scholarly journals The Role of the Human Auditory Corticostriatal Network in Speech Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 4077-4089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gangyi Feng ◽  
Han Gyol Yi ◽  
Bharath Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Functional Coupling ◽  
Lexical Tone ◽  
Fiber Tractography ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Native Speakers Of English

Abstract We establish a mechanistic account of how the mature human brain functionally reorganizes to acquire and represent new speech sounds. Native speakers of English learned to categorize Mandarin lexical tone categories produced by multiple talkers using trial-by-trial feedback. We hypothesized that the corticostriatal system is a key intermediary in mediating temporal lobe plasticity and the acquisition of new speech categories in adulthood. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment in which participants underwent a sound-to-category mapping task. Diffusion tensor imaging data were collected, and probabilistic fiber tracking analysis was employed to assay the auditory corticostriatal pathways. Multivariate pattern analysis showed that talker-invariant novel tone category representations emerged in the left superior temporal gyrus (LSTG) within a few hundred training trials. Univariate analysis showed that the putamen, a subregion of the striatum, was sensitive to positive feedback in correctly categorized trials. With learning, functional coupling between the putamen and LSTG increased during error processing. Furthermore, fiber tractography demonstrated robust structural connectivity between the feedback-sensitive striatal regions and the LSTG regions that represent the newly learned tone categories. Our convergent findings highlight a critical role for the auditory corticostriatal circuitry in mediating the acquisition of new speech categories.

scholarly journals Association between childhood trauma and risk for obesity: a putative neurocognitive developmental pathway

BMC Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Luo ◽  
◽  
Lingli Zhang ◽  
Chu-Chung Huang ◽  
Yan Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Childhood Abuse ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Human Connectome Project ◽  
Morphometry Analysis

Abstract Background Childhood trauma increases the risk for adult obesity through multiple complex pathways, and the neural substrates are yet to be determined. Methods Participants from three population-based neuroimaging cohorts, including the IMAGEN cohort, the UK Biobank (UKB), and the Human Connectome Project (HCP), were recruited. Voxel-based morphometry analysis of both childhood trauma and body mass index (BMI) was performed in the longitudinal IMAGEN cohort; validation of the findings was performed in the UKB. White-matter connectivity analysis was conducted to study the structural connectivity between the identified brain region and subdivisions of the hypothalamus in the HCP. Results In IMAGEN, a smaller frontopolar cortex (FPC) was associated with both childhood abuse (CA) (β = − .568, 95%CI − .942 to − .194; p = .003) and higher BMI (β = − .086, 95%CI − .128 to − .043; p < .001) in male participants, and these findings were validated in UKB. Across seven data collection sites, a stronger negative CA-FPC association was correlated with a higher positive CA-BMI association (β = − 1.033, 95%CI − 1.762 to − .305; p = .015). Using 7-T diffusion tensor imaging data (n = 156), we found that FPC was the third most connected cortical area with the hypothalamus, especially the lateral hypothalamus. A smaller FPC at age 14 contributed to higher BMI at age 19 in those male participants with a history of CA, and the CA-FPC interaction enabled a model at age 14 to account for some future weight gain during a 5-year follow-up (variance explained 5.8%). Conclusions The findings highlight that a malfunctioning, top-down cognitive or behavioral control system, independent of genetic predisposition, putatively contributes to excessive weight gain in a particularly vulnerable population, and may inform treatment approaches.

High-Definition Fiber Tractography of the Human Brain

Neurosurgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 430-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda ◽  
Sudhir Pathak ◽  
Johnathan Engh ◽  
Kevin Jarbo ◽  
Timothy Verstynen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Peduncle ◽  
Fiber Tractography ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Thalamic Nuclei ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Diffusion Spectrum Imaging

