A sensorimotor control framework for understanding emotional communication and regulation

Mapping Early Brain-Body Interactions: Associations of Fetal Heart Rate Variation with Newborn Brainstem, Hypothalamic, and Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex Functional Connectivity

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the body's physiology, including cardiovascular function. As the ANS develops during the second to third trimester, fetal heart rate variability (HRV) increases while fetal heart rate (HR) decreases. In this way, fetal HR and HRV provide an index of fetal ANS development and future neurobehavioral regulation. Fetal HR and HRV have been associated with child language ability and psychomotor development behavior in toddlerhood. However, their associations with postbirth autonomic brain systems, such as the brainstem, hypothalamus, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), have yet to be investigated even though brain pathways involved in autonomic regulation are well established in older individuals. We assessed whether fetal HR and HRV were associated with the brainstem, hypothalamic, and dACC functional connectivity in newborns. Data were obtained from 60 pregnant individuals (ages 14-42) at 24-27 and 34-37 weeks of gestation using a fetal actocardiograph to generate fetal HR and HRV. During natural sleep, their infants (38 males and 22 females) underwent a fMRI scan between 40 and 46 weeks of postmenstrual age. Our findings relate fetal heart indices to brainstem, hypothalamic, and dACC connectivity and reveal connections with widespread brain regions that may support behavioral and emotional regulation. We demonstrated the basic physiologic association between fetal HR indices and lower- and higher-order brain regions involved in regulatory processes. This work provides the foundation for future behavioral or physiological regulation research in fetuses and infants.

The Human Affectome

Over the last decades, theoretical perspectives in the interdisciplinary field of the affective sciences have proliferated rather than converged due to differing assumptions about what human affective phenomena are and how they work. These metaphysical and mechanistic assumptions, shaped by academic context and values, have dictated affective constructs and operationalizations. However, an assumption about the purpose of affective phenomena can guide us to a common set of metaphysical and mechanistic assumptions. In this capstone paper, we home in on a nested teleological principle for human affective phenomena in order to synthesize metaphysical and mechanistic assumptions. Under this framework, human affective phenomena can collectively be considered algorithms that either adjust based on the human comfort zone (affective concerns) or monitor those adaptive processes (affective features). This teleologically-grounded framework offers a principled agenda and launchpad for both organizing existing perspectives and generating new ones. Ultimately, we hope the Human Affectome brings us a step closer to not only an integrated understanding of human affective phenomena, but an integrated field for affective research.

The interference of negative emotional stimuli on semantic vigilance performance in a dual-task setting

A large body of previous research has shown that emotional stimuli have an advantage in a wide variety of cognitive processes. This was mainly observed in visual search and working memory tasks. Emotionally charged objects draw and hold attention, are remembered better, and interfere more with the completion of the primary task than neutral ones. Therefore, it seems reasonable to assume that emotional stimuli also greatly affect sustained attention and vigilance decrement. In the present research, we investigated whether emotional stimuli demand more attentional resources than neutral ones in a dual-task paradigm. We adopted the abbreviated semantic discrimination vigilance task and measured participants' (N = 49) performance in a single-task and two dual-task settings. In the dual-task conditions, the visual semantic vigilance paradigm was combined with an auditory word recall task (with neutral or emotional stimuli). We found reduced vigilance and improved word recall performance in the emotional dual-task condition compared to the neutral dual-task and single-task conditions. The reduced performance was apparent throughout the task, while in the neutral conditions, participants' performance first increased and then dropped as time progressed. To conclude, our results indicate that emotional stimuli not only have an advantage in cognitive processing but also demand more attentional resources continuously while it is present compared to neutral stimuli. These results are consistent with the emotionality effect theory and evolutionary accounts of the neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors associated with critical survival needs.

Determination of Toxic Elements in Cannabinoid and Opioid Drugs and Their Impact on Addicts' Health: A Comparative Study

Drug addiction is associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular complications, cancer, and mental disorders. Illicit drugs, such as cannabinoids and opioids, including prescription medications, are widely consumed and have profound health consequences. Understanding the health effects of the toxic elements in these substances is critical for overdose prevention and effective recovery strategies. This study aimed to determine toxic elements, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni), in cannabinoid and opioid drugs and in biological samples (whole blood, scalp hair, and serum) from 311 male drug abuse patients aged 15-60 years with a history of drug abuse. The participants were categorized into three age groups. The comparative analysis involved 113 reference subjects of the same age groups. The sample preparation employed microwave-assisted acid digestion, and the toxic elements were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Accuracy was ensured using certified reference materials for hair, whole blood, and serum samples. Drug-addicted subjects had significantly higher concentrations of toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and nickel) in biological samples than referent subjects (p > 0.001). Elevated levels of these toxic elements may increase susceptibility to infections, possibly due to malnutrition, drug-related effects, and additional contaminants. These findings necessitate further studies to explore the long-term health outcomes, potential treatment options, and broader socioeconomic impacts of substance abuse. This study serves as a baseline for future research in this critical public health field.

