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Seitz RJ, Paloutzian RF, Angel H. Manifestations, social impact, and decay of conceptual beliefs: A cultural perspective. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3470. [PMID: 38558538 PMCID: PMC10983810 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Believing comprises multifaceted processes that integrate information from the outside world through meaning-making processes with personal relevance. METHODS Qualitative Review of the current literature in social cognitive neuroscience. RESULTS Although believing develops rapidly outside an individual's conscious awareness, it results in the formation of beliefs that are stored in memory and play an important role in determining an individual's behavior. Primal beliefs reflect an individual's experience of objects and events, whereas conceptual beliefs are based on narratives that are held in social groups. Conceptual beliefs can be about autobiographical, political, religious, and other aspects of life and may be encouraged by participation in group rituals. We hypothesize that assertions of future gains and rewards that transcend but are inherent in these codices provide incentives to follow the norms and rules of social groups. CONCLUSION The power of conceptual beliefs to provide cultural orientation is likely to fade when circumstances and evidence make it clear that what was asserted no longer applies.
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Klemke LL, Müller-Schmitz K, Kolman A, Seitz RJ. Evolution of neurodegeneration in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus: a monocentric follow up study. Neurol Res Pract 2023; 5:52. [PMID: 37674250 PMCID: PMC10483764 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-023-00272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine in patients with idiopathic and neurodegenerative normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) if motor and cognitive performance as well as changes in biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evolve differently. METHODS 41 patients with a typical clinical and MR-/CT-morphological presentation of NPH divided into an Alzheimer-negative (AD-, n = 25) and an Alzheimer-positive (AD+, n = 16) group according to neurodegenerative biomarkers (S100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, β-amyloid 1-42, Tau protein, phospho-Tau, protein-level and CSF pressure) in CSF. Follow-up of cognitive and gait functions before and after a spinal tap of 40-50 ml CSF of up to 49 months. Clinical, motor, neuropsychological and CSF biomarkers were analyzed using a repeated multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc testing. RESULTS Gait and neuropsychological performance and CSF biomarkers evolved differently between the AD- and AD+ patients. In particular, the AD+ patients benefited from the spinal tap regarding short-term memory. In contrast, gait parameters worsened over time in the AD+ patients, although they showed a relevant improvement after the first tap. CONCLUSIONS The results substantiate the recently reported association between a tap-responsive NPH and CSF changes of Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, they suggest that the AD changes in CSF manifest in an age-related fashion in AD- patients presenting with NPH.
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Seitz RJ, Paloutzian RF. Beliefs Made It into Science: Believe It or Not. FUNCTION 2023; 4:zqad049. [PMID: 37753179 PMCID: PMC10519273 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
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Seitz RJ, Angel HF, Paloutzian RF, Taves A. Editorial: Credition-An interdisciplinary approach to the nature of beliefs and believing. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1217648. [PMID: 37288008 PMCID: PMC10242170 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1217648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
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Seitz RJ, Angel HF, Paloutzian RF. Bridging the gap between believing and memory functions. EUROPES JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 19:113-124. [PMID: 37063695 PMCID: PMC10103061 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.7461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Believing has recently been recognized as a fundamental brain function linking a person’s experience with his or her attitude, actions and predictions. In general, believing results from the integration of ambient information with emotions and can be reinforced or modulated in a probabilistic fashion by new experiences. Although these processes occur in the subliminal realm, humans can become aware of what they believe and express it verbally. We explain how believing is interwoven with memory functions in a multifaceted fashion. Linking the typically rapid and adequate reactions of a subject to what he/she believes is enabled by working memory. Perceptions are stored in episodic memory as beneficial or aversive events, while the corresponding verbal descriptions of what somebody believes are stored in semantic memory. After recall from memory of what someone believes, personally relevant information can be communicated to other people. Thus, memory is essential for maintaining what people believe.
