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Kadivar A, Ilapakurti M, Dobkins K, Cadenhead KS. Visual contrast sensitivity in clinical high risk and first episode psychosis. Schizophr Res 2024; 271:186-193. [PMID: 39032431 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals at Clinical High Risk (CHR) for psychosis or in their First Episode (FE) of psychosis are in a pivotal time in adolescence or young adulthood when illness can greatly impact their functioning. Finding relevant biomarkers for psychosis in the early stages of illness can contribute to early diagnosis, therapeutic management and prediction of outcome. One such biomarker that has been studied in schizophrenia (SZ) is visual contrast sensitivity (VCS). VCS can be used to differentiate visual information processing function in the magnocellular versus parvocellular visual pathways. Few studies have assessed VCS in early psychosis. METHODS Participants included CHR (n = 68), FE psychosis (n = 34) and Healthy Comparison (HC) (n = 63). All were clinically assessed and completed a VCS paradigm that involved near threshold luminance and chromatic stimuli. RESULTS CHR and FE participants had lower VCS in the luminance condition (F[2166] = 3.42, p < 0.05) compared to HC. There was also a significant sex X group interaction (F[5163] = 4.3, p < 0.001) in the luminance condition (F[5163] = 4.3, p < 0.001) as FE males (p < 0.01) and CHR females (p < 0.01) had the greatest deficits compared to male and female HC participants respectively. VCS deficits in the luminance condition were associated with more thought disorder, slower processing speed, worse executive functioning and poor global functioning (r's 0.25-0.50, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study supports the hypothesis that there are deficits in visual information processing, particularly in tasks that emphasize the magnocellular pathway, in patients experiencing early psychosis. VCS therefore has the potential to be used as a biomarker in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armita Kadivar
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Manju Ilapakurti
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Karen Dobkins
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Kristin S Cadenhead
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
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2
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Ifrah C, Herrera SN, Silverstein SM, Corcoran CM, Gordon J, Butler PD, Zemon V. The Relationship between Clinical and Psychophysical Assessments of Visual Perceptual Disturbances in Individuals at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis: A Preliminary Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:819. [PMID: 39199510 PMCID: PMC11352348 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14080819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated relations between a measure of early-stage visual function and self-reported visual anomalies in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P). Eleven individuals at CHR identified via the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes (SIPS) were recruited from a CHR-P research program in NYC. The sample was ~36% female, ranging from 16 to 33 years old (M = 23.90, SD = 6.14). Participants completed a contrast sensitivity task on an iPad with five spatial frequencies (0.41-13 cycles/degree) and completed the self-report Audio-Visual Abnormalities Questionnaire. Higher contrast sensitivity (better performance) to low spatial frequencies was associated with higher perceptual (r = 0.616, p = 0.044) and visual disturbances (r = 0.667, p = 0.025); lower contrast sensitivity to a middle spatial frequency was also associated with higher perceptual (r = -0.604, p = 0.049) and visual disturbances (r = -0.606, p = 0.048). This relation between the questionnaire and contrast sensitivity to low spatial frequency may be indicative of a reduction in lateral inhibition and "flooding" of environmental stimuli. The association with middle spatial frequencies, which play a critical role in face processing, may result in a range of perceptual abnormalities. These findings demonstrate that self-reported perceptual anomalies occur in these individuals and are linked to performance on a measure of early visual processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Ifrah
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10641, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.N.H.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Shaynna N. Herrera
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.N.H.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Steven M. Silverstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Cheryl M. Corcoran
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.N.H.); (C.M.C.)
