scholarly journals Hierarchical Complexity of the Macro-Scale Neonatal Brain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Blesa ◽  
Paola Galdi ◽  
Simon R Cox ◽  
Gemma Sullivan ◽  
David Q Stoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Specialization ◽  
Newborn Period ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Sensorimotor Processing ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Hierarchical Complexity ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
Cognitive Information ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Atypical Brain Development

Abstract The human adult structural connectome has a rich nodal hierarchy, with highly diverse connectivity patterns aligned to the diverse range of functional specializations in the brain. The emergence of this hierarchical complexity in human development is unknown. Here, we substantiate the hierarchical tiers and hierarchical complexity of brain networks in the newborn period, assess correspondences with hierarchical complexity in adulthood, and investigate the effect of preterm birth, a leading cause of atypical brain development and later neurocognitive impairment, on hierarchical complexity. We report that neonatal and adult structural connectomes are both composed of distinct hierarchical tiers and that hierarchical complexity is greater in term born neonates than in preterms. This is due to diversity of connectivity patterns of regions within the intermediate tiers, which consist of regions that underlie sensorimotor processing and its integration with cognitive information. For neonates and adults, the highest tier (hub regions) is ordered, rather than complex, with more homogeneous connectivity patterns in structural hubs. This suggests that the brain develops first a more rigid structure in hub regions allowing for the development of greater and more diverse functional specialization in lower level regions, while connectivity underpinning this diversity is dysmature in infants born preterm.

scholarly journals Hierarchical complexity of the macro-scale neonatal brain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Blesa ◽  
Paola Galdi ◽  
Simon R. Cox ◽  
Gemma Sullivan ◽  
David Q. Stoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Specialization ◽  
Newborn Period ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Sensorimotor Processing ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Hierarchical Complexity ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
Cognitive Information ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Atypical Brain Development

AbstractThe human adult structural connectome has a rich nodal hierarchy, with highly diverse connectivity patterns aligned to the diverse range of functional specializations in the brain. The emergence of this hierarchical complexity in human development is unknown. Here, we substantiate the hierarchical tiers and hierarchical complexity of brain networks in the newborn period; assess correspondences with hierarchical complexity in adulthood; and investigate the effect of preterm birth, a leading cause of atypical brain development and later neurocognitive impairment, on hierarchical complexity. We report that neonatal and adult structural connectomes are both composed of distinct hierarchical tiers, and that hierarchical complexity is greater in term born neonates than in preterms. This is due to diversity of connectivity patterns of regions within the intermediate tiers, which consist of regions that underlie sensorimotor processing and its integration with cognitive information. For neonates and adults, the highest tier (hub regions) is ordered, rather than complex, with more homogeneous connectivity patterns in structural hubs. This suggests that the brain develops first a more rigid structure in hub regions allowing for the development of greater and more diverse functional specialization in lower level regions, while connectivity underpinning this diversity is dysmature in infants born preterm.

scholarly journals Hierarchical Complexity of the Adult Human Structural Connectome

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Smith ◽  
Mark E. Bastin ◽  
Simon R. Cox ◽  
Maria C. Valdés Hernández ◽  
Stewart Wiseman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Network Topology ◽  
Random Network ◽  
Network Models ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Rich Diversity ◽  
Hierarchical Complexity ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe structural network of the human brain has a rich topology which many have sought to characterise using standard network science measures and concepts. However, this characterisation remains incomplete and the non-obvious features of this topology have largely confounded attempts towards comprehensive constructive modelling. This calls for new perspectives. Hierarchical complexity is an emerging paradigm of complex network topology based on the observation that complex systems are composed of hierarchies within which the roles of hierarchically equivalent nodes display highly variable connectivity patterns. Here we test the hierarchical complexity of the human structural connectomes of a group of seventy-nine healthy adults. Binary connectomes are found to be more hierarchically complex than three benchmark random network models. This provides a new key description of brain structure, revealing a rich diversity of connectivity patterns within hierarchically equivalent nodes. Dividing the connectomes into four tiers based on degree magnitudes indicates that the most complex nodes are neither those with the highest nor lowest degrees but are instead found in the middle tiers. Spatial mapping of the brain regions in each hierarchical tier reveals consistency with the current anatomical, functional and neuropsychological knowledge of the human brain. The most complex tier (Tier 3) involves regions believed to bridge high-order cognitive (Tier 1) and low-order sensorimotor processing (Tier 2). We then show that such diversity of connectivity patterns aligns with the diversity of functional roles played out across the brain, demonstrating that hierarchical complexity can characterise functional diversity strictly from the network topology.

