Effect of scanner acoustic background noise on strict resting-state fMRI

Author(s)

C. Rondinoni ^[1] ; E. Amaro Jr ^[2] ; F. Cendes ^[3] ; A.C.dos Santos ^[1] ; C.E.G. Salmon ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Clin Med, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Radiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med, Dept Neurol, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Fis, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 46, n. 4, p. 359-367, 2013-04-12.

Abstract

Functional MRI (fMRI) resting-state experiments are aimed at identifying brain networks that support basal brain function. Although most investigators consider a ‘resting-state’ fMRI experiment with no specific external stimulation, subjects are unavoidably under heavy acoustic noise produced by the equipment. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of auditory input on the resting-state networks (RSNs). Twenty-two healthy subjects were scanned using two similar echo-planar imaging sequences in the same 3T MRI scanner: a default pulse sequence and a reduced “silent” pulse sequence. Experimental sessions consisted of two consecutive 7-min runs with noise conditions (default or silent) counterbalanced across subjects. A self-organizing group independent component analysis was applied to fMRI data in order to recognize the RSNs. The insula, left middle frontal gyrus and right precentral and left inferior parietal lobules showed significant differences in the voxel-wise comparison between RSNs depending on noise condition. In the presence of low-level noise, these areas Granger-cause oscillations in RSNs with cognitive implications (dorsal attention and entorhinal), while during high noise acquisition, these connectivities are reduced or inverted. Applying low noise MR acquisitions in research may allow the detection of subtle differences of the RSNs, with implications in experimental planning for resting-state studies, data analysis, and ergonomic factors. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/05934-6 - Normal and pathological connectivity in the brain under resting-state: magnetic resonance as a tool for the functional and structural study
• Grantee: Carlo Rondinoni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 05/56447-7 - Research through images from high field magnetic resonance aimed at studies in humans
• Grantee: João Pereira Leite
• Support Opportunities: Inter-institutional Cooperation in Support of Brain Research (CINAPCE) - Thematic Grants