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Liverani MC, Siffredi V, Mikneviciute G, Mazza E, Ha-Vinh Leuchter R, Hüppi PS, Borradori Tolsa C, Gentaz E. "Vis-à-Vis Training" to Improve Emotional and Executive Competences in Very Preterm Children: A Pilot Study and Randomised Controlled Trial. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:956. [PMID: 39201891 PMCID: PMC11352727 DOI: 10.3390/children11080956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Premature birth can lead to socio-emotional, behavioural and executive problems that impact quality of life and school performance in the long term. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week computerised training called Vis-à-vis to enhance these competencies in a cohort of very preterm (VPT) children aged 6 to 9. METHODS This pilot randomised controlled trial included 45 children born before 32 gestational weeks. Socio-emotional, behavioural and executive competencies were evaluated at three time points using computerised tasks, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. RESULTS Among the eligible VPT children, 20% (n = 45) accepted to be part of the study, and 40% (n = 18) dropped out. Finally, 60% (n = 27) of the enrolled participants completed the study. Results showed a significant improvement in emotion knowledge and recognition immediately after the completion of the training. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results indicate that the implementation of this type of computerised training is feasible, but the overall compliance is unsatisfactory given the high dropout rate. Nevertheless, the positive effect of the training on emotion recognition encourages further exploration of these kinds of interventions to prevent adverse consequences in children born too soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Liverani
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (V.S.); (G.M.); (E.M.); (R.H.-V.L.); (P.S.H.); (C.B.T.)
- SensoriMotor, Affective and Social Development Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 1000 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Vanessa Siffredi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (V.S.); (G.M.); (E.M.); (R.H.-V.L.); (P.S.H.); (C.B.T.)
- Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Greta Mikneviciute
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (V.S.); (G.M.); (E.M.); (R.H.-V.L.); (P.S.H.); (C.B.T.)
| | - Emma Mazza
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (V.S.); (G.M.); (E.M.); (R.H.-V.L.); (P.S.H.); (C.B.T.)
| | - Russia Ha-Vinh Leuchter
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (V.S.); (G.M.); (E.M.); (R.H.-V.L.); (P.S.H.); (C.B.T.)
| | - Petra Susan Hüppi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (V.S.); (G.M.); (E.M.); (R.H.-V.L.); (P.S.H.); (C.B.T.)
| | - Cristina Borradori Tolsa
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (V.S.); (G.M.); (E.M.); (R.H.-V.L.); (P.S.H.); (C.B.T.)
| | - Edouard Gentaz
- SensoriMotor, Affective and Social Development Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 1000 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Mayor C, Schneider M. Confabulations in a teenager with a right frontal hemispherotomy: Possible underlying mechanisms. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:1787-1808. [PMID: 36645821 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2163921] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Confabulations, i.e. false memories without intention to deceive, can be observed in adults with frontal brain damage. Confabulations are typically associated with episodic memory and/or executive disorders although the severity of these impairments is highly variable. Confabulations may also be associated with emotional/motivational particularities, as a positive bias seems to prevail in such situations. Several distinct cognitive and socio-affective processes may account for the various types of confabulations and these issues remain open. Method: We present the case of a teenager with an early acquired frontal damage, referred for "strange lies." Besides a standard neuropsychological assessment, we explored (1) source memory, using a reality-monitoring task, (2) episodic autobiographical memory, including both the recollection of the past memories and the ability to imagine future personal events, with an episodic future thinking task (EFT), (3) the sense of self, with questionnaires targeting self-representations, self-esteem and self-competence. Results: The results showed the expected source memory deficits and poor episodic future thinking, whereas episodic autobiographical memory was preserved, contrary to the episodic memory dysfunction usually evidenced in adult confabulators. The confabulations produced by this teenager displayed a clear positive bias, seemed to fit to personal/social goals and to wishful ideations, and were associated with an above average self-esteem and self-representation. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis of self-identity and emotional regulatory roles of the confabulations. Although the literature on confabulating children/teenagers is nearly non-existent, a more systematic screening of confabulations should be conducted in order to avoid false interpretation to strange discourse or behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mayor
- Child Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maude Schneider
- Clinical Psychology Unit for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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The effect of mindfulness-based intervention on neurobehavioural functioning and its association with white-matter microstructural changes in preterm young adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2010. [PMID: 36737638 PMCID: PMC9898533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29205-8] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT) young adolescents are at high risk of executive, behavioural and socio-emotional difficulties. Previous research has shown significant evidence of the benefits of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on these abilities. This study aims to assess the association between the effects of MBI on neurobehavioral functioning and changes in white-matter microstructure in VPT young adolescents who completed an 8-week MBI program. Neurobehavioural assessments (i.e., neuropsychological testing, parents- and self-reported questionnaires) and multi-shell diffusion MRI were performed before and after MBI in 32 VPT young adolescents. Combined diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) measures were extracted on well-defined white matter tracts (TractSeg). A multivariate data-driven approach (partial least squares correlation) was used to explore associations between MBI-related changes on neurobehavioural measures and microstructural changes. The results showed an enhancement of global executive functioning using parent-reported questionnaire after MBI that was associated with a general pattern of increase in fractional anisotropy (FA) and decrease in axonal dispersion (ODI) in white-matter tracts involved in executive processes. Young VPT adolescents with lower gestational age at birth showed the greatest gain in white-matter microstructural changes after MBI.
