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Network analysis of human fMRI data suggests modular restructuring after simulated acquired brain injury

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Abstract

The pathophysiology underlying neurocognitive dysfunction following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), or concussion, is poorly understood. In order to shed light on the effects of TBI at the functional network or modular level, our research groups are engaged in the acquisition and analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data from subjects post-TBI. Complementary to this effort, in this paper we use mathematical and computational techniques to determine how modular structure changes in response to specific mechanisms of injury. In particular, we examine in detail the potential effects of focal contusions, diffuse axonal degeneration and diffuse microlesions, illustrating the extent to which functional modules are preserved or degenerated by each type of injury. One striking prediction of our study is that the left and right hemispheres show a tendency to become functionally separated post-injury, but only in response to diffuse microlesions. We highlight other key differences among the effects of the three modelled injuries and discuss their clinical implications. These results may help delineate the functional mechanisms underlying several of the cognitive sequelae associated with TBI.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by a CONACYT grant (ERV), NSERC grant (Discovery Grant to LMW, and Discovery Grant to DGM) and the Canada Research Chairs program (LMW). The authors would like to thank Michael Radford for assisting in data preparation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, N6G 2V4, Canada

    E. Ruiz Vargas

  2. The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada

    D. G. V. Mitchell

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada

    D. G. V. Mitchell

  4. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 218 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    S. G. Greening

  5. Department of Applied Mathematics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada

    L. M. Wahl

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  1. E. Ruiz Vargas
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  2. D. G. V. Mitchell
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  3. S. G. Greening
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  4. L. M. Wahl
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Correspondence to E. Ruiz Vargas.

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Ruiz Vargas, E., Mitchell, D.G.V., Greening, S.G. et al. Network analysis of human fMRI data suggests modular restructuring after simulated acquired brain injury. Med Biol Eng Comput 54, 235–248 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-015-1396-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-015-1396-2

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