structural Connectivity ◽

Language Function ◽

Speech And Language ◽

Putative Role ◽

Frontal Aslant Tract ◽

The Right ◽

Motor Areas

AbstractIn this review, we examine the structural connectivity of a recently-identified fiber pathway, the frontal aslant tract (FAT), and explore its function. We first review structural connectivity studies using tract-tracing methods in non-human primates, and diffusion-weighted imaging and electrostimulation in humans. These studies suggest a monosynaptic connection exists between the lateral inferior frontal gyrus and the pre-supplementary and supplementary motor areas of the medial superior frontal gyrus. This connection is termed the FAT. We then review research on the left FAT’s putative role in supporting speech and language function, with particular focus on speech initiation, stuttering and verbal fluency. Next, we review research on the right FAT’s putative role supporting executive function, namely inhibitory control and conflict monitoring for action. We summarize the extant body of empirical work by suggesting that the FAT plays a domain general role in the planning, timing, and coordination of sequential motor movements through the resolution of competition among potential motor plans. However, we also propose some domain specialization across the hemispheres. On the left hemisphere, the circuit is proposed to be specialized for speech actions. On the right hemisphere, the circuit is proposed to be specialized for general action control of the organism, especially in the visuo-spatial domain. We close the review with a discussion of the clinical significance of the FAT, and suggestions for further research on the pathway.HighlightsThe frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a recently identified fiber pathwayIt connects inferior frontal gyrus with medial frontal motor areasThe left FAT has been associated with speech and language functionThe right FAT has been associated with inhibitory controlBoth FAT pathways may function in sequential motor planning

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Abstract 53: Frontal Functional Connectivity Networks and Executive Function Following Perinatal Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.53 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Suraya Meghji ◽

Alicia Hilderley ◽

Adam Kirton ◽

Helen Carlson

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Functional Connectivity ◽

Resting State ◽

Developmental Plasticity ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Executive Dysfunction ◽

Mri Imaging ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Perinatal Stroke

Perinatal stroke causes most hemiparetic cerebral palsy and a lifetime of disability with no known prevention strategies. Two types of perinatal stroke predominate, arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and periventricular venous infarction (PVI), dictating lesion-specific differences in outcomes. Executive functioning challenges and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more common in children with perinatal stroke (19-35%) than peers (5-7%). Resting state (RS) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures fluctuations in the blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal that may estimate network functional connectivity (FC). We evaluated relationships between FC in relevant frontal circuits, ADHD and executive function in children with perinatal stroke compared to typically developing controls (TDC). Participant recruitment was from a population-based research cohort (AIS N=32; PVI N=30; TDC N=59). MRI imaging included T1-weighted anatomical and resting state fMRI sequences. Subsequent seed-to-seed analyses quantified FC within frontoparietal (FPN), dorsal attention (DAN) and default mode networks (DMN). Parent questionnaires quantified executive function (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)) and ADHD symptoms (ADHD Rating Scale-5). Large group FC differences were observed within FPN, DAN and DMN networks where AIS had lower FC compared to both PVI and TDC. For stroke participants, higher FC within the DAN and FPN was associated with poorer cognitive function (BRIEF). By contrast, higher FC within the DMN was associated with better ADHD ratings. Differences within frontal functional networks appear to be related to poorer cognitive function such that increased FC between the lesioned and nonlesioned hemisphere is associated with symptoms of executive dysfunction and ADHD suggesting that developmental plasticity leads to complex network changes following early unilateral brain injury.

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Abstract TMP109: Cortico-Ponto-Cerebellar Structural Connectivity in Perinatal Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tmp109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Brandon T Craig ◽

Alicia Hilderley ◽

Helen Carlson ◽

Adam Kirton

Keyword(s):

Structural Connectivity ◽

Mean Diffusivity ◽

Internal Capsule ◽

Positive Association ◽

Asymmetry Index ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perinatal Stroke ◽

