Direct Functional Connection Research Articles

Brain connectivity analysis in preictal phases of seizure induced by pentylenetetrazol in rats

Abnormal patterns of brain connectivity characterize epilepsy. However, little is known about these patterns during the stages preceding a seizure induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). To investigate brain connectivity in male Wistar rats during the preictal phase of PTZ-induced seizures (60 mg/kg), we recorded local field potentials in the primary motor (M1) cortex, the ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus, the hippocampal CA1 area, and the dentate gyrus (DG) during the baseline period and after PTZ administration. While there were no changes in power density between the baseline and preictal periods, we observed an increase in directional functional connectivity in theta from the hippocampal formation to M1 and VA, as well as in middle gamma from DG to CA1 and from CA1 to M1, and also in slow gamma from M1 to CA1. These findings are supported by increased phase coherence between DG-M1 in theta and CA1-M1 in middle gamma, as well as enhanced phase-amplitude coupling of delta-middle gamma in M1 and delta-fast gamma in CA1. Interestingly, we also noted a slight decrease in phase synchrony between CA1 and VA in slow gamma. Together, these results demonstrate increased functional connectivity between brain regions during the PTZ-induced preictal period, with this increase being particularly driven by the hippocampal formation.

ERP and functional connectivity reveal hemispheric asymmetry in perceptual grouping

The human visual system can effortlessly group small components into entities to form an object, but the role of the hemispheres in this processing is still unknown. Understanding the hemispherical processing of perceptual grouping is crucial for unraveling the complexities of visual perception. We have attempted to examine the processing of perceptual grouping in both hemispheres of the human brain. The neural data was collected for 15 healthy subjects while they viewed displays featuring either ‘structure’ (line segments composed of dots) or ‘non-structure’ (random dots). ERPs were recorded and assessed in both frontal and occipital regions of the left and right hemispheres for structure and non-structure stimuli. Our results revealed higher activation for structure compared to non-structure in both brain hemispheres, with notably amplified activity observed in the right hemisphere. Moreover, a decrease in task-related alpha power and an increase in PLI functional connectivity were observed during the perceptual grouping of structures. A novel finding that the Granger causality exhibits a higher value for perceptual grouping when information flows from the right to the left hemisphere, in contrast to communication from left to right, is obtained. Thus, the right hemisphere demonstrated distinct dominance in activation amplitude, task-related alpha power, functional connectivity, and directional functional connectivity related to perceptual grouping. Furthermore, our findings suggest that perceptual grouping involves communication between the frontal and occipital brain regions. By elucidating the hemispherical mechanisms underlying perceptual grouping, this research not only advances our understanding of basic cognitive processes but also offers practical implications for fields such as neurorehabilitation and artificial intelligence.

Mechanical loading of bone-anchored implants during functional performance tests in service members with transfemoral limb loss.

For individuals with limb loss, bone-anchored implants create a direct structural and functional connection to a terminal prosthesis. Here, we characterized the mechanical loads distal to the abutment during several functional performance tests in Service members with transfemoral (TF) limb loss, to expand on prior work evaluating more steady-state ambulation on level ground or slopes/stairs. Two males with unilateral TF limb loss and two males with bilateral TF limb loss participated after two-stage osseointegration (24 and 12 months, respectively). Tri-directional forces and moments were wirelessly recorded through a sensor, fit distal to the abutment, during six functional tests: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Four Square Step Test (FSST), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Edgren Side-Step Test (SST), T-Test (TTEST), and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). Additionally, participants performed a straight-line gait evaluation on a 15 m level walkway at a self-selected speed (0.93-1.24 m/s). Peak values for each component of force and moment were extracted from all six functional tests; percent differences compared each peak with respect to the corresponding mean peak in straight-line walking. Peak mechanical loads were largest during non-steady state components of the functional tests (e.g., side-stepping during SST or TTEST, standing up from the ground during IAT). Relative to walking, peak forces during functional tests were larger by up to 143% (anterior-posterior), 181% (medial-lateral), and 110% (axial); peak moments were larger by up to 108% (flexion-extension), 50% (ab/adduction), and 211% (internal/external rotation). A more comprehensive understanding of the mechanical loads applied to bone-anchored implants during a variety of activities is critical to maximize implant survivability and long-term outcomes, particularly for Service members who are generally young at time of injury and return to active lifestyles.

