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Chen L, Du B, Li K, Li K, Hou T, Jia F, Li L. The effect of tDCS on inhibitory control and its transfer effect on sustained attention in children with autism spectrum disorder: An fNIRS study. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:594-606. [PMID: 38697468 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have inhibitory control deficits. The combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and inhibitory control training produces good transfer effects and improves neuroplasticity. However, no studies have explored whether applying tDCS over the dlPFC improves inhibitory control and produces transfer effects in children with ASD. OBJECTIVE To explore whether multisession tDCS could enhance inhibitory control training (response inhibition), near-transfer (interference control) and far-transfer effects (sustained attention; stability of attention) in children with ASD and the generalizability of training effects in daily life and the class, as reflected by behavioral performance and neural activity measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). METHODS Twenty-eight autistic children were randomly assigned to either the true or sham tDCS group. The experimental group received bifrontal tDCS stimulation at 1.5 mA, administered for 15 min daily across eight consecutive days. tDCS was delivered during a computerized Go/No-go training task. Behavioral performance in terms of inhibitory control (Dog/Monkey and Day/Night Stroop tasks), sustained attention (Continuous Performance and Cancellation tests), prefrontal cortex (PFC) neural activity and inhibitory control and sustained attention in the class and at home were evaluated. RESULTS Training (response inhibition) and transfer effects (interference control; sustained attention) were significantly greater after receiving tDCS during the Go/No-go training task than after receiving sham tDCS. Changes in oxyhemoglobin (HbO) concentrations in the dlPFC and FPA associated with consistent conditions in the Day/Night Stroop and Continuous Performance test were observed after applying tDCS during the inhibitory control training task. Notably, transfer effects can be generalized to classroom environments. CONCLUSION Inhibitory control training combined with tDCS may be a promising, safe, and effective method for improving inhibitory control and sustained attention in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Chen
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Jinan, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Bang Du
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Jinan, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Ke Li
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Jinan, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Kaiyun Li
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Jinan, 250022, Jinan, China.
| | - TingTing Hou
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Jinan, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Fanlu Jia
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Jinan, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Li Li
- BoShan Special Education Center School, 255299, Zibo, China
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2
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Aydin Ü, Gyurkovics M, Ginestet C, Capp S, Greven CU, Palmer J, McLoughlin G. Genetic Overlap Between Midfrontal Theta Signals and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Longitudinal Twin Cohort. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:823-832. [PMID: 37187423 PMCID: PMC10769884 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive control has been strongly linked to midfrontal theta (4-8 Hz) brain activity. Such control processes are known to be impaired in individuals with psychiatric conditions and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Temporal variability in theta, in particular, has been associated with ADHD, with shared genetic variance underlying the relationship. Here, we investigated the phenotypic and genetic relationships between theta phase variability, theta-related signals (the N2, error-related negativity, and error positivity), reaction time, and ADHD and ASD longitudinally in a large twin study of young adults to investigate the stability of the genetic relationships between these measures over time. METHODS Genetic multivariate liability threshold models were run on a longitudinal sample of 566 participants (283 twin pairs). Characteristics of ADHD and ASD were measured in childhood and young adulthood, while an electroencephalogram was recorded in young adulthood during an arrow flanker task. RESULTS Cross-trial theta phase variability in adulthood showed large positive phenotypic and genetic relationships with reaction time variability and both childhood and adult ADHD characteristics. Error positivity amplitude was negatively related phenotypically and genetically to ADHD and ASD at both time points. CONCLUSIONS We showed significant genetic associations between variability in theta signaling and ADHD. A novel finding from the current study is that these relationships were stable across time, indicating a core dysregulation of the temporal coordination of control processes in ADHD that persists in individuals with childhood symptoms. Error processing, indexed by the error positivity, was altered in both ADHD and ASD, with a strong genetic contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ümit Aydin
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Máté Gyurkovics
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Cedric Ginestet
- Bioinformatics and Health Statistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Capp
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Corina U Greven
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jason Palmer
- School of Mathematical and Data Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Gráinne McLoughlin
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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3
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Guo X, Cao Y, Liu J, Zhang X, Zhai G, Chen H, Gao L. Dysregulated dynamic time-varying triple-network segregation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:5717-5726. [PMID: 37128738 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
One of the remarkable characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the dysregulation of functional connectivity of the triple-network, which includes the salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN), and central executive network (CEN). However, there is little known about the segregation of the triple-network dynamics in ASD. This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data including 105 ASD and 102 demographically-matched typical developing control (TC) children. We compared the dynamic time-varying triple-network segregation and triple-network functional connectivity states between ASD and TC groups, and examined the relationship between dynamic triple-network segregation alterations and clinical symptoms of ASD. The average dynamic network segregation value of the DMN with SN and the DMN with CEN in ASD was lower but the coefficient of variation (CV) of dynamic network segregation of the DMN with CEN was higher in ASD. Furthermore, partially reduced triple-network segregation associated with the DMN was found in connectivity states analysis of ASD. These abnormal average values and CV of dynamic network segregation predicted social communication deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors in ASD. Our findings indicate abnormal dynamic time-varying triple-network segregation of ASD and highlight the crucial role of the triple-network in the neural mechanisms underlying ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Guo
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
| | - Yabo Cao
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041 , China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
| | - Guangjin Zhai
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
| | - Heng Chen
- Department of Medical Information Engineering, School of Medicine, Guizhou University , Jiaxiu Road, Guiyang, 550025 , China
| | - Le Gao
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University , No. 438 West Hebei Avenue, Qinhuangdao, 066004 , China
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4
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Negrón-Moreno PN, Diep DT, Guoynes CD, Sidorov MS. Dissociating motor impairment from five-choice serial reaction time task performance in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:968159. [PMID: 36212189 PMCID: PMC9539753 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.968159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a single-gene neurodevelopmental disorder associated with cognitive and motor impairment, seizures, lack of speech, and disrupted sleep. AS is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the UBE3A gene, and approaches to reinstate functional UBE3A are currently in clinical trials in children. Behavioral testing in a mouse model of AS (Ube3a m-/p+ ) represents an important tool to assess the effectiveness of current and future treatments preclinically. Existing behavioral tests effectively model motor impairments, but not cognitive impairments, in Ube3a m-/p+ mice. Here we tested the hypothesis that the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) can be used to assess cognitive behaviors in Ube3a m-/p+ mice. Ube3a m-/p+ mice had more omissions during 5CSRTT training than wild-type littermate controls, but also showed impaired motor function including open field hypoactivity and delays in eating pellet rewards. Motor impairments thus presented an important confound for interpreting this group difference in omissions. We report that despite hypoactivity during habituation, Ube3a m-/p+ mice had normal response latencies to retrieve rewards during 5CSRTT training. We also accounted for delays in eating pellet rewards by assessing omissions solely on trials where eating delays would not impact results. Thus, the increase in omissions in Ube3a m-/p+ mice is likely not caused by concurrent motor impairments. This work underscores the importance of considering how known motor impairments in Ube3a m-/p+ mice may affect behavioral performance in other domains. Our results also provide guidance on how to design a 5CSRTT protocol that is best suited for future studies in Ube3a mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola N. Negrón-Moreno
- University of Puerto Rico-Cayey, Cayey, PR, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - David T. Diep
- University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Caleigh D. Guoynes
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michael S. Sidorov
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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Cahart MS, Amad A, Draper SB, Lowry RG, Marino L, Carey C, Ginestet CE, Smith MS, Williams SCR. The effect of learning to drum on behavior and brain function in autistic adolescents. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2106244119. [PMID: 35639696 PMCID: PMC9191342 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106244119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This current study aimed to investigate the impact of drum training on behavior and brain function in autistic adolescents with no prior drumming experience. Thirty-six autistic adolescents were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups. The drum group received individual drum tuition (two lessons per week over an 8-wk period), while the control group did not. All participants attended a testing session before and after the 8-wk period. Each session included a drumming assessment, an MRI scan, and a parent completing questionnaires relating to the participants’ behavioral difficulties. Results showed that improvements in drumming performance were associated with a significant reduction in hyperactivity and inattention difficulties in drummers compared to controls. The fMRI results demonstrated increased functional connectivity in brain areas responsible for inhibitory control, action outcomes monitoring, and self-regulation. In particular, seed-to-voxel analyses revealed an increased functional connectivity in the right inferior frontal gyrus and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. A multivariate pattern analysis demonstrated significant changes in the medial frontal cortex, the left and right paracingulate cortex, the subcallosal cortex, the left frontal pole, the caudate, and the left nucleus accumbens. In conclusion, this study investigates the impact of a drum-based intervention on neural and behavioral outcomes in autistic adolescents. We hope that these findings will inform further research and trials into the potential use of drum-based interventions in benefitting clinical populations with inhibition-related disorders and emotional and behavioral difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Amad
- Neuroimaging Department, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Department, University of Lille, INSERM U1172, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Lille, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Stephen B. Draper
- Department of Sport, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth G. Lowry
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Luigi Marino
- Department of Sport, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - Cornelia Carey
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin 2 D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Cedric E. Ginestet
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus S. Smith
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester PO19 6PE, United Kingdom
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6
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Maier S, Düppers AL, Runge K, Dacko M, Lange T, Fangmeier T, Riedel A, Ebert D, Endres D, Domschke K, Perlov E, Nickel K, Tebartz van Elst L. Increased prefrontal GABA concentrations in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2022; 15:1222-1236. [PMID: 35587691 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The excitatory-inhibitory imbalance hypothesis postulates dysregulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) neurotransmitter systems as a common underlying deficit in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies suggest an important role of these systems in the pathophysiology of ASD, including a study of our group reporting decreased glutamate concentrations in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of adults with ASD. The aim of this study was to replicate our previous findings of impaired glutamate metabolism in ASD in a new sample and to additionally quantify GABA in the ACC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Concentrations of GABA and glutamate-glutamine (Glx; combined glutamate and glutamine signal) were quantified in the ACC and dlPFC of 43 adults with ASD and 43 neurotypical controls (NTC) by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The ASD group showed increased absolute GABA concentrations and elevated GABA/creatine ratios in the left dlPFC compared to NTC, while no group differences were detected in the pregenual and dorsal ACC. Previous findings of altered Glx concentration in the pregenual ACC of the ASD group could not be replicated. Regarding Glx concentrations and Glx/creatine ratios, there were no significant differences in the dlPFC and ACC either. The study supports the hypothesis of an altered GABA and glutamate equilibrium, indicating an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory metabolism in ASD patients. However, inconsistent results across studies and brain regions suggest a complex underlying phenomenon. LAY SUMMARY: Adults of the autism spectrum exhibit elevated levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory equilibrium in patients with autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Maier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Kimon Runge
