scholarly journals Multiple Brain Networks Mediating Stimulus–Pain Relationships in Humans

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 4204-4219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Geuter ◽  
Elizabeth A Reynolds Losin ◽  
Mathieu Roy ◽  
Lauren Y Atlas ◽  
Liane Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Pain Experience ◽  
Cognitive Components ◽  
Pain Ratings ◽  
Pain Experiences ◽  
Nociceptive Input ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The brain transforms nociceptive input into a complex pain experience comprised of sensory, affective, motivational, and cognitive components. However, it is still unclear how pain arises from nociceptive input and which brain networks coordinate to generate pain experiences. We introduce a new high-dimensional mediation analysis technique to estimate distributed, network-level patterns that formally mediate the relationship between stimulus intensity and pain. We applied the model to a large-scale analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data (N = 284), focusing on brain mediators of the relationship between noxious stimulus intensity and trial-to-trial variation in pain reports. We identify mediators in both traditional nociceptive pathways and in prefrontal, midbrain, striatal, and default-mode regions unrelated to nociception in standard analyses. The whole-brain mediators are specific for pain versus aversive sounds and are organized into five functional networks. Brain mediators predicted pain ratings better than previous brain measures, including the neurologic pain signature (Wager et al. 2013). Our results provide a broader view of the networks underlying pain experience, as well as novel brain targets for interventions.

scholarly journals Multiple brain networks mediating stimulus-pain relationships in humans

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Geuter ◽  
Elizabeth A. Reynolds Losin ◽  
Mathieu Roy ◽  
Lauren Y. Atlas ◽  
Liane Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Pain Experience ◽  
Cognitive Components ◽  
Large Scale Analysis ◽  
Pain Ratings ◽  
Pain Experiences ◽  
Nociceptive Input

AbstractThe brain transforms nociceptive input into a complex pain experience comprised of sensory, affective, motivational, and cognitive components. However, it is still unclear how pain arises from nociceptive input, and which brain networks coordinate to generate pain experiences. We introduce a new high-dimensional mediation analysis technique to estimate distributed, network-level patterns mediating the relationship between stimulus intensity and pain. In a large-scale analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data (N=284), we identify both traditional mediators in somatosensory brain regions and additional mediators located in prefrontal, midbrain, striatal, and default-mode regions unrelated to nociception in standard analyses. The whole brain mediators are specific for pain vs. aversive sounds and are organized in five functional networks. Brain mediators explain 32% more within-subject variance of single-trial pain ratings than previous brain-based models. Our results provide a new, broader view of the networks underlying pain experience, as well as distinct targets for interventions.

scholarly journals Putative Brain Networks Underlying Repetitive Negative Thinking and Comorbid Internalizing Problems in Autism

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 522-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Burrows ◽  
Kiara R. Timpano ◽  
Lucina Q. Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Internalizing Problems ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cognitive Vulnerability ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Repetitive Negative Thinking ◽  
Negative Thinking ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
The Relationship

Many high-functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also experience depression and anxiety, yet little is known about mechanisms underlying this comorbidity. Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) about self-referential information is a transdiagnostic cognitive vulnerability factor that may account for the relationship between these two classes of symptoms. We propose a model where negative self-referential processing and cognitive inflexibility interact to increase risk for RNT, leading to internalizing problems in ASD. Examination of interactions within and between two well-characterized large-scale brain networks, the default mode network and the salience network, may provide insights into neurobiological mechanisms underlying RNT in ASD. We summarize previous literature supporting this model, emphasizing moving toward understanding RNT as a factor accounting for the high rates of internalizing problems in ASD. Future research avenues include understanding heterogeneity in clinical presentation and treating cognitive flexibility and RNT to reduce comorbid internalizing problems in ASD.

scholarly journals Stepwise increasing sequential offsets cannot be used to deliver high thermal intensities with little or no perception of pain

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 729-736
Author(s):  
Stuart W. G. Derbyshire ◽  
Victoria Jane En Long ◽  
Christopher L. Asplund
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Noxious Heat ◽  
Pain Experience ◽  
Analgesic Effects ◽  
Heat Stimulus ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Pain Ratings ◽  
Noxious Stimuli

