Changes In Connectivity Research Articles

Olfactory training affects the correlation between brain structure and functional connectivity.

and background: Neuroimaging studies have increasingly found functional connectivity (FC) changes and structural cortical abnormalities in patients with post-traumatic anosmia (PTA). Training and repeated exposure to odorants lead to enhanced olfactory capability. This study is conducted to investigate the correlations between FC and cortical thickness on the olfaction-related regions of the brain in PTA after olfactory training (OT). Twenty-five PTA patients were randomly divided in three groups: (1) 9 control patients who did not receive any training, (2) 9 patients underwent classical OT by 4 fixed odors, and (3) 7 patients underwent modified OT coming across 4 sets of 4 different odors sequentially. Before and after the training period, all patients performed olfactory function tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sniffin' Sticks test was used to assess olfactory function. MRI data were analyzed using functional connectivity analysis and brain morphometry. Modified OT resulted in heightened activation in the medial orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex and increased FC between the piriform cortex (PIRC) and the caudate cortex. Conversely, classical OT induced increased activation in the insula cortex and greater FC between the PIRC and the pre-central gyrus. Furthermore, after OT, both training groups achieved significantly improved scores in the changes in brain connectivity associated with OT, which were attributable to anatomical measures. This study demonstrates that intensive olfactory training can enhance functional connectivity, and this improvement correlates with structural changes in the brain's olfactory processing areas.

Dynamic changes in human brain connectivity following ultrasound neuromodulation

Non-invasive neuromodulation represents a major opportunity for brain interventions, and transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) is one of the most promising approaches. However, some challenges prevent the community from fully understanding its outcomes. We aimed to address one of them and unravel the temporal dynamics of FUS effects in humans. Twenty-two healthy volunteers participated in the study. Eleven received FUS in the right inferior frontal cortex while the other 11 were stimulated in the right thalamus. Using a temporal dynamic approach, we compared resting-state fMRI seed-based functional connectivity obtained before and after FUS. We also assessed behavioural changes as measured with a task of reactive motor inhibition. Our findings reveal that the effects of FUS are predominantly time-constrained and spatially distributed in brain regions functionally connected with the directly stimulated area. In addition, mediation analysis highlighted that FUS applied in the right inferior cortex was associated with behavioural alterations which was directly explained by the applied acoustic pressure and the brain functional connectivity change we observed. Our study underscored that the biological effects of FUS are indicative of behavioural changes observed more than an hour following stimulation and are directly related to the applied acoustic pressure.

The Impact of Multimedia Art on Public Health Campaigns

Multimedia art has proven to be an effective tool for conveying public health messages, using mediums like VR installations, viral art, documentaries, and interactive media. This paper examines how multimedia art captures public attention and encourages engagement with health messages through creative and emotional resonance. By drawing on case studies, it examines how different forms of art such as posters, films, and public performances effectively break through media noise to reach diverse audiences. Ultimately, this analysis highlights the impact of multimedia art in improving message retention, community connection, and behavior change, presenting both the benefits and ethical considerations of using art to enhance public health efforts. Keywords: Public health campaigns, Multimedia art, Health communication, Community engagement, Health behavior change.

Evolving alterations of structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced P301L tau mutation

AbstractReciprocal structure–function relationships underlie both healthy and pathological behaviours in complex neural networks. Thus, understanding neuropathology and network dysfunction requires a thorough investigation of the complex interactions between structural and functional network reconfigurations in response to perturbation. Such adaptations are often difficult to study in vivo. For example, subtle, evolving changes in synaptic connectivity, transmission and the electrophysiological shift from healthy to pathological states, for example alterations that may be associated with evolving neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's, are difficult to study in the brain. Engineered in vitro neural networks are powerful models that enable selective targeting, manipulation and monitoring of dynamic neural network behaviour at the micro‐ and mesoscale in physiological and pathological conditions. In this study, we engineered feedforward cortical neural networks using two‐nodal microfluidic devices with controllable connectivity interfaced with microelectrode arrays (mMEAs). We induced P301L mutated tau protein to the presynaptic node of these networks and monitored network dynamics over three weeks. Induced perturbation resulted in altered structural organization and extensive axonal retraction starting in the perturbed node. Perturbed networks also exhibited functional changes in intranodal activity, which manifested as an overall decline in both firing rate and bursting activity, with a progressive increase in synchrony over time and a decrease in internodal signal propagation between pre‐ and post‐synaptic nodes. These results provide insights into dynamic structural and functional reconfigurations at the micro‐ and mesoscale as a result of evolving pathology and illustrate the utility of engineered networks as models of network function and dysfunction.