| | - James Gordon
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Pamela D. Butler
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Vance Zemon
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10641, USA;
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3
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Adámek P, Grygarová D, Jajcay L, Bakštein E, Fürstová P, Juríčková V, Jonáš J, Langová V, Neskoroďana I, Kesner L, Horáček J. The Gaze of Schizophrenia Patients Captured by Bottom-up Saliency. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 10:21. [PMID: 38378724 PMCID: PMC10879495 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-024-00438-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCHZ) notably impacts various human perceptual modalities, including vision. Prior research has identified marked abnormalities in perceptual organization in SCHZ, predominantly attributed to deficits in bottom-up processing. Our study introduces a novel paradigm to differentiate the roles of top-down and bottom-up processes in visual perception in SCHZ. We analysed eye-tracking fixation ground truth maps from 28 SCHZ patients and 25 healthy controls (HC), comparing these with two mathematical models of visual saliency: one bottom-up, based on the physical attributes of images, and the other top-down, incorporating machine learning. While the bottom-up (GBVS) model revealed no significant overall differences between groups (beta = 0.01, p = 0.281, with a marginal increase in SCHZ patients), it did show enhanced performance by SCHZ patients with highly salient images. Conversely, the top-down (EML-Net) model indicated no general group difference (beta = -0.03, p = 0.206, lower in SCHZ patients) but highlighted significantly reduced performance in SCHZ patients for images depicting social interactions (beta = -0.06, p < 0.001). Over time, the disparity between the groups diminished for both models. The previously reported bottom-up bias in SCHZ patients was apparent only during the initial stages of visual exploration and corresponded with progressively shorter fixation durations in this group. Our research proposes an innovative approach to understanding early visual information processing in SCHZ patients, shedding light on the interplay between bottom-up perception and top-down cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Adámek
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Dominika Grygarová
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Jajcay
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eduard Bakštein
- Early Episodes of SMI Research Center, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Fürstová
- Early Episodes of SMI Research Center, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Juríčková
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Juraj Jonáš
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Langová
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iryna Neskoroďana
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Kesner
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Art History, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Horáček
- Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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4
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Zemon V, Butler PD, Legatt ME, Gordon J. The spatial contrast sensitivity function and its neurophysiological bases. Vision Res 2023; 210:108266. [PMID: 37247511 PMCID: PMC10527080 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Contrast processing is a fundamental function of the visual system, and contrast sensitivity as a function of spatial frequency (CSF) provides critical information about the integrity of the system. Here, we used a novel iPad-based instrument to collect CSFs and fitted the data with a difference of Gaussians model to investigate the neurophysiological bases of the spatial CSF. The reliability of repeat testing within and across sessions was evaluated in a sample of 22 adults for five spatial frequencies (0.41-13 cycles/degree) and two temporal durations (33 and 500 ms). Results demonstrate that the shape of the CSF, lowpass versus bandpass, depends on the temporal stimulus condition. Comparisons with previous psychophysical studies and with single-cell data from macaques and humans indicate that the major portion of the CSF, spatial frequencies >1.5 cycles/degree regardless of temporal condition, is determined by a 'sustained' mechanism (presumably parvocellular input to primary visual cortex [V1]). Contrast sensitivity to the lowest spatial frequency tested appears to be generated by a 'transient' mechanism (presumably magnocellular input to V1). The model fits support the hypothesis that the high spatial frequency limb of the CSF reflects the receptive field profile of the center mechanism of the smallest cells in the parvocellular pathway. These findings enhance the value of contrast sensitivity testing in general and increase the accessibility of this technique for use by clinicians through implementation on a commercially-available device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance Zemon
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, One Park Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | | | - James Gordon
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Tsai YT, Gordon J, Butler P, Zemon V. Frequency-domain analysis of transient visual evoked potentials in schizophrenia. Doc Ophthalmol 2023:10.1007/s10633-023-09921-2. [PMID: 36702946 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-023-09921-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Frequency-domain measures were applied to characterize neural deficits in individuals with schizophrenia using transient visual evoked potentials (tVEP). These measures were compared with conventional time-domain measures to elucidate underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and examine the value of frequency analysis. METHODS Four frequency bands of activity identified in previous work were explored with respect to magnitude (spectral power), timing (phase), a combined measure, magnitude-squared coherence (MSC), and compared to amplitudes and times of prominent deflections in the response. RESULTS Band 2 power/MSC (14-28 Hz) captured the major deflections in the waveform and its power predicted N75-P100 amplitude for patients and controls. Band 3 power/MSC (30-40 Hz) correlated highly with the earliest deflection (P60-N75), reflecting input to primary visual cortex (V1) and produced the largest magnitude effect. Phase of the 24th harmonic component predicted P100 peak time for patients and controls and yielded the largest group difference. Cluster analyses including time- and frequency-domain measures identified subgroups of patients with differential neurophysiological effects. A small but significant difference in visual acuity was found between groups that appears to be neurally based: Acuity (range 0.63-1.6) was not correlated with any tVEP measures in controls nor with input timing to V1 (P60 peak time) in patients, but was correlated with later tVEP measures in patients. All but two of the patients were on antipsychotic medication: Medication level (chlorpromazine equivalents) was correlated negatively with tVEP time measures and positively with certain magnitude measures yielding responses similar to controls at high levels. CONCLUSIONS Overall, frequency-domain measures were shown to be objective and recommended as an alternative to conventional, subjective time-domain measures for analyzing tVEPs and in distinguishing between groups (patients vs. controls and patient subgroups). The findings implicated a loss of excitatory input to V1 in schizophrenia. Acuity as measured in the current study reflected disease status, and medication level was associated with improved tVEP responses. These novel tVEP techniques may be useful in revealing neurophysiological processes affected in schizophrenia and as a clinical tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tsai
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.,Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11696, Taiwan
| | - James Gordon
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Pamela Butler
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, One Park Ave., New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Vance Zemon
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY, 10461, USA. .,Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.