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The effect of a mindfulness-based intervention on executive, behavioural and socio-emotional competencies in very preterm young adolescents. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19876. [PMID: 34615893 PMCID: PMC8494803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98608-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT) children and adolescents show executive, behavioural and socio-emotional difficulties that persists into adulthood. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in improving these competencies in VPT young adolescents using a randomised controlled trial design. 56 young adolescents aged 10–14 years, born before 32 gestational weeks, were randomly assigned to an “intervention” or a “waiting” group and completed an 8-week MBI in a cross-over design. Executive, behavioural and socio-emotional competencies were assessed at three different time points via parent and self-reported questionnaires, neuropsychological testing and computerised tasks. The data were analysed using an intention-to-treat approach with linear regression modelling. Our findings show a beneficial effect of MBI on executive, behavioural and socio-emotional competencies in VPT young adolescents measured by parent questionnaires. Increased executive competencies were also observed on computerised task with enhanced speed of processing after MBI. Two subgroups of participants were created based on measures of prematurity, which revealed increased long-term benefits in the moderate-risk that were not observed in the high-risk subgroups of VPT young adolescents. MBI seems a valuable tool for reducing detrimental consequences of prematurity in young adolescents, especially regarding executive, behavioural and socio-emotional difficulties. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials, NCT04638101. Registered 20 November 2020—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04638101.
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Freitas LGA, Liverani MC, Siffredi V, Schnider A, Borradori Tolsa C, Ha-Vinh Leuchter R, Van De Ville D, Hüppi PS. Altered orbitofrontal activation in preterm-born young adolescents during performance of a reality filtering task. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 30:102668. [PMID: 34215142 PMCID: PMC8102802 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is one of the main causes for neurodevelopmental problems, and has been associated with a wide range of impairments in cognitive functions including executive functions and memory. One of the factors contributing to these adverse outcomes is the intrinsic vulnerability of the premature brain. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted structural and functional alterations in several brain regions in preterm individuals across lifetime. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is crucial for a multitude of complex and adaptive behaviours, and its structure is particularly affected by premature birth. Nevertheless, studies on the functional impact of prematurity on the OFC are still missing. Orbitofrontal Reality filtering (ORFi) refers to the ability to distinguish if a thought is relevant to present reality or not. It can be tested using a continuous recognition task and is mediated by the OFC in adults and typically developing young adolescents. Therefore, the ORFi task was used to investigate whether OFC functioning is affected by prematurity. We compared the neural correlates of ORFi in 35 young adolescents born preterm (below 32 weeks of gestation) and aged 10 to 14 years with 25 full term-born controls. Our findings indicate that OFC activation was required only in the full-term group, whereas preterm young adolescents did not involve OFC in processing the ORFi task, despite being able to correctly perform it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena G A Freitas
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Chiara Liverani
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Siffredi
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Armin Schnider
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Borradori Tolsa
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Russia Ha-Vinh Leuchter
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Van De Ville
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Petra S Hüppi
- Division of Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Liverani MC, Freitas LGA, Siffredi V, Mikneviciute G, Martuzzi R, Meskaldij D, Borradori Tolsa C, Ha‐Vinh Leuchter R, Schnider A, Van De Ville D, Hüppi PS. Get real: Orbitofrontal cortex mediates the ability to sense reality in early adolescents. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01552. [PMID: 32073744 PMCID: PMC7177588 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Orbitofrontal reality filtering (ORFi) is a memory mechanism that distinguishes whether a thought is relevant to present reality or not. In adults, it is mediated by the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). This region is still not fully developed in preteenagers, but ORFi is already active from age 7. Here, we probe the neural correlates of ORFi in early adolescents, hypothesizing that OFC mediates the sense of reality in this population. METHODS Functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI) were acquired in 22 early adolescents during a task composed of two runs: run 1 measuring recognition capacity; run 2 measuring ORFi; each containing two types of images (conditions): distractors (D: images seen for the first time in the current run) and targets (T: images seen for the second time in the current run). Group region of interest (ROI) analysis was performed in a flexible factorial design with two factors (run and condition) using SPM12. RESULTS We found significant main effects for the experimental run and condition. The bilateral OFC activation was higher during ORFi than during the first run. Additionally, the OFC was more active while processing distractors than targets. CONCLUSION These results confirm, for the first time, the role of OFC in reality filtering in early adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Liverani
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Lorena G. A. Freitas
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
- Institute of BioengineeringÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Vanessa Siffredi
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
- Institute of BioengineeringÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Greta Mikneviciute
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Djalel‐Eddine Meskaldij
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
- Institute of MathematicsÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Cristina Borradori Tolsa
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Russia Ha‐Vinh Leuchter
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Armin Schnider
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesDivision of NeurorehabilitationGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Dimitri Van De Ville
- Institute of BioengineeringÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Petra Susan Hüppi
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and ObstetricsDivision of Development and GrowthGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate a possible confabulation resilience of the developing brain. METHODS We performed a literature search on confabulation in PubMed and identified all empirical studies of children and adolescents under the age of 18. RESULTS The analysis identified only three case studies of confabulation in children under the age of 18 of 286 empirical studies of confabulation. This reveals a striking discrepancy in the number of reported cases caused by brain injury between children and adults. We hypothesize that there may be a resilience toward confabulation in the developing brain and present three tentative explanations regarding the possible underlying mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Additional awareness on the scarcity of reported cases of confabulation in children could lead to important insights on the nature of confabulation and greater understanding of the resilience and plasticity of the developing brain. (JINS, 2019, 25, 426-431).
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