Altered Resting-state Functional Connectivity Research Articles

Functional connectivity is linked to working memory differences in children with reading learning disability

Reading learning disability (RLD) is characterized by a specific difficulty in learning to read that is not better explained by an intellectual disability, lack of instruction, psychosocial adversity, or a neurological disorder. According to the domain-general hypothesis, a working memory deficit is the primary problem. Working memory in this population has recently been linked to altered resting-state functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and frontoparietal network (FPN) compared to that in typically developing individuals. The main purpose of the present study was to compare the within-network functional connectivity of the DMN, SN, FPN, and reading network in two groups of children with RLD: a group with lower-than-average working memory (LWM) and a group with average working memory (AWM). All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and data were analyzed from a network perspective using the network brain statistics framework. The results showed that the LWM group had significantly weaker connectivity in a network that involved brain regions in the DMN, SN, and FPN than the AWM group. Although there was no significant difference between groups in reading network in the present study, other studies have shown relationship of the connectivity of the angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobe with the phonological process of reading. The results suggest that although there are significant differences in functional connectivity in the associated networks between children with LWM and AWM, the distinctive cognitive profile has no specific effect on the reading network.

Unveiling convergent and divergent intrinsic brain network alternations in depressed adolescents engaged in non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors with and without suicide attempts.

Limited understanding exists regarding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts (SA) in depressed adolescents. The maturation of brain network is crucial during adolescence, yet the abnormal alternations in depressed adolescents with NSSI or NSSI+SA remain poorly understood. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 114 depressed adolescents, classified into three groups: clinical control (non-self-harm), NSSI only, and NSSI+SA based on self-harm history. The alternations of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) were identified through support vector machine-based classification. Convergent alterations in NSSI and NSSI+SA predominantly centered on the inter-network RSFC between the Limbic network and the three core neurocognitive networks (SalVAttn, Control, and Default networks). Divergent alterations in the NSSI+SA group primarily focused on the Visual, Limbic, and Subcortical networks. Additionally, the severity of depressive symptoms only showed a significant correlation with altered RSFCs between Limbic and DorsAttn or Visual networks, strengthening the fact that increased depression severity alone does not fully explain observed FC alternations in the NSSI+SA group. Convergent alterations suggest a shared neurobiological mechanism along the self-destructiveness continuum. Divergent alterations may indicate biomarkers differentiating risk for SA, informing neurobiologically guided interventions.

A Comprehensive and Broad Approach to Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Adult Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Several recent works using resting-state fMRI suggest possible alterations of resting-state functional connectivity after mild traumatic brain injury. However, the literature is plagued by various analysis approaches and small study cohorts, resulting in an inconsistent array of reported findings. In this study, we aimed to investigate differences in whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity between adult patients with mild traumatic brain injury within 1 month of injury and healthy control subjects using several comprehensive resting-state functional connectivity measurement methods and analyses. A total of 123 subjects (72 patients with mild traumatic brain injury and 51 healthy controls) were included. A standard fMRI preprocessing pipeline was used. ROI/seed-based analyses were conducted using 4 standard brain parcellation methods, and the independent component analysis method was applied to measure resting-state functional connectivity. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations was also measured. Group comparisons were performed on all measurements with appropriate whole-brain multilevel statistical analysis and correction. There were no significant differences in age, sex, education, and hand preference between groups as well as no significant correlation between all measurements and these potential confounders. We found that each resting-state functional connectivity measurement revealed various regions or connections that were different between groups. However, after we corrected for multiple comparisons, the results showed no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of resting-state functional connectivity across methods and analyses. Although previous studies point to multiple regions and networks as possible mild traumatic brain injury biomarkers, this study shows that the effect of mild injury on brain resting-state functional connectivity has not survived after rigorous statistical correction. A further study using subject-level connectivity analyses may be necessary due to both subtle and variable effects of mild traumatic brain injury on brain functional connectivity across individuals.

