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Antonioni A, Raho EM, Straudi S, Granieri E, Koch G, Fadiga L. The cerebellum and the Mirror Neuron System: A matter of inhibition? From neurophysiological evidence to neuromodulatory implications. A narrative review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105830. [PMID: 39069236 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105830] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Mirror neurons show activity during both the execution (AE) and observation of actions (AO). The Mirror Neuron System (MNS) could be involved during motor imagery (MI) as well. Extensive research suggests that the cerebellum is interconnected with the MNS and may be critically involved in its activities. We gathered evidence on the cerebellum's role in MNS functions, both theoretically and experimentally. Evidence shows that the cerebellum plays a major role during AO and MI and that its lesions impair MNS functions likely because, by modulating the activity of cortical inhibitory interneurons with mirror properties, the cerebellum may contribute to visuomotor matching, which is fundamental for shaping mirror properties. Indeed, the cerebellum may strengthen sensory-motor patterns that minimise the discrepancy between predicted and actual outcome, both during AE and AO. Furthermore, through its connections with the hippocampus, the cerebellum might be involved in internal simulations of motor programs during MI. Finally, as cerebellar neuromodulation might improve its impact on MNS activity, we explored its potential neurophysiological and neurorehabilitation implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annibale Antonioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara 44124, Italy; Doctoral Program in Translational Neurosciences and Neurotechnologies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Maria Raho
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Sofia Straudi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara 44124, Italy
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy; Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ferrara 44121 , Italy; Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Luciano Fadiga
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy; Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ferrara 44121 , Italy
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Tariciotti L, Mattioli L, Viganò L, Gallo M, Gambaretti M, Sciortino T, Gay L, Conti Nibali M, Gallotti A, Cerri G, Bello L, Rossi M. Object-oriented hand dexterity and grasping abilities, from the animal quarters to the neurosurgical OR: a systematic review of the underlying neural correlates in non-human, human primate and recent findings in awake brain surgery. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1324581. [PMID: 38425673 PMCID: PMC10902498 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1324581] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The sensorimotor integrations subserving object-oriented manipulative actions have been extensively investigated in non-human primates via direct approaches, as intracortical micro-stimulation (ICMS), cytoarchitectonic analysis and anatomical tracers. However, the understanding of the mechanisms underlying complex motor behaviors is yet to be fully integrated in brain mapping paradigms and the consistency of these findings with intraoperative data obtained during awake neurosurgical procedures for brain tumor removal is still largely unexplored. Accordingly, there is a paucity of systematic studies reviewing the cross-species analogies in neural activities during object-oriented hand motor tasks in primates and investigating the concordance with intraoperative findings during brain mapping. The current systematic review was designed to summarize the cortical and subcortical neural correlates of object-oriented fine hand actions, as revealed by fMRI and PET studies, in non-human and human primates and how those were translated into neurosurgical studies testing dexterous hand-movements during intraoperative brain mapping. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched. Original articles were included if they: (1) investigated cortical activation sites on fMRI and/or PET during grasping task; (2) included humans or non-human primates. A second query was designed on the databases above to collect studies reporting motor, hand manipulation and dexterity tasks for intraoperative brain mapping in patients undergoing awake brain surgery for any condition. Due to the heterogeneity in neurosurgical applications, a qualitative synthesis was deemed more appropriate. Results We provided an updated overview of the current state of the art in translational neuroscience about the extended frontoparietal grasping-praxis network with a specific focus on the comparative functioning in non-human primates, healthy humans and how the latter knowledge has been implemented in the neurosurgical operating room during brain tumor resection. Discussion The anatomical and functional correlates we reviewed confirmed the evolutionary continuum from monkeys to humans, allowing a cautious but practical adoption of such evidence in intraoperative brain mapping protocols. Integrating the previous results in the surgical practice helps preserve complex motor abilities, prevent long-term disability and poor quality of life and allow the maximal safe resection of intrinsic brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Tariciotti
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Mattioli