Heterogeneities of the perceptual-motor style during locomotion at height

In a recent review, we summarized the characteristics of perceptual-motor style in humans. Style can vary from individual to individual, task to task and pathology to pathology, as sensorimotor transformations demonstrate considerable adaptability and plasticity. Although the behavioral evidence for individual styles is substantial, much remains to be done to understand the neural and mechanical substrates of inter-individual differences in sensorimotor performance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the modulation of perceptual-motor style during locomotion at height in 16 persons with no history of fear of heights or acrophobia. We used an inexpensive virtual reality (VR) video game. In this VR game, Richie's Plank, the person progresses on a narrow plank placed between two buildings at the height of the 30th floor. Our first finding was that the static markers (head, trunk and limb configurations relative to the gravitational vertical) and some dynamic markers (jerk, root mean square, sample entropy and two-thirds power law at head, trunk and limb level) we had previously identified to define perceptual motor style during locomotion could account for fear modulation during VR play. Our second surprising result was the heterogeneity of this modulation in the 16 young, healthy individuals exposed to moving at a height. Finally, 56% of participants showed a persistent change in at least one variable of their skeletal configuration and 61% in one variable of their dynamic control during ground locomotion after exposure to height.

Psychometric Properties of an Emotional Communication Questionnaire for Education and Healthcare Professionals

Educational and healthcare professionals need to develop emotional communication with schoolchildren and patients, respectively. This study aims to analyse the psychometric properties of an instrument that evaluates emotional communication among these professionals. A total of 406 professionals and students of education and health sciences took part in the study. They were administered a questionnaire using a Google Form that collected different elements of emotional communication. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out from which three factors were extracted: Communicative Proactivity, Openness and Authenticity, and Listening. These were supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency of the scale is also adequate, ranging from 0.69 to 0.82. This instrument is valid, and, in a self-reported, straightforward and time-efficient manner, can assess the emotional communication of professionals and students of education and health sciences.

Mapping the brain basis of feelings, emotions and much more: A special issue focused on 'The Human Affectome'

The Human Affectome Project was launched by the non-profit organization Neuroqualia (www.neuroqualia.org) in 2015 with the seemingly impossible goal: To map a psychological process and form possible definitions and working models for affective states and related emotions. Twelve reviews based on emotions, feelings and motivation were written dedicated to mapping the brain basis of affect. A capstone piece 'The Human Affectome' provides a foundation for the special issue by giving detailed up-to-date definitions for key terms including feeling, affect, emotion and mood. Critically, the piece offers an overall model synthesizing three main features of affect: valence, motivation, and arousal. Affect itself is explored as the main umbrella function capturing all feeling states and related processes. Overall, the project and the special issue has been a highly successful interdisciplinary effort producing a novel approach that can be used to understand, guide and revise contemporary research on the brain basis of feeling and how diverse feeling states interact with each other in typical and atypical fashions.

Sex differences in the association of postural control with indirect measures of body representations

Besides anthropometric variables, high-order body representations have been hypothesised to influence postural control. However, this has not been directly tested before. Moreover, some studies indicate that sex moderates the relationship of anthropometry and postural control. Therefore, as a proof of concept we investigated the association of body representations with postural control as well as the influence of participants’ sex/gender. Body image measures were assessed with a figural drawing task. Body schema was tested by a covert and an overt task. Body sway was measured during normal bipedal quiet standing with eyes closed (with/without neck extended). Statistical analysis consisted of hierarchical multiple linear regressions with the following regression steps: (1) sensory condition, (2) sex/gender, (3) age, (4) anthropometry, (5) body schema, (6) body image, (7) sex/gender-interactions. Across 36 subjects (19 females), body schema was significantly associated with body sway variability and open-loop control, in addition to commonly known influencing factors, such as sensory condition, gender, age and anthropometry. While in females, also body image dissatisfaction substantially was associated with postural control, this was not the case in males. Sex differences and possible causes why high-order body representations may influence concurrent sensorimotor control of body sway are discussed.

Progress in sensorimotor neuroscience of schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Lessons learned and future directions

The number of neuroimaging studies on movement disorders, sensorimotor, and psychomotor functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) has steadily increased over the last two decades. Accelerated by the addition of the "sensorimotor domain" to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework in January 2019, neuroscience research on the role of sensorimotor dysfunction in SSD has gained greater scientific and clinical relevance. To draw attention to recent rapid progress in the field, we performed a triennial systematic review (PubMed search from January 1st^, 2018 through December 31st^, 2020), in which we highlight recent neuroimaging findings and discuss methodological pitfalls as well as challenges for future research. The identified magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies suggest that sensorimotor abnormalities in SSD are related to cerebello-thalamo-cortico-cerebellar network dysfunction. Longitudinal and interventional studies highlight the translational potential of the sensorimotor domain as putative biomarkers for treatment response and as targets for non-invasive neurostimulation techniques in SSD.