FMRI neurofeedback for the modulation of the neural networks associated with depression

ObjectivesFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback has emerged as a potential treatment modality for depression, but little is known about its mechanism of action. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of fMRI neurofeedback in modulating neural networks in depression. MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted focusing on fMRI neurofeedback interventions in depression. A comprehensive search across multiple databases yielded 16 eligible studies for review. ResultsThe review demonstrated that fMRI neurofeedback can modulate BOLD activity even in strategy-free protocols and within a single session, with a significant learning effect evident over sessions. Neurofeedback targeting specific regions led to changes in connectivity across broad neural networks, including the default-mode and executive control networks, with effects being region-specific. However, methodological diversity and the absence of standardized protocols in the reviewed studies highlighted the need for more uniform research approaches. ConclusionsfMRI neurofeedback shows promise as a modulatory technique for depression, with the potential to induce significant changes in neural activity and connectivity of networks implicated in depression. SignificanceThe review underscores the necessity for standardized, reproducible neurofeedback protocols with control groups to enhance research comparability and generalizability.

Structural brain connectivity does not associate with childhood trauma in individuals with schizophrenia

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a brain dysconnectivity disorder. However, it is not well understood whether the experience of childhood trauma (CT) affects dysconnectivity in individuals with schizophrenia (SZ). Using a network-based approach, we examined whether self-reported CT would explain additional variance compared to whole-brain topology and structural connectivity changes in SZ versus healthy controls (HC). Material and methodsCT was assessed in 51 SZ (mean age ± standard deviation 44 ± 11 years) and 140 HC (34.0 ± 12 years). Structural brain networks were constructed from T1-weighted MR and diffusion-MRI scans using non-tensor based tractography. Group differences in whole-brain topology and permutation-based statistics were examined and corrected for age and sex. ResultsSZ showed reductions in efficiency, strength, clustering and density (p <0.01) as well as increases in path length (F(range) = 4.71-18.1, p <0.03) when compared to HC. We also observed hypoconnectivity in a subnetwork of frontotemporal, frontoparietal and occipital regions in SZ relative to HC (T > 4.0, p <0.001). However, we did not find that high CT levels were related to structural network differences or structural connectivity changes in SZ. ConclusionsCT did not impact on topology or subnetwork connectivity changes in SZ. High CT levels were also not associated with any differences in network organisation irrespective of diagnosis. However, our findings confirm that SZ showed both network-level reductions and increases in a subnetwork. These findings suggest that the patterns of neuroanatomical dysconnectivity in established schizophrenia may not be influenced by CT. Future studies are needed to investigate the association between CT and structural dysconnectivity in schizophrenia.

Quality-aware fuzzy min-max neural networks for dynamic brain network analysis and its application to schizophrenia identification

