Brain Sciences

3 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Sonkaya et al. Using Objective Speech Analysis Techniques for the Clinical Diagnosis and Assessment of Speech Disorders in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci. 2024, 14, 384

by Zeynep Z. Sonkaya, Bilgin Özturk, Rıza Sonkaya, Esra Taskiran and Ömer Karadas

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101019 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

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4 pages, 198 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

In the Arms of Morpheus: Recent Advances in Dreaming and in Other Sleep-Related Metacognitions

by Sérgio Mota-Rolim, Brigitte Holzinger, Michael R. Nadorff and Luigi De Gennaro

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101017 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Dreams have always fascinated humans [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Dreaming and Sleep-Related Metacognitions)

10 pages, 918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Resting-State Brain Characteristics of Skeleton Athletes and Non-Athletes: A Preliminary Resting-State fMRI Study

by Xinhong Jin, Shuying Chen, Yapeng Qi, Qichen Zhou, Jian Wang, Yingying Wang and Chenglin Zhou

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101016 (registering DOI) - 12 Oct 2024

Abstract

(1) Background: This study investigates the resting-state brain characteristics of skeleton athletes compared to healthy age-matched non-athletes, using resting-state fMRI to investigate long-term skeleton-training-related changes in the brain. (2) Methods: Eleven skeleton athletes and twenty-three matched novices with no prior experience with skeleton [...] Read more.

(1) Background: This study investigates the resting-state brain characteristics of skeleton athletes compared to healthy age-matched non-athletes, using resting-state fMRI to investigate long-term skeleton-training-related changes in the brain. (2) Methods: Eleven skeleton athletes and twenty-three matched novices with no prior experience with skeleton were recruited. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity analyses were explored to investigate resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data, aiming to elucidate differences in resting-state brain function between the two groups. (3) Results: Compared to the control group, skeleton athletes exhibited significantly higher ALFF in the left fusiform, left inferior temporal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, left and right insula, left Rolandic operculum, left inferior frontal gyrus, and left superior temporal gyrus. Skeleton athletes exhibit stronger functional connectivity in brain regions associated with cognitive and motor control (superior frontal gyrus, insula), as well as those related to reward learning (putamen), visual processing (precuneus), spatial cognition (inferior parietal), and emotional processing (amygdala), during resting-state brain function. (4) Conclusions: The study contributes to understanding how motor training history shapes skeleton athletes’ brains, which have distinct neural characteristics compared to the control population, indicating potential adaptations in brain function related to their specialized training and expertise in the sport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging)

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20 pages, 2333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feature Contributions and Predictive Accuracy in Modeling Adolescent Daytime Sleepiness Using Machine Learning: The MeLiSA Study

by Mohammed A. Mamun, Jannatul Mawa Misti, Md Emran Hasan, Firoj Al-Mamun, Moneerah Mohammad ALmerab, Johurul Islam, Mohammad Muhit and David Gozal

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101015 (registering DOI) - 12 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among adolescents poses significant risks to academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of EDS in adolescents in Bangladesh and utilizes machine learning approaches to predict the risk of EDS. [...] Read more.

Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among adolescents poses significant risks to academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of EDS in adolescents in Bangladesh and utilizes machine learning approaches to predict the risk of EDS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1496 adolescents using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected through a two-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS. Machine learning models, including Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), were employed to identify and predict EDS risk factors using Python and Google Colab. Results: The prevalence of EDS in the cohort was 11.6%. SHAP values from the CatBoost model identified self-rated health status, gender, and depression as the most significant predictors of EDS. Among the models, GBM achieved the highest accuracy (90.15%) and precision (88.81%), while CatBoost had comparable accuracy (89.48%) and the lowest log loss (0.25). ROC-AUC analysis showed that CatBoost and GBM performed robustly in distinguishing between EDS and non-EDS cases, with AUC scores of 0.86. Both models demonstrated the superior predictive performance for EDS compared to others. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the role of health and demographic factors in predicting EDS among adolescents in Bangladesh. Machine learning techniques offer valuable insights into the relative contribution of these factors, and can guide targeted interventions. Future research should include longitudinal and interventional studies in diverse settings to improve generalizability and develop effective strategies for managing EDS among adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Relationships Between Disordered Sleep and Mental Health)

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25 pages, 2928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Stimulus Activity of Left and Right TPJ in Linguistic Predictive Processing: A MEG Study

by Sara Lago, Sara Zago, Valentina Bambini and Giorgio Arcara

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101014 - 10 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background. The left and right temporoparietal junctions (TPJs) are two brain areas involved in several brain networks, largely studied for their diverse roles, from attentional orientation to theory of mind and, recently, predictive processing. In predictive processing, one crucial concept is prior precision, [...] Read more.

