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Liu P, Lin T, Fischer H, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Effects of four-week intranasal oxytocin administration on large-scale brain networks in older adults. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110130. [PMID: 39182569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110130] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a crucial modulator of social cognition and behavior. Previous work primarily examined effects of acute intranasal oxytocin administration (IN-OT) in younger males on isolated brain regions. Not well understood are (i) chronic IN-OT effects, (ii) in older adults, (iii) on large-scale brain networks, representative of OT's wider-ranging brain mechanisms. To address these research gaps, 60 generally healthy older adults (mean age = 70.12 years, range = 55-83) were randomly assigned to self-administer either IN-OT or placebo twice daily via nasal spray over four weeks. Chronic IN-OT reduced resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of both the right insula and the left middle cingulate cortex with the salience network but enhanced rs-FC of the left medial prefrontal cortex with the default mode network as well as the left thalamus with the basal ganglia-thalamus network. No significant chronic IN-OT effects were observed for between-network rs-FC. However, chronic IN-OT increased selective rs-FC of the basal ganglia-thalamus network with the salience network and the default mode network, indicative of more specialized, efficient communication between these networks. Directly comparing chronic vs. acute IN-OT, reduced rs-FC of the right insula with the salience network and between the default mode network and the basal ganglia-thalamus network, and greater selective rs-FC of the salience network with the default mode network and the basal ganglia-thalamus network, were more pronounced after chronic than acute IN-OT. Our results delineate the modulatory role of IN-OT on large-scale brain networks among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden; Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre (SUBIC), Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden; Aging Research Centre, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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2
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Biondi M, Marino M, Mantini D, Spironelli C. Unveiling altered connectivity between cognitive networks and cerebellum in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2024; 271:47-58. [PMID: 39013344 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive functioning is a crucial aspect in schizophrenia (SZ), and when altered it has devastating effects on patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. Several studies suggested that they could result from altered communication between the cortex and cerebellum. However, the neural correlates underlying these impairments have not been identified. In this study, we investigated resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) in SZ patients, by considering the interactions between cortical networks supporting cognition and cerebellum. In addition, we investigated the relationship between SZ patients' rsFC and their symptoms. We used fMRI data from 74 SZ patients and 74 matched healthy controls (HC) downloaded from the publicly available database SchizConnect. We implemented a seed-based connectivity approach to identify altered functional connections between specific cortical networks and cerebellum. We considered ten commonly studied resting state networks, whose functioning encompasses specific cognitive functions, and the cerebellum, whose involvement in supporting cognition has been recently identified. We then explored the relationship between altered rsFC values and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. The SZ group showed increased connectivity values compared with HC group for cortical networks involved in attentive processes, which were also linked to PANSS items describing attention and language-related processing. We also showed decreased connectivity between cerebellar regions, and increased connectivity between them and attentive networks, suggesting the contribution of cerebellum to attentive and affective deficits. In conclusion, our findings highlighted the link between negative symptoms in SZ and altered connectivity within the cerebellum and between the same and cortical networks supporting cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Marino
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy; Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, KU, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dante Mantini
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, KU, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Chiara Spironelli
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy; Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
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3
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Forrer S, Delavari F, Sandini C, Rafi H, Preti MG, Van De Ville D, Eliez S. Longitudinal Analysis of Brain Function-Structure Dependencies in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and Psychotic Symptoms. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024; 9:882-895. [PMID: 38849032 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with conventional unimodal analysis, understanding how brain function and structure relate to one another opens a new biologically relevant assessment of neural mechanisms. However, how function-structure dependencies (FSDs) evolve throughout typical and abnormal neurodevelopment remains elusive. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) offers an important opportunity to study the development of FSDs and their specific association with the pathophysiology of psychosis. METHODS Previously, we used graph signal processing to combine brain activity and structural connectivity measures in adults, quantifying FSD. Here, we combined FSD with longitudinal multivariate partial least squares correlation to evaluate FSD alterations across groups and among patients with and without mild to moderate positive psychotic symptoms. We assessed 391 longitudinally repeated resting-state functional and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images from 194 healthy control participants and 197 deletion carriers (ages 7-34 years, data collected over a span of 12 years). RESULTS Compared with control participants, patients with 22q11.2DS showed a persistent developmental offset from childhood, with regions of hyper- and hypocoupling across the brain. Additionally, a second deviating developmental pattern showed an exacerbation during adolescence, presenting hypocoupling in the frontal and cingulate cortices and hypercoupling in temporal regions for patients with 22q11.2DS. Interestingly, the observed aggravation during adolescence was strongly driven by the group with positive psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm a central role of altered FSD maturation in the emergence of psychotic symptoms in 22q11.2DS during adolescence. The FSD deviations precede the onset of psychotic episodes and thus offer a potential early indication for behavioral interventions in individuals at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Forrer
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland; Medical Image Processing Laboratory, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Farnaz Delavari
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland; Medical Image Processing Laboratory, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Corrado Sandini
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Halima Rafi
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland; Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, University of Geneva Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Giulia Preti
- Medical Image Processing Laboratory, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Van De Ville
- Medical Image Processing Laboratory, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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4
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Ronde M, van der Zee EA, Kas MJH. Default mode network dynamics: An integrated neurocircuitry perspective on social dysfunction in human brain disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105839. [PMID: 39097251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Our intricate social brain is implicated in a range of brain disorders, where social dysfunction emerges as a common neuropsychiatric feature cutting across diagnostic boundaries. Understanding the neurocircuitry underlying social dysfunction and exploring avenues for its restoration could present a transformative and transdiagnostic approach to overcoming therapeutic challenges in these disorders. The brain's default mode network (DMN) plays a crucial role in social functioning and is implicated in various neuropsychiatric conditions. By thoroughly examining the current understanding of DMN functionality, we propose that the DMN integrates diverse social processes, and disruptions in brain communication at regional and network levels due to disease hinder the seamless integration of these social functionalities. Consequently, this leads to an altered balance between self-referential and attentional processes, alongside a compromised ability to adapt to social contexts and anticipate future social interactions. Looking ahead, we explore how adopting an integrated neurocircuitry perspective on social dysfunction could pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches to address brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirthe Ronde
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands.
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5
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Lai PH, Hu RY, Huang X. Alterations in dynamic regional homogeneity within default mode network in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Neuroreport 2024; 35:702-711. [PMID: 38829952 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000002056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a significant autoimmune eye disease known for causing exophthalmos and substantial optic nerve damage. Prior investigations have solely focused on static functional MRI (fMRI) scans of the brain in TAO patients, neglecting the assessment of temporal variations in local brain activity. This study aimed to characterize alterations in dynamic regional homogeneity (dReHo) in TAO patients and differentiate between TAO patients and healthy controls using support vector machine (SVM) classification. Thirty-two patients with TAO and 32 healthy controls underwent resting-state fMRI scans. We calculated dReHo using sliding-window methods to evaluate changes in regional brain activity and compared these findings between the two groups. Subsequently, we employed SVM, a machine learning algorithm, to investigate the potential use of dReHo maps as diagnostic markers for TAO. Compared to healthy controls, individuals with active TAO demonstrated significantly higher dReHo values in the right angular gyrus, left precuneus, right inferior parietal as well as the left superior parietal gyrus. The SVM model demonstrated an accuracy ranging from 65.62 to 68.75% in distinguishing between TAO patients and healthy controls based on dReHo variability in these identified brain regions, with an area under the curve of 0.70 to 0.76. TAO patients showed increased dReHo in default mode network-related brain regions. The accuracy of classifying TAO patients and healthy controls based on dReHo was notably high. These results offer new insights for investigating the pathogenesis and clinical diagnostic classification of individuals with TAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Hong Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Rui-Yang Hu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
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Hughes C, Setton R, Mwilambwe-Tshilobo L, Baracchini G, Turner GR, Spreng RN. Precision mapping of the default network reveals common and distinct (inter) activity for autobiographical memory and theory of mind. J Neurophysiol 2024; 132:375-388. [PMID: 38958281 PMCID: PMC11427040 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00427.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The default network is widely implicated as a common neural substrate for self-generated thought, such as remembering one's past (autobiographical memory) and imagining the thoughts and feelings of others (theory of mind). Findings that the default network comprises subnetworks of regions, some commonly and some distinctly involved across processes, suggest that one's own experiences inform their understanding of others. With the advent of precision functional MRI (fMRI) methods, however, it is unclear if this shared substrate is observed instead due to traditional group analysis methods. We investigated this possibility using a novel combination of methodological strategies. Twenty-three participants underwent multi-echo resting-state and task fMRI. We used their resting-state scans to conduct cortical parcellation sensitive to individual variation while preserving our ability to conduct group analysis. Using multivariate analyses, we assessed the functional activation and connectivity profiles of default network regions while participants engaged in autobiographical memory, theory of mind, or a sensorimotor control condition. Across the default network, we observed stronger activity associated with both autobiographical memory and theory of mind compared to the control condition. Nonetheless, we also observed that some regions showed preferential activity to either experimental condition, in line with past work. The connectivity results similarly indicated shared and distinct functional profiles. Our results support that autobiographical memory and theory of mind, two theoretically important and widely studied domains of social cognition, evoke common and distinct aspects of the default network even when ensuring high fidelity to individual-specific characteristics.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used cutting-edge precision functional MRI (fMRI) methods such as multi-echo fMRI acquisition and denoising, a robust experimental paradigm, and individualized cortical parcellation across 23 participants to provide evidence that remembering one's past experiences and imagining the thoughts and feelings of others share a common neural substrate. Evidence from activation and connectivity analyses indicate overlapping and distinct functional profiles of these widely studied episodic and social processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Hughes
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roni Setton
- Psychology Department, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Laetitia Mwilambwe-Tshilobo
- Psychology Department, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Giulia Baracchini
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gary R Turner
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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7
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Yuan X, Yu Q, Liu Y, Chen J, Gao J, Liu Y, Song R, Zhang Y, Hou Z. Microstructural alterations in white matter and related neurobiology based on the new clinical subtypes of Parkinson's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1439443. [PMID: 39148522 PMCID: PMC11324559 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1439443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The advent of new clinical subtyping systems for Parkinson's disease (PD) has led to the classification of patients into distinct groups: mild motor predominant (PD-MMP), intermediate (PD-IM), and diffuse malignant (PD-DM). Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the early diagnosis, assessment of clinical progression, and prediction of prognosis of these PD subtypes. Additionally, we attempted to understand the pathological mechanisms behind white matter damage using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses. Methods We classified 135 de novo PD patients based on new clinical criteria and followed them up after 1 year, along with 45 healthy controls (HCs). We utilized tract-based spatial statistics to assess the microstructural changes of white matter at baseline and employed multiple linear regression to examine the associations between DTI metrics and clinical data at baseline and after follow-up. Results Compared to HCs, patients with the PD-DM subtype demonstrated reduced fractional anisotropy (FA), increased axial diffusivity (AD), and elevated radial diffusivity (RD) at baseline. The FA and RD values correlated with the severity of motor symptoms, with RD also linked to cognitive performance. Changes in FA over time were found to be in sync with changes in motor scores and global composite outcome measures. Furthermore, baseline AD values and their rate of change were related to alterations in semantic verbal fluency. We also discovered the relationship between FA values and the levels of α-synuclein and β-amyloid. Reduced dopamine transporter uptake in the left putamen correlated with RD values in superficial white matter, motor symptoms, and autonomic dysfunction at baseline as well as cognitive impairments after 1 year. Conclusions The PD-DM subtype is characterized by severe clinical symptoms and a faster progression when compared to the other subtypes. DTI, a well-established technique, facilitates the early identification of white matter damage, elucidates the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease progression, and predicts cognitively related outcomes. The results of SPECT and CSF analyses can be used to explain the specific pattern of white matter damage in patients with the PD-DM subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Yuan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qiaowen Yu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinge Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yujia Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ruxi Song
