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Morin A, Grondin S. Mindfulness and time perception: A systematic integrative review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105657. [PMID: 38583653 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105657] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Several recent studies have explored the relationships between mindfulness and time perception, an area of research that has become increasingly popular in the last 10-15 years. In this article, we present a systematic integrative review of the evidence on this subject. We also integrate the field's findings into a conceptual framework which considers the multifaceted nature of both mindfulness, and time perception research. To identify the relevant literature, we searched the following databases using relevant keywords: PsycINFO; Medline; EBSCO Host Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; and Web of Science. These searches were last performed on the 4th of May 2022, and additional hand searches were also conducted. To be included, articles had to be in English and contain original data about the potential relationship(s) between mindfulness and time perception. Articles which did not present usable data about the relationship(s) between the variables of interest were excluded. In total, 47 research articles were included in the review (combined sample size of ∼5800 participants). Risks of bias in the selected studies were evaluated using two separate assessment tools designed for this purpose. Through an integrative narrative synthesis, this article reviews how mindfulness may relate to time perception for various reference frames, and for various time perception measures and methods. It also provides new insights by exploring how a wide range of findings can be integrated into a coherent whole, in light of some relevant time perception models and mindfulness theories. Altogether, the reviewed data suggest the existence of complex and multifaceted relationships between mindfulness and time perception, highlighting the importance of considering many factors when planning research or interpreting data in this field. Limitations of the current review include the scarceness of data for certain categories of findings, and the relatively low prevalence of studies with a randomized controlled design in the source literature. This research was partly funded by a grant from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Morin
- École de psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
| | - Simon Grondin
- École de psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Ni H, Wang H, Ma X, Li S, Liu C, Song X, Potenza MN, Dong GH. Efficacy and Neural Mechanisms of Mindfulness Meditation Among Adults With Internet Gaming Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2416684. [PMID: 38888924 PMCID: PMC11185988 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), recently identified internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition warranting more research, and few empirically validated treatments exist. Mindfulness meditation (MM) has multiple health benefits; however, its efficacy in treating IGD and potential neural mechanisms underlying MM treatment of the disorder remain largely unknown. Objective To explore the efficacy of MM used to treat adults with IGD and to identify neural mechanisms underlying MM. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial was performed from October 1 to November 30, 2023, at Hangzhou Normal University in Hangzhou, China. Adults (aged ≥18 years) who met at least 6 of the 9 DSM-5-TR proposed criteria for IGD were recruited to receive either MM or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Data analysis was performed on December 1, 2023. Intervention Participants underwent MM training (an 8-session meditation program that focuses on attention and acceptance) and PMR training (an 8-time program for body relaxation) delivered in groups that met 2 times each week for 4 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures This per-protocol analysis included only participants who finished the pretest assessment, 8 training sessions, and posttest assessment. The main outcomes were addiction severity (measured with the DSM-5-TR proposed criteria for IGD and with Internet Addiction Test scores), gaming craving (measured with Questionnaire for Gaming Urges scores), and blood oxygen level-dependent signals assessed with cue-craving tasks on fMRI. Behavioral and brain measurements were compared using analysis of variance. Functional connectivity (FC) among identified brain regions was measured to test connectivity changes associated with MM. Results This study included 64 adults with IGD. A total of 32 participants received MM (mean [SD] age, 20.3 [1.9] years; 17 women [53%]) and 32 received PMR (mean [SD] age, 20.2 [1.5] years; 16 women [50%]). The severity of IGD decreased in the MM group (pretest vs posttest: mean [SD], 7.0 [1.1] vs 3.6 [0.8]; P < .001) and in the PMR group (mean [SD], 7.1 [0.9] vs 6.0 [0.9]; P = .04). The MM group had a greater decrease in IGD severity than the PMR group (mean [SD] score change for the MM group vs the PMR group, -3.6 [0.3] vs -1.1 [0.2]; P < .001). Mindfulness meditation was associated with decreased brain activation in the bilateral lentiform nuclei (r = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.60; P = .02), insula (r = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.60; P = .047), and medial frontal gyrus (MFG; r = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.70; P = .01). Increased MFG-lentiform FC and decreased craving (pretest vs posttest: mean [SD], 58.8 [15.7] vs 33.6 [12.0]; t = -8.66; ƞ2 = 0.30; P < .001) was observed after MM, and changes in MFG-lentiform FC mediated the relationship between increased mindfulness and decreased craving (mediate effect, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.08; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, MM was more effective in decreasing addiction severity and gaming cravings compared with PMR. These findings indicate that MM may be an effective treatment for IGD and may exert its effects by altering frontopallidal pathways. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2300075869.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haosen Ni
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Huabin Wang
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- Institutes of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Ma
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- Institutes of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- Institutes of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chang Liu
- NuanCun Mindful-Living Mindfulness Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Song
- Center of Mindfulness, School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry and the Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield
| | - Guang-Heng Dong
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
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Yang WF, Sparby T, Wright M, Kim E, Sacchet MD. Volitional mental absorption in meditation: Toward a scientific understanding of advanced concentrative absorption meditation and the case of jhana. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31223. [PMID: 38803854 PMCID: PMC11129010 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Meditation has been integral to human culture for millennia, deeply rooted in various spiritual and contemplative traditions. While the field of contemplative science has made significant steps toward understanding the effects of meditation on health and well-being, there has been little study of advanced meditative states, including those achieved through intense concentration and absorption. We refer to these types of states as advanced concentrative absorption meditation (ACAM), characterized by absorption with the meditation object leading to states of heightened attention, clarity, energy, effortlessness, and bliss. This review focuses on a type of ACAM known as jhana (ACAM-J) due to its well-documented history, systematic practice approach, recurring phenomenological themes, and growing popularity among contemplative scientists and more generally in media and society. ACAM-J encompasses eight layers of deep concentration, awareness, and internal experiences. Here, we describe the phenomenology of ACAM-J and present evidence from phenomenological and neuroscientific studies that highlight their potential applications in contemplative practices, psychological sciences, and therapeutics. We additionally propose theoretical ACAM-J frameworks grounded in current cognitive neuroscientific understanding of meditation and ancient contemplative traditions. We aim to stimulate further research on ACAM more broadly, encompassing advanced meditation including meditative development and meditative endpoints. Studying advanced meditation including ACAM, and specific practices such as ACAM-J, can potentially revolutionize our understanding of consciousness and applications for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winson F.Z. Yang
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Terje Sparby
- Steiner University College, 0260, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448, Witten, Germany
- Integrated Curriculum for Anthroposophic Psychology, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Malcolm Wright
- School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
| | - Eunmi Kim
- Center for Contemplative Science, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Matthew D. Sacchet
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Vanutelli ME, Grigis C, Lucchiari C. Breathing Right… or Left! The Effects of Unilateral Nostril Breathing on Psychological and Cognitive Wellbeing: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:302. [PMID: 38671954 PMCID: PMC11048276 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040302] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of controlled breathing on cognitive and affective processing has been recognized since ancient times, giving rise to multiple practices aimed at achieving different psychophysical states, mostly related to mental clarity and focus, stress reduction, and relaxation. Previous scientific research explored the effects of forced unilateral nostril breathing (UNB) on brain activity and emotional and cognitive functions. Some evidence concluded that it had a contralateral effect, while other studies presented controversial results, making it difficult to come to an unambiguous interpretation. Also, a few studies specifically addressed wellbeing. In the present study, we invited a pilot sample of 20 participants to take part in an 8-day training program for breathing, and each person was assigned to either a unilateral right nostril (URNB) or left nostril breathing condition (ULNB). Then, each day, we assessed the participants' wellbeing indices using their moods and mind wandering scales. The results revealed that, after the daily practice, both groups reported improved wellbeing perception. However, the effect was specifically related to the nostril involved. URNB produced more benefits in terms of stress reduction and relaxation, while ULNB significantly and increasingly reduced mind-wandering occurrences over time. Our results suggest that UNB can be effectively used to increase wellbeing in the general population. Additionally, they support the idea that understanding the effects of unilateral breathing on wellbeing and cognition requires a complex interpretive model with multiple brain networks to address bottom-up and top-down processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elide Vanutelli
- Department of Philosophy “Piero Martinetti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.E.V.); (C.G.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Grigis
- Department of Philosophy “Piero Martinetti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.E.V.); (C.G.)
| | - Claudio Lucchiari
- Department of Philosophy “Piero Martinetti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.E.V.); (C.G.)