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6
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Bi H, Abrham Y, Butler PD, Hu B, Keane BP. When do contrast sensitivity deficits (or enhancements) depend on spatial frequency? Two ways to avoid spurious interactions. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:351-359. [PMID: 36504242 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Studies across a broad range of disciplines-from psychiatry to cognitive science to behavioural neuroscience-have reported on whether the magnitude of contrast sensitivity alterations in one group or condition varies with spatial frequency. Significant interactions have often gone unexplained or have been used to argue for impairments in specific processing streams. Here, we show that interactions with spatial frequency may need to be re-evaluated if the inherent skew/heteroscedasticity was not taken into account or if visual acuity could plausibly differ across groups or conditions. By re-analysing a publicly available data set, we show that-when using raw contrast sensitivity data-schizophrenia patients exhibit an apparent contrast sensitivity impairment that lessens with spatial frequency, but that when using log-transformed data or when using generalized estimating equations, this interaction reversed. The reversed interaction, but not the overall contrast sensitivity deficit, disappeared when groups were matched on visual acuity. An analysis of the contrast threshold data yielded similar results. A caveat is that matching groups on acuity is probably only defensible if acuity differences arise from non-neural factors such as optical blur. Taken together, these analyses reconcile seemingly discrepant findings in the literature and demonstrate that reporting contrast sensitivity interactions with spatial frequency requires properly accounting for visual acuity and skew/heteroscedasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Bi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Yonatan Abrham
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Clinical Science Division, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Boyang Hu
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Brian P Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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7
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Kody E, Diwadkar VA. Magnocellular and parvocellular contributions to brain network dysfunction during learning and memory: Implications for schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:520-531. [PMID: 36351307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Memory deficits are core features of schizophrenia, and a central aim in biological psychiatry is to identify the etiology of these deficits. Scrutiny is naturally focused on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the hippocampal cortices, given these structures' roles in memory and learning. The fronto-hippocampal framework is valuable but restrictive. Network-based underpinnings of learning and memory are substantially diverse and include interactions between hetero-modal and early sensory networks. Thus, a loss of fidelity in sensory information may impact memorial and cognitive processing in higher-order brain sub-networks, becoming a sensory source for learning and memory deficits. In this overview, we suggest that impairments in magno- and parvo-cellular visual pathways result in degraded inputs to core learning and memory networks. The ascending cascade of aberrant neural events significantly contributes to learning and memory deficits in schizophrenia. We outline the network bases of these effects, and suggest that any network perspectives of dysfunction in schizophrenia must assess the impact of impaired perceptual contributions. Finally, we speculate on how this framework enriches the space of biomarkers and expands intervention strategies to ameliorate this prototypical disconnection syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kody
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Vaibhav A Diwadkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, USA.
