Rostral Anterior Cingulate Thickness Predicts the Emotional Psilocybin Experience

Psilocybin is the psychoactive compound of mushrooms in the psilocybe species. Psilocybin directly affects a number of serotonin receptors, with highest affinity for the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT-2Ar). Generally, the effects of psilocybin, and its active metabolite psilocin, are well established and include a range of cognitive, emotional, and perceptual perturbations. Despite the generality of these effects, there is a high degree of inter-individual variability in subjective psilocybin experiences that are not well understood. Others have shown brain morphology metrics derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict individual drug response. Due to high expression of serotonin 2A receptors (5HT-2Ar) in the cingulate cortex, and its prior associations with psilocybin, we investigate if cortical thickness of this structure predicts the psilocybin experience in healthy adults. We hypothesized that greater cingulate thickness would predict higher subjective ratings in sub-scales of the Five-Dimensional Altered State of Consciousness (5D-ASC) with high emotionality in healthy participants (n = 55) who received oral psilocybin (either low dose: 0.160 mg/kg or high dose: 0.215 mg/kg). After controlling for sex, age, and using false discovery rate (FDR) correction, we found the rostral anterior cingulate predicted all four emotional sub-scales, whereas the caudal and posterior cingulate did not. How classic psychedelic compounds induce such large inter-individual variability in subjective states has been a long-standing question in serotonergic research. These results extend the traditional set and setting hypothesis of the psychedelic experience to include brain structure metrics.

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A deep learning method for automatic segmentation of the bony orbit in MRI and CT images

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93227-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jared Hamwood ◽

Beat Schmutz ◽

Michael J. Collins ◽

Mark C. Allenby ◽

David Alonso-Caneiro

Keyword(s):

Deep Learning ◽

Human Performance ◽

Automatic Segmentation ◽

Ct Images ◽

Human Observer ◽

In Series ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

High Degree ◽

Orbital Region ◽

Ct And Mri

AbstractThis paper proposes a fully automatic method to segment the inner boundary of the bony orbit in two different image modalities: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). The method, based on a deep learning architecture, uses two fully convolutional neural networks in series followed by a graph-search method to generate a boundary for the orbit. When compared to human performance for segmentation of both CT and MRI data, the proposed method achieves high Dice coefficients on both orbit and background, with scores of 0.813 and 0.975 in CT images and 0.930 and 0.995 in MRI images, showing a high degree of agreement with a manual segmentation by a human expert. Given the volumetric characteristics of these imaging modalities and the complexity and time-consuming nature of the segmentation of the orbital region in the human skull, it is often impractical to manually segment these images. Thus, the proposed method provides a valid clinical and research tool that performs similarly to the human observer.

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929 Not Another Abscess - A Case of Streptococcal Myositis Misdiagnosed as a Right Axillary Abscess

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab134.176 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

O Oyende ◽

J Jackman

Keyword(s):

White Cell Count ◽

General Surgeon ◽

High Dose ◽

General Anaesthetic ◽

Microbiological Analysis ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Affected Tissue ◽

Life Threatening ◽

History Of ◽

High Degree

Abstract Introduction Streptococcal myositis is a rare form of infectious myositis caused by Lansfield A beta-haemolytic streptococci. It is characterised by rapidly spreading inflammation that can result in severe systemic toxicity and necrosis of the affected tissue if not diagnosed and aggressively treated. Presentation We report a case of a 42-year-old male who presented with a one-week history of worsening right axillary swelling that progressed to painful swelling of his arm. Inflammatory markers were significantly elevated with a white cell count of 17 ×109/L and C-reactive protein of 212 mg/L. On examination, a fluctuant axillary swelling was appreciated, and a decision was made for incision and drainage under general anaesthetic. Intraoperative aspiration of his arm revealed copious purulent fluid prompting intraoperative orthopaedic consult and exploration of the anterior compartment in which there was extensive involvement of the biceps muscle. The microbiological analysis revealed gram-positive cocci in chains, and microbiology advice sought for tailoring of antibiotic regimen. He has recovered well. Discussion Though uncommon, the emergency general surgeon should have a high degree of suspicion when evaluating soft tissue infections to avert potentially disastrous outcomes. Conclusion Early diagnosis, aggressive management with high-dose intravenous antibiotics, and surgical debridement are principles to treat this rare, life-threatening infection.

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Severe acute myopathy following SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report and review of recent literature

Skeletal Muscle ◽

10.1186/s13395-021-00266-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Badrul Islam ◽

Mohiuddin Ahmed ◽

Zhahirul Islam ◽

S. M. Begum

Keyword(s):

High Serum ◽

High Dose ◽

Limb Weakness ◽

Case Presentation ◽

Skeletal Myopathy ◽

Potential Marker ◽

Ventilatory Failure ◽

Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Dose Corticosteroid

Abstract Background SARS-CoV2 virus could be potentially myopathic. Serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) is frequently found elevated in severe SARS-CoV2 infection, which indicates skeletal muscle damage precipitating limb weakness or even ventilatory failure. Case presentation We addressed such a patient in his forties presented with features of severe SARS-CoV2 pneumonia and high serum CPK. He developed severe sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and received intravenous high dose corticosteroid and tocilizumab to counter SARS-CoV2 associated cytokine surge. After 10 days of mechanical ventilation (MV), weaning was unsuccessful albeit apparently clear lung fields, having additionally severe and symmetric limb muscle weakness. Ancillary investigations in addition with serum CPK, including electromyogram, muscle biopsy, and muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested acute myopathy possibly due to skeletal myositis. Conclusion We wish to stress that myopathogenic medication in SARS-CoV2 pneumonia should be used with caution. Additionally, serum CPK could be a potential marker to predict respiratory failure in SARS-CoV2 pneumonia as skeletal myopathy affecting chest muscles may contribute ventilatory failure on top of oxygenation failure due to SARS-CoV2 pneumonia.

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Role for NMDA receptors in visceral nociceptive transmission in the anterior cingulate cortex of viscerally hypersensitive rats

AJP Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpgi.00452.2007 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 294 (4) ◽

pp. G918-G927 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Xiaoyin Wu ◽

Jun Gao ◽

Jin Yan ◽

Jing Fan ◽

Chung Owyang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nmda Receptors ◽

Receptor Antagonist ◽

Anterior Cingulate Cortex ◽

Cingulate Cortex ◽

Neuronal Firing ◽

Anterior Cingulate ◽

High Dose ◽

Glutamatergic Transmission ◽

Reverse Microdialysis

We have identified colorectal distension (CRD)-responsive neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and demonstrated that persistence of a heightened visceral afferent nociceptive input to the ACC induces ACC sensitization. In the present study, we confirmed that rostral ACC neurons of sensitized rats [induced by chicken egg albumin (EA)] exhibit enhanced spike responses to CRD. Simultaneous in vivo recording and reverse microdialysis of single ACC neurons showed that a low dose of glutamate (50 μM) did not change basal ACC neuronal firing in normal rats but increased ACC neuronal firing in EA rats from 18 ± 2 to 32 ± 3.8 impulses/10 s. A high dose of glutamate (500 μM) produced 1.95-fold and a 4.27-fold increases of ACC neuronal firing in sham-treated rats and in EA rats, respectively, suggesting enhanced glutamatergic transmission in the ACC neurons of EA rats. Reverse microdialysis of the 3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA)/kainite receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 10 μM) reduced basal and abolished CRD-induced ACC neuronal firing in normal rats. In contrast, microdialysis of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist AP5 had no effect on ACC neuronal firing in normal rats. However, AP5 produced 86% inhibition of ACC neuronal firing evoked by 50 mmHg CRD in the EA rats. In conclusion, ACC nociceptive transmissions are mediated by glutamate AMPA receptors in the control rats. ACC responses to CRD are enhanced in viscerally hypersensitive rats. The enhancement of excitatory glutamatergic transmission in the ACC appears to mediate this response. Furthermore, NMDA receptors mediate ACC synaptic responses after the induction of visceral hypersensitivity.

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Clinical Efficacy and Target Engagement of Glutamatergic Drugs: Placebo-Controlled RCTs of Pomaglumetad and TS-134 for Reversal of Ketamine-Induced Psychotic Symptoms and PharmacoBOLD in Healthy Volunteers

10.1101/2020.03.09.20029827 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Joshua T. Kantrowitz ◽

Jack Grinband ◽

Donald C. Goff ◽

Adrienne C. Lahti ◽

Stephen R. Marder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Effect Size ◽

