Individual Connections Research Articles

Nature connection in adulthood: The role of childhood nature experiences

Abstract Nature connection describes our relationship with the rest of the natural world. Promoting nature connection in children and adults has been identified as a worthwhile focus for education and public health, given the positive associations between nature connection, well‐being and pro‐environmental behaviours. Prior research has looked at activities that promote an individual's connection to nature, reporting that a variety of interventions can be effective. Particular emphasis has been placed on positive childhood nature experiences due to their effects on adult nature connection. Research from varied places such as New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Brazil suggest that an individual's childhood nature experiences can play a positive role in their adult connection to nature. This paper is the first of its kind to explore the associations between childhood nature activities, both their type and frequency, and adult nature connection in a Greek sample (n = 401). We gathered the perspectives of Greek‐speaking adults using quantitative measures in an online survey. Our results suggest that, in line with previous research, childhood nature experiences were significantly and positively correlated with adult nature connectedness. However, contrary to previous research, analysis suggested that adult nature experiences did not mediate the relationship between childhood nature experience and adult nature connection. Age was positively correlated with less structured childhood nature experiences such that older adults were more likely to have participated in unstructured outdoor activities like flower picking and general alone time outside during childhood. Capturing retrospective self‐reports on the frequency and type of childhood nature experiences in this Greek sample helps us understand how these experiences may predict engagement and relationships with nature in adulthood. In turn, these findings inform context‐specific recommendations for encouraging nature contact in childhood. For instance, this may have implications for nature‐based learning in Greece as well as the provision of urban green and blue spaces. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Numerical Simulation Study Considering Discontinuous Longitudinal Joints in Soft Soil under Symmetric Loading

In shield tunneling, the joint is one of the most vulnerable parts of the segmental lining. Opening of the joint reduces the overall stiffness of the ring, leading to structural damage and issues such as water leakage. Currently, the Winkler method is commonly used to calculate structural deformation, simplifying the interaction between segments and soil as radial and tangential Winkler springs. However, when introducing connection springs or reduction factors to simulate the joint stiffness of segments, the challenge lies in determining the reduction coefficient and the stiffness of the springs. Currently, the hyperstatic reflection method cannot simulate the discontinuity effect at the connection of the tunnel segments, while the state space method overlooks the nonlinear interaction between the tunnel and the soil. Therefore, this paper proposes a numerical simulation method considering the interaction between the tunnel and the soil, which is subjected to compression rather than tension, and the discontinuity of the joints between the segments. The model structure and external load are symmetrical, resulting in symmetrical calculation results. This method is based on the soft soil layers and shield tunnel structures of the Shanghai Metro, and the applicability of the model is verified through deformation calculations using three-dimensional laser scanning point clouds of sections from the Shanghai Metro Line 5. When the subgrade reaction coefficient is 5000 kN/m3, the model can effectively simulate the deformation of operational tunnels. By adjusting the bending stiffness of individual connection springs, we investigate the influence of bending stiffness reduction on the bending moment, radial displacement, and rotational displacement of the ring. The results indicate that a decrease in joint bending stiffness significantly affects the mechanical response of the ring, and the extent and degree of this influence are correlated with the joint position and the magnitude of joint bending stiffness.

Analysis of functional connectivity changes in attention networks and default mode networks in patients with depression and insomnia.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Insomnia Disorder (ID) are prevalent psychiatric conditions often occurring concurrently, leading to substantial impairment in daily functioning. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of these disorders and their comorbidity is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to analyze changes in functional connectivity within attention networks and default mode networks in patients with depression and insomnia. The functional connectivity alterations in individuals with MDD, ID, comorbid MDD and insomnia (iMDD), and healthy controls (HC) were assessed from a cohort of 174 participants. They underwent rs-fMRI scans, demographic assessments, and scale evaluations for depression and sleep quality. Functional connectivity analysis was conducted using region-of-interest (ROI) and whole-brain methods. The MDD and iMDD groups exhibited higher Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores compared to HC and ID groups (P < 0.001). Both ID and MDD groups displayed enhanced connectivity between the left and right orbital frontal cortex compared to HC (P < 0.05), while the iMDD group showed reduced connectivity compared to HC and ID groups (P < 0.05). In the left insula, reduced connectivity with the right medial superior frontal gyrus was observed across patient groups compared to HC (P < 0.05), with the iMDD group showing increased connectivity compared to MDD (P < 0.05). Moreover, alterations in functional connectivity between the left thalamus and left temporal pole were found in iMDD compared to HC and MDD (P < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed associations between abnormal connectivity and symptom severity in MDD and ID groups. Our findings demonstrate distinct patterns of altered functional connectivity in individuals with MDD, ID, and iMDD compared to healthy controls. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of depression and insomnia, which could be used as a reference for the diagnosis and treatments of these patients.