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Viganò
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Gallo
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Gambaretti
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Sciortino
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gay
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Conti Nibali
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Gallotti
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cerri
- MoCA Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bello
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Neurosurgical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Cancer A, Pirola C, Fogassi L, Antonietti A. Influence of sport expertise in facilitating and inhibiting the recognition of the opponent's intentions in sailing. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 17:1285963. [PMID: 38259331 PMCID: PMC10800822 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1285963] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Starting from the proposed role of the mirror neuron system in the recognition of the intention underlying the actions of others, an experimental paradigm was implemented to test the role of sailing motor expertise in predicting the outcome of a competitor's action. It was hypothesized that subjects with experience in sailing would correctly interpret the maneuver performed due to the activation of domain specific motor representations of the same movements and that subjects who practiced a sport different from sailing would perform worse because of the activation of irrelevant motor patterns. For doing so, a series of video clips, in which a professional sailor performed a tack or a feint, have been manipulated so that the video clips would stop at the moment of the dunkin, namely, when the boat acquires speed to tack or continue straight ahead. The task consisted in predicting whether the action following the dunkin was an actual tack or a feint. The performance of 87 subjects, divided into three subgroups (sailors, tennis players, sedentary), was evaluated in terms of accuracy in identifying the sailor's intentions and correlated to age, gender, manual dominance, education, job, hours spent weekly playing videogames, and experience in playing sports. Results showed that the percentage of correct identifications of the intention to do a tack or feint was the highest in the group of sailors and the lowest in tennis players. An inverse relation between tennis experience and ability in recognizing the sailor's intention was found in the group of tennis players. Gender, age, manual dominance, education, job, and experience with videogames were not found to be correlated with performance. Findings support the possible implication of the mirror neuron system in maneuver detection in sailing and may be a starting point for the development of psychological training in this sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cancer
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pirola
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Fogassi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Wang HA, Liang HJ, Ernst TM, Nakama H, Cunningham E, Chang L. Independent and combined effects of methamphetamine use disorders and APOEε4 allele on cognitive performance and brain morphometry. Addiction 2023; 118:2384-2396. [PMID: 37563863 PMCID: PMC10840926 DOI: 10.1111/add.16309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Prior studies showed that methamphetamine (METH) users had greater than normal age-related brain atrophy; whether having the apolipoprotein E (APOE)-ε4 allele may be a contributory factor has not been evaluated. We aimed to determine the independent and combined effects of chronic heavy METH use and having at least one copy of the APOE-ε4 allele (APOE-ε4+) on brain morphometry and cognition, especially in relation to aging. METHODS We compared brain morphometry and cognitive performance in 77 individuals with chronic heavy METH use (26 APOE-ε4+, 51 APOE-ε4-) and 226 Non-METH users (66 APOE-ε4+, 160 APOE-ε4-), using a 2 × 2 design (two-way analysis of co-variance). Vertex-wise cortical volumes, thickness and seven subcortical volumes, were automatically measured using FreeSurfer. Linear regression between regional brain measures, and cognitive scores that showed group differences were evaluated. Group differences in age-related decline in brain and cognitive measures were also explored. RESULTS Regardless of APOE-ε4 genotype, METH users had lower Motor Z-scores (P = 0.005), thinner right lateral-orbitofrontal cortices (P < 0.001), smaller left pars-triangularis gyrus volumes (P = 0.004), but larger pallida, hippocampi and amygdalae (P = 0.004-0.006) than nonusers. Across groups, APOE-ε4+ METH users had the smallest volumes of superior frontal cortical gyri bilaterally, and of the smallest volume in left rostral-middle frontal gyri (all P-values <0.001). Smaller right superior-frontal gyrus predicted poorer motor function only in APOE-ε4+ participants (interaction-P < 0.001). Cortical volumes and thickness declined with age similarly across all participants; however, APOE-ε4-carriers showed thinner right inferior parietal cortices than noncarriers at younger age (interaction-P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Chronic heavy use and having at least one copy of the APOE-ε4 allele may have synergistic effects on brain atrophy, particularly in frontal cortices, which may contribute to their poorer cognitive function. However, the enlarged subcortical volumes in METH users replicated prior studies, and are likely due to METH-mediated neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. Wang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hua-Jun Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas M. Ernst
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Eric Cunningham
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Fercho KA, Scholl JL, Kc B, Bosch TJ, Baugh LA. Sensorimotor control of object manipulation following middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. Neuropsychologia 2023; 182:108525. [PMID: 36858282 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108525] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Methods for assessing the loss of hand function post-stroke examine limited aspects of motor performance and are not sensitive to subtle changes that can cause deficits in everyday object manipulation tasks. Efficiently lifting an object entails a prediction of required forces based on intrinsic features of the object (sensorimotor integration), short-term updates in the forces required to lift objects that are poorly predicted (sensorimotor memory), as well as the ability to modulate distal fingertip forces, which are not measured by existing assessment tools used in clinics for both diagnostic and rehabilitative purposes. The presented research examined these three components of skilled object manipulation in 60 chronic, unilateral middle cerebral artery stroke participants. Performance was compared to age-matched control participants, and linear regressions were used to predict performance based on clinical scores. Most post-stroke participants performed below control levels in at least one of the tasks. Post-stroke participants presented with combinations of deficits in each of the tasks performed, regardless of the hemisphere damaged by the stroke. Surprisingly, the ability to modulate distal forces was impaired in those patients with damage ipsilateral (right hemisphere) to the hand being used. Sensorimotor integration was also impaired in patients with right hemisphere damage, though they performed at control levels in later lifts, whereas left-hemisphere-damaged patients did not. Lastly, during a task requiring sensorimotor memory, neither patient group performed outside of control ranges on initial lifts, with patients with right hemisphere damage showing impaired performance in later lifts suggesting they were unable to learn the mapping novel mapping of color and mass of the objects. The presented research demonstrates unilateral MCA stroke patients can have deficits in one or more components required for the successful manipulation of hand-held objects and that skillful object lifting requires intact bilateral systems. Further, this information may be used in future studies to aid efforts that target rehabilitation regimens to a stroke survivor's specific pattern of deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie L Scholl
- Basic Biomedical Sciences & Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, USA
| | - Bikash Kc
- Basic Biomedical Sciences & Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, USA
| | - Taylor J Bosch
- Basic Biomedical Sciences & Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, USA
| | - Lee A Baugh
- Basic Biomedical Sciences & Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, USA.
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Guidali G, Picardi M, Gramegna C, Bolognini N. Modulating motor resonance with paired associativestimulation: Neurophysiological and behavioral outcomes. Cortex 2023; 163:139-153. [PMID: 37104888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In the human brain, paired associative stimulation (PAS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique based on Hebbian learning principles, can be used to model motor resonance, the inner activation of an observer's motor system by action observation. Indeed, the newly developed mirror PAS (m-PAS) protocol, through the repeatedly pairing of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses over the primary motor cortex (M1) and visual stimuli depicting index-finger movements, allows the emergence of a new, atypical pattern of cortico-spinal excitability. In the present study, we performed two experiments to explore (a) the debated hemispheric lateralization of the action-observation network and (b) the behavioral after-effects of m-PAS, particularly concerning a core function of the MNS: automatic imitation. In Experiment 1, healthy participants underwent two sessions of m-PAS, delivered over the right and left M1. Before and after each m-PAS session, motor resonance was assessed by recording motor-evoked potentials induced by single-pulse TMS applied to the right M1 while observing contralateral (left) and ipsilateral (right) index-finger movements or static hands. In Experiment 2, participants performed an imitative compatibility task before and after the m-PAS targeting the right M1. Results showed that only m-PAS targeting the right hemisphere, non-dominant in right-handed people, induced the emergence of motor resonance for the conditioned movement, absent before the stimulation. This effect is not present when m-PAS target the M1 of the left hemisphere. Importantly, the protocol also affects behavior, modulating automatic imitation in a strictly somatotopic fashion (i.e., influencing the imitation of the conditioned finger movement). Overall, this evidence shows that the m-PAS can be used to drive new associations between the perception of actions and their corresponding motor programs, measurable both at a neurophysiological and behavioral level. At least for simple, not goal-directed, movements, the induction of motor resonance and automatic imitation effects are governed by mototopic and somatotopic rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Guidali