Structural and functional correlates of disability, motor and cognitive performances in multiple sclerosis: Focus on the globus pallidus

ObjectivesTo explore structural and functional alterations of external (GPe) and internal (GPi) globus pallidus in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) compared to healthy controls (HC) and analyze their relationship with measures of clinical disability, motor and cognitive impairment. MethodsSixty pwMS and 30 HC comparable for age and sex underwent 3.0T MRI, including conventional, diffusion tensor MRI and resting state (RS) functional MRI. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were rated and timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) test, nine-hole peg test (9HPT), and paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT) were administered. Two operators segmented the GP into GPe and GPi. Volumes, T1/T2 ratio, diffusivity indices and seed-based RS functional connectivity (FC) of the GP and its components were assessed. ResultsPwMS had no atrophy or altered diffusivity measures of the GP. Compared to HC, pwMS had higher T1/T2 ratio in both GP regions, which correlated with EDSS score (r = 0.26–0.39, p = 0.01–0.05). RS FC analysis highlighted component-specific functional alterations in pwMS: the GPe had decreased RS FC with fronto-parietal cortices, whereas the GPi had decreased intra-GP RS FC and increased RS FC with the thalamus. Worse EDSS, 9HPT, T25FW and PASAT scores were associated with GP RS FC modifications (r=-0.51‒0.51, p < 0.001). ConclusionsStructural GP involvement in MS was homogeneous across its portions. Increased T1/T2 ratio values, possibly representing iron accumulation, were related to more severe disability. RS FC alterations of the GPe and GPi were consistent with their roles within the basal ganglia network and correlated with worse functional status, suggesting less efficient communication between structures.

Resting-state functional connectivity and structural differences between smokers and healthy non-smokers

Previous studies have shown an association between cigarette use and altered resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in many large-scale networks, sometimes complemented by measures of cortical atrophy. In this study, we aimed to further explore the neural differences between smokers and healthy non-smokers through the integration of functional and structural analyses. Imaging data of fifty-two smokers and forty-five non-smokers were analyzed through an independent component analysis for group differences in rsFC. Smokers showed lower rsFC within the dorsal attention network (DAN) in the left superior and middle frontal gyrus and left superior division of the lateral occipital cortex compared to non-smokers; moreover, cigarette use was found to be associated with reduced grey matter volume in the left superior and middle frontal gyrus and right orbitofrontal cortex, partly overlapping with functional findings. Within smokers, daily cigarette consumption was positively associated with increased rsFC within the cerebellar network and the default mode network and decreased rsFC within the visual network and the salience network, while carbon monoxide level showed a positive association with increased rsFC within the sensorimotor network. Our results suggest that smoking negatively impacts rsFC within the DAN and that changes within this network might serve as a circuit-based biomarker for structural deficits.

Altered resting-state functional connectivity and dynamic network properties in cognitive impairment: an independent component and dominant-coactivation pattern analyses study.

Cognitive impairment (CI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) encompasses a decline in cognitive abilities and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing CI, both in the preclinical and prodromal stages of AD prior to dementia. In this preliminary study, we investigated differences in resting-state functional connectivity and dynamic network properties between 23 individual with CI due to AD based on clinical assessment and 15 healthy controls (HC) using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Dominant-Coactivation Pattern (d-CAP) analysis. The cognitive status of the two groups was also compared, and correlations between cognitive scores and d-CAP switching probability were examined. Results showed comparable numbers of d-CAPs in the Default Mode Network (DMN), Executive Control Network (ECN), and Frontoparietal Network (FPN) between HC and CI groups. However, the Visual Network (VN) exhibited fewer d-CAPs in the CI group, suggesting altered dynamic properties of this network for the CI group. Additionally, ICA revealed significant connectivity differences for all networks. Spatial maps and effect size analyses indicated increased coactivation and more synchronized activity within the DMN in HC compared to CI. Furthermore, reduced switching probabilities were observed for the CI group in DMN, VN, and FPN networks, indicating less dynamic and flexible functional interactions. The findings highlight altered connectivity patterns within the DMN, VN, ECN, and FPN, suggesting the involvement of multiple functional networks in CI. Understanding these brain processes may contribute to developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CI due to AD.