Editing mesh sequences with varying connectivity

Time-varying connectivity of triangle mesh sequences leads to substantial difficulties in their processing. Unlike editing sequences with constant connectivity, editing sequences with varying connectivity requires addressing the problem of temporal correspondence between the frames of the sequence. We present a method for time-consistent editing of triangle mesh sequences with varying connectivity using sparse temporal correspondence, which can be obtained using existing methods. Our method includes a deformation model based on the usage of the sparse temporal correspondence, which is suitable for the temporal propagation of user-specified deformations of the edited surface with respect to the shape and true topology of the surface while preserving the individual connectivity of each frame. Since there is no other method capable of comparable types of editing on time-varying meshes, we compare our method and the proposed deformation model with a baseline approach and demonstrate the benefits of our framework.

A predictor-informed multi-subject bayesian approach for dynamic functional connectivity.

Dynamic functional connectivity investigates how the interactions among brain regions vary over the course of an fMRI experiment. Such transitions between different individual connectivity states can be modulated by changes in underlying physiological mechanisms that drive functional network dynamics, e.g., changes in attention or cognitive effort. In this paper, we develop a multi-subject Bayesian framework where the estimation of dynamic functional networks is informed by time-varying exogenous physiological covariates that are simultaneously recorded in each subject during the fMRI experiment. More specifically, we consider a dynamic Gaussian graphical model approach where a non-homogeneous hidden Markov model is employed to classify the fMRI time series into latent neurological states. We assume the state-transition probabilities to vary over time and across subjects as a function of the underlying covariates, allowing for the estimation of recurrent connectivity patterns and the sharing of networks among the subjects. We further assume sparsity in the network structures via shrinkage priors, and achieve edge selection in the estimated graph structures by introducing a multi-comparison procedure for shrinkage-based inferences with Bayesian false discovery rate control. We evaluate the performances of our method vs alternative approaches on synthetic data. We apply our modeling framework on a resting-state experiment where fMRI data have been collected concurrently with pupillometry measurements, as a proxy of cognitive processing, and assess the heterogeneity of the effects of changes in pupil dilation on the subjects' propensity to change connectivity states. The heterogeneity of state occupancy across subjects provides an understanding of the relationship between increased pupil dilation and transitions toward different cognitive states.

Alterations in brain network connectivity and subjective experience induced by psychedelics: a scoping review.

Intense interest surrounds current research on psychedelics, particularly regarding their potential in treating mental health disorders. Various studies suggest a link between the subjective effects produced by psychedelics and their therapeutic efficacy. Neuroimaging evidence indicates an association of changes in brain functional connectivity with the subjective effects of psychedelics. We conducted a review focusing on psychedelics and brain functional connectivity. The review focused on four psychedelic drugs: ayahuasca, psilocybin and LSD, and the entactogen MDMA. We conducted searches in databases of MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo and Scopus from inception to Jun 2023 by keywords related to functional connectivity and psychedelics. Using the PRISMA framework, we selected 24 articles from an initial pool of 492 for analysis. This scoping review and analysis investigated the effects of psychedelics on subjective experiences and brain functional connectivity in healthy individuals. The studies quantified subjective effects through psychometric scales, revealing significant experiences of altered consciousness, mood elevation, and mystical experiences induced by psychedelics. Neuroimaging results indicated alterations in the functional connectivity of psychedelics, with consistent findings across substances of decreased connectivity within the default mode network and increased sensory and thalamocortical connectivity. Correlations between these neurophysiological changes and subjective experiences were noted, suggesting a brain network basis of the psychedelics' neuropsychological impact. While the result of the review provides a potential neural mechanism of the subjective effects of psychedelics, direct clinical evidence is needed to advance their clinical outcomes. Our research serves as a foundation for further exploration of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