- Department of Psychology & NeuroMI - Milan Centre for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Picardi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy; PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Gramegna
- Department of Psychology & NeuroMI - Milan Centre for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Nadia Bolognini
- Department of Psychology & NeuroMI - Milan Centre for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Neuropsychology/Dept. Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
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Ziccarelli S, Errante A, Fogassi L. Decoding point-light displays and fully visible hand grasping actions within the action observation network. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:4293-4309. [PMID: 35611407 PMCID: PMC9435013 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Action observation typically recruits visual areas and dorsal and ventral sectors of the parietal and premotor cortex. This network has been collectively termed as extended action observation network (eAON). Within this network, the elaboration of kinematic aspects of biological motion is crucial. Previous studies investigated these aspects by presenting subjects with point-light displays (PLDs) videos of whole-body movements, showing the recruitment of some of the eAON areas. However, studies focused on cortical activation during observation of PLDs grasping actions are lacking. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we assessed the activation of eAON in healthy participants during the observation of both PLDs and fully visible hand grasping actions, excluding confounding effects due to low-level visual features, motion, and context. Results showed that the observation of PLDs grasping stimuli elicited a bilateral activation of the eAON. Region of interest analyses performed on visual and sensorimotor areas showed no significant differences in signal intensity between PLDs and fully visible experimental conditions, indicating that both conditions evoked a similar motor resonance mechanism. Multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) revealed significant decoding of PLDs and fully visible grasping observation conditions in occipital, parietal, and premotor areas belonging to eAON. Data show that kinematic features conveyed by PLDs stimuli are sufficient to elicit a complete action representation, suggesting that these features can be disentangled within the eAON from the features usually characterizing fully visible actions. PLDs stimuli could be useful in assessing which areas are recruited, when only kinematic cues are available, for action recognition, imitation, and motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonino Errante
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Fogassi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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8
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Decoding grip type and action goal during the observation of reaching-grasping actions: A multivariate fMRI study. Neuroimage 2021; 243:118511. [PMID: 34450263 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During execution and observation of reaching-grasping actions, the brain must encode, at the same time, the final action goal and the type of grip necessary to achieve it. Recently, it has been proposed that the Mirror Neuron System (MNS) is involved not only in coding the final goal of the observed action, but also the type of grip used to grasp the object. However, the specific contribution of the different areas of the MNS, at both cortical and subcortical level, in disentangling action goal and grip type is still unclear. Here, twenty human volunteers participated in an fMRI study in which they performed two tasks: (a) observation of four different types of actions, consisting in reaching-to-grasp a box handle with two possible grips (precision, hook) and two possible goals (open, close); (b) action execution, in which participants performed grasping actions similar to those presented during the observation task. A conjunction analysis revealed the presence of shared activated voxels for both action observation and execution within several cortical areas including dorsal and ventral premotor cortex, inferior and superior parietal cortex, intraparietal sulcus, primary somatosensory cortex, and cerebellar lobules VI and VIII. ROI analyses showed a main effect for grip type in several premotor and parietal areas and cerebellar lobule VI, with higher BOLD activation during observation of precision vs hook actions. A grip x goal interaction was also present in the left inferior parietal cortex, with higher BOLD activity during precision-to-close actions. A multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) revealed a significant accuracy for the grip model in all ROIs, while for the action goal model, significant accuracy was observed only for left inferior parietal cortex ROI. These findings indicate that a large network involving cortical and cerebellar areas is involved in the processing of type of grip, while final action goal appears to be mainly processed within the inferior parietal region, suggesting a differential contribution of the areas activated in this study.
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Xu L, Bolt T, Nomi JS, Li J, Zheng X, Fu M, Kendrick KM, Becker B, Uddin LQ. Inter-subject phase synchronization differentiates neural networks underlying physical pain empathy. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 15:225-233. [PMID: 32128580 PMCID: PMC7304508 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent approaches for understanding the neural basis of pain empathy emphasize the dynamic construction of networks underlying this multifaceted social cognitive process. Inter-subject phase synchronization (ISPS) is an approach for exploratory analysis of task-fMRI data that reveals brain networks dynamically synchronized to task-features across participants. We applied ISPS to task-fMRI data assessing vicarious pain empathy in healthy participants (n = 238). The task employed physical (limb) and affective (face) painful and corresponding non-painful visual stimuli. ISPS revealed two distinct networks synchronized during physical pain observation, one encompassing anterior insula and midcingulate regions strongly engaged in (vicarious) pain and another encompassing parietal and inferior frontal regions associated with social cognitive processes which may modulate and support the physical pain empathic response. No robust network synchronization was observed for affective pain, possibly reflecting high inter-individual variation in response to socially transmitted pain experiences. ISPS also revealed networks related to task onset or general processing of physical (limb) or affective (face) stimuli which encompassed networks engaged in object manipulation or face processing, respectively. Together, the ISPS approach permits segregation of networks engaged in different psychological processes, providing additional insight into shared neural mechanisms of empathy for physical pain, but not affective pain, across individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Taylor Bolt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jason S Nomi
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA
| | - Jialin Li
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zheng
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Meina Fu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33124, USA
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Nguyen T, Miguel HO, Condy EE, Park S, Gandjbakhche A. Using Functional Connectivity to Examine the Correlation between Mirror Neuron Network and Autistic Traits in a Typically Developing Sample: A fNIRS Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:397. [PMID: 33804774 PMCID: PMC8004055 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mirror neuron network (MNN) is associated with one's ability to recognize and interpret others' actions and emotions and has a crucial role in cognition, perception, and social interaction. MNN connectivity and its relation to social attributes, such as autistic traits have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to investigate functional connectivity in the MNN and assess relationship between MNN connectivity and subclinical autistic traits in neurotypical adults. Hemodynamic responses, including oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin were measured in the central and parietal cortex of 30 healthy participants using a 24-channel functional Near-Infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system during a live action-observation and action-execution task. Functional connectivity was derived from oxy-hemoglobin data. Connections with significantly greater connectivity in both tasks were assigned to MNN connectivity. Correlation between connectivity and autistic traits were performed using Pearson correlation. Connections within the right precentral, right supramarginal, left inferior parietal, left postcentral, and between left supramarginal-left angular regions were identified as MNN connections. In addition, individuals with higher subclinical autistic traits present higher connectivity in both action-execution and action-observation conditions. Positive correlation between MNN connectivity and subclinical autistic traits can be used in future studies to investigate MNN in a developing population with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Amir Gandjbakhche
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-4480, USA; (T.N.); (H.O.M.); (E.E.C.); (S.P.)
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Errante A, Ziccarelli S, Mingolla G, Fogassi L. Grasping and Manipulation: Neural Bases and Anatomical Circuitry in Humans. Neuroscience 2021; 458:203-212. [PMID: 33516776 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurophysiological and neuroimaging evidence suggests a significant contribution of several brain areas, including subdivisions of the parietal and the premotor cortex, during the processing of different components of hand and arm movements. Many investigations improved our knowledge about the neural processes underlying the execution of reaching and grasping actions, while few studies have directly investigated object manipulation. Most studies on the latter topic concern the use of tools to achieve specific goals. Yet, there are very few studies on pure manipulation performed in order to explore and recognize objects, as well as on manipulation performed with a high level of manual dexterity. Another dimension that is quite neglected by the available studies on grasping and manipulation is, on the one hand, the contribution of the subcortical nodes, first of all the basal ganglia and cerebellum, to these functions, and, on the other hand, recurrent connections of these structures with cortical areas. In the first part, we have reviewed the parieto-premotor and subcortical circuits underlying reaching and grasping in humans, with a focus on functional neuroimaging data. Then, we have described the main structures recruited during object manipulation. We have also reported the contribution of recent structural connectivity techniques whereby the cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connections of grasping-related and manipulation-related areas in the human brain can be determined. Based on our review, we have concluded that studies on cortical and subcortical circuits involved in grasping and manipulation might be promising to provide new insights about motor learning and brain plasticity in patients with motor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Errante
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Settimio Ziccarelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Gloria Mingolla
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Fogassi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy.