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Dacko
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lange
- Department of Radiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fangmeier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Riedel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Luzerner Psychiatrie, Ambulante Dienste, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Ebert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Evgeniy Perlov
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Clinic for Psychiatry Luzern, Hospital St. Urban, St. Urban, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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7
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Zhao L, Sun YK, Xue SW, Luo H, Lu XD, Zhang LH. Identifying Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on Whole-Brain Resting-State Interregional Functional Connections Using a Boruta-Based Support Vector Machine Approach. Front Neuroinform 2022; 16:761942. [PMID: 35273487 PMCID: PMC8901599 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2022.761942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of resting-state functional magnetic resonance neuroimaging (R-fMRI) studies have used functional connections as discriminative features for machine learning to identify patients with brain diseases. However, it remains unclear which functional connections could serve as highly discriminative features to realize the classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to find ASD-related functional connectivity patterns and examine whether these patterns had the potential to provide neuroimaging-based information to clinically assist with the diagnosis of ASD by means of machine learning. We investigated the whole-brain interregional functional connections derived from R-fMRI. Data were acquired from 48 boys with ASD and 50 typically developing age-matched controls at NYU Langone Medical Center from the publicly available Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE I) dataset; the ASD-related functional connections identified by the Boruta algorithm were used as the features of support vector machine (SVM) to distinguish patients with ASD from typically developing controls (TDC); a permutation test was performed to assess the classification performance. Approximately, 92.9% of participants were correctly classified by a combined SVM and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) approach, wherein 95.8% of patients with ASD were correctly identified. The default mode network (DMN) exhibited a relatively high network degree and discriminative power. Eight important brain regions showed a high discriminative power, including the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC). Significant correlations were found between the classification scores of several functional connections and ASD symptoms (p < 0.05). This study highlights the important role of DMN in ASD identification. Interregional functional connections might provide useful information for the clinical diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Kai Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shao-Wei Xue
- Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shao-Wei Xue
| | - Hong Luo
- Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Lu
- Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Hua Zhang
- College of Medical Information and Engineering, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
- Lan-Hua Zhang
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8
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Zhao HC, Lv R, Zhang GY, He LM, Cai XT, Sun Q, Yan CY, Bao XY, Lv XY, Fu B. Alterations of Prefrontal-Posterior Information Processing Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:768219. [PMID: 35173572 PMCID: PMC8841879 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.768219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by different levels of repetitive and stereotypic behavior as well as deficits in social interaction and communication. In this current study, we explored the changes in cerebral neural activities in ASD. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there exists a dysfunction of interactive information processing between the prefrontal cortex and posterior brain regions in ASD. We investigated the atypical connectivity and information flow between the prefrontal cortex and posterior brain regions in ASD utilizing the entropy connectivity (a kind of directional connectivity) method. Eighty-nine patients with ASD and 94 typical developing (TD) teenagers participated in this study. Two-sample t-tests revealed weakened interactive entropy connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and posterior brain regions. This result indicates that there exists interactive prefrontal-posterior underconnectivity in ASD, and this disorder might lead to less prior knowledge being used and updated. Our proposals highlighted that aforementioned atypical change might accelerate the deoptimization of brain networks in ASD.
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Mouga S, Duarte IC, Café C, Sousa D, Duque F, Oliveira G, Castelo-Branco M. Parahippocampal deactivation and hyperactivation of central executive, saliency and social cognition networks in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:9. [PMID: 35078414 PMCID: PMC8903486 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09417-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concomitant role of the Central Executive, the Saliency and the Social Cognition networks in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in demanding ecological tasks remains unanswered. We addressed this question using a novel task-based fMRI virtual-reality task mimicking a challenging daily-life chore that may present some difficulties to individuals with ASD: the EcoSupermarketX. METHODS Participants included 29 adolescents: 15 with ASD and 15 with typical neurodevelopment (TD). They performed the EcoSupermarketX (a shopping simulation with three goal-oriented sub-tasks including "no cue", "non-social" or "social" cues), during neuroimaging and eye-tracking. RESULTS ASD differed from TD only in total time and distance to complete the "social cue" sub-task with matched eye-tracking measures. Neuroimaging revealed simultaneous hyperactivation across social, executive, and saliency circuits in ASD. In contrast, ASD showed reduced activation in the parahippocampal gyrus, involved in scene recognition. CONCLUSIONS When performing a virtual shopping task matching the performance of controls, ASD adolescents hyperactivate three core networks: executive, saliency and social cognition. Parahippocampal hypoactivation is consistent with effortless eidetic scene processing, in line with the notion of peaks and valleys of neural recruitment in individuals with ASD. These hyperactivation/hypoactivation patterns in daily life tasks provide a circuit-level signature of neural diversity in ASD, a possible intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Mouga
- CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,ICNAS - Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Neurodevelopmental and Autism Unit from Child Developmental Center, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Catarina Duarte
- CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,ICNAS - Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia Café
- Neurodevelopmental and Autism Unit from Child Developmental Center, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Sousa
- CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,ICNAS - Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Neurodevelopmental and Autism Unit from Child Developmental Center, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Frederico Duque
- Neurodevelopmental and Autism Unit from Child Developmental Center, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Guiomar Oliveira
- CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,Neurodevelopmental and Autism Unit from Child Developmental Center, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal. .,ICNAS - Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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10
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McLoughlin G, Gyurkovics M, Palmer J, Makeig S. Midfrontal Theta Activity in Psychiatric Illness: An Index of Cognitive Vulnerabilities Across Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:173-182. [PMID: 34756560 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify the mechanisms that contribute to atypical thinking and behavior associated with psychiatric illness. Behavioral and brain measures of cognitive control are associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders and conditions as well as daily life functioning. Recognition of the importance of cognitive control in human behavior has led to intensive research into behavioral and neurobiological correlates. Oscillations in the theta band (4-8 Hz) over medial frontal recording sites are becoming increasingly established as a direct neural index of certain aspects of cognitive control. In this review, we point toward evidence that theta acts to coordinate multiple neural processes in disparate brain regions during task processing to optimize behavior. Theta-related signals in human electroencephalography include the N2, the error-related negativity, and measures of theta power in the (time-)frequency domain. We investigate how these theta signals are affected in a wide range of psychiatric conditions with known deficiencies in cognitive control: anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and substance abuse. Theta-related control signals and their temporal consistency were found to differ in most patient groups compared with healthy control subjects, suggesting fundamental deficits in reactive and proactive control. Notably, however, clinical studies directly investigating the role of theta in the coordination of goal-directed processes across different brain regions are uncommon and are encouraged in future research. A finer-grained analysis of flexible, subsecond-scale functional networks in psychiatric disorders could contribute to a dimensional understanding of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gráinne McLoughlin
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Máté Gyurkovics
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Jason Palmer
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Scott Makeig
- Institute for Neural Computation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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11
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Jiao J, Tan L, Zhang Y, Li T, Tang X. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for insomnia in patients with autism spectrum disorder: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled clinical trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:977341. [PMID: 36245883 PMCID: PMC9554245 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.977341] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia is the most common comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and seriously affects their rehabilitation and prognosis. Thus, an intervention targeting insomnia in ASD seems warranted. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a potentially effective treatment for improving sleep quality and optimizing sleep structure, has already been demonstrated to alleviate insomnia symptoms and sleep disturbance in different neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. This trial aims to investigate the effects of rTMS on insomnia in patients with ASD. METHOD This study is designed to be a double-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled trial with a target sample size of 30 participants (aged 3-13 years) diagnosed with ASD comorbid with insomnia. The intervention phase will comprise 20 sessions of rTMS or sham rTMS applied over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) within four consecutive weeks. The effect of rTMS on insomnia and other symptoms of ASD will be investigated through home-PSG (two consecutive overnights), sleep diary, CSHQ, CARS, ABC, SRS, RBS-R, and metabolomics analysis at baseline and posttreatment. A follow-up assessment 1 month after the intervention will examine the long-term effects. DISCUSSION The results of this study may address an important knowledge gap and may provide evidence for the use of rTMS to treat insomnia in ASD. Furthermore, it will elucidate the potential mechanism and link between sleep disorders and clinical symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is ongoing and has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100049266) on 28/07/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jiao
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Tan
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taomei Li
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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12
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Tonizzi I, Giofrè D, Usai MC. Inhibitory Control in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Meta-analyses on Indirect and Direct Measures. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4949-4965. [PMID: 34816341 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05353-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript aimed to advance our understanding of inhibitory control (IC) in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), adopting a meta-analytic multilevel approach. The first meta-analysis, on 164 studies adopting direct measures, indicated a significant small-to-medium (g = 0.484) deficit in the group with ASD (n = 5140) compared with controls (n = 6075). Similar effect sizes between response inhibition and interference control were found, but they were differentially affected by intellectual functioning and age. The second meta-analysis, on 24 studies using indirect measures, revealed a large deficit (g = 1.334) in the group with ASD (n = 985) compared with controls (n = 1300). Presentation format, intellectual functioning, and age were significant moderators. The effect of comorbidity with ADHD was not statistically significant. Implications are discussed for IC research and practice in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tonizzi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Podestà 2, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | - David Giofrè
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Podestà 2, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Carmen Usai
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Podestà 2, 16128, Genoa, Italy.