The effect of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity: the mediating role of anger and the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies

Backgroundthe AMORAL model emphasizes the close connection of individuals’ belief system and malevolent creativity. Belief in a just world theory (BJW) states that people have a basic need to believe that the world they live in is just, and everyone gets what they deserve. Therefore, justice matters to all people. Justice sensitivity, as one of individual trait, has been found associated with negative goals. However, relevant studies have not tested whether justice sensitivity can affect malevolent creativity and its psychological mechanisms. Additionally, researchers have found that both anger and emotion regulation linked with justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity, but their contribution to the relationship between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity remained unclear. The current study aims to explore the influence of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity, the mediating effect of trait anger/state anger on the relationship between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity, and the moderating effect of emotion regulation on this mediating effect.MethodsA moderated mediating model was constructed to test the relationship between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity. A sample of 395 Chinese college students were enrolled to complete the questionnaire survey.ResultsJustice sensitivity positively correlated with malevolent creativity, both trait anger and state anger partly mediated the connection between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity. Moreover, emotion regulation moderated the indirect effect of the mediation model. The indirect effect of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity through trait anger/state anger increased as the level of emotion regulation increased. The results indicated that justice sensitivity can affect malevolent creativity directly and indirectly through the anger. The level of emotion regulation differentiated the indirect paths of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity.ConclusionsJustice sensitivity and malevolent creativity was mediated by trait anger/state anger. The higher sensitivity to justice, the higher level of trait anger/state anger, which in turn boosted the tendency of malevolent creativity. This indirect connection was moderated by emotion regulation, individuals with high emotion regulation are better able to buffer anger from justice sensitivity.

Change in Resting-State Functional Connectivity Following Working Memory Training in Individuals With Repetitive Negative Thinking

BackgroundRepetitive negative thinking (RNT) symptoms, which are characterized by pervasive, uncontrollable negative thoughts, are common in individuals with mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders. Inability to regulate the contents of working memory is a hypothesized etiological factor in RNT, which suggests that training to improve working memory may be beneficial. This study examined the effects of working memory training on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in individuals with elevated RNT and whether such changes would be associated with clinical improvement. MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of pre-post resting-state data collected as part of a randomized controlled trial (NCT04912089) of working memory training interventions (n = 42) compared with a waitlist control group (n = 23). We hypothesized that individuals who completed training would show increased rsFC between the 2 key intrinsic connectivity networks—the default mode network (posterior cingulate cortex) and the frontoparietal network (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). We explored whether the magnitude of rsFC change was associated with change in RNT symptom severity. ResultsrsFC increased between the posterior cingulate cortex and regions including the frontal and parietal cortex in the training group compared with the waitlist group. Increased connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and superior frontal cortex was associated with RNT symptom reduction. ConclusionsThese data provide evidence that working memory training can modulate neural circuitry at rest in individuals with RNT. Results are consistent with accounts of working memory training effects on large-scale neurocircuitry changes and suggest that these changes may contribute to clinical promise of this type of intervention on transdiagnostic RNT symptoms.

Gray matter volume and corresponding covariance connectivity are biomarkers for major depressive disorder

The major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and severe mental disorder. To identify a reliable biomarker for MDD is important for early diagnosis and prevention. Given easy access and high reproducibility, the structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) is an ideal method to identify the biomarker for depression. In this study, sMRI data of first episode, treatment-naïve 66 MDD patients and 54 sex-, age-, and education-matched healthy controls (HC) were used to identify the differences in gray matter volume (GMV), group-level, individual-level covariance connections. Finally, the abnormal GMV and individual covariance connections were applied to classify MDD from HC. MDD patients showed higher GMV in middle occipital gyrus (MOG) and precuneus (PCun), and higher structural covariance connections between MOG and PCun. In addition, the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA) was applied and revealed the genetic basis for the changes of gray matter volume. Importantly, we reported that GMV in MOG, PCun and structural covariance connectivity between MOG and PCun are able to discriminate MDD from HC. Our results revealed structural underpinnings for MDD, which may contribute towards early discriminating for depression.