Directed Functional Connectivity Changes of Triple Networks for Stable and Progressive Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment includes two distinct subtypes, namely progressive mild cognitive impairment and stable mild cognitive impairment. While alterations in extensive functional connectivity have been observed in both subtypes, limited attention has been given to directed functional connectivity. A triple network, composed of the central executive network, default mode network, and salience network, is considered to be the core cognitive network. We evaluated the alterations in directed functional connectivity within and between the triple network in progressive and stable mild cognitive impairment groups and investigated its role in predicting disease conversion. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyze directed functional connectivity within the triple networks. A correlation analysis was performed to investigate potential associations between altered directed functional connectivity within the triple networks and the neurocognitive performance of the participants. Our study revealed significant differences in directed functional connectivity within and between the triple network in the progressive and stable mild cognitive impairment groups. Altered directed functional connectivity within the triple network was involved in episodic memory and executive function. Thus, the directed functional connectivity of the triple network may be used as an imaging marker of mild cognitive impairment.

Decoding Autism: Uncovering patterns in brain connectivity through sparsity analysis with rs-fMRI data

Background:In the realm of neuro-disorders, precise diagnosis and treatment rely heavily on objective imaging-based biomarker identification. This study employs a sparsity approach on resting-state fMRI to discern relevant brain region connectivity for predicting Autism. New method:The proposed methodology involves four key steps: (1) Utilizing three probabilistic brain atlases to extract functionally homogeneous brain regions from fMRI data. (2) Employing a hybrid approach of Graphical Lasso and Akaike Information Criteria to optimize sparse inverse covariance matrices for representing the brain functional connectivity. (3) Employing statistical techniques to scrutinize functional brain structures in Autism and Control subjects. (4) Implementing both autoencoder-based feature extraction and entire feature-based approach coupled with AI-based learning classifiers to predict Autism. Results:The ensemble classifier with the extracted feature set achieves a classification accuracy of 84.7% ± 0.3% using the MSDL atlas. Meanwhile, the 1D-CNN model, employing all features, exhibits superior classification accuracy of 88.6% ± 1.7% with the Smith 2009 (rsn70) atlas. Comparison with existing method (s):The proposed methodology outperforms the conventional correlation-based functional connectivity approach with a notably high prediction accuracy of more than 88%, whereas considering all direct and noisy indirect region-based functional connectivity, the traditional methods bound the prediction accuracy within 70% to 79%. Conclusions:This study underscores the potential of sparsity-based FC analysis using rs-fMRI data as a prognostic biomarker for detecting Autism.

Aberrant brain functional hubs and causal effective connectivity in menstrually-related and non-menstrually-related migraine without aura.

Menstrual migraine without aura (MRM) is common in female migraineurs and is closely related to cerebral functional abnormalities. However, whether the whole brain networks and directional functional connectivity of MRM patients are altered remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to detect the alterations of resting-state functional networks and directional functional connectivity between MRM and non-menstrual migraine without aura (NMM) patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with degree centrality (DC) and Granger causality analysis (GCA) methods. In this retrospective and cross-sectional study, 45 MRM and 40 NMM patients (matched in age, gender, and years of education) were recruited in the study between May 2018 and June 2022. All participants had undergone resting-state fMRI scanning at the Neurology and Pain Outpatient Department of Nanjing First Hospital. Their brain functions were analyzed in terms of DC and GCA, with the significant threshold at voxel level P<0.01 and cluster level P<0.05, Gaussian random field corrected. Correlation analysis was adopted to assess the relationships between the fMRI results and clinical features (P<0.05, Bonferroni corrected). Compared with those in the NMM group, MRM patients showed decreased DC in the right insula (T=-4.253). Using the right insula as the seed region, patients with MRM demonstrated enhanced effective connectivity from the right insula to the ipsilateral middle temporal gyrus (T=4.138) and contralateral superior temporal gyrus (T=3.523). Furthermore, the MRM group also showed decreased effective connectivity from several brain regions to the right insula, which included the right inferior occipital gyrus (T=-4.498), left middle frontal gyrus (T=-4.879), right precuneus (T=-4.644), and left inferior parietal gyrus (T=-4.113). The average Self-rating Anxiety Scale score of the MRM group was significantly higher than that of the NMM group [P=0.032, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.363-7.761]. In the MRM group, disease duration was negatively correlated with the mean value of DC in right insula (r=-0.428, P=0.01). The present research demonstrated that patients with MRM have disruption in insula resting-state functional networks. Disrupted networks contained regions associated with cognitive processes, emotional perception, and migraine attack in MRM patients. These results may improve our comprehension of the neuromechanism of menstrually-related migraine.