Posterior Limb

Introduction: Perinatal stroke (PS) causes hemiparetic cerebral palsy and lifelong disability. As an early cerebrovascular injury, typically involving injury to motor systems, PS represents an ideal model for understanding motor system development. Emerging models demonstrate widespread network alterations but the role of the cerebellum is poorly defined. We used diffusion tractography to explore the development of the cortico-ponto-cerebellar (CPC) tract in children with PS, hypothesizing an association between non-dominant CPC diffusion metrics and motor ability. Methods: Retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional, controlled study. Participants aged 6-19 years with unilateral MRI confirmed perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (AIS; n=11) or periventricular venous infarction (PVI; n=20), and typically developing controls (TDC; n=31) had a 3T MRI including T1-weighted and diffusion imaging (32 directions; b=750s/mm 2 , 3 b0 volumes). Probabilistic tensor-based tractography was performed using the posterior limb of the internal capsule and contralateral middle cerebellar peduncle as regions of interest for seeding. Tensor-based outcomes were calculated including mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA). An asymmetry index (AI) was subsequently calculated (dominant / non-dominant values). PS participants completed motor assessments [Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Melbourne Assessment (MA), Box and Blocks Test (BBT)]. Results: Paired-samples t-tests revealed MD was significantly higher for non-dominant versus dominant tracts across all groups (all p<0.001), while FA did not differ (all p>0.05). MD AI differed among groups (F(2,59)=10.117, p <0.001) such that MD AI was significantly lower (less symmetrical) in AIS (AI=0.912±0.04) compared to PVI (AI=0.960±0.05, p =0.01) and TDC (AI=0.977±0.03, p <0.001). FA AI did not differ between groups (F(2,59)=1.045, p =0.358). A positive association was observed between MD AI and BBT performance in the affected hand (r=0.439, p =0.019). Conclusion: CPC tractography in children with PS is feasible. Development of the CPC appears to be altered following perinatal stroke, the degree of which may relate to motor function.

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Effects of Perinatal Stroke on Executive Functioning and Mathematics Performance in Children

Journal of Child Neurology ◽

10.1177/08830738211063683 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 088307382110636

Author(s):

Eliza Li ◽

Lisa Smithson ◽

Muhammad Khan ◽

Adam Kirton ◽

Jacqueline Pei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Executive Functioning ◽

Standardized Tests ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Math Performance ◽

Perinatal Stroke ◽

Visuospatial Processing ◽

And Mathematics ◽

Neuropsychological Impairments ◽

Math Difficulties

The goal of this study was to examine executive functioning, math performance, and visuospatial processing skills of children with perinatal stroke, which have not been well explored in this population. Participants included 18 children with perinatal stroke (aged 6-16 years old) and their primary caregiver. Each child completed standardized tests of executive function and visuospatial processing skills, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and math achievement. Performance on executive function, IQ, math, and visuospatial processing tests was significantly lower in children with perinatal stroke when compared to normative means. Poorer inhibitory control was associated with worse math performance. Increased age at testing was associated with better performance on visuospatial ability (using standardized scores), and females performed better than males on a test of inhibitory control. Children with perinatal stroke displayed a range of neuropsychological impairments, and difficulties with executive function (inhibition) may contribute to math difficulties in this population.

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The clinical utility of the behavior rating inventory of executive function in preschool children with a history of perinatal stroke

Applied Neuropsychology Child ◽

10.1080/21622965.2021.1875828 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Miranda Di Lorenzo ◽

Mary Desrocher ◽

Robyn Westmacott

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Clinical Utility ◽

Behavior Rating ◽

Perinatal Stroke ◽

Behavior Rating Inventory ◽

History Of

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Executive Functions and Clinical and Academic Outcomes in Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-19-00143 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 1221-1230

Author(s):

Jane Roitsch ◽

Kimberly A. Murphy ◽

Anastasia M. Raymer

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Academic Outcomes ◽

Graduate Program ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Future Research ◽

Speech Language Pathology ◽

Grade Point ◽

Praxis Ii ◽

Language Pathology ◽

Preliminary Study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate executive function measures as they relate to clinical and academic performance outcomes of graduate speech-language pathology students. Method An observational design incorporating correlations and stepwise multiple regressions was used to determine the strength of the relationships between clinical outcomes that occurred at various time points throughout the graduate program (clinical coursework grades throughout the program and case study paper scores at the end of the program), academic outcomes (graduate grade point average and Praxis II exam in speech-language pathology scores), and executive function (EF) scores (EF assessment scores, self-reported EF scores). Participants were 37 students (36 women, M age = 24.1) in a master's degree program in speech-language pathology at a southeastern U.S. university during the 2017–2018 academic year. Results Findings of this preliminary study indicated that a limited number of objective EF scores and self-reported EF scores were related to clinical and academic outcomes of graduate speech-language pathology students. Conclusion As results of this preliminary study suggest that EF tests may be related to clinical and academic outcomes, future research can move to study the potential role of EF measures in the graduate admissions process in clinical graduate programs such as speech-language pathology.

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