Background. The left and right temporoparietal junctions (TPJs) are two brain areas involved in several brain networks, largely studied for their diverse roles, from attentional orientation to theory of mind and, recently, predictive processing. In predictive processing, one crucial concept is prior precision, that is, the reliability of the predictions of incoming stimuli. This has been linked with modulations of alpha power as measured with electrophysiological techniques, but TPJs have seldom been studied in this framework. Methods. The present article investigates, using magnetoencephalography, whether spontaneous oscillations in pre-stimulus alpha power in the left and right TPJs can modulate brain responses during a linguistic task that requires predictive processing in literal and non-literal sentences. Results. Overall, results show that pre-stimulus alpha power in the rTPJ was associated with post-stimulus responses only in the left superior temporal gyrus, while lTPJ pre-stimulus alpha power was associated with post-stimulus activity in Broca’s area, left middle temporal gyrus, and left superior temporal gyrus. Conclusions. We conclude that both the right and left TPJs have a role in linguistic prediction, involving a network of core language regions, with differences across brain areas and linguistic conditions that can be parsimoniously explained in the context of predictive processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Development of Cognitive and Neuropsychological Assessment)

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17 pages, 2674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EEG Evidence of Acute Stress Enhancing Inhibition Control by Increasing Attention

by Bingxin Yan, Yifan Wang, Yuxuan Yang, Di Wu, Kewei Sun and Wei Xiao

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101013 - 10 Oct 2024

Abstract

Objective: Research about the impact of acute stress on inhibitory control remains a contentious topic, with no consensus reached thus far. This study aims to investigate the effects of acute stress on an individual’s inhibitory control abilities and to elucidate the underlying neural [...] Read more.

Objective: Research about the impact of acute stress on inhibitory control remains a contentious topic, with no consensus reached thus far. This study aims to investigate the effects of acute stress on an individual’s inhibitory control abilities and to elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms by analyzing resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) data. Methods: We recruited 32 male college students through participant recruitment information to undergo within-subject experiments under stress and non-stress conditions. Physiological indicators (cortisol and heart rate), self-report questionnaires, and behavioral data from the Stroop task were collected before, during, and after the experiment. Additionally, a five-minute eyes closed resting state EEG data collection was conducted during the Stroop task before. Results: (1) Acute stress led to a reduction in the conflict effect during the participants’ Stroop task in individuals. (2) Stress resulted in an increase in the power of the beta in the resting state EEG. (3) Acute stress caused an increase in the duration of class D and an increase in the transition probabilities from classes C and B to class D in the microstates of the resting state EEG. (4) Acute stress leads to an increase in beta power values in individuals’ resting state EEGs, which is significantly negatively correlated with the reduction of the conflict effect in the Stroop task under stress. Conclusions: Acute stress can enhance individuals’ attentional level, thereby promoting inhibitory control performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognitive Social and Affective Neuroscience)

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16 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessReview

Autoimmune Encephalitis and Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-like Manifestations

by Naoki Yamahara, Akira Takekoshi, Akio Kimura and Takayoshi Shimohata

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101012 - 9 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Advances in diagnostic procedures have led to an increasing rate of diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis or paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (AE/PNS) among patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)-like manifestations. Methods: In this narrative review, we first discuss the clinical characteristics of AE/PNS in [...] Read more.