Transcranial direct current stimulation and neuronal functional connectivity in MCI: role of individual factors associated to AD.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) encompasses a spectrum that may progress from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to full dementia, characterized by amyloid-beta and tau accumulation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is being investigated as a therapeutic option, but its efficacy in relation to individual genetic and biological risk factors remains underexplored. To evaluate the effects of a two-week anodal tDCS regimen on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, focusing on functional connectivity changes in neural networks in MCI patients resulting from various possible underlying disorders, considering individual factors associated to AD such as amyloid-beta deposition, APOE ϵ4 allele, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, and sex. In a single-arm prospective study, 63 patients with MCI, including both amyloid-PET positive and negative cases, received 10 sessions of tDCS. We assessed intra- and inter-network functional connectivity (FC) using fMRI and analyzed interactions between tDCS effects and individual factors associated to AD. tDCS significantly enhanced intra-network FC within the Salience Network (SN) and inter-network FC between the Central Executive Network and SN, predominantly in APOE ϵ4 carriers. We also observed significant sex*tDCS interactions that benefited inter-network FC among females. Furthermore, the effects of multiple modifiers, particularly the interaction of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and sex, were evident, as demonstrated by increased intra-network FC of the SN in female Met non-carriers. Lastly, the effects of tDCS on FC did not differ between the group of 26 MCI patients with cerebral amyloid-beta deposition detected by flutemetamol PET and the group of 37 MCI patients without cerebral amyloid-beta deposition. The study highlights the importance of precision medicine in tDCS applications for MCI, suggesting that individual genetic and biological profiles significantly influence therapeutic outcomes. Tailoring interventions based on these profiles may optimize treatment efficacy in early stages of AD.

Transcutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis Systems (TOPS) for Rehabilitation After Lower Limb Loss: Surgical Pearls.

Transcutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis Systems (TOPS) for Rehabilitation After Lower Limb Loss: Surgical Pearls.

Exploring Brain Functional Connectivity in Cognitively Healthy Individuals with Pathological CSF Amyloid/Tau

AbstractBackgroundDisrupted brain connectivity precedes cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), affects self‐regulation and executive functions, and can be revealed by quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Neuroimaging research on AD progression has demonstrated structural and functional abnormalities in specific brain regions and connections. However, little is known about the changes in directional functional connectivity in pre‐symptomatic AD. We aim to explore the information flow in pre‐symptomatic AD during cognitive flexibility challenge.MethodDuring a task‐switching challenge, 21‐head channel EEG was recorded from 55 cognitively healthy individuals classified into two groups (9 were excluded from artifacts or suboptimal performance): with an abnormal (CH‐PAT, n = 27) versus normal (CH‐NAT or controls, n = 19) ratio of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid/total‐tau. In the task‐switching paradigm, each trial included two stimuli, and participants were required to either name the ink color or read the word when color words were printed in different colors of ink. Only correctly responded trials were analyzed. Directed functional connectivity between brain regions was estimated with Partial Directed Coherence (PDC) in frontal, central, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions in alpha frequency band (8‐12 Hz) during word‐color trials. Two‐sided t‐tests were conducted, with p&lt;0.05 considered the level for significance. No multiple comparison correction was used for this exploratory study.ResultPilot analysis shows significant differences between CH‐PATs and CH‐NATs: CH‐PATs has shown decreased information flow from the temporal and occipital regions compared to CH‐NATs with p‐values of 0.001 and 0.04, respectively. In addition, frontal brain regions have shown enhanced information flow in the CH‐PATs compared to CH‐NATs (p = 0.02) (Figs 1&amp;2). Moreover, greater information flow between the medio‐frontal cortex and occipital regions was observed in CH‐PATS than CH‐NATS (Fig 1).ConclusionCompared to CH‐NATs, the enhanced connectivity in frontal regions in CH‐PATs suggests that their frontal brain regions are compensating for the damage caused by the amyloid/tau pathology. The decreased information flow from temporal and occipital regions in CH‐PATs may indicate a loss of relative functional importance of these regions. Our exploratory findings provide a novel and alternative approach for connectivity‐based analysis to identify the effects of amyloid/tau pathology in CH participants.

