Article
Neurosciences
Soukayna Bekkali, George J. Youssef, Peter H. Donaldson, Christian Hyde, Michael Do, Jason L. He, Pamela Barhoun, Peter G. Enticott
Summary: In a study involving a large sample, it was found that the relationship between interpersonal motor resonance and mu suppression is weaker than previously believed, suggesting that they may be unrelated indices.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sadjad Sadeghi, Stephanie N. L. Schmidt, Daniela Mier, Joachim Hass
Summary: This study used dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to determine the effective connectivity of the human mirror neuron system (MNS) during different social cognition tasks. The results showed that there were effective connections from the superior temporal sulcus (STS) to the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and Brodmann area 44 (BA44) in all social cognition processes. Additional mutual connections were found in the imitation task.
SOCIAL COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yuki Miyamoto, Hirotaka Uchitomi, Yoshihiro Miyake
Summary: This study explored the mirror neuron system (MNS) as a neural basis for perceiving humanness in avatars. The findings suggest that when avatars make non-human-like motions, the MNS is activated not only for human-like appearance but also for the scattered and exaggerated appearance of the human body in the avatar shape.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Emma E. Condy, Helga O. Miguel, John Millerhagen, Doug Harrison, Kosar Khaksari, Nathan Fox, Amir Gandjbakhche
Summary: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has experienced significant growth in the field of neuroimaging, particularly in studying the action-observation network (AON). Research on AON using fNIRS has provided methodological advantages and insights, contributing to the development of future studies on AON and potential multimodal imaging applications.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marius Zimmermann, Arianna Schiano Lomoriello, Ivana Konvalinka
Summary: Being observed leads to more emphasized and predictable movements. At neural level, observed actions show increased mu suppression and widespread functional brain connectivity relative to individual and interactive actions.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Lisie Valeria Paz, Thiago Wendt Viola, Bruna Bueno Milanesi, Juliana Henz Sulzbach, Regis Gemerasca Mestriner, Andrea Wieck, Leder Leal Xavier
Summary: Contagious depression theory suggests that depression can be induced or triggered by our social environment. This theory is based on the concept of emotional contagion, which states that affective states can be transferred during social interaction. This review summarizes two essential mechanisms of contagious depression - automatic mimicry and the mirror neuron system.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Olga Duran-Bobin, Juliana Elices-Teja, Laila Gonzalez-Melchor, Maria Vazquez-Caamano, Emiliano Fernandez-Obanza, Eva Gonzalez-Babarro, Pilar Cabanas-Grandio, Miriam Pineiro-Portela, Oscar Prada-Delgado, Mario Gutierrez-Feijoo, Evaristo Freire, Oscar Diaz-Castro, Javier Muniz, Javier Garcia-Seara, Carlos Gonzalez-Juanatey
Summary: In a study analyzing the clinical profile and therapeutic strategy in atrial fibrillation according to gender, it was found that women were older with higher prevalence of hypertension and valve disease. Women often reported more symptoms related to arrhythmia and had higher thromboembolic and bleeding risk, resulting in more frequent use of anticoagulation therapy. Despite poorer quality of life and higher symptomatic burden, women were less likely to receive rhythm control strategies compared to men.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antonino Errante, Leonardo Fogassi
Summary: This review examines studies on the lateralization of cortical parietal and premotor areas in monkeys and humans, particularly focusing on the mirror neuron system (MNS) and its functional properties. The research indicates that action perception and execution may lead to unilateral or bilateral brain activation, with plastic changes in the MNS following specific brain damage.
