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Lu Y, Yang W, Zhang X, Wu L, Li Y, Wang X, Huai Y. Unraveling the complexity of rapid eye movement microstates: insights from nonlinear EEG analysis. Sleep 2024; 47:zsae105. [PMID: 38695327 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae105] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is conventionally treated as a unified state, it comprises two distinct microstates: phasic and tonic REM. Recent research emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between these microstates, hypothesizing their role in transient shifts between sensory detachment and external awareness. Previous studies primarily employed linear metrics to probe cognitive states, such as oscillatory power, while in this study, we adopt Lempel-Ziv Complexity (LZC), to examine the nonlinear features of electroencephalographic (EEG) data from the REM microstates and to gain complementary insights into neural dynamics during REM sleep. Our findings demonstrate a noteworthy reduction in LZC during phasic REM compared to tonic REM states, signifying diminished EEG complexity in the former. Additionally, we noted a negative correlation between decreased LZC and delta band power, along with a positive correlation with alpha band power. This study highlights the potential of nonlinear EEG metrics, particularly LZC, in elucidating the distinct features of REM microstates. Overall, this research contributes to advancing our understanding of the complex dynamics within REM sleep and opens new avenues for exploring its implications in both clinical and nonclinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Longhua District Rehabilitation Medical Equipment Development and Transformation Joint Key Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Longhua District Rehabilitation Medical Equipment Development and Transformation Joint Key Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Longhua District Rehabilitation Medical Equipment Development and Transformation Joint Key Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Longhua District Rehabilitation Medical Equipment Development and Transformation Joint Key Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongcheng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yaping Huai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Longhua District Rehabilitation Medical Equipment Development and Transformation Joint Key Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Alnes SL, Bächlin LZM, Schindler K, Tzovara A. Neural complexity and the spectral slope characterise auditory processing in wakefulness and sleep. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:822-841. [PMID: 38100263 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Auditory processing and the complexity of neural activity can both indicate residual consciousness levels and differentiate states of arousal. However, how measures of neural signal complexity manifest in neural activity following environmental stimulation and, more generally, how the electrophysiological characteristics of auditory responses change in states of reduced consciousness remain under-explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that measures of neural complexity and the spectral slope would discriminate stages of sleep and wakefulness not only in baseline electroencephalography (EEG) activity but also in EEG signals following auditory stimulation. High-density EEG was recorded in 21 participants to determine the spatial relationship between these measures and between EEG recorded pre- and post-auditory stimulation. Results showed that the complexity and the spectral slope in the 2-20 Hz range discriminated between sleep stages and had a high correlation in sleep. In wakefulness, complexity was strongly correlated to the 20-40 Hz spectral slope. Auditory stimulation resulted in reduced complexity in sleep compared to the pre-stimulation EEG activity and modulated the spectral slope in wakefulness. These findings confirm our hypothesis that electrophysiological markers of arousal are sensitive to sleep/wake states in EEG activity during baseline and following auditory stimulation. Our results have direct applications to studies using auditory stimulation to probe neural functions in states of reduced consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigurd L Alnes
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Zentrum für Experimentelle Neurologie, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lea Z M Bächlin
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kaspar Schindler
- Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Center, NeuroTec, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Athina Tzovara
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Zentrum für Experimentelle Neurologie, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Center, NeuroTec, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Zilio F, Gomez-Pilar J, Chaudhary U, Fogel S, Fomina T, Synofzik M, Schöls L, Cao S, Zhang J, Huang Z, Birbaumer N, Northoff G. Altered brain dynamics index levels of arousal in complete locked-in syndrome. Commun Biol 2023; 6:757. [PMID: 37474587 PMCID: PMC10359418 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Complete locked-in syndrome (CLIS) resulting from late-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by loss of motor function and eye movements. The absence of behavioural indicators of consciousness makes the search for neuronal correlates as possible biomarkers clinically and ethically urgent. EEG-based measures of brain dynamics such as power-law exponent (PLE) and Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) have been shown to have explanatory power for consciousness and may provide such neuronal indices for patients with CLIS. Here, we validated PLE and LZC (calculated in a dynamic way) as benchmarks of a wide range of arousal states across different reference states of consciousness (e.g., awake, sleep stages, ketamine, sevoflurane). We show a tendency toward high PLE and low LZC, with high intra-subject fluctuations and inter-subject variability in a cohort of CLIS patients with values graded along different arousal states as in our reference data sets. In conclusion, changes in brain dynamics indicate altered arousal in CLIS. Specifically, PLE and LZC are potentially relevant biomarkers to identify or diagnose the arousal level in CLIS and to determine the optimal time point for treatment, including communication attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Zilio
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Javier Gomez-Pilar
- Biomedical Engineering Group, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ujwal Chaudhary
- BrainPortal Technologies GmbH, Mannheim, Germany
- ALS Voice gGmbH, Mössingen, Germany
| | - Stuart Fogel
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tatiana Fomina
- Department for Empirical Inference, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shumei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zirui Huang
- Center for Consciousness Science, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Niels Birbaumer
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Georg Northoff
- Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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4
