Prefrontal and limbic resting state brain network functional connectivity differs between nicotine-dependent smokers and non-smoking controls

AbstractFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has significant potential to evaluate changes in brain network activity after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and enable early prognosis of potential functional (e.g., motor, cognitive, behavior) deficits. In this study, resting-state and task-based fMRI (rs- and tb-fMRI) were utilized to examine network changes in a pediatric porcine TBI model that has increased predictive potential in the development of novel therapies. rs- and tb-fMRI were performed one day post-TBI in piglets. Activation maps were generated using group independent component analysis (ICA) and sparse dictionary learning (sDL). Activation maps were compared to pig reference functional connectivity atlases and evaluated using Pearson spatial correlation coefficients and mean ratios. Nonparametric permutation analyses were used to determine significantly different activation areas between the TBI and healthy control groups. Significantly lower Pearson values and mean ratios were observed in the visual, executive control, and sensorimotor networks for TBI piglets compared to controls. Significant differences were also observed within several specific individual anatomical structures within each network. In conclusion, both rs- and tb-fMRI demonstrate the ability to detect functional connectivity disruptions in a translational TBI piglet model, and these disruptions can be traced to specific affected anatomical structures.

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Declined functional connectivity of white matter during rest and working memory tasks associates with cognitive impairments in schizophrenia

10.1101/2020.05.16.20091397 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yurui Gao ◽

Muwei Li ◽

Anna S Huang ◽

Adam W Anderson ◽

Zhaohua Ding ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

White Matter ◽

Functional Connectivity ◽

Resting State ◽

Spatial Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Impairments ◽

Memory Task ◽

Brain Network ◽

Blood Oxygenation ◽

Cerebral Peduncle

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia, characterized by cognitive impairments, arises from a disturbance of brain network. Pathological changes in white matter (WM) have been indicated as playing a role in disturbing neural connectivity in schizophrenia. However, deficits of functional connectivity (FC) in individual WM bundles in schizophrenia have never been explored; neither have cognitive correlates with those deficits. METHODS: Resting-state and spatial working memory task fMRI images were acquired on 67 healthy subjects and 84 patients with schizophrenia. The correlations in blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals between 46 WM and 82 gray matter regions were quantified, analyzed and compared between groups under three scenarios (i.e., resting state, retention period and entire time of a spatial working memory task). Associations of FC in WM with cognitive assessment scores were evaluated for three scenarios. RESULTS: FC deficits were significant (p<.05) in external capsule, cingulum, uncinate fasciculus, genu and body of corpus callosum under all three scenarios. Deficits were also present in the anterior limb of the internal capsule and cerebral peduncle in task scenario. Decreased FCs in specific WM bundles associated significantly (p<.05) with cognitive impairments in working memory, processing speed and/or cognitive control. CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in FC are evident in several WM bundles in patients with schizophrenia and are significantly associated with cognitive impairments during both rest and working memory tasks. Furthermore, working memory tasks expose FC deficits in more WM bundles and more cognitive associates in schizophrenia than resting state does.

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Brain network dynamics correlate with personality traits

10.1101/702266 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aya Kabbara ◽

Veronique Paban ◽

Arnaud Weill ◽

Julien Modolo ◽

Mahmoud Hassan

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Resting State ◽

Brain Networks ◽

Neural Substrates ◽

Brain Network ◽

Functional Brain ◽

Human Connectome Project ◽

Functional Brain Networks ◽

The Brain

AbstractIntroductionIdentifying the neural substrates underlying the personality traits is a topic of great interest. On the other hand, it is now established that the brain is a dynamic networked system which can be studied using functional connectivity techniques. However, much of the current understanding of personality-related differences in functional connectivity has been obtained through the stationary analysis, which does not capture the complex dynamical properties of brain networks.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using dynamic network measures to predict personality traits.MethodUsing the EEG/MEG source connectivity method combined with a sliding window approach, dynamic functional brain networks were reconstructed from two datasets: 1) Resting state EEG data acquired from 56 subjects. 2) Resting state MEG data provided from the Human Connectome Project. Then, several dynamic functional connectivity metrics were evaluated.ResultsSimilar observations were obtained by the two modalities (EEG and MEG) according to the neuroticism, which showed a negative correlation with the dynamic variability of resting state brain networks. In particular, a significant relationship between this personality trait and the dynamic variability of the temporal lobe regions was observed. Results also revealed that extraversion and openness are positively correlated with the dynamics of the brain networks.ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of tracking the dynamics of functional brain networks to improve our understanding about the neural substrates of personality.

