scholarly journals Cortical surface alterations in cingulate and frontal regulatory areas underlie insensitive mothering

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inmaculada León ◽  
María José Rodrigo ◽  
Ileana Quiñones ◽  
Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera ◽  
Lorna García-Pentón
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Emotional Availability ◽  
Frontal Area ◽  
Middle Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Cortical Surface ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Cortical Thinning ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Right

AbstractThis study focuses on severe insensitive or neglectful mothering, the most prevalent type of child maltreatment, to examine cortical surface feature alterations underlying maternal functioning and their impact on mother-child interactive bonding. High-resolution 3D volumetric images were obtained on 24 neglectful (NM) and 21 non-neglectful control (CM) mothers. Using surface-based morphometry, we compared differences in cortical thickness and surface area. Mothers completed alexithymia and cortical integrity measures and participated with their children in a play task (Emotional Availability Scale). We found cortical thinning for NM in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus and the right anterior/medial cingulate cortex, and also increased surface area in the right occipital lingual and fusiform areas and the caudal middle frontal area. Mediation analyses showed that cognitive integrity and alexithymia mediated, respectively, the positive and negative effect of the rostral middle frontal gyrus on Emotional Availability. The findings suggest cortical thinning in the rostral frontal area underlying high-order regulatory functioning as being critical for poor maternal self-awareness of emotions and the organization of coordinated actions during mother-child interactive bonding.

scholarly journals Distinctive Frontal and Occipitotemporal Surface Features in Neglectful Parenting

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 387
Author(s):  
Inmaculada León ◽  
María José Rodrigo ◽  
Ileana Quiñones ◽  
Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera ◽  
Lorna García-Pentón
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Emotional Awareness ◽  
Emotional Availability ◽  
Middle Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Brain

Although the brain signatures of adaptive human parenting are well documented, the cortical features associated with maladaptive caregiving are underexplored. We investigated whether cortical thickness and surface area vary in a small group of mothers who had neglected their children (24 in the neglect group, NG) compared to a control group of mothers with non-neglectful caregiving (21 in the control group, CG). We also tested whether the cortical differences were related to dyadic mother-child emotional availability (EA) in a play task with their children and whether alexithymia involving low emotional awareness that characterizes the NG could play a role in the cortical-EA associations. Whole-brain analysis of the cortical mantle identified reduced cortical thickness in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus and an increased surface area in the right lingual and lateral occipital cortices for the NG with respect to the CG. Follow-up path analysis showed direct effects of the right rostral middle frontal gyrus (RMFG) on the emotional availability (EA) and on the difficulty to identify feelings (alexithymia factor), with a marginal indirect RMFG-EA effect through this factor. These preliminary findings extend existing work by implicating differences in cortical features associated with neglectful parenting and relevant to mother-child interactive bonding.

Surface Area of Human Cerebral Cortex and Its Gross Morphological Subdivisions: In Vivo Measurements in Monozygotic Twins Suggest Differential Hemisphere Effects of Genetic Factors

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Jude Tramo ◽  
William C. Loftus ◽  
Catherine E. Thomas ◽  
Ronald L. Green ◽  
Leila A. Mott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Left Hemisphere ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Monozygotic Twins ◽  
Cortical Surface ◽  
Cortical Surface Area ◽  
The Right