Article
Neurosciences
Lei Xu, Xiaoxiao Zheng, Shuxia Yao, Jialin Li, Meina Fu, Keshuang Li, Weihua Zhao, Hong Li, Benjamin Becker, Keith M. Kendrick
Summary: The amygdala, a core node in the social brain, shows structural and functional abnormalities in Autism spectrum disorder. The mirror neuron system (MNS) can compensate for impaired emotion processing in individuals with amygdala lesions. This study found that individuals with higher autistic traits had worse recognition memory for fearful faces, smaller social networks, and decreased amygdala responses to imitation. Increased connectivity between the amygdala and the inferior frontal gyrus was also observed in individuals with higher autistic traits. This increased connectivity may help diminish social behavioral differences between individuals with higher and lower autistic traits.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiromi Kubagawa, Christopher M. Skopnik, Khlowd Al-Qaisi, Rosaleen A. Calvert, Kazuhito Honjo, Yoshiki Kubagawa, Ruth Teuber, Pedram Mahmoudi Aliabadi, Philipp Enghard, Andreas Radbruch, Brian J. Sutton
Summary: Both non-immune natural and antigen-induced immune IgM play essential roles in protection against pathogens and regulation of immune responses, with Fc mu R being important in these functions. Differences between human and mouse Fc mu Rs have been explored, with mutational analysis of human Fc mu R revealing key sites for IgM-ligand binding. Substitution of specific residues in human Fc mu R with mouse equivalents enhances receptor expression and IgM binding, suggesting potential for future therapeutic interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Dina Mitiureva, Pavel Bobrov, Anna Rebreikina, Olga Sysoeva
Summary: Studying mu-rhythm in developmental disorders is crucial for understanding motor and social mal-functioning. However, the commonly used experimental protocol is challenging for children with deficits. This study presents an inclusive procedure using passive hand movement and observation to examine the properties of EEG mu-rhythm in typically developing individuals. Results showed typical mu-rhythm suppression to movement and observation, with no interhemispheric differences, and increased suppression with age. The proposed protocol can be used for mu-rhythm research in challenging populations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Gawronska-Kozak, Marta Kopcewicz, Sylwia Machcinska-Zielinska, Katarzyna Walendzik, Joanna Wisniewska, Justyna Drukala, Tomasz Wasniewski, Joanna Rutkowska, Piotr Malinowski, Michal Pulinski
Summary: This study found that male scar skin showed increased levels of COLLAGEN 1A1, COLLAGEN 6A3, and ELASTIN mRNA expression, as well as accumulation of thick collagen I-positive fibers and alpha-SMA-positive cells. In comparison, female post-injured skin displayed an increase in collagen III accumulation in the scar area. Additionally, female skin samples showed higher levels of adipogenic-related genes and FOXN1 mRNA and protein.
Article
Biophysics
Arcady A. Putilov, Olga G. Donskaya, Mikhail G. Poluektov, Vladimir B. Dorokhov
Summary: The study found that spectral EEG signatures of sleepiness vary with age and gender, with a two-stage response to increased sleepiness observed only in younger participants. Subjective sleepiness was not associated with age or gender.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Julio Plata-Bello, Nicole Privato, Cristian Modrono, Yaiza Perez-Martin, Africa Borges, Jose Luis Gonzalez-Mora, Tim Hodgson
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the brain activity patterns during the observation of painful expressions and establish the relationship between this activity and the scores obtained on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Observing painful expressions led to increased activity in specific regions of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. The regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between brain activity during the observation of pain and empathic concern scores on the IRI.
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Eve Floriane Fabre, Emilie Soheila Jahanpour, Mickael Causse
Summary: The study suggests that hand gesture videos may attract more participants' attention and possibly trigger greater activity of the mirror neuron system. Results show that enhancing the visual characteristics of the original Pull Up alarm can improve pilots' reaction times. However, no significant difference in reaction times between an enlarged Pull Up inscription and the hand gesture video was found. Further research is needed to determine the benefits of mirror neuron system based alarms for flight safety, especially during high stress contexts.
APPLIED PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY AND BIOFEEDBACK
(2021)
Article
Neuroimaging
Yajuan Zhang, Qiong Xiang, Chu-Chung Huang, Jiajia Zhao, Yuchen Liu, Ching-Po Lin, Dengtang Liu, Chun-Yi Zac Lo
Summary: The effect of antipsychotic medications on the brain functions of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) remains unclear. This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance images to examine the changes in brain function after antipsychotic treatment. The results showed that drug-naive FEP patients had different patterns of functional connectivity compared to healthy volunteers, especially involving the right thalamus. After two months of treatment, patients showed reductions in ReHo and nodal clustering in visual networks, indicating improvements in psychotic symptoms. However, the functional alterations at baseline were not fully modulated by antipsychotic medications, suggesting limited effects in regions involved in disease pathophysiology.