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5
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Schindler H, Jawinski P, Arnatkevičiūtė A, Markett S. Molecular signatures of attention networks. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26588. [PMID: 38401136 PMCID: PMC10893969 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26588] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Attention network theory proposes three distinct types of attention-alerting, orienting, and control-that are supported by separate brain networks and modulated by different neurotransmitters, that is, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine. Here, we explore the extent of cortical, genetic, and molecular dissociation of these three attention systems using multimodal neuroimaging. We evaluated the spatial overlap between fMRI activation maps from the attention network test (ANT) and cortex-wide gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. The goal was to identify genes associated with each of the attention networks in order to determine whether specific groups of genes were co-expressed with the corresponding attention networks. Furthermore, we analyzed publicly available PET-maps of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters to investigate their spatial overlap with the attention networks. Our analyses revealed a substantial number of genes (3871 for alerting, 6905 for orienting, 2556 for control) whose cortex-wide expression co-varied with the activation maps, prioritizing several molecular functions such as the regulation of protein biosynthesis, phosphorylation, and receptor binding. Contrary to the hypothesized associations, the ANT activation maps neither aligned with the distribution of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine receptor and transporter molecules, nor with transcriptomic profiles that would suggest clearly separable networks. Independence of the attention networks appeared additionally constrained by a high level of spatial dependency between the network maps. Future work may need to reconceptualize the attention networks in terms of their segregation and reevaluate the presumed independence at the neural and neurochemical level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aurina Arnatkevičiūtė
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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Yang WFZ, Chowdhury A, Bianciardi M, van Lutterveld R, Sparby T, Sacchet MD. Intensive whole-brain 7T MRI case study of volitional control of brain activity in deep absorptive meditation states. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad408. [PMID: 37943791 PMCID: PMC10793575 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad408] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Jhanas are profound states of mind achieved through advanced meditation, offering valuable insights into the nature of consciousness and tools to enhance well-being. Yet, its neurophenomenology remains limited due to methodological difficulties and the rarity of advanced meditation practitioners. We conducted a highly exploratory study to investigate the neurophenomenology of jhanas in an intensively sampled adept meditator case study (4 hr 7T fMRI collected in 27 sessions) who performed jhana meditation and rated specific aspects of experience immediately thereafter. Linear mixed models and correlations were used to examine relations among brain activity and jhana phenomenology. We identified distinctive patterns of brain activity in specific cortical, subcortical, brainstem, and cerebellar regions associated with jhana. Furthermore, we observed correlations between brain activity and phenomenological qualities of attention, jhanic qualities, and narrative processing, highlighting the distinct nature of jhanas compared to non-meditative states. Our study presents the most rigorous evidence yet that jhana practice deconstructs consciousness, offering unique insights into consciousness and significant implications for mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winson Fu Zun Yang
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Avijit Chowdhury
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Marta Bianciardi
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Remko van Lutterveld
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands
- Brain Research & Innovation Centre, Ministry of Defence, AA Utrecht 3509, the Netherlands
| | - Terje Sparby
- Steiner University College, Oslo 0260, Norway
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten 58448, Germany
- Integrated Curriculum for Anthroposophic Psychology, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Matthew D Sacchet
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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7
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Chaudhary IS, Shyi GCW, Huang STT. A systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies on arousing or wake-promoting effects in Buddhist meditation. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1136983. [PMID: 38022985 PMCID: PMC10646186 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1136983] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional Buddhist texts illustrate meditation as a condition of relaxed alertness that must fend against extreme hypoarousal (sleep, drowsiness) and extreme hyperarousal (restlessness). Theoretical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging investigations of meditation have highlighted the relaxing effects and hypoarousing without emphasizing the alertness-promoting effects. Here we performed a systematic review supported by an activation-likelihood estimate (ALE) meta-analysis in an effort to counterbalance the surfeit of scholarship emphasizing the hypoarousing and relaxing effects of different forms of Buddhist meditation. Specifically, the current systematic review-cum-meta-analytical review seeks to highlight more support for meditation's wake-promoting effects by drawing from neuroimaging research during wakefulness and meditation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 fMRI studies, we aim to highlight support for Buddhist meditation's wake-promoting or arousing effects by identifying brain regions associated with alertness during meditation. The most significant peaks were localized medial frontal gyrus (MFG) and precuneus. We failed to determine areas ostensibly common to alertness-related meditation such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), superior parietal lobule, basal ganglia, thalamus, most likely due to the relatively fewer fMRI investigations that used wakefulness-promoting meditation techniques. Also, we argue that forthcoming research on meditation, related to alertness or wakefulness, continues to adopt a multi-modal method to investigate the correlation between actual behaviors and neural networks connected to Buddhist meditation. Moreover, we recommend the implementation of fMRI paradigms on Buddhist meditation with clinically diagnosed participants to complement recent trends in psychotherapy such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Inder S. Chaudhary
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Gary Chon-Wen Shyi
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tseng Tina Huang
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
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8
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Servais A, Hurter C, Barbeau EJ. Attentional switch to memory: An early and critical phase of the cognitive cascade allowing autobiographical memory retrieval. Psychon Bull Rev 2023; 30:1707-1721. [PMID: 37118526 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-023-02270-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Remembering and mentally reliving yesterday's lunch is a typical example of episodic autobiographical memory retrieval. In the present review, we reappraised the complex cascade of cognitive processes involved in memory retrieval, by highlighting one particular phase that has received little interest so far: attentional switch to memory (ASM). As attention cannot be simultaneously directed toward external stimuli and internal memories, there has to be an attentional switch from the external to the internal world in order to initiate memory retrieval. We formulated hypotheses and developed hypothetical models of both the cognitive and brain processes that accompany ASM. We suggest that gaze aversion could serve as an objective temporal marker of the point at which people switch their attention to memory, and highlight several fields (neuropsychology, neuroscience, social cognition, comparative psychology) in which ASM markers could be essential. Our review thus provides a new framework for understanding the early stages of autobiographical memory retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Servais
- CerCo, CNRS UMR5549-Université de Toulouse, CHU Purpan, Pavillon Baudot, 31052, Toulouse, France.
- ENAC, 7, avenue Edouard Belin, 31055, Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Emmanuel J Barbeau
- CerCo, CNRS UMR5549-Université de Toulouse, CHU Purpan, Pavillon Baudot, 31052, Toulouse, France
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Servais A, Préa N, Hurter C, Barbeau EJ. Why and when do you look away when trying to remember? Gaze aversion as a marker of the attentional switch to the internal world during memory retrieval. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 240:104041. [PMID: 37774488 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104041] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is common to look away while trying to remember specific information, for example during autobiographical memory retrieval, a behavior referred to as gaze aversion. Given the competition between internal and external attention, gaze aversion is assumed to play a role in visual decoupling, i.e., suppressing environmental distractors during internal tasks. This suggests a link between gaze aversion and the attentional switch from the outside world to a temporary internal mental space that takes place during the initial stage of memory retrieval, but this assumption has never been verified so far. We designed a protocol where 33 participants answered 48 autobiographical questions while their eye movements were recorded with an eye-tracker and a camcorder. Results indicated that gaze aversion occurred early (median 1.09 s) and predominantly during the access phase of memory retrieval-i.e., the moment when the attentional switch is assumed to take place. In addition, gaze aversion lasted a relatively long time (on average 6 s), and was notably decoupled from concurrent head movements. These results support a role of gaze aversion in perceptual decoupling. Gaze aversion was also related to higher retrieval effort and was rare during memories which came spontaneously to mind. This suggests that gaze aversion might be required only when cognitive effort is required to switch the attention toward the internal world to help retrieving hard-to-access memories. Compared to eye vergence, another visual decoupling strategy, the association with the attentional switch seemed specific to gaze aversion. Our results provide for the first time several arguments supporting the hypothesis that gaze aversion is related to the attentional switch from the outside world to memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Servais
- Centre de recherche Cerveau et Cognition (CerCo), UMR5549 (CNRS-UPS), Pavillon Baudot, 31052 Toulouse, France; National Civil Aviation School (ENAC), 7 avenue Edouard Belin, 31055 Toulouse, France.
| | - Noémie Préa
- Centre de recherche Cerveau et Cognition (CerCo), UMR5549 (CNRS-UPS), Pavillon Baudot, 31052 Toulouse, France
| | - Christophe Hurter
- National Civil Aviation School (ENAC), 7 avenue Edouard Belin, 31055 Toulouse, France.
| | - Emmanuel J Barbeau
- Centre de recherche Cerveau et Cognition (CerCo), UMR5549 (CNRS-UPS), Pavillon Baudot, 31052 Toulouse, France.