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Ort A, Smallridge JW, Sarasso S, Casarotto S, von Rotz R, Casanova A, Seifritz E, Preller KH, Tononi G, Vollenweider FX. TMS-EEG and resting-state EEG applied to altered states of consciousness: oscillations, complexity, and phenomenology. iScience 2023; 26:106589. [PMID: 37138774 PMCID: PMC10149373 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring the neurobiology of the profound changes in consciousness induced by classical psychedelic drugs may require novel neuroimaging methods. Serotonergic psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin produce states of increased sensory-emotional awareness and arousal, accompanied by increased spontaneous electroencephalographic (EEG) signal diversity. By directly stimulating cortical tissue, the altered dynamics and propagation of the evoked EEG activity can reveal drug-induced changes in the overall brain state. We combine Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and EEG to reveal that psilocybin produces a state of increased chaotic brain activity which is not a result of altered complexity in the underlying causal interactions between brain regions. We also map the regional effects of psilocybin on TMS-evoked activity and identify changes in frontal brain structures that may be associated with the phenomenology of psychedelic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Ort
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author
| | - John W. Smallridge
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author
| | - Simone Sarasso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Casarotto
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Robin von Rotz
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Casanova
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H. Preller
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Tononi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Franz X. Vollenweider
- Neurophenomenology of Consciousness Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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5
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Orłowski P, Bola M. Sensory modality defines the relation between EEG Lempel-Ziv diversity and meaningfulness of a stimulus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3453. [PMID: 36859725 PMCID: PMC9977735 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30639-3] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Diversity of brain activity is a robust neural correlate of global states of consciousness. It has been proposed that diversity measures specifically reflect the temporal variability of conscious experience. Previous studies supported this hypothesis by showing that perception of meaningful visual stimuli causes richer, more-variable experiences than perception of meaningless stimuli, and this is reflected in greater brain signal diversity. To investigate whether this relation is consistent across sensory modalities, to participants we presented three versions of naturalistic visual and auditory stimuli (videos and audiobooks) that varied in the amount of meaning (original, scrambled, and noise), while recording electroencephalographic signals. We report three main findings. First, greater meaningfulness of visual stimuli was related to higher Lempel-Ziv diversity of EEG signals, but the opposite effect was found in the auditory modality. Second, visual perception was related to generally higher EEG diversity than auditory perception. Third, perception of meaningful visual stimuli and auditory stimuli respectively resulted in higher and lower EEG diversity in comparison to the resting state. In conclusion, the signal diversity of continuous brain signals depends on the stimulated sensory modality, therefore it is not a generic index of the variability of conscious experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Orłowski
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Bola
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
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Aamodt A, Sevenius Nilsen A, Markhus R, Kusztor A, HasanzadehMoghadam F, Kauppi N, Thürer B, Storm JF, Juel BE. EEG Lempel-Ziv complexity varies with sleep stage, but does not seem to track dream experience. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 16:987714. [PMID: 36704096 PMCID: PMC9871639 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.987714] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In a recent electroencephalography (EEG) sleep study inspired by complexity theories of consciousness, we found that multi-channel signal diversity progressively decreased from wakefulness to slow wave sleep, but failed to find any significant difference between dreaming and non-dreaming awakenings within the same sleep stage (NREM2). However, we did find that multi-channel Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) measured over the posterior cortex increased with more perceptual ratings of NREM2 dream experience along a thought-perceptual axis. In this follow-up study, we re-tested our previous findings, using a slightly different approach. Partial sleep-deprivation was followed by evening sleep experiments, with repeated awakenings and immediate dream reports. Participants reported whether they had been dreaming, and were asked to rate how diverse, vivid, perceptual, and thought-like the contents of their dreams were. High density (64 channel) EEG was recorded throughout the experiment, and mean single-channel LZC was calculated for each 30 s sleep epoch. LZC progressively decreased with depth of non-REM sleep. Surprisingly, estimated marginal mean LZC was slightly higher for NREM1 than for wakefulness, but the difference did not remain significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. We found no significant difference in LZC between dream and non-dream awakenings, nor any significant relationship between LZC and subjective ratings of dream experience, within the same sleep stage (NREM2). The failure to reproduce our own previous finding of a positive correlation between posterior LZC and more perceptual dream experiences, or to find any other correlation between brain signal complexity and subjective experience within NREM2 sleep, raises the question of whether EEG LZC is really a reliable correlate of richness of experience as such, within the same sleep stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnfinn Aamodt
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Arnfinn Aamodt,
| | - André Sevenius Nilsen
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rune Markhus
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anikó Kusztor
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Fatemeh HasanzadehMoghadam
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Kauppi
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benjamin Thürer
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Frederik Storm
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Erik Juel
- Brain Signalling Lab, Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Bjørn Erik Juel,
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7