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Sonnberger M, Widmann C, Potthoff D, Seitz RJ, Kleiser R. Emotion recognition in evolving facial expressions: A matter of believing. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:951974. [PMID: 36710955 PMCID: PMC9875561 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.951974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Plante TG, Schwartz GE, Exline JJ, Park CL, Paloutzian RF, Seitz RJ, Angel HF. Human interaction with the divine, the sacred, and the deceased: topics that warrant increased attention by psychologists. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04226-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Humans have likely been attempting to communicate with entities believed to exist, such as the divine, sacred beings, and deceased people, since the dawn of time. Across cultures and countries, many believe that interaction with the immaterial world is not only possible but a frequent experience. Most religious traditions across the globe focus many rituals and activities around prayer to an entity deemed divine or sacred. Additionally, many people–religious, agnostic, and atheists alike–report communication with their departed loved ones. During highly stressful times associated with natural disasters, war, pandemics, and other threats to human life, the frequency and intensity of these activities and associated experiences substantially increase. Although this very human phenomenon seems to be universal, the empirical literature on the topic within psychology is thin. This paper discussed the topic and reviews what we know from the professional literature about how people perceive communication with these unseen entities. It highlights the perceptual and social cognition evidence and discussed the role of attribution theory, which might help us understand the beliefs, motivations, and practices of those engaged with communication with the unseen. Empirical laboratory research with mediums is discussed as well, examining the evidence for communication with the deceased. Final reflections and suggestions for future research are also offered.
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Seitz RJ, Angel HF, Paloutzian RF, Taves A. Believing and social interactions: effects on bodily expressions and personal narratives. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:894219. [PMID: 36275855 PMCID: PMC9584167 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.894219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The processes of believing integrate external perceptual information from the environment with internal emotional states and prior experience to generate probabilistic neural representations of events, i.e., beliefs. As these neural representations manifest mostly below the level of a person's conscious awareness, they may inadvertently affect the spontaneous person's bodily expressions and prospective behavior. By yet to be understood mechanisms people can become aware of these representations and reflect upon them. Typically, people can communicate the content of their beliefs as personal statements and can summarize the narratives of others to themselves or to other people. Here, we describe that social interactions may benefit from the consistency between a person's bodily expressions and verbal statements because the person appears authentic and ultimately trustworthy. The transmission of narratives can thus lay the groundwork for social cooperation within and between groups and, ultimately, between communities and nations. Conversely, a discrepancy between bodily expressions and narratives may cause distrust in the addressee(s) and eventually may destroy social bonds.
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Wagner-Skacel J, Tietz S, Fleischmann E, Fellendorf FT, Bengesser SA, Lenger M, Reininghaus EZ, Mairinger M, Körner C, Pieh C, Seitz RJ, Hick H, Angel HF, Dalkner N. Believing Processes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11997. [PMID: 36231317 PMCID: PMC9565181 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cognition, emotion, emotional regulation, and believing play a special role in psychosocial functioning, especially in times of crisis. So far, little is known about the process of believing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the process of believing (using the Model of Credition) and the associated psychosocial strain/stress during the first lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey via LimeSurvey was conducted using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a dedicated Believing Questionnaire, which assesses four parameters of credition (propositions, certainty, emotion, mightiness) between April and June, 2020, in Austria. In total, n = 156 mentally healthy participants completed all questionnaires. Negative credition parameters were associated with higher global symptom load (from BSI-18): narratives: r = 0.29, p < 0.001; emotions r = 0.39, p < 0.001. These findings underline the importance of credition as a link between cognition and emotion and their impact on psychosocial functioning and stress regulation in implementing novel strategies to promote mental health.
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Tietz S, Wagner-Skacel J, Angel HF, Ratzenhofer M, Fellendorf FT, Fleischmann E, Körner C, Reininghaus EZ, Seitz RJ, Dalkner N. Believing processes during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals with bipolar disorder: An exploratory study. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:929-943. [PMID: 36051599 PMCID: PMC9331453 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i7.929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Believing or “credition” refers to psychological processes that integrate the cognitions and emotions that influence our behavior. In the credition model by Angel and Seitz, four parameters are postulated: proposition, certainty, emotion and mightiness. It is assumed that believing processes are influenced by both the individual as well as socio-cultural factors and external circumstances. External or environmental circumstances can include threatening situations such as the ongoing pandemic. It has been hypothesized that believing processes related to the pandemic differ between individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls (HC).
AIM To investigate credition in individuals with BD during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
METHODS Psychiatrically stable individuals with BD (n = 52) and age- and sex matched HC (n = 52) participated in an online survey during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey took place between April 9th and June 4th, 2020, in Austria. Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-18, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a dedicated Believing Questionnaire assessing four parameters of credition (proposition, certainty, emotion and mightiness). The MAXQDA software was used to analyze the qualitative data. Statistical analyses included analyses of variance, a multivariate analysis of variance and a multivariate analysis of co-variance.