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10
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Hong Y, Moore IL, Smith DE, Long NM. Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Memory Encoding and Memory Retrieval States. J Cogn Neurosci 2023; 35:1463-1477. [PMID: 37348133 PMCID: PMC10513765 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_02022] [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: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Memory encoding and memory retrieval are neurally distinct brain states that can be differentiated on the basis of cortical network activity. However, it is unclear whether sustained engagement of one network or fluctuations between multiple networks give rise to these memory states. The spatiotemporal dynamics of memory states may have important implications for memory behavior and cognition; however, measuring temporally resolved signals of cortical networks poses a challenge. Here, we recorded scalp electroencephalography from participants performing a mnemonic state task in which they were biased toward memory encoding or retrieval. We performed a microstate analysis to measure the temporal dynamics of cortical networks throughout this mnemonic state task. We find that Microstate E, a putative analog of the default mode network, shows temporally sustained dissociations between memory encoding and retrieval, with greater engagement during retrieve compared with encode trials. We further show that decreased engagement of Microstate E is a general property of encoding, rather than a reflection of retrieval suppression. Thus, memory success, as well as cognition more broadly, may be influenced by the ability to engage or disengage Microstate E in a goal-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuju Hong
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville
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11
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Zhang M, Chowdhury S, Saggar M. Temporal Mapper: Transition networks in simulated and real neural dynamics. Netw Neurosci 2023; 7:431-460. [PMID: 37397880 PMCID: PMC10312258 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00301] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing large-scale dynamic organization of the brain relies on both data-driven and mechanistic modeling, which demands a low versus high level of prior knowledge and assumptions about how constituents of the brain interact. However, the conceptual translation between the two is not straightforward. The present work aims to provide a bridge between data-driven and mechanistic modeling. We conceptualize brain dynamics as a complex landscape that is continuously modulated by internal and external changes. The modulation can induce transitions between one stable brain state (attractor) to another. Here, we provide a novel method-Temporal Mapper-built upon established tools from the field of topological data analysis to retrieve the network of attractor transitions from time series data alone. For theoretical validation, we use a biophysical network model to induce transitions in a controlled manner, which provides simulated time series equipped with a ground-truth attractor transition network. Our approach reconstructs the ground-truth transition network from simulated time series data better than existing time-varying approaches. For empirical relevance, we apply our approach to fMRI data gathered during a continuous multitask experiment. We found that occupancy of the high-degree nodes and cycles of the transition network was significantly associated with subjects' behavioral performance. Taken together, we provide an important first step toward integrating data-driven and mechanistic modeling of brain dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengsen Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samir Chowdhury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Manish Saggar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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12
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Long NM. The intersection of the retrieval state and internal attention. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3861. [PMID: 37386043 PMCID: PMC10310828 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39609-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale brain states or distributed patterns of brain activity modulate downstream processing and behavior. Sustained attention and memory retrieval states impact subsequent memory, yet how these states relate to one another is unclear. I hypothesize that internal attention is a central process of the retrieval state. The alternative is that the retrieval state specifically reflects a controlled, episodic retrieval mode, engaged only when intentionally accessing events situated within a spatiotemporal context. To test my hypothesis, I developed a mnemonic state classifier independently trained to measure retrieval state evidence and applied this classifier to a spatial attention task. I find that retrieval state evidence increases during delay and response intervals when participants are maintaining spatial information. Critically, retrieval state evidence is positively related to the amount of maintained spatial location information and predicts target detection reaction times. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that internal attention is a central process of the retrieval state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Long
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, 22904, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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13
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Yuan Y, Wu Q, Wang X, Liu M, Yan J, Ji H. Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation modulates time-frequency patterns of cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling of mouse under peripheral sensory stimulation state. Neuroimage 2023; 270:119979. [PMID: 36863547 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119979] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) not only modulates cerebral hemodynamics, neural activity, and neurovascular coupling characteristics in resting samples but also exerts a significant inhibitory effect on the neural activity in task samples. However, the effect of TUS on cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling in task samples remains to be elucidated. To answer this question, we first used forepaw electrical stimulation of the mice to elicit the corresponding cortical excitation, and then stimulated this cortical region using different modes of TUS, and simultaneously recorded the local field potential using electrophysiological acquisition and hemodynamics using optical intrinsic signal imaging. The results indicate that for the mice under peripheral sensory stimulation state, TUS with a duty cycle of 50% can (1) enhance the amplitude of cerebral blood oxygenation signal, (2) reduce the time-frequency characteristics of evoked potential, (3) reduce the strength of neurovascular coupling in time domain, (4) enhance the strength of neurovascular coupling in frequency domain, and (5) reduce the time-frequency cross-coupling of neurovasculature. The results of this study indicate that TUS can modulate the cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling in peripheral sensory stimulation state mice under specific parameters. This study opens up a new area of investigation for potential applicability of TUS in brain diseases related to cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yuan
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
| | - Qianqian Wu
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Xingran Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Mengyang Liu
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jiaqing Yan
- College of Electrical and Control Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100041, China.
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
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14
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Liu H, Zhao X, Xue G, Chen C, Dong Q, Gao X, Yang L, Chen C. TTLL11 gene is associated with sustained attention performance and brain networks: A genome-wide association study of a healthy Chinese sample. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12835. [PMID: 36511133 PMCID: PMC9994169 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies on attention have mainly focused on children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so little systematic research has been conducted on genetic correlates of attention performance and their potential brain mechanisms among healthy individuals. The current study included a genome-wide association study (GWAS, N = 1145 healthy young adults) aimed to identify genes associated with sustained attention and an imaging genetics study (an independent sample of 483 healthy young adults) to examine any identified genes' influences on brain function. The GWAS found that TTLL11 showed genome-wide significant associations with sustained attention, with rs13298112 as the most significant SNP and the GG homozygotes showing more impulsive but also more focused responses than the A allele carriers. A retrospective examination of previously published ADHD GWAS results confirmed an un-reported, small but statistically significant effect of TTLL11 on ADHD. The imaging genetics study replicated this association and showed that the TTLL11 gene was associated with resting state activity and connectivity of the somatomoter network, and can be predicted by dorsal attention network connectivity. Specifically, the GG homozygotes showed lower brain activity, weaker brain network connectivity, and non-significant brain-attention association compared to the A allele carriers. Expression database showed that expression of this gene is enriched in the brain and that the G allele is associated with lower expression level than the A allele. These results suggest that TTLL11 may play a major role in healthy individuals' attention performance and may also contribute to the etiology of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Gui Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuping Gao
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Chunhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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15
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Shao F, Shen Z. How can artificial neural networks approximate the brain? Front Psychol 2023; 13:970214. [PMID: 36698593 PMCID: PMC9868316 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.970214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The article reviews the history development of artificial neural networks (ANNs), then compares the differences between ANNs and brain networks in their constituent unit, network architecture, and dynamic principle. The authors offer five points of suggestion for ANNs development and ten questions to be investigated further for the interdisciplinary field of brain simulation. Even though brain is a super-complex system with 1011 neurons, its intelligence does depend rather on the neuronal type and their energy supply mode than the number of neurons. It might be possible for ANN development to follow a new direction that is a combination of multiple modules with different architecture principle and multiple computation, rather than very large scale of neural networks with much more uniformed units and hidden layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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16
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EEG source derived salience network coupling supports real-world attention switching. Neuropsychologia 2023; 178:108445. [PMID: 36502931 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While the brain mechanisms underlying selective attention have been studied in great detail in controlled laboratory settings, it is less clear how these processes function in the context of a real-world self-paced task. Here, we investigated engagement on a real-world computerized task equivalent to a standard academic test that consisted of solving high-school level problems in a self-paced manner. In this task, we used EEG-source derived estimates of effective coupling between brain sources to characterize the neural mechanisms underlying switches of sustained attention from the attentive on-task state to the distracted off-task state. Specifically, since the salience network has been implicated in sustained attention and attention switching, we conducted a hypothesis-driven analysis of effective coupling between the core nodes of the salience network, the anterior insula (AI) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). As per our hypothesis, we found an increase in AI - > ACC effective coupling that occurs during the transitions of attention from on-task focused to off-task distracted state. This research may inform the development of future neural function-targeted brain-computer interfaces to enhance sustained attention.