- Department of Radiology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Yingzhi Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongyu Hou
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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8
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Zhou X, Wong PCM. Hyperscanning to explore social interaction among autistic minds. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105773. [PMID: 38889594 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Hyperscanning - the monitoring of brain activity of two or more people simultaneously - has emerged to be a popular tool for assessing neural features of social interaction. This perspective article focuses on hyperscanning studies that use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a technique that is very conducive to studies requiring naturalistic paradigms. In particular, we are interested in neural features that are related to social interaction deficits among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This population has received relatively little attention in research using neuroimaging hyperscanning techniques, compared to neurotypical individuals. The study is outlined as follows. First, we summarize the findings about brain-behavior connections related to autism from previously published fNIRS hyperscanning studies. Then, we propose a preliminary theoretical framework of inter-brain coherence (IBC) with testable hypotheses concerning this population. Finally, we provide two examples of areas of inquiry in which studies could be particularly relevant for social-emotional/behavioral development for autistic children, focusing on intergenerational relationships in family units and learning in classroom settings in mainstream schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Brain and Mind Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Patrick C M Wong
- Brain and Mind Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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9
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Guthrie TD, Chavez RS. Normativity vs. uniqueness: effects of social relationship strength on neural representations of others. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae045. [PMID: 38915187 PMCID: PMC11232616 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding others involves inferring traits and intentions, a process complicated by our reliance on stereotypes and generalized information when we lack personal information. Yet, as relationships are formed, we shift toward nuanced and individualized perceptions of others. This study addresses how relationship strength influences the creation of unique or normative representations of others in key regions known to be involved in social cognition. Employing a round-robin interpersonal perception paradigm (N = 111, 20 groups of five to six people), we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether the strength of social relationships modulated the degree to which multivoxel patterns of activity that represented a specific other were similar to a normative average of all others in the study. Behaviorally, stronger social relationships were associated with more normative trait endorsements. Neural findings reveal that closer relationships lead to more unique representations in the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior insula, areas associated with mentalizing and person perception. Conversely, more generalized representations emerge in posterior regions like the posterior cingulate cortex, indicating a complex interplay between individuated and generalized processing of social information in the brain. These findings suggest that cortical regions typically associated with social cognition may compute different kinds of information when representing the distinctiveness of others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor D Guthrie
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
| | - Robert S Chavez
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
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10
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Fehr T, Mehrens S, Haag MC, Amelung A, Gloy K. Changes in Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Default Network Oscillations between 19 and 29 Years of Age. Brain Sci 2024; 14:671. [PMID: 39061412 PMCID: PMC11274777 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The exploration of functional resting-state brain developmental parameters and measures can help to improve scientific, psychological, and medical applications. The present work focussed on both traditional approaches, such as topographical power analyses at the signal space level, and advanced approaches, such as the exploration of age-related dynamics of source space data. The results confirmed the expectation that the third life decade would show a kind of stability in oscillatory signal and source-space-related parameters. However, from a source dynamics perspective, different frequency ranges appear to develop quite differently, as reflected in age-related sequential network communication profiles. Among other discoveries, the left anterior cingulate source location could be shown to reduce bi-directional network communication in the lower alpha band, whereas it differentiated its uni- and bidirectional communication dynamics to sub-cortical and posterior brain locations. Higher alpha oscillations enhanced communication dynamics between the thalamus and particularly frontal areas. In conclusion, resting-state data appear to be, at least in part, functionally reorganized in the default mode network, while quantitative measures, such as topographical power and regional source activity, did not correlate with age in the third life decade. In line with other authors, we suggest the further development of a multi-perspective approach in biosignal analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Fehr
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bremen, 28357 Bremen, Germany (K.G.)
- Center for Advanced Imaging, University of Bremen, 28357 Bremen, Germany
| | - Sophia Mehrens
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bremen, 28357 Bremen, Germany (K.G.)
| | | | - Anneke Amelung
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bremen, 28357 Bremen, Germany (K.G.)
| | - Kilian Gloy
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bremen, 28357 Bremen, Germany (K.G.)
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11
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Olivito G, Siciliano L, Leggio M, Van Overwalle F. Effective connectivity analysis of resting-state mentalizing brain networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: A dynamic causal modeling study. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 43:103627. [PMID: 38843759 PMCID: PMC11190556 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies on healthy subjects described the causal effective connectivity of cerebellar-cerebral social mentalizing networks, revealing the presence of closed-loops. These studies estimated effective connectivity by applying Dynamic Causal Modeling on task-related fMRI data of healthy subjects performing mentalizing tasks. Thus far, few studies have applied Dynamic Causal Modeling to resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) data to test the effective connectivity within the cerebellar-cerebral mentalizing network in the absence of experimental manipulations, and no study applied Dynamic Causal Modeling on fMRI data of patients with cerebellar disorders typically showing social cognition deficits. Thus, in this research we applied spectral Dynamic Causal Modeling, to rsfMRI data of 13 patients affected by spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and of 23 matched healthy subjects. Specifically, effective connectivity was tested between acknowledged mentalizing regions of interest: bilateral cerebellar Crus II, dorsal and ventral medial prefrontal cortex, bilateral temporo-parietal junctions and precuneus. SCA2 and healthy subjects shared some similarities in cerebellar-cerebral mentalizing effective connectivity at rest, confirming the presence of closed-loops between cerebellar and cerebral mentalizing regions in both groups. However, relative to healthy subjects, SCA2 patients showed effective connectivity variations mostly in cerebellar-cerebral closed loops, namely weakened inhibitory connectivity from the cerebellum to the cerebral cortex, but stronger inhibitory connectivity from the cerebral cortex to the cerebellum. The present study demonstrated that effective connectivity changes affect a function-specific mentalizing network in SCA2 patients, allowing to deepen the direction and strength of the causal effective connectivity mechanisms driven by the cerebellar damage associated with SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Olivito
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Libera Siciliano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Leggio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
| | - Frank Van Overwalle
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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12
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Rocca P, Brasso C, Montemagni C, Del Favero E, Bellino S, Bozzatello P, Giordano GM, Caporusso E, Fazio L, Pergola G, Blasi G, Amore M, Calcagno P, Rossi R, Rossi A, Bertolino A, Galderisi S, Maj M. The relationship between the resting state functional connectivity and social cognition in schizophrenia: Results from the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:330-340. [PMID: 38613864 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Deficits in social cognition (SC) interfere with recovery in schizophrenia (SZ) and may be related to resting state brain connectivity. This study aimed at assessing the alterations in the relationship between resting state functional connectivity and the social-cognitive abilities of patients with SZ compared to healthy subjects. We divided the brain into 246 regions of interest (ROI) following the Human Healthy Volunteers Brainnetome Atlas. For each participant, we calculated the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in terms of degree centrality (DC), which evaluates the total strength of the most powerful coactivations of every ROI with all other ROIs during rest. The rs-DC of the ROIs was correlated with five measures of SC assessing emotion processing and mentalizing in 45 healthy volunteers (HVs) chosen as a normative sample. Then, controlling for symptoms severity, we verified whether these significant associations were altered, i.e., absent or of opposite sign, in 55 patients with SZ. We found five significant differences between SZ patients and HVs: in the patients' group, the correlations between emotion recognition tasks and rsFC of the right entorhinal cortex (R-EC), left superior parietal lobule (L-SPL), right caudal hippocampus (R-c-Hipp), and the right caudal (R-c) and left rostral (L-r) middle temporal gyri (MTG) were lost. An altered resting state functional connectivity of the L-SPL, R-EC, R-c-Hipp, and bilateral MTG in patients with SZ may be associated with impaired emotion recognition. If confirmed, these results may enhance the development of non-invasive brain stimulation interventions targeting those cerebral regions to reduce SC deficit in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Brasso
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Cristiana Montemagni
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Del Favero
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvio Bellino
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Bozzatello
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Giordano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Largo Madonna Delle Grazie, 1, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Edoardo Caporusso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Largo Madonna Delle Grazie, 1, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Leonardo Fazio
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, Strada Statale 100, 70010 Casamassima (BA), Italy
| | - Giulio Pergola
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Blasi
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Calcagno
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, via Vetoio - Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy; Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, via Vetoio - Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Largo Madonna Delle Grazie, 1, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Largo Madonna Delle Grazie, 1, 80138 Naples, Italy
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13
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Röhr AK, Kohn N, Bergs R, Clemens B, Lampert A, Spehr M, Habel U, Wagels L. Increased anger and stress and heightened connectivity between IFG and vmPFC in victims during social interaction. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8471. [PMID: 38605132 PMCID: PMC11009292 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-identification as a victim of violence may lead to increased negative emotions and stress and thus, may change both structure and function of the underlying neural network(s). In a trans-diagnostic sample of individuals who identified themselves as victims of violence and a matched control group with no prior exposure to violence, we employed a social exclusion paradigm, the Cyberball task, to stimulate the re-experience of stress. Participants were partially excluded in the ball-tossing game without prior knowledge. We analyzed group differences in brain activity and functional connectivity during exclusion versus inclusion in exclusion-related regions. The victim group showed increased anger and stress levels during all conditions. Activation patterns during the task did not differ between groups but an enhanced functional connectivity between the IFG and the right vmPFC distinguished victims from controls during exclusion. This effect was driven by aberrant connectivity in victims during inclusion rather than exclusion, indicating that victimization affects emotional responses and inclusion-related brain connectivity rather than exclusion-related brain activity or connectivity. Victims may respond differently to the social context itself. Enhanced negative emotions and connectivity deviations during social inclusion may depict altered social processing and may thus affect social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kristin Röhr
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Nils Kohn
- Donders Institute, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rene Bergs
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Clemens
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) - Translational Brain Medicine, Jülich, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Uniklinik RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- Scientific Center for Neuropathic Pain Aachen - SCN Aachen, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ute Habel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) - Translational Brain Medicine, Jülich, Germany
| | - Lisa Wagels
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) - Translational Brain Medicine, Jülich, Germany.
