Exploring occupational neuroplasticity using a novel DAG-based effective connectivity model with fMRI

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Occupational experiences shape neuroplasticity, impacting brain health and cognition.
• Understanding the neural mechanisms of occupational neuroplasticity is crucial but challenging.
• Current methods for estimating effective connectivity (EC) from fMRI data have limitations in temporal resolution, dimensionality, and interpretability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) estimation model, GroupDAGs, for enhanced brain effective connectivity (EC) analysis.
• To address limitations of existing EC estimation methods, including low temporal resolution, high dimensionality, and poor interpretability.
• To explore the neuro-causal mechanisms of occupational neuroplasticity using fMRI data from seafarers.

Main Methods:

• Development of the GroupDAGs model incorporating an M-matrix for acyclic constraints, modularity, and group similarity.
• Extensive validation of GroupDAGs performance through simulations with diverse noise types and graph structures.
• Application of GroupDAGs to pre- and post-voyage fMRI data from seafarers to investigate occupational neuroplasticity.

Main Results:

• GroupDAGs demonstrated enhanced accuracy and interpretability in estimating brain EC networks compared to existing methods.
• Seafarers exhibited increased brain network modularity and cerebellar specialization post-voyage.
• Improvements in task-related attentional control and motor coordination, alongside identified changes in emotional regulation and social cognition regions, were observed in seafarers.

Conclusions:

• The GroupDAGs model offers a significant advancement in calculating brain EC networks, improving accuracy and interpretability.
• Occupational neuroplasticity in seafarers is characterized by distinct changes in brain network organization, specialization, and cognitive abilities.
• This study provides novel insights into the neural underpinnings of occupation-related brain plasticity and its functional consequences.