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17
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Madhira A, Srinivasan N. Letting it go: The interplay between mind wandering, mindfulness, and creativity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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18
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Deery HA, Di Paolo R, Moran C, Egan GF, Jamadar SD. The older adult brain is less modular, more integrated, and less efficient at rest: A systematic review of large-scale resting-state functional brain networks in aging. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14159. [PMID: 36106762 PMCID: PMC10909558 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The literature on large-scale resting-state functional brain networks across the adult lifespan was systematically reviewed. Studies published between 1986 and July 2021 were retrieved from PubMed. After reviewing 2938 records, 144 studies were included. Results on 11 network measures were summarized and assessed for certainty of the evidence using a modified GRADE method. The evidence provides high certainty that older adults display reduced within-network and increased between-network functional connectivity. Older adults also show lower segregation, modularity, efficiency and hub function, and decreased lateralization and a posterior to anterior shift at rest. Higher-order functional networks reliably showed age differences, whereas primary sensory and motor networks showed more variable results. The inflection point for network changes is often the third or fourth decade of life. Age effects were found with moderate certainty for within- and between-network altered patterns and speed of dynamic connectivity. Research on within-subject bold variability and connectivity using glucose uptake provides low certainty of age differences but warrants further study. Taken together, these age-related changes may contribute to the cognitive decline often seen in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish A. Deery
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Robert Di Paolo
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Chris Moran
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityFrankstonVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Geriatric MedicinePeninsula HealthFrankstonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Gary F. Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain FunctionMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sharna D. Jamadar
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain FunctionMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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19
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Bouras NN, Mack NR, Gao WJ. Prefrontal modulation of anxiety through a lens of noradrenergic signaling. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1173326. [PMID: 37139472 PMCID: PMC10149815 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1173326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common class of mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million individuals annually. Anxiety is an adaptive response to a stressful or unpredictable life event. Though evolutionarily thought to aid in survival, excess intensity or duration of anxiogenic response can lead to a plethora of adverse symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. A wealth of data has implicated the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the regulation of anxiety. Norepinephrine (NE) is a crucial neuromodulator of arousal and vigilance believed to be responsible for many of the symptoms of anxiety disorders. NE is synthesized in the locus coeruleus (LC), which sends major noradrenergic inputs to the mPFC. Given the unique properties of LC-mPFC connections and the heterogeneous subpopulation of prefrontal neurons known to be involved in regulating anxiety-like behaviors, NE likely modulates PFC function in a cell-type and circuit-specific manner. In working memory and stress response, NE follows an inverted-U model, where an overly high or low release of NE is associated with sub-optimal neural functioning. In contrast, based on current literature review of the individual contributions of NE and the PFC in anxiety disorders, we propose a model of NE level- and adrenergic receptor-dependent, circuit-specific NE-PFC modulation of anxiety disorders. Further, the advent of new techniques to measure NE in the PFC with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution will significantly help us understand how NE modulates PFC function in anxiety disorders.
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20
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Gu YQ, Zhu Y. Underlying mechanisms of mindfulness meditation: Genomics, circuits, and networks. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1141-1149. [PMID: 36186506 PMCID: PMC9521538 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i9.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness meditation (MM) has been a hot topic in recent years. This review was conducted with the goal of synthesizing empirical relationships via the genomics, circuits and networks between MM and mental disorders. We describe progress made in assessing the effects of MM on gene expression in immune cells, with particular focus on stress-related inflammatory markers and associated biological pathways. We then focus on key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of mental disorders, and expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices including default mode network, central executive network, and salience network. More research efforts need to be devoted into identifying underlying neuropsychological mechanisms of MM on how it alleviates the symptoms of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Qi Gu
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- School of Psychology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, China
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21
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Effortless training of attention and self-control: mechanisms and applications. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:567-577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Gan Q, Ding N, Bi G, Liu R, Zhao X, Zhong J, Wu S, Zeng Y, Cui L, Wu K, Fu Y, Chen Z. Enhanced Resting-State Functional Connectivity With Decreased Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations of the Salience Network in Mindfulness Novices. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:838123. [PMID: 35308619 PMCID: PMC8927720 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.838123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness and accordant interventions are often used as complementary treatments to psychological or psychosomatic problems. This has also been gradually integrated into daily lives for the promotion of psychological well-being in non-clinical populations. The experience of mindful acceptance in a non-judgmental way brought about the state, which was less interfered by a negative effect. Mindfulness practice often begins with focused attention (FA) meditation restricted to an inner experience. We postulate that the brain areas related to an interoceptive function would demonstrate an intrinsic functional change after mindfulness training for the mindful novices along with paying more attention to internal processes. To further explore the influence of mindfulness on the organization of the brain regions, both functional connectivity (FC) in the voxel and the region of interest (ROI) level were calculated. In the current study, 32 healthy volunteers, without any meditation experiences, were enrolled and randomly assigned to a mindfulness-based stress reduction group (MBSR) or control group (CON). Participants in the MBSR group completed 8 weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and rated their mindfulness skills before and after MBSR. All subjects were evaluated via resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) in both baselines and after 8 weeks. They also completed a self-report measure of their state and trait anxiety as well as a positive and negative affect. Pre- and post-MBSR assessments revealed a decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the right anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC.R), left anterior and posterior insula (aIC.L, pIC.L), as well as left superior medial frontal gyrus (SFGmed.L) in MBSR practitioners. Strengthened FC between right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC.R) and aIC.R was observed. The mean ALFF values of those regions were inversely and positively linked to newly acquired mindful abilities. Along with a decreased negative affect score, our results suggest that the brain regions related to attention and interoceptive function were involved at the beginning of mindfulness. This study provides new clues in elucidating the time of evaluating the brain mechanisms of mindfulness novices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Gan
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Guoli Bi
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Ruixiang Liu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Second People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xingrong Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingmei Zhong
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Shaoyuan Wu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, China
| | - Liqian Cui
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunhua Wu
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yunfa Fu
- School of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuangfei Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Zhuangfei Chen,
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23
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Sun S, Sheridan M, Tyrka A, Donofry SD, Erickson K, Loucks E. Addressing the biological embedding of early life adversities (ELA) among adults through mindfulness: Proposed mechanisms and review of converging evidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104526. [PMID: 34998833 PMCID: PMC8844271 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversities (ELA) are prevalent and have a profound and adverse impact across the lifespan, including on age-related health outcomes, yet interventions to remediate its adverse impact are scarce. This paper presents evidence for mindfulness training to reduce the elevated mental and physical health risks linked to ELA among adults by targeting biological mechanisms of ELA leading to these adverse health outcomes. We first provide a brief overview of ELA, its adverse health impacts, and mechanisms that might be responsible. Next, we review converging evidence that demonstrates that mindfulness training influences key biological pathways involved in ELA-linked negative health consequences, including (a) brain networks involved in self-regulation, (b) immunity and inflammation, (c) telomere biology, and (d) epigenetic modifications. Further, we review preliminary evidence from mindfulness-based trials that focused on populations impacted by ELA. We discuss limitations of this review and provide recommendations for future research. If effective, a mindfulness-based approach could be an important public health strategy for remediating the adverse mental and physical health consequences of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States; Mindfulness Center at Brown University, United States.
