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Imperatori C, Massullo C, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Theodorou A, Scopelliti M, Romano L, Del Gatto C, Allegrini G, Carrus G, Panno A. Exposure to nature is associated with decreased functional connectivity within the distress network: A resting state EEG study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1171215. [PMID: 37151328 PMCID: PMC10158085 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1171215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the well-established evidence supporting the restorative potential of nature exposure, the neurophysiological underpinnings of the restorative cognitive/emotional effect of nature are not yet fully understood. The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between exposure to nature and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity in the distress network. Methods Fifty-three individuals (11 men and 42 women; mean age 21.38 ± 1.54 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: (i) a green group and (ii) a gray group. A slideshow consisting of images depicting natural and urban scenarios were, respectively, presented to the green and the gray group. Before and after the slideshow, 5 min resting state (RS) EEG recordings were performed. The exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software was used to execute all EEG analyses. Results Compared to the gray group, the green group showed a significant increase in positive emotions (F 1; 50 = 9.50 p = 0.003) and in the subjective experience of being full of energy and alive (F 1; 50 = 4.72 p = 0.035). Furthermore, as compared to urban pictures, the exposure to natural images was associated with a decrease of delta functional connectivity in the distress network, specifically between the left insula and left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (T = -3.70, p = 0.023). Discussion Our results would seem to be in accordance with previous neurophysiological studies suggesting that experiencing natural environments is associated with brain functional dynamics linked to emotional restorative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Alessio Carbone,
| | - Annalisa Theodorou
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Romano
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Del Gatto
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Allegrini
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Angelo Panno,
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Majeed U, Aftab MF, Baloch DM, Ahmed S, Yusuf IM, Hasan MA, Qureshi MS. Modulation of Heart and Brain Function by Surah Al-Rehman Recitation Among Distressed Diabetic Patients in Pakistan. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:3852-3865. [PMID: 34554380 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Distress causes psychophysiological alterations that affect autonomic function. The current study explores psychophysiological modulation in diabetic distress in response to Surah Al-Rehman recitation. A single-group experimental study with before and after intervention assessments was conducted during April 2018 to February 2019 in which participants (n = 10) listened to Surah Al-Rehman recitation. Blood pressure, blood glucose, cortisol, ECG and EEG were recorded before and after recitation. Significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, increase in low frequency and absolute alpha power at Fp2 were observed. Heartbeat evoked potentials (HEP) were also significantly modulated at Fp1, Fp2 and F4. These findings suggest that Surah Al-Rehman modulated baroreflex activity thereby reducing sympathetic activity and improved heart brain coherence as reflected by HEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Majeed
- Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Rafiqui H.J. Shaheed Road, Karachi, Sindh, 75510, Pakistan
| | - Meha Fatima Aftab
- Dow Institute of Medical Technology, Dow University of Health Sciences, 111 Suparco Rd, Gulzar-e-Hijri Gulzar E Hijri Scheme 33, Karachi, Sindh, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Deedag Murad Baloch
- Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Rafiqui H.J. Shaheed Road, Karachi, Sindh, 75510, Pakistan
| | - Sana Ahmed
- Dow Institute of Medical Technology, Dow University of Health Sciences, 111 Suparco Rd, Gulzar-e-Hijri Gulzar E Hijri Scheme 33, Karachi, Sindh, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Imran M Yusuf
- Transformation International Society, SB-23 & 24، Main University Rd, Gulshan Block 13 C Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Karachi, Sindh, 75300, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abul Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Main University Rd, Karachi, Karachi, Sindh, 75270, Pakistan
- Neurocomputation Laboratory, National Center for Artificial Intelligence, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sameer Qureshi
- Dow Institute of Medical Technology, Dow University of Health Sciences, 111 Suparco Rd, Gulzar-e-Hijri Gulzar E Hijri Scheme 33, Karachi, Sindh, 75270, Pakistan
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Magan D, Yadav RK. Psychoneuroimmunology of Meditation. Ann Neurosci 2022; 29:170-176. [DOI: 10.1177/09727531221109117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Meditation is a conscious mental discipline, that has been implicated in the relaxation response. The mechanism behind such a relaxing effect is psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), based on the interaction between mind, physical health, and self-healing; that conceptualizes that stress and an individual’s emotional state led to predisposition to diseases. Research to date suggests that meditation may play an active role in remodeling the imbalance between mind and body by modulating the psychoneuroimmunological effects of stress. However, to date, the multi-dimensional psychoneuroimmune aspects of meditation together have not been completely explicated. An evidence-based mechanism has been framed for the first time in India to explain the psychoneuroimmunology of regular and long-term meditation practice. Summary: Present evidence-based mechanism confirms prefrontal cortex (PFC) acts as a ‘Functional Connectome’ where psycho-neuro-immune aspects of meditation function simultaneously to exert positive benefits in the regulation of cognitive and emotional behavior. Also, this mechanism will help us to understand how human augmentation with lifestyle modification fosters brain plasticity to overcome various neuropsychiatric illnesses. Key Message: Meditation is a scientific tool against neuro-psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Magan