BRAIN IMAGING AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jie Zhang, Ye Yao, Jin-song Wu, Edmund T. Rolls, Ce-chen Sun, Ling-hao Bu, Jun-feng Lu, Ching-po Lin, Jian-feng Feng, Ying Mao, Liang-fu Zhou
Summary: This study used multi-modal neuroimaging analyses to localize the cortical regions and white matter tracts responsible for auditory language comprehension. The results showed that cortical areas in the posterior temporal lobe are crucial for language comprehension. The fiber integrity of the arcuate fasciculus and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus was strongly correlated with auditory comprehension and the grey matter volume of the inferior temporal and middle temporal gyri.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaoyi Sun, Jinrong Sun, Xiaowen Lu, Qiangli Dong, Liang Zhang, Wenxu Wang, Jin Liu, Qing Ma, Xiaoqin Wang, Dongtao Wei, Yuan Chen, Bangshan Liu, Chu-Chung Huang, Yanting Zheng, Yankun Wu, Taolin Chen, Yuqi Cheng, Xiufeng Xu, Qiyong Gong, Tianmei Si, Shijun Qiu, Ching-Po Lin, Jingliang Cheng, Yanqing Tang, Fei Wang, Jiang Qiu, Peng Xie, Lingjiang Li, Yong He, Mingrui Xia
Summary: Major depressive disorder is a highly heterogeneous disorder with two reproducible neurophysiological subtypes identified in the study, showing severe and moderate deviation patterns in functional connectivity. These subtypes have predictive value for antidepressant treatment outcomes.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Chih-Chin Heather Hsu, Shin Tai Chong, Yi-Chia Kung, Kuan-Tsen Kuo, Chu-Chung Huang, Ching-Po Lin
Summary: This article presents a semi-automated pipeline tool called iDIO for preprocessing and analysis of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data. The tool integrates features from various advanced dMRI software tools and provides a set of suggested processing steps based on the image header of the input data. Additionally, the pipeline offers post-processing options such as estimation of diffusion tensor metrics and whole-brain tractography-based connectomes reconstruction. iDIO also generates an easy-to-interpret quality control report for data assessment.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lei Wang, Qing Ma, Xiaoyi Sun, Zhilei Xu, Jiaying Zhang, Xuhong Liao, Xiaoqin Wang, Dongtao Wei, Yuan Chen, Bangshan Liu, Chu-Chung Huang, Yanting Zheng, Yankun Wu, Taolin Chen, Yuqi Cheng, Xiufeng Xu, Qiyong Gong, Tianmei Si, Shijun Qiu, Ching-Po Lin, Jingliang Cheng, Yanqing Tang, Fei Wang, Jiang Qiu, Peng Xie, Lingjiang Li, Yong He, Mingrui Xia, Yihe Zhang
Summary: This study conducted frequency-resolved connectome analysis on a large sample of MDD patients and healthy controls, revealing significant frequency-dependent connectome alterations in MDD. These alterations mainly occur in the left parietal, temporal, precentral, and fusiform cortices, as well as bilateral precuneus. Additionally, the connectome alteration in the high frequency band (0.16-0.24 Hz) is significantly associated with illness duration.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shang-Hua N. Lin, Yun R. Lien, Kazuhisa Shibata, Yuka Sasaki, Takeo Watanabe, Ching-Po Lin, Li-Hung Chang
Summary: Numerous studies have shown that rTMS can modulate brain plasticity, but the mechanism underlying rTMS-induced plasticity may differ from that associated with learning. In this study, we compared the effects of high-frequency rTMS and visual training on plasticity in early visual areas using neuroimaging techniques. The results revealed significant differences in neurotransmitter concentration changes and the time course of the excitatory-to-inhibitory ratio between high-frequency rTMS and training conditions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Chia-Lin Tsai, Kun-Hsien Chou, Pei-Lin Lee, Chih-Sung Liang, Chen-Yuan Kuo, Guan-Yu Lin, Yu-Kai Lin, Yi-Chih Hsu, Chien-An Ko, Fu-Chi Yang, Ching-Po Lin
Summary: This study found that individuals with SCD and migraine show hippocampal structural abnormalities and altered structural covariance within hippocampal subdivisions. Shared alterations in structural covariance were observed between the anterior hippocampus and inferior temporal gyri, as well as between the posterior hippocampus and precentral gyrus in both SCD and migraine. Furthermore, the structural covariance integrity of the posterior hippocampus-cerebellum axis was associated with the duration of SCD.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jiajia Zhao, Chu-Chung Huang, Yajuan Zhang, Yuchen Liu, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ching-Po Lin, Chun-Yi Zac Lo
