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Saccenti D, Moro AS, Sassaroli S, Malgaroli A, Ferro M, Lamanna J. Neural correlates of metacognition: Disentangling the brain circuits underlying prospective and retrospective second-order judgments through noninvasive brain stimulation. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25330. [PMID: 38622870 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25330] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Metacognition encompasses the capability to monitor and control one's cognitive processes, with metamemory and metadecision configuring among the most studied higher order functions. Although imaging experiments evaluated the role of disparate brain regions, neural substrates of metacognitive judgments remain undetermined. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and discuss the available evidence concerning the neural bases of metacognition which has been collected by assessing the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on human subjects' metacognitive capacities. Based on such literature analysis, our goal is, at first, to verify whether prospective and retrospective second-order judgments are localized within separate brain circuits and, subsequently, to provide compelling clues useful for identifying new targets for future NIBS studies. The search was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines among PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, PSYNDEX, MEDLINE, and ERIC databases. Overall, 25 studies met the eligibility criteria, yielding a total of 36 experiments employing transcranial magnetic stimulation and 16 ones making use of transcranial electrical stimulation techniques, including transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation. Importantly, we found that both perspective and retrospective judgments about both memory and perceptual decision-making performances depend on the activation of the anterior and lateral portions of the prefrontal cortex, as well as on the activity of more caudal regions such as the premotor cortex and the precuneus. Combining this evidence with results from previous imaging and lesion studies, we advance ventromedial prefrontal cortex as a promising target for future NIBS studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Saccenti
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Stefano Moro
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandra Sassaroli
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Studi Cognitivi, Cognitive Psychotherapy School and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Ferro
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lamanna
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Jung WH, Kim E. White matter-based brain network topological properties associated with individual impulsivity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22173. [PMID: 38092841 PMCID: PMC10719274 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Delay discounting (DD), a parameter derived from the intertemporal choice task, is a representative behavioral indicator of choice impulsivity. Previous research reported not only an association between DD and impulsive control disorders and negative health outcomes but also the neural correlates of DD. However, to date, there are few studies investigating the structural brain network topologies associated with individual differences in DD and whether self-reported measures (BIS-11) of impulsivity associated with DD share the same or distinct neural mechanisms is still unclear. To address these issues, here, we combined graph theoretical analysis with diffusion tensor imaging to investigate the associations between DD and the topological properties of the structural connectivity network and BIS-11 scores. Results revealed that people with a steep DD (greater impatience) had decreased small-worldness (a shift toward weaker small-worldnization) and increased degree centrality in the medial superior prefrontal cortex, associated with subjective value in the task. Though DD was associated with the BIS-11 motor impulsiveness subscale, this subscale was linked to topological properties different from DD; that is, high motor impulsiveness was associated with decreased local efficiency (less segregation) and decreased degree centrality in the precentral gyrus, involved in motor control. These findings provide insights into the systemic brain characteristics underlying individual differences in impulsivity and potential neural markers which could predict susceptibility to impulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wi Hoon Jung
- Department of Psychology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, South Korea.
| | - Euitae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
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Moro AS, Saccenti D, Seccia A, Ferro M, Malgaroli A, Lamanna J. Poke And Delayed Drink Intertemporal Choice Task (POKE-ADDICT): An open-source behavioral apparatus for intertemporal choice testing in rodents. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:619-626. [PMID: 38082507 PMCID: PMC10757207 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12366] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in neuroscience research present opportunities and challenges, requiring substantial resources and funding. To address this, we describe here "Poke And Delayed Drink Intertemporal Choice Task (POKE-ADDICT)", an open-source, versatile, and cost-effective apparatus for intertemporal choice testing in rodents. This allows quantification of delay discounting (DD), a cross-species phenomenon observed in decision making which provides valuable insights into higher-order cognitive functioning. In DD, the subjective value of a delayed reward is reduced as a function of the delay for its receipt. Using our apparatus, we implemented an effective intertemporal choice paradigm for the quantification of DD based on an adjusting delayed amount (ADA) algorithm using mango juice as a reward. Our paradigm requires limited training, a few 3D-printed parts and inexpensive electrical components, including a Raspberry Pi control unit. Furthermore, it is compatible with several in vivo procedures and the use of nose pokes instead of levers allows for faster task learning. Besides the main application described here, the apparatus can be further extended to implement other behavioral tests and protocols, including standard operant conditioning. In conclusion, we describe a versatile and cost-effective design based on Raspberry Pi that can support research in animal behavior, decision making and, more specifically, delay discounting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stefano Moro
- Department of PsychologySigmund Freud UniversityMilanItaly
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC)Vita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Unit, Italian Psychotherapy ClinicsMilanItaly
| | - Daniele Saccenti
- Department of PsychologySigmund Freud UniversityMilanItaly
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Unit, Italian Psychotherapy ClinicsMilanItaly
| | - Alessia Seccia
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC)Vita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Mattia Ferro
- Department of PsychologySigmund Freud UniversityMilanItaly
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC)Vita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Unit, Italian Psychotherapy ClinicsMilanItaly
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC)Vita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Faculty of PsychologyVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- San Raffaele Turro, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Jacopo Lamanna
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC)Vita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Faculty of PsychologyVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
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Moro AS, Saccenti D, Vergallito A, Scaini S, Malgaroli A, Ferro M, Lamanna J. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the orbitofrontal cortex reduces delay discounting. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1239463. [PMID: 37693283 PMCID: PMC10483138 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1239463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Delay discounting (DD) is a quantifiable psychological phenomenon that regulates decision-making. Nevertheless, the neural substrates of DD and its relationship with other cognitive domains are not well understood. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a potential candidate for supporting the expression of DD, but due to its wide involvement in several psychological functions and neural networks, its central role remains elusive. In this study, healthy subjects underwent transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) while performing an intertemporal choice task for the quantification of DD and a working memory task. To selectively engage the OFC, two electrode configurations have been tested, namely, anodal Fp1-cathodal Fp2 and cathodal Fp1-anodal Fp2. Our results show that stimulation of the OFC reduces DD, independently from electrode configuration. In addition, no relationship was found between DD measures and either working memory performance or baseline impulsivity assessed through established tests. Our work will direct future investigations aimed at unveiling the specific neural mechanisms underlying the involvement of the OFC in DD, and at testing the efficacy of OFC tDCS in reducing DD in psychological conditions where this phenomenon has been strongly implicated, such as addiction and eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stefano Moro
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Unit, Italian Psychotherapy Clinics, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Saccenti
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Unit, Italian Psychotherapy Clinics, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Simona Scaini
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Child and Adolescent Unit, Italian Psychotherapy Clinics, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Turro, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Ferro
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Unit, Italian Psychotherapy Clinics, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lamanna
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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