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Raj Kumar Yadav
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Massullo C, Panno A, Carbone GA, Della Marca G, Farina B, Imperatori C. Need for cognitive closure is associated with different intra-network functional connectivity patterns: A resting state EEG study. Soc Neurosci 2022; 17:143-153. [PMID: 35167428 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2022.2043432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Need for Cognitive Closure (NCC) is a construct referring to the desire for predictability, unambiguity and firm answers to issues. Neuroscientific literature about NCC processes has mainly focused on task-related brain activity. According to the Triple Network model (TN), the main aim of the current study was to investigate resting state (RS) electroencephalographic (EEG) intra-network dynamics associated with NCC. Fifty-two young adults (39 females) were enrolled and underwent EEG recordings during RS. Functional connectivity analysis was computed through exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) software. Our results showed that higher levels of NCC were associated with both i) decreased alpha EEG connectivity within the Central Executive Network (CEN), and ii) increased delta connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN). No significant correlations were observed between NCC and functional connectivity in the Salience Network (SN). Our data would seem to suggest that high levels of NCC are characterized by a specific communication pattern within the CEN and the DMN during RS. These neurophysiological patterns might reflect several typical NCC-related cognitive characteristics (e.g., lower flexibility and preference for habitual and rigid response schemas).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Dysregulated brain salience within a triple network model in high trait anxiety individuals: A pilot EEG functional connectivity study. Int J Psychophysiol 2020; 157:61-69. [PMID: 32976888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although previous studies have reported the association between large-scale brain networks alterations and pathological anxiety, abnormalities in the dynamic interaction among the triple network model in anxiety disorders and, especially, in trait anxiety is still poorly explored. Thus, the main aim of the current study was to investigate triple network functional dynamics in subjects with high trait anxiety during resting state (RS) through electroencephalography (EEG) connectivity. Twenty-three individuals with high-trait-anxiety (HTA) and forty-five participants with low-trait-anxiety (LTA) were enrolled. EEG analyses were conducted by means of the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Compared to LTA participants, HTA subjects showed a decrease of alpha connectivity within the salience network (SN), between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and both left and right anterior insula (AI). Furthermore, SN functional connectivity strength was negatively correlated with higher trait anxiety, even when controlling for potential confounding variables (e.g., depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms). Taken together, our results point out a specific functional connectivity pattern in HTA individuals, which consists in a dysfunctional communication within the SN, specifically in the AI-dACC pathway. This functional pattern could underline, at rest, saliency detection and brain correlates of altereted emotion regulation and cognitive control processes typically involved in anxiety.
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Lanzone J, Imperatori C, Assenza G, Ricci L, Farina B, Di Lazzaro V, Tombini M. Power Spectral Differences between Transient Epileptic and Global Amnesia: An eLORETA Quantitative EEG Study. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090613. [PMID: 32899970 PMCID: PMC7563784 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) is a rare epileptic condition, often confused with transient global amnesia (TGA). In a real-life scenario, differential diagnosis between these two conditions can be hard. In this study we use power spectral analysis empowered by exact Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) to evidence the differences between TEA and TGA. Fifteen patients affected by TEA (64.2 ± 5.2 y.o.; 11 female/4 male; 10 left and 5 right temporal epileptic focus) and 15 patients affected by TGA (65.8 ± 7.2 y.o.; 11 females/4 males) were retrospectively identified in our clinical records. All patients recorded EEGs after symptoms offset. EEGs were analyzed with eLORETA to evidence power spectral contrast between the two conditions. We used an inverse problem solution to localize the source of spectral differences. We found a significant increase in beta band power over the affected hemisphere of TEA patients. Significant results corresponded to the uncus and para-hippocampal gyrus, respectively Brodmann’s Areas: 36, 35, 28, 34. We present original evidence of an increase in beta power in the affected hemisphere (AH) of TEA as compared to TGA. These differences involve key areas of the memory network located in the mesial temporal lobe. Spectral asymmetries could be used in the future to recognize cases of amnesia with a high risk of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lanzone
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.I.); (B.F.)