Great apes' understanding of biomechanics: eye-tracking experiments using three-dimensional computer-generated animations

Visual processing of the body movements of other animals is important for adaptive animal behaviors. It is widely known that animals can distinguish articulated animal movements even when they are just represented by points of light such that only information about biological motion is retained. However, the extent to which nonhuman great apes comprehend the underlying structural and physiological constraints affecting each moving body part, i.e., biomechanics, is still unclear. To address this, we examined the understanding of biomechanics in bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), following a previous study on humans (Homo sapiens). Apes underwent eye tracking while viewing three-dimensional computer-generated (CG) animations of biomechanically possible or impossible elbow movements performed by a human, robot, or nonhuman ape. Overall, apes did not differentiate their gaze between possible and impossible movements of elbows. However, some apes looked at elbows for longer when viewing impossible vs. possible robot movements, which indicates that they may have had knowledge of biomechanics and that this knowledge could be extended to a novel agent. These mixed results make it difficult to draw a firm conclusion regarding the extent to which apes understand biomechanics. We discuss some methodological features that may be responsible for the results, as well as implications for future nonhuman animal studies involving the presentation of CG animations or measurement of gaze behaviors.

Novice Nurses' Communication Skills When Addressing Aggression in Individuals Experiencing Psychosis: The Role of Emotional Regulation Capacity

Effective nursing practice is linked to a nurse's ability to regulate emotions and effectively communicate with patients. Novice nurses can feel unprepared when approaching individuals with psychosis who show aggressive behaviors. The current descriptive correlational study aimed to examine relationships among novice nurses' emotional regulation (ER) capacity, length of service, and communication skills, and investigate the predictive capacity of ER on communication skills in dealing with aggression among individuals with psychosis. A convenience sample of 133 novice nurses was obtained. Nurses who had been working for 19 to 24 months demonstrated significantly higher overall communication skills than those who had been working for 12 to 18 months and those who had been working <12 months (mean = 45.05 [SD = 10.89], mean = 41.43 [SD = 12.16], and mean = 38.44 [SD = 9.33], respectively; p = 0.03). In addition, a strong positive correlation was detected between ER strategies and communication skills. ER strategies were identified as independent precursors of novice nurses' communication skills. Incorporating ER and communication skills training in mental health nursing curricula is recommended. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

White Matter Changes With Rehabilitation in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have difficulty learning motor skills, which can affect their participation in activities of daily living and psychosocial well-being. Over 50% of children with DCD also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which further exacerbates their motor problems and impact on quality of life. A rehabilitation approach known as Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance uses problem-solving strategies to help children learn motor skills they wish to achieve. While this cognitive approach has been effective for children with DCD, few studies have examined the effectiveness of this approach for children with co-occurring ADHD. Further, the underlying mechanism and neural basis of this intervention are largely unknown.

Methods: In this randomized waitlist-controlled trial, we used MRI to examine white matter microstructure after intervention in 8–12-year-old children with DCD (n = 28) and with DCD and co-occurring ADHD (n = 25). Children in both groups were randomized to either a treatment group or waitlist group at their first MRI. The treatment group began the intervention after their MRI scan and returned for a post-treatment scan at 3 months, and follow-up scan at 6 months; the waitlist group waited 3 months before their second MRI, received the intervention, and then had a post-treatment scan. Each child received intervention once weekly for 10 weeks. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to acquire white matter diffusion parameters and was analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS).

Results and Conclusion: Children with DCD showed significant improvement in white matter microstructure in the bilateral anterior thalamic radiation, bilateral sensorimotor tract, bilateral cingulum, fornix, splenium and body of corpus callosum, right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, and white matter pathways to bilateral inferior gyri, right middle frontal gyrus, frontal medial cortex, and left cuneus. We suggest that these rehabilitation-induced neural changes in children with DCD occurred in regions associated with attention, self-regulation, motor planning, and inter-hemispheric communication, which positively affected brain connectivity and motor function. In contrast, children with DCD and co-occurring ADHD did not show any brain changes following the intervention. Modifications to the treatment protocol might help address the attentional and self-regulatory needs of children with a dual diagnosis.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02597751.

Emotional Dysregulation in Adolescents: Implications for the Development of Severe Psychiatric Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors

Well-tuned emotional regulation is fundamental for human life and psychological well-being. Negative physiological emotions are counterbalanced by positive ones, and this equilibrium is the mainstay of human physiological affective states. However, this mechanism may sometimes become dysfunctional when negative emotions are not correctly counterbalanced, causing maladaptive behaviors, especially during adolescence. A very interesting review by Young et al. was recently published (Brain Sci.2019, 9(4), 76) and stimulated us to reflect on this topic. The screening for emotional disturbances and dysregulation in adolescents must be included in all the preventive and interventional programs aimed to achieve both physical and psychological well-being of the population and early intervention should be provided in order to avoid progression toward clinically relevant psychiatric disorders in late adolescence and adulthood.