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13
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Executive Function in High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis of fMRI Studies. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 50:4022-4038. [PMID: 32200468 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in executive function (EF) are clinical markers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the neural mechanisms underlying abnormal EF in ASD remain unclear. This meta-analysis investigated the construct, abnormalities, and age-related changes of EF in ASD. Thirty-three fMRI studies of inhibition, updating, and switching in individuals with high-functioning ASD were included (n = 1114; age range 7-57 years). The results revealed that the EF construct in ASD could be unitary (i.e., common EF) in children/adolescents, but unitary and diverse (i.e., common EF and inhibition) in adults. Abnormalities in this EF construct were found across development in individuals with ASD in comparison with typically developing individuals. Implications and recommendations are discussed for EF theory and for practice in ASD.
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14
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Uddin LQ. Brain Mechanisms Supporting Flexible Cognition and Behavior in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:172-183. [PMID: 32709415 PMCID: PMC7677208 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility enables appropriate responses to a changing environment and is associated with positive life outcomes. Adolescence, with its increased focus on transitioning to independent living, presents particular challenges for youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who often struggle to behave in a flexible way when faced with challenges. This review focuses on brain mechanisms underlying the development of flexible cognition during adolescence and how these neural systems are affected in ASD. Neuroimaging studies of task switching and set-shifting provide evidence for atypical lateral frontoparietal and midcingulo-insular network activation during cognitive flexibility task performance in individuals with ASD. Recent work also examines how intrinsic brain network dynamics support flexible cognition. These dynamic functional connectivity studies provide evidence for alterations in the number of transitions between brain states, as well as hypervariability of functional connections in adolescents with ASD. Future directions for the field include addressing issues related to measurement of cognitive flexibility using a combination of metrics with ecological and construct validity. Heterogeneity of executive function ability in ASD must also be parsed to determine which individuals will benefit most from targeted training to improve flexibility. The influence of pubertal hormones on brain network development and cognitive maturation in adolescents with ASD is another area requiring further exploration. Finally, the intriguing possibility that bilingualism might be associated with preserved cognitive flexibility in ASD should be further examined. Addressing these open questions will be critical for future translational neuroscience investigations of cognitive and behavioral flexibility in adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, and the Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
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15
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Zhao Y. Impulsivity, Social Support and Depression Are Associated With Latent Profiles of Internet Addiction Among Male College Freshmen. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:642914. [PMID: 33841210 PMCID: PMC8026875 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.642914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The rate of internet addiction is increasing in college students. The first year at college is a particularly vulnerable period for internet addiction. Students' psychological characteristics are likely to play an important role in internet addiction. Our study aimed to assess the relationship between impulsivity, social support, depression and internet addiction among male college freshmen. Materials and Methods: The current study utilized latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify at-risk profiles among 734 college freshmen (100% male) based on their Internet Addiction Test item ratings. We compared the levels of impulsivity, social support and depression among different profiles and investigated whether these variables could predict each latent internet addiction class. Results: LPA resulted in three distinct profiles: the low internet addiction group (42.10%), the moderate internet addiction group (35.70%) and the high internet addiction group (22.20%). Impulsivity and depression increased with internet addiction severity levels, whereas social support was inversely related to the severity of internet addiction. Male freshmen with high impulsivity, low social support and high depression were more likely to be included in the high internet addiction group. Conclusion: This study highlights that impulsivity, social support and depression may predict internet addiction in male college freshmen. Our findings have important practical implications for college educators and counselors in developing interventions for internet addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhuang Liu
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Yuk V, Dunkley BT, Anagnostou E, Taylor MJ. Alpha connectivity and inhibitory control in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2020; 11:95. [PMID: 33287904 PMCID: PMC7722440 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report difficulties with inhibition in everyday life. During inhibition tasks, adults with ASD show reduced activation of and connectivity between brain areas implicated in inhibition, suggesting impairments in inhibitory control at the neural level. Our study further investigated these differences by using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine the frequency band(s) in which functional connectivity underlying response inhibition occurs, as brain functions are frequency specific, and whether connectivity in certain frequency bands differs between adults with and without ASD. METHODS We analysed MEG data from 40 adults with ASD (27 males; 26.94 ± 6.08 years old) and 39 control adults (27 males; 27.29 ± 5.94 years old) who performed a Go/No-go task. The task involved two blocks with different proportions of No-go trials: Inhibition (25% No-go) and Vigilance (75% No-go). We compared whole-brain connectivity in the two groups during correct No-go trials in the Inhibition vs. Vigilance blocks between 0 and 400 ms. RESULTS Despite comparable performance on the Go/No-go task, adults with ASD showed reduced connectivity compared to controls in the alpha band (8-14 Hz) in a network with a main hub in the right inferior frontal gyrus. Decreased connectivity in this network predicted more self-reported difficulties on a measure of inhibition in everyday life. LIMITATIONS Measures of everyday inhibitory control were not available for all participants, so this relationship between reduced network connectivity and inhibitory control abilities may not be necessarily representative of all adults with ASD or the larger ASD population. Further research with independent samples of adults with ASD, including those with a wider range of cognitive abilities, would be valuable. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate reduced functional brain connectivity during response inhibition in adults with ASD. As alpha-band synchrony has been linked to top-down control mechanisms, we propose that the lack of alpha synchrony observed in our ASD group may reflect difficulties in suppressing task-irrelevant information, interfering with inhibition in real-life situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Yuk
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Benjamin T Dunkley
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Gordon A, Krug MK, Wulff R, Elliott MV, Hogeveen J, Lesh T, Carter C, Solomon M. Components of Executive Control in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Examination of Dual-Mechanism Accounts. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 6:792-801. [PMID: 33558195 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains unclear whether executive control (EC) deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represent a failure in proactive EC (engaged and maintained before a cognitively demanding event) or in reactive EC (engaged transiently as the event occurs). We addressed this question by administering a paradigm investigating components of EC in a sample of individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals during functional magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS During functional magnetic resonance imaging, 141 participants (64 ASD, 77 typically developing) completed a rapid preparing to overcome prepotency task that required participants to respond to an arrow probe based on the color of an initially presented cue. We examined functional recruitment and connectivity in the frontoparietal task control, cingulo-opercular task control, salience, and default mode networks during cue and probe phases of the task. RESULTS ASD participants showed evidence of behavioral EC impairment. Analyses of functional recruitment and connectivity revealed that ASD participants showed significantly greater activity during the cue in networks associated with proactive control processes, but on the less cognitively demanding trials. On the more cognitively demanding trials, cue activity was similar across groups. During the probe, connectivity between regions associated with reactive control processes was uniquely enhanced on more-demanding (relative to less-demanding) trials in individuals with ASD but not in typically developing individuals. CONCLUSIONS The current data suggest that rather than arising from a specific failure to engage proactive or reactive forms of EC, the deficits in EC commonly observed in ASD may be due to reduced proactive EC and a consequent overreliance on reactive EC on more cognitively demanding tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gordon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of California, Davis, Sacramento.
| | - Marie K Krug
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Rachel Wulff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Matthew V Elliott
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Jeremy Hogeveen
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Tyler Lesh
- Imaging Research Center, Sacramento, California
| | | | - Marjorie Solomon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of California, Davis, Sacramento; Imaging Research Center, Sacramento, California
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18
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May KE, Kana RK. Frontoparietal Network in Executive Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:1762-1777. [PMID: 33016005 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Higher cognitive functions in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairments in executive functions (EF). While some research attributes this to an overreliance of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), others demonstrate poor recruitment of the PFC in individuals with ASD. In order to assess the emerging consensus across neuroimaging studies of EF in ASD, the current study used a coordinate-based activation likelihood estimation (ALE) analysis of 16 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, resulting in a meta-analysis of data from 739 participants (356 ASD, 383 typically developing [TD] individuals) ranging from 7 to 52 years of age. Within-group analysis of EF tasks revealed that both TD and ASD participants had significant activity in PFC regions. Analysis of group differences indicated greater activation in ASD, relative to TD participants, in the right middle frontal gyrus and the anterior cingulate cortex, and lesser activation in the bilateral middle frontal, left inferior frontal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule, and precuneus. Although both ASD and TD participants showed similar PFC activation, there was differential recruitment of wider network of EF regions such as the IPL in ASD participants. The under-recruitment of parietal regions may be due to poor connectivity of the frontoparietal networks with other regions during EF tasks or a restricted executive network in ASD participants which is limited primarily to the PFC. These results support the executive dysfunction hypothesis of ASD and suggests that poor frontoparietal recruitment may underlie some of the EF difficulties individuals with ASD experience. LAY SUMMARY: This study reports a meta-analysis of 16 brain imaging studies of executive functions (EF) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While parts of the brain's EF network is activated in both ASD and control participants, the ASD group does not activate a wider network of EF regions such as the parietal cortex. This may be due to poor EF network connectivity, or a constrained EF network in ASD participants. These results may underlie some of the EF difficulties individuals with ASD experience. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1762-1777. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E May
- Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, Center for Innovative Research in Autism, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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19
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Zamorano F, Kausel L, Albornoz C, Lavin C, Figueroa-Vargas A, Stecher X, Aragón-Caqueo D, Carrasco X, Aboitiz F, Billeke P. Lateral Prefrontal Theta Oscillations Reflect Proactive Cognitive Control Impairment in Males With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:37. [PMID: 32625068 PMCID: PMC7314966 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder in which children present prefrontal cortex (PFC) related functions deficit. Proactive cognitive control is a process that anticipates the requirement of cognitive control and crucially depends on the maturity of the PFC. Since this process is important to ADHD symptomatology, we here test the hypothesis that children with ADHD have proactive cognitive control impairments and that these impairments are reflected in the PFC oscillatory activity. We recorded EEG signals from 29 male children with ADHD and 25 typically developing (TD) male children while they performed a Go-Nogo task, where the likelihood of a Nogo stimulus increased while a sequence of consecutive Go stimuli elapsed. TD children showed proactive cognitive control by increasing their reaction time (RT) concerning the number of preceding Go stimuli, whereas children with ADHD did not. This adaptation was related to modulations in both P3a potential and lateral prefrontal theta oscillation for TD children. Children with ADHD as a group did not demonstrate either P3a or theta modulation. But, individual variation in theta activity was correlated with the ADHD symptomatology. The results depict a neurobiological mechanism of proactive cognitive control impairments in children with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Zamorano
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social (neuroCICS), Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.,Unidad de Imágenes Cuantitativas Avanzadas, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Imágenes, Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonie Kausel
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Albornoz
- Facultad de Economía y Negocios, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Lavin
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Figueroa-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social (neuroCICS), Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ximena Stecher
- Unidad de Imágenes Cuantitativas Avanzadas, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Imágenes, Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Ximena Carrasco
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Departamento de Psiquiatría, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Aboitiz
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Laboratorio de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Departamento de Psiquiatría, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Billeke
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social (neuroCICS), Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
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20
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Thomason ME. Development of Brain Networks In Utero: Relevance for Common Neural Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:40-50. [PMID: 32305217 PMCID: PMC7808399 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging, histological, and gene analysis approaches in living and nonliving human fetuses and in prematurely born neonates have provided insight into the staged processes of prenatal brain development. Increased understanding of micro- and macroscale brain network development before birth has spurred interest in understanding the relevance of prenatal brain development to common neurological diseases. Questions abound as to the sensitivity of the intrauterine brain to environmental programming, to windows of plasticity, and to the prenatal origin of disorders of childhood that involve disruptions in large-scale network connectivity. Much of the available literature on human prenatal neural development comes from cross-sectional or case studies that are not able to resolve the longitudinal consequences of individual variation in brain development before birth. This review will 1) detail specific methodologies for studying the human prenatal brain, 2) summarize large-scale human prenatal neural network development, integrating findings from across a variety of experimental approaches, 3) explore the plasticity of the early developing brain as well as potential sex differences in prenatal susceptibility, and 4) evaluate opportunities to link specific prenatal brain developmental processes to the forms of aberrant neural connectivity that underlie common neurological disorders of childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah E Thomason
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Population Health, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.
