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Chis-Ciure R, Melloni L, Northoff G. A measure centrality index for systematic empirical comparison of consciousness theories. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105670. [PMID: 38615851 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105670] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Consciousness science is marred by disparate constructs and methodologies, making it challenging to systematically compare theories. This foundational crisis casts doubts on the scientific character of the field itself. Addressing it, we propose a framework for systematically comparing consciousness theories by introducing a novel inter-theory classification interface, the Measure Centrality Index (MCI). Recognizing its gradient distribution, the MCI assesses the degree of importance a specific empirical measure has for a given consciousness theory. We apply the MCI to probe how the empirical measures of the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNW), Integrated Information Theory (IIT), and Temporospatial Theory of Consciousness (TTC) would fare within the context of the other two. We demonstrate that direct comparison of IIT, GNW, and TTC is meaningful and valid for some measures like Lempel-Ziv Complexity (LZC), Autocorrelation Window (ACW), and possibly Mutual Information (MI). In contrast, it is problematic for others like the anatomical and physiological neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) due to their MCI-based differential weightings within the structure of the theories. In sum, we introduce and provide proof-of-principle of a novel systematic method for direct inter-theory empirical comparisons, thereby addressing isolated evolution of theories and confirmatory bias issues in the state-of-the-art neuroscience of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Chis-Ciure
- New York University (NYU), New York, USA; International Center for Neuroscience and Ethics (CINET), Tatiana Foundation, Madrid, Spain; Wolfram Physics Project, USA.
| | - Lucia Melloni
- Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Northoff
- University of Ottawa, Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
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Sarasso S, Casali AG, Casarotto S, Rosanova M, Sinigaglia C, Massimini M. Consciousness and complexity: a consilience of evidence. Neurosci Conscious 2021; 2021:niab023. [PMID: 38496724 PMCID: PMC10941977 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last years, a surge of empirical studies converged on complexity-related measures as reliable markers of consciousness across many different conditions, such as sleep, anesthesia, hallucinatory states, coma, and related disorders. Most of these measures were independently proposed by researchers endorsing disparate frameworks and employing different methods and techniques. Since this body of evidence has not been systematically reviewed and coherently organized so far, this positive trend has remained somewhat below the radar. The aim of this paper is to make this consilience of evidence in the science of consciousness explicit. We start with a systematic assessment of the growing literature on complexity-related measures and identify their common denominator, tracing it back to core theoretical principles and predictions put forward more than 20 years ago. In doing this, we highlight a consistent trajectory spanning two decades of consciousness research and provide a provisional taxonomy of the present literature. Finally, we consider all of the above as a positive ground to approach new questions and devise future experiments that may help consolidate and further develop a promising field where empirical research on consciousness appears to have, so far, naturally converged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sarasso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, University of Milan, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - Adenauer Girardi Casali
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Jose dos Campos, 12247-014, Brazil
| | - Silvia Casarotto
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, University of Milan, Milan 20157, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan 20148, Italy
| | - Mario Rosanova
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, University of Milan, Milan 20157, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Massimini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘L. Sacco’, University of Milan, Milan 20157, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan 20148, Italy
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3
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Brain network motifs are markers of loss and recovery of consciousness. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3892. [PMID: 33594110 PMCID: PMC7887248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83482-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Motifs are patterns of inter-connections between nodes of a network, and have been investigated as building blocks of directed networks. This study explored the re-organization of 3-node motifs during loss and recovery of consciousness. Nine healthy subjects underwent a 3-h anesthetic protocol while 128-channel electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. In the alpha (8-13 Hz) band, 5-min epochs of EEG were extracted for: Baseline; Induction; Unconscious; 30-, 10- and 5-min pre-recovery of responsiveness; 30- and 180-min post-recovery of responsiveness. We constructed a functional brain network using the weighted and directed phase lag index, on which we calculated the frequency and topology of 3-node motifs. Three motifs (motifs 1, 2 and 5) were significantly present across participants and epochs, when compared to random networks (p < 0.05). The topology of motifs 1 and 5 changed significantly between responsive and unresponsive epochs (p-values < 0.01; Kendall's W = 0.664 (motif 1) and 0.529 (motif 5)). Motif 1 was constituted of long-range chain-like connections, while motif 5 was constituted of short-range, loop-like connections. Our results suggest that anesthetic-induced unconsciousness is associated with a topological re-organization of network motifs. As motif topological re-organization may precede (motif 5) or accompany (motif 1) the return of responsiveness, motifs could contribute to the understanding of the neural correlates of consciousness.
