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Wortha SM, Bloechle J, Ninaus M, Kiili K, Lindstedt A, Bahnmueller J, Moeller K, Klein E. Neurofunctional plasticity in fraction learning: An fMRI training study. Trends Neurosci Educ 2020; 21:100141. [PMID: 33303106 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2020.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fractions are known to be difficult for children and adults. Behavioral studies suggest that magnitude processing of fractions can be improved via number line estimation (NLE) trainings, but little is known about the neural correlates of fraction learning. METHOD To examine the neuro-cognitive foundations of fraction learning, behavioral performance and neural correlates were measured before and after a five-day NLE training. RESULTS In all evaluation tasks behavioral performance increased after training. We observed a fronto-parietal network associated with number magnitude processing to be recruited in all tasks as indicated by a numerical distance effect. For symbolic fractions, the distance effect on intraparietal activation was only observed after training. CONCLUSION The absence of a distance effect of symbolic fractions before the training could indicate an initially less automatic access to their overall magnitude. NLE training facilitates processing of overall fraction magnitude as indicated by the distance effect in neural activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke M Wortha
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Johannes Bloechle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Manuel Ninaus
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kristian Kiili
- Faculty of Education and Culture, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antero Lindstedt
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Pori, Finland
| | - Julia Bahnmueller
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; Centre for Mathematical Cognition, School of Science, Loughborough University, United Kingdom
| | - Korbinian Moeller
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tuebingen, Germany; Centre for Mathematical Cognition, School of Science, Loughborough University, United Kingdom; Individual Development and Adaptive Education Center, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elise Klein
- Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tuebingen, Germany; Université de Paris, LaPsyDÉ, CNRS, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Carbó-Carreté M, Cañete-Massé C, Peró-Cebollero M, Guàrdia-Olmos J. Using fMRI to Assess Brain Activity in People With Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:147. [PMID: 32395104 PMCID: PMC7197628 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the last few years, many investigations have focused on brain activity in general and in populations with different pathologies using non-invasive techniques such as electroencefalography (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the use of non-invasive techniques to detect brain signals to evaluate the cognitive activity of people with Down syndrome (DS) has not been sufficiently addressed. The objective of this study is to describe the state-of-the-art in fMRI techniques for recording brain signals in people with DS. Method: A systematic review was performed based on PRISMA recommendations; only nine papers on this topic have been published. Three independent researchers selected all relevant information from each paper. Analyses of information concordance showed a high value of agreement between researchers. Results: Although few relevant works have been published, the use of fMRI in people with DS is becoming an appropriate option to study brain function in this population. Of the nine identified papers, five used task designs, and four used resting-state paradigms. Conclusion: Thus, we emphasize the need to incorporate rigorous cognitive activity procedures in evaluations of the DS population. We suggest several factors (such as head correction movements and paired sample techniques) that must be considered when designing an fMRI study with a task or a resting-state paradigm in a DS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carbó-Carreté
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Cañete-Massé
- Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,UB Institute of Complex Systems, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Quantitative Psychology Research Group (SGR 266), Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maribel Peró-Cebollero
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,UB Institute of Complex Systems, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Quantitative Psychology Research Group (SGR 266), Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Guàrdia-Olmos
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,UB Institute of Complex Systems, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Quantitative Psychology Research Group (SGR 266), Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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Middle temporal cortex is involved in processing fractions. Neurosci Lett 2020; 725:134901. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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McKechanie AG, Campbell S, Eley SEA, Stanfield AC. Autism in Fragile X Syndrome; A Functional MRI Study of Facial Emotion-Processing. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10121052. [PMID: 31861230 PMCID: PMC6947308 DOI: 10.3390/genes10121052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, and among those with fragile X syndrome, approximately 1/3rd meet a threshold for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Previous functional imaging studies of fragile X syndrome have typically focused on those with fragile X syndrome compared to either neurotypical or autism spectrum disorder control groups. Further, the majority of previous studies have tended to focus on those who are more intellectually able than is typical for fragile X syndrome. In this study, we examine the impact of autistic traits in individuals with fragile X syndrome on a paradigm looking at facial emotion processing. The study included 17 individuals with fragile X syndrome, of whom 10 met criteria for autism as measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Prior to the scan, participants rehearsed on a mock scanner to help acclimatize to the scanner environment and thus allow more severely affected individuals to participate. The task examined the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) response to fearful and neutral faces taken from the Ekman faces series. Individuals in the autism group had a region of significantly reduced activity centered on the left superior temporal gyrus, compared to those with FXS alone, in response to the fearful faces. We suggest that autism in individuals with fragile X syndrome is associated with similar changes in the neurobiology of facial emotion processing as seen in idiopathic autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. McKechanie
- The Patrick Wild Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK; (S.C.); (S.E.A.E.); (A.C.S.)