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14
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Grecucci A, Monachesi B, Messina I. Reduced GM-WM concentration inside the Default Mode Network in individuals with high emotional intelligence and low anxiety: a data fusion mCCA+jICA approach. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae018. [PMID: 38451879 PMCID: PMC10919484 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize and regulate emotions to appropriately guide cognition and behaviour. Unfortunately, studies on the neural bases of EI are scant, and no study so far has exhaustively investigated grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) contributions to it. To fill this gap, we analysed trait measure of EI and structural MRI data from 128 healthy participants to shed new light on where and how EI is encoded in the brain. In addition, we explored the relationship between the neural substrates of trait EI and trait anxiety. A data fusion unsupervised machine learning approach (mCCA + jICA) was used to decompose the brain into covarying GM-WM networks and to assess their association with trait-EI. Results showed that high levels trait-EI are associated with decrease in GM-WM concentration in a network spanning from frontal to parietal and temporal regions, among which insula, cingulate, parahippocampal gyrus, cuneus and precuneus. Interestingly, we also found that the higher the GM-WM concentration in the same network, the higher the trait anxiety. These findings encouragingly highlight the neural substrates of trait EI and their relationship with anxiety. The network is discussed considering its overlaps with the Default Mode Network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Grecucci
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto (TN), Italy 38068, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences, CISMed, University of Trento, Trento, Italy 38122, Italy
| | - Bianca Monachesi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto (TN), Italy 38068, Italy
| | - Irene Messina
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto (TN), Italy 38068, Italy
- Faculty of Social and Communication Sciences, Universitas Mercatorum, Rome, Italy
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15
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Ross LA, Molholm S, Butler JS, Del Bene VA, Brima T, Foxe JJ. Neural correlates of audiovisual narrative speech perception in children and adults on the autism spectrum: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Autism Res 2024; 17:280-310. [PMID: 38334251 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Autistic individuals show substantially reduced benefit from observing visual articulations during audiovisual speech perception, a multisensory integration deficit that is particularly relevant to social communication. This has mostly been studied using simple syllabic or word-level stimuli and it remains unclear how altered lower-level multisensory integration translates to the processing of more complex natural multisensory stimulus environments in autism. Here, functional neuroimaging was used to examine neural correlates of audiovisual gain (AV-gain) in 41 autistic individuals to those of 41 age-matched non-autistic controls when presented with a complex audiovisual narrative. Participants were presented with continuous narration of a story in auditory-alone, visual-alone, and both synchronous and asynchronous audiovisual speech conditions. We hypothesized that previously identified differences in audiovisual speech processing in autism would be characterized by activation differences in brain regions well known to be associated with audiovisual enhancement in neurotypicals. However, our results did not provide evidence for altered processing of auditory alone, visual alone, audiovisual conditions or AV- gain in regions associated with the respective task when comparing activation patterns between groups. Instead, we found that autistic individuals responded with higher activations in mostly frontal regions where the activation to the experimental conditions was below baseline (de-activations) in the control group. These frontal effects were observed in both unisensory and audiovisual conditions, suggesting that these altered activations were not specific to multisensory processing but reflective of more general mechanisms such as an altered disengagement of Default Mode Network processes during the observation of the language stimulus across conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars A Ross
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - John S Butler
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Technological University Dublin, City Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Victor A Del Bene
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Heersink School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Tufikameni Brima
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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16
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Salmon E, Meyer F, Genon S, Collette F, Bastin C. Neural correlates of impaired cognitive processes underlying self-unawareness in Alzheimer's disease. Cortex 2024; 171:1-12. [PMID: 37977109 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Self-unawareness concerning current symptoms remains a clinical challenge in Alzheimer's disease. Reduced self-awareness likely depends on complex biopsychosocial mechanisms that comprise multiple cognitive processes, regulated by personal goals and values. We specifically reviewed the cognitive processes impaired in unaware participants with AD by emphasizing the related impaired brain activity observed during task-based fMRI. Unawareness can be explained by a failure in functioning of or in connection between brain regions that intervene in access, retrieval and updating of (present or extended) self-information (posterior midline, medial temporal, inferior parietal cortices), or in its monitoring, evaluation, or control (medial and lateral prefrontal cortices). Although one must be cautious when relating function to brain regions, impaired processes were tentatively related to the Cognitive Awareness Model. Although brain function depends on neural networks, impaired brain activity during cognitive processes was discussed according to previous studies reporting correlations between brain regions and scores of anosognosia. The review provides a framework to help clinicians considering processes that can explain unawareness in dementia. In patients at early stages of AD, different levels of awareness of cognitive or social clinical changes might be described as impairment in the interaction between specific cognitive processes and contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Salmon
- GIGA Cyclotron Research Centre in Vivo Imaging, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
| | - François Meyer
- GIGA Cyclotron Research Centre in Vivo Imaging, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
| | - Sarah Genon
- GIGA Cyclotron Research Centre in Vivo Imaging, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany.