Dynamic functional connections (dFCs) refer to the observed phenomenon that functional connectivity changes over a short time, which has become a pioneering method in the diagnosis of brain diseases. However, current dynamic brain network analysis methods are insufficient to address the fuzzy information of brain networks caused by the quality issues of rs-fMRI data, and the uncertainty arising from inconsistent data quality across different windows due to missing values and noise in individual windows. These results in unreliable integration of multiple windows. To this end, this paper proposes a dynamic brain network analysis method based on quality-aware fuzzy min–max neural networks (QFMMNet). The individual window of dFCs is treated as a view, and we define three convolution filters to extract features from the brain network under the multi-view learning framework, thereby obtaining multi-view evidence for dFCs. We design the multi-view fuzzy min–max neural networks (MVFMM) based on fuzzy sets to deal with the fuzzy information of the brain network, which takes evidence as input patterns to generate hyperboxes and serves as the classification layer of each view. A quality-aware ensemble module is introduced to deal with uncertainty, which employs Dempster-Shafer Theory (D-S theory) to directly model the uncertainty and evaluate the dynamic quality-aware weighting of each view. At the decision level of model, a weighted fusion strategy is employed for multi-view fusion based on the dynamic quality-aware weighting, thereby the quality of each view is fully considered to improve the trustworthiness of the decision. We verified the effectiveness of QFMMNet through comparison with advanced algorithms on three real schizophrenia datasets, and the results show that QFMMNet significantly improved the classification performance of brain disease diagnosis tasks. The accuracy on the Huaxi, COBRE, and Xiangya datasets reached 87.14%, 86.67%, and 85.27%, respectively.

Book review of Coleman's “The Psychology of the Teenage Brain”

This review examines John Coleman's book "The Psychology of the Teenage Brain", which provides an interdisciplinary exploration of adolescent neurodevelopment. Coleman draws from neuroscience, psychology, education and other fields to elucidate the profound neural reorganization underlying teenage behavior and cognitive processes. The book offers a holistic, humanistic framework for understanding the adolescent experience through the lenses of neurobiology, environmental influences and sociocultural context. Key topics covered include synaptic pruning, brain connectivity changes, hormonal impacts, social dynamics, mental health considerations and more. While comprehensive, some areas like gender, cultural and socioeconomic factors could be further examined. Overall, Coleman's empathetic, nuanced analysis compellingly repositions adolescence as an evolutionarily vital transition catalyzing cognitive reinvention, creativity and social intelligence rather than mere dysfunction. With its synthesis of complex neuroscience into clear insights for parents, educators and clinicians, this definitive interdisciplinary work is a significant contribution to the literature. This comprehensive review offers an insightful analysis of Coleman's groundbreaking interdisciplinary synthesis exploring adolescent neurodevelopment. It highlights the book's empathetic reframing of teenage experiences through neuroscience, revealing innovative perspectives valuable for parents, educators, and anyone seeking to understand this pivotal life stage.

Apomorphine for prolonged disorders of consciousness: a multimodal open-label study

Apomorphine is a dopaminergic candidate therapy to improve recovery in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDoC). Behavioural improvements were previously described in non-controlled case series, but its efficacy and neural mechanisms remain largely unknown. This open-label controlled study using multimodal outcome measures investigates the action of apomorphine in severely brain-injured patients. Thirteen PDoC patients received 30-day subcutaneous apomorphine treatment (n=6) or standard care (control group, n=7) in a neurological rehabilitation centre between February 2018 and January 2021. The apomorphine group was monitored 30 days before treatment initiation, during treatment and one year after treatment. Primary outcome measure was defined as changes in behavioural diagnosis using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). CRS-R index, recovery of new conscious behaviours, DoC-feeling scores, high-density electroencephalography, and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography were employed as secondary outcome measures. The control group was monitored with repeated CRS-R only. Registration: EudraCT 2018-003144-23; Clinicaltrials.govNCT03623828. Groups (apomorphine vs. control: odds ratio 8.9, 95% CI 3.3-17.8) and study phase (treatment vs. baseline, apomorphine group only: odds ratio 3.9, 95% CI 1.5-10.1) significantly influenced positive changes in behavioural diagnosis. At one-year post-injury, 4/6 patients in the apomorphine group and 1/7 patients in the control group had improved their diagnosis. Similarly, CRS-R index was significantly influenced by study phase (treatment vs. baseline). All items on the DoC-feeling score were rated higher after treatment than before by both family and medical staff. Patients in the apomorphine group recovered more conscious behaviours than control patients. Alpha-band whole-brain connectivity and participation coefficient, as well as alpha-band parieto-temporal connectivity and frontal participation coefficient were higher after treatment than at baseline. Whole-brain metabolism increased by a relative mean of 13.8% after treatment compared to baseline, with a significant effect of timing (pre-vs. post-treatment scans) on regional SUV. Long-lasting consciousness improvements were observed in patients treated with apomorphine, compared to controls and compared to baseline. Changes in brain connectivity and metabolism were observed after treatment, providing insights into possible neurophysiological mechanisms and target areas. This open-label study confirmed the feasibility and safety of apomorphine treatment, which may represent a key therapeutic option for PDoC. University and University Hospital of Liege, Belgian National Funds for Scientific Research, Fund Generet of the King Baudouin Foundation, AstraZeneca Foundation, Leon Fredericq Foundation and NeuroHealing Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Suspended sediment connectivity analysis: Snowmelt-driven dynamics in an alpine basin