| | - Margaret Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Audrey Tyrka
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School
| | | | - Kirk Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Eric Loucks
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health,Mindfulness Center at Brown University
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24
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Groot JM, Csifcsák G, Wientjes S, Forstmann BU, Mittner M. Catching Wandering Minds with Tapping Fingers: Neural and Behavioral Insights into Task-unrelated Cognition. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:4447-4463. [PMID: 35034114 PMCID: PMC9574234 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
When the human mind wanders, it engages in episodes during which attention is focused on self-generated thoughts rather than on external task demands. Although the sustained attention to response task is commonly used to examine relationships between mind wandering and executive functions, limited executive resources are required for optimal task performance. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between mind wandering and executive functions more closely by employing a recently developed finger-tapping task to monitor fluctuations in attention and executive control through task performance and periodical experience sampling during concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and pupillometry. Our results show that mind wandering was preceded by increases in finger-tapping variability, which was correlated with activity in dorsal and ventral attention networks. The entropy of random finger-tapping sequences was related to activity in frontoparietal regions associated with executive control, demonstrating the suitability of this paradigm for studying executive functioning. The neural correlates of behavioral performance, pupillary dynamics, and self-reported attentional state diverged, thus indicating a dissociation between direct and indirect markers of mind wandering. Together, the investigation of these relationships at both the behavioral and neural level provided novel insights into the identification of underlying mechanisms of mind wandering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine M Groot
- Department of Psychology, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9037 , Norway
- Integrative Model-Based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1018 WB , The Netherlands
| | - Gábor Csifcsák
- Department of Psychology, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9037 , Norway
| | - Sven Wientjes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Ghent, Ghent 9000 , Belgium
| | - Birte U Forstmann
- Integrative Model-Based Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1018 WB , The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Mittner
- Address correspondence to Matthias Mittner, Department of Psychology, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Huginbakken 32, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
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25
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Malaktaris A, McLean CL, Mallavarapu S, Herbert MS, Kelsven S, Bormann JE, Lang AJ. Higher frequency of mantram repetition practice is associated with enhanced clinical benefits among United States Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2078564. [PMID: 35713599 PMCID: PMC9196752 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2078564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing support for the use of meditation-based treatments for US military Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), which is a portable meditative practice that features mindful repetition of a sacred phrase, is associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity. Although regular practice is emphasized in meditation-based interventions, associations between frequency of practice and clinical outcomes are often not reported. OBJECTIVES This study will examine whether the frequency of mantram repetition is associated with greater improvements in clinical outcomes. METHODS Veterans with PTSD participating in MRP (N = 160; combined experimental groups from two randomized controlled trials). Participants completed pre- and post-treatment self-report measures of anger and well-being and a clinician-administered interview of PTSD severity (CAPS-IV-TR). Veterans also reported average daily mantram repetition practice at post-treatment. We conducted a series of hierarchal multiple regression analyses. RESULTS When controlling for race/ethnicity and pre-treatment severity, higher frequency of mantram repetition practice was associated with significantly greater improvements (small effect sizes) in PTSD symptom severity (F(3,128) = 6.60, p < .001, β = .21, p = .007), trait anger (F(3,128) = 31.23, p < .001, β = .25, p < .001), state anger (F(3,110) = 17.62, p < .001, β = .16, p = .04), mental health well-being (F(3,128) = 28.38, p < .001, β = .14, p = .04), and spiritual well-being (F(3,127) = 13.15, p < .001, β = .23, p = .003), but not physical health well-being. CONCLUSIONS Higher frequency of mantram repetition practice appears to have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes for Veterans with PTSD. Strategies that promote skills practice may be an important target for improving clinical outcomes for meditation-based interventions. HIGHLIGHTS Higher frequency of meditation practice during Mantram Repetition Program was associated with greater reductions in PTSD symptoms and anger as well as improvements in well-being.Strategies to promote at-home meditation practice may optimize the benefits of MRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Malaktaris
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin L McLean
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sheetal Mallavarapu
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S Herbert
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Skylar Kelsven
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jill E Bormann
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences/Beyster Institute of Nursing Research, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ariel J Lang
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry and Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Stecher C, Sullivan M, Huberty J. Using Personalized Anchors to Establish Routine Meditation Practice With a Mobile App: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e32794. [PMID: 34941558 PMCID: PMC8734923 DOI: 10.2196/32794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical and mental health benefits can be attained from persistent, long-term performance of mindfulness meditation with a mobile meditation app, but in general, few mobile health app users persistently engage at a level necessary to attain the corresponding health benefits. Anchoring or pairing meditation with a mobile app to an existing daily routine can establish an unconsciously initiated meditation routine that may improve meditation persistence. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the use of either personalized anchors or fixed anchors for establishing a persistent meditation app routine with the mobile app, Calm. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial and randomly assigned participants to one of 3 study groups: (1) a personalized anchor (PA) group, (2) fixed anchor (FA) group, or (3) control group that did not use the anchoring strategy. All participants received app-delivered reminder messages to meditate for at least 10 minutes a day using the Calm app for an 8-week intervention period, and app usage data continued to be collected for an additional 8-week follow-up period to measure meditation persistence. Baseline, week 8, and week 16 surveys were administered to assess demographics, socioeconomic status, and changes in self-reported habit strength. RESULTS A total of 101 participants across the 3 study groups were included in the final analysis: (1) PA (n=56), (2) FA (n=49), and (3) control group (n=62). Participants were predominantly White (83/101, 82.2%), female (77/101, 76.2%), and college educated (ie, bachelor's or graduate degree; 82/101, 81.2%). The FA group had a significantly higher average odds of daily meditation during the intervention (1.14 odds ratio [OR]; 95% CI 1.02-1.33; P=.04), and all participants experienced a linear decline in their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week intervention (0.96 OR; 95% CI 0.95-0.96; P<.001). Importantly, the FA group showed a significantly smaller decline in the linear trend of their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week follow-up (their daily trend increased by 1.04 OR from their trend during the intervention; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P=.03). Additionally, those who more frequently adhered to their anchoring strategy during the intervention typically used anchors that occurred in the morning and showed a significantly smaller decline in their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week follow-up period (1.13 OR; 95% CI 1.02-1.35; P=.007). CONCLUSIONS The FA group had more persistent meditation with the app, but participants in the FA or PA groups who more frequently adhered to their anchoring strategy during the intervention had the most persistent meditation routines, and almost all of these high anchorers used morning anchors. These findings suggest that the anchoring strategy can create persistent meditation routines with a mobile app. However, future studies should combine anchoring with additional intervention tools (eg, incentives) to help more participants successfully establish an anchored meditation routine. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04378530; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04378530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Stecher
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Mariah Sullivan
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Jennifer Huberty
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Gu Y, Zhu Y, Brown KW. Mindfulness and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Neuropsychological Perspective. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:796-801. [PMID: 34292276 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Understanding the underlying mechanisms of mindfulness has been a hot topic in recent years, not only in clinical fields but also in neuroscience. Most neuroimaging findings demonstrate that critical brain regions involved in mindfulness are responsible for cognitive functions and mental states. However, the brain is a complex system operating via multiple circuits and networks, rather than isolated brain regions solely responsible for specific functions. Mindfulness-based treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have emerged as promising adjunctive or alternative intervention approaches. We focus on four key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of ADHD and its cognitive dysfunction, including executive attention circuit, sustained attention circuit, impulsivity circuit, and hyperactivity circuit. We also expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices, including central executive network, default mode network, and salience network. We conclude by suggesting that more research efforts need to be devoted into identifying putative neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness on how it alleviates ADHD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Gu
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou
| | | | - Kirk Warren Brown
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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28
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Kobeleva X, López-González A, Kringelbach ML, Deco G. Revealing the Relevant Spatiotemporal Scale Underlying Whole-Brain Dynamics. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:715861. [PMID: 34744605 PMCID: PMC8569182 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.715861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain rapidly processes and adapts to new information by dynamically transitioning between whole-brain functional networks. In this whole-brain modeling study we investigate the relevance of spatiotemporal scale in whole-brain functional networks. This is achieved through estimating brain parcellations at different spatial scales (100-900 regions) and time series at different temporal scales (from milliseconds to seconds) generated by a whole-brain model fitted to fMRI data. We quantify the richness of the dynamic repertoire at each spatiotemporal scale by computing the entropy of transitions between whole-brain functional networks. The results show that the optimal relevant spatial scale is around 300 regions and a temporal scale of around 150 ms. Overall, this study provides much needed evidence for the relevant spatiotemporal scales and recommendations for analyses of brain dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Kobeleva
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Computational Neuroscience Group, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Center for Brain and Cognition, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ane López-González
- Computational Neuroscience Group, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Center for Brain and Cognition, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Morten L. Kringelbach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Music in the Brain, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gustavo Deco
