Impaired Sensorimotor Adaption in Schizophrenia in Comparison to Age-Matched and Elderly Controls

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Claudia Cornelis ◽  
Livia J. De Picker ◽  
Violette Coppens ◽  
Anne Morsel ◽  
Maarten Timmers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Adaptation ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Sensorimotor Adaptation ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Reversal Task ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Gain Adaptation ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
Adaptation Task

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The “cognitive dysmetria hypothesis” of schizophrenia proposes a disrupted communication between the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, resulting in sensorimotor and cognitive symptoms. Sensorimotor adaptation relies strongly on the function of the cerebellum. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> This study investigated whether sensorimotor adaptation is reduced in schizophrenia compared with age-matched and elderly healthy controls. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty-nine stably treated patients with schizophrenia, 30 age-matched, and 30 elderly controls were tested in three motor adaptation tasks in which visual movement feedback was unexpectedly altered. In the “rotation adaptation task” the perturbation consisted of a rotation (30° clockwise), in the “gain adaptation task” the extent of the movement feedback was reduced (by a factor of 0.7) and in the “vertical reversal task,” up- and downward pen movements were reversed by 180°. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients with schizophrenia adapted to the perturbations, but their movement times and errors were substantially larger than controls. Unexpectedly, the magnitude of adaptation was significantly smaller in schizophrenia than elderly participants. The impairment already occurred during the first adaptation trials, pointing to a decline in explicit strategy use. Additionally, post-adaptation aftereffects provided strong evidence for impaired implicit adaptation learning. Both negative and positive schizophrenia symptom severities were correlated with indices of the amount of adaptation and its aftereffects. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Both explicit and implicit components of sensorimotor adaptation learning were reduced in patients with schizophrenia, adding to the evidence for a role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Elderly individuals outperformed schizophrenia patients in the adaptation learning tasks.

scholarly journals Dopamine depletion affects vocal acoustics and disrupts sensorimotor adaptation in songbirds

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun Saravanan ◽  
Lukas A Hoffmann ◽  
Amanda L Jacob ◽  
Gordon J Berman ◽  
Samuel J Sober
Keyword(s):  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Vocal Learning ◽  
Skill Learning ◽  
Sensorimotor Learning ◽  
Feedback Signal ◽  
Sensorimotor Adaptation ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
External Reinforcement ◽  
Corrective Response

AbstractDopamine is hypothesized to convey important error information in reinforcement learning tasks with explicit appetitive or aversive cues. However, during motor skill learning the only available feedback signal is typically an animal’s evaluation of the sensory feedback arising from its own behavior, rather than any external reward or punishment. It has previously been shown that intact dopaminergic signaling from the ventral tegmental area – substantia nigra compacta complex (VTA/SNc) is necessary for vocal learning in response to an external aversive auditory cue in songbirds. However, the role of dopamine in learning in the absence of explicit external cues is still unclear. Here we used male Bengalese finches (Lonchura striatavar.domestica) to test the hypothesis that dopamine signaling is necessary for self-evaluation driven sensorimotor learning. We combined 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of dopaminergic terminals within Area X, a songbird basal ganglia nucleus critical for vocal learning, with a headphones learning paradigm that shifted the birds’ auditory feedback and compared their learning to birds without lesions. We found that 6-OHDA lesions affected song behavior in two ways. First, over a period of days lesioned birds systemically lowered their pitch regardless of the presence or absence of auditory errors. Second, 6-OHDA lesioned birds also displayed severe deficits in sensorimotor learning as measured by their adaptive change in pitch in response to the pitch-shifted auditory error. Our results suggest roles for dopamine both in motor production and in auditory error processing during vocal learning.Significance StatementDopamine has been hypothesized to convey a reward prediction error signal in learning tasks involving external reinforcement. However the role dopamine plays in tasks involving self-guided error correction in the absence of external reinforcement is much less clear. To address this question, we studied the role of dopamine in sensorimotor adaptation using male Bengalese finches, which spontaneously produce a complex motor behavior (song) and are capable of modulating their behavioral output in response to induced auditory errors. Our results reveal that in addition to conveying errors in motor performance, dopamine may also have a role in modulating effort and in choosing a corrective response to the auditory error.

