Tracking the Progression & Influence of Beta-Amyloid Plaques Using Percolation Centrality and Collective Influence Algorithm: A Study using PET images

Abstract

Introduction: Network analysis allows investigators to explore the many facets of brain networks, particularly the proliferation of disease, using graph theory to model the disease movement. One of the hypotheses behind the disruption in brain networks in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles. In this study, the potential use of percolation centrality to study the movement of beta-amyloids, as a feature of given PET image-based networks, is studied. The PET image-based network construction is possible using a public access database - Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, which provided 551 scans. For each image, the Julich atlas provides 121 regions of interest, which are the network nodes. Besides, the influential nodes for each scan are calculated using the collective influence algorithm.Results: Analysis of variance (p¡0.05) yields the region of interest GM Superior parietal lobule 7A L, for which percolation centrality is significant irrespective of the tracer type. Pairwise variance analysis between the clinical groups provides five and twelve Regions of Interest for AV45 and PiB. Multivariate linear regression between the percolation centrality values for nodes and psychometric assessment scores reveals Mini-Mental State Examination is a reliable metric. Finally, a ranking of the regions of interest is made based on the collective influence algorithm to indicate the anatomical areas strongly influencing the beta-amyloid network. Through this study, it is possible to use percolation centrality values to indicate the regions of interest that reflect the disease’s spread.

The Construction and Application of a Pet Waste Collecting Drone Using STM32 for a Better Environment

“…By combining pet tracking and waste management in a single system, the drone-based solution not only simplifies the tasks for pet owners but also promotes responsible and considerate pet ownership within communities [1][2].…”