scholarly journals Decrease of Functional Connectivity within the Default Mode Network by a Brief Training of Focused Attention on the Breath in Novices

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Trova ◽  
Yuki Tsuji ◽  
Haruka Horiuchi ◽  
Sotaro Shimada
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
State Level ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
List Type ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Brief Training ◽  
Meditation Group

AbstractExperienced meditators reduce the activity of the default mode network (DMN), a brain system preferentially active when people are not engaged in specific tasks. However, the neural modulation of the DMN in novices remain largely unexplored. By using electroencephalography, we investigated the DMN functional connectivity in two groups of novices: the meditation group practiced six consecutive days of focused attention on the breath; the control group practiced only on the first and last days. After the brief training, results showed a decrease in the DMN functional connectivity between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex in theta and alpha bands during the focused attention condition, in the meditation group compared to the control group. The change in DMN functional connectivity was significantly correlated with the increase in state-level mindfulness scores. These data elucidate DMN modifications already arising at the initial stages of mindfulness meditation training in novices.HighlightsAn effect of brief meditation training on brain activity in novices was examined by using EEG.A six-day training of focused attention on the breath improved state-level mindfulness scores.Brief meditation training also reduced the functional connectivity within anterior-posterior DMN.The amount of change in DMN functional connectivity was significantly correlated with the subjective score.

scholarly journals Maladaptive Self-Focused Attention and Default Mode Network Connectivity: A Transdiagnostic Investigation Across Social Anxiety and Body Dysmorphic Disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Fang ◽  
Bengi Baran ◽  
Clare C Beatty ◽  
Jennifer Mosley ◽  
Jamie D Feusner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Body Dysmorphic Disorders ◽  
Primary Body

Abstract Maladaptive self-focused attention (SFA) is a bias toward internal thoughts, feelings, and physical states. Despite its role as a core maintaining factor of symptoms in cognitive theories of social anxiety and body dysmorphic disorders, studies have not examined its neural basis. In this study, we hypothesized that maladaptive SFA would be associated with hyperconnectivity in the default mode network (DMN) in self-focused patients with these disorders. Thirty patients with primary social anxiety disorder or primary body dysmorphic disorder, and 28 healthy individuals were eligible and scanned. Eligibility was determined by scoring greater than 1SD or below 1SD of the Public Self-Consciousness Scale normative mean, respectively, for each group. Seed-to-voxel functional connectivity was computed using a DMN posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) seed. There was no evidence of increased DMN functional connectivity in patients compared to controls. Patients (regardless of diagnosis) showed reduced functional connectivity of the PCC with several brain regions, including the bilateral superior parietal lobule (SPL), compared to controls, which was inversely correlated with maladaptive SFA but not associated with social anxiety, body dysmorphic, or depression severity, or rumination. Abnormal PCC-SPL connectivity may represent a transdiagnostic neural marker of SFA that reflects difficulty shifting between internal versus external attention.

scholarly journals A Dissociation in Effects of Risperidone Monotherapy on Functional and Anatomical Connectivity Within the Default Mode Network

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1309-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofen Zong ◽  
Maolin Hu ◽  
Spiro P Pantazatos ◽  
J John Mann ◽  
Gaohua Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Structure Function ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Coupling ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
Positive Symptoms ◽  
Default Mode

Abstract Respective changes in functional and anatomical connectivities of default mode network (DMN) after antipsychotic treatment have been reported. However, alterations in structure–function coupling after treatment remain unknown. We performed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in 42 drug-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients (FESP) both at baseline and after 8-weeks risperidone monotherapy, and in 38 healthy volunteers. Independent component analysis was used to assess voxel-wise DMN synchrony. A 3-step procedure was used to trace fiber paths between DMN components. Structure–function couplings were assessed by Pearson’s correlations between mean fractional anisotropy and temporal correlation coefficients in major tracts of DMN. Pretreatment, FESP showed impaired functional connectivity in posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PCUN) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but no abnormalities in fibers connecting DMN components. After treatment, there were significant increases in functional connectivities of PCC/PCUN. Increases in functional connectivity between PCC/PCUN and mPFC correlated with improvement in positive symptoms. The structure–function coupling in tracts connecting PCC/PCUN and bilateral medial temporal lobes decreased after treatment. No alterations in DMN fiber integrity were detected. This combination of functional and anatomical findings in FESP contributes novel evidence related to neurobehavioral treatment effects. Increased functional connectivities between PCC/PCUN and mPFC may be treatment response biomarkers for positive symptoms. Increases in functional connectivities, no alterations in fiber integrity, combined with decreases in structural–functional coupling, suggest that DMN connectivities may be dissociated by modality after 8-week treatment. Major limitations of this study, however, include lack of repeat scans in healthy volunteers and control group of patients taking placebo or comparator antipsychotics.

