Abnormal Functional Resting-State Networks in ADHD: Graph Theory and Pattern Recognition Analysis of fMRI Data

Author(s)

Siqueira, Anderson dos Santos ; Biazoli Junior, Claudinei Eduardo ; Comfort, William Edgar ; Rohde, Luis Augusto ; Sato, Joao Ricardo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL; v. 2014, p. 10-pg., 2014-01-01.

Abstract

The framework of graph theory provides useful tools for investigating the neural substrates of neuropsychiatric disorders. Graph description measures may be useful as predictor variables in classification procedures. Here, we consider several centrality measures as predictor features in a classification algorithm to identify nodes of resting-state networks containing predictive information that can discriminate between typical developing children and patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The prediction was based on a support vector machines classifier. The analyses were performed in a multisite and publicly available resting-state fMRI dataset of healthy children and ADHD patients: the ADHD-200 database. Network centrality measures contained little predictive information for the discrimination between ADHD patients and healthy subjects. However, the classification between inattentive and combined ADHD subtypes was more promising, achieving accuracies higher than 65% (balance between sensitivity and specificity) in some sites. Finally, brain regions were ranked according to the amount of discriminant information and the most relevant were mapped. As hypothesized, we found that brain regions in motor, frontoparietal, and default mode networks contained the most predictive information. We concluded that the functional connectivity estimations are strongly dependent on the sample characteristics. Thus different acquisition protocols and clinical heterogeneity decrease the predictive values of the graph descriptors. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/13390-9 - Support to diagnosis of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder by using the analysis of connectivity patterns of the brain
• Grantee: Anderson dos Santos Siqueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 13/00506-1 - Time series, wavelets and functional data analysis
• Grantee: Pedro Alberto Morettin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/10498-6 - Machine learning in neuroimaging: development of methods and clinical applications in psychiatric disorders
• Grantee: João Ricardo Sato
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants