Neural adaptation of the reward system in primary dysmenorrhea.

Introduction: The brain's reward system (RS) reacts differently to pain and its alleviation. This study examined the correlation between RS activity and behavior during both painful and pain-free periods in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) to elucidate their varying responses throughout the menstrual cycle. Methods: Ninety-two individuals with PDM and 90 control participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) scans during their menstrual and peri-ovulatory phases. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analyses were used to evaluate RS responses. Psychological evaluations were conducted using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Results: ReHo analysis showed higher values in the left putamen and right amygdala of the PDM group during the peri-ovulatory phase compared to the menstrual phase. ALFF analysis revealed lower values in the putamen of the PDM group compared to controls, regardless of phase. ReHo and ALFF values in the putamen, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens were positively correlated with pain scales during menstruation, while ALFF values in the ventral tegmental area inversely correlated with pain intensity. Those with severe PDM (pain intensity ≥7) displayed distinct amygdala ALFF patterns between pain and pain-free phases. PDM participants also had lower ReHo values in the left insula during menstruation, with no direct correlation to pain compared to controls. Discussion: Our study highlights the pivotal role of the RS in dysmenorrhea management, exhibiting varied responses between menstrual discomfort and non-painful periods among individuals with PDM. During menstruation, the RS triggers mechanisms for pain avoidance and cognitive coping strategies, while it transitions to processing rewards during the peri-ovulatory phase. This demonstrates the flexibility of the RS in adapting to the recurring pain experienced by those with PDM.

Long-term musical training induces white matter plasticity in emotion and language networks.

Numerous studies have reported that long-term musical training can affect brain functionality and induce structural alterations in the brain. Singing is a form of vocal musical expression with an unparalleled capacity for communicating emotion; however, there has been relatively little research on neuroplasticity at the network level in vocalists (i.e., noninstrumental musicians). Our objective in this study was to elucidate changes in the neural network architecture following long-term training in the musical arts. We employed a framework based on graph theory to depict the connectivity and efficiency of structural networks in the brain, based on diffusion-weighted images obtained from 35 vocalists, 27 pianists, and 33 nonmusicians. Our results revealed that musical training (both voice and piano) could enhance connectivity among emotion-related regions of the brain, such as the amygdala. We also discovered that voice training reshaped the architecture of experience-dependent networks, such as those involved in vocal motor control, sensory feedback, and language processing. It appears that vocal-related changes in areas such as the insula, paracentral lobule, supramarginal gyrus, and putamen are associated with functional segregation, multisensory integration, and enhanced network interconnectivity. These results suggest that long-term musical training can strengthen or prune white matter connectivity networks in an experience-dependent manner.

Four psychological processes navigated by patients during their journey of healing and recovering from depression: a grounded theory study.

This study explored the psychological processes that patients navigated when healing and recovering from depression. A grounded theory approach was used. Twenty patients who had recovered from depression participated. Four categories emerged depicting the psychological processes navigated by the participants during the recovery process: (1) acceptance: acceptance of depression and agreement to treatment; (2) transformation: change of mindsets and behaviours; (3) adaptation: stress regulation and change of focus; (4) integration: progress of depressive symptoms and moving on with 'regular' life. Each phase is related to the other phases, mental health professionals could assist patients with depression achieve the integration phase.

Embodied metacognition as strengthened functional connection between neural correlates of metacognition and dance in dancers: exploring creativity implications.

Introduction: Dance education fosters embodied metacognition, enhancing student's creativity. This study examines the crucial role of functional connectivity (FC) between the neural correlates of metacognition (NCM) and dance (NCD) as the neurological foundation for dancers' embodied metacognition. The investigation also explores whether these consolidated FCs inform the general creativity in dancers. Methods: The research involved 29 dancers and 28 non-dancer controls. The study examined resting-state connections of the NCM through seed-based FC analysis. Correlation analyses were employed to investigate the connections between the targeted NCM-NCD FCs, initiated from the a priori NCM seed, and general creativity. Results: Dancers demonstrated heightened FC between NCM and NCD compared to non-dancer controls. The targeted regions included the putamen, globus pallidus, posterior cerebellum, and anterior insula of NCD. The dancers exhibited higher originality scores. In dancers, the enhanced FC showed a negative correlation with originality and a positive correlation with flexibility. Conversely, the controls exhibited no significant correlations. Discussion: Extended dance training enhances the NCM-NCD connection signifying embodied metacognition. This interconnectedness may serve as the neural predisposition for fostering general creativity performance in dancers. Dancers with heightened levels of originality could leverage the relatively weaker NCM-NCD FCs to facilitate better integration and coordination of creative cognitive processes. Our findings suggest that the consolidated functional connections as sculpted by domain-specific training may inform general creativity.