Recent Evidence on the Relation Between Cannabis Use, Brain Structure, and Function: Highlights and Challenges

Abstract Purpose of Review This narrative review provides an update of our knowledge on the relation between heavy cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) and the brain based on (f)MRI studies conducted in the past 5 years. Recent Findings Heavy cannabis use and CUD are associated with structural brain changes—particularly volume—as well as altered resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in several networks and regions. Task-based fMRI studies reveal altered activity and connectivity in cannabis users compared to controls, but consistency of the results is domain dependent. Heaviness of use, CUD status, age, sex, and tobacco co-use are important potential moderators of the effects of cannabis on the brain. Summary Heavy cannabis use and CUD are associated with differences in brain structure and function, but causality remains unclear, and long-term effects following abstinence require further investigation. Considering moderators of the effects of cannabis on the brain is crucial to further assess individual differences in the impact of cannabis use.

Exploring global and local processes underlying alterations in resting-state functional connectivity and dynamics in schizophrenia.

We examined changes in large-scale functional connectivity and temporal dynamics and their underlying mechanisms in schizophrenia (ScZ) through measurements of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data and computational modelling. The rs-fMRI measurements from patients with chronic ScZ (n=38) and matched healthy controls (n=43), were obtained through the public schizConnect repository. Computational models were constructed based on diffusion-weighted MRI scans and fit to the experimental rs-fMRI data. We found decreased large-scale functional connectivity across sensory and association areas and for all functional subnetworks for the ScZ group. Additionally global synchrony was reduced in patients while metastability was unaltered. Perturbations of the computational model revealed that decreased global coupling and increased background noise levels both explained the experimentally found deficits better than local changes to the GABAergic or glutamatergic system. The current study suggests that large-scale alterations in ScZ are more likely the result of global rather than local network changes.

Altered resting-state functional connectivity in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy assessed using high-density functional near-infrared spectroscopy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) results from a lack of oxygen to the brain during the perinatal period. HIE can lead to mortality and various acute and long-term morbidities. Improved bedside monitoring methods are needed to identify biomarkers of brain health. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can assess resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) at the bedside. We acquired resting-state fNIRS data from 21 neonates with HIE (postmenstrual age [PMA] = 39.96), in 19 neonates the scans were acquired post-therapeutic hypothermia (TH), and from 20 term-born healthy newborns (PMA = 39.93). Twelve HIE neonates also underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) post-TH. RSFC was calculated as correlation coefficients amongst the time courses for fNIRS and fMRI data, respectively. The fNIRS and fMRI RSFC maps were comparable. RSFC patterns were then measured with graph theory metrics and compared between HIE infants and healthy controls. HIE newborns showed significantly increased clustering coefficients, network efficiency and modularity compared to controls. Using a support vector machine algorithm, RSFC features demonstrated good performance in classifying the HIE and healthy newborns in separate groups. Our results indicate the utility of fNIRS-connectivity patterns as potential biomarkers for HIE and fNIRS as a new bedside tool for newborns with HIE.

Specific alterations of resting-state functional connectivity in the triple network related to comorbid anxiety in major depressive disorder.

The brain's default mode network (DMN) and the executive control network (ECN) switch engagement are influenced by the ventral attention network (VAN). Alterations in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) within this so-called triple network have been demonstrated in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) or anxiety disorders (ADs). This study investigated alterations in the RSFC in patients with comorbid MDD and ADs to better understand the pathophysiology of this prevalent group of patients. Sixty-eight participants (52.9% male, mean age 35.3years), consisting of 25 patients with comorbid MDD and ADs (MDD + AD), 20 patients with MDD only (MDD) and 23 healthy controls (HCs) were investigated clinically and with 3T resting-state fMRI. RSFC utilizing a seed-based approach within the three networks belonging to the triple network was compared between the groups. Compared with HC, MDD + AD showed significantly reduced RSFC between the ECN and the VAN, the DMN and the VAN and within the ECN. No differences could be found for the MDD group compared with both other groups. Furthermore, symptom severity and medication status did not affect RSFC values. The results of this study show a distinct set of alterations of RSFC for patients with comorbid MDD and AD compared with HCs. This set of dysfunctions might be related to less adequate switching between the DMN and the ECN as well as poorer functioning of the ECN. This might contribute to additional difficulties in engaging and utilizing consciously controlled emotional regulation strategies.