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Abstract
To date, both in monkeys and humans, very few studies have addressed the issue of the lateralization of the cortical parietal and premotor areas involved in the organization of voluntary movements and in-action understanding. In this review, we will first analyze studies in the monkey, describing the functional properties of neurons of the parieto-frontal circuits, involved in the organization of reaching-grasping actions, in terms of unilateral or bilateral control. We will concentrate, in particular, on the properties of the mirror neuron system (MNS). Then, we will consider the evidence about the mirror neuron mechanism in humans, describing studies in which action perception, as well as action execution, produces unilateral or bilateral brain activation. Finally, we will report some investigations demonstrating plastic changes of the MNS following specific unilateral brain damage, discussing how this plasticity can be related to the rehabilitation outcome
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Kostorz K, Flanagin VL, Glasauer S. Synchronization between instructor and observer when learning a complex bimanual skill. Neuroimage 2020; 216:116659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Activation of cerebellum and basal ganglia during the observation and execution of manipulative actions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12008. [PMID: 32686738 PMCID: PMC7371896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on action observation mostly described the activation of a network of cortical areas, while less investigation focused specifically on the activation and role of subcortical nodes. In the present fMRI study, we investigated the recruitment of cerebellum and basal ganglia during the execution and observation of object manipulation performed with the right hand. The observation conditions consisted in: (a) observation of manipulative actions; (b) observation of sequences of random finger movements. In the execution conditions, participants had to perform the same actions or movements as in (a) and (b), respectively. The results of conjunction analysis showed significant shared activations during both observation and execution of manipulation in several subcortical structures, including: (1) cerebellar lobules V, VI, crus I, VIIIa and VIIIb (bilaterally); (2) globus pallidus, bilaterally, and left subthalamic nucleus; (3) red nucleus (bilaterally) and left thalamus. These findings support the hypothesis that the action observation/execution network also involves subcortical structures, such as cerebellum and basal ganglia, forming an integrated network. This suggests possible mechanisms, involving these subcortical structures, underlying learning of new motor skills, through action observation and imitation.
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Venkataraman K, Pun V, Mohamed AZ, Luo M, Wong C, Zong F, Khoo EYH, Tai ES, Nasrallah F. Altered Motor and Motor Perceptual Cognitive Imagery Task-Related Activation in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Insights From Functional MRI. Diabetes Care 2019; 42:2004-2007. [PMID: 31530664 DOI: 10.2337/dc19-0746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare central nervous system (CNS) activation in patients with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) during motor and motor imagery tasks and to correlate activation with functional performance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-six participants (13 with DPN, 13 without DPN) underwent functional MRI during three tasks: ankle dorsi plantar flexion (motor task [MT]) and motor imagery tasks of walking on a smooth surface (SMIT) and rough surface (RMIT). Functional assessment included gait analysis, ankle muscle strength, and ankle range of motion. RESULTS The tasks activated the sensorimotor, motor preparation, visual processing, and decision-making regions. Activation was significantly lower in patients with DPN than in those without DPN during MT and SMIT but not RMIT. Poor functional performance in patients with DPN was associated with greater activation in motor preparation regions. CONCLUSIONS In patients with DPN, CNS responses appear muted compared with patients without DPN, but they remain capable of enhancing CNS activation when tasks are more challenging or when functional deficits are substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Venkataraman
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Vivian Pun
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Abdalla Z Mohamed
- The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miyang Luo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Caroline Wong
- The Clinical Imaging Research Center, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fangrong Zong
- The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Eric Y H Khoo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - E Shyong Tai
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Fatima Nasrallah
- The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Kubicek E, Quandt LC. Sensorimotor system engagement during ASL sign perception: An EEG study in deaf signers and hearing non-signers. Cortex 2019; 119:457-469. [PMID: 31505437 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
When a person observes someone else performing an action, the observer's sensorimotor cortex activates as if the observer is the one performing the action, a phenomenon known as action simulation. While this process has been well-established for basic (e.g., grasping) and complex (e.g., dancing) actions, it remains unknown if the framework of action simulation is applicable to visual languages such as American Sign Language (ASL). We conducted an EEG experiment with deaf signers and hearing non-signers to compare overall sensorimotor EEG between groups, and to test whether sensorimotor systems are differentially sensitive to signs that are produced with one hand ("1H") or two hands ("2H"). We predicted greater alpha and beta event-related desynchronization (previously correlated with action simulation) during the perception of 2H ASL signs compared to 1H ASL signs, due to greater demands on sensorimotor processing systems required for producing two-handed actions. We recorded EEG from both groups as they observed videos of ASL signs, half 1H and half 2H. Event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs) in the alpha and beta ranges were computed for the two conditions at central electrode sites overlying the sensorimotor cortex. Sensorimotor EEG responses in both Hearing and Deaf groups were sensitive to the observed gross motor characteristics of the observed signs. We show for the first time that despite hearing non-signers showing overall more sensorimotor cortex involvement during sign observation, mirroring-related processes are in fact involved when deaf signers observe signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kubicek
- Educational Neuroscience Program, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lorna C Quandt
- Educational Neuroscience Program, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Psychology, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, USA.
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