We measured the surEdce area of the cerebral cortex and its gross morphological subdivisions in 10 pairs of monozygotic twins. Cortical surface area was estimated in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging and threedimensional computer models of the intra- and extrasulcal pial surface. The means and standard deviations of regional (e.g., gyral), lobar, hemisphere, and total cortical surface area were tabulated for the entire population of 20 young, right-handed adults (10 females, 10 males). To determine whether genotypic differences were associated with morphometric differences, analyses of variance were carried out on each measure across unrelated twin pairs (genotype factor) and within co-twins (birth order factor). Across unrelated pairs, there was wide variation in regional cortical surface area for the left hemisphere (normalized by total cortical surface area, p ≤ 0.0001) but not for the right hemisphere (normalized, p = 0.12). More variation in lobar surface area was also observed for the left hemisphere (normalized, p = 0.05) than for the right (normalized, p = 0.48). Within co-twins, no signifcant variation in regional surface area or lobar surface area was found for the left or right hemisphere. Although normalized regional and lobar surface area in the left hemisphere differed across unrelated pairs, overall left hemisphere surface area normalized by total cortical surface area did not (p = 0.73). Total cortical surface area normallzed by body weight varied across unrelated pairs (p = 0.001) but not within co-twins (p = 0.39). The effects observed across unrelated pairs were not attributable to sex differences. These results suggest: 1) both the total area and folding of the cortical surface are heavily influenced by genetic factors in humans; and 2) the cerebral hemispheres may be differentially affected by genetic influences on cortical morphogenesis, with the languagedominant left cerebral cortex under stronger genetic control than the right.

scholarly journals Neglectful maternal caregiving involves altered brain plasticity in empathy-related areas

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
María José Rodrigo ◽  
Inmaculada León ◽  
Lorna García ◽  
Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera ◽  
Ileana Quiñones
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Emotional Empathy ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Interactive Behavior ◽  
Maternal Caregiving ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Right ◽  
Positive Effect

AbstractThe maternal brain undergoes functional and structural adaptations to sensitive caregiving that are critical for ensuring infant wellbeing. This study investigates brain structural alterations in neglectful caregiving and their impact on mother-child interactive behavior. High-resolution 3D volumetric images were obtained on 25 neglectful (NM) and 23 non-neglectful control (CM) mothers. Using Voxel-Based Morphometry, we compared gray and white matter volume (GMV/WMV) between the two groups. Mothers also completed an empathy scale and participated with their children in a standardized play task (Emotional Availability Scale, EA). NM, as compared to CM, showed GMV reductions in right insula, anterior/middle cingulate, and right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), as well as WMV reductions in bilateral frontal regions. A GMV increase was observed in the right fusiform and cerebellum. Regression analyses showed a negative effect of fusiform GMV and a positive effect of right frontal WMV on EA Mediation analyses showed the mediating role of emotional empathy in the positive effect of insula and IFG, and the negative effect of cerebellum on EA. Neglectful mothering involves an altered plasticity in emotional empathy-related areas and in frontal areas associated with poor mother-child interactive bonding, indicating how critical the structural changes in these areas are for infant wellbeing.

scholarly journals Higher diurnal salivary cortisol levels are related to smaller prefrontal cortex surface area in elderly men and women

2016 ◽  
Vol 175 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Stomby ◽  
Carl-Johan Boraxbekk ◽  
Anders Lundquist ◽  
Annelie Nordin ◽  
Lars-Göran Nilsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Middle Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Cortical Surface ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Cortical Surface Area ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Objective Elevated cortisol levels with aging have been associated with atrophy of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), as well as with impaired cognitive functions in men. However, coexisting diseases have confounded many studies examining these relationships. Studies in women are lacking. Our objective was to test whether salivary cortisol levels were related to morphology of the hippocampus and the PFC, and to cognitive performance. Design A cross-sectional study including 200 elderly (55–80 years old) men and women. Method We used magnetic resonance imaging, tests of episodic-, semantic-, and working memory, visuospatial ability, and cortisol levels in four saliva samples collected during 1 day. Results Area under the curve (AUC) for cortisol levels was negatively related to cortical surface area of the left anterior cingulate gyrus (caudal P<0.001; rostral P=0.006), right lateral orbitofrontal cortex (P=0.004), and right rostral middle frontal gyrus (P=0.003). In women, there was also a negative relationship with cortical surface area in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus (P=0.006). No relationship was found between cortisol levels and hippocampal volume. Conclusion This study suggests that the structure of the medial PFC is related to cortisol levels in both elderly women and men.