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Anterior Cingulate ◽

Psychotic Symptoms ◽

High Dose ◽

Size Estimation ◽

Target Engagement ◽

Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex

AbstractWe tested two metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 (mGluR2/3) agonist prodrugs – pomaglumetad (POMA) and TS-134 – including a high-dose of POMA that was four times the dose tested in the failed phase schizophrenia III trials – in two proof of mechanism, Phase Ib studies using identical pharmacoBOLD target-engagement methodology.The POMA study was a double-blind, NIMH-sponsored, 10-day study of 80 or 320 mg/d POMA or placebo (1:1:1 ratio), designed to detect d>0.8 sd between-group effect-size differences. The TS-134 study was a single-blind, industry-sponsored, 6-day study of 20 or 60 mg/d TS-134 or placebo (5:5:2 ratio), designed to permit effect-size estimation for future studies. Primary outcomes were ketamine-induced changes in pharmacoBOLD in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).95 healthy controls were randomized to POMA and 63 to TS-134. High-dose POMA had significant within and between-group reduction in ketamine-induced BPRS total symptoms (p<0.01, d=-0.41; p=0.04, d=-0.44, respectively) but neither POMA dose significantly suppressed ketamine-induced dACC pharmacoBOLD. In contrast, low-dose TS-134 had significant/trend level, moderate to large within and between group effects on BPRS positive symptoms (p=0.02, d=-0.36; p=0.008, d=-0.82, respectively) and dACC pharmacoBOLD (p=0.004, d=-0.56; p=0.079, d=-0.50, respectively) using pooled across-study placebo data.High-dose POMA exerted significant effects on clinical symptoms, but not on target engagement, suggesting a higher dose may yet be needed. TS-134 20 mg showed evidence of symptom reduction and target engagement, indicating a curvilinear dose-response curve. These results warrant further investigation of mGluR2/3 and other glutamate-targeted treatments for schizophrenia.

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Attentional bias to threat and gray mater volume morphology in high anxious individuals

10.1101/2020.10.20.346981 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Joshua M. Carlson ◽

Lin Fang

Keyword(s):

Attentional Bias ◽

Parietal Cortex ◽

Gray Matter ◽

Posterior Parietal Cortex ◽

Gray Matter Volume ◽

Anterior Cingulate ◽

Brain Morphology ◽

Matter Volume ◽

Posterior Parietal ◽

The Right

AbstractIn a sample of highly anxious individuals, the relationship between gray matter volume brain morphology and attentional bias to threat was assessed. Participants performed a dot-probe task of attentional bias to threat and gray matter volume was acquired from whole brain structural T1-weighted MRI scans. The results replicate previous findings in unselected samples that elevated attentional bias to threat is linked to greater gray matter volume in the anterior cingulate cortex, middle frontal gyrus, and striatum. In addition, we provide novel evidence that elevated attentional bias to threat is associated with greater gray matter volume in the right posterior parietal cortex, cerebellum, and other distributed regions. Lastly, exploratory analyses provide initial evidence that distinct sub-regions of the right posterior parietal cortex may contribute to attentional bias in a sex-specific manner. Our results illuminate how differences in gray matter volume morphology relate to attentional bias to threat in anxious individuals. This knowledge could inform neurocognitive models of anxiety-related attentional bias to threat and targets of neuroplasticity in anxiety interventions such as attention bias modification.

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Classification & Feature extraction of Brain tumor from MRI Images using Modified ANN Approach

International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Research ◽

10.37391/ijeer.090202 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 10-15

Author(s):

Harendra Singh ◽

Roop Singh Solanki

Keyword(s):

Feature Extraction ◽

Brain Tumor ◽

Computational Time ◽

Discrete Wavelet ◽

Classification Feature ◽

Proposed Model ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Artificial Neural Network Ann ◽

High Degree

In this research paper, a new modified approach is proposed for brain tumor classification as well as feature extraction from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) after pre-processing of the images. The discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) technique is used for feature extraction from MRI images and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is used for the classification of the type of tumor according to extracted features. Mean, Standard deviation, Variance, Entropy, Skewness, Homogeneity, Contrast, Correlation are the main features used to classify the type of tumor. The proposed model can give a better result in comparison with other available techniques in less computational time as well as a high degree of accuracy. The training and testing accuracies of the proposed model are 100% and 98.20% with a 98.70 % degree of precision respectively.