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21
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Significance of Beta-Band Oscillations in Autism Spectrum Disorders During Motor Response Inhibition Tasks: A MEG Study. Brain Topogr 2020; 33:355-374. [PMID: 32303950 PMCID: PMC7182638 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-020-00765-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), impaired response inhibition and lack of adaptation are hypothesized to underlie core ASD symptoms, such as social communication and repetitive, stereotyped behavior. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare neural correlates of inhibition, post-error adaptation, and reaction time variability in ASD and neuro-typical control (NTC) participants by investigating possible differences in error-related changes of oscillatory MEG activity. Twelve male NTC (mean age 20.3 ± 3.7) and fourteen male patients with ASD (mean age 17.8 ± 2.9) were included in the analysis. Subjects with ASD showed increased error-related reaction time variability. MEG analysis revealed decreased beta power in the ASD group in comparison to the NTC group over the centro-parietal channels in both, the pre-stimulus and post-response interval. In the ASD group, mean centro-parietal beta power negatively correlated with dimensional autism symptoms. In both groups, false alarms were followed by an early increase in temporo-frontal theta to alpha power; and by a later decrease in alpha to beta power at central and posterior sensors. Single trial correlations were additionally studied in the ASD group, who showed a positive correlation of pre-stimulus beta power with post-response theta, alpha, and beta power, particularly after hit trials. On a broader scale, the results deliver important insights into top-down control deficits that may relate to core symptoms observed in ASD.
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22
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Lukito S, Norman L, Carlisi C, Radua J, Hart H, Simonoff E, Rubia K. Comparative meta-analyses of brain structural and functional abnormalities during cognitive control in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2020; 50:894-919. [PMID: 32216846 PMCID: PMC7212063 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720000574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have abnormalities in frontal, temporal, parietal and striato-thalamic networks. It is unclear to what extent these abnormalities are distinctive or shared. This comparative meta-analysis aimed to identify the most consistent disorder-differentiating and shared structural and functional abnormalities. METHODS Systematic literature search was conducted for whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of cognitive control comparing people with ASD or ADHD with typically developing controls. Regional gray matter volume (GMV) and fMRI abnormalities during cognitive control were compared in the overall sample and in age-, sex- and IQ-matched subgroups with seed-based d mapping meta-analytic methods. RESULTS Eighty-six independent VBM (1533 ADHD and 1295 controls; 1445 ASD and 1477 controls) and 60 fMRI datasets (1001 ADHD and 1004 controls; 335 ASD and 353 controls) were identified. The VBM meta-analyses revealed ADHD-differentiating decreased ventromedial orbitofrontal (z = 2.22, p < 0.0001) but ASD-differentiating increased bilateral temporal and right dorsolateral prefrontal GMV (zs ⩾ 1.64, ps ⩽ 0.002). The fMRI meta-analyses of cognitive control revealed ASD-differentiating medial prefrontal underactivation but overactivation in bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortices and precuneus (zs ⩾ 1.04, ps ⩽ 0.003). During motor response inhibition specifically, ADHD relative to ASD showed right inferior fronto-striatal underactivation (zs ⩾ 1.14, ps ⩽ 0.003) but shared right anterior insula underactivation. CONCLUSIONS People with ADHD and ASD have mostly distinct structural abnormalities, with enlarged fronto-temporal GMV in ASD and reduced orbitofrontal GMV in ADHD; and mostly distinct functional abnormalities, which were more pronounced in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Lukito
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Luke Norman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- The Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina Carlisi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Imaging of Mood- and Anxiety-Related Disorders (IMARD) Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heledd Hart
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katya Rubia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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23
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Widge AS, Heilbronner SR, Hayden BY. Prefrontal cortex and cognitive control: new insights from human electrophysiology. F1000Res 2019; 8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1696. [PMID: 31602292 PMCID: PMC6768099 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20044.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive control, the ability to regulate one's cognition and actions on the basis of over-riding goals, is impaired in many psychiatric conditions. Although control requires the coordinated function of several prefrontal cortical regions, it has been challenging to determine how they work together, in part because doing so requires simultaneous recordings from multiple regions. Here, we provide a précis of cognitive control and describe the beneficial consequences of recent advances in neurosurgical practice that make large-scale prefrontal cortical network recordings possible in humans. Such recordings implicate inter-regional theta (5-8 Hz) local field potential (LFP) synchrony as a key element in cognitive control. Major open questions include how theta might influence other oscillations within these networks, the precise timing of information flow between these regions, and how perturbations such as brain stimulation might demonstrate the causal role of LFP phenomena. We propose that an increased focus on human electrophysiology is essential for an understanding of the neural basis of cognitive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alik S. Widge
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, 3001 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Sarah R. Heilbronner
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, and Center for Neuroengineering, University of Minnesota, 2021 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Benjamin Y. Hayden
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, and Center for Neuroengineering, University of Minnesota, 2021 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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24
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Hogeveen J, Krug MK, Geddert RM, Ragland JD, Solomon M. Compensatory Hippocampal Recruitment Supports Preserved Episodic Memory in Autism Spectrum Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2019; 5:97-109. [PMID: 31676207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The degree to which individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evidence impairments in episodic memory relative to their typically developing (TD) counterparts remains unclear. According to a prominent view, ASD is associated with deficits in encoding associations between items and recollecting precise context details. Here, we evaluated behavioral and neural evidence for this impaired relational binding hypothesis using a task involving relational encoding and recollection during functional magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS Adolescents and young adults (nASD = 47, nTD = 60) performed the Relational and Item-Specific Encoding task during functional magnetic resonance imaging, including item and associative recognition testing. We modeled functional recruitment within the medial temporal lobes (MTLs), and connectivity between MTL and the posterior medial (PM) network thought to underlie relational memory. The impaired relational binding model would predict a behavioral deficit driven by aberrant recruitment and connectivity of MTL and the PM network. RESULTS The ASD and TD groups showed indistinguishable item and associative recognition performance. During relational encoding, the ASD group demonstrated increased hippocampal recruitment, and decreased connectivity between MTL and PM regions relative to the TD group. Within ASD, hippocampal recruitment and MTL-PM connectivity were inversely correlated. CONCLUSIONS The lack of a behavioral deficit in ASD does not support the impaired relational binding hypothesis. Instead, the current data suggest that increased recruitment of the hippocampus compensates for decreased MTL-PM connectivity to support preserved episodic memory in ASD. These findings suggest a compensatory neurodevelopmental mechanism that may support preserved cognitive domains in ASD: local hyperrecruitment may offset connectivity aberrations in individuals with ASD relative to TD subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hogeveen
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Psychology Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
| | - Marie K Krug
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Raphael M Geddert
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - J Daniel Ragland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Imaging Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Imaging Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
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25
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Määttä S, Säisänen L, Kallioniemi E, Lakka TA, Lintu N, Haapala EA, Koskenkorva P, Niskanen E, Ferreri F, Könönen M. Maturation changes the excitability and effective connectivity of the frontal lobe: A developmental TMS-EEG study. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:2320-2335. [PMID: 30648321 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation with simultaneous electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) offers direct neurophysiological insight into excitability and connectivity within neural circuits. However, there have been few developmental TMS-EEG studies to date, and they all have focused on primary motor cortex stimulation. In the present study, we used navigated high-density TMS-EEG to investigate the maturation of the superior frontal cortex (dorsal premotor cortex [PMd]), which is involved in a broad range of motor and cognitive functions known to develop with age. We demonstrated that reactivity to frontal cortex TMS decreases with development. We also showed that although frontal cortex TMS elicits an equally complex TEP waveform in all age groups, the statistically significant between-group differences in the topography of the TMS-evoked peaks and differences in current density maps suggest changes in effective connectivity of the right PMd with maturation. More generally, our results indicate that direct study of the brain's excitability and effective connectivity via TMS-EEG co-registration can also be applied to pediatric populations outside the primary motor cortex, and may provide useful information for developmental studies and studies on developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Määttä
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Laura Säisänen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elisa Kallioniemi
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Timo A Lakka
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland.,Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Niina Lintu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland
| | - Eero A Haapala
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Päivi Koskenkorva
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eini Niskanen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Florinda Ferreri
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurology and Neurophysiology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mervi Könönen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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26
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Francis SM, Camchong J, Brickman L, Goelkel-Garcia L, Mueller BA, Tseng A, Lim KO, Jacob S. Hypoconnectivity of insular resting-state networks in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2019; 283:104-112. [PMID: 30594068 PMCID: PMC6901290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication. The anterior insula (AI) participates in emotional salience detection; and the posterior insula (PI) participates in sensorimotor integration and response selection. Meta-analyses have noted insula-based aberrant connectivity within ASD. Given the observed social impairments in ASD and the role of the insula in social information processing (SIP), investigating functional organization of this structure in ASD is important. We investigated differences in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) using fMRI in male youths with (N=13; mean=14.6 years; range: 10.2-18.0 years) and without ASD (N=17; mean=14.5 years; range: 10.0-17.5 years). With seed-based FC measures, we compared RSFC in insular networks. Hypoconnectivity was observed in ASD (AI-superior frontal gyrus (SFG); AI-thalamus; PI-inferior parietal lobule (IPL); PI-fusiform gyrus (FG); PI-lentiform nucleus/putamen). Using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) to assess social functioning, regression analyses yielded negative correlations between SCQ scores and RSFC (AI-SFG; AI-thalamus; PI-FG; PI-IPL). Given the insula's connections to limbic regions, and its role in integrating external sensory stimuli with internal states, atypical activity in this structure may be associated with social deficits characterizing ASD. Our results suggest further investigation of the insula's role in SIP across a continuum of social abilities is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunday M Francis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jazmin Camchong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Laura Brickman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Bryon A Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angela Tseng
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kelvin O Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Suma Jacob
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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27