Offset analgesia (OA) is the disproportionate decrease in pain experience following a slight decrease in noxious heat stimulus intensity. We tested whether sequential offsets would allow noxious temperatures to be reached with little or no perception of pain. Forty-eight participants continuously rated their pain experience during trials containing trains of heat stimuli delivered by Peltier thermode. Stimuli were adjusted through either stepwise sequential increases of 2°C and decreases of 1°C or direct step increases of 1°C up to a maximum of 46°C. Step durations (1, 2, 3, or 6 s) varied by trial. Pain ratings generally followed presented temperature, regardless of step condition or duration. For 6-s steps, OA was observed after each decrease, but the overall pain trajectory was unchanged. We found no evidence that sequential offsets could allow for little pain perception during noxious temperature presentation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Offset analgesia is the disproportionate decrease in pain experience following a slight decrease in noxious heat stimulus intensity. We tested whether sequential offsets would allow noxious temperatures to be reached with little or no perception of pain. We found little evidence of such overall analgesia. In contrast, we observed analgesic effects after each offset with long-duration stimuli, even with relatively low-temperature noxious stimuli.

scholarly journals Age-differences in information flow in executive and sensorimotor brain networks during childhood and adolescence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina J. Lund ◽  
Dag Alnæs ◽  
Jaroslav Rokicki ◽  
Simon Schwab ◽  
Ole A. Andreassen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Flow ◽  
Graphical Models ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Age Related

AbstractObjectiveMental disorders often emerge during adolescence, and age-related differences in connection strengths of brain networks (static connectivity) have been identified. However, little is known about the directionality of information flow (directed connectivity) in this period of brain development.MethodsWe employed dynamic graphical models (DGM) to estimate directed functional connectivity from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data on 979 participants aged 6 to 17 years from the healthy brain network (HBN) sample. We tested for effects of age, sex, cognitive abilities and psychopathology on directionality.ResultsWe show robust bi-directionality in information flow between visual-medial and visual-lateral nodes of the network, in line with prior studies in adult samples. Furthermore, we found that age in this developmental sample was associated with directionality of information flow in sensorimotor and executive control networks, yet we did not find associations with cognitive abilities or psychopathology.DiscussionOur results revealed that directionality in information flow of large-scale brain networks is sensitive to age during adolescence, warranting further studies that may explore trajectories of development in more fine-grained network parcellations and in different populations.

scholarly journals Bout-associated intrinsic functional network changes in cluster headache: A longitudinal resting-state functional MRI study

Cephalalgia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 1152-1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun-Hsien Chou ◽  
Fu-Chi Yang ◽  
Jong-Ling Fuh ◽  
Chen-Yuan Kuo ◽  
Yi-Hsin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Headache ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Functional Network ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
Attention Networks ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Mri Study

Background Previous imaging studies on the pathogenesis of cluster headache (CH) have implicated the hypothalamus and multiple brain networks. However, very little is known regarding dynamic bout-associated, large-scale resting state functional network changes related to CH. Methods Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained from CH patients and matched controls. Data were analyzed using independent component analysis for exploratory assessment of the changes in intrinsic brain networks and their relationship between in-bout and out-of-bout periods, as well as correlations with clinical observations. Results Compared to healthy controls, CH patients had functional connectivity (FC) changes in the temporal, frontal, salience, default mode, somatosensory, dorsal attention, and visual networks, independent of bout period. Compared to out-of-bout scans, in-bout scans showed altered FC in the frontal and dorsal attention networks. Lower frontal network FC correlated with longer duration of CH. Conclusions The present findings suggest that episodic CH with dynamic bout period shifts may involve bout-associated FC changes in multiple discrete cortical areas within networks outside traditional pain processing areas. Dynamic changes in FC in frontal and dorsal attention networks between bout periods could be important for understanding episodic CH pathophysiology.

scholarly journals Organizing principles of whole-brain functional connectivity in zebrafish larvae