Altered intrinsic default mode network functional connectivity in patients with remitted geriatric depression and amnestic mild cognitive impairment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Chengbin Guan ◽  
Nousayhah Amdanee ◽  
Wenxiang Liao ◽  
Chao Zhou ◽  
Xin Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Geriatric Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Increased Risk

ABSTRACT Objectives: Patients with geriatric depression exhibit a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe cognitive impairment which could potentially lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the study is to assess the alterations of the default mode network (DMN) in remitted geriatric depression (RGD) patients and whether it could serve as an underlying neuropathological mechanism associated with the risk of progression of AD. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 154 participants, comprising 66 RGD subjects (which included 27 patients with comorbid amnestic mild cognitive impairment [aMCI] and 39 without aMCI [RGD]), 45 aMCI subjects without a history of depression (aMCI), and 43 matched healthy comparisons (HC), were recruited. Measurements: All participants completed neuropsychological tests and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)-seeded DMN functional connectivity (FC) along with cognitive function were compared among the four groups, and correlation analyses were conducted. Results: In contrast to HC, RGD, aMCI, and RGD-aMCI subjects showed significant impairment across all domains of cognitive functions except for attention. Furthermore, compared with HC, there was a similar and significant decrease in PCC-seed FC in the bilateral medial superior frontal gyrus (M-SFG) in the RGD, aMCI, and RGD-aMCI groups. Conclusions: The aberrations in rsFC of the DMN were associated with cognitive deficits in RGD patients and might potentially reflect an underlying neuropathological mechanism for the increased risk of developing AD. Therefore, altered connectivity in the DMN could serve as a potential neural marker for the conversion of geriatric depression to AD.

Electroacupuncture Modulates Resting-State Functional Connectivity in the Default Mode Network for Healthy Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-92
Author(s):  
Dong-qiong Fan ◽  
Hai-chao Zhao ◽  
Jing Sheng ◽  
Yun-rui Liu ◽  
Jing Yu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Ventral Medial Prefrontal Cortex

Aging involves cognitive decline and prominent alterations in brain activity. Electroacupuncture (EA), a traditional Chinese medicine approach, is demonstrated to be effective in improving cognitive function of older adults. However, the specific neural mechanism underlying this modulation effect remains unclear. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate whether EA could improve cognitive performance of community-dwelling older adults and whether these potential improvements are associated with the EA-induced brain functional connectivity alterations. Thirty healthy older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to the EA group and the control group. Behaviorally, we observed an EA-induced improvement in cognitive performance of older adults in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. On a neural perspective, the EA intervention significantly increased the functional connectivity within the default mode network. Moreover, we found a positive association between the improvement in delayed memory performance and the alterations in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex-hippocampal formation connectivity in the EA group. This study extends previous findings by showing that healthy older adults exhibit neural plasticity manifested as increased functional connectivity after EA sessions, which could induce therapeutic effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals Amyloid-driven disruption of default mode network connectivity in cognitively healthy individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Ingala ◽  
Jori Tomassen ◽  
Lyduine E Collij ◽  
Naomi Prent ◽  
Dennis van ‘t Ent ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Amyloid Beta ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Network Connectivity ◽  
Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Binding Potential ◽  
Amyloid Burden ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Posterior Cingulate