Optimizing Osseointegration in Dental Implantology: A Cross-Disciplinary Review of Current and Emerging Strategies.

The paper explores the correlation between osteointegration and dental implant stability, investigating the relationship and its implications for successful outcomes in implant dentistry. Osteointegration, defined as the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the implant surface, plays a crucial role in determining the stability and long-term success of dental implants. This review synthesizes current knowledge from scientific literature and clinical studies to elucidate the factors influencing osteointegration and their impact on implant stability. Surface characteristics of implants, such as topography and chemistry, as well as the surgical techniques employed during implant placement, are examined in detail, emphasizing their significant influence on osseointegration and subsequent implant stability. Additionally, host-related factors such as bone quality, systemic conditions, and patient-specific considerations are explored to further comprehend the complexity of the osteointegration process. The abstract underscores the importance of achieving an optimal bone-implant interface to ensure successful implant integration and stability. Furthermore, emerging technologies and materials, such as computer-guided implant placement and biomimetic surfaces, are discussed for their potential to enhance osteointegration and improve long-term implants.

Sentient cells as basic units of tissues, organs and organismal physiology.

Cells evolved some 4 billion years ago, and since then the integrity of the structural and functional continuity of cellular life has been maintained via highly conserved and ancient processes of cell reproduction and division. The plasma membrane as well as all the cytoplasmic structures are reproduced and inherited uninterruptedly by each of the two daughter cells resulting from every cell division. Although our understanding of the evolutionary emergence of the very first cells is obscured by the extremely long timeline since that revolutionary event, the generally accepted position is that the de novo formation of cells is not possible; all present cells are products of other prior cells. This essential biological principle was first discovered by Robert Remak and then effectively coined as Omnis Cellula e Cellula (every cell of the cell) by Rudolf Virchow: all currently living cells have direct structural and functional connections to the very first cells. Based on our previous theoretical analysis, all cells are endowed with individual sentient cognition that guides their individual agency, behaviour and evolution. There is a vital consequence of this new sentient and cognitive view of cells: when cells assemble as functional tissue ecologies and organs within multicellular organisms, including plants, animals and humans, these cellular aggregates display derivative versions of aggregate tissue- and organ-specific sentience and consciousness. This innovative view of the evolution and physiology of all currently living organisms supports a singular principle: all organismal physiology is based on cellular physiology that extends from unicellular roots.

Acquisition and processing methods of whole-brain layer-fMRI VASO and BOLD: The Kenshu dataset