- Computational Neuroscience Group, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Center for Brain and Cognition, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de la Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Benso F, Moretti S, Bellazzini V, Benso E, Ardu E, Gazzellini S. Principles of Integrated Cognitive Training for Executive Attention: Application to an Instrumental Skill. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647749. [PMID: 34239477 PMCID: PMC8258243 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One effective cognitive treatment is the rehabilitation of working memory (WM) using an integrated approach that targets the “executive attention” system. Recent neuroscientific literature has revealed that treatment efficacy depends on the presence of various features, such as adaptivity, empathy, customization, avoidance of automatism and stereotypies, and alertness activation. Over the last two decades, an Integrated Cognitive Training (ICT) protocol has been proposed and developed; ICT takes the above-mentioned features and existing literature into account, and has been used to promote the development of reading skills. ICT has been employed in several clinical settings and involves stimulation of a specific deteriorated system (e.g., reading) and the improvement of executive attention components, thus also increasing working memory capacity. In this context, we present two experiments. In Experiment 1, participants diagnosed with dyslexia (aged between 8 and 14 years) underwent two ICT sessions a week, with home supplements, for a duration of 7 months. The participants showed a significant improvement in the reading speed of text, words, and non-words, and in the reading accuracy of text and non-words. In Experiment 2, we replicated Experiment 1, but included a comparison between two groups (experimental group vs. control group) of young participants with diagnosis of dyslexia. The experimental group was subjected to 18 ICT sessions twice a week and with home supplements, using the same protocol as in Experiment 1. The control group was entrusted to the protocol of compensatory tools and dispense/helping procedures provided by the scholastic Personalized Educational Plan. After training, the experimental group gained about 0.5 syllables per second in text reading, and a marked decrease in error rate. The control group showed no significant improvement in reading skills after the same period. Moreover, the improvement observed in the experimental group remained stable 4 months after ICT had ended. The results of these two experiments support the efficacy of the integrated ICT protocol in improving reading skills in children with dyslexia and its sustained effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Benso
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,ANCCRI, Associazione Neuroscienze Cognitive Clinica Ricerca e Intervento, Genova, Italy.,AIDAI Liguria, Associazione Italiana per i Disturbi di Attenzione e Iperattività, Liguria, Italy
| | - Sandra Moretti
- ANCCRI, Associazione Neuroscienze Cognitive Clinica Ricerca e Intervento, Genova, Italy.,AIDAI Liguria, Associazione Italiana per i Disturbi di Attenzione e Iperattività, Liguria, Italy.,ASL 5, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, La Spezia, Italy
| | - Veronica Bellazzini
- ANCCRI, Associazione Neuroscienze Cognitive Clinica Ricerca e Intervento, Genova, Italy.,AIDAI Liguria, Associazione Italiana per i Disturbi di Attenzione e Iperattività, Liguria, Italy
| | - Eva Benso
- ANCCRI, Associazione Neuroscienze Cognitive Clinica Ricerca e Intervento, Genova, Italy
| | - Eleonora Ardu
- ANCCRI, Associazione Neuroscienze Cognitive Clinica Ricerca e Intervento, Genova, Italy
| | - Simone Gazzellini
- Department of Intensive and Robotic Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Institute of Recovery and Care Caracterized by Research, Rome, Italy
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30
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The effects of MBCT on the function of attentional networks. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Li Q, Xiang G, Song S, Xiao M, Chen H. Trait self-control mediates the association between resting-state neural correlates and emotional well-being in late adolescence. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 16:632-641. [PMID: 33835167 PMCID: PMC8138250 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trait self-control (TSC), defined as the capacity to alter predominant response to promote desirable long-term goals, has been found to facilitate emotional well-being (EWB). However, the neural correlates underlying this association remain unclear. The present study estimated resting-state brain activity and connectivity with amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) among late adolescents. Whole-brain correlation analysis showed that higher TSC was associated with increased ALFFs in regions within the executive control network (inferior frontal gyrus, IFG) and the salience network (anterior insula, AI) and decreased ALFF in regions (e.g. medial frontal gyrus, MFG; posterior cingulate, PC) within the default-mode network (DMN). TSC was also linked with the integration (e.g. increased IFG-PC connectivity) and segregation (e.g. decreased AI-MFG connectivity) among brain networks. Mediation analysis indicated that TSC totally mediated the links from the IFG and the precuneus, FC of the AI and regions of the DMN (e.g. bilateral PC and MFG), to EWB. Additionally, ALFF in the IFG and the MFG could predict negative affect in the pandemic through TSC. These findings suggest that TSC is involved in several regions and functional organizations within and between brain networks and mediated the association between neural correlates and emotional wellness in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guangcan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shiqing Song
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mingyue Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing 400715, China
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Hudak J, Hanley AW, Marchand WR, Nakamura Y, Yabko B, Garland EL. Endogenous theta stimulation during meditation predicts reduced opioid dosing following treatment with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:836-843. [PMID: 32919401 PMCID: PMC8026958 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Veterans experience chronic pain at greater rates than the rest of society and are more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy (LTOT), which, at high doses, is theorized to induce maladaptive neuroplastic changes that attenuate self-regulatory capacity and exacerbate opioid dose escalation. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to modulate frontal midline theta (FMT) and alpha oscillations that are linked with marked alterations in self-referential processing. These adaptive neural oscillatory changes may promote reduced opioid use and remediate the neural dysfunction occasioned by LTOT. In this study, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the effects of a mindfulness-based, cognitive training intervention for opioid misuse, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), on alpha and theta power and FMT coherence during meditation. We then examined whether these neural effects were associated with reduced opioid dosing and changes in self-referential processing. Before and after 8 weeks of MORE or a supportive psychotherapy control, veterans receiving LTOT (N = 62) practiced mindfulness meditation while EEG was recorded. Participants treated with MORE demonstrated significantly increased alpha and theta power (with larger theta power effect sizes) as well as increased FMT coherence relative to those in the control condition-neural changes that were associated with altered self-referential processing. Crucially, MORE significantly reduced opioid dose over time, and this dose reduction was partially statistically mediated by changes in frontal theta power. Study results suggest that mindfulness meditation practice may produce endogenous theta stimulation in the prefrontal cortex, thereby enhancing inhibitory control over opioid dose escalation behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Hudak
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Adam W. Hanley
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - William R. Marchand
- grid.280807.50000 0000 9555 3716Veterans Health Care Administration VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site
located at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT 84148 USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
| | - Yoshio Nakamura
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Pain Research
Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
| | - Brandon Yabko
- grid.280807.50000 0000 9555 3716Veterans Health Care Administration VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site
located at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT 84148 USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
| | - Eric L. Garland
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.280807.50000 0000 9555 3716Veterans Health Care Administration VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site
located at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT 84148 USA
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van Boekholdt L, Kerstens S, Khatoun A, Asamoah B, Mc Laughlin M. tDCS peripheral nerve stimulation: a neglected mode of action? Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:456-461. [PMID: 33299136 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00962-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation method widely used by neuroscientists and clinicians for research and therapeutic purposes. tDCS is currently under investigation as a treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders. Despite its popularity, a full understanding of tDCS's underlying neurophysiological mechanisms is still lacking. tDCS creates a weak electric field in the cerebral cortex which is generally assumed to cause the observed effects. Interestingly, as tDCS is applied directly on the skin, localized peripheral nerve endings are exposed to much higher electric field strengths than the underlying cortices. Yet, the potential contribution of peripheral mechanisms in causing tDCS's effects has never been systemically investigated. We hypothesize that tDCS induces arousal and vigilance through peripheral mechanisms. We suggest that this may involve peripherally-evoked activation of the ascending reticular activating system, in which norepinephrine is distributed throughout the brain by the locus coeruleus. Finally, we provide suggestions to improve tDCS experimental design beyond the standard sham control, such as topical anesthetics to block peripheral nerves and active controls to stimulate non-target areas. Broad adoption of these measures in all tDCS experiments could help disambiguate peripheral from true transcranial tDCS mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk van Boekholdt
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Silke Kerstens
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ahmad Khatoun
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Boateng Asamoah
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Myles Mc Laughlin
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. The Locus Coeruleus- Norepinephrine System in Stress and Arousal: Unraveling Historical, Current, and Future Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:601519. [PMID: 33584368 PMCID: PMC7873441 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.601519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arousal may be understood on a spectrum, with excessive sleepiness, cognitive dysfunction, and inattention on one side, a wakeful state in the middle, and hypervigilance, panic, and psychosis on the other side. However, historically, the concepts of arousal and stress have been challenging to define as measurable experimental variables. Divergent efforts to study these subjects have given rise to several disciplines, including neurobiology, neuroendocrinology, and cognitive neuroscience. We discuss technological advancements that chronologically led to our current understanding of the arousal system, focusing on the multifaceted nucleus locus coeruleus. We share our contemporary perspective and the hypotheses of others in the context of our current technological capabilities and future developments that will be required to move forward in this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depressive Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1305:295-310. [PMID: 33834406 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression is gradually emerging. Particularly, mindfulness meditation has various approaches related to dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and evidence has been provided that they alleviate depressive symptoms. In particular, as MBCT increases the level of evidence in the treatment of repetitive depressive disorders, guidelines are being recommended to prevent recurrence. Mindfulness may also contribute to improving the patient's symptoms as well as improving the therapeutic relationship with the therapist. For both mindful patients and therapists, positive awareness of internal experiences can be a good way to enrich the mind and overcome depressive disorders.
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Spontaneous brain state oscillation is associated with self-reported anxiety in a non-clinical sample. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19754. [PMID: 33184367 PMCID: PMC7661527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-correlation relationship between the default-mode network (DMN) and task-positive network (TPN) may provide valuable information on cognitive functions and mental disorders. Moreover, maintaining a specific brain state and efficaciously switching between different states are considered important for self-regulation and adaptation to changing environments. However, it is currently unclear whether competitions between the DMN and TPN are associated with negative affect (here, anxiety and depression) in non-clinical samples. We measured the average dwell time of DMN dominance over the TPN (i.e., the average state duration before transition to another state, indicating persistent DMN dominance) with a sample of 302 non-clinical young adults. Subsequently, we explored individual differences in this persistent DMN dominance by examining its correlations with subjective depression and anxiety feelings. Moreover, we linked state transition between DMN/TPN dominance with right fronto-insular cortex (RFIC) blood oxygen-level dependent signal variability. We found that the average dwell time of DMN dominance was positively associated with self-reported anxiety. Furthermore, state transition between DMN or TPN dominance was positively linked to RFIC activity. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the complex and dynamic reciprocal inhibition patterns of the DMN and TPN and the important role of the RFIC in the association between these networks.