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Hogeveen J, Krug MK, Elliott MV, Carter CS, Solomon M. Proactive control as a double-edged sword in autism spectrum disorder. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 127:429-435. [PMID: 29745707 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Proactive control refers to the active representation of contextual information to bias cognitive processing and facilitate goal-directed behavior. Despite research suggesting that proactive control may be impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the associations between proactive control and clinical symptoms of ASD remain underspecified. Here, we combined a children's version of the AX Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) with gold standard clinical assessments in children with ASD (N = 34) or typical development (TYP; N = 45). After controlling for full-scale IQ (FSIQ), measures of proactive control were similar between ASD and TYP. However, specifically within ASD we observed paradoxical relationships between proactive control and clinical symptoms. Increased reliance on proactive control was associated with reduced attention problems and increased restricted and repetitive behaviors in ASD. Therefore, proactive control appears to represent a double-edged sword in ASD: improved attentional control at the cost of heightened behavioral inflexibility. This represents a compelling and new characterization of the specific association between cognitive control processes isolated in computerized laboratory tasks and the multidimensional cognitive symptoms characteristic of ASD. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie K Krug
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis
| | | | - Cameron S Carter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Imaging Research Center, University of California, Davis
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28
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Voorhies W, Dajani DR, Vij SG, Shankar S, Turan TO, Uddin LQ. Aberrant functional connectivity of inhibitory control networks in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2018; 11:1468-1478. [PMID: 30270514 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Development of inhibitory control is a core component of executive function processes and a key aspect of healthy development. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show impairments in performance on inhibitory control tasks. Nevertheless, the research on the neural correlates of these impairments is inconclusive. Here, we explore the integrity of inhibitory control networks in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children using resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imagaing (MRI). In a large multisite sample, we find evidence for significantly greater functional connectivity (FC) of the right inferior frontal junction (rIFJ) with the posterior cingulate gyrus, and left and right frontal poles in children with ASD compared with TD children. Additionally, TD children show greater FC of rIFJ with the superior parietal lobule (SPL) compared with children with ASD. Furthermore, although higher rIFJ-SPL and rIFJ-IPL FC was related to better inhibitory control behaviors in both ASD and TD children, rIFJ-dACC FC was only associated with inhibitory control behaviors in TD children. These results provide preliminary evidence of differences in intrinsic functional networks supporting inhibitory control in children with ASD, and provide a basis for further exploration of the development of inhibitory control in children with the disorder. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1468-1478. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Inhibitory control is an important process in healthy cognitive development. Behavioral studies suggest that inhibitory control is impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, research examining the neural correlates underlying inhibitory control differences in children with ASD is inconclusive. This study reveals differences in functional connectivity of brain networks important for inhibitory control in children with ASD compared with typically developing children. Furthermore, it relates brain network differences to parent-reported inhibitory control behaviors in children with ASD. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that differences in brain connectivity may underlie observable behavioral deficits in inhibitory control in children with the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willa Voorhies
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Dina R Dajani
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Shruti G Vij
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Sahana Shankar
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida
| | | | - Lucina Q Uddin
- Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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29
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Yuk V, Urbain C, Pang EW, Anagnostou E, Buchsbaum D, Taylor MJ. Do you know what I'm thinking? Temporal and spatial brain activity during a theory-of-mind task in children with autism. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 34:139-147. [PMID: 30415185 PMCID: PMC6969351 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
First MEG study of neural underpinnings of theory of mind differences in autism. Children with autism show decreased LTPJ activity from 300 to 375 and 425 to 500 ms. Children with autism also show increased RIFG activity from 325 to 375 ms. Co-incident lower LTPJ and higher RIFG activity implies compensatory use of RIFG. Executive functions may augment impaired theory of mind in autism.
The social impairments observed in children with autism spectrum disorder are thought to arise in part from deficits in theory of mind, the ability to understand other people’s thoughts and feelings. To determine the temporal-spatial dynamics of brain activity underlying these atypical theory-of-mind processes, we used magnetoencephalography to characterize the sequence of functional brain patterns (i.e. when and where) related to theory-of-mind reasoning in 19 high-functioning children with autism compared to 22 age- and sex-matched typically-developing children aged 8–12 during a false-belief (theory-of-mind) task. While task performance did not differ between the two groups, children with autism showed reduced activation in the left temporoparietal junction between 300–375 and 425–500 ms, as well as increased activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus from 325 to 375 ms compared to controls. The overlap in decreased temporoparietal junction activity and increased right inferior frontal gyrus activation from 325 to 375 ms suggests that in children with autism, the right inferior frontal gyrus may compensate for deficits in the temporoparietal junction, a neural theory-of-mind network hub. As the right inferior frontal gyrus is involved in inhibitory control, this finding suggests that children with autism rely on executive functions to bolster their false-belief understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Yuk
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Charline Urbain
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth W Pang
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daphna Buchsbaum
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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30
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Park MTM, Raznahan A, Shaw P, Gogtay N, Lerch JP, Chakravarty MM. Neuroanatomical phenotypes in mental illness: identifying convergent and divergent cortical phenotypes across autism, ADHD and schizophrenia. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2018; 43:170094. [PMID: 29402375 PMCID: PMC5915241 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.170094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence suggesting neuropsychiatric disorders share genomic, cognitive and clinical features. Here, we ask if autism-spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia share neuroanatomical variations. METHODS First, we used measures of cortical anatomy to estimate spatial overlap of neuroanatomical variation using univariate methods. Next, we developed a novel methodology to determine whether cortical deficits specifically target or are "enriched" within functional resting-state networks. RESULTS We found cortical anomalies were preferentially enriched across functional networks rather than clustering spatially. Specifically, cortical thickness showed significant enrichment between patients with ASD and those with ADHD in the default mode network, between patients with ASD and those with schizophrenia in the frontoparietal and limbic networks, and between patients with ADHD and those with schizophrenia in the ventral attention network. Networks enriched in cortical thickness anomalies were also strongly represented in functional MRI results (Neurosynth; r = 0.64, p = 0.032). LIMITATIONS We did not account for variable symptom dimensions and severity in patient populations, and our cross-sectional design prevented longitudinal analyses of developmental trajectories. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that common deficits across neuropsychiatric disorders cannot simply be characterized as arising out of local changes in cortical grey matter, but rather as entities of both local and systemic alterations targeting brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tae M Park
- From the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont., Canada (Park); the Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que., Canada (Park, Chakravarty); the Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Raznahan); the Section on Neurobehavioral Clinical Research, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lerch); and the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada (Chakravarty)
| | - Armin Raznahan
- From the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont., Canada (Park); the Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que., Canada (Park, Chakravarty); the Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Raznahan); the Section on Neurobehavioral Clinical Research, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lerch); and the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada (Chakravarty)
| | - Philip Shaw
- From the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont., Canada (Park); the Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que., Canada (Park, Chakravarty); the Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Raznahan); the Section on Neurobehavioral Clinical Research, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lerch); and the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada (Chakravarty)
| | - Nitin Gogtay
- From the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont., Canada (Park); the Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que., Canada (Park, Chakravarty); the Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Raznahan); the Section on Neurobehavioral Clinical Research, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lerch); and the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada (Chakravarty)
| | - Jason P Lerch
- From the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont., Canada (Park); the Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que., Canada (Park, Chakravarty); the Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Raznahan); the Section on Neurobehavioral Clinical Research, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lerch); and the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada (Chakravarty)
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- From the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont., Canada (Park); the Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que., Canada (Park, Chakravarty); the Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Raznahan); the Section on Neurobehavioral Clinical Research, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA (Shaw); the Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lerch); and the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada (Chakravarty)
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31
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Duan X, Chen H, He C, Long Z, Guo X, Zhou Y, Uddin LQ, Chen H. Resting-state functional under-connectivity within and between large-scale cortical networks across three low-frequency bands in adolescents with autism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 79:434-441. [PMID: 28779909 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although evidence is accumulating that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with disruption of functional connections between and within brain networks, it remains largely unknown whether these abnormalities are related to specific frequency bands. To address this question, network contingency analysis was performed on brain functional connectomes obtained from 213 adolescent participants across nine sites in the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) multisite sample, to determine the disrupted connections between and within seven major cortical networks in adolescents with ASD at Slow-5, Slow-4 and Slow-3 frequency bands and further assess whether the aberrant intra- and inter-network connectivity varied as a function of ASD symptoms. Overall under-connectivity within and between large-scale intrinsic networks in ASD was revealed across the three frequency bands. Specifically, decreased connectivity strength within the default mode network (DMN), between DMN and visual network (VN), ventral attention network (VAN), and between dorsal attention network (DAN) and VAN was observed in the lower frequency band (slow-5, slow-4), while decreased connectivity between limbic network (LN) and frontal-parietal network (FPN) was observed in the higher frequency band (slow-3). Furthermore, weaker connectivity within and between specific networks correlated with poorer communication and social interaction skills in the slow-5 band, uniquely. These results demonstrate intrinsic under-connectivity within and between multiple brain networks within predefined frequency bands in ASD, suggesting that frequency-related properties underlie abnormal brain network organization in the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujun Duan
- Key laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in BioMedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China.
| | - Heng Chen
- Key laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in BioMedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Changchun He
- Key laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in BioMedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zhiliang Long
- Key laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in BioMedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiaonan Guo
- Key laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in BioMedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yuanyue Zhou
- Mental Health Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, United States
| | - Huafu Chen
- Key laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in BioMedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, PR China.