Cortical depth-dependent functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI), also known as layer-fMRI, has the potential to capture directional neural information flow of brain computations within and across large-scale cortical brain networks. For example, layer-fMRI can differentiate feedforward and feedback cortical input in hierarchically organized brain networks. Recent advancements in 3D-echo-planar imaging (EPI) sampling approaches and MR-contrast generation strategies have allowed proof-of-principle studies showing that layer-fMRI can provide sufficient data quality for capturing laminar changes in functional connectivity. These studies have, however, not shown how reliable the signal is and how repeatable the respective results are. It is especially unclear whether whole-brain layer-fMRI functional connectivity protocols are widely applicable across common neuroscience-driven analysis approaches. Moreover, there are no established preprocessing fMRI methods that are optimized to work for whole-brain layer-fMRI datasets. In this work, we aimed to serve the field of layer-fMRI and build tools for future routine whole-brain layer-fMRI in application-based neuroscience research. We have developed publicly available sequences, acquisition protocols, and processing pipelines for whole-brain layer-fMRI. These protocols are validated across 60 hours of scanning in nine participants. Specifically, we identified and exploited methodological advancements for maximizing tSNR efficiency and test-retest reliability. We are sharing an extensive multi-modal whole-brain layer-fMRI dataset (20 scan hours of movie watching in a single participant) for benchmarking future method developments: The Kenshu dataset. With this dataset, we are also exemplifying the usefulness of whole-brain layer-fMRI in conjunction with commonly applied analysis approaches in modern cognitive neuroscience fMRI studies. This includes connectivity analyses, representational similarity matrix estimations, general linear model analyses, principal component analysis clustering, and so on. We believe that this work paves the road for future routine measurements of directional functional connectivity across the entire brain.

Disrupted Balance of Gray Matter Volume and Directed Functional Connectivity in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

Alterations in functional connectivity have been demonstrated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive function; however, directional information flow has never been analyzed. This study aimed to determine changes in resting-state directional functional connectivity measured using a novel approach, granger causality density (GCD), in patients with AD, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and explore novel neuroimaging biomarkers for cognitive decline detection. In this study, structural MRI, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological data of 48 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants were analyzed, comprising 16 patients with AD, 16 with MCI, and 16 normal controls. Volume-based morphometry (VBM) and GCD were used to calculate the voxel-based gray matter (GM) volumes and directed functional connectivity of the brain. We made full use of voxel-based between-group comparisons of VBM and GCD values to identify specific regions with significant alterations. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted between directed functional connectivity and several clinical variables. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis related to classification was performed in combination with VBM and GCD. In patients with cognitive decline, abnormal VBM and GCD (involving inflow and outflow of GCD) were noted in default mode network (DMN)-related areas and the cerebellum. GCD in the DMN midline core system, hippocampus, and cerebellum was closely correlated with the Mini- Mental State Examination and Functional Activities Questionnaire scores. In the ROC analysis combining VBM with GCD, the neuroimaging biomarker in the cerebellum was optimal for the early detection of MCI, whereas the precuneus was the best in predicting cognitive decline progression and AD diagnosis. Changes in GM volume and directed functional connectivity may reflect the mechanism of cognitive decline. This discovery could improve our understanding of the pathology of AD and MCI and provide available neuroimaging markers for the early detection, progression, and diagnosis of AD and MCI.

Age-related vulnerability of the human brain connectome

Multifactorial models integrating brain variables at multiple scales are warranted to investigate aging and its relationship with neurodegeneration. Our aim was to evaluate how aging affects functional connectivity of pivotal regions of the human brain connectome (i.e., hubs), which represent potential vulnerability ‘stations’ to aging, and whether such effects influence the functional and structural changes of the whole brain. We combined the information of the functional connectome vulnerability, studied through an innovative graph-analysis approach (stepwise functional connectivity), with brain cortical thinning in aging. Using data from 128 cognitively normal participants (aged 20–85 years), we firstly investigated the topological functional network organization in the optimal healthy condition (i.e., young adults) and observed that fronto-temporo-parietal hubs showed a highly direct functional connectivity with themselves and among each other, while occipital hubs showed a direct functional connectivity within occipital regions and sensorimotor areas. Subsequently, we modeled cortical thickness changes over lifespan, revealing that fronto-temporo-parietal hubs were among the brain regions that changed the most, whereas occipital hubs showed a quite spared cortical thickness across ages. Finally, we found that cortical regions highly functionally linked to the fronto-temporo-parietal hubs in healthy adults were characterized by the greatest cortical thinning along the lifespan, demonstrating that the topology and geometry of hub functional connectome govern the region-specific structural alterations of the brain regions.