Abstract BACKGROUND: High-definition fiber tracking (HDFT) is a novel combination of processing, reconstruction, and tractography methods that can track white matter fibers from cortex, through complex fiber crossings, to cortical and subcortical targets with subvoxel resolution. OBJECTIVE: To perform neuroanatomical validation of HDFT and to investigate its neurosurgical applications. METHODS: Six neurologically healthy adults and 36 patients with brain lesions were studied. Diffusion spectrum imaging data were reconstructed with a Generalized Q-Ball Imaging approach. Fiber dissection studies were performed in 20 human brains, and selected dissection results were compared with tractography. RESULTS: HDFT provides accurate replication of known neuroanatomical features such as the gyral and sulcal folding patterns, the characteristic shape of the claustrum, the segmentation of the thalamic nuclei, the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle, the multiple fiber crossing at the centrum semiovale, the complex angulation of the optic radiations, the terminal arborization of the arcuate tract, and the cortical segmentation of the dorsal Broca area. From a clinical perspective, we show that HDFT provides accurate structural connectivity studies in patients with intracerebral lesions, allowing qualitative and quantitative white matter damage assessment, aiding in understanding lesional patterns of white matter structural injury, and facilitating innovative neurosurgical applications. High-grade gliomas produce significant disruption of fibers, and low-grade gliomas cause fiber displacement. Cavernomas cause both displacement and disruption of fibers. CONCLUSION: Our HDFT approach provides an accurate reconstruction of white matter fiber tracts with unprecedented detail in both the normal and pathological human brain. Further studies to validate the clinical findings are needed.

Sex Differences in Anatomical Rich-Club and Structural–Functional Coupling in the Human Brain Network

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuo Zhao ◽  
Gongshu Wang ◽  
Ting Yan ◽  
Jie Xiang ◽  
Xuexue Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Parietal Lobe ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Parahippocampal Gyrus ◽  
Functional Coupling ◽  
Rich Club ◽  
The Right

Abstract Structural and functional differences between the brains of female and male adults have been well documented. However, potential sex differences in the patterns of rich-club organization and the coupling between their structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) remain to be determined. In this study, functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging techniques were combined to examine sex differences in rich-club organization. Females had a stronger SC-FC coupling than males. Moreover, stronger SC-FC coupling in the females was primarily located in feeder connections and non–rich-club nodes of the left inferior frontal gyrus and inferior parietal lobe and the right superior frontal gyrus and superior parietal gyrus, whereas higher coupling strength in males was primarily located in rich-club connections and rich-club node of the right insula, and non-rich-club nodes of the left hippocampus and the right parahippocampal gyrus. Sex-specific patterns in correlations were also shown between SC-FC coupling and cognitive function, including working memory and reasoning ability. The topological changes in rich-club organization provide novel insight into sex-specific effects on white matter connections that underlie a potential network mechanism of sex-based differences in cognitive function.

Validation of Embedded Element Method in the Prediction of White Matter Disruption in Concussions

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsha T. Garimella ◽  
Reuben H. Kraft
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Human Head ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Fiber Tractography ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Element Method

A better understanding of the axonal injury would help us develop improved diagnostic tools, protective measures, and rehabilitation treatments. Computational modeling coupled with advanced neuroimaging techniques might be a promising tool for this purpose. However, before the models can be used for real life applications, they need to be validated and cross-verified with real life scenarios to establish the credibility of the model. In this work, progress has been made in validating a human head finite element model with embedded axonal fiber tractography (using embedded element method) using pre- and post-diffusion tensor imaging data (DTI) of a concussed athlete. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was used to determine the microstructural changes during injury. These damaged locations correlated well with the damaged locations observed from the finite element model. This work could be characterized as a first step towards the development of a more comprehensively validated human head finite element model.

scholarly journals White Matter Abnormalities in Body Integrity Dysphoria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluca Saetta ◽  
Kathy Ruddy ◽  
Laura Zapparoli ◽  
Martina Gandola ◽  
Gerardo Salvato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Middle Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Severe Condition ◽  
The Right