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Sevenius Nilsen A, Juel BE, Thürer B, Aamodt A, Storm JF. Are we really unconscious in “unconscious” states? Common assumptions revisited. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:987051. [PMID: 36277049 PMCID: PMC9581328 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.987051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of consciousness science, there is a tradition to categorize certain states such as slow-wave non-REM sleep and deep general anesthesia as “unconscious”. While this categorization seems reasonable at first glance, careful investigations have revealed that it is not so simple. Given that (1) behavioral signs of (un-)consciousness can be unreliable, (2) subjective reports of (un-)consciousness can be unreliable, and, (3) states presumed to be unconscious are not always devoid of reported experience, there are reasons to reexamine our traditional assumptions about “states of unconsciousness”. While these issues are not novel, and may be partly semantic, they have implications both for scientific progress and clinical practice. We suggest that focusing on approaches that provide a more pragmatic and nuanced characterization of different experimental conditions may promote clarity in the field going forward, and help us build stronger foundations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Sevenius Nilsen
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Andre Sevenius Nilsen,
| | - Bjørn E. Juel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Bjørn E. Juel,
| | - Benjamin Thürer
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnfinn Aamodt
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan F. Storm
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Johan F. Storm,
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Lau ZJ, Pham T, Chen SHA, Makowski D. Brain entropy, fractal dimensions and predictability: A review of complexity measures for EEG in healthy and neuropsychiatric populations. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5047-5069. [PMID: 35985344 PMCID: PMC9826422 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There has been an increasing trend towards the use of complexity analysis in quantifying neural activity measured by electroencephalography (EEG) signals. On top of revealing complex neuronal processes of the brain that may not be possible with linear approaches, EEG complexity measures have also demonstrated their potential as biomarkers of psychopathology such as depression and schizophrenia. Unfortunately, the opacity of algorithms and descriptions originating from mathematical concepts have made it difficult to understand what complexity is and how to draw consistent conclusions when applied within psychology and neuropsychiatry research. In this review, we provide an overview and entry-level explanation of existing EEG complexity measures, which can be broadly categorized as measures of predictability and regularity. We then synthesize complexity findings across different areas of psychological science, namely, in consciousness research, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as changes across the lifespan, while addressing some theoretical and methodological issues underlying the discrepancies in the data. Finally, we present important considerations when choosing and interpreting these metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zen J. Lau
- School of Social SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Tam Pham
- School of Social SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - S. H. Annabel Chen
- School of Social SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore,Centre for Research and Development in LearningNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore,Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore,National Institute of EducationNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
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Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:307. [PMID: 35918311 PMCID: PMC9346139 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of low sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics ("microdosing") has gained popularity in recent years. Although anecdotal reports claim multiple benefits associated with this practice, the lack of placebo-controlled studies severely limits our knowledge of microdosing and its effects. Moreover, research conducted in standard laboratory settings could fail to capture the motivation of individuals engaged or planning to engage in microdosing protocols, thus underestimating the likelihood of positive effects on creativity and cognitive function. We recruited 34 individuals starting to microdose with psilocybin mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis), one of the materials most frequently used for this purpose. Following a double-blind placebo-controlled experimental design, we investigated the acute and short-term effects of 0.5 g of dried mushrooms on subjective experience, behavior, creativity (divergent and convergent thinking), perception, cognition, and brain activity. The reported acute effects were significantly more intense for the active dose compared to the placebo, but only for participants who correctly identified their experimental condition. These changes were accompanied by reduced EEG power in the theta band, together with preserved levels of Lempel-Ziv broadband signal complexity. For all other measurements there was no effect of microdosing except for few small changes towards cognitive impairment. According to our findings, low doses of psilocybin mushrooms can result in noticeable subjective effects and altered EEG rhythms, but without evidence to support enhanced well-being, creativity and cognitive function. We conclude that expectation underlies at least some of the anecdotal benefits attributed to microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms.
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Entropy Metrics Correlating with Higher Residual Functioning in Patients with Chronic Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030332. [PMID: 35326288 PMCID: PMC8946802 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To test the ability of different entropy measures to classify patients with different conditions of chronic disorder of consciousness, we applied the Lempel–Ziv complexity, the amplitude coalition entropy (ACE), and the synchrony coalition entropy (SCE) to the EEG signals recorded in 32 patients, clinically evaluated using the coma recovery scale revised (CRS-R). All the entropy measures indicated that differences found in the theta and alpha bands can distinguish patients in a minimal consciousness state (MCS) with respect to those in a vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness state (VS/UWS). These differences were significant comparing the entropy measure performed on the anterior region of the left hemisphere and midline region. The values of theta-alpha entropy positively correlated with those of the CRS-R scores. Among the entropy measures, ACE most often highlighted significant differences. The higher values found in MCS were for the less impaired patients, according to their CRS-R, suggest that the preservation of signal entropy on the anterior region of the dominant hemisphere correlates with better preservation of consciousness, even in chronic conditions.
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