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32
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Weiss EM, Gschaidbauer B, Kaufmann L, Fink A, Schulter G, Mittenecker E, Papousek I. Age-related differences in inhibitory control and memory updating in boys with Asperger syndrome. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017; 267:651-659. [PMID: 28025692 PMCID: PMC5610201 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-016-0756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in specific executive domains are highly prevalent in autism spectrum disorder; however, age-related improvements in executive functions (reflecting prefrontal maturational changes) have been reported even in individuals diagnosed with autism. The current study examined two components of cognitive flexibility (inhibition of prepotent responses and memory monitoring/updating) by using a random-motor-generation task (MPT) in a group of 23 boys with Asperger syndrome (AS) and 23 matched healthy controls. We found poorer inhibition and more repetitive responses in younger AS children solely, but comparable memory monitoring/updating skills across groups. Overall, our findings correspond well with previous studies and reveal that even in AS specific EFs may improve with age and, thus, call for a more differentiated view of executive (dys) function profiles in children diagnosed with AS. Tests such as the random-motor-generation task may help to disentangle more specific processes of executive deficits in autism spectrum disorder as compared to the more classical tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Weiss
- Biological Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Univ.-Platz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Bianca Gschaidbauer
- Biological Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Univ.-Platz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Liane Kaufmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, General Hospital Hall, Tirol, Austria
| | - Andreas Fink
- Biological Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Univ.-Platz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Günter Schulter
- Biological Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Univ.-Platz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Erich Mittenecker
- Biological Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Univ.-Platz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Ilona Papousek
- Biological Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Univ.-Platz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
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Fitzgerald J, Leemans A, Kehoe E, O'Hanlon E, Gallagher L, McGrath J. Abnormal fronto-parietal white matter organisation in the superior longitudinal fasciculus branches in autism spectrum disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 47:652-661. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychiatry; School of Medicine; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience; Trinity College Dublin; Lloyd Building Dublin Ireland
| | - Alexander Leemans
- Image Sciences Institute; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth Kehoe
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience; Trinity College Dublin; Lloyd Building Dublin Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience; Trinity College Dublin; Lloyd Building Dublin Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin Ireland
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Department of Psychiatry; School of Medicine; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
- Linndara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service; Dublin Ireland
| | - Jane McGrath
- Department of Psychiatry; School of Medicine; Trinity College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
- Linndara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service; Dublin Ireland
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An altered scaffold for information processing: Cognitive control development in adolescents with autism. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2017; 2:464-475. [PMID: 28924621 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated how cognitive neuroscientific studies during the last decade have advanced understanding of cognitive control from adolescence to young adulthood in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To do so, we conducted a selective review of the larger structural, resting state, and diffusion imaging studies of brain regions and networks related to cognitive control that have been conducted since 2007 in individuals with ASD and typical development (TYP) ages 10 to 30 years that examined how these regions and networks support behavioral and task-based fMRI performance on tasks assessing cognitive control during this period. Longitudinal structural studies reveal overgrowth of the anterior cingulate (ACC) and slower white matter development in the parietal cortex in adolescents with ASD versus TYP. Cross-sectional studies of the salience, executive control and default mode resting state functional connectivity networks, which mediate cognitive control, demonstrate patterns of connectivity that differ from TYP through adolescence. Finally, white matter tracts underlying these control-related brain regions continue to show reduced diffusion properties compared to TYP. It is thus not surprising that cognitive control tasks performance improves less during adolescence in ASD versus TYP. This review illustrates that a cognitive neuroscientific approach produces insights about the mechanisms of persistent cognitive control deficits in individuals with ASD from adolescence into young adulthood not apparent with neuropsychological methods alone, and draws attention to the great need for longitudinal studies of this period in those with ASD. Further investigation of ACC and fronto-parietal neural circuits may help specify pathophysiology and treatment options.
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Carlisi CO, Norman LJ, Lukito SS, Radua J, Mataix-Cols D, Rubia K. Comparative Multimodal Meta-analysis of Structural and Functional Brain Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:83-102. [PMID: 27887721 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) share inhibitory control deficits possibly underlying poor control over stereotyped and repetitive and compulsive behaviors, respectively. However, it is unclear whether these symptom profiles are mediated by common or distinct neural profiles. This comparative multimodal meta-analysis assessed shared and disorder-specific neuroanatomy and neurofunction of inhibitory functions. METHODS A comparative meta-analysis of 62 voxel-based morphometry and 26 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of inhibitory control was conducted comparing gray matter volume and activation abnormalities between patients with ASD (structural MRI: 911; fMRI: 188) and OCD (structural MRI: 928; fMRI: 247) and control subjects. Multimodal meta-analysis compared groups across voxel-based morphometry and fMRI. RESULTS Both disorders shared reduced function and structure in the rostral and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex including the anterior cingulate. OCD patients had a disorder-specific increase in structure and function of left basal ganglia (BG) and insula relative to control subjects and ASD patients, who had reduced right BG and insula volumes versus OCD patients. In fMRI, ASD patients showed disorder-specific reduced left dorsolateral-prefrontal activation and reduced posterior cingulate deactivation, whereas OCD patients showed temporoparietal underactivation. CONCLUSIONS The multimodal comparative meta-analysis shows shared and disorder-specific abnormalities. Whereas the rostrodorsomedial prefrontal cortex was smaller in structure and function in both disorders, this was concomitant with increased structure and function in BG and insula in OCD patients, but a reduction in ASD patients, presumably reflecting a disorder-specific frontostriatoinsular dysregulation in OCD in the form of poor frontal control over overactive BG, and a frontostriatoinsular maldevelopment in ASD with reduced structure and function in this network. Disorder-differential mechanisms appear to drive overlapping phenotypes of inhibitory control abnormalities in patients with ASD and OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina O Carlisi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke J Norman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steve S Lukito
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Mataix-Cols
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katya Rubia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Høyland AL, Øgrim G, Lydersen S, Hope S, Engstrøm M, Torske T, Nærland T, Andreassen OA. Event-Related Potentials in a Cued Go-NoGo Task Associated with Executive Functions in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder; A Case-Control Study. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:393. [PMID: 28744191 PMCID: PMC5504259 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions are often affected in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The underlying biology is however not well known. In the DSM-5, ASD is characterized by difficulties in two domains: Social Interaction and Repetitive and Restricted Behavior, RRB. Insistence of Sameness is part of RRB and has been reported related to executive functions. We aimed to identify differences between ASD and typically developing (TD) adolescents in Event Related Potentials (ERPs) associated with response preparation, conflict monitoring and response inhibition using a cued Go-NoGo paradigm. We also studied the effect of age and emotional content of paradigm related to these ERPs. We investigated 49 individuals with ASD and 49 TD aged 12-21 years, split into two groups below (young) and above (old) 16 years of age. ASD characteristics were quantified by the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and executive functions were assessed with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), both parent-rated. Behavioral performance and ERPs were recorded during a cued visual Go-NoGo task which included neutral pictures (VCPT) and pictures of emotional faces (ECPT). The amplitudes of ERPs associated with response preparation, conflict monitoring, and response inhibition were analyzed. The ASD group showed markedly higher scores than TD in both SCQ and BRIEF. Behavioral data showed no case-control differences in either the VCPT or ECPT in the whole group. While there were no significant case-control differences in ERPs from the combined VCPT and ECPT in the whole sample, the Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) was significantly enhanced in the old ASD group (p = 0.017). When excluding ASD with comorbid ADHD we found a significantly increased N2 NoGo (p = 0.016) and N2-effect (p = 0.023) for the whole group. We found no case-control differences in the P3-components. Our findings suggest increased response preparation in adolescents with ASD older than 16 years and enhanced conflict monitoring in ASD without comorbid ADHD during a Go-NoGo task. The current findings may be related to Insistence of Sameness in ASD. The pathophysiological underpinnings of executive dysfunction should be further investigated to learn more about how this phenomenon is related to core characteristics of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Høyland
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
| | - Geir Øgrim
- Neuropsychiatric Unit, Østfold Hospital TrustFredrikstad, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
| | - Stian Lydersen
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
| | - Sigrun Hope
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, University of OsloOslo, Norway
- Department of Neurohabilitation, Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway
| | - Morten Engstrøm
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
| | - Tonje Torske
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken Hospital TrustDrammen, Norway
| | - Terje Nærland
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, University of OsloOslo, Norway
- NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders and Disabilities, Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, University of OsloOslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway
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37
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Alterations in the functional neural circuitry supporting flexible choice behavior in autism spectrum disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e916. [PMID: 27727243 PMCID: PMC5315543 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors, and a pronounced preference for behavioral and environmental consistency, are distinctive characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Alterations in frontostriatal circuitry that supports flexible behavior might underlie this behavioral impairment. In an functional magnetic resonance imaging study of 17 individuals with ASD, and 23 age-, gender- and IQ-matched typically developing control participants, reversal learning tasks were used to assess behavioral flexibility as participants switched from one learned response choice to a different response choice when task contingencies changed. When choice outcome after reversal was uncertain, the ASD group demonstrated reduced activation in both frontal cortex and ventral striatum, in the absence of task performance differences. When the outcomes of novel responses were certain, there was no difference in brain activation between groups. Reduced activation in frontal cortex and ventral striatum suggest problems in decision-making and response planning, and in processing reinforcement cues, respectively. These processes, and their integration, are essential for flexible behavior. Alterations in these systems may therefore contribute to a rigid adherence to preferred behavioral patterns in individuals with an ASD. These findings provide an additional impetus for the use of reversal learning paradigms as a translational model for treatment development targeting the domain of restricted and repetitive behaviors in ASD.