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8
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Fernandes TP, Shoshina II, Oliveira MEC, Andreevna VE, Silva GM, Santos NA. Correlates of clinical variables on early-stage visual processing in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 149:323-330. [PMID: 35339912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of noninvasive tools can help understand mental states and changes that are caused by medications, symptom severity, and other clinical variables. We investigated low-level visual processing using the contrast sensitivity function (CSF), a reliable, robust, and widely used approach. Our main purpose was (1) to evaluate visual impairments in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD) patients and (2) to investigate associations between clinical variables and visual function in both diseases. Fifty-six healthy controls (HCs; mean age = 31.04 years), 42 BPD patients (mean age = 32.84 years) who took only lithium, and 39 SCZ patients who took only olanzapine (mean age = 32.80 years) were recruited for this study. CSF differed between groups. Both groups of patients exhibited lower discrimination at low, mid-, and high spatial frequencies compared with HCs. No differences were observed between patients, with the exception of high spatial frequency. These impairments were also related to clinical variables, revealed by a strong effect in the mediation analyses. These findings may aid investigations of other clinical variables and the role of state- and trait-like effects on visual and cognitive processing in these patient populations. This study underscores the need for visual remediation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
| | - Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Milena E C Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriella M Silva
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
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9
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Shoshina II, Almeida NL, Oliveira MEC, Trombetta BNT, Silva GM, Fars J, Santos NA, Fernandes TP. Serum levels of olanzapine are associated with acute cognitive effects in bipolar disorder. Psychiatry Res 2022; 310:114443. [PMID: 35286918 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar (BPD) patients have deficits in cognition, but there are still controversies about the effects of some medications on their cognitive performance. Here, we investigated the relationship between cognition in terms of executive functions, memory, and attention in both first-episode medication-naive BPD patients and BPD patients taking olanzapine. Forty-one healthy controls, 40 unmedicated drug-naive BPD patients, and 34 BPD patients who took only olanzapine were recruited for the study. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Flanker test, Stroop test, and Corsi-block test. Bayesian multivariate regression analysis was run considering maximum robustness to avoid bias and to predict the outcomes. Our results revealed that unmedicated medication-naive BPD patients performed worse than healthy controls and the olanzapine group in some tasks. Additionally, BPD patients who took olanzapine had better cognitive performance than healthy controls and unmedicated BPD patients. The acute cognitive effects were predicted by olanzapine dosage and serum levels (i.e., large effects). The potential pro-cognitive effects of olanzapine in BPD patients should be carefully interpreted by considering various other clinical variables. We expect that our findings will contribute to further research in this area, with the goal of helping other researchers, patients, and the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS, Laboratory of Vision Physiology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; St. Petersburg State University, Institute for Cognitive Research, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia L Almeida
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Milena E C Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Bianca N T Trombetta
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Gabriella M Silva
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Julien Fars
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
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10
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Combined influence of medication and symptom severity on visual processing in bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 147:135-141. [PMID: 35032946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported visual impairments in patients with bipolar disorder (BPD), but unclear were whether clinical variables would be associated with those disturbances. Here, we investigate the relationship between visual functioning, in terms of color discrimination, and the impact of BPD duration, mood state, and the patients' medication. Forty-five participants (25-45 years old) were recruited for this study. Color discrimination was performed using the Cambridge Colour Test. Serial multiple mediations were run to investigate the assumption of association between color discrimination and the clinical variables. Our findings showed that, compared with healthy controls, BPD patients' performance was worse for the Protan, Deutan, and Tritan vectors, revealing deterioration of color discrimination. In addition, the mediation analyses revealed a strong direct (p < .001) and moderate-to-high indirect effects (p < .01) of medication and symptom severity on color discrimination. Overall, both longer the duration of the disease and greater the symptom severity of BPD patients resulted in worse performance. It highlights the importance of examining the wider clinical context of an affective disorder to understand how it affects visual processing in this population.
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11
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Shoshina I, Zelenskaya I, Karpinskaia V, Shilov Y, Tomilovskaya E. Sensitivity of Visual System in 5-Day "Dry" Immersion With High-Frequency Electromyostimulation. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:702792. [PMID: 35002633 PMCID: PMC8740068 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.702792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the sensitivity of the visual system in 5-day "dry" immersion with a course of high-frequency electromyostimulation (HFEMS) and without it. "Dry" immersion (DI) is one of the most effective models of microgravity. DI reproduces three basic effects of weightlessness: physical inactivity, support withdrawal and elimination of the vertical vascular gradient. The "dry" immersion included in the use of special waterproof and highly elastic fabric on of immersion in a liquid similar in density to the tissues of the human body. The sensitivity of the visual system was assessed by measuring contrast sensitivity and magnitude of the Müller-Lyer illusion. The visual contrast sensitivity was measured in the spatial frequency range from 0.4 to 10.0 cycles/degree. The strength of visual illusion was assessed by means of motor response using "tracking." Measurements were carried out before the start of immersion, on the 1st, 3rd, 5th days of DI, and after its completion. Under conditions of "dry" immersion without HFEMS, upon the transition from gravity to microgravity conditions (BG and DI1) we observed significant differences in contrast sensitivity in the low spatial frequency range, whereas in the experiment with HFEMS-in the medium spatial frequency range. In the experiment without HFEMS, the Müller-Lyer illusion in microgravity conditions was absent, while in the experiment using HFEMS it was significantly above zero at all stages. Thus, we obtained only limited evidence in favor of the hypothesis of a possible compensating effect of HFEMS on changes in visual sensitivity upon the transition from gravity to microgravity conditions and vice versa. The study is a pilot and requires further research on the effect of HFEMS on visual sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Shoshina