RESULTS Individuals with BD reported significantly more negative propositions [F (1,102) = 8.89, P = 0.004, η2p = 0.08] and negative emotions [Welch´s F (1,82.46) = 18.23, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.18], while HC showed significantly more positive propositions [F (1,102) = 7.78, P = 0.006, η2p = 0.07] and emotions [F (1,102) = 14.31, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.12]. In addition, individuals with BD showed a higher incongruence between their propositions and their emotions [F (1,102) = 9.42, P = 0.003, η2p = 0.08] and showed strong correlations between the parameters of the Believing Questionnaire and their psychiatric symptoms (r = 0.51-0.77, all P < 0.001). Positive as well as negative emotions and propositions were associated with scores measuring symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep quality.
CONCLUSION Believing parameters were associated with psychiatric symptoms in BD during the pandemic. Findings broaden knowledge about the susceptibility of believing processes for ambient challenges in individuals with BD.
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Seitz RJ. Believing and Beliefs-Neurophysiological Underpinnings. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:880504. [PMID: 35517575 PMCID: PMC9063518 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.880504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Focke JK, Seitz RJ. Reversal of Acute Spinal Cord Ischemia by Intravenous Thrombolysis. Neurol Clin Pract 2022; 11:e975-e976. [PMID: 34993001 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000001097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute non-traumatic ischemic myelopathy is a devastating condition with a typically poor outcome occurring in adults, adolescents and even children [1-3]. The acute onset of paraplegia and sensory loss are suggestive of spinal ischemia with little recovery potential [1, 4, 5]. Due to the lack of sufficient data there are no standardized guidelines regarding the acute treatment of spinal ischemia. While intravenous thrombolysis is a well established and effective treatment in cerebral ischemia, its efficacy in spinal cord ischemia has not yet been proven [5]. We report the case of a young female patient with acute spinal cord ischemia in whom treatment with systemic thrombolysis lead to a complete reversal of paraplegia.
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Fleischmann E, Fellendorf F, Schönthaler EM, Lenger M, Hiendl L, Bonkat N, Wagner-Skacel J, Bengesser S, Angel HF, Seitz RJ, Reininghaus EZ, Dalkner N. Believing processes around COVID-19 vaccination: An exploratory study investigating workers in the health sector. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:993323. [PMID: 36213920 PMCID: PMC9532762 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.993323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The processes underlying believing have been labeled "creditions", which are important brain functions between emotion and cognition. Creditions are influenced by both internal and external factors, one of which is the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the vaccination against the disease. METHODS To investigate believing processes shortly before the implementation of a mandatory vaccination in Austria, both vaccinated and unvaccinated workers in the health sector (WHS) were surveyed in December 2021/January 2022. In total, 1,062 vaccinated and 97 unvaccinated WHS (920 females) completed the online survey. Beliefs were assessed using the parameters of the credition model (narrative, certainty, emotion, and mightiness) with regard to (1) the COVID-19 pandemic in general, and (2) the vaccination. Type of emotion and narrative were divided into positive, negative, and indifferent. Moreover, the congruence between emotion and narrative was calculated. RESULTS The vaccination rate of the sample was 91.6%, with a significantly higher percentage of men being in the group of vaccinated (21.1%) as compared to unvaccinated individuals (12.4%). Pertaining beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccination, unvaccinated WHS reported more negative and less positive emotions as well as content of narrative than vaccinated WHS. In addition, they showed higher levels of certainty as well as mightiness while believing and felt less sufficiently informed about governmental and workplace-related COVID-19 measures. The groups did not differ in the type of emotion or content of narrative in their beliefs about the pandemic in general. CONCLUSION In conclusion, unvaccinated WHS had more negative and less positive emotions and thoughts than vaccinated WHS in their beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccination and their motivations for not having received it. They were more certain about their beliefs and felt stronger negative emotions in their beliefs compared to vaccinated individuals. Providing unvaccinated WHS with adequate information might be helpful in reducing their mental burden.
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Seitz RJ. German Neurology in 1982: Society in Transition. Ann Neurol 2021; 91:301-302. [PMID: 34913504 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Koh CL, Yeh CH, Liang X, Vidyasagar R, Seitz RJ, Nilsson M, Connelly A, Carey LM. Structural Connectivity Remote From Lesions Correlates With Somatosensory Outcome Poststroke. Stroke 2021; 52:2910-2920. [PMID: 34134504 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.031520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Seitz RJ. Beliefs: A challenge in neuropsychological disorders. J Neuropsychol 2021; 16:21-37. [PMID: 33969626 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Beliefs have recently been defined as the neural product of perception of objects and events in the external world and of an affirmative internal affective state reflecting personal meaning. It is, however, undetermined in which way diseases of the brain affect these integrative processes. METHODS Here, the formation and updating of abnormal beliefs in cerebral disorders are described. RESULTS It will be shown that well-defined neuropsychological syndromes resulting from brain lesions also interfere with the neural processes that enable the formation, up-dating and communication of beliefs. Similarly, in neuropsychiatric disorders abnormal and delusional beliefs appear to be caused by altered perception and/or misattribution of aversive meaning. CONCLUSION Given the importance of beliefs for ordinary social behaviour, abnormal beliefs are a challenge in neuropsychological disorders.