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH1 3EG, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-131-537-6000
| | - Sonya Campbell
- The Patrick Wild Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK; (S.C.); (S.E.A.E.); (A.C.S.)
| | - Sarah E. A. Eley
- The Patrick Wild Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK; (S.C.); (S.E.A.E.); (A.C.S.)
| | - Andrew C. Stanfield
- The Patrick Wild Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK; (S.C.); (S.E.A.E.); (A.C.S.)
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH1 3EG, UK
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Dymond S, Bennett M, Boyle S, Roche B, Schlund M. Related to Anxiety: Arbitrarily Applicable Relational Responding and Experimental Psychopathology Research on Fear and Avoidance. Perspect Behav Sci 2018; 41:189-213. [PMID: 32004365 PMCID: PMC6701705 DOI: 10.1007/s40614-017-0133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have an unparalleled ability to engage in arbitrarily applicable relational responding (AARR). One of the consequences of this ability to spontaneously combine and relate events from the past, present, and future may, in fact, be a propensity to suffer. For instance, maladaptive fear and avoidance of remote or derived threats may actually perpetuate anxiety. In this narrative review, we consider contemporary AARR research on fear and avoidance as it relates to anxiety. We first describe laboratory-based research on the emergent spread of fear- and avoidance-eliciting functions in humans. Next, we consider the validity of AARR research on fear and avoidance and address the therapeutic implications of the work. Finally, we outline challenges and opportunities for a greater synthesis between behavior analysis research on AARR and experimental psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Dymond
- Experimental Psychopathology Lab, Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP UK
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavík University, Menntavegur 1, Nauthólsvík, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Marc Bennett
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sean Boyle
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Ireland
| | - Bryan Roche
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Ireland
| | - Michael Schlund
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Loeffler Building, Room 316, 121 Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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Intelligence and specific cognitive functions in intellectual disability: implications for assessment and classification. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2018; 31:88-95. [PMID: 29206685 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Current diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability categorize ability as measured by IQ tests. However, this does not suit the new conceptualization of intellectual disability, which refers to a range of neuropsychiatric syndromes that have in common early onset, cognitive impairments, and consequent deficits in learning and adaptive functioning. A literature review was undertaken on the concept of intelligence and whether it encompasses a range of specific cognitive functions to solve problems, which might be better reported as a profile, instead of an IQ, with implications for diagnosis and classification of intellectual disability. RECENT FINDINGS Data support a model of intelligence consisting of distinct but related processes. Persons with intellectual disability with the same IQ level have different cognitive profiles, based on varying factors involved in aetiopathogenesis. Limitations of functioning and many biopsychological factors associated with intellectual disability are more highly correlated with impairments of specific cognitive functions than with overall IQ. SUMMARY The current model of intelligence, based on IQ, is of limited utility for intellectual disability, given the wide range and variability of cognitive functions and adaptive capacities. Assessing level of individual impairment in executive and specific cognitive functions may be a more useful alternative. This has considerable implications for the revision of the International Classification of Diseases and for the cultural attitude towards intellectual disability in general.
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Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited form of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, and patients can present with severe behavioural alterations, including hyperactivity, impulsivity and anxiety, in addition to poor language development and seizures. FXS is a trinucleotide repeat disorder, in which >200 repeats of the CGG motif in FMR1 leads to silencing of the gene and the consequent loss of its product, fragile X mental retardation 1 protein (FMRP). FMRP has a central role in gene expression and regulates the translation of potentially hundreds of mRNAs, many of which are involved in the development and maintenance of neuronal synaptic connections. Indeed, disturbances in neuroplasticity is a key finding in FXS animal models, and an imbalance in inhibitory and excitatory neuronal circuits is believed to underlie many of the clinical manifestations of this disorder. Our knowledge of the proteins that are regulated by FMRP is rapidly growing, and this has led to the identification of multiple targets for therapeutic intervention, some of which have already moved into clinical trials or clinical practice.
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