| | - Fabienne Collette
- GIGA Cyclotron Research Centre in Vivo Imaging, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
| | - Christine Bastin
- GIGA Cyclotron Research Centre in Vivo Imaging, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
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17
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Edmonds D, Salvo JJ, Anderson N, Lakshman M, Yang Q, Kay K, Zelano C, Braga RM. Social cognitive regions of human association cortex are selectively connected to the amygdala. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.06.570477. [PMID: 38106046 PMCID: PMC10723387 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Reasoning about someone's thoughts and intentions - i.e., forming a theory of mind - is an important aspect of social cognition that relies on association areas of the brain that have expanded disproportionately in the human lineage. We recently showed that these association zones comprise parallel distributed networks that, despite occupying adjacent and interdigitated regions, serve dissociable functions. One network is selectively recruited by theory of mind processes. What circuit properties differentiate these parallel networks? Here, we show that social cognitive association areas are intrinsically and selectively connected to regions of the anterior medial temporal lobe that are implicated in emotional learning and social behaviors, including the amygdala at or near the basolateral complex and medial nucleus. The results suggest that social cognitive functions emerge through coordinated activity between amygdala circuits and a distributed association network, and indicate the medial nucleus may play an important role in social cognition in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donnisa Edmonds
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph J. Salvo
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nathan Anderson
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maya Lakshman
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qiaohan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kendrick Kay
- Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christina Zelano
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rodrigo M. Braga
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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18
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McNamara P. Religion and the brain: Jordan Grafman's contributions to religion and brain research and the special case of religious language. Cortex 2023; 169:374-379. [PMID: 37995522 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Grafman and colleagues' papers in religion and brain research have documented the extent to which religious beliefs and behaviors are mediated by standard social cognitive networks in brain. Grafman's work however also points beyond treatments of religious cognition as merely a species of more general social cognitive processes. Data emerging from experiments targeting mystical states as well as reports of encounters with supernatural agents during controlled experiments with psychedelics, suggest that brain mediation of mystical encounters with supernatural agents involves both disruption/downregulation of social cognitive networks and activation of an additional as yet only partially identified neural process suggesting that a full neuroscience account of religious beliefs, behaviors and experiences must extend beyond treatment of religion as an ordinary social process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McNamara
- Department of Psychology, National University, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, USA; Boston University School of Theology, USA; Co-PI Cognitive Neuroscience of Religious Cognition (CNRC) Project, USA; Center for Mind and Culture, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Chen C, Wang Z, Cao X, Zhu J. Exploring the association between early exposure to material hardship and psychopathology through indirect effects of fronto-limbic functional connectivity during fear learning. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10702-10710. [PMID: 37689831 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Experiencing family material hardship has been shown to be associated with disruptions in physical and psychological development. However, the association between material hardship and functional connectivity in the fronto-limbic circuit during fear learning is unclear. A total of 161 healthy young adults aged 17-28 were recruited in our brain imaging study, using the Fear Conditioning Task to test the associations between material hardship and connectivity in fronto-limbic circuit and psychopathology. The results showed that family material hardship was linked to higher positive connectivity between the left amygdala and bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, as well as higher negative connectivity between the left hippocampus and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex. A mediation analysis showed that material hardship was associated with depression via amygdala functional connectivity (indirect effect = 0.228, P = 0.016), and also indirectly associated with aggression and anger-hostility symptoms through hippocampal connections (aggression: indirect effect = 0.057, P = 0.001; anger-hostility: indirect effect = 0.169, P = 0.048). That is, family material hardship appears to affect fronto-limbic circuits through changes in specific connectivity, and these specific changes, in turn, could lead to specific psychological symptoms. The findings have implications for designing developmentally sensitive interventions to mitigate the emergence of psychopathological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- Center for Early Environment and Brain Development, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhengxinyue Wang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders of Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xinyu Cao
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders of Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jianjun Zhu
- Center for Early Environment and Brain Development, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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20
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Tkalcec A, Bierlein M, Seeger-Schneider G, Walitza S, Jenny B, Menks WM, Felhbaum LV, Borbas R, Cole DM, Raschle N, Herbrecht E, Stadler C, Cubillo A. Empathy deficits, callous-unemotional traits and structural underpinnings in autism spectrum disorder and conduct disorder youth. Autism Res 2023; 16:1946-1962. [PMID: 37548142 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Distinct empathy deficits are often described in patients with conduct disorder (CD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet their neural underpinnings and the influence of comorbid Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits are unclear. This study compares the cognitive (CE) and affective empathy (AE) abilities of youth with CD and ASD, their potential neuroanatomical correlates, and the influence of CU traits on empathy. Adolescents and parents/caregivers completed empathy questionnaires (N = 148 adolescents, mean age = 15.16 years) and T1 weighted images were obtained from a subsample (N = 130). Group differences in empathy and the influence of CU traits were investigated using Bayesian analyses and Voxel-Based Morphometry with Threshold-Free Cluster Enhancement focusing on regions involved in AE (insula, amygdala, inferior frontal gyrus and cingulate cortex) and CE processes (ventromedial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, superior temporal gyrus, and precuneus). The ASD group showed lower parent-reported AE and CE scores and lower self-reported CE scores while the CD group showed lower parent-reported CE scores than controls. When accounting for the influence of CU traits no AE deficits in ASD and CE deficits in CD were found, but CE deficits in ASD remained. Across all participants, CU traits were negatively associated with gray matter volumes in anterior cingulate which extends into the mid cingulate, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and precuneus. Thus, although co-occurring CU traits have been linked to global empathy deficits in reports and underlying brain structures, its influence on empathy aspects might be disorder-specific. Investigating the subdimensions of empathy may therefore help to identify disorder-specific empathy deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Tkalcec
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Bierlein
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gudrun Seeger-Schneider
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinic, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinic, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Jenny
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinic, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Willeke M Menks
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Psychology of Language Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lynn V Felhbaum
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reka Borbas
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David M Cole
- Translational Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nora Raschle
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Evelyn Herbrecht
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christina Stadler
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ana Cubillo
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
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21
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Abubshait A, Kompatsiari K, Cardellicchio P, Vescovo E, De Tommaso D, Fadiga L, D'Ausilio A, Wykowska A. Modulatory Effects of Communicative Gaze on Attentional Orienting Are Driven by Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex but Not Right Temporoparietal Junction. J Cogn Neurosci 2023; 35:1670-1680. [PMID: 37432740 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_02032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Communicative gaze (e.g., mutual or averted) has been shown to affect attentional orienting. However, no study to date has clearly separated the neural basis of the pure social component that modulates attentional orienting in response to communicative gaze from other processes that might be a combination of attentional and social effects. We used TMS to isolate the purely social effects of communicative gaze on attentional orienting. Participants completed a gaze-cueing task with a humanoid robot who engaged either in mutual or in averted gaze before shifting its gaze. Before the task, participants received either sham stimulation (baseline), stimulation of right TPJ (rTPJ), or dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). Results showed, as expected, that communicative gaze affected attentional orienting in baseline condition. This effect was not evident for rTPJ stimulation. Interestingly, stimulation to rTPJ also canceled out attentional orienting altogether. On the other hand, dmPFC stimulation eliminated the socially driven difference in attention orienting between the two gaze conditions while maintaining the basic general attentional orienting effect. Thus, our results allowed for separation of the pure social effect of communicative gaze on attentional orienting from other processes that are a combination of social and generic attentional components.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Enrico Vescovo
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Ferrara, Italy
- Universita di Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Fadiga
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Ferrara, Italy
- Universita di Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Chen Y, Youk S, Wang PT, Pinti P, Weber R. A calculus of probability or belief? Neural underpinnings of social decision-making in a card game. Neuropsychologia 2023; 188:108635. [PMID: 37423422 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
For decades, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been the focus of social neuroscience research, specifically regarding its role in competitive social decision-making. However, the distinct contributions of PFC subregions when making strategic decisions involving multiple types of information (social, non-social, and mixed information) remain unclear. This study investigates decision-making strategies (pure probability calculation vs. mentalizing) and their neural representations using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data collected during a two-person card game. We observed individual differences in information processing strategy, indicating that some participants relied more on probability than others. Overall, the use of pure probability decreased over time in favor of other types of information (e.g., mixed information), with this effect being more pronounced within-round trials than across rounds. In the brain, (1) the lateral PFC activates when decisions are driven by probability calculations; (2) the right lateral PFC responds to trial difficulty; and (3) the anterior medial PFC is engaged when decision-making involves mentalizing. Furthermore, neural synchrony, which reflects the real-time interplay between individuals' cognitive processes, did not consistently contribute to correct decisions and fluctuated throughout the experiment, suggesting a hierarchical mentalizing mechanism at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibei Chen
- University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Communication - Media Neuroscience Lab, USA
| | - Sungbin Youk
- University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Communication - Media Neuroscience Lab, USA
| | - Paula T Wang
- University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Communication - Media Neuroscience Lab, USA
| | - Paola Pinti
- Birkbeck, University of London, Center for Brain and Cognitive Development, USA
| | - René Weber
- University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Communication - Media Neuroscience Lab, USA; University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA; Ewha Womans University, School of Communication and Media, South Korea.
