Resting-state Functional Connectivity Analysis Research Articles

Functional localization of the human auditory and visual thalamus using a thalamic localizer functional magnetic resonance imaging task

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the auditory and visual sensory systems of the human brain is an active area of investigation in the study of human health and disease. The medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) are key thalamic nuclei involved in the processing and relay of auditory and visual information, respectively, and are the subject of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI studies of neural activation and functional connectivity in human participants. However, localization of BOLD fMRI signal originating from neural activity in MGN and LGN remains a technical challenge, due, in part, to the poor definition of boundaries of these thalamic nuclei in standard T1-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences. Here, we report the development and evaluation of an auditory and visual sensory thalamic localizer (TL) fMRI task that produces participant-specific functionally-defined regions of interest (fROIs) of both MGN and LGN, using 3 Tesla multiband fMRI and a clustered-sparse temporal acquisition sequence, in less than 16 minutes of scan time. We demonstrate the use of MGN and LGN fROIs obtained from the TL fMRI task in standard resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) fMRI analyses in the same participants. In RSFC analyses, we validated the specificity of MGN and LGN fROIs for signals obtained from primary auditory and visual cortex, respectively, and benchmarked their performance against alternative atlas- and segmentation-based localization methods. The TL fMRI task and analysis code (written in Presentation and MATLAB, respectively) have been made freely available to the wider research community.

Resting-state functional connectivity is correlated with peripheral inflammatory markers in patients with major depressive disorder and healthy controls

BackgroundRecent studies have highlighted the significant role of inflammation in the development and progression of major depressive disorder (MDD). Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines have consistently been observed in MDD, and these markers are shown to be linked to disruptions in brain networks. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between inflammatory markers and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in patients with MDD. MethodsThis study included 76 patients with MDD and 92 healthy controls (HCs). Seed-to-voxel RSFC analysis was performed using brain regions that have been identified in previous studies on the neural networks implicated in MDD. These regions served as key hubs in the default mode, salience, cognitive control, and frontostriatal networks and were used as seed regions. ResultsCompared with HCs, patients with MDD exhibited elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. The MDD group showed significant alterations of the RSFC between the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex, visual cortex, postcentral gyrus, and striatal regions compared to the HC group. Additionally, within the MDD group, a positive correlation was observed between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and the RSFC of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and visual cortex. Conversely, in the HC group, TNF-α levels were negatively correlated with the RSFC between the right dlPFC and bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, while positive correlations were noted between the RSFC of the right dlPFC with occipital regions and the levels of both IL-8 and TNF-α. ConclusionsThe present study confirmed that cytokine levels are linked to alterations in the RSFC, particularly in the prefrontal regions. Our findings suggest that systemic inflammation may contribute to functional disruptions in the brain networks involved in emotion regulation and cognitive control in MDD.

Enhancing prediction of human traits and behaviors through ensemble learning of traditional and novel resting-state fMRI connectivity analyses

Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience have focused on using resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) data from fMRI scans to more accurately predict human traits and behaviors. Traditional approaches generally analyze RSFC by correlating averaged time-series data across regions of interest (ROIs) or networks, which may overlook important spatial signal patterns. To address this limitation, we introduced a novel linear regression technique that estimates RSFC by predicting spatial brain activity patterns in a target ROI from those in a seed ROI. We applied both traditional and our novel RSFC estimation methods to a large-scale dataset from the Human Connectome Project and the Brain Genomics Superstruct Project, analyzing resting-state fMRI data to predict sex, age, personality traits, and psychological task performance. To enhance prediction accuracy, we developed an ensemble learner that combines these qualitatively different methods using a weighted average approach. Our findings revealed that hierarchical clustering of RSFC patterns using our novel method displays distinct whole-brain grouping patterns compared to the traditional approach. Importantly, the ensemble model, integrating these diverse weak learners, outperformed the traditional RSFC method in predicting human traits and behaviors. Notably, the predictions from the traditional and novel methods showed relatively low similarity, indicating that our novel approach captures unique and previously undetected information about human traits and behaviors through fine-grained local spatial patterns of neural activation. These results highlight the potential of combining traditional and innovative RSFC analysis techniques to enrich our understanding of the neural basis of human traits and behaviors.