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Rajyoga meditation induces grey matter volume changes in regions that process reward and happiness. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16177. [PMID: 32999361 PMCID: PMC7528075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies provide evidence that practicing meditation enhances neural plasticity in reward processing areas of brain. No studies till date, provide evidence of such changes in Rajyoga meditation (RM) practitioners. The present study aimed to identify grey matter volume (GMV) changes in reward processing areas of brain and its association with happiness scores in RM practitioners compared to non-meditators. Structural MRI of selected participants matched for age, gender and handedness (n = 40/group) were analyzed using voxel-based morphometric method and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) scores were correlated. Significant increase in OHQ happiness scores were observed in RM practitioners compared to non-meditators. Whereas, a trend towards significance was observed in more experienced RM practitioners, on correlating OHQ scores with hours of meditation experience. Additionally, in RM practitioners, higher GMV were observed in reward processing centers—right superior frontal gyrus, left inferior orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and bilateral precuneus. Multiple regression analysis showed significant association between OHQ scores of RM practitioners and reward processing regions right superior frontal gyrus, left middle OFC, right insula and left anterior cingulate cortex. Further, with increasing hours of RM practice, a significant positive association was observed in bilateral ventral pallidum. These findings indicate that RM practice enhances GMV in reward processing regions associated with happiness.
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Neural correlates of mindful emotion regulation in high and low ruminators. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15617. [PMID: 32973143 PMCID: PMC7518445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71952-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive rumination is considered a prominent risk factor for the occurrence, severity, and duration of depressive episodes. A variety of treatment options have been developed to treat depressive rumination of which mindfulness based programs are especially promising. In the current study, we investigated the neural underpinnings of a short mindfulness intervention and mindful emotion regulation in high and low trait ruminators in an ecologically valid environment using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Participants were randomly assigned to a mindfulness instruction (MT) group or an instructed thinking (IT) group. Participants in the MT group were trained to either focus their attention mindfully on their breath or their emotions, while the IT group focused their attention on the past or future. Afterwards, all participants underwent an emotion regulation paradigm in which they either watched negative or neutral movie clips. During both paradigms cortical hemodynamic changes were assessed by means of fNIRS. Participants in the MT group showed lower activity in the cognitive control network (CCN) during the focus on breath condition in comparison to the focus on emotion condition. Additionally, oxygenated hemoglobin in the MT group tended to be lower than in the IT group. Further, self-reports of emotional distress during the instruction paradigm were reduced in the MT group. During the emotion regulation paradigm, we observed reduced emotional reactivity in terms of emotional distress and avoidance in the MT group in comparison to the IT group. Furthermore, on a neural level, we observed higher CCN activity in the MT group in comparison to the IT group. We did not find any effect of rumination, neither on the intervention nor on the emotion regulation task. The results of this pilot study are discussed in light of the present literature on the neural correlates of mindfulness based interventions in rumination and emphasize the use of fNIRS to track neural changes in situ over the course of therapy.
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Brandmeyer T, Delorme A. Meditation and the Wandering Mind: A Theoretical Framework of Underlying Neurocognitive Mechanisms. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2020; 16:39-66. [PMID: 32598855 DOI: 10.1177/1745691620917340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During the practice of meditation, the tendency of the mind to wander away from the object of focus is ubiquitous. The occurrence of mind wandering in the context of meditation provides individuals a unique and intimate opportunity to closely examine the nature of the wandering mind by cultivating an awareness of ongoing thought patterns, while simultaneously aiming to cultivate equanimity (evenness of temper or disposition) and compassion toward the content of thoughts, interpretations, and bodily sensations. In this article we provide a theoretical framework that highlights the neurocognitive mechanisms by which contemplative practices influence the neural and phenomenological processes underlying spontaneous thought. Our theoretical model focuses on several converging mechanisms: the role of meta-awareness in facilitating an increased moment-to-moment awareness of spontaneous thought processes, the effects of meditation practice on key structures underlying both the top-down cognitive processes and bottom-up sensory processes implicated in attention and emotion regulation, and the influence of contemplative practice on the neural substrates underlying perception and perceptual decoupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Brandmeyer
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.,Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paul Sabatier.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5549
| | - Arnaud Delorme
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paul Sabatier.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5549.,Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute of Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego
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Allen R, Robinson A, Allen S, Nathan E, Coghlan E, Leung Y. Designing meditation for doctor well-being: can 'Om' help obstetrics and gynaecology doctors? Australas Psychiatry 2020; 28:342-347. [PMID: 31968992 DOI: 10.1177/1039856219891589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to measure the impact of meditation on participants' ability to regulate brain wave activity in high-stress situations, control physiological stress responses and improve subjective wellbeing. METHODS Twelve obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) doctors meditated for 20 minutes daily for 21 days utilising a portable EEG (electroencephalogram) providing instantaneous audio feedback. Their brain activity levels and salivary cortisol were measured before and after performing three surgical procedures. Participants were interviewed about their experiences and completed self-ratings of distress (e.g. DASS-21, Depression, Anxiety and Depression Scale). Data were analysed statistically and thematically. RESULTS (a) Measures of pre- and post-operative brain activity showed no significantly higher levels of alpha waves. (b) Pre- and post-operative salivary cortisol levels did not significantly decrease. (c) DASS-21 scores showed significant decreases in levels of anxiety and stress. CONCLUSION Results suggest that, with biofeedback meditation, O&G doctors can learn to reduce situational stress and improve mood overall through a focussed intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Allen
- Saint John of God Hospital, Midland, Australia
| | - Andrew Robinson
- Armadale Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Australia
| | - Shelley Allen
- King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Yee Leung
- King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women Perth, Australia
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Wang X, Li J, Wang C, Lv J. The effects of mindfulness-based intervention on quality of life and poststroke depression in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in China. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 35:572-580. [PMID: 32011785 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a devastating disease that can lead to poststroke depression (PSD) and greatest impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Mindfulness meditation was viewed as one of the effective ways to reduce PSD in patients with cancer. The present study tried to investigate whether mindfulness meditation has potential benefits in PSD and QOL for sICH patients in China. METHODS Two hundred and two patients in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018 were included in a randomized controlled trial. After removing missing values, there were 67 in control group and 67 in intervention group. Patients in intervention group received 2-month mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and patients in control group received stress management education (ie, an active control). RESULTS The results suggested that the significant differences of depression, trait mindfulness, social well-being, emotional well-being, and total score of QOL were found in intervention group from time 1 to time 2. Physical well-being and the score of NIH stroke scale experienced significant changes in both control group and intervention group over time. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness-based intervention has positive effects on sICH patients' depression, social well-being, and emotional well-being. However, the change of trait mindfulness over time could not explain these positive effects. Future studies could explore the mechanism of mindfulness-based intervention on sICH patients' depression and QOL and clarify the boundaries of the positive effects of mindfulness-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyi Li
- School of Psychology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengwei Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianqin Lv
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. The role of catecholamines in modulating responses to stress: Sex-specific patterns, implications, and therapeutic potential for post-traumatic stress disorder and opiate withdrawal. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:2429-2465. [PMID: 32125035 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Emotional arousal is one of several factors that determine the strength of a memory and how efficiently it may be retrieved. The systems at play are multifaceted; on one hand, the dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic system evaluates the rewarding or reinforcing potential of a stimulus, while on the other, the noradrenergic stress response system evaluates the risk of threat, commanding attention, and engaging emotional and physical behavioral responses. Sex-specific patterns in the anatomy and function of the arousal system suggest that sexually divergent therapeutic approaches may be advantageous for neurological disorders involving arousal, learning, and memory. From the lens of the triple network model of psychopathology, we argue that post-traumatic stress disorder and opiate substance use disorder arise from maladaptive learning responses that are perpetuated by hyperarousal of the salience network. We present evidence that catecholamine-modulated learning and stress-responsive circuitry exerts substantial influence over the salience network and its dysfunction in stress-related psychiatric disorders, and between the sexes. We discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the endogenous cannabinoid system; a ubiquitous neuromodulator that influences learning, memory, and responsivity to stress by influencing catecholamine, excitatory, and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Relevant preclinical data in male and female rodents are integrated with clinical data in men and women in an effort to understand how ideal treatment modalities between the sexes may be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elisabeth J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Savostyanov A, Tamozhnikov S, Bocharov A, Saprygin A, Matushkin Y, Lashin S, Kolpakova G, Sudobin K, Knyazev G. The Effect of Meditation on Comprehension of Statements About One-Self and Others: A Pilot ERP and Behavioral Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 13:437. [PMID: 31998096 PMCID: PMC6962228 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to examine the effect of long-term meditation practice on behavioral indicators and ERP peak characteristics during an error-recognition task, where participants were presented with emotionally negative (evoking anxiety or aggression) written sentences describing self-related or non-self-related emotional state and personality traits. In total, 200 sentences written in Russian with varying emotional coloring were presented during the task, with half of the sentences containing a grammatical error that the participants were asked to identify. The EEG was recorded in age-matched control individuals (n = 17) and two groups of Samatha meditators with relatively short- (3–5 years’ experience, n = 18) and long-term (10–30 years’ experience, n = 18) practice experience. Task performance time (TPT) and accuracy of error detection (AED) were chosen as behavioral values. Amplitude, time latency and cortical distribution of P300 and P600 peaks of ERP were used as a value of speech-related brain activity. All statistical effects of meditation were estimated, controlling for age and sex. No behavioral differences between two groups of meditators were found. General TPT was shorter for both groups of meditators compared to the control group. Non-meditators reacted significantly slower to sentences about aggression than to sentences about anxiety or non-emotional sentences, whereas no significance was found between meditator groups. Non-meditators had better AED for the sentences about one-self than for the sentences about other people, whereas the meditators did not show any significant difference. The amplitude of P300 peak in frontal and left temporal scalp regions was higher for long-term meditators in comparison with both intermediate and control groups. The latency of P300 and P600 in left frontal and temporal regions positively correlated with TPT, whereas the amplitude of P300 in these regions had a negative correlation with TPT. We demonstrate that long-term meditation practice increases the ability of an individual to process negative emotional stimuli. The differences in behavioral reactions after onset of negative information that was self-related and non-self-related, which is typical for non-meditators, disappeared due to the influence of meditation. ERP results could be interpreted as a value of increase in voluntary control over emotional state during meditational practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Savostyanov