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Köster H, Müller-Schmitz K, Kolman AGJ, Seitz RJ. Deficient visuomotor hand coordination in normal pressure hydrocephalus. J Neurol 2021; 268:2843-2850. [PMID: 33594453 PMCID: PMC8289764 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10445-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate if visuomotor coordination of hand movements is impaired in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) identified by dedicated testing procedures. Methods Forty-seven patients admitted for diagnostic workup for suspected NPH were studied prospectively with MRI, testing of cognitive and motor functions, lumbar puncture, and visuomotor coordination of hand movements using the PABLOR-device before and after a spinal tap of 40–50 ml CSF. Statistical analyses were carried out with repeated measures ANOVA and non-parametric correlation analyses. Results Fourteen patients were found to suffer from ideopathic NPH. They were severely impaired in visuomotor control of intermittent arm movements in comparison to patients who were found not to be affected by NPH (n = 18). In the patients with NPH the deficient arm control was improved after the spinal tap in proportion to the improvement of gait. There was no improvement of cognitive and motor functions in the patients not affected by NPH, while the patients with possible NPH (n = 15) showed intermediate deficit and improvement patterns. Interpretation: Our data underline the importance of a multiparametric assessment of NPH and provide evidence for a motor control deficit in idiopathic NPH involving leg and arm movements. It is suggested that this motor control deficit resulted from an affection of the output tracts from the supplementary motor area in the periventricular vicinity.
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Christl J, Verhülsdonk S, Pessanha F, Menge T, Seitz RJ, Kujovic M, Höft B, Supprian T, Lange-Asschenfeldt C. Association of Cerebrospinal Fluid S100B Protein with Core Biomarkers and Cognitive Deficits in Prodromal and Mild Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 72:1119-1127. [PMID: 31683478 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased expression of the astroglial Ca2+-binding protein S100B has been observed in various neurodegenerative diseases and also seems to play a role in the unfolding of pathophysiological events at early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To examine the association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of S100B with 1) established CSF core biomarkers total tau (tau), hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau), and amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42) as well as neuron-specific enolase (NSE) CSF levels and 2) cognition in early AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD (MCI-AD). METHODS Retrospective study assessing 49 pooled charts of Memory Clinic and inpatients diagnosed with AD (N = 26) and MCI-AD (N = 23) according to the National Institute of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Association (NIA-AA) criteria. Neuropsychological testing was performed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for AD (CERAD)-Plus battery. RESULTS CSF levels of S100B correlated with NSE, but not the other CSF parameters. Stepwise multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, and educational level, revealed that only increased CSF S100B was independently associated with lower CERAD-Plus total and Mini-Mental Status Examination scores together with poorer performance in wordlist learning (delayed recall and overall performance). We found no independent associations with other CSF biomarkers or cognitive domains. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that CSF S100B may have a diagnostic value particularly at early stages of AD reflecting the significance of neuroinflammatory/astroglial processes. Thus, CSF S100B may complement the established array of available AD biomarkers to improve early stage diagnosis.
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Müller-Schmitz K, Krasavina-Loka N, Yardimci T, Lipka T, Kolman AGJ, Robbers S, Menge T, Kujovic M, Seitz RJ. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:703-711. [PMID: 32662116 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate whether neurodegenerative biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) differentiate patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) who respond to CSF drainage from patients who do not respond. METHODS Data from 62 consecutive patients who presented with magnetic resonance imaging changes indicative of NPH were studied with regard to cognitive and gait functions before and after drainage of 40-50ml of CSF. Additionally, S100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, β-amyloid protein, tau protein and phospho-tau were determined in CSF. Statistical analyses were carried out with ANOVA and multiple linear regression. RESULTS Patients with CSF constellations typical for Alzheimer's disease (n = 28) improved significantly in cognitive and gait-related functions after CSF drainage. In contrast, those patients without a CSF constellation typical for Alzheimer's disease (n = 34) did not improve in cognitive and gait-related functions after CSF drainage. In addition, positive CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease predicted these improvements. INTERPRETATION Our data suggest an association between Alzheimer's disease and NPH changes, supporting the recently suggested dichotomy of a neurodegenerative NPH and a true idiopathic NPH, with the latter appearing to be rare. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:703-711.