Background: Advances in diagnostic procedures have led to an increasing rate of diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis or paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (AE/PNS) among patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)-like manifestations. Methods: In this narrative review, we first discuss the clinical characteristics of AE/PNS in comparison to those of PSP, followed by a discussion of diagnosis and treatment. Results: The antibodies involved in these conditions include anti-IgLON5, -Ma2, and -Ri antibodies, each of which has a characteristic clinical presentation. The steps in the diagnosis of AE/PNS in patients with PSP-like manifestations include (i) suspicion of AE/PNS based on clinical presentations atypical of PSP and (ii) antibody detection measures. Methods used to identify antibodies include a combination of tissue-based assays and confirmatory tests. The primary confirmatory tests include cell-based assays and immunoblotting. Treatments can be divided into immunotherapy and tumor therapies, the former of which includes acute and maintenance therapies. Conclusions: One of the major challenges of diagnosis is that existing reports on PSP-like patients with AE/PNS include only case reports, with the majority discussing antibodies other than anti-IgLON5 antibody. As such, more patients need to be evaluated to establish the relationship between antibodies and PSP-like manifestations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Future Directions for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy)

2 pages, 495 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Quintero et al. Changing the Tendency to Integrate the Senses. Brain Sci. 2022, 12, 1384

by Saul I. Quintero, Ladan Shams and Kimia Kamal

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101011 - 9 Oct 2024

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

19 pages, 1132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Emotional Outbursts: A Cross-Cultural Study in Latin American Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Maria Cristina Triguero Veloz Teixeira, Rosane Lowenthal, Alexia Rattazzi, Sebastian Cukier, Daniel Valdez, Ricardo Garcia, Gabriela Garrido Candela, Analia Rosoli Murillo, Francislene Pereira da Silva Leite, Giuliana Pinheiro, Kate Woodcock, Justin Cheuk Yin Chung, Carmel Mevorach, Cecilia Montiel-Nava and Cristiane Silvestre Paula

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101010 - 8 Oct 2024

Abstract

Objectives: One of the behavioral problems strongly associated with emotional dysregulation (ED) in ASD is emotional outbursts (EOs) characterized by a pattern of challenging behavior that varies across individuals and across time. Cultural factors can modulate the expression of EOs. This study aimed [...] Read more.

Objectives: One of the behavioral problems strongly associated with emotional dysregulation (ED) in ASD is emotional outbursts (EOs) characterized by a pattern of challenging behavior that varies across individuals and across time. Cultural factors can modulate the expression of EOs. This study aimed to characterize the profile of emotional outbursts (EOs) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across various countries in Latin America and to identify clinical, emotional, and contextual factors that contribute to the onset and frequency of EOs within this diverse sample. Methods: A cross-sectional and cross-cultural study was conducted between 2023 and 2024 comprising samples from five countries in the Latin American Network for Autism-REAL: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic. We studied 689 children with ASD (age x = 8.7 ± 2.6 years) using the Emotional Outburst Questionnaire (EOQ). Results: We identified different types of EO among children with ASD in our sample. The most frequent was the ‘behavioral indicators of emotion’ (52.0%) followed by ‘increased motor activity’ (28.3%), ‘non-speech vocalizations’, (27.6%), ‘mild verbal aggression’ (23.8%), and ‘avoidance’ (21.5%). Children in a bad mood or having a bad day or experiencing irritability were the most significant factors that increased the likelihood of EOs. Conclusions: Our results revealed that irritability is an important trigger for EOs and should not be disregarded or underestimated when monitoring the mental health of children with ASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Autism: Molecular Bases, Diagnosis and Therapies, 2nd Volume)

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27 pages, 3881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroergonomic Attention Assessment in Safety-Critical Tasks: EEG Indices and Subjective Metrics Validation in a Novel Task-Embedded Reaction Time Paradigm

by Bojana Bjegojević, Miloš Pušica, Gabriele Gianini, Ivan Gligorijević, Sam Cromie and Maria Chiara Leva

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101009 - 7 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study addresses the gap in methodological guidelines for neuroergonomic attention assessment in safety-critical tasks, focusing on validating EEG indices, including the engagement index (EI) and beta/alpha ratio, alongside subjective ratings. Methods: A novel task-embedded reaction time paradigm was developed to evaluate [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study addresses the gap in methodological guidelines for neuroergonomic attention assessment in safety-critical tasks, focusing on validating EEG indices, including the engagement index (EI) and beta/alpha ratio, alongside subjective ratings. Methods: A novel task-embedded reaction time paradigm was developed to evaluate the sensitivity of these metrics to dynamic attentional demands in a more naturalistic multitasking context. By manipulating attention levels through varying secondary tasks in the NASA MATB-II task while maintaining a consistent primary reaction-time task, this study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the paradigm. Results: Results indicate that both the beta/alpha ratio and EI are sensitive to changes in attentional demands, with beta/alpha being more responsive to dynamic variations in attention, and EI reflecting more the overall effort required to sustain performance, especially in conditions where maintaining attention is challenging. Conclusions: The potential for predicting the attention lapses through integration of performance metrics, EEG measures, and subjective assessments was demonstrated, providing a more nuanced understanding of dynamic fluctuations of attention in multitasking scenarios, mimicking those in real-world safety-critical tasks. These findings provide a foundation for advancing methods to monitor attention fluctuations accurately and mitigate risks in critical scenarios, such as train-driving or automated vehicle operation, where maintaining a high attention level is crucial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Intelligence and Brain Plasticity)