FAMILY MEMORY AS A FACTOR IN THE FORMATION OF CIVIC IDENTITY OF YOUTH. SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

The article analyzes and summarizes the results of a qualitative sociological study of the family memory of young people. generation of “centennials”, using the example of students of Mordovian State University, implemented by the method of in-depth interviews in order to identify the main characteristics of the family memory of young people in the context of the formation of their civic identity. Regular interaction of the family with wider communities of memory, as well as institutional “places of memory”, in modern Russia has been established, including the exchange of information and material evidence of memory through digital and traditional archives, museums, local history publications, the media, etc., construction “assemblage points” between significant people and events in the history of the family, on the one hand, and the country, on the other, through which the historical past of the country is included in the family narrative, and the family's past in the public memorial culture. The similarities and differences between the basic structure of informants' family memory narratives and the official narrative of Russian memory policy are shown. It was revealed that the family memory of “centennials” mediates the individual's connection not with individual social groups, formed in the form of mnemonic communities, but with the community of memory of an indefinite set of people, which can be correlated with the category of “people” as a state-civil community

Cortico-cortical connectivity is influenced by levodopa in tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease

Resting tremor is the most common presenting motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). The supplementary motor area (SMA) is a main target of the basal-ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit and has direct, facilitatory connections with the primary motor cortex (M1), which is important for the execution of voluntary movement. Dopamine potentially modulates SMA and M1 activity, and both regions have been implicated in resting tremor. This study investigated SMA-M1 connectivity in individuals with PD ON and OFF dopamine medication, and whether SMA-M1 connectivity is implicated in resting tremor. Dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure SMA-M1 connectivity in PD participants ON and OFF levodopa. Resting tremor was measured using electromyography and accelerometry. Stimulating SMA inhibited M1 excitability OFF levodopa, and facilitated M1 excitability ON levodopa. ON medication, SMA-M1 facilitation was significantly associated with smaller tremor than SMA-M1 inhibition. The current findings contribute to our understanding of the neural networks involved in PD which are altered by levodopa medication and provide a neurophysiological basis for the development of interventions to treat resting tremor.

Lateral load behavior of shear connections between steel storage racks and the spine bracing with posts

High-rise steel storage racks are cold-formed thin-walled steel frames, which achieve their lateral strength and stiffness by the use of a spine bracing system in the down-aisle direction commonly located at a short horizontal distance away from the main rack frames. The shear connections between the main rack frame and the spine bracing system play a dominant role in the effectiveness of the spine bracing system. This paper experimentally investigates the behavior of the shear connections used in industrial practice between a steel storage rack and the spine bracing system with posts using four groups of three nominally identical connection specimens. By employing a digital image correlation (DIC) system, the tests generate comprehensive data and establish the real-time deformation fields of individual components of such shear connections. Based on the component-based approach, a linear-elastic analytical model is developed for the type of shear connections under consideration. The proposed analytical model explicitly captures the behavior of the individual connection components, including the three-dimensional flexural bending of endplates, as well as the distortions of the open sections of the upright and the bracing post. Based on the proposed model, this paper quantifies the contribution of each component towards the total deformation of the shear connections. The investigation establishes that the cross-sectional distortion of the bracing post and the out-of-plane bending of the upright web are the most flexible components of such shear connections. Recommendations associated with the shear connections under consideration are proposed for the rack designers and manufacturers.

Prediction of Cognitive Progression Due to Alzheimer's Disease in Normal Participants Based on Individual Default Mode Network Metabolic Connectivity Strength

