Quasi-Periodic Patterns of Resting-State Brain Activity in Individuals with Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy

The brain’s overall organization of its networks is often studied through its functional connectivity, defined as the spatiotemporal dependency of neuronal activity in anatomically separated regions. Altered functional connectivity in cortical networks, such as the default mode and task positive networks, is often associated with neurological disorders and can be studied and measured through resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). This study compares dynamic changes in functional connectivity between individuals with idiopathic hypersomnia, narcolepsy, and typically functioning controls. This comparison is conducted through the investigation of the quasi-periodic pattern (QPP), a low-frequency spatiotemporal pattern in the brain linked to infra-slow activity. This study showed that this spatiotemporal pattern of focus, the QPP, differed in strength, frequency, and spatial distribution between the three subject groups. These findings represent preliminary differences that can be expanded upon through further analyses, including additional functional connectivity analyses, QPP regression, and statistical testing. It can be concluded that quasi-periodic patterns provide insight into the mechanisms behind spatiotemporal pattern differences seen in individuals with sleep disorders. Further analysis of these patterns could help expand current knowledge of connectivity differences in individuals with neurological disorders, as well as allow for development of effective diagnoses.Undergraduat

Quasi-periodic patterns of brain activity in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have disrupted functional connectivity in the default mode and task positive networks. Traditional fMRI analysis techniques that focus on ‘static’ changes in functional connectivity have been successful in identifying differences between healthy controls and individuals with ADHD. However, such analyses are unable to explain the mechanisms behind the functional connectivity differences observed. Here, we study dynamic changes in functional connectivity in individuals with ADHD through investigation of quasi-periodic patterns (QPPs). QPPs are reliably recurring low-frequency spatiotemporal patterns in the brain linked to infra-slow electrical activity. They have been shown to contribute to functional connectivity observed through static analysis techniques. We find that QPPs contribute to functional connectivity specifically in regions that are disrupted in individuals with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD also show differences in the spatiotemporal pattern observed within the QPPs. This difference results in a weaker contribution of QPPs to functional connectivity in the default mode and task positive networks. We conclude that quasi-periodic patterns provide insight into the mechanisms behind functional connectivity differences seen in individuals with ADHD. This allows for a better understanding of the etiology of the disorder and development of effective treatments. Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Resting-state fMRI, Functional connectivity, Default mode network, Task positive network, Quasi-periodic patterns, Dynamic functional connectivit

Brainhack: Developing a culture of open, inclusive, community-driven neuroscience

Brainhack is an innovative meeting format that promotes scientific collaboration and education in an open, inclusive environment. This NeuroView describes the myriad benefits for participants and the research community and how Brainhacks complement conventional formats to augment scientific progress

Brainhack: Developing a culture of open, inclusive, community-driven neuroscience

International audienceBrainhack is an innovative meeting format that promotes scientific collaboration and education in an open, inclusive environment. This NeuroView describes the myriad benefits for participants and the research community and how Brainhacks complement conventional formats to augment scientific progress

Brainhack: Developing a culture of open, inclusive, community-driven neuroscience

Brainhack is an innovative meeting format that promotes scientific collaboration and education in an open, inclusive environment. This NeuroView describes the myriad benefits for participants and the research community and how Brainhacks complement conventional formats to augment scientific progress

Brainhack: Developing a culture of open, inclusive, community-driven neuroscience

Brainhack is an innovative meeting format that promotes scientific collaboration and education in an open, inclusive environment. This NeuroView describes the myriad benefits for participants and the research community and how Brainhacks complement conventional formats to augment scientific progress

Brainhack: Developing a culture of open, inclusive, community-driven neuroscience

Brainhack is an innovative meeting format that promotes scientific collaboration and education in an open, inclusive environment. This NeuroView describes the myriad benefits for participants and the research community and how Brainhacks complement conventional formats to augment scientific progress