Abstract Cortical accumulation of amyloid beta is one of the first events of Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology, and has been suggested to follow a consistent spatiotemporal ordering, starting in the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and medio-orbitofrontal cortex. These regions overlap with those of the default mode network, a brain network also involved in memory functions. Aberrant default mode network functional connectivity and higher network sparsity have been reported in prodromal and clinical Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated the association between amyloid burden and default mode network connectivity in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease and its association with longitudinal memory decline. We included 173 participants, in which amyloid burden was assessed both in CSF by the amyloid beta 42/40 ratio, capturing the soluble part of amyloid pathology, and in dynamic PET scans calculating the non-displaceable binding potential in early-stage regions. The default mode network was identified with resting-state functional MRI. Then, we calculated functional connectivity in the default mode network, derived from independent component analysis, and eigenvector centrality, a graph measure recursively defining important nodes on the base of their connection with other important nodes. Memory was tested at baseline, 2- and 4-year follow-up. We demonstrated that higher amyloid burden as measured by both CSF amyloid beta 42/40 ratio and non-displaceable binding potential in the posterior cingulate cortex was associated with lower functional connectivity in the default mode network. The association between amyloid burden (CSF and non-displaceable binding potential in the posterior cingulate cortex) and aberrant default mode network connectivity was confirmed at the voxel level with both functional connectivity and eigenvector centrality measures, and it was driven by voxel clusters localized in the precuneus, cingulate, angular and left middle temporal gyri. Moreover, we demonstrated that functional connectivity in the default mode network predicts longitudinal memory decline synergistically with regional amyloid burden, as measured by non-displaceable binding potential in the posterior cingulate cortex. Taken together, these results suggest that early amyloid beta deposition is associated with aberrant default mode network connectivity in cognitively healthy individuals and that default mode network connectivity markers can be used to identify subjects at risk of memory decline.

Altered functional connectivity in default mode network in Internet gaming disorder with childhood ADHD

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S346-S346
Author(s):  
Y.C. Jung ◽  
K. Namkoong
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Internet Gaming Disorder ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Gaming Disorder ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Childhood Adhd ◽  
Internet Gaming

ObjectiveInternet gaming disorder (IGD) is a type of behavioral addiction characterized by abnormal executive control, leading to loss of control over excessive gaming. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common comorbid disorders in IGD, involving delayed development of the executive control system, which could predispose individuals to gaming addiction. We investigated the influence of childhood ADHD on neural network features of IGD.MethodsResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis was performed on 44 young, male IGD subjects with and without childhood ADHD and 19 age-matched, healthy male controls. Posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)-seeded connectivity was evaluated to assess abnormalities in default mode network (DMN) connectivity, which is associated with deficits in executive control.ResultsIGD subjects without childhood ADHD showed expanded functional connectivity (FC) between DMN-related regions (PCC, medial prefrontal cortex, thalamus) compared with controls. These subjects also exhibited expanded FC between the PCC and brain regions implicated in salience processing (anterior insula, orbitofrontal cortex) compared with IGD subjects with childhood ADHD. IGD subjects with childhood ADHD showed expanded FC between the PCC and cerebellum (crus II), a region involved in executive control. The strength of connectivity between the PCC and cerebellum (crus II) was positively correlated with self-reporting scales reflecting impulsiveness.ConclusionIndividuals with IGD showed altered PCC-based FC, the characteristics of which might be dependent upon history of childhood ADHD. Our findings suggest that altered neural networks for executive control in ADHD would be a predisposition for developing IGD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Changes in Default-Mode Network Associated With Childhood Trauma in Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria R Dauvermann ◽  
David Mothersill ◽  
Karolina I Rokita ◽  
Sinead King ◽  
Laurena Holleran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Parietal Lobe ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Default Mode