The rhythmic mind: brain functions of percussionists in improvisation.

Introduction: Percussionists stand out for their expertise in rhythm, with the network for musical rhythm (NMR) serving a vital neurological function in their improvisation, which is deeply rooted in comprehensive musical knowledge. Our research examines the central representations of various improvisation tactics used by percussionists and investigates the interactions between the NMR and other relevant neural networks. Methods: Twenty-five percussionists participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions, which included two cognitive strategies of improvisation. Structural improvisation (SIMP) emphasized rhythmic patterns, while free improvisation (FIMP) focused on musical spontaneity. Sight-reading scenario served as the reference condition. Paired t-tests were utilized for comparative analyses. Results: The findings revealed a dynamic interplay characterized by increased activity in the executive control network and NMR, along with decreased activity in the default mode network during SIMP. During FIMP, heightened activity was observed in the executive control network, NMR, limbic, and memory systems. In both SIMP vs. sight-reading and FIMP vs. sight-reading comparisons, the visual network's activity decreased, a trend also observed in the comparative analysis of FIMP vs. SIMP. Discussion: In SIMP, percussionists leverage external rhythmic signals, resulting in heightened NMR and ECN activity and reduced DMN activity. In contrast, FIMP is characterized by a rise in activity within the NMR, ECN, limbic system, memory system, and reward system, underscoring the vital roles of motivation and memory in the rapid production of spontaneous musical ideas within set frameworks. The diminished activity in the visual network during FIMP compared to SIMP suggests less reliance on visual stimuli in FIMP. These findings suggest that various improvisational tactics may engage different neural pathways.

Inner sense of rhythm: percussionist brain activity during rhythmic encoding and synchronization.

Introduction: The main objective of this research is to explore the core cognitive mechanisms utilized by exceptionally skilled percussionists as they navigate complex rhythms. Our specific focus is on understanding the dynamic interactions among brain regions, respectively, related to externally directed cognition (EDC), internally directed cognition (IDC), and rhythm processing, defined as the neural correlates of rhythm processing (NCRP). Methods: The research involved 26 participants each in the percussionist group (PG) and control group (CG), who underwent task-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions focusing on rhythm encoding and synchronization. Comparative analyses were performed between the two groups under each of these conditions. Results: Rhythmic encoding showed decreased activity in EDC areas, specifically in the right calcarine cortex, left middle occipital gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, and left inferior parietal lobule, along with reduced NCRP activity in the left dorsal premotor, right sensorimotor cortex, and left superior parietal lobule. During rhythmic synchronization, there was increased activity in IDC areas, particularly in the default mode network, and in NCRP areas including the left inferior frontal gyrus and bilateral putamen. Conversely, EDC areas like the right dorsolateral prefrontal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, and bilateral inferior parietal lobule showed decreased activity, as did NCRP areas including the bilateral dorsal premotor cortex, bilateral ventral insula, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, and left superior parietal lobule. Discussion: PG's rhythm encoding is characterized by reduced cognitive effort compared to CG, as evidenced by decreased activity in brain regions associated with EDC and the NCRP. Rhythmic synchronization reveals up-regulated IDC, down-regulated EDC involvement, and dynamic interplay among regions with the NCRP, suggesting that PG engages in both automatic and spontaneous processing simultaneously. These findings provide valuable insights into expert performance and present opportunities for improving music education.

Reward system neurodynamics during menstrual pain modulated by COMT Val158Met polymorphisms.

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), characterized by cyclic pain, may involve pain modulation within the reward system (RS). The Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism, which significantly influences dopamine activity, is linked to the regulation of both acute and chronic pain. This study examines the differential neurodynamic modulation in the RS associated with COMT Val158Met polymorphisms during menstrual pain among PDM subjects. Method: Ninety-one PDM subjects underwent resting-state fMRI during menstruation and were genotyped for COMT Val158Met polymorphisms. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and functional connectivity (FC) analyses were used to assess the RS response. Psychological evaluations included the McGill Pain Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Result: Val/Val homozygotes (n = 50) and Met carriers (n = 41) showed no significant differences in McGill Pain Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. However, Met carriers exhibited lower scores on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Distinct FC patterns was observed between Val/Val homozygotes and Met carriers, specifically between the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex, NAc and inferior parietal lobe, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and prefrontal cortex, VTA and precentral gyrus, and VTA and superior parietal lobe. Only Met carriers showed significant correlations between ALFF and FC values of the NAc and VTA with pain-related metrics (McGill Pain Questionnaire and Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores). NAc ALFF and NAc-prefrontal cortex FC values positively correlated with pain-related metrics, while VTA ALFF and VTA-prefrontal cortex and VTA-superior parietal lobe FC values negatively correlated with pain-related metrics. Discussion: This study reveals that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism results in genotype-specific functional changes in the brain's RS during menstrual pain. In Met carriers, engagement of these regions is potentially linked to motivational reward-seeking and top-down modulation. This polymorphism likely influences the RS's responses, significantly contributing to individual differences in pain regulation.