- Laboratory of Psychological Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia.,Laboratory Differential Psychophysiology, State-Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Laboratory of Biological Markers of Human Social Behavior, Humanitarian Institution at the Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey Tamozhnikov
- Laboratory Differential Psychophysiology, State-Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Andrey Bocharov
- Laboratory Differential Psychophysiology, State-Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Laboratory of Biological Markers of Human Social Behavior, Humanitarian Institution at the Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Saprygin
- Laboratory Differential Psychophysiology, State-Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yuriy Matushkin
- Laboratory of Psychological Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey Lashin
- Laboratory of Psychological Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia.,Laboratory of Biological Markers of Human Social Behavior, Humanitarian Institution at the Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Galina Kolpakova
- Laboratory of Biological Markers of Human Social Behavior, Humanitarian Institution at the Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Klimenty Sudobin
- Laboratory of Biological Markers of Human Social Behavior, Humanitarian Institution at the Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Gennady Knyazev
- Laboratory Differential Psychophysiology, State-Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Xiao Q, Zhao X, Bi G, Wu L, Zhang H, Liu R, Zhong J, Wu S, Zeng Y, Cui L, Chen Y, Wu K, Chen Z. Alterations of Regional Homogeneity and Functional Connectivity Following Short-Term Mindfulness Meditation in Healthy Volunteers. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:376. [PMID: 31680921 PMCID: PMC6813410 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness is described as the non-judgmental awareness of experiences in the present moment. The sustained practice of mindfulness may also have beneficial effects on an individual's well-being. For instance, mindfulness meditation is an effective approach for improving emotion regulation. Specifically, the early stage of mindfulness meditation training enhances emotional monitoring systems related to attention regulation and executive function. Reduced activity in the default mode network (DMN) would probably be observed corresponding to the attenuated mind wandering. In the present study, we hypothesized that alterations in functional activity in the frontal-parietal cortex and DMN may be induced by short-term mindfulness meditation. In this study, before and after 8 weeks of weekly Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training, healthy participants were evaluated using a mindfulness questionnaire and an affect schedule, as well as via resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Sixteen right-handed non-meditators were enrolled. Another 16 demographically matched healthy adults without any meditation experience were recruited as controls. Pre- and post-MBSR assessments were compared. Increased regional homogeneity in the right superior parietal lobule and left postcentral gyrus (PoCG), as well as altered functional connectivity in PoCG-related networks, were observed post-MBSR. The mindfulness questionnaire scores also improved and negative affect was significantly decreased after MBSR. Together with reduced involvement of the posterior brain, our results suggest a tendency toward stronger involvement of the parietal cortex in mindfulness beginners. This study provides novel evidence regarding the optimization of emotional processing with short-term mindfulness meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xiao
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xingrong Zhao
- Mental Health Institute, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Guoli Bi
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Image, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Lisha Wu
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Hongjiang Zhang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Image, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Ruixiang Liu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Second People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Jingmei Zhong
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Shaoyuan Wu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, China
| | - Liqian Cui
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Kunhua Wu
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Image, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuangfei Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
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The functional interaction of the brain default network with motor networks is modified by aging. Behav Brain Res 2019; 372:112048. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Gibson J. Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body: A Contemporary Perspective. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2012. [PMID: 31572256 PMCID: PMC6753170 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness is often used as an umbrella term to characterize a large number of practices, processes, and characteristics. Critics argue that this broad definition has led to misinformation, misunderstanding, and a general lack of methodologically rigorous research. Some of the confusion surrounding mindfulness is also believed to stem from an undifferentiated use of the term mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness and all other forms of meditation have been shown to modulate the insula, which is the primary hub for interoception. Some have argued that interoception is foundational to mindfulness and may be the primary mechanism by which one benefits from the practice. However, much like the mindfulness literature, interoception remains broadly defined often without precision and with domain-specific meanings and implications. Research demonstrates that the insula and surrounding neural circuits are believed to be responsible for a number of other functions beyond interoception including attention, awareness, and all subjective experiences, much of which has been linked to the mindfulness literature. It has been assumed that mindfulness produces these neuroplasticity and functional effects. There is evidence that mindfulness and some of its benefits may be better described as increased interoception as a result of the neuroplasticity changes in the insula, and the development of the insula and surrounding neural circuits may cultivate dispositional mindfulness. The purposes of this article are to (1) highlight that it may be more accurate to link many of the identified benefits in the mindfulness literature to interoception and its neurological correlates and (2) propose attentional style as a means to clarify some of the confusion surrounding mindfulness, interoception, and meditation. Different meditations require different attentional styles. Attention can be analogous to a focal point with each focal point providing a unique perspective. Given that all meditative techniques modulate the insula, each meditation can provide a unique perspective from which to investigate complex interoceptive signals that may be unavailable from other meditative traditions. It may prove more useful to anchor scientific findings in the concrete body as a means to investigate those rather than a set of abstract, broadly defined meditative techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Gibson
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, United States
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Nyhus E, Engel WA, Pitfield TD, Vakkur IMW. Increases in Theta Oscillatory Activity During Episodic Memory Retrieval Following Mindfulness Meditation Training. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:311. [PMID: 31551738 PMCID: PMC6738165 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve episodic memory and increase theta oscillations which are known to play a role in episodic memory retrieval. The present study examined the effect of mindfulness meditation on episodic memory retrieval and theta oscillations. Using a longitudinal design, subjects in the mindfulness meditation experimental group who underwent 4 weeks of mindfulness meditation training and practice were compared to a waitlist control group. During the pre-training and post-training experimental sessions, subjects completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and studied adjectives and either imagined a scene (Place Task) or judged its pleasantness (Pleasant Task). During the recognition test, subjects decided which task was performed with each word ("Old Place Task" or "Old Pleasant Task") or "New." FFMQ scores and source discrimination were greater post-training than pre-training in the mindfulness meditation experimental group. Electroencephalography (EEG) results revealed that for the mindfulness meditation experimental group theta power was greater post-training than pre-training in right frontal and left parietal channels and changes in FFMQ scores correlated with changes in theta oscillations in right frontal channels (n = 20). The present results suggest that mindfulness meditation increases source memory retrieval and theta oscillations in a fronto-parietal network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Nyhus
- Department of Psychology, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States.,Program in Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States
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Zhu W, Yang W, Ming D, Qiu J, Tian F, Chen Q, Cao G, Zhang Q. Individual Differences in Brain Structure and Resting Brain Function Underlie Representation-Connection in Scientific Problem Solving. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2019.1602461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dan Ming
- Research Institute of Nuclear Power Operation
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Fang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qunlin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guikang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qinglin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Kroczek LO, Gunter TC, Rysop AU, Friederici AD, Hartwigsen G. Contributions of left frontal and temporal cortex to sentence comprehension: Evidence from simultaneous TMS-EEG. Cortex 2019; 115:86-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Phase synchrony in slow cortical potentials is decreased in both expert and trained novice meditators. Neurosci Lett 2019; 701:142-145. [PMID: 30802464 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal interactions coupled by phase synchronization have been studied in a wide range of frequency bands, but fluctuations below the delta frequency have often been neglected. In the present study, phase synchrony in slow cortical potentials (SCPs, 0.01-0.1 Hz) was examined during two different mental states; a resting state and a breath-focused mindfulness meditation. SCP phase synchrony in 9 long-term expert meditators (on average 22 years of experience) were compared with the data obtained from 11 novices. Additionally, after the novices attended an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, SCP phase synchrony was measured again. While expert meditators and novices exhibited the same amount of SCP phase synchrony in the resting state, decreased synchronization was found during meditation among expert meditators as well as novices who had participated in the MBSR program (but not prior to the program). These findings suggest that phase synchrony in slow cortical activity is context-dependent and could provide crucial information in the study of the human mind.
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