BackgroundPredicting cognitive decline among individuals in the aging population who are already amyloid-β (Aβ) positive or tau positive poses clinical challenges. In Alzheimer's disease research, intra–default mode network (DMN) connections play a pivotal role in diagnosis. In this article, we propose metabolic connectivity within the DMN as a supplementary biomarker to the Aβ, pathological tau, and neurodegeneration framework. MethodsExtracting data from 1292 participants in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, we collected paired T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-labeled-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography scans. Individual metabolic DMN networks were constructed, and metabolic connectivity (MC) strength in the DMN was assessed. In the cognitively unimpaired group, the Cox model identified cognitively unimpaired (MC+), high-risk participants, with Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and hazard ratios revealing the strength of MC’s predictive performance. Spearman correlation analyses explored relationships between MC strength, and Aβ, pathological tau, neurodegeneration biomarkers, and clinical scales. DMN standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) provided comparative insights in the analyses. ResultsBoth MC strength and SUVR exhibited gradual declines with cognitive deterioration, displaying significant intergroup differences. Survival analyses indicated enhanced Aβ and tau prediction with both metrics, with MC strength outperforming SUVR. Combined MC strength and Aβ yielded optimal predictive performance (hazard ratio = 9.29), followed by MC strength and tau (hazard ratio = 8.92). Generally, the strength of MC’s correlations with Aβ, pathological tau, and neurodegeneration biomarkers exceeded SUVR. ConclusionsIndividuals with normal cognition and disrupted DMN metabolic connectivity face an elevated risk of cognitive decline linked to Aβ that precedes metabolic issues.

Dynamics of collective cooperation under personalised strategy updates

Collective cooperation is essential for many social and biological systems, yet understanding how it evolves remains a challenge. Previous investigations report that the ubiquitous heterogeneous individual connections hinder cooperation by assuming individuals update strategies at identical rates. Here we develop a general framework by allowing individuals to update strategies at personalised rates, and provide the precise mathematical condition under which universal cooperation is favoured. Combining analytical and numerical calculations on synthetic and empirical networks, we find that when individuals’ update rates vary inversely with their number of connections, heterogeneous connections actually outperform homogeneous ones in promoting cooperation. This surprising property undercuts the conventional wisdom that heterogeneous structure is generally antagonistic to cooperation and, further helps develop an efficient algorithm OptUpRat to optimise collective cooperation by designing individuals’ update rates in any population structure. Our findings provide a unifying framework to understand the interplay between structural heterogeneity, behavioural rhythms, and cooperation.

Does enhancing the vividness in connection with the future self increase savings behavior? A field experiment

Individuals frequently struggle with the challenge of sufficiently saving for retirement, a problem that can significantly impact the quality of life for retirees. Numerous strategies have been devised to mitigate this issue, ranging from traditional methods such as monetary incentives and tax advantages to more innovative approaches aimed at strengthening the individual's connection with their future self. The latter, though theoretically promising, has not yet been field-tested. The underlying premise is that by amplifying the perceptual vividness of one's future self, individuals might be more inclined to make decisions in line with their long-term interests. This study evaluates this hypothesis through a field experiment involving 415 customers of an investment firm. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups: one without any future self-reference (the control group), a second group presented with a text referencing their future selves, and a third group that was given the same text along with a digitally-aged image of themselves. The results indicate that interventions cultivating a more vivid connection to their future selves increase individuals' intentions to save for retirement. This effect on intentions, however, only translated into a short-term, modest impact on the actual amount of money invested.

Edge-wise analysis reveals white matter connectivity associated with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures.

Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS) represent a challenging subtype of focal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in terms of both severity and treatment response. Most studies have focused on regional brain analysis that is agnostic to the distribution of white matter (WM) pathways associated with a node. We implemented a more selective, edge-wise approach that allowed for identification of the individual connections unique to FBTCS. T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted images were obtained from 22 patients with solely focal seizures (FS), 43 FBTCS patients, and 65 age/sex-matched healthy participants (HPs), yielding streamline (STR) connectome matrices. We used diffusion tensor-derived STRs in an edge-wise approach to determine specific structural connectivity changes associated with seizure generalization in FBTCS compared to matched FS and HPs. Graph theory metrics were computed on both node- and edge-based connectivity matrices. Edge-wise analyses demonstrated that all significantly abnormal cross-hemispheric connections belonged to the FBTCS group. Abnormal connections associated with FBTCS were mostly housed in the contralateral hemisphere, with graph metric values generally decreased compared to HPs. In FBTCS, the contralateral amygdala showed selective decreases in the structural connection pathways to the contralateral frontal lobe. Abnormal connections in TLE involved the amygdala, with the ipsilateral side showing increases and the contralateral decreases. All the FS findings indicated higher graph metrics for connections involving the ipsilateral amygdala. Data also showed that some FBTCS connectivity effects are moderated by aging, recent seizure frequency, and longer illness duration. Data showed that not all STR pathways are equally affected by the seizure propagation of FBTCS. We demonstrated two key biases, one indicating a large role for the amygdala in the propagation of seizures, the other pointing to the prominent role of cross-hemispheric and contralateral hemisphere connections in FBTCS. We demonstrated topographic reorganization in FBTCS, pointing to the specific WM tracts involved.