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12 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvements in Safety Outcomes Following Brief Healthcare-Based Intimate Partner Violence Interventions among Women Who Screen Positive for Intimate Partner Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries

by Michelle M. Pebole, Brigitta M. Beck, Colin T. Mahoney and Katherine M. Iverson

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101008 - 6 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common consequence of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV-related TBI contributes to adverse health outcomes among women, but it is unknown whether a history of IPV-related TBI negatively impacts safety outcomes following healthcare-based interventions for IPV. [...] Read more.

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common consequence of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV-related TBI contributes to adverse health outcomes among women, but it is unknown whether a history of IPV-related TBI negatively impacts safety outcomes following healthcare-based interventions for IPV. Methods: Using data from a larger randomized clinical trial, we explored the impact of IPV-related TBI status on safety-related outcomes in two healthcare-based IPV interventions. At baseline, 35% (n = 21) of the sample screened positive for IPV-related TBI history. We used repeated measures ANOVAs to examine differences in safety outcomes at post-treatment and 1-month follow-up based on treatment condition and IPV-related TBI status. Results: Significant interaction effects were found for safety outcomes, such that women with IPV-related TBI history experienced larger reductions in the frequency of physical IPV and similar reductions in sexual IPV across both treatment conditions compared to women without IPV-TBI (F(2, 102) = 10.88, p < 0.001; F(2, 98) = 3.93, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Findings suggest that brief healthcare-based IPV interventions may result in improvements in safety outcomes for women with a history of IPV-TBI. This highlights the continued need for implementation of promising IPV-focused interventions to promote safety and protect women from experiencing further IPV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shedding Light on the Hidden Epidemic of Violence and Brain Injury)

28 pages, 9638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structure of Spectral Composition and Synchronization in Human Sleep on the Whole Scalp: A Pilot Study

by Jesús Pastor, Paula Garrido Zabala and Lorena Vega-Zelaya

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101007 - 6 Oct 2024

Abstract

We used numerical methods to define the normative structure of the different stages of sleep and wake (W) in a pilot study of 19 participants without pathology (18–64 years old) using a double-banana bipolar montage. Artefact-free 120–240 s epoch lengths were visually identified [...] Read more.

We used numerical methods to define the normative structure of the different stages of sleep and wake (W) in a pilot study of 19 participants without pathology (18–64 years old) using a double-banana bipolar montage. Artefact-free 120–240 s epoch lengths were visually identified and divided into 1 s windows with a 10% overlap. Differential channels were grouped into frontal, parieto-occipital, and temporal lobes. For every channel, the power spectrum (PS) was calculated via fast Fourier transform and used to compute the areas for the delta (0–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) bands, which were log-transformed. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and coherence by bands were computed. Differences in logPS and synchronization from the whole scalp were observed between the sexes for specific stages. However, these differences vanished when specific lobes were considered. Considering the location and stages, the logPS and synchronization vary highly and specifically in a complex manner. Furthermore, the average spectra for every channel and stage were very well defined, with phase-specific features (e.g., the sigma band during N2 and N3, or the occipital alpha component during wakefulness), although the slow alpha component (8.0–8.5 Hz) persisted during NREM and REM sleep. The average spectra were symmetric between hemispheres. The properties of K-complexes and the sigma band (mainly due to sleep spindles—SSs) were deeply analyzed during the NREM N2 stage. The properties of the sigma band are directly related to the density of SSs. The average frequency of SSs in the frontal lobe was lower than that in the occipital lobe. In approximately 30% of the participants, SSs showed bimodal components in the anterior regions. qEEG can be easily and reliably used to study sleep in healthy participants and patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Prediction of Neurological Diseases: Application of EEG-Based Technology)