North Korean defectors with PTSD and complex PTSD show alterations in default mode network resting-state functional connectivity.

North Korean defectors (NKDs) have often been exposed to traumatic events. However, there have been few studies of neural alterations in NKDs with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (cPTSD). To investigate neural alterations in NKDs with PTSD and cPTSD, with a specific focus on alterations in resting-state functional connectivity networks, including the default mode network (DMN). Resting-state functional connectivity was assessed using brain functional magnetic resonance imaging in three groups of NKDs: without PTSD, with PTSD and with cPTSD. Statistical tests were performed, including region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI and ROI-to-voxel analysis, followed by post hoc correlation analysis. In the ROI-to-ROI analysis, differences in functional connectivity were found among the components of the DMN, as well as in the thalamus and the basal ganglia. Right hippocampus-left pallidum and right amygdala-left lingual gyrus connectivity differed between groups in the ROI-to-voxel analysis, as did connectivity involving the basal ganglia. The post hoc analysis revealed negative correlations between Coping and Adaptation Processing Scale (CAPS) score and left posterior cingulate cortex-right pallidum connectivity and between CAPS score and right putamen-left angular gyrus connectivity in the control group, which were not observed in other groups. The results suggest that there are alterations in the functional connectivity of the DMN and the limbic system in NKDs with PTSD and cPTSD, and that these alterations involve the basal ganglia. The lower correlations of CAPS score with right basal ganglia-DMN functional connectivity in patients compared with controls further implies that these connectivities are potential targets for treatment of PTSD and cPTSD.

Altered Large-Scale Resting-State Functional Network Connectivity in Convergence Insufficiency Young Adults Compared With Binocularly Normal Controls.

To investigate the underlying resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) of symptomatic convergence insufficiency (CI) compared with binocularly normal controls (BNC) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) under The Convergence Insufficiency Neuro‑mechanism Adult Population Study (NCT03593031). A total of 101 participants were eligible for this study. After removing datasets with motion artifacts, 49 CI and 47 BNC resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging datasets were analyzed. CI was diagnosed with the following signs: (1) receded near point of convergence of 6 cm or greater, (2) decreased positive fusional vergence of less than 15∆ or failing Sheard's criteria of twice the near phoria, (3) near phoria of at least 4∆ more exophoric compared with the distance phoria, and (4) symptoms using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (score of ≥21). RSFC was assessed using a group-level independent components analysis and dual regression. A behavioral correlation analysis using linear regression method was performed between clinical measures and RSFC using the significant difference between the CI and BNC. On average, a decreased RSFC was observed within the frontoparietal network, default mode network and visual network in patients with CI, compared with the participants with BNC (P < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). The default mode network RSFC strength was significantly correlated with the PFV, near point of convergence, and difference between the horizontal phoria at near compared with far (P < 0.05). Results support altered RSFC in patients with CI compared with participants with BNC and suggest that these differences in underlying neurophysiology may in part be in connection with the differences in optometric visual function used to diagnose CI.