Tech Inferno Hub: The Projects-based Profile-Boosting Platform

Tech-Inferno Hub is a pioneering netting podium designed to authorize the type of educational institution participants and planners by providing a cooperative space for revealing projects, trading plans, and charming in a vital community. With embodied project valises and cooperation appearance, the platform aims to boost things' descriptions and promote novelty. By creating an atmosphere place plans progress into stunning projects, Tech-Inferno Hub not only enhances individual connection to the internet appearance but likewise bases consumers as integral subscribers to a colorful type of educational institution society forming the future of technology. Join us in this place of mathematical boundary place artistry, collaboration, and contemporary projects gather to outline the next term of the type of educational institution enthusiasts connected to the internet appearance

Pendampingan dan Pembinaan Kegiatan Baca Tulis Al Qur’an di Musholah Baitul Maghfiroh Desa Mekarjaya

This community service activity through mentoring and fostering Qur'an literacy activities is important in supporting the development of one's Qur'an literacy skills. Research and field practice show that ongoing effective mentoring can help children to gain a better understanding of the content of the Qur'an. The main focus of this mentoring and guidance is to improve the ability to read and write the Qur'an thoroughly and accurately, as well as ensure a deep understanding of the meaning and context of the verses of the Qur'an. This mentoring and coaching involves various methods and techniques, such as the use of interactive approaches, repetitive exercises, the use of educational technology, and the strengthening of tajweed skills. The ultimate goal of this mentoring and coaching is to create a learning environment that supports, motivates, and strengthens the individual's spiritual connection with the Qur'an, thus fostering continuous personal growth and strong character development in accordance with Islamic teachings

The Effects of Parent-child Attachment Style and Parenting Style on Children's Emotional Competence

Emotional competence refers to an individual's ability to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions. It has a significant impact on an individual's adaptability, overall well-being, social connectivity, and career success. The emotional competence of children is largely influenced by the environment in which children are raised, family dynamics and parental upbringing. The present study aims to explore the effects of parent-child attachment style and parenting style on children's emotional competence. Through a systematic review of studies involving different age groups and experimental methods, the results consistently show that children's emotional competence is positively correlated with secure parent-child attachment and authoritative parenting style. The practical significance of the present study is to promote a greater awareness of children's emotional competence within families and society. By enhancing parental understanding of the impact of parent-child attachment relationship and parenting style on children's emotional competence, this research aims to facilitate the adoption of more effective and reasonable family education methods.

Effective connectivity of the locus coeruleus in patients with late-life Major Depressive Disorder or mild cognitive impairment

IntroductionWe compared effective connectivity from the locus coeruleus (LC) during the resting-state in patients with late-life Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), individuals with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI), and Healthy Controls (HCs). Participants23 patients with late-life MDD, 22 patients with aMCI, and 28 HCs. Material and methodsParticipants were assessed in two time-points, 2 years apart. They underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and a high-resolution anatomical acquisition, as well as clinical assessments. Functional imaging data were analyzed with dynamic causal modeling, and parametric empirical Bayes model was used to map effective connectivity between 7 distinct nodes: 4 from the locus coeruleus and 3 regions displaying gray matter decreases during the two-year follow-up period. ResultsLongitudinal analysis of structural data identified three clusters of larger over-time gray matter volume reduction in patients (MDD+aMCI vs. HCs): the right precuneus, and the visual association and parahippocampal cortices. aMCI patients showed decreased effective connectivity from the left rostral to caudal portions of the LC, while connectivity from the left rostral LC to the parahippocampal cortex increased. In MDD, there was a decline in effective connectivity across LC caudal seeds, and increased connectivity from the left rostral to the left caudal LC seed over time. Connectivity alterations with cortical regions involved cross-hemisphere increases and same-hemisphere decreases. ConclusionsOur discoveries provide insight into the dynamic changes in effective connectivity in individuals with late-life MDD and aMCI, also shedding light on the mechanisms potentially contributing to the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.