- Laboratory of Physiology of Vision, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Inna Zelenskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Yuri Shilov
- Department of Psychology, Samara University, Samara, Russia
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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12
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Herrera SN, Zemon V, Revheim N, Silipo G, Gordon J, Butler PD. Cognitive function mediates the relationship between visual contrast sensitivity and functional outcome in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 144:138-145. [PMID: 34624619 PMCID: PMC8665016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with schizophrenia exhibit deficits in visual contrast processing, though less is known about how these deficits impact neurocognition and functional outcomes. This study investigated effects of contrast sensitivity (CS) on cognition and capacity for independent living in schizophrenia. METHODS Participants were 58 patients with schizophrenia (n = 49) and schizoaffective disorder (n = 9). Patients completed a psychophysical paradigm to obtain CS with stimuli consisting of grating patterns of low (0.5 and 1 cycles/degree) and high spatial frequencies (4, 7, 21 cycles/degree). Patients completed the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, Third Edition to assess cognition, and the problem-solving factor of the Independent Living Scales to assess functional capacity. We computed bivariate correlation coefficients for all pairs of variables and tested mediation models with CS to low (CS-LSF) and high spatial frequencies (CS-HSF) as predictors, cognitive measures as mediators, and capacity for independent living as an outcome. RESULTS Cognition mediated the relationship between CS and independent living with CS-LSF a stronger predictor than CS-HSF. Mediation effects were strongest for perceptual organization and memory-related domains. In an expanded moderated mediation model, CS-HSF was found to be a significant predictor of independent living through perceptual organization as a mediator and CS-LSF as a moderator of this relationship. CONCLUSION CS relates to functional capacity in schizophrenia through neurocognition. These relationships may inform novel visual remediation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaynna N Herrera
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Vance Zemon
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nadine Revheim
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Gail Silipo
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - James Gordon
- Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Shoshina II, Hovis JK, Felisberti FM, Santos NA, Adreeva A, Butler PD, Fernandes TP. Visual processing and BDNF levels in first-episode schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114200. [PMID: 34653830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) have deficits in early visual processing, namely contrast processing. The brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is an important measure to investigate neuroplasticity in some visual functions like visual perception. In this study, we investigated the relationship between visual processing and BDNF levels in first-episode SCZ patients. Thirty-nine healthy controls and 43 first-episode SCZ patients were enrolled. Contrast sensitivity measurements were conducted using low, mid- and high spatial frequencies. First-episode SCZ patients had higher contrast sensitivity than healthy controls for all frequencies, except for the middle spatial frequency. Negative correlations were found between BDNF, contrast sensitivity and clinical variables, mostly for middle and high spatial frequencies among females. Our results provide support for (i) the association of SCZ with alterations of magno- and parvocellular pathway functioning and (ii) decreased BDNF levels in first-episode SCZ patients. This study highlights the importance of using biomarkers along with other measures to investigate visual processing in SCZ and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Science, Department of Visual Physiology, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation; St. Petersburg State University, Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Jeffery K Hovis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Fatima M Felisberti
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Anna Adreeva
- St. Petersburg State University, Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
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14
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da Motta C, Pato MT, Barreto Carvalho C, Castilho P. The neurocognitive and functional profile of schizophrenia in a genetically homogenous European sample. Psychiatry Res 2021; 304:114140. [PMID: 34340130 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex heritable brain disorder that entails significant social, neurocognitive, and functional deficits, and significant psychosocial challenges to affected and unaffected family members. In this cross-sectional study, we explore impairments in specific neurocognitive and social cognition processes in patients affected with schizophrenia, unaffected relatives, and in controls to provide a characterization of a genetically homogenous European sample from an endophenotypic and functional standpoint. A sample of 38 affected patients, 28 first-degree relatives, and 97 controls performed a series of computerized and skills-based assessments. Samples were compared across several neurocognitive, social, and functional domains. Significant impairments in episodic memory, executive function, social cognition, complex cognition, sensorimotor domains were found in patients and first-degree relatives. Findings also showed increased processing speed in memory and other complex cognitive processes relevant to autonomous living. A discriminant function analysis yielded 2 functions allowing 79% of correct group classifications based on social cognition and functional skills, neurocognition, and age. The study highlights the importance of resourcing to wide-ranging assessment methodologies, of developing research efforts to further understand the decline of social and neurocognitive processes, and the need for designing more targeted intervention strategies to be implemented both with affected patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina da Motta
- School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Lusófona University, Portugal; Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-Lab); Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Michele T Pato
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States
| | - Célia Barreto Carvalho
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Portugal; SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Human sciences, University of Azores, Azores, Portugal
| | - Paula Castilho
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Portugal
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