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Abbott AE, Nair A, Keown CL, Datko M, Jahedi A, Fishman I, Müller RA. Patterns of Atypical Functional Connectivity and Behavioral Links in Autism Differ Between Default, Salience, and Executive Networks. Cereb Cortex 2016; 26:4034-45. [PMID: 26351318 PMCID: PMC5027998 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhv191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical brain network organization, but findings have been inconsistent. While methodological and maturational factors have been considered, the network specificity of connectivity abnormalities remains incompletely understood. We investigated intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) for four "core" functional networks-default-mode (DMN), salience (SN), and left (lECN) and right executive control (rECN). Resting-state functional MRI data from 75 children and adolescents (37 ASD, 38 typically developing [TD]) were included. Functional connectivity within and between networks was analyzed for regions of interest (ROIs) and whole brain, compared between groups, and correlated with behavioral scores. ROI analyses showed overconnectivity (ASD > TD), especially between DMN and ECN. Whole-brain results were mixed. While predominant overconnectivity was found for DMN (posterior cingulate seed) and rECN (right inferior parietal seed), predominant underconnectivity was found for SN (right anterior insula seed) and lECN (left inferior parietal seed). In the ASD group, reduced SN integrity was associated with sensory and sociocommunicative symptoms. In conclusion, atypical connectivity in ASD is network-specific, ranging from extensive overconnectivity (DMN, rECN) to extensive underconnectivity (SN, lECN). Links between iFC and behavior differed between groups. Core symptomatology in the ASD group was predominantly related to connectivity within the salience network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E. Abbott
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Aarti Nair
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christopher L. Keown
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael Datko
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Afrooz Jahedi
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Computational Science Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Inna Fishman
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Yao Z, Hu B, Xie Y, Zheng F, Liu G, Chen X, Zheng W. Resting-State Time-Varying Analysis Reveals Aberrant Variations of Functional Connectivity in Autism. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:463. [PMID: 27695408 PMCID: PMC5025431 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, studies based on time-varying functional connectivity have unveiled brain states diversity in some neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. However, time-varying functional connectivity analysis of resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) have been rarely performed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Hence, we performed time-varying connectivity analysis on resting-state fMRI data to investigate brain states mutation in ASD children. ASD showed an imbalance of connectivity state and aberrant ratio of connectivity with different strengths in the whole brain network, and decreased connectivity associated precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus with medial prefrontal gyrus in default mode network. As compared to typical development children, weak relevance condition (the strength of a large number of connectivities in the state was less than means minus standard deviation of all connection strength) was maintained for a longer time between brain areas of ASD children, and ratios of weak connectivity in brain states varied dramatically in the ASD. In the ASD, the abnormal brain state might be related to repetitive behaviors and stereotypical interests, and macroscopically reflect disruption of gamma-aminobutyric acid at the cellular level. The detection of brain states based on time-varying functional connectivity analysis of resting-state fMRI might be conducive for diagnosis and early intervention of ASD before obvious clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Yao
- Ubiquitous Awareness and Intelligent Solutions Lab, School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Ubiquitous Awareness and Intelligent Solutions Lab, School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuanwei Xie
- Ubiquitous Awareness and Intelligent Solutions Lab, School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University Lanzhou, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Ubiquitous Awareness and Intelligent Solutions Lab, School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University Lanzhou, China
| | - Guangyao Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Chen
- Ubiquitous Awareness and Intelligent Solutions Lab, School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University Lanzhou, China
| | - Weihao Zheng
- Ubiquitous Awareness and Intelligent Solutions Lab, School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University Lanzhou, China
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40
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South M, Stephenson KG, Nielson CA, Maisel M, Top DN, Kirwan CB. Overactive Pattern Separation Memory Associated with Negative Emotionality in Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 45:3458-67. [PMID: 26231206 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bowler et al. (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 44(9):2355-2362. doi:10.1007/s10803-014-2105-y, 2014) have suggested that a specific memory impairment in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) arises from hippocampal failure to consolidate multiple related pieces of information. Twenty-four adults diagnosed with ASD and matched healthy controls completed a pattern separation memory task that is known to critically depend on hippocampal involvement. They additionally completed questionnaires regarding anxiety, depression, and behavioral motivation. Specific deficits in pattern separation were significantly correlated with negative emotionality; the best predictor of memory deficit was from a measure of achievement motivation that has also been associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the context of impaired emotion regulation in ASD, there is a need for integrated cognitive, affective, and neural systems approaches to build targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M South
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 245 TLRB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA. .,Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
| | - K G Stephenson
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 245 TLRB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - C A Nielson
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - M Maisel
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 245 TLRB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - D N Top
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 245 TLRB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - C B Kirwan
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 245 TLRB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.,Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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41
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Kuiper MWM, Verhoeven EWM, Geurts HM. The role of interstimulus interval and "Stimulus-type" in prepotent response inhibition abilities in people with ASD: A quantitative and qualitative review. Autism Res 2016; 9:1124-1141. [PMID: 27091394 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with prepotent response inhibition difficulties. However, the large variation between studies suggests that understudied factors, such as interstimulus interval (ISI) and "stimulus-type" (both hypothesized proxies of stressors influencing arousal), might influence the inhibitory abilities of people with ASD. Using meta-analysis, we tested whether differences in prepotent response inhibition between people with and without ASD was influenced by ISI. There was not enough variation in "stimulus-type" between the studies to include it as a moderator. Thirty-seven studies met inclusion criteria, with a combined sample size of 950 people with ASD and 966 typically developing controls. Additionally, a qualitative review including studies comparing a neutral and an arousing condition in one experiment was performed to examine whether fast ISI or specific arousing stimuli directly influence prepotent response inhibition. The meta-analysis indicated that ISI was not a relevant moderator. The qualitative review showed that ISI and "stimulus-type" had the same effect for both groups. Although all studies regarding ISI indicated that fast ISI worsened performance, different types of stimuli had either a positive or a negative influence. This could suggest that distinctive stimuli might affect arousal differently. While we replicated the inhibition difficulties in people with ASD (g = .51), our results do not show strong ASD-specific effects of ISI or "stimulus-type" on inhibition. Nonetheless, ISI and "stimulus-type" do seem to influence performance. Future research focusing on potential underlying factors (e.g., baseline physiological arousal) is needed to examine why this is the case. Autism Res 2016, 9: 1124-1141. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke W M Kuiper
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands.,University van Amsterdam Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Programme group Brain and Cognition, Weesperplein 4, 1018 XA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hilde M Geurts
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands.,University van Amsterdam Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Programme group Brain and Cognition, Weesperplein 4, 1018 XA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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42
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Fung LK, Mahajan R, Nozzolillo A, Bernal P, Krasner A, Jo B, Coury D, Whitaker A, Veenstra-Vanderweele J, Hardan AY. Pharmacologic Treatment of Severe Irritability and Problem Behaviors in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2016; 137 Suppl 2:S124-35. [PMID: 26908468 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-2851k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a public health issue. Irritability and aggression (IA) often negatively affect the lives of people with ASD and their families. Although many medications have been tested for IA in ASDs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), critical quantitative analyses of these trials are lacking in the literature. OBJECTIVES To systematically review and quantitatively analyze the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic treatments for IA in youth with ASD. DATA SOURCES Studies were identified from Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and review articles. METHODS Original articles on placebo-controlled RCTs of pharmacologic treatments of IA in youth age 2 to 17 years with ASD were included. Data items included study design, study goals, details of study participants, details of intervention, study results, statistical methods, side effects, and risks of bias. The primary study outcome measure was the effect size of reduction in the Aberrant Behavioral Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I) scores in the medication group, as compared with placebo, in RCTs using parallel groups design. RESULTS Forty-six RCTs were identified. Compared with placebo, 3 compounds resulted in significant improvement in ABC-I at the end of treatment. Risperidone and aripiprazole were found to be the most effective, with the largest effect sizes. Sedation, extrapyramidal sides effects, and weight gain were assessed quantitatively. CONCLUSIONS Although risperidone and aripiprazole have the strongest evidence in reducing ABC-I in youth with ASD, a few other compounds also showed significant efficacy with fewer potential side effects and adverse reactions in single studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence K Fung
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Rajneesh Mahajan
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alixandra Nozzolillo
- Center for Child & Adolescent Health Research and Policy, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pilar Bernal
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, San Jose, California
| | - Aaron Krasner
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Daniel Coury
- Department of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Agnes Whitaker
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | | | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California;
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Solomon M, Ragland JD, Niendam TA, Lesh TA, Beck JS, Matter JC, Frank MJ, Carter CS. Atypical Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Transitive Inference. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 54:947-55. [PMID: 26506585 PMCID: PMC4624100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying impairments in generalizing learning shown by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD A total of 21 high-functioning individuals with ASD aged 12 to 18 years, and 23 gender-, IQ-, and age-matched adolescents with typical development (TYP), completed a transitive inference (TI) task implemented using rapid event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were trained on overlapping pairs in a stimulus hierarchy of colored ovals where A>B>C>D>E>F and then tested on generalizing this training to new stimulus pairings (AF, BD, BE) in a "Big Game." Whole-brain univariate, region of interest, and functional connectivity analyses were used. RESULTS During training, the TYP group exhibited increased recruitment of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), whereas the group with ASD showed greater functional connectivity between the PFC and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Both groups recruited the hippocampus and caudate comparably; however, functional connectivity between these regions was positively associated with TI performance for only the group with ASD. During the Big Game, the TYP group showed greater recruitment of the PFC, parietal cortex, and the ACC. Recruitment of these regions increased with age in the group with ASD. CONCLUSION During TI, TYP individuals recruited cognitive control-related brain regions implicated in mature problem solving/reasoning including the PFC, parietal cortex, and ACC, whereas the group with ASD showed functional connectivity of the hippocampus and the caudate that was associated with task performance. Failure to reliably engage cognitive control-related brain regions may produce less integrated flexible learning in individuals with ASD unless they are provided with task support that, in essence, provides them with cognitive control; however, this pattern may normalize with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Solomon
- University of California, Davis (UC Davis); UC Davis Imaging Research Center, Davis, CA; MIND Institute, Davis.