Trait representation of embodied cognition in dancers pivoting on the extended mirror neuron system: a resting-state fMRI study.

Introduction: Dance is an art form that integrates the body and mind through movement. Dancers develop exceptional physical and mental abilities that involve various neurocognitive processes linked to embodied cognition. We propose that dancers' primary trait representation is movement-actuated and relies on the extended mirror neuron system (eMNS). Methods: A total of 29 dancers and 28 non-dancer controls were recruited. A hierarchical approach of intra-regional and inter-regional functional connectivity (FC) analysis was adopted to probe trait-like neurodynamics within and between regions in the eMNS during rest. Correlation analyses were employed to examine the associations between dance training, creativity, and the FC within and between different brain regions. Results: Within the eMNS, dancers exhibited increased intra-regional FC in various brain regions compared to non-dancers. These regions include the left inferior frontal gyrus, left ventral premotor cortex, left anterior insula, left posterior cerebellum (crus II), and bilateral basal ganglia (putamen and globus pallidus). Dancers also exhibited greater intrinsic inter-regional FC between the cerebellum and the core/limbic mirror areas within the eMNS. In dancers, there was a negative correlation observed between practice intensity and the intrinsic FC within the eMNS involving the cerebellum and basal ganglia. Additionally, FCs from the basal ganglia to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were found to be negatively correlated with originality in dancers. Discussion: Our results highlight the proficient communication within the cortical-subcortical hierarchy of the eMNS in dancers, linked to the automaticity and cognitive-motor interactions acquired through training. Altered functional couplings in the eMNS can be regarded as a unique neural signature specific to virtuoso dancers, which might predispose them for skilled dancing performance, perception, and creation.

Corrigendum: Enhanced intrinsic functional connectivity in the visual system of visual artist: implications for creativity.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1114771.].

Enhanced intrinsic functional connectivity in the visual system of visual artist: Implications for creativity.

Introduction: This study sought to elucidate the cognitive traits of visual artists (VAs) from the perspective of visual creativity and the visual system (i.e., the most fundamental neural correlate). Methods: We examined the local and long-distance intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) of the visual system to unravel changes in brain traits among VAs. Twenty-seven university students majoring in visual arts and 27 non-artist controls were enrolled. Results: VAs presented enhanced local FC in the right superior parietal lobule, right precuneus, left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), left superior parietal lobule, left angular gyrus, and left middle occipital gyrus. VAs also presented enhanced FC with the ITG that targeted the visual area (occipital gyrus and cuneus), which appears to be associated with visual creativity. Discussion: The visual creativity of VAs was correlated with strength of intrinsic functional connectivity in the visual system. Learning-induced neuroplasticity as a trait change observed in VAs can be attributed to the macroscopic consolidation of consociated neural circuits that are engaged over long-term training in the visual arts and aesthetic experience. The consolidated network can be regarded as virtuoso-specific neural fingerprint.

Enhanced white matter fiber tract of the cortical visual system in visual artists: implications for creativity.

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the white matter characteristics of visual artists (VAs) in terms of visual creativity and the structural connectivity within the cortical visual system. Methods: Diffusion spectrum imaging was utilized to examine the changes in white matter within the cortical visual system of a group of VAs (n = 25) in comparison to a group of healthy controls matched for age and education (n = 24). To assess the integrity of white matter and its relationship with visual creativity, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using region-based and track-specific tractographic examinations. Results: Our study uncovered that VAs demonstrated increased normalized quantitative anisotropy in specific brain regions, including the right inferior temporal gyrus and right lateral occipital gyrus, along with the corresponding white matter fiber tracts connecting these regions. These enhancements within the cortical visual system were also found to be correlated with measures of visual creativity obtained through psychological assessments. Discussion: The noted enhancement in the white matter within the cortical visual system of VAs, along with its association with visual creativity, is consistent with earlier research demonstrating heightened functional connectivity in the same system among VAs. Our study's findings suggest a link between the visual creativity of VAs and structural alterations within the brain's visual system.