BOLD frequency-dependent alterations in resting-state functional connectivity by pallidal deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Functional MRI (fMRI) has been used to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms underlying deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the alterations in stimulation site-seeded functional connectivity induced by DBS at the internal globus pallidus (GPi) remain unclear. Furthermore, whether DBS-modulated functional connectivity is differentially affected within particular frequency bands remains unknown. The present study aimed to reveal the alterations in stimulation site-seeded functional connectivity induced by GPi-DBS and to examine whether there exists a frequency band effect in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals related to DBS. Patients with PD receiving GPi-DBS (n = 28) were recruited for resting-state fMRI with DBS on and DBS off under a 1.5-T MR scanner. Age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 16) and DBS-naïve PD patients (n = 24) also received fMRI scanning. The alterations in stimulation site-seeded functional connectivity in the stimulation-on state versus stimulation-off state, as well as the relationship between alterations in connectivity and improvement in motor function induced by GPi-DBS, were examined. Furthermore, the modulatory effect of GPi-DBS on the BOLD signals within the 4 frequency subbands (slow-2 to slow-5) was investigated. Finally, the functional connectivity of the motor-related network, consisting of multiple cortical and subcortical regions, was also examined among the groups. In this study, p < 0.05 with Gaussian random field correction indicates statistical significance. Functional connectivity seeding from the stimulation site (i.e., the volume of tissue activated [VTA]) increased in the cortical sensorimotor areas and decreased in the prefrontal regions with GPi-DBS. Alterations in connectivity between the VTA and the cortical motor areas were correlated with motor improvement by pallidal stimulation. The alterations in connectivity were dissociable between the frequency subbands in the occipital and cerebellar areas. The motor network analysis indicated decreased connectivity among most cortical and subcortical regions but increased connectivity between the motor thalamus and the cortical motor area in patients with GPi-DBS compared with those in DBS-naïve patients. The DBS-induced decrease in several cortical-subcortical connectivities within the slow-5 band correlated with motor improvement with GPi-DBS. These findings indicate that the alterations in functional connectivity from the stimulation site to the cortical motor areas, as well as multiple connectivities among the motor-related network, were associated with the efficacy of GPi-DBS for PD. Furthermore, the changing pattern of functional connectivity within the 4 BOLD frequency subbands is partially dissociable.

Interaction effects between smoking and internet gaming disorder on resting-state functional connectivity of the ventral tegmental area and hippocampus.

Many reports have focused on cigarette smoking and internet gaming disorder (IGD), with widespread alterations of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in the reward and memory circuits, respectively. Epidemiological studies have also shown high comorbidity of cigarette smoking and IGD. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Therefore, this study investigates the comorbidity and interaction effects between smoking and IGD from the rsFC perspective. Resting-state functional magnetic imaging data were collected from 60 healthy controls (HC), 46 smokers, 38 IGD individuals, and 34 IGD comorbid with smoking (IGDsm) participants. Voxel-wise rsFC maps were calculated for all subjects with the ventral tegmental area, rostral hippocampus, and caudal hippocampus as regions of interest, respectively. Significant interaction effects between smoking and IGD were mainly involved in the reward and memory circuits; that is, the rsFC between the ventral tegmental area and right nucleus accumbens, between the rostral hippocampus and bilateral nucleus accumbens, sensorimotor areas, and left middle temporal gyrus. Specifically, in these circuits, smokers showed decreased rsFC compared to the HC group, while IGDsm showed increased rsFC compared to smokers and IGD individuals. The IGDsm and HC groups showed no significant difference. The altered rsFC also correlated with clinical measures. These findings indicate that lower rsFC in smokers or IGD individuals increases under the effect of another type of addiction, such as smoking and IGD, but only increases to the normal state, which might explain the comorbidity and interaction between smoking and IGD from the perspective of functional circuits.

Early-in-life isoflurane exposure alters resting-state functional connectivity in juvenile non-human primates

BackgroundClinical studies suggest that anaesthesia exposure early in life affects neurobehavioural development. We designed a non-human primate (NHP) study to evaluate cognitive, behavioural, and brain functional and structural alterations after isoflurane exposure during infancy. These NHPs displayed decreased close social behaviour and increased astrogliosis in specific brain regions, most notably in the amygdala. Here we hypothesise that resting-state functional connectivity MRI can detect alterations in connectivity of brain areas that relate to these social behaviours and astrogliosis. MethodsImaging was performed in 2-yr-old NHPs under light anaesthesia, after early-in-life (postnatal days 6–12) exposure to 5 h of isoflurane either one or three times, or to room air. Brain images were segmented into 82 regions of interest; the amygdala and the posterior cingulate cortex were chosen for a seed-based resting-state functional connectivity MRI analysis. ResultsWe found differences between groups in resting-state functional connectivity of the amygdala and the auditory cortices, medial premotor cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex. There were also alterations in resting-state functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and secondary auditory, polar prefrontal, and temporal cortices, and the anterior insula. Relationships were identified between resting-state functional connectivity alterations and the decrease in close social behaviour and increased astrogliosis. ConclusionsEarly-in-life anaesthesia exposure in NHPs is associated with resting-state functional connectivity alterations of the amygdala and the posterior cingulate cortex with other brain regions, evident at the juvenile age of 2 yr. These changes in resting-state functional connectivity correlate with the decrease in close social behaviour and increased astrogliosis. Using resting-state functional connectivity MRI to study the neuronal underpinnings of early-in-life anaesthesia-induced behavioural alterations could facilitate development of a biomarker for anaesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

Resting-state functional connectivity changes in older adults with sleep disturbance and the role of amyloid burden.