Enhanced ADHD classification through deep learning and dynamic resting state fMRI analysis.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by deficits in attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Resting-state functional connectivity analysis has emerged as a promising approach for ADHD classification using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), although with limited accuracy. Recent studies have highlighted dynamic changes in functional connectivity patterns among ADHD children. In this study, we introduce Skip-Vote-Net, a novel deep learning-based network designed for classifying ADHD from typically developing children (TDC) by leveraging dynamic connectivity analysis on rs-fMRI data collected from 222 participants included in the NYU dataset within the ADHD-200 database. Initially, for each subject, functional connectivity matrices were constructed from overlapping segments using Pearson's correlation between mean time series of 116 regions of interest defined by the Automated Anatomical Labeling (AAL) 116 atlas. Skip-Vote-Net was then developed, employing a majority voting mechanism to classify ADHD/TDC children, as well as distinguishing between the two main subtypes: the inattentive subtype (ADHDI) and the predominantly combined subtype (ADHDC). The proposed method was evaluated across four classification scenarios: (1) two-class classification of ADHD from TD children using balanced data, (2) two-class classification between ADHD and TD children using unbalanced data, (3) two-class classification between ADHDI and ADHDC, and (4) three-class classification among ADHDI, ADHDC, and TD children. Using Skip-Vote-Net, we achieved mean classification accuracies of 97% ± 1.87 and 97.7% ± 2.2 for the balanced and unbalanced classification cases, respectively. Furthermore, the mean classification accuracy for discriminating between ADHDI and ADHDC reached 99.4% ± 1.21. Finally, the proposed method demonstrated an average accuracy of 98.86% ± 1.03 in classifying ADHDI, ADHDC, and TD children collectively. Our findings highlight the superior performance of Skip-Vote-Net over existing methods in the classification of ADHD, showcasing its potential as an effective diagnostic tool for identifying ADHD subtypes and distinguishing ADHD from typically developing children.

Structural and functional correlates of olfactory reward processing in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia

The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) includes symptoms that reflect altered pursuit of rewards, including food, alcohol, and money. Little is known, however, about how these reward changes relate to atrophy and functional connectivity within reward-related regions. The goal of this study was to examine the structural and functional correlates of valence perception for olfactory rewards in 24 patients with bvFTD. Regression analysis of resting-state brain functional connectivity indicated that more positive valence ratings of olfactory stimuli were predicted by ventral pallidum connectivity to other reward circuit regions, particularly functional connectivity between ventral pallidum and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex/ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Structural analysis showed that atrophy of the anterior cingulate cortex was also significantly associated with perceiving stimuli as more rewarding. Finally, there was a significant interaction between ventral pallidum connectivity and atrophy of the anterior cingulate cortex. More specifically, the ventral pallidum connectivity had a greater effect on the positive perception of olfactory stimuli in the setting of low anterior cingulate cortex volume. These findings indicate that atrophy and functional connectivity within reward-relevant regions exert independent and interacting effects on the perception of pleasantness in bvFTD, potentially due to changes in hedonic “liking” signals.

Comparing different motion correction approaches for resting-state functional connectivity analysis with functional near-infrared spectroscopy data.

Motion artifacts are a notorious challenge in the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) field. However, little is known about how to deal with them in resting-state data. We assessed the impact of motion artifact correction approaches on assessing functional connectivity, using semi-simulated datasets with different percentages and types of motion artifact contamination. Thirty-five healthy adults underwent a 15-min resting-state acquisition. Semi-simulated datasets were generated by adding spike-like and/or baseline-shift motion artifacts to the real dataset. Fifteen pipelines, employing various correction approaches, were applied to each dataset, and the group correlation matrix was computed. Three metrics were used to test the performance of each approach. When motion artifact contamination was low, various correction approaches were effective. However, with increased contamination, only a few pipelines were reliable. For datasets mostly free of baseline-shift artifacts, discarding contaminated frames after pre-processing was optimal. Conversely, when both spike and baseline-shift artifacts were present, discarding contaminated frames before pre-processing yielded the best results. This study emphasizes the need for customized motion correction approaches as the effectiveness varies with the specific type and amount of motion artifacts present.