Adaptive neuroplasticity in the default mode network contributing to absence of central sensitization in primary dysmenorrhea.

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), the most prevalent gynecological problem among women of reproductive age, presents as a regular pattern of cyclic menstrual pain. The presence or absence of central sensitization (i.e., pain hypersensitivity) in cases of PDM is a contentious issue. Among Caucasians, the presence of dysmenorrhea is associated with pain hypersensitivity throughout the menstrual cycle, indicating pain amplification mediated by the central nervous system. We previously reported on the absence of central sensitization to thermal pain among Asian PDM females. In this study, functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to reveal mechanisms underlying pain processing with the aim of explaining the absence of central sensitization in this population. Methods: Brain responses to noxious heat applied to the left inner forearm of 31 Asian PDM females and 32 controls during their menstrual and periovulatory phases were analyzed. Results and discussion: Among PDM females experiencing acute menstrual pain, we observed a blunted evoked response and de-coupling of the default mode network from the noxious heat stimulus. The fact that a similar response was not observed in the non-painful periovulatory phase indicates an adaptive mechanism aimed at reducing the impact of menstrual pain on the brain with an inhibitory effect on central sensitization. Here we propose that adaptive pain responses in the default mode network may contribute to the absence of central sensitization among Asian PDM females. Variations in clinical manifestations among different PDM populations can be attributed to differences in central pain processing.

Variant brain-derived neurotrophic factor val66met polymorphism engages memory-associated systems to augment olfaction.

The neurogenetic basis of variability in human olfactory function remains elusive. This study examined olfactory performance and resting-state functional neuroimaging results from healthy volunteers within the context of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) val66met polymorphism with the aim of unraveling the genotype-associated intrinsic reorganization of the olfactory network. We found that the presence of the Met allele is associated with better olfactory identification and additional engagement of semantic memory system within the olfactory network, in an allele dosage-dependent manner. This suggests that the Met allele may promote adaptive neural reorganization to augment olfactory capacity.

Nursing graduates' lived experiences of anxiety during their final year at University: a phenomenological study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students voiced that they were stressed or anxious during their final year at university. Further, they articulated that their anxiety affected their academic performance as well as their motivation to work on their clinical placement. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to describe nursing graduates' perceptions of their lived experiences of anxiety during their final year. DESIGN: Phenomenology was chosen. SETTINGS: Three universities in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sample of 18 nursing graduates with experiences of anxiety. METHODS: Data were collected using a semi-structured interview and analyzed utilizing Colaizzi's seven-step method. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the findings. The first was: uncertainty about future employment. This included negative clinical practicum experiences impacted on future career choices and uncertainty about future workplace choices. The second theme was: emotional relationships and life experiences becoming chaotic. This included anxiety about the loss of established relationships and financial insecurities. The third theme was: three phases of anxiety experienced in preparation for the national examination. They comprised: feeling anxiety but not taking action to study; increasing anxiety and beginning to study and, exacerbated anxiety and cramming for the national examination. The fourth theme was: adjustment strategies. They involved; looking for support to release emotional stress; changing the situation and fine-tuning the stress; positive thinking and self-affirmations and also, self-reflecting and consolidating learning. CONCLUSIONS: Finding could inform nursing teachers on nurses' lived experiences of anxiety during their final year, especially that related to the national examination before registration. Further, findings could be used as a map to facilitate nursing teachers in the provision of suitable teaching and counselling for final year students to alleviate their anxiety.

Changes in resting-state functional connectivity in nonacute sciatica with acupuncture modulation: A preliminary study.

AIMS: To investigate the functional connectivity (FC) in nonacute sciatica and the neuronal correlation of acupuncture analgesia. METHODS: A prospective study employing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted. Twelve sciatica patients were enrolled to receive six or 18 acupoints of acupuncture treatment twice a week for 4 weeks. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed-based FC were performed. RESULTS: Regional homogeneity analysis demonstrated a greater alteration in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) during the pre-acupuncture phase than during the postacupuncture phase. Compared to that of healthy controls, the PCC-seeded FC (default mode network, DMN) of sciatica patients exhibited hyperconnectivity of PCC-FC with the PCC-bilateral insula, cerebellum, inferior parietal lobule, right medial prefrontal cortex, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex during the pre-acupuncture phase as well as hypoconnectivity of PCC-FC with the right cerebellum, left precuneus, and left dorsal medial prefrontal cortex during the postacupuncture phase. Correlation analysis between PCC-seeded FC and behavior measurements revealed a positive association with the duration of sciatica in the right inferior parietal lobule prior to acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture in chronic sciatica patients is associated with normalized DMN activity and modulation of descending pain processing. The changes in the subclinical endophenotype of brain FC after acupuncture treatment may provide clues for understanding the mechanism of acupuncture-mediated analgesia in chronic pain.