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23
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Torabian S, Grossman ED. When shapes are more than shapes: perceptual, developmental, and neurophysiological basis for attributions of animacy and theory of mind. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1168739. [PMID: 37744598 PMCID: PMC10513434 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1168739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Among a variety of entities in their environment, what do humans consider alive or animate and how does this attribution of animacy promote development of more abstract levels of mentalizing? By decontextualizing the environment of bodily features, we review how physical movements give rise to perceived animacy in Heider-Simmel style animations. We discuss the developmental course of how perceived animacy shapes our interpretation of the social world, and specifically discuss when and how children transition from perceiving actions as goal-directed to attributing behaviors to unobservable mental states. This transition from a teleological stance, asserting a goal-oriented interpretation to an agent's actions, to a mentalistic stance allows older children to reason about more complex actions guided by hidden beliefs. The acquisition of these more complex cognitive behaviors happens developmentally at the same time neural systems for social cognition are coming online in young children. We review perceptual, developmental, and neural evidence to identify the joint cognitive and neural changes associated with when children begin to mentalize and how this ability is instantiated in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Torabian
- Visual Perception and Neuroimaging Lab, Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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24
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Soares C, Gonzalo G, Castelhano J, Castelo-Branco M. The relationship between the default mode network and the theory of mind network as revealed by psychedelics - A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105325. [PMID: 37467907 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Theory of Mind (ToM) networks play a crucial role in our understanding of the neurocognition of the self. The DMN is commonly associated with introspection, while the ToM is involved in perspective-taking. There is no research investigating the overlap between the DMN and ToM in relation to causal effects such as induced by psychedelics, and their precise relationship remains therefore unknown. Psychedelics alter self-perception and modulate these networks, providing a unique opportunity to shed light on this relationship. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of 88 studies with a total of 2122 participants to investigate the overlap between DMN and ToM and whether psychedelics affect their neural relationship. We found that the cingulate cortex (BA23 and BA31) plays a crucial role in the overlap between these networks which is substantiated by the effects of psychedelics. These compounds affect the neural basis of ToM and social cognition, which may underlie their therapeutic potential and deepen our understanding of the neural correlates of the self.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Soares
- CIBIT/ ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, R. Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gerardo Gonzalo
- CIBIT/ ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, R. Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Castelhano
- CIBIT/ ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, R. Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- CIBIT/ ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, R. Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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25
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Menon V. 20 years of the default mode network: A review and synthesis. Neuron 2023; 111:2469-2487. [PMID: 37167968 PMCID: PMC10524518 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the default mode network (DMN) has revolutionized our understanding of the workings of the human brain. Here, I review developments that led to the discovery of the DMN, offer a personal reflection, and consider how our ideas of DMN function have evolved over the past two decades. I summarize literature examining the role of the DMN in self-reference, social cognition, episodic and autobiographical memory, language and semantic memory, and mind wandering. I identify unifying themes and propose new perspectives on the DMN's role in human cognition. I argue that the DMN integrates and broadcasts memory, language, and semantic representations to create a coherent "internal narrative" reflecting our individual experiences. This narrative is central to the construction of a sense of self, shapes how we perceive ourselves and interact with others, may have ontogenetic origins in self-directed speech during childhood, and forms a vital component of human consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Menon
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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26
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Cong J, Zhuang W, Liu Y, Yin S, Jia H, Yi C, Chen K, Xue K, Li F, Yao D, Xu P, Zhang T. Altered default mode network causal connectivity patterns in autism spectrum disorder revealed by Liang information flow analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:2279-2293. [PMID: 36661190 PMCID: PMC10028659 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder with severe cognitive impairment in social communication and interaction. Previous studies have reported that abnormal functional connectivity patterns within the default mode network (DMN) were associated with social dysfunction in ASD. However, how the altered causal connectivity pattern within the DMN affects the social functioning in ASD remains largely unclear. Here, we introduced the Liang information flow method, widely applied to climate science and quantum mechanics, to uncover the brain causal network patterns in ASD. Compared with the healthy controls (HC), we observed that the interactions among the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC), ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC), hippocampal formation, and temporo-parietal junction showed more inter-regional causal connectivity differences in ASD. For the topological property analysis, we also found the clustering coefficient of DMN and the In-Out degree of anterior medial prefrontal cortex were significantly decreased in ASD. Furthermore, we found that the causal connectivity from dMPFC to vMPFC was correlated with the clinical symptoms of ASD. These altered causal connectivity patterns indicated that the DMN inter-regions information processing was perturbed in ASD. In particular, we found that the dMPFC acts as a causal source in the DMN in HC, whereas it plays a causal target in ASD. Overall, our findings indicated that the Liang information flow method could serve as an important way to explore the DMN causal connectivity patterns, and it also can provide novel insights into the nueromechanisms underlying DMN dysfunction in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cong
- Mental Health Education Center and School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenwen Zhuang
- Mental Health Education Center and School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhong Liu
- Mental Health Education Center and School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shunjie Yin
- Mental Health Education Center and School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai Jia
- Mental Health Education Center and School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chanlin Yi
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Mental Health Education Center and School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kaiqing Xue
- School of Computer and Software Engineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fali Li
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Xu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Mental Health Education Center and School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Kieckhaefer C, Schilbach L, Bzdok D. Social belonging: brain structure and function is linked to membership in sports teams, religious groups, and social clubs. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:4405-4420. [PMID: 36161309 PMCID: PMC10110433 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human behavior across the life span is driven by the psychological need to belong, right from kindergarten to bingo nights. Being part of social groups constitutes a backbone for communal life and confers many benefits for the physical and mental health. Capitalizing on the neuroimaging and behavioral data from ∼40,000 participants from the UK Biobank population cohort, we used structural and functional analyses to explore how social participation is reflected in the human brain. Across 3 different types of social groups, structural analyses point toward the variance in ventromedial prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex as structural substrates tightly linked to social participation. Functional connectivity analyses not only emphasized the importance of default mode and limbic network but also showed differences for sports teams and religious groups as compared to social clubs. Taken together, our findings establish the structural and functional integrity of the default mode network as a neural signature of social belonging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Kieckhaefer
- LVR Klinikum Düsseldorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Bergische Landstraße 2, 40629 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Leonhard Schilbach
- LVR Klinikum Düsseldorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Bergische Landstraße 2, 40629 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University, Bavariaring 19, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Danilo Bzdok
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), McGill University, 3801 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
- Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, 6666 rue Saint-Urbain, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3H1, Canada
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28
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Shaw DJ, Czekóová K, Mareček R, Havlice Špiláková B, Brázdil M. The interacting brain: Dynamic functional connectivity among canonical brain networks dissociates cooperative from competitive social interactions. Neuroimage 2023; 269:119933. [PMID: 36754124 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We spend much our lives interacting with others in various social contexts. Although we deal with this myriad of interpersonal exchanges with apparent ease, each one relies upon a broad array of sophisticated cognitive processes. Recent research suggests that the cognitive operations supporting interactive behaviour are themselves underpinned by several canonical functional brain networks (CFNs) that integrate dynamically with one another in response to changing situational demands. Dynamic integrations among these CFNs should therefore play a pivotal role in coordinating interpersonal behaviour. Further, different types of interaction should present different demands on cognitive systems, thereby eliciting distinct patterns of dynamism among these CFNs. To investigate this, the present study performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on 30 individuals while they interacted with one another cooperatively or competitively. By applying a novel combination of analytical techniques to these brain imaging data, we identify six states of dynamic functional connectivity characterised by distinct patterns of integration and segregation among specific CFNs that differ systematically between these opposing types of interaction. Moreover, applying these same states to fMRI data acquired from an independent sample engaged in the same kinds of interaction, we were able to classify interpersonal exchanges as cooperative or competitive. These results provide the first direct evidence for the systematic involvement of CFNs during social interactions, which should guide neurocognitive models of interactive behaviour and investigations into biomarkers for the interpersonal dysfunction characterizing many neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Shaw
- Behavioural and Social Neuroscience, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic; Department of Psychology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - K Czekóová
- Behavioural and Social Neuroscience, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic; Institue of Psychology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, Brno 602 00, Czech Republic
| | - R Mareček
- Multimodal and Functional Neuroimaging, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - B Havlice Špiláková
- Behavioural and Social Neuroscience, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - M Brázdil
- Behavioural and Social Neuroscience, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
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29
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Leocadi M, Canu E, Paldino A, Agosta F, Filippi M. Awareness impairment in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia: a systematic MRI review. J Neurol 2023; 270:1880-1907. [PMID: 36512063 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11518-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to define awareness impairment and related disturbances in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) spectrum of disorders. An update of the available scientific literature on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the study of awareness in these disorders is also offered. MRI plays an important role in the characterization of neurodegenerative signatures and can increase our knowledge on brain structural and functional correlates of awareness. In the reviewing process, we established a-priori criteria and we searched the scientific literature for relevant articles on this topic. In summary, we selected 36 articles out of 1340 publications retrieved from PubMed. Based on this selection, this review discusses the multiple terms used to define different or overlapping aspects of awareness impairment, and specifically summarizes recent application of MRI for investigating anosognosia, social cognition, including theory of mind and emotional processing, free will, and autonoetic awareness alterations in different neurodegenerative disorders, with most of these studies focused on AD and FTLD. This systematic review highlights the importance of awareness impairment and related domains in neurodegenerative disorders, especially in AD and FTLD, and it outlines MRI structural and functional correlates in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Leocadi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Canu
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Paldino
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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30
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Tommasi M, Sergi MR, Picconi L, Saggino A. The location of emotional intelligence measured by EQ-i in the personality and cognitive space: Are there gender differences? Front Psychol 2023; 13:985847. [PMID: 36687855 PMCID: PMC9846219 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.985847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emotional Intelligence (EI) is first described by Salovey and Mayer as the ability to perceive and understand emotions and the ability to use them as supports for thoughts. Despite the great notoriety of EI, its definition remains not completely clear. An operative definition of EI can be achieved by studying its connection with other individual characteristics such as gender, personality traits, and fluid intelligence. Methods The sample was composed of 1,063 Italian subjects. A total of 330 participants were employed (31.0%; 57.9% men) and 702 were university students (66.0%; 38.7% men). The Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), one of the most used questionnaires in literature, was used to measure EI. The exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to assess the role of personality traits (five-factor model of personality) and fluid intelligence in EI. Statistical analyses on differences between men and women means of total and subscale EQ-i scores were estimated to evaluate whether EI, measured by EQ-i, is influenced by gender. Furthermore, a Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to assess measurement invariance in relation to gender groups. Results Emotional Intelligence, measured by EQ-i, is prevalently connected with personality traits rather than fluid intelligence. Furthermore, men outperformed women in the Intrapersonal and Stress Management EI factors, and women outperformed men in the Interpersonal EI factor. No difference in the means of the EI total score and EI latent general factor did not differ between gender groups. Conclusion Emotional Intelligence, measured by EQ-i, can be conceptually considered as a Trait EI. Furthermore, men are more capable to cope with negative events and to control impulses, while women are more able to distinguish, recognize, and comprehend others' emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Rita Sergi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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31
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Pintos Lobo R, Bottenhorn KL, Riedel MC, Toma AI, Hare MM, Smith DD, Moor AC, Cowan IK, Valdes JA, Bartley JE, Salo T, Boeving ER, Pankey B, Sutherland MT, Musser ED, Laird AR. Neural systems underlying RDoC social constructs: An activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 144:104971. [PMID: 36436737 PMCID: PMC9843621 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuroscientists have sought to identify the underlying neural systems supporting social processing that allow interaction and communication, forming social relationships, and navigating the social world. Through the use of NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, we evaluated consensus among studies that examined brain activity during social tasks to elucidate regions comprising the "social brain". We examined convergence across tasks corresponding to the four RDoC social constructs, including Affiliation and Attachment, Social Communication, Perception and Understanding of Self, and Perception and Understanding of Others. We performed a series of coordinate-based meta-analyses using the activation likelihood estimate (ALE) method. Meta-analysis was performed on whole-brain coordinates reported from 864 fMRI contrasts using the NiMARE Python package, revealing convergence in medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, temporoparietal junction, bilateral insula, amygdala, fusiform gyrus, precuneus, and thalamus. Additionally, four separate RDoC-based meta-analyses revealed differential convergence associated with the four social constructs. These outcomes highlight the neural support underlying these social constructs and inform future research on alterations among neurotypical and atypical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine L Bottenhorn
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Riedel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Afra I Toma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Megan M Hare
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Donisha D Smith
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexandra C Moor
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Isis K Cowan
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Javier A Valdes
- College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jessica E Bartley
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Taylor Salo
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Emily R Boeving
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Brianna Pankey
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Erica D Musser
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angela R Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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32
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Oliveira-Silva P, Maia L, Coutinho J, Moreno AF, Penalba L, Frank B, Soares JM, Sampaio A, Gonçalves ÓF. Nodes of the default mode network implicated in the quality of empathic responses: A clinical perspective of the empathic response. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100319. [PMID: 36168601 PMCID: PMC9485908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2022.100319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Oliveira-Silva
- HNL - Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory, CEDH – Research Centre for Human Development, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
- Corresponding author.