scholarly journals Distinct structure-function relationships across cortical regions and connectivity scales in the rat brain

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milou Straathof ◽  
Michel R.T. Sinke ◽  
Theresia J.M. Roelofs ◽  
Erwin L.A. Blezer ◽  
R. Angela Sarabdjitsingh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Structure Function ◽  
Rat Brain ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Distinct Structure ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Function Relationship ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Meso Scale

AbstractAn improved understanding of the structure-function relationship in the brain is necessary to know to what degree structural connectivity underpins abnormal functional connectivity seen in many disorders. We integrated high-field resting-state fMRI-based functional connectivity with high-resolution macro-scale diffusion-based and meso-scale neuronal tracer-based structural connectivity, to obtain an accurate depiction of the structure-function relationship in the rat brain. Our main goal was to identify to what extent structural and functional connectivity strengths are correlated, macro- and meso-scopically, across the cortex. Correlation analyses revealed a positive correspondence between functional connectivity and macro-scale diffusion-based structural connectivity, but no correspondence between functional connectivity and meso-scale neuronal tracer-based structural connectivity. Locally, strong functional connectivity was found in two well-known resting-state networks: the sensorimotor and default mode network. Strong functional connectivity within these networks coincided with strong short-range intrahemispheric structural connectivity, but with weak heterotopic interhemispheric and long-range intrahemispheric structural connectivity. Our study indicates the importance of combining measures of connectivity at distinct hierarchical levels to accurately determine connectivity across networks in the healthy and diseased brain. Distinct structure-function relationships across the brain can explain the organization of networks and may underlie variations in the impact of structural damage on functional networks and behavior.

scholarly journals Cortical selectivity driven by connectivity: Innate connectivity patterns of the visual word form area

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Li ◽  
David E. Osher ◽  
Heather A. Hansen ◽  
Zeynep M. Saygin
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Functional Organization ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Visual Word ◽  
Functional Specialization ◽  
Word Form ◽  
Visual Word Form Area ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Language Network

AbstractWhat determines the functional organization of cortex? One hypothesis is that innate connectivity patterns set up a scaffold upon which functional specialization can later take place. We tested this hypothesis by asking whether the visual word form area (VWFA), an experience-driven region, was already connected to proto language networks in neonates scanned within one week of birth. With resting-state fMRI, we found that neonates showed adult-like functional connectivity, and observed that i) language regions connected more strongly with the putative VWFA than other adjacent ventral visual regions that also show foveal bias, and ii) the VWFA connected more strongly with frontotemporal language regions than with regions adjacent to these language regions. These data suggest that the location of the VWFA is earmarked at birth due to its connectivity with the language network, providing evidence that innate connectivity instructs the later refinement of cortex.

ATP-binding cassette transporters and neurodegenerative diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared S. Katzeff ◽  
Woojin Scott Kim
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Abc Transporters ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Atp Binding ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Atp Binding Cassette

Abstract ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are one of the largest groups of transporter families in humans. ABC transporters mediate the translocation of a diverse range of substrates across cellular membranes, including amino acids, nucleosides, lipids, sugars and xenobiotics. Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of brain diseases that detrimentally affect neurons and other brain cells and are usually associated with deposits of pathogenic proteins in the brain. Major neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ABC transporters are highly expressed in the brain and have been implicated in a number of pathological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases. This review outlines the current understanding of the role of ABC transporters in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on some of the most important pathways, and also suggests future directions for research in this field.

scholarly journals Functional dedifferentiation of the brain during healthy aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 1279-1282
Author(s):  
Divyangana Rakesh ◽  
Kavisha B. Fernando ◽  
Sina Mansour L.
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Functional Specialization ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Graph Theoretical Approach ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Brain