Individual differences in proprioception predict the extent of implicit sensorimotor adaptation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan S. Tsay ◽  
Hyosub E. Kim ◽  
Darius E. Parvin ◽  
Alissa R. Stover ◽  
Richard B. Ivry
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Upper Bound ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Motor Adaptation ◽  
Proprioceptive Feedback ◽  
Hand Position ◽  
Sensorimotor Adaptation ◽  
Proprioceptive Information ◽  
Visual Perturbation

ABSTRACTRecent studies have revealed an upper bound in motor adaptation, beyond which other learning systems may be recruited. The factors determining this upper bound are poorly understood. The multisensory integration hypothesis states that this limit arises from opposing responses to visual and proprioceptive feedback. As individuals adapt to a visual perturbation, they experience an increasing proprioceptive error in the opposite direction, and the upper bound is the point where these two error signals reach an equilibrium. Assuming that visual and proprioceptive feedback are weighted according to their variability, there should be a correlation between proprioceptive variability and the limits of adaptation. Alternatively, the proprioceptive realignment hypothesis states that the upper bound arises when the (biased) sensed hand position realigns with the target. When a visuo-proprioceptive discrepancy is introduced, the sensed hand position is biased towards the visual cursor and the adaptive system nullifies this discrepancy by driving the hand away from the target. This hypothesis predicts a correlation between the size of the proprioceptive shift and the upper bound of adaptation. We tested these two hypotheses by considering natural variation in proprioception and motor adaptation across individuals. We observed a modest, yet reliable correlation between the upper bound of adaptation with both proprioceptive measures (variability and shift). While these results do not favor one hypothesis over the other, they underscore the critical role of proprioception in sensorimotor adaptation, and moreover, motivate a novel perspective on how these proprioceptive constraints drive implicit changes in motor behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhile the sensorimotor system uses sensory feedback to remain properly calibrated, this learning process is constrained, limited in the maximum degree of plasticity. The factors determining this limit remain elusive. Guided by two hypotheses concerning how visual and proprioceptive information are integrated, we show that individual differences in the upper bound of adaptation in response to a visual perturbation can be predicted by the bias and variability in proprioception. These results underscore the critical, but often neglected role of proprioception in human motor learning.

scholarly journals Individual differences in proprioception predict the extent of implicit sensorimotor adaptation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Sanching Tsay ◽  
Hyosub E. Kim ◽  
Darius E. Parvin ◽  
Alissa R Stover ◽  
Richard B. Ivry
Keyword(s):  
Upper Bound ◽  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Motor Adaptation ◽  
Proprioceptive Feedback ◽  
Hand Position ◽  
Sensorimotor Adaptation ◽  
Reliable Correlation ◽  
Visual Perturbation

Recent studies have revealed an upper bound in motor adaptation, beyond which other learning systems may be recruited. The factors determining this upper bound are poorly understood. The multisensory integration hypothesis states that this limit arises from opposing responses to visual and proprioceptive feedback. As individuals adapt to a visual perturbation, they experience an increasing proprioceptive error in the opposite direction, and the upper bound is the point where these two error signals reach an equilibrium. Assuming that visual and proprioceptive feedback are weighted according to their variability, there should be a correlation between proprioceptive variability and the limits of adaptation. Alternatively, the proprioceptive realignment hypothesis states that the upper bound arises when the (visually biased) sensed hand position realigns with the expected sensed position (target). When a visuo-proprioceptive discrepancy is introduced, the sensed hand position is biased towards the visual cursor, and the adaptive system counteracts this discrepancy by driving the hand away from the target. This hypothesis predicts a correlation between the size of the proprioceptive shift and the upper bound of adaptation. We tested these two hypotheses by considering natural variation in proprioception and motor adaptation across individuals. We observed a modest, yet reliable correlation between the upper bound of adaptation with both proprioceptive measures (variability and shift). While these results do not favor one hypothesis over the other, they underscore the critical role of proprioception in sensorimotor adaptation, and moreover, motivate a novel perspective on how these proprioceptive constraints drive implicit changes in motor behavior.

Auditing the Systems Understanding Aid Project: An Integrative Assignment for Accounting Students

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan L. Swanger ◽  
Beth H. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
Accounting Students ◽  
External Work ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
Independent Auditors ◽  
Course Integration

ABSTRACT Accounting educators strive to prepare graduates for work in their chosen field. Various teaching methods can be employed to best accomplish this goal. One valuable tool is the use of active learning tasks that simulate external work environments. This paper describes the collaboration between an AIS and an Auditing professor who used an integrative task that spanned their two classes over two semesters. The authors had their AIS students complete Arens and Ward's Systems Understanding Aid (SUA) project (Arens & Ward, 2008). The following semester, students in the auditing class audited the records and financials that had been generated by students the previous semester. The project was designed to facilitate course integration and teamwork by having groups of students play the role of corporate accountants, then act as independent auditors.

scholarly journals Altered DNA methylation pattern reveals epigenetic regulation of Hox genes in thoracic aortic dissection and serves as a biomarker in disease diagnosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiru Liu ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Duo Du ◽  
Dandan Zhang ◽  
Zelin Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Heart Development ◽  
Type A ◽  
Methylation Pattern ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Dissection

