Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Resting-state functional connectivity is the synchronization of brain regions with each another. Alterations are suggestive of neurologic or psychological disorders. This article discusses methods and approaches used to describe resting-state brain connectivity and the results in neurotypical and diseased brains.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewApplications of Resting-State Functional Connectivity to Neurodegenerative Disease.
Neurodegenerative diseases target specific large-scale neuronal networks, leading to distinct behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMR imaging)-based functional connectivity method maps symptoms-associated functional network deterioration in vivo. ⋯ Understanding of disease mechanism can further guide early detection and predictions of disease progression and inform development of more effective treatment. With better clinical phenotyping and larger samples across multiple sites, we discuss several possible future directions to further develop rsfMR imaging-based functional connectivity methods into scientifically and clinically useful assays for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewApplications of Resting State Functional MR Imaging to Traumatic Brain Injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important public health issue. TBI includes a broad spectrum of injury severities and abnormalities. ⋯ Specifically, graph theory is being used to study the change in networks after TBI. Machine learning methods allow researchers to build models capable of predicting injury severity and recovery trajectories.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewMethods and Considerations for Dynamic Analysis of Functional MR Imaging Data.
Functional MR imaging (fMR imaging) studies have recently begun to examine spontaneous changes in interregional interactions (functional connectivity) over seconds to minutes, and their relation to natural shifts in cognitive and physiologic states. This practice opens the potential for uncovering structured, transient configurations of coordinated brain activity whose features may provide novel cognitive and clinical biomarkers. However, analysis of these time-varying phenomena requires careful differentiation between neural and nonneural contributions to the fMR imaging signal and thorough validation and statistical testing. In this article, the authors present an overview of methodological and interpretational considerations in this emerging field.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewApplications of Resting State Functional MR Imaging to Neuropsychiatric Diseases.
Resting state studies in neuropsychiatric disorders have already provided much useful information, but the field is regarded as being at a relatively preliminary stage and subject to several design issues that set limits on the overall utility.