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Predictors of proximity to others in colony housed shelter cats (Felis silvestris catus)

Pet Behaviour Science ◽

10.21071/pbs.v0i2.5186 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 24 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Malini Suchak ◽

Michael Piombino ◽

Kalina Bracco

Keyword(s):

Past History ◽

Individual Variability ◽

Felis Silvestris Catus ◽

Future Studies ◽

The Past ◽

Close Proximity ◽

History Of ◽

Adult Cats ◽

Stress Behaviors ◽

High Degree

Colony housing of cats allows shelters to maximize the number of cats housed in limited space. Most research on colony-housed cats examines stress in relation to group size or enclosure size. While this is important for evaluating welfare, it is equally important to understand how cats are interacting socially in these colonies. We observed 259 adult cats housed in groups of two to eight individuals. Scan samples were used to assess how frequently individual cats were in close proximity to other cats. These data were used to measure individual differences in sociability and patterns of proximity to certain partners. We used information about the past history of the cat, which was collected upon admission to the shelter to identify predictors of time spent in proximity. There was a high degree of inter-individual variability in sociability. Strays tended to spend less time in proximity to other cats, and this effect was most pronounced in females.However, none of the information collected upon admission predicted patterns of proximity to certain partners, or which cats spent time in association witheach other. Future studies should explore the implications of differences in sociability by associating observations of social behavior and stress behaviors.

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DIFFERENT LEVELS OF VARIABILITY IN THE FEMALE SONG OF WILD SILVERY GIBBONS (HYLOBATES MOLOCH)

Behaviour ◽

10.1163/156853901316924511 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 138 (5) ◽

pp. 629-648 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Robert Dallmann ◽

Thomas Geissmann

Keyword(s):

Sample Size ◽

Individual Recognition ◽

Individual Variability ◽

Introductory Note ◽

Hylobates Moloch ◽

Broad Variety ◽

High Degree ◽

Two Populations ◽

Different Levels ◽

Great Call

AbstractGibbon songs are known to include species- and sex-specific characteristics. It has been suggested frequently that these songs also exhibit a high degree of individuality, but quantifying individuality has rarely been attempted. Because the statistical methods used in earlier studies were highly dependent on sample size (Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks), it was not possible to compare results among studies directly. We introduce a mean pairwise difference (MPD) of scaled variables in order to quantify great-call variability and individuality. Because of its construction as simple normalised difference, the MPD is largely independent of sample size. This makes it possible to compare results directly with those of other studies on other populations or species. Even various levels of variability (intra- vs. inter-individual, intra- vs. inter-population variability) can be determined and compared with this method. In addition, the MPD can be calculated independently for any acoustic variable. This opens up a broad variety of research options in the area of comparative analysis of acoustic communication. For instance, variability in various parts of a phrase, in various parts of a song bout, in various contexts or in various seasons can be compared, and this is possible even if the variables under comparison are not the same. As an example we analysed female great-call phrases of wild silvery gibbons in Java (Indonesia). We found that inter-individual variability is significantly higher than intra-individual variability. This implies that females can be distinguished by their great-calls, although this was not examined during the present study. Additionally, variability of female songs was found to be significantly lower within one population than among any two populations. The various sections of the great-call differ in their variability. The first half of the great-call (excluding the introductory note) shows the highest potential for individual recognition.

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What drives MRI-measured cortical atrophy in multiple sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458514562440 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 21 (10) ◽

pp. 1280-1290 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

V Popescu ◽

R Klaver ◽

P Voorn ◽

Y Galis-de Graaf ◽

DL Knol ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽

Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽

Anterior Cingulate ◽

Cortical Atrophy ◽

Post Mortem ◽

Mri Imaging ◽

Cortical Volume ◽

Axonal Pathology ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Background: Cortical atrophy, assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is an important outcome measure in multiple sclerosis (MS) studies. However, the underlying histopathology of cortical volume measures is unknown. Objective: We investigated the histopathological substrate of MRI-measured cortical volume in MS using combined post-mortem imaging and histopathology. Methods: MS brain donors underwent post-mortem whole-brain in-situ MRI imaging. After MRI, tissue blocks were systematically sampled from the superior and inferior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and superior temporal gyrus. Histopathological markers included neuronal, axonal, synapse, astrocyte, dendrite, myelin, and oligodendrocyte densities. Matched cortical volumes from the aforementioned anatomical regions were measured on the MRI, and used as outcomes in a nested prediction model. Results: Forty-five tissue blocks were sampled from 11 MS brain donors. Mean age at death was 68±12 years, post-mortem interval 4±1 hours, and disease duration 35±15 years. MRI-measured regional cortical volumes varied depending on anatomical region. Neuronal density, neuronal size, and axonal density were significant predictors of GM volume. Conclusions: In patients with long-standing disease, neuronal and axonal pathology are the predominant pathological substrates of MRI-measured cortical volume in chronic MS.

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