scholarly journals Neglectful maternal caregiving involves altered brain volume in empathy-related areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1534-1543 ◽  
Author(s):  
María José Rodrigo ◽  
Inmaculada León ◽  
Lorna García-Pentón ◽  
Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera ◽  
Ileana Quiñones
Keyword(s):  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Emotional Empathy ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Interactive Behavior ◽  
Maternal Caregiving ◽  
Volumetric Images ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Right ◽  
Positive Effect

AbstractThe maternal brain undergoes adaptations to sensitive caregiving that are critical for infant well-being. We investigated structural alterations associated with neglectful caregiving and their effects on mother–child interactive behavior. High-resolution 3D volumetric images were obtained on 25 neglectful (NM) and 23 non-neglectful control (CM) mothers. Using voxel-based morphometry, we compared differences in gray and white matter (GM and WM, respectively) volume. Mothers completed an empathy scale and participated with their children in a play task (Emotional Availability Scale, EA). Neglectful mothers showed smaller GM volume in the right insula, anterior/middle cingulate (ACC/MCC), and right inferior frontal gyrus and less WM volume in bilateral frontal regions than did CM. A greater GM volume was observed in the right fusiform and cerebellum in NM than in CM. Regression analyses showed a negative effect of greater fusiform GM volume and a positive effect of greater right frontal WM volume on EA. Mediation analyses showed the role of emotional empathy in the positive effect of the insula and right inferior frontal gyrus and in the negative effect of the cerebellum on EA. Neglectful mothering involves alterations in emotional empathy-related areas and in frontal areas associated with poor mother–child interactive bonding, indicating how critical these areas are for sensitive caregiving.

Effects of Menopausal Symptoms on Work Life and Organizational Environment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aslı Eker ◽  
Meltem Aydın Besen ◽  
Mine Yurdakul
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Perceived Effects ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
The Right

Background: Every working woman has the right to continue to live as a healthy individual. The working environment has important effects on general health status and reproductive health of women. If menopouse period of women is not taken into consideration and if appropriate arrangements are not made at workplaces, their work performance and productivity decrease. It is important to have detailed knowledge about factors creating risk for health in order to develop effective policies and programs directed towards preventing them. Objective: This study was performed to determine perceived effects of menopause on work life and attitudes of an institution towards menopausal women. Methods: The study population included 419 women aged 45-55 years and working at a university. Out of 419 women, 291 could be contacted. Data were collected with a questionaire composed of questions about descriptive characteristics, effects of menopause on work life and support from and attitudes of the institution about menopause. Data collected to reveal menopausal women’s experiences at work were analyzed with statistical methods frequency, percentages and mean. Results: The mean age at which menopause started was 47 years and 89.7% of the women experienced menopausal complaints. Conclusions: Physical conditions at work and stressors were found to increase menopausal complaints and had a negative effect on work performance.

scholarly journals The Concurrence of Cortical Surface Area Expansion and White Matter Myelination in Human Brain Development

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 827-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Cafiero ◽  
Jens Brauer ◽  
Alfred Anwander ◽  
Angela D Friederici
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Brain Development ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Cortical Surface ◽  
Cortical Surface Area ◽  
Human Brain Development ◽  
Area Expansion

scholarly journals Enhancing the operational efficiency of quantum random number generators

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
Botond L. Márton ◽  
Dóra Istenes ◽  
László Bacsárdi
Keyword(s):  
Random Number ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Random Numbers ◽  
Random Number Generators ◽  
Original Source ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Quantum Phenomena ◽  
The Right

Random numbers are of vital importance in today’s world and used for example in many cryptographical protocols to secure the communication over the internet. The generators producing these numbers are Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs) or True Random Number Generators (TRNGs). A subclass of TRNGs are the Quantum based Random Number Generators (QRNGs) whose generation processes are based on quantum phenomena. However, the achievable quality of the numbers generated from a practical implementation can differ from the theoretically possible. To ease this negative effect post-processing can be used, which contains the use of extractors. They extract as much entropy as possible from the original source and produce a new output with better properties. The quality and the different properties of a given output can be measured with the help of statistical tests. In our work we examined the effect of different extractors on two QRNG outputs and found that witg the right extractor we can improve their quality.

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