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Weisman O, Pelphrey KA, Leckman JF, Feldman R, Lu Y, Chong A, Chen Y, Monakhov M, Chew SH, Ebstein RP. The association between 2D:4D ratio and cognitive empathy is contingent on a common polymorphism in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR rs53576). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 58:23-32. [PMID: 25935637 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Both testosterone and oxytocin influence an individual's accuracy in inferring another's feelings and emotions. Fetal testosterone, and the second-to-forth digit ratio (2D:4D) as its proxy, plays a role in social cognitive development, often by attenuating socio-affective skill. Conversely, oxytocin generally facilitates socio-affiliative and empathic cognition and behavior. A common polymorphism in the oxytocin receptor gene, OXTR rs53576, has been repeatedly linked with psychosocial competence, including empathy, with individuals homozygous for the G allele typically characterized by enhanced socio-cognitive skills compared to A allele carriers. We examined the role of oxytocin and testosterone in collectively contributing to individual differences in cognitive empathy as measured by Baron-Cohen's "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" task (RMET). Findings are based on a large cohort of male and female students (N=1463) of Han Chinese ethnicity. In line with existing literature, women outperformed men in the RMET. Men showed significantly lower 2D:4D ratio compared to women, indicating higher exposure to testosterone during the prenatal period. Interestingly, variation in the OXTR gene was found to interact with 2D:4D to predict men's (but not women's) RMET performance. Among men with GG allelic variation, those with low fetal testosterone performed better on the RMET, compared to men with GG and high fetal testosterone, suggesting greater identification of another's emotional state. Taken together, our data lend unique support to the mutual influence of the oxytocin and testosterone systems in shaping core aspect of human social cognition early in development, further suggesting that this effect is gender-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omri Weisman
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - James F Leckman
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Ruth Feldman
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Yunfeng Lu
- Department of Economics, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anne Chong
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, Risk Management Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mikhail Monakhov
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Soo Hong Chew
- Department of Economics, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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45
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Mackie MA, Fan J. Reduced Efficiency and Capacity of Cognitive Control in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2015; 9:403-14. [PMID: 26171787 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive control constrains mental operations to prioritize information that reaches conscious awareness and is essential to flexible, adaptive behavior under conditions of uncertainty. Cognitive control can be compromised by neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by the presence of social and communicative deficits, and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors. Although prior investigations have attempted to elucidate the nature of cognitive control in ASD, whether there is an underlying information processing deficit associated with cognitive control remains unclear. This study challenged cognitive control in 15 high-functioning adults with ASD and 15 typically developing (TD) controls using three novel tasks designed to systematically manipulate uncertainty. We aimed to investigate the efficiency of cognitive control in sequential information processing, cognitive control of nonsequential information processing across a range of cognitive loads and cognitive control capacity under time constraint. Results demonstrated that the ASD group performed less efficiently on sequential and nonsequential information processing, and had reduced cognitive control capacity under time constraint relative to the TD group. These findings suggest that inefficient cognitive control of information processing may be a fundamental deficit in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa-Ann Mackie
- Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016.,Department of Psychology, Queens College, The City University of New York, Queens, NY, 11367
| | - Jin Fan
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, The City University of New York, Queens, NY, 11367.,Departments of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029.,Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029
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Brief report: an open-label study of the neurosteroid pregnenolone in adults with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 44:2971-7. [PMID: 24849255 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2144-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the tolerability and efficacy of pregnenolone in reducing irritability in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This was a pilot, open-label, 12-week trial that included twelve subjects with a mean age of 22.5 ± 5.8 years. Two participants dropped out of the study due to reasons unrelated to adverse effects. Pregnenolone yielded a statistically significant improvement in the primary measure, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC)-Irritability [from 17.4 ± 7.4 at baseline to 11.2 ± 7.0 at 12 weeks (p = 0.028)]. Secondary measures were not statistically significant with the exception of ABC-lethargy (p = 0.046) and total Short Sensory Profile score (p = 0.009). No significant vital sign changes occurred during this study. Pregnenolone was not associated with any severe side effects. Single episodes of tiredness, diarrhea and depressive affect that could be related to pregnenolone were reported. Overall, pregnenolone was modestly effective and well-tolerated in individuals with ASD.
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Lainhart JE. Brain imaging research in autism spectrum disorders: in search of neuropathology and health across the lifespan. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2015; 28:76-82. [PMID: 25602243 PMCID: PMC4465432 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Advances in brain imaging research in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are rapidly occurring, and the amount of neuroimaging research has dramatically increased over the past 5 years. In this review, advances during the past 12 months and longitudinal studies are highlighted. RECENT FINDINGS Cross-sectional neuroimaging research provides evidence that the neural underpinnings of the behavioral signs of ASD involve not only dysfunctional integration of information across distributed brain networks but also basic dysfunction in primary cortices.Longitudinal studies of ASD show abnormally enlarged brain volumes and increased rates of brain growth during early childhood in only a small minority of ASD children. There is evidence of disordered development of white matter microstructure and amygdala growth, and at 2 years of age, network inefficiencies in posterior cerebral regions.From older childhood into adulthood, atypical age-variant and age-invariant changes in the trajectories of total and regional brain volumes and cortical thickness are apparent at the group level. SUMMARY There is evidence of abnormalities in posterior lobes and posterior brain networks during the first 2 years of life in ASD and, even in older children and adults, dysfunction in primary cortical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet E. Lainhart
- Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, and Autism & Developmental Disorders Clinic, Waisman Center, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Solomon M, Frank MJ, Ragland JD, Smith AC, Niendam TA, Lesh TA, Grayson DS, Beck JS, Matter JC, Carter CS. Feedback-driven trial-by-trial learning in autism spectrum disorders. Am J Psychiatry 2015; 172:173-81. [PMID: 25158242 PMCID: PMC5538105 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Impairments in learning are central to autism spectrum disorders. The authors investigated the cognitive and neural basis of these deficits in young adults with autism spectrum disorders using a well-characterized probabilistic reinforcement learning paradigm. METHOD The probabilistic selection task was implemented among matched participants with autism spectrum disorders (N=22) and with typical development (N=25), aged 18-40 years, using rapid event-related functional MRI. Participants were trained to choose the correct stimulus in high-probability (AB), medium-probability (CD), and low-probability (EF) pairs, presented with valid feedback 80%, 70%, and 60% of the time, respectively. Whole-brain voxel-wise and parametric modulator analyses examined early and late learning during the stimulus and feedback epochs of the task. RESULTS The groups exhibited comparable performance on medium- and low-probability pairs. Typically developing persons showed higher accuracy on the high-probability pair, better win-stay performance (selection of the previously rewarded stimulus on the next trial of that type), and more robust recruitment of the anterior and medial prefrontal cortex during the stimulus epoch, suggesting development of an intact reward-based working memory for recent stimulus values. Throughout the feedback epoch, individuals with autism spectrum disorders exhibited greater recruitment of the anterior cingulate and orbito-frontal cortices compared with individuals with typical development, indicating continuing trial-by-trial activity related to feedback processing. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with autism spectrum disorders exhibit learning deficits reflecting impaired ability to develop an effective reward-based working memory to guide stimulus selection. Instead, they continue to rely on trial-by-trial feedback processing to support learning dependent upon engagement of the anterior cingulate and orbito-frontal cortices.
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Padmanabhan A, Garver K, O'Hearn K, Nawarawong N, Liu R, Minshew N, Sweeney J, Luna B. Developmental changes in brain function underlying inhibitory control in autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2014; 8:123-35. [PMID: 25382787 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The development of inhibitory control-the ability to suppress inappropriate actions in order to make goal-directed responses-is often impaired in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In the present study, we examined whether the impairments in inhibitory control evident in ASD reflect-in part-differences in the development of the neural substrates of inhibitory control from adolescence into adulthood. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study on the anti-saccade task, a probe of inhibitory control, in high-functioning adolescents and adults with ASD compared to a matched group of typically developing (TD) individuals. The ASD group did not show the age-related improvements in behavioral performance from adolescence to adulthood evident in the typical group, consistent with previous behavioral work. The fMRI results indicated that much of the circuitry recruited by the ASD group was similar to the TD group. However, the ASD group demonstrated some unique patterns, including: (a) a failure to recruit the frontal eye field during response preparation in adolescence but comparable recruitment in adulthood; (b) greater recruitment of putamen in adolescence and precuneus in adolescence and adulthood than the TD group; and (c) decreased recruitment in the inferior parietal lobule relative to TD groups. Taken together, these results suggest that brain circuitry underlying inhibitory control develops differently from adolescence to adulthood in ASD. Specifically, there may be relative underdevelopment of brain processes underlying inhibitory control in ASD, which may lead to engagement of subcortical compensatory processes.
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Abstract
Adolescence brings dramatic changes in behavior and neural organization. Unfortunately, for some 30% of individuals with autism, there is marked decline in adaptive functioning during adolescence. We propose a two-hit model of autism. First, early perturbations in neural development function as a "first hit" that sets up a neural system that is "built to fail" in the face of a second hit. Second, the confluence of pubertal hormones, neural reorganization, and increasing social demands during adolescence provides the "second hit" that interferes with the ability to transition into adult social roles and levels of adaptive functioning. In support of this model, we review evidence about adolescent-specific neural and behavioral development in autism. We conclude with predictions and recommendations for empirical investigation about several domains in which developmental trajectories for individuals with autism may be uniquely deterred in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Picci
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
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