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12 pages, 1099 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chiari Formation or Malformation? Trends in the Pathophysiology and Surgical Treatment of an Ever-Elusive Entity

by Massimiliano Visocchi, Alberto Benato, Davide Palombi and Francesco Signorelli

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101006 - 5 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) remains a complex neurosurgical condition with ongoing debate regarding its optimal management. Methods: This narrative review examines key controversies surrounding the pathophysiology, surgical indications, and treatment strategies for CM1. Results: We highlight the challenges [...] Read more.

Background: Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) remains a complex neurosurgical condition with ongoing debate regarding its optimal management. Methods: This narrative review examines key controversies surrounding the pathophysiology, surgical indications, and treatment strategies for CM1. Results: We highlight the challenges posed by the wide spectrum of CM variants and the evolving understanding of its association with syringomyelia, basilar invagination, and craniovertebral instability. Emerging surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches and the use of new technologies such as endoscopes and exoscopes, are evaluated for their potential to improve outcomes. Recent consensus guidelines are also discussed. Conclusions: The need for individualized treatment plans for CM1 is emphasized, with special focus put on the connection between novel pathophysiological insights, technological advancements and opportunities for a more nuanced surgical management. Further research is necessary to establish solid foundations for more individualized treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Technologies in Modern Neurosurgery)

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18 pages, 1359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotion-Driven Moral Evaluation: A Mechanistic Study Based on the Drift-Diffusion Model

by Junfei Lin, Xinlu Zhao, Nian Zhao and Tour Liu

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101005 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Moral evaluation is identified as the first stage in the theory of moral judgment, and academics believe that it may align with the social intuitionist model. This study aims to prove that the model’s emotional dominance hypothesis applies to moral evaluation by [...] Read more.

Background: Moral evaluation is identified as the first stage in the theory of moral judgment, and academics believe that it may align with the social intuitionist model. This study aims to prove that the model’s emotional dominance hypothesis applies to moral evaluation by presenting a computational decision-making model that mathematically formalizes this emotional dominance decision-making process. We also compared different types of valence evaluation tasks to test the emotional priority hypothesis. Methods: We used a convenience sampling method to randomly recruit 30 enrolled college students. The drift-diffusion model was employed to analyze reaction times for words with various emotional and moral valences Additionally, we designed different valence evaluation tasks based on the response relevance hypothesis and evaluated the processing order through reaction time comparisons. Results: The analysis revealed that the emotional mechanism of immoral evaluation differs from moral evaluation. An increase in emotional valence accelerates the speed of evidence accumulation (v) for moral evaluation (M = 1.21, 0.2% < 0 < 99.8%) but lowers decision caution (a) in immoral evaluation (M = −0.64, 96.1% < 0 < 3.9%). In contrast, moral valence does not have a significant influence on evaluation processes (v, M = −0.28, 72.1% < 0 < 27.9%; a, M = −0.32, 79.3% < 0 < 20.7%). Furthermore, We found no significant difference in reaction times between moral and immoral words in the emotional evaluation task (F(1,29) = 0.55, p = 0.464, partial η² = 0.02), but a significant difference existed in the moral evaluation task (F(1,29) = 17.99, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.38), indicating that the tendency of relatively fast immoral evaluation in emotional evaluation tasks may be caused by emotional priority. Conclusions: Our findings support the intuitive model’s emotional dominance hypothesis and introduce a new emotional mechanism into moral evaluation. This study clarifies the distinct emotional processes in moral and immoral evaluations, fills a gap in the research on moral evaluation, and offers insights into human decision-making in moral contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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12 pages, 1839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Standing on Elevated Platform Changes Postural Reactive Responses during Arm Movement

by Luis Mochizuki, Juliana Pennone, Aline Bigongiari, Renata Garrido Cosme, Marcelo Massa, Alessandro Hervaldo Nicolai Ré, Ricardo Pereira Alcântaro, Jr. and Alberto Carlos Amadio