The Investigations on Formability of Tantalum RO5200 Thin Foils: Bio-Material.

Tantalum RO5200 (TaRO5200) is an excellent and new emerging Bio-material with wide applications. The most important property of TaRO5200 is Osseointegration which helps in integration of direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface. The process of forming in at actual is a plastic deformation where in the material is transforming in permanently is some shape without occurrence of any type of defect of failure. Few different types of failure enlisted are local necking, wrinkling, earing etc. In recent days transforming from macro level to micro level is now trending part of life. The most difficult part in moving towards micro level forming which means forming sheets under 100 microns thickness, is control over process. Hence this gives significance and rise for the investigations over forming at micro level and prediction of mechanical and formability properties at micro level. This research work posited in this paper focusses on the plotting of Forming limit curve (FLC) which is one of the methods to investigate formability of ultra-thin foil of TaRO5200 with sheet thickness 80 microns (μm). The experiments performed for FLC plotting were based on the Nakkajima test following the ASTM 2218-14 standards. The FLCs are plotted experimentally and via numerical simulation as well which in comparison shows a good agreement. The variance obtained between experimental and numerical simulation is up to 15%. Which in another words can be stated as numerical simulation is 15% safer in design than the experimental work. The novelty of the work lies in testing of the bio material and defining FLC by performing experiments via newly designed tool for the specific sheet thickness of 80 μm following the ASTM standards. Microstructural study is also performed on the specimen prior and after forming test to analyse and understand the physics along with mechanism of the material in test. The material behaviour is also explained in the microstructural study section.

Altered directional functional connectivity underlies post-stroke cognitive recovery.

Cortical ischaemic strokes result in cognitive deficits depending on the area of the affected brain. However, we have demonstrated that difficulties with attention and processing speed can occur even with small subcortical infarcts. Symptoms appear independent of lesion location, suggesting they arise from generalized disruption of cognitive networks. Longitudinal studies evaluating directional measures of functional connectivity in this population are lacking. We evaluated six patients with minor stroke exhibiting cognitive impairment 6-8 weeks post-infarct and four age-similar controls. Resting-state magnetoencephalography data were collected. Clinical and imaging evaluations of both groups were repeated 6- and 12 months later. Network Localized Granger Causality was used to determine differences in directional connectivity between groups and across visits, which were correlated with clinical performance. Directional connectivity patterns remained stable across visits for controls. After the stroke, inter-hemispheric connectivity between the frontoparietal cortex and the non-frontoparietal cortex significantly increased between visits 1 and 2, corresponding to uniform improvement in reaction times and cognitive scores. Initially, the majority of functional links originated from non-frontal areas contralateral to the lesion, connecting to ipsilesional brain regions. By visit 2, inter-hemispheric connections, directed from the ipsilesional to the contralesional cortex significantly increased. At visit 3, patients demonstrating continued favourable cognitive recovery showed less reliance on these inter-hemispheric connections. These changes were not observed in those without continued improvement. Our findings provide supporting evidence that the neural basis of early post-stroke cognitive dysfunction occurs at the network level, and continued recovery correlates with the evolution of inter-hemispheric connectivity.