Abstract Background Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a severe disease with limited understandings in its pathogenesis. Altered DNA methylation has been revealed to be involved in many diseases etiology. Few studies have examined the role of DNA methylation in the development of TAD. This study explored alterations of the DNA methylation landscape in TAD and examined the potential role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation as a biomarker in TAD diagnosis. Results Ascending aortic tissues from TAD patients (Stanford type A; n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 6) were first examined via whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). While no obvious global methylation shift was observed, numerous differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, with associated genes enriched in the areas of vasculature and heart development. We further confirmed the methylation and expression changes in homeobox (Hox) clusters with 10 independent samples using bisulfite pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Among these, HOXA5, HOXB6 and HOXC6 were significantly down-regulated in TAD samples relative to controls. To evaluate cfDNA methylation pattern as a biomarker in TAD diagnosis, cfDNA from TAD patients (Stanford type A; n = 7) and healthy controls (n = 4) were examined by WGBS. A prediction model was built using DMRs identified previously from aortic tissues on methylation data from cfDNA. Both high sensitivity (86%) and specificity (75%) were achieved in patient classification (AUC = 0.96). Conclusions These findings showed an altered epigenetic regulation in TAD patients. This altered epigenetic regulation and subsequent altered expression of genes associated with vasculature and heart development, such as Hox family genes, may contribute to the loss of aortic integrity and TAD pathogenesis. Additionally, the cfDNA methylation in TAD was highly disease specific, which can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for disease prediction.

Serum Concentration and Skin Expression of S100A7 (Psoriasin) in Patients Suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Dermatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Batycka-Baran ◽  
Wojciech Baran ◽  
Danuta Nowicka-Suszko ◽  
Maria Koziol-Gałczyńska ◽  
Andrzej Bieniek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Concentration ◽  
Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Normal Skin ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Antimicrobial Protein ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Reactive Protein

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. An important role of innate immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of HS has been highlighted. S100A7 (psoriasin) is an innate, antimicrobial protein that exerts proinflammatory and chemotactic action. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The objective of the study was to investigate serum concentrations of S100A7 in individuals with HS as compared to healthy controls. Further, we evaluated the expression of S100A7 in lesional HS skin as compared to perilesional (clinically uninvolved) HS skin and normal skin. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Serum concentrations of S100A7 were evaluated with a commercially available ELISA kit. The expression of S100A7 in the skin was assessed using qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found increased expression of S100A7 in lesional HS skin as compared to perilesional HS skin (<i>p</i> = 0.0017). The expression of S100A7 in lesional HS skin was positively associated with serum C-reactive protein concentration and the severity of disease according to Hurley staging. The serum concentration of S100A7 in individuals with HS was decreased as compared to healthy controls and patients with psoriasis. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Upregulated in lesional HS skin, S100A7 may enhance the inflammatory process and contribute to the HS pathogenesis.

scholarly journals The role of serum β-trophin and endostatin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: Are they correlated?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Gong ◽  
Aikmu Bilixzi ◽  
Xinmei Wang ◽  
Yanli Lu ◽  
Li Wan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Main Factors

Abstract Background It’s necessary to investigate the serum β-trophin and endostatin (ES) level and its influencing factors in patients with newly diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods Newly diagnosed PCOS patients treated in our hospital were selected, and healthy women who took physical examination during the same period as healthy controls. We detected and compared the related serum indicators between two groups, Pearson correlation were conducted to identify the factors associated with β-trophin and ES, and the influencing factors of β-trophin and ES were analyzed by logistic regression. Results A total of 62 PCOS patients and 65 healthy controls were included. The BMI, WHI, LH, FSH, TT, FAI, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL, ES in PCOS patients were significantly higher than that of healthy controls, while the SHBG and HDL in PCOS patients were significantly lower than that of healthy controls (all p < 0.05). β-trophin was closely associated with BMI (r = 0.427), WHR (r = 0.504), FBG (r = 0.385), TG (r = 0.405) and LDL (r = 0.302, all p < 0.05), and ES was closely associated with BMI (r = 0.358), WHR (r = 0.421), FBG (r = 0.343), TC (r = 0.319), TG (r = 0.404, all p < 0.05). TG, BMI, WHR and FBG were the main factors affecting the serum β-trophin levels (all p < 0.05). FBG, TC and BMI were the main factors affecting the serum ES levels (all p < 0.05). The TG, β-trophin, ES level in PCOS patients with insulin resistance (IR) were significantly higher than that of those without IR (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Increased β-trophin is closely associated with increased ES in patients with PCOS, which may be the useful indicators for the management of PCOS.

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