Abstract Background There is considerable evidence of dysconnectivity within the default-mode network (DMN) in schizophrenia, as measured during resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). History of childhood trauma (CT) is observed at a higher frequency in schizophrenia than in the general population, but its relationship to DMN functional connectivity has yet to be investigated. Methods CT history and rs-fMRI data were collected in 65 individuals with schizophrenia and 132 healthy controls. Seed-based functional connectivity between each of 4 a priori defined seeds of the DMN (medial prefrontal cortex, right and left lateral parietal lobes, and the posterior cingulate cortex) and all other voxels of the brain were compared across groups. Effects of CT on functional connectivity were examined using multiple regression analyses. Where significant associations were observed, regression analyses were further used to determine whether variance in behavioral measures of Theory of Mind (ToM), previously associated with DMN recruitment, were explained by these associations. Results Seed-based analyses revealed evidence of widespread reductions in functional connectivity in patients vs controls, including between the left/right parietal lobe (LP) and multiple other regions, including the parietal operculum bilaterally. Across all subjects, increased CT scores were associated with reduced prefrontal-parietal connectivity and, in patients, with increased prefrontal-cerebellar connectivity also. These CT-associated differences in DMN connectivity also predicted variation in behavioral measures of ToM. Conclusions These findings suggest that CT history is associated with variation in DMN connectivity during rs-fMRI in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants, which may partly mediate associations observed between early life adversity and cognitive performance.

Methylphenidate Alters Functional Connectivity of Default Mode Network in Drug-Naive Male Adults With ADHD

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Almeida Picon ◽  
João Ricardo Sato ◽  
Maurício Anés ◽  
Leonardo Modesti Vedolin ◽  
Alessandro André Mazzola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Resting State Functional Connectivity ◽  
Homogeneous Sample ◽  
Male Adult ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Drug Naïve

Objective: This study evaluated the hypothesis that methylphenidate immediate release (MPH-IR) treatment would improve Default Mode Network (DMN) within-connectivity. Method: Resting-state functional connectivity of the main nodes of DMN was evaluated in a highly homogeneous sample of 18 drug-naive male adult participants with ADHD. Results: Comparing resting-state functional connectivity functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI) scans before and after MPH treatment focusing exclusively on within-DMN connectivity, we evidenced the strengthening of functional connectivity between two nodes of the DMN: posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and left lateral parietal cortex (LLP). Conclusion: Our results contribute to the further understanding on how MPH affects functional connectivity within DMN of male adults with ADHD and corroborate the hypothesis of ADHD being a delayed neurodevelopmental disorder.

Functional Connectivity Within the Default Mode Network in Response to Exercise During Return-to-Sport Following Concussion

Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 98 (1 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S18.1-S18
Author(s):  
Jessica Coenen ◽  
Franziska Van Den Bongard ◽  
Anne Carina Delling ◽  
Claus Reinsberger
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Return To Sports ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Induced Changes

ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study is to explore changes in EEG derived functional connectivity of the default mode network in response to physical exercise during return-to-sports (RTS) after sports related concussion (SRC).BackgroundThe rehabilitation of athletes with SRC is challenging. Presently, there are no objective biomarkers to predict effects of exercise during RTS. SRC associated diffuse axonal injuries predominantly affect the Default Mode Network (DMN). Assessing exercise induced changes in functional connectivity of the DMN may therefore be a potential target.Design/MethodsEleven athletes were examined during the early stages of RTS after SRC (age: 23.90 ± 4.81) and compared to 13 control athletes (age: 24.00 ± 4.90). Resting state 128-channel EEGs were collected before and after a progressive ergometer exercise protocol working up to 70% of the maximal heart rate. DMN connectivity was assessed by calculating the phase locking value (PLV) in 3 frequency bands (theta: 3–7, alpha: 7–13, beta: 14–25). Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to explore statistical significance between pre- and post-exercise.ResultsIn SRC athletes PLV within the alpha band decreased significantly post-exercise (median [Mdn] = 0.445, interquartile range [IQR = 0.069) in comparison to pre-exercise (Mdn = 0.436, IQR = 0.047; Z = −1.956, p < 0.05), whereas no difference was observed in the control group (post-exercise [Mdn = 0.476, IQR = 0.072] compared to pre-exercise [Mdn = 0.461, IQR = 0.100; Z = −0.175, p = 0.86]). PLVs in the theta and beta band before and after exercise differed neither in the patient nor in the control group.ConclusionsExercise induced changes of functional connectivity of the DMN within the alpha band were only present in post-concussed athletes and may be suitable as a potential objective marker to reflect pathophysiologic changes in further clinical studies to guide RTS.

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