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Nadin D, Duclos C, Mahdid Y, Rokos A, Badawy M, Létourneau J, Arbour C, Plourde G, Blain-Moraes S. Brain network motif topography may predict emergence from disorders of consciousness: a case series. Neurosci Conscious 2020; 2020:niaa017. [PMID: 33376599 PMCID: PMC7751128 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging methods have improved the accuracy of diagnosis in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC), but novel, clinically translatable methods for prognosticating this population are still needed. In this case series, we explored the association between topographic and global brain network properties and prognosis in patients with DOC. We recorded high-density electroencephalograms in three patients with acute or chronic DOC, two of whom also underwent an anesthetic protocol. In these two cases, we compared functional network motifs, network hubs and power topography (i.e. topographic network properties), as well as relative power and graph theoretical measures (i.e. global network properties), at baseline, during exposure to anesthesia and after recovery from anesthesia. We also compared these properties to a group of healthy, conscious controls. At baseline, the topographic distribution of nodes participating in alpha motifs resembled conscious controls in patients who later recovered consciousness and high relative power in the delta band was associated with a negative outcome. Strikingly, the reorganization of network motifs, network hubs and power topography under anesthesia followed by their return to a baseline patterns upon recovery from anesthesia, was associated with recovery of consciousness. Our findings suggest that topographic network properties measured at the single-electrode level might provide more prognostic information than global network properties that are averaged across the brain network. In addition, we propose that the brain network's capacity to reorganize in response to a perturbation is a precursor to the recovery of consciousness in DOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Nadin
- Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Duclos
- Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yacine Mahdid
- Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexander Rokos
- Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohamed Badawy
- Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Justin Létourneau
- Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Arbour
- Centre de recherche, CIUSSS du-Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Plourde
- Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefanie Blain-Moraes
- Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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The small scale functional topology of movement control: Hierarchical organization of local activity anticipates movement generation in the premotor cortex of primates. Neuroimage 2020; 207:116354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Kim JW, Kim PJ, Kim HG, Shin TJ. Changes of auditory stimulus processing in sevoflurane-induced sedation. Neurosci Lett 2019; 698:121-125. [PMID: 30639398 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the widespread use in clinical practice, little research has been done on mechanisms of sedation. In particular, little is known about the changes in the information processing of external stimuli in sedation. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of event-related potential (ERP) in auditory passive oddball paradigm when the sedation was induced by sevoflurane inhalation. Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements were obtained for each subject using 32-channel EEG recording devices. Sevoflurane was administered at an initial concentration of 0.8 vol% to induce sedative state. Auditory stimulation based on the passive oddball paradigm was delivered to the subject via an earphone before and after sevoflurane administration. After ERP was extracted from the measured EEG, the topographic distribution of ERP, the temporal changes of ERP in each channel, and the statistical difference in ERP between awake and sedation were analyzed. In the awake state, P300 was observed at 320-360 ms latency, and P300 was concentrated in the frontal and central area. P300 amplitude was significantly decreased in sedation compared to awake. Sevoflurane-induced sedation caused a decrease in P300 amplitude. This result may reflect the weakening of the cognitive function governing attentional process and stimuli discrimination during sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Woong Kim
- School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Jong Kim
- Biomedical Knowledge Engineering Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Gee Kim
- Biomedical Knowledge Engineering Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Teo Jeon Shin
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Lissek T, Obenhaus HA, Ditzel DAW, Nagai T, Miyawaki A, Sprengel R, Hasan MT. General Anesthetic Conditions Induce Network Synchrony and Disrupt Sensory Processing in the Cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:64. [PMID: 27147963 PMCID: PMC4830828 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
General anesthetics are commonly used in animal models to study how sensory signals are represented in the brain. Here, we used two-photon (2P) calcium activity imaging with cellular resolution to investigate how neuronal activity in layer 2/3 of the mouse barrel cortex is modified under the influence of different concentrations of chemically distinct general anesthetics. Our results show that a high isoflurane dose induces synchrony in local neuronal networks and these cortical activity patterns closely resemble those observed in EEG recordings under deep anesthesia. Moreover, ketamine and urethane also induced similar activity patterns. While investigating the effects of deep isoflurane anesthesia on whisker and auditory evoked responses in the barrel cortex, we found that dedicated spatial regions for sensory signal processing become disrupted. We propose that our isoflurane-2P imaging paradigm can serve as an attractive model system to dissect cellular and molecular mechanisms that induce the anesthetic state, and it might also provide important insight into sleep-like brain states and consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lissek
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, University of HeidelbergHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Horst A Obenhaus
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Désirée A W Ditzel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelberg, Germany; Max Planck Research Group at the Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Takeharu Nagai
- Laboratory for Nanosystems Physiology, Hokkaido University Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- RIKEN-Brain Science Institute, Laboratory for Cell Function Dynamics Saitama, Japan
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelberg, Germany; Max Planck Research Group at the Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Mazahir T Hasan
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelberg, Germany; Molecular Neurobiology, Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charite-UniversitätsmedizinBerlin, Germany
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Zhang T, Wu J, Li F, Caffo B, Boatman-Reich D. A Dynamic Directional Model for Effective Brain Connectivity using Electrocorticographic (ECoG) Time Series. J Am Stat Assoc 2015; 110:93-106. [PMID: 25983358 DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2014.988213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We introduce a dynamic directional model (DDM) for studying brain effective connectivity based on intracranial electrocorticographic (ECoG) time series. The DDM consists of two parts: a set of differential equations describing neuronal activity of brain components (state equations), and observation equations linking the underlying neuronal states to observed data. When applied to functional MRI or EEG data, DDMs usually have complex formulations and thus can accommodate only a few regions, due to limitations in spatial resolution and/or temporal resolution of these imaging modalities. In contrast, we formulate our model in the context of ECoG data. The combined high temporal and spatial resolution of ECoG data result in a much simpler DDM, allowing investigation of complex connections between many regions. To identify functionally segregated sub-networks, a form of biologically economical brain networks, we propose the Potts model for the DDM parameters. The neuronal states of brain components are represented by cubic spline bases and the parameters are estimated by minimizing a log-likelihood criterion that combines the state and observation equations. The Potts model is converted to the Potts penalty in the penalized regression approach to achieve sparsity in parameter estimation, for which a fast iterative algorithm is developed. The methods are applied to an auditory ECoG dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jingwei Wu
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brian Caffo
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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