Differing Spontaneous Brain Activity in Healthy Adults with Two Different Body Constitutions: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners assess body constitution (BC) as a treatment basis for maintaining body homeostasis. We investigated patterns in spontaneous brain activity in different BC groups using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and determined the relationship between these patterns and quality of life (QOL). Thirty-two healthy individuals divided into two groups (body constitution questionnaire (BCQ)-gentleness [BCQ-G] and BCQ-deficiency [BCQ-D]) based on the body constitution questionnaire (BCQ) underwent rsfMRI to analyze regional homogeneity (ReHo) and the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (brief edition) scale was used to evaluate the QOL. The BCQ-G group (n = 18) had significantly greater ReHo values in the right postcentral gyrus and lower ALFF values in the brainstem than the BCQ-D group (n = 14). In the BCQ-D group, decreased ReHo of the postcentral gyrus correlated with better physiological functioning; increased ALFF in the brainstem correlated with poor QOL. BCQ-subgroup analysis revealed a nonsignificant correlation between ReHo and Yang deficiency/phlegm and stasis (Phl & STA). Nonetheless, the BCQ-D group showed a positive correlation between ALFF and Phl & STA in the parahippocampus. This study identified differences between BCQ-G and BCQ-D types of healthy adults based on the rsfMRI analysis. The different BCQ types with varied brain endophenotypes may elucidate individualized TCM treatment strategies.

The OPRM1 A118G polymorphism modulates the descending pain modulatory system for individual pain experience in young women with primary dysmenorrhea.

The mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) A118G polymorphism underpins different pain sensitivity and opioid-analgesic outcome with unclear effect on the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS). Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), the most prevalent gynecological problem with clear painful and pain free conditions, serves as a good clinical model of spontaneous pain. The objective of this imaging genetics study was therefore to explore if differences in functional connectivity (FC) of the DPMS between the OPRM1 A118G polymorphisms could provide a possible explanation for the differences in pain experience. Sixty-one subjects with PDM and 65 controls participated in the current study of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the menstruation and peri-ovulatory phases; blood samples were taken for genotyping. We studied 3 aspects of pain experience, namely, mnemonic pain (recalled overall menstrual pain), present pain (spontaneous menstrual pain), and experimental pain (thermal pain) intensities. We report that G allele carriers, in comparison to AA homozygotes, exhibited functional hypo-connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Furthermore, G allele carriers lost the correlation with spontaneous pain experience and exhibited dysfunctional DPMS by means of PAG-seeded FC dynamics. This OPRM1 A118G-DPMS interaction is one plausible neurological mechanism underlying the individual differences in pain experience.

Symptom distress and quality of life after stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with pituitary tumors: a questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a common treatment for recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas. The persistence of symptoms and treatment related complications may impair the patient's quality of life (QOL). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine symptom distress, QOL, and the relationship between them among patients with pituitary tumors who had undergone SRS. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling. We enrolled patients diagnosed with pituitary tumors who had undergone SRS. Data were collected at the CyberKnife Center at a medical center in Northern Taiwan in 2012. A questionnaire survey was used for data collection. Our questionnaire consisted of 3 parts the Pituitary Tumor Symptom Distress Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Short-Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. The most common symptoms reported by patients after SRS were memory loss, fatigue, blurred vision, headache, sleep problems, and altered libido. The highest and lowest scores for QOL were in the environmental and psychological domains, respectively. Age was positively correlated with general health and the psychological domains. Level of symptom distress was negatively correlated with overall QOL, general health, physical health, and the psychological and social relationships domains. The scores in the psychological and environmental domains were higher in males than in females. Patients with ≤6 symptoms had better overall QOL, general health, physical health, and psychological and social relationships than those with >6 symptoms. CONCLUSION: Symptom distress can affect different aspects of patient QOL. Levels of symptom distress, number of symptoms, age, and gender were variables significantly correlated with patient QOL. These results may be utilized by healthcare personnel to design educational and targeted interventional programs for symptom management to improve patient QOL.