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Betzel
Keyword(s):  
Network Structure ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Geometric Constraints ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Functional Connections ◽  
Low Dimensional ◽  
Organizing Principles

Network science has begun to reveal the fundamental principles by which large-scale brain networks are organized, including geometric constraints, a balance between segregative and integrative features, and flexible brain areas. However, it remains unknown whether whole-brain networks imaged at the cellular level are organized according to similar principles. Here, we analyze whole-brain functional networks reconstructed from calcium imaging data recorded in larval zebrafish. Our analyses reveal that functional connections are distance-dependent and that networks exhibit hierarchical modular structure and hubs that span module boundaries. We go on to show that spontaneous network structure places constraints on stimulus-evoked reconfigurations of connections and that networks are highly consistent across individuals. Our analyses reveal, for the first time, basic organizing principles of whole-brain functional brain networks at the microscale. Our overarching methodological framework provides a blueprint for studying the correlated activity at the cellular level using a low-dimensional network representation. Our work forms a conceptual bridge between macro- and microscale network neuroscience and opens myriad paths for future studies to investigate network structure of nervous systems at the cellular level.

scholarly journals Organizing principles of whole-brain functional connectivity in zebrafish larvae

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 234-256
Author(s):  
Richard F. Betzel
Keyword(s):  
Network Structure ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Geometric Constraints ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Functional Connections ◽  
Low Dimensional ◽  
Organizing Principles

Network science has begun to reveal the fundamental principles by which large-scale brain networks are organized, including geometric constraints, a balance between segregative and integrative features, and functionally flexible brain areas. However, it remains unknown whether whole-brain networks imaged at the cellular level are organized according to similar principles. Here, we analyze whole-brain functional networks reconstructed from calcium imaging data recorded in larval zebrafish. Our analyses reveal that functional connections are distance-dependent and that networks exhibit hierarchical modular structure and hubs that span module boundaries. We go on to show that spontaneous network structure places constraints on stimulus-evoked reconfigurations of connections and that networks are highly consistent across individuals. Our analyses reveal basic organizing principles of whole-brain functional brain networks at the mesoscale. Our overarching methodological framework provides a blueprint for studying correlated activity at the cellular level using a low-dimensional network representation. Our work forms a conceptual bridge between macro- and mesoscale network neuroscience and opens myriad paths for future studies to investigate network structure of nervous systems at the cellular level.

Relationship between total plasma homocysteine and the risk of aneurysms – a meta-analysis

VASA ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Hanji Zhang ◽  
Dexin Yin ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Yezhou Li ◽  
Dejiang Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Total Plasma ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Healthy Participants

Summary: Our meta-analysis focused on the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy) level and the incidence of aneurysms and looked at the relationship between smoking, hypertension and aneurysms. A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase databases (up to March 31, 2020) resulted in the identification of 19 studies, including 2,629 aneurysm patients and 6,497 healthy participants. Combined analysis of the included studies showed that number of smoking, hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in aneurysm patients was higher than that in the control groups, and the total plasma Hcy level in aneurysm patients was also higher. These findings suggest that smoking, hypertension and HHcy may be risk factors for the development and progression of aneurysms. Although the heterogeneity of meta-analysis was significant, it was found that the heterogeneity might come from the difference between race and disease species through subgroup analysis. Large-scale randomized controlled studies of single species and single disease species are needed in the future to supplement the accuracy of the results.

New ''Cold War''

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
Vladimir Batiuk
Keyword(s):  
Cold War ◽  
Nuclear Weapons ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Arms Race ◽  
Ideological Struggle ◽  
Nuclear Arms Race ◽  
The Cold War ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Nuclear Arms

In this article, the ''Cold War'' is understood as a situation where the relationship between the leading States is determined by ideological confrontation and, at the same time, the presence of nuclear weapons precludes the development of this confrontation into a large-scale armed conflict. Such a situation has developed in the years 1945–1989, during the first Cold War. We see that something similar is repeated in our time-with all the new nuances in the ideological struggle and in the nuclear arms race.

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