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Neuronal cascades shape whole-brain functional dynamics at rest

10.1101/2020.12.25.424385 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Giovanni Rabuffo ◽

Jan Fousek ◽

Christophe Bernard ◽

Viktor Jirsa

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Resting State ◽

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent ◽

Brain Network ◽

Neural Activation ◽

Data Set ◽

Whole Brain ◽

Dynamic Component ◽

Leading Role ◽

Co Activation

AbstractAt rest, mammalian brains display a rich complex spatiotemporal behavior, which is reminiscent of healthy brain function and has provided nuanced understandings of several major neurological conditions. Despite the increasingly detailed phenomenological documentation of the brain’s resting state, its principle underlying causes remain unknown. To establish causality, we link structurally defined features of a brain network model to neural activation patterns and their variability. For the mouse, we use a detailed connectome-based model and simulate the resting state dynamics for neural sources and whole brain imaging signals (Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent (BOLD), Electroencephalography (EEG)). Under conditions of near-criticality, characteristic neuronal cascades form spontaneously and propagate through the network. The largest neuronal cascades produce short-lived but robust co-fluctuations at pairs of regions across the brain. During these co-activation episodes, long-lasting functional networks emerge giving rise to epochs of stable resting state networks correlated in time. Sets of neural cascades are typical for a resting state network, but different across. We experimentally confirm the existence and stability of functional connectivity epochs comprising BOLD co-activation bursts in mice (N=19). We further demonstrate the leading role of the neuronal cascades in a simultaneous EEG/fMRI data set in humans (N=15), explaining a large part of the variability of functional connectivity dynamics. We conclude that short-lived neuronal cascades are a major robust dynamic component contributing to the organization of the slowly evolving spontaneous fluctuations in brain dynamics at rest.

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Resting-state brain network topological properties and the correlation with neuropsychological assessment in adolescent narcolepsy

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsaa018 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 (8) ◽

Author(s):

Xiao Fulong ◽

Spruyt Karen ◽

Lu Chao ◽

Zhao Dianjiang ◽

Zhang Jun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Neuropsychological Assessment ◽

Resting State ◽

Brain Connectivity ◽

Small World ◽

Theoretical Method ◽

Brain Network ◽

Topological Properties ◽

Depressive Feelings ◽

Network Properties

Abstract Study Objectives To evaluate functional connectivity and topological properties of brain networks, and to investigate the association between brain topological properties and neuropsychiatric behaviors in adolescent narcolepsy. Methods Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and neuropsychological assessment were applied in 26 adolescent narcolepsy patients and 30 healthy controls. fMRI data were analyzed in three ways: group independent component analysis and a graph theoretical method were applied to evaluate topological properties within the whole brain. Lastly, network-based statistics was utilized for group comparisons in region-to-region connectivity. The relationship between topological properties and neuropsychiatric behaviors was analyzed with correlation analyses. Results In addition to sleepiness, depressive symptoms and impulsivity were detected in adolescent narcolepsy. In adolescent narcolepsy, functional connectivity was decreased between regions of the limbic system and the default mode network (DMN), and increased in the visual network. Adolescent narcolepsy patients exhibited disrupted small-world network properties. Regional alterations in the caudate nucleus (CAU) and posterior cingulate gyrus were associated with subjective sleepiness and regional alterations in the CAU and inferior occipital gyrus were associated with impulsiveness. Remodeling within the salience network and the DMN was associated with sleepiness, depressive feelings, and impulsive behaviors in narcolepsy. Conclusions Alterations in brain connectivity and regional topological properties in narcoleptic adolescents were associated with their sleepiness, depressive feelings, and impulsive behaviors.

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Frequency Specific Effects of ApoE ε4 Allele on Resting-State Networks in Nondemented Elders

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2017/9823501 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ying Liang ◽

Zhenzhen Li ◽

Jing Wei ◽

Chunlin Li ◽

Xu Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Frequency Band ◽

Default Mode Network ◽

Resting State ◽

Brain Network ◽

Salience Network ◽

Default Mode ◽

Specific Effects ◽

Network Time ◽

Time Courses

We applied resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele effects on functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN). Considering the frequency specific effects of functional connectivity, we decomposed the brain network time courses into two bands: 0.01–0.027 Hz and 0.027–0.08 Hz. All scans were acquired by the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroscience Initiative (ADNI). Thirty-two nondemented subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence (n=16) or absence (n=16) of the ApoE ε4 allele. We explored the frequency specific effects of ApoE ε4 allele on the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN) functional connectivity. Compared to ε4 noncarriers, the DMN functional connectivity of ε4 carriers was significantly decreased while the SN functional connectivity of ε4 carriers was significantly increased. Many functional connectivities showed significant differences at the lower frequency band of 0.01–0.027 Hz or the higher frequency band of 0.027–0.08 Hz instead of the typical range of 0.01–0.08 Hz. The results indicated a frequency dependent effect of resting-state signals when investigating RSNs functional connectivity.

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Exploring the brain network: A review on resting-state fMRI functional connectivity

European Neuropsychopharmacology ◽

10.1016/j.euroneuro.2010.03.008 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 20 (8) ◽

pp. 519-534 ◽

Cited By ~ 1529

Author(s):

Martijn P. van den Heuvel ◽

Hilleke E. Hulshoff Pol

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Resting State ◽

Resting State Fmri ◽

Brain Network ◽

The Brain

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Impact of anaesthesia on static and dynamic functional connectivity in mice

10.1101/2021.03.18.436098 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tomokazu Tsurugizawa ◽

Daisuke Yoshimaru

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Functional Mri ◽

Resting State ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Resting State Fmri ◽