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Cwik JC, Vahle N, Woud ML, Potthoff D, Kessler H, Sartory G, Seitz RJ. Reduced gray matter volume in the left prefrontal, occipital, and temporal regions as predictors for posttraumatic stress disorder: a voxel-based morphometric study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 270:577-588. [PMID: 30937515 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-01011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of acute stress disorder (ASD) was introduced as a diagnostic entity to improve the identification of traumatized people who are likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Neuroanatomical models suggest that changes in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus play a role in the development of PTSD. Using voxel-based morphometry, this study aimed to investigate the predictive power of gray matter volume (GMV) alterations for developing PTSD. The GMVs of ASD patients (n = 21) were compared to those of PTSD patients (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 18) in whole-brain and region-of-interest analyses. The GMV alterations seen in ASD patients shortly after the traumatic event (T1) were also correlated with PTSD symptom severity and symptom clusters 4 weeks later (T2). Compared with healthy controls, the ASD patients had significantly reduced GMV in the left visual cortex shortly after the traumatic event (T1) and in the left occipital and prefrontal regions 4 weeks later (T2); no significant differences in GMV were seen between the ASD and PTSD patients. Furthermore, a significant negative association was found between the GMV reduction in the left lateral temporal regions seen after the traumatic event (T1) and PTSD hyperarousal symptoms 4 weeks later (T2). Neither amygdala nor hippocampus alterations were predictive for the development of PTSD. These data suggest that gray matter deficiencies in the left hemispheric occipital and temporal regions in ASD patients may predict a liability for developing PTSD.
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Seitz RJ, Angel HF. Belief formation - A driving force for brain evolution. Brain Cogn 2020; 140:105548. [PMID: 32062327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2020.105548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The topic of belief has been neglected in the natural sciences for a long period of time. Recent neuroscience research in non-human primates and humans, however, has shown that beliefs are the neuropsychic product of fundamental brain processes that attribute affective meaning to concrete objects and events, enabling individual goal setting, decision making and maneuvering in the environment. With regard to the involved neural processes they can be categorized as empirical, relational, and conceptual beliefs. Empirical beliefs are about objects and relational beliefs are about events as in tool use and in interactions between subjects that develop below the level of awareness and are up-dated dynamically. Conceptual beliefs are more complex being based on narratives and participation in ritual acts. As neural processes are known to require computational space in the brain, the formation of inceasingly complex beliefs demands extra neural resources. Here, we argue that the evolution of human beliefs is related to the phylogenetic enlargement of the brain including the parietal and medial frontal cortex in humans.
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Kermer P, Eschenfelder CC, Diener HC, Grond M, Abdalla Y, Abraham A, Althaus K, Becks G, Berrouschot J, Berthel J, Bode FJ, Burghaus L, Cangür H, Daffertshofer M, Edelbusch S, Eggers J, Gerlach R, Gröschel K, Große-Dresselhaus F, Günther A, Haase CG, Haensch CA, Harloff A, Heckmann JG, Held V, Hieber M, Kauert A, Kern R, Kerz T, Köhrmann M, Kraft P, Kühnlein P, Latta J, Leinisch E, Lenz A, Leithner C, Neumann-Haefelin T, Mäurer M, Müllges W, Nolte CH, Obermann M, Partowi S, Patzschke P, Poli S, Pulkowski U, Purrucker J, Rehfeldt T, Ringleb PA, Röther J, Rossi R, El-Sabassy H, Sauer O, Schackert G, Schäfer N, Schellinger PD, Schneider A, Schuppner R, Schwab S, Schwarte O, Seitz RJ, Senger S, Shah YP, Sindern E, Sparenberg P, Steiner T, Szabo K, Urbanek C, Sarnowksi BV, Weissenborn K, Wienecke P, Witt K, Wruck R, Wunderlich S. Antagonizing dabigatran by idarucizumab in cases of ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage in Germany-Updated series of 120 cases. Int J Stroke 2020; 15:609-618. [PMID: 31955706 DOI: 10.1177/1747493019895654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idarucizumab is a monoclonal antibody fragment with high affinity for dabigatran reversing its anticoagulant effects within minutes. Thereby, patients with acute ischemic stroke who are on dabigatran treatment may become eligible for thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA). In patients on dabigatran with intracerebral hemorrhage idarucizumab could prevent lesion growth. AIMS To provide insights into the clinical use of idarucizumab in patients under effective dabigatran anticoagulation presenting with signs of acute ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS Retrospective data collected from German neurological/neurosurgical departments administering idarucizumab following product launch from January 2016 to August 2018 were used. RESULTS One-hundred and twenty stroke patients received idarucizumab in 61 stroke centers. Eighty patients treated with dabigatran presented with ischemic stroke and 40 patients suffered intracranial bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in n = 27). In patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA following idarucizumab, 78% showed a median improvement of 7 points in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. No bleeding complications were reported. Hematoma growth was observed in 3 out of 27 patients with ICH. Outcome was favorable with a median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improvement of 4 points and modified Rankin score 0-3 in 61%. Six out of 40 individuals (15%) with intracranial bleeding died during hospital stay. CONCLUSION Administration of rt-PA after reversal of dabigatran activity with idarucizumab in case of acute ischemic stroke seems feasible, effective, and safe. In dabigatran-associated intracranial hemorrhage, idarucizumab appears to prevent hematoma growth and to improve outcome.