Summary: This study reveals the widespread connectivity abnormalities in both structural and functional brain circuits in individuals with schizophrenia. The abnormal signal transfer along the white matter pathways is found to be significantly associated with psychotic symptoms and illness duration in schizophrenia. This work supports the dysconnectivity hypothesis of schizophrenia and emphasizes the critical role of white matter networks in the pathophysiology of this disorder.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jun-Ding Zhu, Yung-Fu Wu, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ching-Po Lin, Albert C. C. Yang
Summary: Brain-age prediction models were constructed using multimodal MRI, and deviations in aging trajectories in different brain regions of participants with schizophrenia were examined. The results showed accelerated aging in most gray matter regions, especially in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and insula. Deviations in aging trajectories were also observed in some white matter tracts. However, no accelerated brain aging was found in functional connectivity maps. These findings provide insights into the neuropathology of schizophrenia.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Yifan Yuan, Tianming Qiu, Shin Tai Chong, Sanford Pin-Chuan Hsu, Ying-Hua Chu, Yi-Cheng Hsu, Geng Xu, Yu-Ting Ko, Kuan-Tsen Kuo, Zixiao Yang, Wei Zhu, Ching-Po Lin, Jianping Song
Summary: Cerebral neoplasms can lead to neuro-functional deficits, and novel tracking technology like DTI combined with intraoperative navigation can help achieve maximum resection and minimize neurological deficit. The development of user-friendly software can automate the segmentation and reconstruction of functionally active areas to facilitate precise surgery.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yu-Hsiu Juan, Chia-Hung Wu, Te-Ming Lin, Ching-Po Lin, Feng-Chi Chang
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with post-irradiated carotid stenosis (PIRCS) after receiving percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS). The results showed that stenotic lesions located from the internal carotid artery (ICA) to common carotid artery (CCA) and longer stenotic lesion length (SLL) at baseline were associated with the occurrence of ISR after PTAS. Therefore, intensive post-procedural follow-up is recommended for these patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Chen-Yuan Kuo, Pei-Lin Lee, Li-Ning Peng, Pei-Ning Wang, Wei-Ju Lee, Liang-Kung Chen, Kun-Hsien Chou, Chih-Ping Chung, Ching-Po Lin
Summary: The study examined the association between advanced brain biological age and accelerated age-related physical and cognitive functional decline. A brain age prediction model was constructed using gray matter features from the MRI of 1482 healthy individuals. The difference between predicted and chronological age (brain age gap) was analyzed in a community-dwelling population aged 50 years and above. Participants with the physio-cognitive decline syndrome (PCDS) had a significantly higher brain age gap compared to other groups, indicating that advanced brain aging may contribute to physical and cognitive decline in older individuals.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yi-Chia Wei, Chih-Chin Heather Hsu, Wen-Yi Huang, Chemin Lin, Chih-Ken Chen, Yao-Liang Chen, Pin-Yuan Chen, Yu-Chiau Shyu, Ching-Po Lin
Summary: This study identified multiple modifiable and unmodifiable factors associated with the glymphatic imaging marker. The DTI-ALPS index correlated with various metabolic factors known to increase the risk of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the DTI-ALPS index was associated with renal indices, suggesting a link of water regulation between the two systems. Additionally, the astrocytic biomarker, plasma GFAP, may serve as a potential marker of the glymphatic system, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Article
Neuroimaging
Yajuan Zhang, Chu-Chung Huang, Jiajia Zhao, Yuchen Liu, Mingrui Xia, Xiaoqin Wang, Dongtao Wei, Yuan Chen, Bangshan Liu, Yanting Zheng, Yankun Wu, Taolin Chen, Yuqi Cheng, Xiufeng Xu, Qiyong Gong, Tianmei Si, Shijun Qiu, Jingliang Cheng, Yanqing Tang, Fei Wang, Jiang Qiu, Peng Xie, Lingjiang Li, Yong He, Ching-Po Lin, Chun-Yi Zac Lo
Summary: Through analysis of a large dataset, it has been found that there are abnormal functional connections between the brainstem nuclei and other brain regions in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). These findings improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of depression and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of new pharmacotherapies.
NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
H. Y. Liu, P. L. Lee, K. H. Chou, Y. F. Wang, S. P. Chen, K. L. Lai, L. L. Pan, C. P. Lin, S. J. Wang, W. T. Chen
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between fatigue severity and brain morphometry changes in fibromyalgia patients. The results showed that higher fatigue severity was associated with decreased bilateral thalamic volumes and increased right inferior temporal cortex volumes.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)