Altered Topological Properties of Functional Network Connectivity in Schizophrenia during Resting State: A Small-World Brain Network Study
2011

Altered Brain Network Properties in Schizophrenia

Sample size: 38 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yu Qingbao, Sui Jing, Rachakonda Srinivas, He Hao, Gruner William, Pearlson Godfrey, Kiehl Kent A., Calhoun Vince D.

Primary Institution: The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America

Hypothesis

Schizophrenia would show abnormal topological properties in small-world brain networks during resting state.

Conclusion

The study found significantly altered topological properties of functional network connectivity in schizophrenia compared to healthy controls.

Supporting Evidence

  • Altered topological properties of functional network connectivity were found in schizophrenia.
  • Clustering coefficients were higher in schizophrenia at most cost points.
  • Characteristic path length and global efficiency were significantly different at lower cost values.

Takeaway

People with schizophrenia have different brain connections compared to healthy people, which might affect how their brains work together.

Methodology

The study used resting state fMRI data from 19 healthy controls and 19 schizophrenia patients, analyzing functional network connectivity through independent component analysis and graph theory.

Potential Biases

Potential confounding factors include medication use in patients and the choice of ICA dimensionality.

Limitations

The study did not use stringent type I error control for statistical significance and the effects of medication on graph parameters were unclear.

Participant Demographics

19 healthy controls (7 females, mean age 33.9) and 19 schizophrenia patients (4 females, mean age 36.5).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025423

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