Understanding snowmelt and its related suspended sediment transport in mountain streams is a crucial issue in the world of hydraulic and sediment research. Field-based approaches are still poorly used to investigate the response of mountain basins to different stages of snowmelt. To explain the suspended sediment dynamics of the Rio Cordon basin (Italy, Dolomites), the snowmelt in the year 2021 was analysed. First, a descriptive analysis of temporal trends of meteorological, hydrological, and sedimentological variables was carried out. Second, suspended sediment budgets of the main channel were quantified, considering the contribution of the tributaries at week- and event- scale, and supported by hysteresis analyses. Third, the role of sediment sources and snow cover was examined and integrated to comprehend variations in sediment supply from tributaries. Data were collected using a (i) multiparametric sonde installed at the outlet, (ii) water and sediment samples at significant points along the channel network, (iii) satellite images and sediment sources inventory. The whole snowmelt period 2021 featured 210.8 mm of precipitation and a mean temperature of 4.6°C. The total load of suspended sediment was 100 t. The main period of ablation was May, which showed contrasting suspended sediment dynamics in the four weeks. Sediment availability exceeded transport capacity in the initial two weeks, whereas transport capacity exceeded sediment availability in the subsequent two weeks. The main snowmelt event analysis mirrored the same trend: limited transport during the rising limb and the opposite during the falling limb. Such results were confirmed by the hysteresis analysis, proving to be an effective tool for detecting changes in suspended sediment connectivity. The variations of snow cover and the extent of sediment sources across the sub-basins influence the sediment supply. This study enhances our comprehension of snowmelt-driven hydrological and sedimentological dynamics, providing insights into the resilience of mountains to changing climate conditions.

Aberrant Dynamic Network Connectivity Changes in Comorbid Depression and Overweight/Obesity: Insights From the Triple Network Model.

The interaction between major depressive disorder (MDD) and overweight/obesity has received considerable attention owing to its widespread occurrence and the intricate biopsychological implications involved. Despite extensive research, the neural mechanisms underlying these comorbid conditions, particularly in terms of functional network connectivity (FNC), are still not well understood. This study aimed to clarify these mechanisms by utilizing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to examine both static and dynamic FNC. We analyzed data from 57 patients with both MDD and overweight/obesity (MDD-OW), 57 MDD patients of normal weight (MDD-NW), and 44 healthy controls, using techniques such as independent component analysis, sliding window analysis, K-means clustering, and graph theory. In contrast to static FNC, which showed no significant differences, dynamic FNC analysis identified four consistent states across all participants. Both MDD groups demonstrated reduced flexibility in functional coordination among these states and decreased nodal characteristics within the salience network. Notably, the MDD-OW group displayed enhanced dynamic FNC between the default mode network (DMN) and the executive control network (ECN) during certain states, which was inversely associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. These results highlight the importance of altered dynamic connectivity patterns in individuals with MDD and concurrent overweight/obesity, especially between the DMN and ECN, suggesting their potential utility as biomarkers for depressive states. This research contributes to our understanding of how comorbid overweight/obesity affects brain network dynamics in depressive disorders and provides a basis for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Default mode network and dorsal attentional network connectivity changes as neural markers of spinal manipulative therapy in lumbar disc herniation