Relationship between punishment sensitivity and risk-taking propensity

Previous research has shown that, in both laboratory and real-world contexts, punishment sensitivity is associated with lower risk-taking propensity. The neural underpinnings of the association between punishment sensitivity and risk-taking, however, remain largely unknown. To address this issue, we implemented resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) methodologies to investigate the neural basis of their relationship in the current study (N=594). The behavioral results confirmed a negative association between punishment sensitivity and risk-taking propensity, which supports the hypothesis. The VBM results demonstrated a positive correlation between punishment sensitivity and gray matter volume in the right orbitofrontal cortex (ROFC). Furthermore, the results of the RSFC analysis revealed that the functional connectivity between ROFC and the right medial temporal gyrus (RMTG) was positively associated with punishment sensitivity. Notably, mediation analysis demonstrated that punishment sensitivity acted as a complete mediator in the influence of ROFC-RMTG functional connectivity on risk-taking. These findings suggest that ROFC-RMTG functional connectivity may be the neural basis underlying the effect of punishment sensitivity on risk-taking propensity, which provides a new perspective for understanding the relationship between punishment sensitivity and risk-taking propensity.

Functional connectivity of the amygdala in relation to high stress and low mindfulness

BackgroundHigh psychological stress has been associated with several brain functional changes, including functional connectivity (FC) alterations in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. This study explored FC alterations associated with high perceived stress, and also investigated whether these neuroimaging features were correlated with low levels of mindfulness. MethodsThis study included 29 adults (12 males and 17 females; mean age: 27.6 ± 3.2) who complained of moderate or higher perceived stress and 31 adults (17 males and 14 females; mean age: 29.2 ± 7.2) who complained of low-level stress on the questionnaire scale. Seed-based resting-state FC analysis was conducted to compare between high and low stress groups. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) and the amygdala were selected as seeds. ResultsHigh stress group showed weaker left amygdala-based FC in the left cerebellum crus II and the left orbitofrontal cortex compared with low stress group. High stress group had weaker FC between the left DLPFC and the left inferior parietal lobule. On the contrary, high stress group had stronger FC between the left VMPFC and the left caudate compared with low stress group. Weaker FC between the amygdala and the cerebellum crus II was correlated with lower level of awareness facet of mindfulness. ConclusionsThose with high perceived stress showed low levels of mindfulness and several FC alterations centered on the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Our findings also suggest that weak amygdala-based FC alterations associated with high psychological stress are related to low-level awareness facet of mindfulness.

Compensation patterns and altered functional connectivity in alcohol use disorder with and without Korsakoff's syndrome.