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Schulz H, Ruan J, Seitz RJ. Spontaneous Arm Movement Activity during Sleep in Epileptic and Non-Epileptic Patients. Eur Neurol 2019; 80:200-206. [PMID: 30602166 DOI: 10.1159/000495799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epilepsy has a complex interaction with sleep. The purpose of this study was to explore the relation between spontaneous arm movements and sleep architecture in patients with epilepsy. METHODS This prospective study included 53 patients with suspected epilepsy (44 ± 18 years; 30 females, 23 males) and 55 age-matched patients with non-epileptic seizures (42 ± 15: 27 females, 28 males). Twenty-four-hour-video-electroencephalography recordings were combined with accelerometry of movement activity of both arms using actiwatches. RESULTS Patients with suspected epilepsy showed a higher occurrence of epileptic discharges (p = 0.0001) and abnormal focal slowing (p = 0.027) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) than the patients with non-epileptic seizures. Also, the epilepsy patients showed a shorter rapid eye movement-sleep duration compared to controls (0.0001). Accelerometry revealed that the patients with epilepsy moved their dominant right arm more frequently during the night (p = 0.014) than the controls, although there was no difference in arm movement activity during day time. CONCLUSION The patients with reported epilepsy exhibited higher spontaneous arm movement activity during sleep. This may be related to abnormal sleep architecture or abnormal EEG activity but was not related to epileptic seizures.
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Seitz RJ, Paloutzian RF, Angel HF. Believing is representation mediated by the dopamine brain system. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 49:1212-1214. [PMID: 30586210 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Ruan J, Bludau S, Palomero-Gallagher N, Caspers S, Mohlberg H, Eickhoff SB, Seitz RJ, Amunts K. Cytoarchitecture, probability maps, and functions of the human supplementary and pre-supplementary motor areas. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 223:4169-4186. [PMID: 30187192 PMCID: PMC6267244 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1738-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal mesial frontal cortex contains the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), which play an important role in action and cognition. Evidence from cytoarchitectonic, stimulation, and functional studies suggests structural and functional divergence between the two subregions. However, a microstructural map of these areas obtained in a representative sample of brains in a stereotaxic reference space is still lacking. In the present study we show that the dorsal mesial frontal motor cortex comprises two microstructurally different brain regions: area SMA and area pre-SMA. Area-specific cytoarchitectonic patterns were studied in serial histological sections stained for cell bodies of ten human postmortem brains. Borders of the two cortical areas were identified using image analysis and statistical features. The 3D reconstructed areas were transferred to a common reference space, and probabilistic maps were calculated by superimposing the individual maps. A coordinate-based meta-analysis of functional imaging data was subsequently performed using the two probabilistic maps as microstructurally defined seed regions. It revealed that areas SMA and pre-SMA were strongly co-activated with areas in precentral, supramarginal and superior frontal gyri, Rolandic operculum, thalamus, putamen and cerebellum. Both areas were related to motor functions, but area pre-SMA was involved in more complex processes such as learning, cognitive processes and perception. The here described subsequent analyses led to converging evidence supporting the microstructural, and functional segregation of areas SMA and pre-SMA, and maps will be made available to the scientific community to further elucidate the microstructural substrates of motor and cognitive control.
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