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been shown to significantly alleviate pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), with its effects closely associated with brain function modulation. This study investigates the neural biomarkers linked to pain relief efficacy following a complete SMT treatment cycle in LDH patients. A total of 59 LDH patients were randomized into two groups: SMT treatment (Group 1, n = 28) and sham treatment (ST) (Group 2, n = 31). A matched healthy control group (Group 3, n = 28) was also included. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed on LDH patients at two time points (TPs)—before (TP1) and after (TP2) treatment—while healthy controls were scanned once. Clinical assessments were conducted using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale. Post-treatment results indicated significant improvements in both VAS and JOA scores for Group 1, while the improvement was limited to VAS scores for Group 2. Graph properties analysis revealed notable differences in brain network connectivity between LDH patients and healthy controls, particularly between the left precentral gyrus (left PreCG) and left inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part (left IFGoperc). Enhanced functional connectivity (FC) was observed in Group 1, notably between the right angular gyrus (right ANG) and the left middle orbital gyrus (left ORBmid), with right ANG showing a significant positive correlation with clinical scores. This study identifies the sensorimotor network—salience network are significantly activated in chronic pain among LDH patients. The default mode network—dorsal attention network may serve as key neural biomarkers for the efficacy of SMT treatment in alleviating pain in LDH.

Palmitoylethanolamide causes dose-dependent changes in brain function and the lipidome

The present studies were undertaken to understand the effects of the commonly used nutraceutical PEA on brain function and lipid chemistry. These studies using MRI and broad-scale lipidomics are without precedent in animal or human research. During the MRI scanning session awake rats were given one of three doses of PEA (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) or vehicle and imaged for changes in BOLD signal and functional connectivity. There was an inverse dose–response for negative BOLD suggesting a decrease in brain activity affecting the prefrontal ctx, sensorimotor cortices, basal ganglia and thalamus. However, there was a dose-dependent increase in functional connectivity in these same brain areas. Plasma and CNS levels of PEA and over 80 endogenous lipids (endolipids) were determined post treatment. While levels of PEA in the CNS were significantly higher after 30 mg/kg treatment, levels of the endocannabinoid, Anandamide, and at least 20 additional endolipids, were significantly lower across the CNS. Of the 78 endolipids that were detected in all CNS regions evaluated, 51 of them were modulated in at least one of the regions. Taken together, the functional connectivity and lipidomics changes provide evidence that PEA treatment drives substantial changes in CNS activity.

Characterising the anxiogenic network from functional connectivity analysis of the CO2 challenge model

The CO2 challenge model (CCM) is a gas inhalation paradigm that provides precisely controlled anxiety induction in experimental settings. Despite its potential as an experimental model of anxiety, our understanding of the neural effects of the CCM is incomplete. This study employs resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to explore functional connectivity (FC) changes underlying the CCM. Following a preliminary CO2 tolerance assessment, participants completed an MRI session that included three rs-fMRI scans: during inhalation of control air (pre and post), and during a 6% CCM exposure. Here, we confirm that 6% CCM is a tolerable anxiogenic model in the MRI setting. We demonstrate that a transient CCM-induced increase in subjective anxiety is associated with an increase in FC within limbic and anxiety-related regions, with the insula emerging as a central node in this altered connectivity pattern. Further analysis revealed a significant correlation between the levels of subjective anxiety and enhanced FC between the brainstem and medial frontal cortex, highlighting the dynamic role of the brainstem in response to CO2-induced anxiety. These findings underscore the value of combining CCM and rs-fMRI to characterise the neural mechanisms of anxiety, with important implications for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions.

Resting-state fNIRS reveals changes in prefrontal cortex functional connectivity during TENS in patients with chronic pain

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used to treat chronic pain. However, the potential efficacy and mechanism of the effect of applying TENS for a short time in chronic pain patients remains unclear. To identify the effect of short-term TENS on chronic pain patients and to clarify the mechanism of the effect, we investigated abnormalities of functional connectivity (FC) within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) using resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (rs-fNIRS). Fifteen patients (56.8 ± 17.4 years, nine females) with chronic pain participated in this rs-fNIRS study. The fNIRS scans included two parts: a 5-minute resting-state scan followed by a 5-minute scan during TENS (150 Hz) application. The pain intensity was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The spontaneous brain activity of the PFC and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in the PFC were examined during TENS and compared to before TENS. The results showed that Pain intensity significantly decreased after TENS (p < 0.001). During TENS, fALFF values were significantly lower in BA46 (**p = 0.0025) and BA45 (**p = 0.0056). rsFC strength increased during TENS compared to before, with significant group-level increases in BA10, BA9, BA46, and BA44/45 (p < 0.05). Notably, the variation between BA10 and BA44/45 was highly significant (***p < 0.001). These findings suggest that FC between BA10 and BA44/45 was associated with analgesia of TENS in patients with chronic pain, indicating the potential role of FC as a novel objective parameter to predict the outcome of clinical use of TENS for pain relief in chronic pain patients.