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101004 - 3 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the behavior of postural adjustments throughout the entire action: from the preparatory phase (anticipatory postural adjustment, APA), the focal movement phase (online postural adjustments, OPA), to the compensatory phase (compensatory postural adjustment, CPA) while raising the arms in [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the behavior of postural adjustments throughout the entire action: from the preparatory phase (anticipatory postural adjustment, APA), the focal movement phase (online postural adjustments, OPA), to the compensatory phase (compensatory postural adjustment, CPA) while raising the arms in a standing position, both with eyes opened and closed. The goal was to analyze the effects of reduced sensorial information and different heights on postural muscle activity during these three phases. Methods: Eight young women performed rapid shoulder flexion while standing on the ground and on a 1-m elevated platform. The EMG activity of the trunk and lower limb muscles was recorded during all three phases. Results: Although average muscle activity was similar on the ground and the elevated platform, the pattern of postural muscle activation varied across the motor action. During OPA, all postural muscle activity was the highest, while it was the lowest during APA. On the elevated platform postural muscles have increased their activation during APA. In the most stable condition (standing on the ground with eyes opened), muscle activity showed a negative correlation between APA and OPA, but there was no correlation between OPA and CPA. Conclusions: Our results suggest postural control adapts to sensory, motor, and cognitive conditions. Therefore, the increased demand for postural control due to the height of the support base demands greater flexibility in postural synergies and alters muscle activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Study of Anticipatory Postural Adjustments)

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10 pages, 697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia

by Olivera Tamaš, Milutin Kostić, Gorica Marić, Andona Milovanović, Mladen Janković, Biljana Salak Ðokić, Tatjana Pekmezović and Nataša Dragašević-Mišković

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101003 - 2 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Degenerative cerebellar ataxias (DCA) present a group of complex neurological disorders primarily affecting the cerebellum and its pathways. Classic manifestations include motor symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. However, emerging evidence suggests that the cerebellum also plays a crucial role in various cognitive and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Degenerative cerebellar ataxias (DCA) present a group of complex neurological disorders primarily affecting the cerebellum and its pathways. Classic manifestations include motor symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. However, emerging evidence suggests that the cerebellum also plays a crucial role in various cognitive and emotional processes. The objective was to assess the psychiatric profile of a heterogeneous group of patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia. Methods: Our sample comprised 107 participants diagnosed with cerebellar degenerative ataxia. All patients were clinically evaluated using SARA, INAS, and different neuropsychiatric scales (ACE-R, HAMA, HAMD, AS, and GAF). Results: The majority of patients had autosomal dominant ataxia (38.3%) followed by sporadic ataxia (32.7%) with an average age at the moment of diagnosis of 35.3 ± 16.23 years, while the mean duration of disease at the study beginning was 12.1 ± 9.9 years. Psychiatric disorders were present in 40 patients (37.4%), with dysthymia (14.2%), major depressive disorder (9.4%), and MDD with melancholic features (7.6%). The presence of MDD with melancholic features was statistically significantly correlated with a lower ACE-R total score (r = −0.223; p = 0.022), while dysthymia was statistically significantly associated with a shorter duration of the disease (r = −0.226; p = 0.020) and older age (r = 0.197; p = 0.043). Statistically significant differences were observed between MSA-C patients and those with sporadic ataxia (HDRS p < 0.001, HARS p < 0.001, Apathy Scale p = 0.003, and GAF p = 0.004). Conclusions: Based on our findings, we can conclude that the degree of motor deficit has a significant impact on the development of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and apathy. However, it is not the only factor, and the impact also depends on the type of DCA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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19 pages, 2986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Feasibility of Applying Immersive Virtual Reality during Robot-Assisted Gait Training for Individuals with Neurological Diseases: A Pilot Study

by Daniele Munari, Angela von Wartburg, Veronica G. Garcia-Marti, Matjaž Zadravec, Zlatko Matjačić and Jan F. Veneman

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101002 - 2 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Immersive virtual reality has the potential to motivate and challenge patients who need and want to relearn movements in the process of neurorehabilitation. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and user acceptance of an innovative immersive virtual [...] Read more.