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disease characterized by an inappropriate pattern of drinking, resulting in negative consequences for the individual's physical, mental and social health. Korsakoff's syndrome is a complication of alcohol use disorder and is characterized by severe memory and executive deficits. The fronto-cerebellar and Papez circuits are structurally affected in patients with alcohol use disorder with and without Korsakoff's syndrome. The first objective of the present study was to measure the effect of chronic and excessive alcohol consumption on resting-state functional connectivity of these two functional brain networks. The second objective was to identify, for the first time, resting-state functional connectivity abnormalities specific to amnesic patients with Korsakoff's syndrome. In the present study, a neuropsychological assessment and a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging examination were conducted in 31 healthy controls (43.6 ± 6.1 years) and 46 patients (46.6 ± 9.1 years) with alcohol use disorder including 14 patients with Korsakoff's syndrome (55.5 ± 5.3 years) to examine the effect of chronic and heavy alcohol consumption on functional connectivity of the fronto-cerebellar and the Papez circuits at rest and the specificity of functional connectivity changes in Korsakoff's syndrome compared to alcohol use disorder without Korsakoff's syndrome. The resting-state functional connectivity analyses focused on the nodes of the fronto-cerebellar and Papez circuits and combined region of interest and graph theory approaches, and whether these alterations are associated with the neuropsychological profile. In patients pooled together compared to controls, lower global efficiency was observed in the fronto-cerebellar circuit. In addition, certain regions of the fronto-cerebellar and Papez circuits were functionally hyperconnected at rest, which positively correlated with executive functions. Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome showed lower resting-state functional connectivity, lower local and global efficiency within the Papez circuit compared to those without Korsakoff's syndrome. Resting-state functional connectivity positively correlated with several cognitive scores in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome. The fronto-cerebellar and Papez circuits, two normally well-segregated networks, are functionally altered by alcohol use disorder. The Papez circuit attempts to compensate for deficits in the fronto-cerebellar circuit, albeit insufficiently as evidenced by patients' overall lower cognitive performance. Korsakoff's syndrome is characterized by altered functional connectivity in the Papez circuit known to be centrally involved in memory.

Compressed cerebro-cerebellar functional gradients in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Both cortical and cerebellar developmental differences have been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Recently accumulating neuroimaging studies have highlighted hierarchies as a fundamental principle of brain organization, suggesting the importance of assessing hierarchy abnormalities in ADHD. A novel gradient-based resting-state functional connectivity analysis was applied to investigate the cerebro-cerebellar disturbed hierarchy in children and adolescents with ADHD. We found that the interaction of functional gradient between diagnosis and age was concentrated in default mode network (DMN) and visual network (VN). At the same time, we also found that the opposite gradient changes of DMN and VN caused the compression of the cortical main gradient in ADHD patients, implicating the co-occurrence of both low- (visual processing) and high-order (self-related thought) cognitive dysfunction manifesting in abnormal cerebro-cerebellar organizational hierarchy in ADHD. Our study provides a neurobiological framework to better understand the co-occurrence and interaction of both low-level and high-level functional abnormalities in the cortex and cerebellum in ADHD.

The functional connectivity between right insula and anterior cingulate cortex underlying the association between future self-continuity and delay discounting.

Delay discounting refers to the tendency of individuals to devalue future rewards as the delay in their receipt increases over time. Previous studies have indicated that future self-continuity correlates with delay discounting rates. However, the neural basis underlying the relationship between future self-continuity and delay discounting is not clear. To address this question, we used voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional connectivity analyses to investigate the neural basis underlying the association between future self-continuity and delay discounting. Behavioral result showed that future self-continuity was positively associated with delay discounting. Voxel-based morphometry analysis result indicated that gray matter volume in the right dorsal anterior insula was positively correlated with future self-continuity. Resting-state functional connectivity analysis found that functional connectivity between the right dorsal anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex was positively associated with future self-continuity. Mediation analysis showed that the right dorsal anterior insula-right anterior cingulate cortex functional connectivity partially mediated the relationship between future self-continuity and delay discounting. These results suggested that right dorsal anterior insula-right anterior cingulate cortex functional connectivity could be the neural basis underlying the association between future self-continuity and delay discounting. In summary, the study provided novel insights into how future self-continuity affected delay discounting and offers new explanations from a neural perspective.

Changes in functional connectivity and structural covariance between the fronto-parietal network and medial orbitofrontal cortex are associated with disinhibition in restrained eaters.