Nonpathological aging is associated with significant cognitive deficits. Thus, the underlying neurobiology of aging-associated cognitive decline warrants investigation. In a recent study, Chong et al. (Chong JSX, Ng KK, Tandi J, Wang C, Poh J-H, Lo JC, Chee MWL, Zhou JH. J Neurosci 39: 5534–5550, 2019) provided insights into the association between cognitive decline and the loss of functional specialization in the brains of older adults. Here, we introduce the novel graph theoretical approach utilized and discuss the significance of their findings and broader implications on aging. We also provide alternate perspectives of their findings and suggest directions for future work.

scholarly journals Distinct structure-function relationships across cortical regions and connectivity scales in the rat brain

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milou Straathof ◽  
Michel R. T. Sinke ◽  
Theresia J. M. Roelofs ◽  
Erwin L. A. Blezer ◽  
R. Angela Sarabdjitsingh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Structure Function ◽  
Rat Brain ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Distinct Structure ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Function Relationship ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Meso Scale

AbstractAn improved understanding of the structure-function relationship in the brain is necessary to know to what degree structural connectivity underpins abnormal functional connectivity seen in disorders. We integrated high-field resting-state fMRI-based functional connectivity with high-resolution macro-scale diffusion-based and meso-scale neuronal tracer-based structural connectivity, to obtain an accurate depiction of the structure-function relationship in the rat brain. Our main goal was to identify to what extent structural and functional connectivity strengths are correlated, macro- and meso-scopically, across the cortex. Correlation analyses revealed a positive correspondence between functional and macro-scale diffusion-based structural connectivity, but no significant correlation between functional connectivity and meso-scale neuronal tracer-based structural connectivity. Zooming in on individual connections, we found strong functional connectivity in two well-known resting-state networks: the sensorimotor and default mode network. Strong functional connectivity within these networks coincided with strong short-range intrahemispheric structural connectivity, but with weak heterotopic interhemispheric and long-range intrahemispheric structural connectivity. Our study indicates the importance of combining measures of connectivity at distinct hierarchical levels to accurately determine connectivity across networks in the healthy and diseased brain. Although characteristics of the applied techniques may affect where structural and functional networks (dis)agree, distinct structure-function relationships across the brain could also have a biological basis.

Co-regulation of stress in uterus and during early infancy mediates early programming of gender differences in attachment styles: Evolutionary, genetic, and endocrinal perspectives

2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sari Goldstein Ferber
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Early Infancy ◽  
Secure Attachment ◽  
Newborn Period ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Social ◽  
Evolutionary Genetic ◽  
Social Message ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAccording to evolutionary, genetic, and endocrinal perspectives, gender differences are modulated by the interaction between intra-uterine stress, genetic equipments, and the availability of the facilitating environment during the newborn period. The social message of fitness over obstacles during socialization and the discussion of secure/non-secure attachment styles should take into consideration the brain functions, which are altered differently in response to intra- and extra-uterine stress in each gender.

TMS and visual awareness

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Cowey
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Visual Awareness ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Functional Specialization ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
Rhythmic Discharge ◽  
The Brain

This article describes the ways in which transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be a means of studying consciousness by interfering with the physical occurrences of the brain. The focus of this article is aspects of consciousness, i.e. being aware or unaware, and their cerebral basis. TMS has been used to demonstrate regional cortical functional specialization. The reasons for the effects caused by TMS are still not fully known. Further work must be done in order to address this problem. TMS can briefly impose (or disrupt) rhythmic discharge in the underlying cortex and some of these rhythms are thought to be important for selective attention and awareness. TMS can disrupt activity in underlying brain tissue with millisecond precision but thus far it is usually used in isolation. When combined with event-related potentials and functional magnetic resonance imaging its usefulness will expand.

scholarly journals Partially dissociable roles of OFC and ACC in stimulus-guided and action-guided decision making

2014 ◽  
Vol 111 (9) ◽  
pp. 1717-1720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Khani
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Anterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Orbitofrontal Cortex ◽  
Single Neuron ◽  
Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Functional Specialization ◽  
Complex Picture ◽  
Lesion Studies ◽  
The Brain

Recently, the functional specialization of prefrontal areas of the brain, and, specifically, the functional dissociation of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), during decision making have become a particular focus of research. A number of neuropsychological and lesion studies have shown that the OFC and ACC have dissociable functions in various dimensions of decision making, which are supported by their different anatomical connections. A recent single-neuron study, however, described a more complex picture of the functional dissociation between these two frontal regions during decision making. Here, I discuss the results of that study and consider alternative interpretations in connection with other findings.

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