| | - Giovanni Assenza
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Lorenzo Ricci
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.I.); (B.F.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Mario Tombini
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
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Imperatori C, Bersani FS, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Salvati A, Mazzi G, Cicerale G, Carrara A, Farina B. Neurophysiological correlates of religious coping to stress: a preliminary EEG power spectra investigation. Neurosci Lett 2020; 728:134956. [PMID: 32278941 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Religious coping to psychological stress has been linked to positive outcomes on both physical and mental health, but no studies have explored its neurophysiological correlates. Ninety-six participants (43 men and 53 women, mean age: 22.30 ± 2.48 years) were enrolled in the present study; they underwent an evaluation of coping with the brief version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (brief-COPE) scale and performed an eyes-closed resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. EEG analyses were conducted with the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Positive correlations between religious coping and EEG activity were observed in the theta frequency band in the right hemisphere, specifically in the superior temporal, inferior frontal, and middle temporal gyri. Religious coping scores were significantly positively associated with active coping and positive reframing coping strategies, with the latter not being significantly associated with EEG data. Taken together our results contribute to increase the knowledge on the neurophysiological concomitants of religious coping to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Salvati
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mazzi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Cicerale
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Carrara
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
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Increased Resting State Triple Network Functional Connectivity in Undergraduate Problematic Cannabis Users: A Preliminary EEG Coherence Study. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030136. [PMID: 32121183 PMCID: PMC7139645 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of experimental data have suggested that aberrant functional interactions between large-scale networks may be the most plausible explanation of psychopathology across multiple mental disorders, including substance-related and addictive disorders. In the current research, we have investigated the association between problematic cannabis use (PCU) and triple-network electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity. Twelve participants with PCU and 24 non-PCU participants were included in the study. EEG recordings were performed during resting state (RS). The exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA) was used for all EEG analyses. Compared to non-PCU, PCU participants showed an increased delta connectivity between the salience network (SN) and central executive network (CEN), specifically, between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and right posterior parietal cortex. The strength of delta connectivity between the SN and CEN was positively and significantly correlated with higher problematic patterns of cannabis use after controlling for age, sex, educational level, tobacco use, problematic alcohol use, and general psychopathology (rp = 0.40, p = 0.030). Taken together, our results show that individuals with PCU could be characterized by a specific dysfunctional interaction between the SN and CEN during RS, which might reflect the neurophysiological underpinnings of attentional and emotional processes of cannabis-related thoughts, memories, and craving.
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Kaushik M, Jain A, Agarwal P, Joshi SD, Parvez S. Role of Yoga and Meditation as Complimentary Therapeutic Regime for Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Utilization of Brain Waves Activity as Novel Tool. J Evid Based Integr Med 2020; 25:2515690X20949451. [PMID: 32985243 PMCID: PMC7545749 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x20949451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent decades, stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, chronic tension headache, and migraine have established their stronghold in the lives of a vast number of people worldwide. In order to address this global phenomenon, intensive studies have been carried out leading to the advancement of drugs like anti-depressants, anxiolytics, and analgesics which although help in combating the symptoms of such disorders but also create long-term side effects. Thus, as an alternative to such clinical practices, various complementary therapies such as yoga and meditation have been proved to be effective in alleviating the causes and symptoms of different neuropsychiatric disorders. The role of altered brain waves in this context has been recognized and needs to be pursued at the highest level. Thus, the current study provides a review focused on describing the effects of yoga and meditation on anxiety and depression as well as exploring brain waves as a tool for assessing the potential of these complementary therapies for such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medha Kaushik
- Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Akarshi Jain
- Department of Computer Science, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Puneet Agarwal
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shiv Dutt Joshi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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