Disinhibition, characterized by a loss of dietary control, is a significant risk factor for diet failure and the onset of eating disorders in restrained eaters. This study employs resting-state functional connectivity and structural covariance network analyses to explore the neural associations underlying this behavior. By analyzing functional MRI data from 63 female college students, we found that increased disinhibition correlates with enhanced functional connectivity between the medial orbitofrontal cortex and key components of the inhibition system, particularly within the fronto-parietal network. Moreover, we observed a relationship between the structural covariance of the medial orbitofrontal cortex and the inferior parietal lobule and the severity of disinhibition. Importantly, the functional connectivity between the medial orbitofrontal cortex and the inferior parietal lobule predicts the severity of binge eating symptoms in these individuals. These findings indicate that imbalances in the interaction between the brain's reward and inhibition systems can lead to dietary failures and eating disorders, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

Atlas for the Lateralized Visuospatial Attention Networks (ALANs): Insights from fMRI and network analyses

Abstract Hemispheric specialization is central to human evolution and fundamental to human cognitive abilities. While being a defining feature of functional brain architecture, hemispheric specialization is overlooked to derive brain parcellations. Alongside language, which is typically lateralized in the left hemisphere, visuospatial attention is set to be its counterpart in the opposite hemisphere. However, it remains uncertain to what extent the anatomical and functional underpinnings of lateralized visuospatial attention mirror those supporting language. Building on our previous work, which established a lateralized brain atlas for language, we propose a comprehensive cerebral lateralized atlas delineating the anatomo-functional bases of visuospatial attention, Atlas for Lateralized visuospatial Attentional Networks (ALANs). Combining task and resting-state functional connectivity analyses, we identified 95 lateralized brain areas comprising three networks supporting visual (visu), motor (somato-motor), and spatial processing (posterior-medial) processes at work during a line judgment bisection task, and two large-scale networks related to integrated visuospatial attention processes, the parieto-frontal and temporo-frontal networks. We identify hubs playing a pivotal role in the intra-hemispheric interaction within visuospatial attentional networks. The rightward lateralized parieto-frontal encompasses one hub, the inferior frontal sulcus, while the temporo-frontal network encompasses two right hubs: the inferior frontal cortex (pars triangularis and the anterior insula) and the posterior part of the superior temporal sulcus. Compared with our language lateralized atlas, we demonstrated that specific regions within these networks encompass the homotope of the language network from the left hemisphere. This atlas of visuospatial attention provides valuable insights for future investigations into the variability of visuospatial attention and hemispheric specialization research. Additionally, it facilitates more effective comparisons among different studies, thereby enhancing the robustness and reliability of research in the field of attention.

Differences in Static and Dynamic Resting-State Functional Connectivity between Migraineurs with and without Photophobia, without Phonophobia or Osmophobia.

We have previously shown that static and dynamic resting-state functional connectivity differ between migraineurs with and without photophobia, phonophobia, or osmophobia. Furthermore, some patients with photophobia also experience phonophobia or osmophobia. To investigate the functional connectivity specific to migraineurs with photophobia, we examined the differences in static and dynamic resting-state functional connectivity between patients with and without photophobia, with no phonophobia or osmophobia. Fifteen migraineurs with photophobia but without phonophobia or osmophobia, as well as 15 sex- and age-matched migraineurs without photophobia, phonophobia, or osmophobia, underwent 3-T functional magnetic resonance imaging during the interictal phase. Static and dynamic resting-state functional connectivity were compared using region-of-interest analyses of 91 cortical, 15 subcortical, and 26 cerebellar areas. Static resting-state functional connectivity analysis revealed ten significant connectivity pairs in patients with photophobia, while dynamic resting-state functional connectivity analysis revealed six significant connectivity pairs in patients with photophobia. Migraineurs with photophobia had significantly lower connectivity between the cerebellar hemisphere and the temporal region than those without photophobia in both static and dynamic studies. Our results show that lower resting-state functional connectivity between the cerebellar hemisphere and the temporal region is specific to migraineurs with photophobia.