Body integrity dysphoria (BID) is a severe condition affecting non-psychotic individuals where a limb may be experienced as non-belonging, despite normal anatomical development and intact sensorimotor functions. Limb amputation is desired for restoring their own identity. We previously demonstrated altered brain structural (gray matter) and functional connectivity in 16 men with a long-lasting and exclusive desire for left leg amputation. Here we aimed to identify in the same sample altered patterns of white matter structural connectivity. Fractional anisotropy (FA), derived from Diffusion Tensor Imaging data, was considered as a measure of structural connectivity. Results showed reduced structural connectivity of: i) the right superior parietal lobule (rSPL) with the right cuneus, superior occipital and posterior cingulate gyri, and cuneus, ii) the pars orbitalis of the right middle frontal gyrus (rMFGOrb) with the putamen iii) the left middle temporal gyrus (lMTG) with the pars triangularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus. Increased connectivity was observed between the right paracentral lobule (rPLC) and the right caudate nucleus. By using a complementary method of investigation, we confirmed and extended previous results showing alterations in areas tuned to the processing of the sensorimotor representations of the affected leg (rPCL), and to higher-order components of bodily representation such as the body image (rSPL). Alongside this network for bodily awareness, other networks such as the limbic (rMFGOrb) and the mirror (lMTG) systems showed structural alterations as well. These findings consolidate current understanding of the neural correlates of BID, which might in turn guide diagnostics and rehabilitative treatments.

scholarly journals Structure–Function Connectomics Reveals Aberrant Developmental Trajectory Occurring at Preadolescence in the Autistic Brain

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 5028-5037
Author(s):  
Changchun He ◽  
Huafu Chen ◽  
Lucina Q Uddin ◽  
Asier Erramuzpe ◽  
Paolo Bonifazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structure Function ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Developmental Trajectory ◽  
Brain Maturation ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Brain Connectome ◽  
Brain Connectomics

Abstract Accumulating neuroimaging evidence shows that age estimation obtained from brain connectomics reflects the level of brain maturation along with neural development. It is well known that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) alters neurodevelopmental trajectories of brain connectomics, but the precise relationship between chronological age (ChA) and brain connectome age (BCA) during development in ASD has not been addressed. This study uses neuroimaging data collected from 50 individuals with ASD and 47 age- and gender-matched typically developing controls (TDCs; age range: 5–18 years). Both functional and structural connectomics were assessed using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange repository. For each participant, BCA was estimated from structure–function connectomics through linear support vector regression. We found that BCA matched well with ChA in TDC children and adolescents, but not in ASD. In particular, our findings revealed that individuals with ASD exhibited accelerated brain maturation in youth, followed by a delay of brain development starting at preadolescence. Our results highlight the critical role of BCA in understanding aberrant developmental trajectories in ASD and provide the new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disorder.

scholarly journals Altered asymmetries of the structural networks comprising the fronto-limbic brain circuitry of preterm infants

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joo Young Lee ◽  
Yong-Ho Choi ◽  
Jong Ho Cha ◽  
Ji Young Lee ◽  
Young-Jun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Disorders ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Betweenness Centrality ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Small World ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Orbital Gyrus ◽  
Brain Circuitry

AbstractThis study aimed to elaborate upon prior findings suggestive of the altered lateralization of structural connectivity in the developing preterm brain by using diffusion tensor imaging tractography to explore how network topological asymmetries in fronto-limbic neural circuitry are altered at 36–41 weeks, postmenstrual age in 64 preterm infants without severe brain injury and 33 term-born infants. We compared the pattern of structural connectivity and network lateralization of the betweenness centrality in the medial fronto-orbital gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, amygdala, and hippocampus—the structures comprising the fronto-limbic brain circuit—between preterm and term infants. Global efficiency, local efficiency, and small-world characteristics did not differ significantly between the two hemispheres in term-born infants, suggesting that integration and segregation are balanced between the left and right hemispheres. However, the preterm brain showed significantly greater leftward lateralization of small-worldness (P = 0.033); the lateralization index of the betweenness centrality revealed that the medial fronto-orbital gyrus (P = 0.008), superior temporal gyrus (P = 0.031), and hippocampus (P = 0.028) showed significantly increased leftward asymmetry in preterm infants relative to term-infants independent of sex, age at imaging, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The altered lateralization of fronto-limbic brain circuitry might be involved in the early development of social–emotional disorders in preterm infants.

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