Functional connectivity density of different suicidal behaviors in adolescents with major depressive disorders

BackgroundSuicidal behavior including suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) is a common clinical feature of adolescent patients with major depressive disorders (MDD). We hypothesized that differences in functional connectivity density (FCD) exist between adolescent patients with SA and SI, and aimed to investigate the different suicidal behaviors in adolescents patients with MDD17.Methods37 MDD adolescents with SA, 34 MDD adolescents with SI, 20 MDD adolescents without SA and SI (non-suicidal group), and 20 adolescents healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. All participants were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluated the FCD. Between-group differences of all variables were analyzed. The relationships between FCD values and clinical scale scores were also analyzed.ResultsThe FCD of the left inferior occipital gyrus in the SI group was higher than those in the other groups. The FCD in the SA group was higher than that in the control group. The FCD of the right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus in the SI group was lower than that in the other three groups. The FCD values of the left precentral gyrus in the SI group were higher than those in the other three groups. The left inferior occipital gyrus FCD positively correlated with the suicide factor score of Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and the right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus negatively correlated with the HAMD suicide factor score but not with the HAMD total score.ConclusionChanges in FCD in adolescent patients with depression and SI can reflect changes in functional connections in the brain.

Estradiol modulates resting-state connectivity in perimenopausal depression

The perimenopausal transition is marked by an increased risk for affective dysregulation and major depressive disorder (MDD), with hormone replacement therapy using estradiol (E2) showing promise for alleviating symptoms of perimenopausal-onset MDD (PO-MDD). Although E2's effectiveness is recognized, its mechanisms underlying mood symptom modulation remain to be fully elucidated. Building on previous research suggesting that E2 may influence mood by altering cortico-subcortical connectivity, this study investigated the effects of transdermal E2 on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in perimenopausal women with and without PO-MDD, focusing on rsFC changes using seed regions within reward and emotion processing networks. In this pharmaco-fMRI study, 16 participants with PO-MDD and 18 controls underwent rsFC analysis before and after three weeks of transdermal E2 administration. Pre-E2 results showed that the PO-MDD group, compared to controls, exhibited increased connectivity between the right amygdala (seed) and medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, and decreased connectivity with the supplementary motor area. Comparing groups on change from pre-E2 to post-E2 revealed several significant E2-induced changes in connectivity between the PO-MDD and control groups: PO-MDD showed increased connectivity between the right caudate nucleus (seed) and left insula, and decreased connectivity between the right putamen (seed) and left hippocampus, and the right amygdala (seed) and left ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Notably, changes in connectivity were predictive of symptom trajectories across anhedonia, depressive mood, somatic, and vasomotor domains in the PO-MDD group. These findings enrich our understanding of PO-MDD by highlighting distinct rsFC patterns characteristic of the disorder and their shifts in response to E2 treatment, suggesting potential neural mechanisms underlying E2's mood-modulating effects.

The impact of sleep deprivation on the functional connectivity of visual-related brain regions

BackgroundSleep deprivation(SD) is known to impair cognitive function and emotional regulation, however, its specific effects on the functional connectivity of visual-related brain regions remain unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the impact of 36-h acute sleep deprivation on functional connectivity in visual neural circuits and its relationship with cognitive and emotional changes. MethodsSixty healthy male participants were assessed before and after 36 h of sleep deprivation using resting-state fMRI, the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Functional connectivity changes were analyzed using paired t-tests and False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. Key resultsSleep deprivation significantly altered functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and visual processing regions. These changes correlated with slower PVT reaction times, increased subjective sleepiness (ESS), and emotional disturbances (POMS), including heightened tension and reduced self-esteem. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that acute sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance and emotional regulation by changing functional connectivity in key brain regions. These results may strengthen our understanding of neurobiology of SD and its potential negative effects.