| | - Liliana Maia
- Neuropsychophysiology Lab, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Coutinho
- Neuropsychophysiology Lab, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Moreno
- HNL - Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory, CEDH – Research Centre for Human Development, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucia Penalba
- HNL - Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory, CEDH – Research Centre for Human Development, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - José Miguel Soares
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, ICVS, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal, Portugal
| | - Adriana Sampaio
- Neuropsychophysiology Lab, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Óscar F. Gonçalves
- Proaction Lab, CINEICC – Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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33
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Labek K, Sittenberger E, Kienhöfer V, Rabl L, Messina I, Schurz M, Stingl JC, Viviani R. The gradient model of brain organization in decisions involving “empathy for pain”. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:5839-5850. [PMID: 36537039 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Influential models of cortical organization propose a close relationship between heteromodal association areas and highly connected hubs in the default mode network. The “gradient model” of cortical organization proposes a close relationship between these areas and highly connected hubs in the default mode network, a set of cortical areas deactivated by demanding tasks. Here, we used a decision-making task and representational similarity analysis with classic “empathy for pain” stimuli to probe the relationship between high-level representations of imminent pain in others and these areas. High-level representations were colocalized with task deactivations or the transitions from activations to deactivations. These loci belonged to 2 groups: those that loaded on the high end of the principal cortical gradient and were associated by meta-analytic decoding with the default mode network, and those that appeared to accompany functional repurposing of somatosensory cortex in the presence of visual stimuli. These findings suggest that task deactivations may set out cortical areas that host high-level representations. We anticipate that an increased understanding of the cortical correlates of high-level representations may improve neurobiological models of social interactions and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Labek
- University of Innsbruck Institute of Psychology, , Universitätsstraße 5-7, 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Elisa Sittenberger
- University of Ulm Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic III, , Leimgrubenweg 12, 89075 Ulm , Germany
| | - Valerie Kienhöfer
- University of Innsbruck Institute of Psychology, , Universitätsstraße 5-7, 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
- University of Ulm Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic III, , Leimgrubenweg 12, 89075 Ulm , Germany
| | - Luna Rabl
- University of Innsbruck Institute of Psychology, , Universitätsstraße 5-7, 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
- University of Ulm Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic III, , Leimgrubenweg 12, 89075 Ulm , Germany
| | - Irene Messina
- University of Ulm Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic III, , Leimgrubenweg 12, 89075 Ulm , Germany
- Scienze e Tecniche Psicologiche,Universitas Mercatorum , Piazza Mattei 10, 00186 Rome , Italy
| | - Matthias Schurz
- University of Innsbruck Institute of Psychology, , Universitätsstraße 5-7, 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
- University of Innsbruck Digital Science Center (DiSC), , Innrain 15, 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Julia C Stingl
- University Clinic Aachen Clinical Pharmacology, , Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Roberto Viviani
- University of Innsbruck Institute of Psychology, , Universitätsstraße 5-7, 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
- University of Ulm Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic III, , Leimgrubenweg 12, 89075 Ulm , Germany
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Mapping the effects of pregnancy on resting state brain activity, white matter microstructure, neural metabolite concentrations and grey matter architecture. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6931. [PMID: 36414622 PMCID: PMC9681770 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
While animal studies have demonstrated a unique reproduction-related neuroplasticity, little is known on the effects of pregnancy on the human brain. Here we investigated whether pregnancy is associated with changes to resting state brain activity, white matter microstructure, neural metabolite concentrations and grey matter architecture using a comprehensive pre-conception cohort study. We show that pregnancy leads to selective and robust changes in neural architecture and neural network organization, which are most pronounced in the Default Mode Network. These neural changes correlated with pregnancy hormones, primarily third-trimester estradiol, while no associations were found with other factors such as osmotic effects, stress and sleep. Furthermore, the changes related to measures of maternal-fetal bonding, nesting behavior and the physiological responsiveness to infant cues, and predicted measures of mother-infant bonding and bonding impairments. These findings suggest there are selective pregnancy-related modifications in brain structure and function that may facilitate peripartum maternal processes of key relevance to the mother-infant dyad.
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Olivito G, Quaranta D, Siciliano L, Caraglia N, Caprara A, Marra C, Leggio M, Silveri MC. The Cerebellum Is a Key Structure in the Neural Network for Mentalizing: An MRI Study in the Behavioral Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112901. [PMID: 36428469 PMCID: PMC9687564 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is primarily characterized by deficits in social behaviour and theory of mind (ToM). Although a consensus has been reached on the roles of the cerebellum in social cognition and ToM, its specific contribution to social impairments of bvFTD has never been specifically investigated. The aim of this study was to assess cerebellar structural and functional changes in patients with bvFTD and their potential association with ToM deficits of patients. Therefore, 15 patients with bvFTD and 34 healthy subjects underwent an MRI examination. Voxel-based morphometry was used to assess cerebellar (GM) changes, and a seed-based analysis was performed to test cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity (FC). The performance of bvFTD patients in a ToM task was then correlated with FC patterns. Compared to healthy subjects, patients with bvFTD showed significant cerebellar GM loss specifically involving cerebellar Crus I-II. Additionally, FC changes FC were observed between the cerebellum and cerebral regions related to ToM. Interestingly, patterns of changes in cerebello-cerebral FC correlated with altered ToM performances explored using the "Reading the Mind with the Eyes" test (RMET) of patients. The present findings suggest that specific changes in cerebello-cerebral FC may underlie ToM alterations in patients with bvFTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Olivito
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Ataxia Research Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Quaranta
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Libera Siciliano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Ataxia Research Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Naike Caraglia
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Caprara
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Camillo Marra
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Leggio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Ataxia Research Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Caterina Silveri
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Centre for the Medicine of Aging, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Xie M, Zhao Z, Dai M, Wu Y, Huang Y, Liu Y, Tang Y, Xiao L, Wei W, Zhang G, Du X, Li C, Guo W, Ma X, Deng W, Wang Q, Li T. Associations between urban birth or childhood trauma and first-episode schizophrenia mediated by low IQ. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:89. [PMID: 36309513 PMCID: PMC9617944 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to urban birth, childhood trauma, and lower Intelligence Quotient (IQ) were the most well-established risk factors for schizophrenia in developed countries. In developing countries, whether urban birth is a risk factor for schizophrenia and how these factors are related to one another remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether IQ mediates the relationship between urban birth or childhood trauma and first-episode schizophrenia (FES) in China. Birthplace, childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ), and IQ were collected from 144 patients with FES and 256 healthy controls (HCs). Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between birthplace, childhood trauma, IQ, and FES. Furthermore, mediation analysis was used to explore the mediation of IQ in the relationship between birthplace or childhood trauma and FES. After adjusting for age, sex and educational attainment, the final model identified urban birth (odds ratio (OR) = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.54, 6.44) and childhood trauma (OR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.92, 4.06) were associated an elevated risk for FES. The 52.94% total effect of birthplace on the risk of FES could be offset by IQ (indirect effect/direct effect). The association between childhood trauma and FES could be partly explained by IQ (22.5%). In total, the mediation model explained 70.5% of the total variance in FES. Our study provides evidence that urban birth and childhood trauma are associated with an increased risk of FES. Furthermore, IQ mediates the relationship between urban birth or childhood trauma and FES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Zhengyang Zhao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Minhan Dai
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yulu Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yunqi Huang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yunjia Liu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yiguo Tang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Liling Xiao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Wei Wei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Guangya Zhang
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Psychiatry, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Du
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Psychiatry, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chuanwei Li
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Psychiatry, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wanjun Guo
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAffiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Wei Deng
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAffiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Qiang Wang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Tao Li
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XAffiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
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Supekar K, Ryali S, Yuan R, Kumar D, de Los Angeles C, Menon V. Robust, Generalizable, and Interpretable Artificial Intelligence-Derived Brain Fingerprints of Autism and Social Communication Symptom Severity. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:643-653. [PMID: 35382930 PMCID: PMC9378793 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is among the most pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders, yet the neurobiology of ASD is still poorly understood because inconsistent findings from underpowered individual studies preclude the identification of robust and interpretable neurobiological markers and predictors of clinical symptoms. METHODS We leverage multiple brain imaging cohorts and exciting recent advances in explainable artificial intelligence to develop a novel spatiotemporal deep neural network (stDNN) model, which identifies robust and interpretable dynamic brain markers that distinguish ASD from neurotypical control subjects and predict clinical symptom severity. RESULTS stDNN achieved consistently high classification accuracies in cross-validation analysis of data from the multisite ABIDE (Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange) cohort (n = 834). Crucially, stDNN also accurately classified data from independent Stanford (n = 202) and GENDAAR (Gender Exploration of Neurogenetics and Development to Advanced Autism Research) (n = 90) cohorts without additional training. stDNN could not distinguish attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from neurotypical control subjects, highlighting the model's specificity. Explainable artificial intelligence revealed that brain features associated with the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus, dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and superior temporal sulcus, which anchor the default mode network, cognitive control, and human voice processing systems, respectively, most clearly distinguished ASD from neurotypical control subjects in the three cohorts. Furthermore, features associated with the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus nodes of the default mode network emerged as robust predictors of the severity of core social and communication deficits but not restricted/repetitive behaviors in ASD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings, replicated across independent cohorts, reveal robust individualized functional brain fingerprints of ASD psychopathology, which could lead to more objective and precise phenotypic characterization and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh Supekar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Srikanth Ryali
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Rui Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Devinder Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Carlo de Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Vinod Menon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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38