Background: Immersive virtual reality has the potential to motivate and challenge patients who need and want to relearn movements in the process of neurorehabilitation. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and user acceptance of an innovative immersive virtual reality system (head-mounted display) used in combination with robot-assisted gait training in subjects suffering from neurological diseases. Methods: Fifteen participants suffering from cerebrovascular accident or spinal cord injury completed a single session of immersive virtual reality using a head-mounted display during a Lokomat^® gait session. Training parameters and safety indicators were collected, and acceptance was investigated among participants and therapists. Results: The results suggest that an immersive virtual reality system is feasible in terms of safety and tolerance. Furthermore, the very positive overall acceptance of the system suggests that it has the potential to be included in a robot-assisted gait training session using Lokomat^®. Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrates that a fully immersive virtual reality system based on a head-mounted display is both feasible and well received by cerebrovascular accident and spinal cord injury patients and their therapists during robot-assisted gait training. This study suggests that such a virtual reality system could be a viable alternative to the screen-based training games currently used in neurorehabilitation. It may be especially suitable for enhancing patient motivation and adherence to training, particularly if the application is enjoyable and not mentally taxing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collection Series: Neurorehabilitation Insights in 2024)

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19 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review

by Luca Simione, Alessandro Frolli, Francesca Sciattella and Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101001 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged in recent years as a strong candidate for the treatment of a range of difficulties faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a review that [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged in recent years as a strong candidate for the treatment of a range of difficulties faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a review that systematically examined the efficacy of MBIs for individuals with ASD and their caregivers. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our literature search was conducted within the MEDLINE database. We included in the review only longitudinal or intervention studies focusing mainly on mindfulness principles, while we excluded mixed intervention studies. We only included studies that explicitly utilized quantitative methodologies for evaluating the outcomes of the interventions, including mental health indices (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) and assessments of cognitive and social skills (e.g., attention, prosociality). We conducted also a risk of bias assessment through the method of the Cochrane risk of bias tool for intervention studies ROBINS-I. Results: Thirty-seven studies were included in the review, and we grouped the studies by the targets of the interventions, i.e., adults (n = 12), children and adolescents (n = 9), caregivers and medical staff (n = 13), and combined intervention for both children/adolescents and their parents/caregivers (n = 5). The reviewed papers seem to support the feasibility and utility of mindfulness interventions for persons with ASD and their caregivers, but any recommendations based on this body of evidence should be made with caution due to the overall low quality of the studies conducted so far. Conclusions: The review reveals a positive outcome, including the alleviation of psychological distress, reduced behavioral problems, and enhanced cognitive and social skills in individuals with ASD. Despite such promising results, the review notes a limitation in the scarcity of MBIs for young patients, emphasizing caution in universally endorsing the existing literature. Moreover, the results underline the urgency of the exploration of tailored interventions for different ASD subgroups, considering varying levels of autism, and expanding support to teachers in educational settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Mental Health of People with Autism)

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16 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Serial Casting on Autonomic Nervous System Responses during Virtual Reality Tasks in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study Comparing Orthoses and Barefoot Conditions

by Marisa de Paula Paro, Raísa Marques de Sousa, Juliana Perez Martinez, Amanda Orasmo Simcsik, Marina Junqueira Airoldi, Rodrigo Martins Dias, Íbis Ariana Peña de Moraes, Fernando Henrique Magalhães, Carlos Bandeira de Mello Monteiro and Talita Dias da Silva-Magalhães

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101000 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that impair posture and mobility, often leading to spasticity and joint contractures. Interventions like serial casting are commonly used to improve joint mobility and manage spasticity in children with CP. However, its effects on [...] Read more.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that impair posture and mobility, often leading to spasticity and joint contractures. Interventions like serial casting are commonly used to improve joint mobility and manage spasticity in children with CP. However, its effects on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of serial casting and ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) on ANS responses during a virtual reality (VR) standing task, comparing these interventions with a barefoot condition. Thirty children with CP were randomized into three groups (n = 10 per group): serial casting, AFOs, and barefoot. Heart rate variability (HRV) was used to assess ANS responses across three phases: seated rest, VR task, and recovery. The results showed that the serial casting group exhibited higher sympathetic activity during rest compared to the other groups, but had a reduced sympathetic response during the VR task. Additionally, the serial casting group displayed a more pronounced parasympathetic rebound during recovery, similar to the orthoses and barefoot groups. While serial casting provides essential joint stability, it alters ANS response patterns, leading to heightened sympathetic activation at rest, without providing significant improvements in ANS behavior during physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insight in the Application of Rehabilitation Devices in Neurological Disease)

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