Age - related vulnerability of the human brain connectome (P11-6.008)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To evaluate how aging affects functional connectivity of pivotal regions of the human brain connectome (i.e., hubs), which represent potential vulnerability ‘stations’ to aging, and whether such effects influence the functional and structural changes of the whole brain. <h3>Background:</h3> Multifactorial models integrating brain variables at multiple scales are warranted to investigate aging and its relationship with neurodegeneration. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We enrolled 128 cognitively unimpaired participants that were divided into two groups according to age: 50 young adults (≤ 35 years old) and 78 older adults (&gt; 35 years old). At study entry, both groups underwent brain MRI scan. We combined the information of the functional connectome vulnerability, studied through an innovative graph-analysis approach (stepwise functional connectivity), with brain cortical thinning in aging. <h3>Results:</h3> First, investigating the topological functional network organization in the optimal healthy condition (i.e., young adults), we observed that fronto-temporo-parietal hubs showed direct functional connectivity with themselves and among each other, while occipital hubs showed direct functional connectivity within occipital regions and sensorimotor areas. Then, modelling cortical thickness changes over lifespan, we observed that fronto-temporo-parietal hubs were among the brain regions that changed the most, whereas occipital hubs showed a quite spared cortical thickness across ages. Finally, cortical regions highly functionally linked to the fronto-temporo-parietal hubs in healthy adults were characterized by the greatest cortical thinning along the lifespan. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Our findings reveal a significant role of hub connectome topology and geometry in shaping the accumulation of biological damage and distribution of atrophy with aging, supporting the hypothesis that hub functional connectivity rearrangements appear to govern the region-specific structural alterations of the brain regions. <b>Disclosure:</b> Federica Agosta has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Philips. Federica Agosta has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier INC. Ms. Cividini has nothing to disclose. Silvia Basaia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Spinelli has nothing to disclose. Dr. Castelnovo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leocadi has nothing to disclose. The institution of Elisa Canu has received research support from Italian Ministry of Health . Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bayer, Biogen Idec, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Takeda, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Bayer, Biogen Idec, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Takeda, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Springer Nature. The institution of Dr. Filippi has received research support from Biogen Idec, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Roche, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Italian Ministry of Health, Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla, and ARiSLA (Fondazione Italiana di Ricerca per la SLA).

Helicobacter pylori promotes colorectal carcinogenesis by deregulating intestinal immunity and inducing a mucus-degrading microbiota signature

ObjectiveHelicobacter pylori infection is the most prevalent bacterial infection worldwide. Besides being the most important risk factor for gastric cancer development, epidemiological data show that infected individuals harbour a nearly...

Comparison of Osseointegration in Novel Laser-Textured and SLA Implants.

Osseointegration is defined as the direct structural and functional connection between neo-formed bone and dental implants. Among the parameters suggested to predominantly influencing the establishment of a successful osseointegration is the quality of the implant surface, which may enhance the strength and speed of this biomechanical process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a novel laser-treated surface, compared to sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surfaces, to enhance and accelerate implant integration in delayed implant placement.Methods: Thirty patients with two missing posterior teeth were enrolled in this study. Each patient received, at a randomly allocated site, an implant with a conventional SLA surface, and at a second site, an implant with laser-textured surface. A total of 60 tissue-level implants were subsequently placed. Implant stability (ISQ) was measured using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). ISQ was assessed at baseline (T0), 8 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) following implant placement. Results: There was a statistical difference in implant stability between laser-textured and SLA group at 12 weeks postoperatively. Implant stabilization showed a successful osseointegration with both surface types. Both laser and SLA surface treatments had positive impacts on implant stabilization following delayed placement. Laser-treated surfaces presented higher values of osseointegration at 3 months postoperatively.

Brain effective connectivity analysis facilitates the treatment outcome expectation of sound therapy in patients with tinnitus.

Tinnitus is associated with abnormal functional connectivity of multiple regions of the brain. However, previous analytic methods have disregarded information on the direction of functional connectivity, leading to only a moderate efficacy of pretreatment planning. We hypothesized that the pattern of directional functional connectivity can provide key information on treatment outcomes. Sixty-four participants were enrolled in this study: eighteen patients with tinnitus were categorized into the effective group, twenty-two patients into the ineffective group, and twenty-four healthy participants into the healthy control group. We acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance images prior to sound therapy and constructed an effective connectivity network of the three groups using an artificial bee colony algorithm and transfer entropy. The key feature of patients with tinnitus was the significantly increased signal output of the sensory network, including the auditory, visual, and somatosensory networks, and parts of the motor network. This provided critical insights into the gain theory of tinnitus development. The altered pattern of functional information orchestration, represented by a higher degree of hypervigilance-driven attention and enhanced multisensory integration, may explain poor clinical outcomes. The activated gating function of the thalamus is one of the key factors for a good prognosis in tinnitus treatment. We developed a novel method for analyzing effective connectivity, facilitating an understanding of the tinnitus mechanism and treatment outcome expectation based on the direction of information flow.