Sleep and related disorders could lead to changes in various brain networks, but little is known about the role of amyloid β (Aβ) burden-a key Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker-in the relationship between sleep disturbance and altered resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) in older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the association between sleep disturbance, Aβ burden, and rsFC using a large-scale dataset from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Sample included 489 individuals (53.6% cognitively normal, 32.5% mild cognitive impairment, and 13.9% AD) who had completed sleep measures (Neuropsychiatric Inventory), PET Aβ data, and resting-state fMRI scans at baseline. Within and between rsFC of the Salience (SN), the Default Mode (DMN) and the Frontal Parietal network (FPN) were compared between participants with sleep disturbance versus without sleep disturbance. The interaction between Aβ positivity and sleep disturbance was evaluated using the linear regressions, controlling for age, diagnosis status, gender, sedatives and hypnotics use, and hypertension. Although no significant main effect of sleep disturbance was found on rsFC, a significant interaction term emerged between sleep disturbance and Aβ burden on rsFC of SN (β = 0.11, P = 0.006). Specifically, sleep disturbance was associated with SN hyperconnectivity, only with the presence of Aβ burden. Sleep disturbance may lead to altered connectivity in the SN when Aβ is accumulated in the brain. Individuals with AD pathology may be at increased risk for sleep-related aberrant rsFC; therefore, identifying and treating sleep problems in these individuals may help prevent further disease progression.

Trait repetitive negative thinking in depression is associated with functional connectivity in negative thinking state rather than resting state

Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) has been proposed as a potential indicator of repetitive negative thinking (RNT) in depression. However, identifying the specific functional process associated with RSFC alterations is challenging, and it remains unclear whether alterations in RSFC for depressed individuals are directly related to the RNT process or to individual characteristics distinct from the negative thinking process per se. To investigate the relationship between RSFC alterations and the RNT process in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), we compared RSFC with functional connectivity during an induced negative-thinking state (NTFC) in terms of their predictability of RNT traits and associated whole-brain connectivity patterns using connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) and connectome-wide association (CWA) analyses. Thirty-six MDD participants and twenty-six healthy control participants underwent both resting state and induced negative thinking state fMRI scans. Both RSFC and NTFC distinguished between healthy and depressed individuals with CPM. However, trait RNT in depressed individuals, as measured by the Ruminative Responses Scale-Brooding subscale, was only predictable from NTFC, not from RSFC. CWA analysis revealed that negative thinking in depression was associated with higher functional connectivity between the default mode and executive control regions, which was not observed in RSFC. These findings suggest that RNT in depression involves an active mental process encompassing multiple brain regions across functional networks, which is not represented in the resting state. Although RSFC indicates brain functional alterations in MDD, they may not directly reflect the negative thinking process.

Altered resting-state functional connectivity and its association with executive function in adolescents with borderline personality disorder.

Adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may have impaired executive functions. There are few functional MRI (fMRI) studies in adolescents with BPD and the neuroimaging markers of this disorder are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional connectivity (FC) of BPD in adolescents, and to explore the relationship between FC changes and executive function in adolescents with BPD. 50 adolescents aged 12 to 17years with BPD and 21 gender-and-age matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled into the study. Brain MRI scan including a 3D-T1 weighted structural sequence and a resting-state fMRI was acquired. A seed-based FC analysis was performed. We used the Stroop color-word test (SCWT) and the trail making test (TMT) to evaluate the executive function of the participants. Correlative analysis of FC alterations with executive function and clinical symptoms was also performed. Compared to the HCs, adolescents with BPD showed increased FC in the limbic-cortical circuit, such as the FC between the left hippocampus and right parahippocampal gyrus, between the right middle occipital gyrus and the left middle temporal gyrus, and between the left medial superior frontal gyrus and the right inferior temporal gyrus. FC in the default mode network (DMN) was decreased between the left angular gyrus and the left precuneus but increased between the left angular gyrus and the right anterior cingulate cortex (voxel P < 0.001, cluster P < 0.05, FWE corrected). The BPD group demonstrated significantly lower cognitive testing scores than the HC group on the SCWT-A (P < 0.001), SCWT-B (P < 0.001), and SCWT-C (P = 0.034). The FC alterations between limbic system and cortical regions were associated with SCWT and TMT (P < 0.05). FC alterations were noted in both limbic-cortical circuit and DMN in adolescents with BPD, which were associated with impaired executive function. This study implicated the FC alterations as the neural correlates of executive functioning in adolescents with BPD.

Psychopathic traits and altered resting-state functional connectivity in incarcerated adolescent girls.

Previous work in incarcerated boys and adult men and women suggest that individuals scoring high on psychopathic traits show altered resting-state limbic/paralimbic, and default mode functional network properties. However, it is unclear whether similar results extend to high-risk adolescent girls with elevated psychopathic traits. This study examined whether psychopathic traits [assessed via the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV)] were associated with altered inter-network connectivity, intra-network connectivity (i.e., functional coherence within a network), and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) across resting-state networks among high-risk incarcerated adolescent girls (n = 40). Resting-state networks were identified by applying group independent component analysis (ICA) to resting-state fMRI scans, and a priori regions of interest included limbic, paralimbic, and default mode network components. We tested the association of psychopathic traits (PCL:YV Factor 1 measuring affective/interpersonal traits and PCL:YV Factor 2 assessing antisocial/lifestyle traits) to these three resting-state measures. PCL:YV Factor 1 scores were associated with increased low-frequency and decreased high-frequency fluctuations in components corresponding to the default mode network, as well as increased intra-network FNC in components corresponding to cognitive control networks. PCL:YV Factor 2 scores were associated with increased low-frequency fluctuations in sensorimotor networks and decreased high-frequency fluctuations in default mode, sensorimotor, and visual networks. Consistent with previous analyses in incarcerated adult women, our results suggest that psychopathic traits among incarcerated adolescent girls are associated with altered intra-network ALFFs-primarily that of increased low-frequency and decreased high-frequency fluctuations-and connectivity across multiple networks including paralimbic regions. These results suggest stable neurobiological correlates of psychopathic traits among women across development.

Amygdala resting-state functional connectivity alterations in patients with chronic insomnia disorder: correlation with electroencephalography beta power during sleep.

This study investigated alterations in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and hyperarousal biomarkers in patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID), compared with good sleepers (GS). We also examined the relationships between altered RSFC and hyperarousal biomarkers. Fifty patients with CID and 52 GS completed self-reporting questionnaires, and then underwent polysomnography and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed RSFC in the amygdala (AMG) and anterior insula (aINS), which are core regions of the salience network that are likely to be involved in hyperarousal. We also analyzed electroencephalography (EEG) relative beta power and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters (e.g. low and high frequency) during sleep. We then tested between-group differences in the RSFC and hyperarousal biomarkers; we examined correlations of RSFC with EEG beta power and HRV. Compared with GS, patients with CID showed more negative RSFC between the right amygdala (R.AMG) and left supramarginal gyrus (L.SMG), but less positive RSFC between the left aINS and bilateral lateral prefrontal cortex. The R.AMG-L.SMG RSFC was negatively correlated with EEG beta power in central regions (C3: r = -0.336, p = 0.012; C4: r = -0.314, p = 0.024). Decreased RSFC between the R.AMG and L.SMG in patients with insomnia may reflect the difficulty in cortical top-down regulation of the AMG, indicating daytime hyperarousal. Individuals who experience hyperarousal during the daytime may also exhibit cortical hyperarousal during sleep, as indicated by increased EEG beta power.