Brain Network ◽

List Type ◽

Thalamic Nuclei ◽

Dynamic Functional Connectivity ◽

Subcortical Regions

AbstractA few studies have compared the static functional connectivity between awake and anaesthetized states in rodents by resting-state fMRI. However, impact of anaesthesia on static and dynamic fluctuations in functional connectivity has not been fully understood. Here, we developed a resting-state fMRI protocol to perform awake and anaesthetized functional MRI in the same mice. Static functional connectivity showed a widespread decrease under anaesthesia, such as when under isoflurane or a mixture of isoflurane and medetomidine. Several interhemispheric connections were key connections for anaesthetized condition from awake. Dynamic functional connectivity demonstrates the shift from frequent broad connections across the cortex, the hypothalamus, and the auditory-visual cortex to frequent local connections within the cortex only. Fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation in the thalamic nuclei decreased under both anaesthesia. These results indicate that typical anaesthetics for functional MRI alters the spatiotemporal profile of the dynamic brain network in subcortical regions, including the thalamic nuclei and limbic system.HighlightsResting-state fMRI was compared between awake and anaesthetized in the same mice.Anaesthesia induced a widespread decrease of static functional connectivity.Anaesthesia strengthened local connections within the cortex.fALFF in the thalamus was decreased by anaesthesia.

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Brain Resting State Functional Networks in Infants with Prenatal Opioid Exposure

Proceedings of IMPRS ◽

10.18060/25736 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nicole Steinhardt ◽

Ramana Vishnubhotla ◽

Yi Zhao ◽

David M. Haas ◽

Gregory M. Sokol ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Functional Mri ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Resting State ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Brain Network ◽

Anterior Cingulate ◽

Global Network ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽

Distinct Component

Purpose: Infants of mothers with opioid and substance use can present with postnatal withdrawal symptoms and are at risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in later childhood. Identifying methods to evaluate the consequences of substance exposure on the developing brain can help initiate proactive therapies to improve outcomes for opioid-exposed neonates. Additionally, early brain imaging in infancy has the potential to identify early brain developmental alterations that could prognosticate neurodevelopmental outcomes in these children. In this study, we aim to identify differences in global brain network connectivity in infants with prenatal opioid exposure compared to healthy control infants, using resting-state functional MRI performed at less than 2 months completed gestational age. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, IRB-approved study, we recruited 20 infants with prenatal opioid exposure and 20 healthy, opioid naïve infants. Anatomic imaging and resting-state functional MRI were performed at less than 48 weeks corrected gestational age, and rs-fMRI images were co-registered to the UNC neonate brain template and 90 anatomic atlas-labelled regions. Covariate Assisted Principal (CAP) regression was performed to identify brain network functional connectivity that was significantly different among infants with prenatal opioid exposure compared to healthy neonates. Results: Of the 5 significantly different CAP components identified, the most distinct component (CAP5, p= 3.86 x 10-6) spanned several brain regions, including the right inferior temporal gyrus, bilateral Hesch’s gyrus, left thalamus, left supramarginal gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, left superior parietal gyrus, right anterior cingulate gyrus, right gyrus rectus, left supplementary motor area, and left pars triangularis. Functional connectivity in this network was lower in the infants with prenatal opioid exposure compared to non-opioid exposed infants. Conclusion: This study demonstrates global network alterations in infants with prenatal opioid exposure compared to non-opioid exposed infants. Future studies should be aimed at identifying clinical significance of this altered connectivity.

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Heterogeneity of EEG resting-state brain networks in absolute pitch

10.1101/2020.05.03.063206 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marielle Greber ◽

Carina Klein ◽

Simon Leipold ◽

Silvano Sele ◽

Lutz Jäncke

Keyword(s):

Functional Connectivity ◽

Auditory Cortex ◽

Resting State ◽

Large Scale ◽

Absolute Pitch ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Brain Network ◽

Higher Order ◽

Neural Basis ◽

Whole Brain

AbstractThe neural basis of absolute pitch (AP), the ability to effortlessly identify a musical tone without an external reference, is poorly understood. One of the key questions is whether perceptual or cognitive processes underlie the phenomenon as both sensory and higher-order brain regions have been associated with AP. One approach to elucidate the neural underpinnings of a specific expertise is the examination of resting-state networks.Thus, in this paper, we report a comprehensive functional network analysis of intracranial resting-state EEG data in a large sample of AP musicians (n = 54) and non-AP musicians (n = 51). We adopted two analysis approaches: First, we applied an ROI-based analysis to examine the connectivity between the auditory cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using several established functional connectivity measures. This analysis is a replication of a previous study which reported increased connectivity between these two regions in AP musicians. Second, we performed a whole-brain network-based analysis on the same functional connectivity measures to gain a more complete picture of the brain regions involved in a possibly large-scale network supporting AP ability.In our sample, the ROI-based analysis did not provide evidence for an AP-specific connectivity increase between the auditory cortex and the DLPFC. In contrast, the whole-brain analysis revealed three networks with increased connectivity in AP musicians comprising nodes in frontal, temporal, subcortical, and occipital areas. Commonalities of the networks were found in both sensory and higher-order brain regions of the perisylvian area. Further research will be needed to confirm these exploratory results.

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