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Luo L, Xiao M, Luo Y, Yi H, Dong D, Liu Y, Chen X, Li W, Chen H. Knowing what you feel: Inferior frontal gyrus-based structural and functional neural patterns underpinning adaptive body awareness. J Affect Disord 2022; 315:224-233. [PMID: 35901991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heightened body awareness (BA) is conducive for increasing understanding of bodily state and improves individuals' health and well-being. Although there has been cumulative research concentrating on the self-perceived tendency to focus on negatively valenced interoceptive sensations, the specific structural and functional neural patterns underlying BA and their role in the relationship between BA and individual well-being remain unclear. METHODS Voxel-based morphometry and whole brain functional connectivity analyses were conducted to examine the structural and functional neural patterns, respectively, in 686 healthy subjects. BA and subjective well-being were assessed using questionnaires. RESULTS BA was inversely related to gray matter volume of the right inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part (IFGoperc). Higher BA was correlated with enhanced IFGoperc-precuneus and IFGoperc-anterior supramarginal gyrus connectivities, and with decreased IFGoperc-lateral occipital cortex and IFGoperc-medial frontal cortex connectivities. The inferior frontal gyrus, triangular part (in the fronto-parietal task control network) acted as the hub that linked the sensory/somatomotor network, the default mode network, and the dorsal and ventral attention network. The IFGoperc-precuneus connectivity moderated the association between BA and subjective well-being. LIMITATIONS We were unable to rank all the networks by their relative importance, because the absolute weighted value in each module was not calculated. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that BA was reflected by specific neural patterns mainly involved in cognitive-affective control, attentional and self-referential processing, as well as multisensory integration, which could offer some references for current therapies (e.g., mindfulness, yoga training) that are dedicated to solving health problems and improving individual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingyue Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yijun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haijing Yi
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Debo Dong
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ximei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Akbar SA, Mattfeld AT, Laird AR, McMakin DL. Sleep to Internalizing Pathway in Young Adolescents (SIPYA): A proposed neurodevelopmental model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 140:104780. [PMID: 35843345 PMCID: PMC10750488 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of internalizing disorders, i.e., anxiety and depressive disorders, spikes in adolescence and has been increasing amongst adolescents despite the existence of evidence-based treatments, highlighting the need for advancing theories on how internalizing disorders emerge. The current review presents a theoretical model, called the Sleep to Internalizing Pathway in Young Adolescents (SIPYA) Model, to explain how risk factors, namely sleep-related problems (SRPs), are prospectively associated with internalizing disorders in adolescence. Specifically, SRPs during late childhood and early adolescence, around the initiation of pubertal development, contribute to the interruption of intrinsic brain networks dynamics, both within the default mode network and between the default mode network and other networks in the brain. This interruption leaves adolescents vulnerable to repetitive negative thought, such as worry or rumination, which then increases vulnerability to internalizing symptoms and disorders later in adolescence. Sleep-related behaviors are observable, modifiable, low-stigma, and beneficial beyond treating internalizing psychopathology, highlighting the intervention potential associated with understanding the neurodevelopmental impact of SRPs around the transition to adolescence. This review details support for the SIPYA Model, as well as gaps in the literature and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima A Akbar
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Aaron T Mattfeld
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angela R Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dana L McMakin
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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40
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Gao Y, Sun J, Cheng L, Yang Q, Li J, Hao Z, Zhan L, Shi Y, Li M, Jia X, Li H. Altered resting state dynamic functional connectivity of amygdala subregions in patients with autism spectrum disorder: A multi-site fMRI study. J Affect Disord 2022; 312:69-77. [PMID: 35710036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with altered brain connectivity. Previous studies have focused on the static functional connectivity pattern from amygdala subregions in ASD while ignoring its dynamics. Considering that dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) can provide different perspectives, the present study aims to investigate the dFC pattern of the amygdala subregions in ASD patients. METHODS Data of 618 ASD patients and 836 typical controls (TCs) of 30 sites were obtained from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) database. The sliding window approach was applied to conduct seed-based dFC analysis. The seed regions were bilateral basolateral (BLA) and centromedial-superficial amygdala (CSA). A two-sample t-test was done at each site. Image-based meta-analysis (IBMA) based on the results from all sites was performed. Correlation analysis was conducted between the dFC values and the clinical scores. RESULTS The ASD patients showed lower dFC between the left BLA and the bilateral inferior temporal (ITG)/left superior frontal gyrus, between the right BLA and right ITG/right thalamus/left superior temporal gyrus, and between the right CSA and middle temporal gyrus. The ASD patients showed higher dFC between the left BLA and temporal lobe/right supramarginal gyrus, between the right BLA and left calcarine gyrus, and between the left CSA and left calcarine gyrus. Correlation analysis revealed that the symptom severity was positively correlated with the dFC between the bilateral BLA and ITG in ASD. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal dFC of the specific amygdala subregions may provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Gao
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Jiawei Sun
- School of Information and Electronics Technology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Lulu Cheng
- School of Foreign Studies, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, China; Shanghai Center for Research in English Language Education, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihang Yang
- College of Foreign Language, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Zeqi Hao
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Linlin Zhan
- Faculty of Western Languages, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuyu Shi
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Mengting Li
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Xize Jia
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.
| | - Huayun Li
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.
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Clausi S, Siciliano L, Olivito G, Leggio M. Cerebellum and Emotion in Social Behavior. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1378:235-253. [PMID: 35902475 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99550-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the cerebellum plays a crucial role not only in the motor and cognitive domains but also in emotions and social behavior. In the present chapter, after a general introduction on the significance of the emotional components of social behavior, we describe recent efforts to understand the contributions of the cerebellum in social cognition focusing on the emotional and affective aspects. Specifically, starting from the description of the cerebello-cortical networks subtending the social-affective domains, we illustrate the most recent findings on the social cerebellum and the possible functional mechanisms by which the cerebellum modulate social-affective behavior. Finally, we discuss the possible consequences of cerebellar dysfunction in the social-affective domain, focusing on those neurological and psychopathological conditions in which emotional and social behavior difficulties have been described as being associated with cerebellar structural or functional alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Clausi
- Ataxia Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy. .,Psychology Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Libera Siciliano
- Ataxia Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Psychology Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Olivito
- Ataxia Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Psychology Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Leggio
- Ataxia Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Psychology Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Morese R, Palermo S. Feelings of loneliness and isolation: Social brain and social cognition in the elderly and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:896218. [PMID: 35936772 PMCID: PMC9353216 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.896218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Morese
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Sara Palermo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Technology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Le Petit M, Eustache F, Perrier J, de La Sayette V, Desgranges B, Laisney M. Functional connectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex related to mindreading abilities. Cereb Cortex Commun 2022; 3:tgac032. [PMID: 36090668 PMCID: PMC9454031 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex is a key region of mindreading belonging to the mentalizing system, a set of brain areas underlying mental state inference based on reasoning on social concepts. The aim of this study was to characterize the functional connectivity between regions involved in mindreading and to highlight the processes it underpins, focusing on the dorsal and ventral parts of the medial prefrontal cortex. We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of 56 healthy volunteers, to study the relationship between mindreading abilities and functional connectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex. Cognitive mindreading performances were correlated with connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and frontal regions involved in the regulation of the salience of one’s own mental contents, with a distinction between the dorsal part connected to regions subtending inhibition processes and the ventral part to emotional regions. Affective mindreading performances were negatively correlated with negative connectivity of the ventro- and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex with sensorimotor regions belonging to the mirror neuron system subtending the simulation of mental states. These findings suggested a role of the medial prefrontal cortex to decrease the salience of one’s own mental content and in the antisynchronous interaction between the mentalizing and mirror neurons systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Le Petit
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Université Paris, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Centre Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine , 14000 Caen, France
| | - Francis Eustache
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Université Paris, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Centre Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine , 14000 Caen, France
| | - Joy Perrier
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Université Paris, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Centre Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine , 14000 Caen, France
| | - Vincent de La Sayette
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Université Paris, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Centre Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine , 14000 Caen, France
| | - Béatrice Desgranges
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Université Paris, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Centre Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine , 14000 Caen, France
| | - Mickaël Laisney
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Université Paris, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Centre Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine , 14000 Caen, France
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Functional alterations in large-scale resting-state networks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A multi-site study across Canada and the United States. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269154. [PMID: 35709100 PMCID: PMC9202847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons, and frontotemporal regions resulting in impaired bulbar, limb, and cognitive function. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have reported cortical and subcortical brain involvement in the pathophysiology of ALS. The present study investigates the functional integrity of resting-state networks (RSNs) and their importance in ALS. Intra- and inter-network resting-state functional connectivity (Rs-FC) was examined using an independent component analysis approach in a large multi-center cohort. A total of 235 subjects (120 ALS patients; 115 healthy controls (HC) were recruited across North America through the Canadian ALS Neuroimaging Consortium (CALSNIC). Intra-network and inter-network Rs-FC was evaluated by the FSL-MELODIC and FSLNets software packages. As compared to HC, ALS patients displayed higher intra-network Rs-FC in the sensorimotor, default mode, right and left fronto-parietal, and orbitofrontal RSNs, and in previously undescribed networks including auditory, dorsal attention, basal ganglia, medial temporal, ventral streams, and cerebellum which negatively correlated with disease severity. Furthermore, ALS patients displayed higher inter-network Rs-FC between the orbitofrontal and basal ganglia RSNs which negatively correlated with cognitive impairment. In summary, in ALS there is an increase in intra- and inter-network functional connectivity of RSNs underpinning both motor and cognitive impairment. Moreover, the large multi-center CALSNIC dataset permitted the exploration of RSNs in unprecedented detail, revealing previously undescribed network involvement in ALS.