Comparative analysis of resting-state EEG functional connectivity in depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are psychiatric disorders that often co-occur. We aimed to investigate whether their high comorbidity could be traced not only by clinical manifestations, but also at the level of functional brain activity. In this paper, we examined the differences in functional connectivity (FC) at the whole-brain level and within the default mode network (DMN). Resting-state EEG was obtained from 43 controls, 26 OCD patients, and 34 MDD patients. FC was analyzed between 68 cortical sources, and between-group differences in the 4–30 Hz range were assessed via the Network Based Statistic method. The strength of DMN intra-connectivity was compared between groups in the theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. A cluster of 67 connections distinguished the OCD, MDD and control groups. The majority of the connections, 8 of which correlated with depressive symptom severity, were found to be weaker in the clinical groups. Only 3 connections differed between the clinical groups, and one of them correlated with OCD severity. The DMN strength was reduced in the clinical groups in the alpha and beta bands. It can be concluded that the high comorbidity of OCD and MDD can be traced at the level of FC.

The vmPFC-IPL functional connectivity as the neural basis of future self-continuity impacted procrastination: the mediating role of anticipated positive outcomes

Procrastination is universally acknowledged as a problematic behavior with wide-ranging consequences impacting various facets of individuals’ lives, including academic achievement, social accomplishments, and mental health. Although previous research has indicated that future self-continuity is robustly negatively correlated with procrastination, it remains unknown about the neural mechanisms underlying the impact of future self-continuity on procrastination. To address this issue, we employed a free construction approach to collect individuals’ episodic future thinking (EFT) thoughts regarding specific procrastination tasks. Next, we conducted voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis to explore the neural substrates underlying future self-continuity. Behavior results revealed that future self-continuity was significantly negatively correlated with procrastination, and positively correlated with anticipated positive outcome. The VBM analysis showed a positive association between future self-continuity and gray matter volumes in the right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Furthermore, the RSFC results indicated that the functional connectivity between the right vmPFC and the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) was positively correlated with future self-continuity. More importantly, the mediation analysis demonstrated that anticipated positive outcome can completely mediate the relationship between the vmPFC-IPL functional connectivity and procrastination. These findings suggested that vmPFC-IPL functional connectivity might prompt anticipated positive outcome about the task and thereby reduce procrastination, which provides a new perspective to understand the relationship between future self-continuity and procrastination.

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

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

Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Primary Visual Cortex in Children with Anisometropia Amblyopia

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the functional connectivity of the primary visual cortex (V1) in children with anisometropic amblyopia by using the resting-state functional connectivity analysis method and determine whether anisometropic amblyopia is associated with changes in brain function. Methods: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were obtained from 16 children with anisometropia amblyopia (CAA group) and 12 healthy children (HC group) during the resting state. The Brodmann area 17 (BA17) was used as the region of interest, and the functional connection (FC) of V1 was analyzed in both groups. A two-sample t test was used to analyze the FC value between the two groups. Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the mean FC value in the brain function change area of the CAA group and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of amblyopia. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were no significant differences in age and sex between the CAA and HC groups (p > 0.05). Compared to the HC group, the CAA group showed lower FC values in BA17 and the left medial frontal gyrus, as well as BA17 and the left triangle inferior frontal gyrus. Conversely, the CAA group showed higher FC values in BA17 and the left central posterior gyrus. Notably, BCVA in amblyopia did not correlate with the area of change in mean FC in the brain function of the CAA group. Conclusion: Resting-state fMRI-based functional connectivity analysis indicates a significant alteration in V1 of children with anisometropic amblyopia. These findings contribute additional insights into the neuropathological mechanisms underlying visual impairment in anisometropic amblyopia.

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

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

Assigning a social status from face adornments: an fMRI study.

For at least 150,000 years, the human body has been culturally modified by the wearing of personal ornaments and probably by painting with red pigment. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the brain networks involved in attributing social status from face decorations. Results showed the fusiform gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex, and salience network were involved in social encoding, categorization, and evaluation. The hippocampus and parahippocampus were activated due to the memory and associative skills required for the task, while the inferior frontal gyrus likely interpreted face ornaments as symbols. Resting-state functional connectivity analysis clarified the interaction between these regions. The study highlights the importance of these neural interactions in the symbolic interpretation of social markers on the human face, which were likely active in early Homo species and intensified with Homo sapiens populations as more complex technologies were developed to culturalize the human face.