Gender and Social Connections as Determinants of Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies.

Social connections impact cardiovascular diseases (CVD) morbidity and mortality, but their role in hypertension, as a CVD risk factor, and their gender inequities is less understood. This review aimed to examine the longitudinal evidence on the impact of changes in social connections on risk of hypertension among aging adults, with a specific focus on gender. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL conducted until 10 June 2024. Prospective studies evaluating the effect of changes in living arrangement, marital status, social network, or social participation on changes in blood pressure or incident hypertension among adults aged 45 and above were included. We found 20,026 records (13,381 duplicates), resulting in 6645 eligible titles/abstracts for screening and 29 texts read in full. Only six studies from three countries met inclusion criteria, with four focused on marital transitions and two on changes in living arrangement. Overall, loss of close social connections had mixed effects on changes in blood pressure or risk of hypertension. More consistent adverse CVD outcomes were observed across studies for aging adults who entered marriage or became co-living (gain of close social connections). Similarly, persistent lack of close social connections appeared to result in greater increases in blood pressure or higher risk of hypertension. Two included studies were of high quality and the rest were medium quality. Excluded studies assessing change in either CVD risk or social tie transitions were also described (n = 9). There is a surprising paucity of prospective evidence on social relationships as determinants of CVD risk in the aging population, despite ample research on social factors correlated with health. Limited research suggests that both gains and losses of close social connections as well as persistent lack of close social connections may alter CVD risk, but effects are specific to single-sex samples. Research and policy should prioritize causally robust high-quality studies to unravel social determinants of CVD risk as actionable evidence to inform social prescribing in CVD prevention and healthy aging strategies is still tenuous. CRD42022373196, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=373196.

Periodontitis associated with brain function impairment in middle-aged and elderly individuals with normal cognition.

The present study aimed to investigate changes in intranetwork functional connectivity (FC) and internetwork FC in middle-aged and elderly individuals with normal cognition (NC) and varying degrees of periodontitis to determine the effects of periodontitis on brain function. Periodontal findings and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 51 subjects with NC. Independent component analysis and correlation analysis were used for the statistical analysis of the data. Differences in intranetwork FC were observed among groups in the anterior default-mode network (aDMN), dorsal attention network and dorsal sensorimotor network (dSMN). Compared with the nonperiodontitis (NP) group or the mild-periodontitis group, the analysis of internetwork FC showed increased FC between the auditory network and the ventral attention network (VAN), between the aDMN and the salience network (SN), and between the SN and the VAN and decreased FC between the posterior default-mode network and the right frontoparietal network in the moderate-to-severe periodontitis group. Additionally, internetwork FC between the dSMN and the VAN was also increased in the moderate-to-severe periodontitis group compared to the NP group. The altered intra- and internetwork FC were significantly correlated with the periodontal clinical index. Our results confirmed that periodontitis was associated with both intra- and internetwork FC changes even in NC. The present study indicates that periodontitis might be a potential risk factor for brain damage and provides a theoretical clue and a new treatment target for the early prevention of Alzheimer disease. Recent research has proposed that periodontitis is a potential risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the relationship between periodontitis and the brain function of middle-aged and elderly individuals with normal cognition (NC) remains unclear. Analyzing the effect of periodontitis on brain function in the NC stage can provide clues to AD development and help achieve early prevention of dementia. The present study aimed to investigate changes in brain functional connectivity (FC) in NC with different severity of periodontitis to determine the effects of periodontitis on brain function. Both changed intranetwork FC and internetwork FC were found in the moderate-to-severe periodontitis group, and periodontitis was associated with brain network function impairment in NC. The present study indicates that periodontitis might be a potential risk factor for brain damage even in NC stage, and provides a theoretical clue and a new treatment target for the early prevention of AD.