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Kang Y, Kang W, Han KM, Tae WS, Ham BJ. Associations between cognitive impairment and cortical thickness alterations in patients with euthymic and depressive bipolar disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 322:111462. [PMID: 35231679 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Youbin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Man Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Suk Tae
- Korea University, Brain Convergence Research Center
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Morningstar M, Grannis C, Mattson WI, Nelson EE. Functional patterns of neural activation during vocal emotion recognition in youth with and without refractory epilepsy. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 34:102966. [PMID: 35182929 PMCID: PMC8859003 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.102966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy has been associated with deficits in the social cognitive ability to decode others' nonverbal cues to infer their emotional intent (emotion recognition). Studies have begun to identify potential neural correlates of these deficits, but have focused primarily on one type of nonverbal cue (facial expressions) to the detriment of other crucial social signals that inform the tenor of social interactions (e.g., tone of voice). Less is known about how individuals with epilepsy process these forms of social stimuli, with a particular gap in knowledge about representation of vocal cues in the developing brain. The current study compared vocal emotion recognition skills and functional patterns of neural activation to emotional voices in youth with and without refractory focal epilepsy. We made novel use of inter-subject pattern analysis to determine brain areas in which activation to emotional voices was predictive of epilepsy status. Results indicated that youth with epilepsy were comparatively less able to infer emotional intent in vocal expressions than their typically developing peers. Activation to vocal emotional expressions in regions of the mentalizing and/or default mode network (e.g., right temporo-parietal junction, right hippocampus, right medial prefrontal cortex, among others) differentiated youth with and without epilepsy. These results are consistent with emerging evidence that pediatric epilepsy is associated with altered function in neural networks subserving social cognitive abilities. Our results contribute to ongoing efforts to understand the neural markers of social cognitive deficits in pediatric epilepsy, in order to better tailor and funnel interventions to this group of youth at risk for poor social outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morningstar
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States.
| | - C Grannis
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - W I Mattson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - E E Nelson
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
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47
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Sato J, Vandewouw MM, Safar K, Ng DVY, Bando N, O’Connor DL, Unger SL, Pang E, Taylor MJ. Social-Cognitive Network Connectivity in Preterm Children and Relations With Early Nutrition and Developmental Outcomes. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:812111. [PMID: 35465192 PMCID: PMC9022474 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.812111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infants born very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1,500 g) are at a heightened risk for structural brain abnormalities and social-cognitive deficits, which can impair behavioural functioning. Resting-state fMRI, reflecting a baseline level of brain activity and underlying social-cognitive processes, has also been reported to be altered in children born VLBW. Yet very little is known about the functional networks underlying social cognition using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and how it relates to neonatal factors and developmental outcomes. Thus, we investigated functional connectivity at rest in VLBW children and the associations with early nutrition and IQ and behavioural problems. We collected resting-state MEG recordings and measures of IQ and social-cognitive behaviour, as well as macronutrient/energy intakes during initial hospitalisation in 5-year-old children born VLBW (n = 37) compared to full-term (FT; n = 27) controls. We examined resting-state network differences controlling for sex and age at scan. Functional connectivity was estimated using the weighted phase lag index. Associations between functional connectivity with outcome measures and postnatal nutrition were also assessed using regression analyses. We found increased resting-state functional connectivity in VLBW compared to FT children in the gamma frequency band (65–80 Hz). This hyper-connected network was primarily anchored in frontal regions known to underlie social-cognitive functions such as emotional processing. In VLBW children, increased functional connectivity was related to higher IQ scores, while reduced connectivity was related to increased behavioural problems at 5 years of age. These within-group associations were found in the slower frequency bands of theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha (8–12 Hz), frequently linked to higher-order cognitive functions. We also found significant associations between macronutrient (protein and lipid) and energy intakes during the first postnatal month with functional connectivity at preschool-age, highlighting the long-term impacts of postnatal nutrition on preterm brain development. Our findings demonstrate that at preschool-age, VLBW children show altered resting-state connectivity despite IQ and behaviour being in the average range, possibly reflecting functional reorganisation of networks to support social-cognitive and behavioural functioning. Further, our results highlight an important role of early postnatal nutrition in the development of resting-state networks, which in turn may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sato
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Julie Sato,
| | - Marlee M. Vandewouw
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristina Safar
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn V. Y. Ng
- Division of Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Bando
- Division of Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deborah L. O’Connor
- Division of Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharon L. Unger
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neonatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Pang
- Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margot J. Taylor
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Nardone R, Sebastianelli L, Versace V, Ferrazzoli D, Brigo F, Schwenker K, Saltuari L, Trinka E. TMS for the functional evaluation of cannabis effects and for treatment of cannabis addiction: A review. Psychiatry Res 2022; 310:114431. [PMID: 35219263 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge about the effects of cannabis on human cortical brain processes is increasing. In this regard, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) enables the evaluation of central nervous system function, including drug effects. Moreover, repetitive TMS (rTMS) has been used therapeutically in several substance use disorders. In this scoping review, we summarize and discuss studies that have employed TMS and rTMS techniques in users of cannabis for recreational purposes. In subjects with a history of persistent cannabis use, TMS studies showed reduced short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI). This observation points more at neurobiological changes of chronic cannabis use than to a direct effect of cannabis on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptors. Moreover, individuals vulnerable to becoming long-term users of cannabis may also have underlying pre-existing abnormalities in SICI. Of note, the use of cannabis is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, and the down-regulation of GABAergic function may play a role. Less frequent cannabis use and spontaneous craving were observed following rTMS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). There is emerging evidence that the posterior cingulate cortex and the precuneus are potential targets for rTMS intervention in cannabis use disorder. However, larger and randomized trials should corroborate these encouraging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nardone
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy; Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Austria; Karl Landsteiner Institut für Neurorehabilitation und Raumfahrtneurologie, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Luca Sebastianelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Viviana Versace
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrazzoli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Kerstin Schwenker
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Karl Landsteiner Institut für Neurorehabilitation und Raumfahrtneurologie, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Leopold Saltuari
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Karl Landsteiner Institut für Neurorehabilitation und Raumfahrtneurologie, Salzburg, Austria; Centre for Cognitive Neurosciences Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; UMIT, University for Medical Informatics and Health Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
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49
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Nguyen M, Chang A, Micciche E, Meshulam M, Nastase SA, Hasson U. Teacher-student neural coupling during teaching and learning. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2022; 17:367-376. [PMID: 34450637 PMCID: PMC8972247 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human communication is remarkably versatile, enabling teachers to share highly abstracted and novel information with their students. What neural processes enable such transfer of information across brains during naturalistic teaching and learning? Here, a teacher was scanned in functional magnetic resonance imaging while giving an oral lecture with slides on a scientific topic followed by a review lecture. Students were then scanned while watching either the intact Lecture and Review (N = 20) or a temporally scrambled version of the lecture (N = 20). Using intersubject correlation, we observed widespread Teacher-Student neural coupling spanning sensory cortex and language regions along the superior temporal sulcus as well as higher-level regions including posterior medial cortex (PMC), superior parietal lobule, and dorsolateral and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Teacher-student alignment in higher-level areas was not observed when learning was disrupted by temporally scrambling the lecture. Moreover, teacher-student coupling in PMC was significantly correlated with learning: the more closely the student's brain mirrored the teacher's brain, the more the student improved their learning score. Together, these results suggest that the alignment of neural responses between teacher and students may reflect effective communication of complex information across brains in classroom settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Ashley Chang
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Emily Micciche
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Meir Meshulam
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Samuel A Nastase
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Uri Hasson
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
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50
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Udochi AL, Blain SD, Sassenberg TA, Burton PC, Medrano L, DeYoung CG. Activation of the default network during a theory of mind task predicts individual differences in agreeableness and social cognitive ability. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 22:383-402. [PMID: 34668171 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-021-00955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Social cognitive processes, such as emotion perception and empathy, allow humans to navigate complex social landscapes and are associated with specific neural systems. In particular, theory of mind (ToM), which refers to our ability to decipher the mental states of others, is related to the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and temporoparietal junction, which include portions of the default network. Both social cognition and the default network have been linked to the personality trait Agreeableness. We hypothesized that default network activity during a ToM task would positively predict social cognitive abilities and Agreeableness. In a 3T fMRI scanner, participants (N = 1050) completed a ToM task in which they observed triangles displaying random or social (i.e., human-like) movement. Participants also completed self-report measures of Agreeableness and tests of intelligence and social cognitive ability. In each participant, average blood oxygen level dependent responses were calculated for default network regions associated with social cognition, and structural equation modeling was used to test associations of personality and task performance with activation in those brain regions. Default network activation in the dorsal medial subsystem was greater for social versus random animations. Default network activation in response to social animations predicted better performance on social cognition tasks and, to a lesser degree, higher Agreeableness. Neural response to social stimuli in the default network may be associated with effective social processing and could have downstream effects on social interactions. We discuss theoretical and methodological implications of this work for social and personality neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha L Udochi
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Elliott Hall, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States.
| | - Scott D Blain
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Elliott Hall, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States.
| | - Tyler A Sassenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Elliott Hall, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Philip C Burton
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Elliott Hall, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Leroy Medrano
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Elliott Hall, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Colin G DeYoung
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Elliott Hall, 75 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
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