Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography Software Research Articles

Is parental overcontrol a specific form of child maltreatment? Insights from a resting state EEG connectivity study

IntroductionRecent studies suggest that parental overcontrol could be considered a specific form of childhood trauma (CT). Although previous research has shown that CT alters the functional and structural architecture of large-scale networks in the brain, the neural basis associated with parental overcontrol has not been sufficiently explored. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between parental overcontrol and electroencephalography (EEG) triple network (TN) functional connectivity during the resting state (RS) condition in a non-clinical sample (N = 71; 39 females, mean age 23.94 ± 5.89 SD). MethodsEEG was recorded during 5 min of RS with eyes closed. All participants were asked to self-report maternal and paternal overcontrol, CT and general psychopathology. All EEG analyses were performed using the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography software (eLORETA). ResultsOur results showed a significant positive correlation between maternal overcontrol and theta connectivity between the salience network and the central executive network. This connectivity pattern was independently associated with maternal overcontrol even when controlling for relevant confounding variables, including the severity of CT and the general level of psychopathology. This neurophysiological pattern may reflect a predisposition to detect and respond to potentially threatening stimuli in the environment, which is typically associated with excessive overcontrol. ConclusionsOur findings support the hypothesis that parental overcontrol should be considered a form of CT in all respects independent of the forms traditionally studied in the literature (i.e., emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and physical and emotional neglect).

Epileptic diathesis: An EEG-LORETA study

ObjectiveEpileptic diathesis is an inherited neurophysiological trait that contributes to the development of all types of epilepsy. The amount of resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) theta activity is proportional to the degree of cortical excitability and epileptic diathesis. Our aim was to explore the amount and topographic distribution of theta activity in epilepsy groups. We hypothesized that the anatomical distribution of increased theta activity is independent of the epilepsy type. MethodsPatients with unmedicated idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE, n = 92) or focal epilepsy (FE, n = 149) and non-seizure patients with mild to moderate cerebral lesions (NONEP, n = 99) were compared to healthy controls (NC, n = 114). We analysed artifact-free EEG activity and defined multiple distributed sources of theta activity in the source space via low resolution electromagnetic tomography software. Age-corrected and Z-transformed theta values were compared across the groups. ResultsThe rank of increased theta activity was IGE > FE > NONEP > NC. Both epilepsy groups showed significantly more theta activity than did the NC group. Maximum theta abnormality occurred in the medial-basal prefrontal and anterior temporal cortex in both epilepsy groups. ConclusionsWe confirmed the hypothesis outlined above. SignificanceThe common topographical pattern of increased EEG theta activity is correlated with epileptic diathesis, regardless of the epilepsy type.

Triple network in adolescents with borderline personality disorder, early traumatic experiences and dissociative symptoms: An eloreta study

IntroductionTriple Network Model (TNM), which considers the dynamic interaction between Default Mode (DMN), Salience (SN), and Central Executive (CEN) networks, explains clinical features in mental disorders from a neurophysiological perspective. Some studies highlight the increased connectivity in TNM in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but little is known about adolescents.ObjectivesThe aim of our preliminary study was to investigate TN functional connectivity (FC) in BPD adolescents with a history of traumatic experiences, and its correlation with dissociative symptoms.Methods15 BPD adolescents (DSM-5 criteria) with early traumatic experiences were compared to 15 healthy controls, matched for sex and age. Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q) was administered. Eyes-closed resting-state (RS) EEG recordings were performed (19 electrodes; 10- 20 system) and analyzed using Exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). FC was computed for all frequency bands and 9 Regions of Interest for TNM.ResultsBPD adolescents showed a hyper-connection between CEN and DMN [dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC); PCC and left posterior parietal cortex (PPC)] and within the CEN (left and right PPC). The strength of PCC-dlPFC and left-right PPC connections was correlated with dissociative symptoms severity.ConclusionsFC alterations can already be identified in BPD adolescents, supporting the need for early diagnosis. Normally DMN and CEN show opposite functioning. In our BPD adolescents, the absence of this “anti-correlation” reflects the typical confusion between internal and external mental states, which clarify their difficulties in metacognition or mentalization. Moreover, in dissociative symptoms, two CEN nodes are also involved, not only DMN as previously described.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Resting-State Brain Network Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis Participants: Evidence from Electroencephalography and Graph Theoretical Analysis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system that causes focal lesions of gray and white matter. However, the functional impairments of brain networks in this disease are still unspecified and need to be clearer. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we investigate the resting-state brain network impairments for MS participants in comparison to a normal group using electroencephalography (EEG) and graph theoretical analysis with a source localization method. Thirty-four age- and gender-matched participants from each MS group and normal group participated in this study. We recorded 5 min of EEG in the resting-state eyes open condition for each participant. One min (15 equal 4-sec artifact-free segments) of the EEG signals were selected for each participant, and the Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software was employed to calculate the functional connectivity among whole cortical regions in six frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta1, beta2, and beta3). Graph theoretical analysis was used to calculate the clustering coefficient (CL), betweenness centrality (BC), shortest path length (SPL), and small-world propensity (SWP) for weighted connectivity matrices. Nonparametric permutation tests were utilized to compare these measures between groups. Results: Significant differences between the MS group and the normal group in the average of BC and SWP were found in the alpha band. The significant differences in the BC were spread over all lobes. Conclusion: These results suggest that the resting-state brain network for the MS group is disrupted in local and global scales, and EEG has the capability of revealing these impairments.

Dysregulated brain salience within a triple network model in high trait anxiety individuals: A pilot EEG functional connectivity study

Although previous studies have reported the association between large-scale brain networks alterations and pathological anxiety, abnormalities in the dynamic interaction among the triple network model in anxiety disorders and, especially, in trait anxiety is still poorly explored. Thus, the main aim of the current study was to investigate triple network functional dynamics in subjects with high trait anxiety during resting state (RS) through electroencephalography (EEG) connectivity.Twenty-three individuals with high-trait-anxiety (HTA) and forty-five participants with low-trait-anxiety (LTA) were enrolled. EEG analyses were conducted by means of the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Compared to LTA participants, HTA subjects showed a decrease of alpha connectivity within the salience network (SN), between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and both left and right anterior insula (AI). Furthermore, SN functional connectivity strength was negatively correlated with higher trait anxiety, even when controlling for potential confounding variables (e.g., depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms).Taken together, our results point out a specific functional connectivity pattern in HTA individuals, which consists in a dysfunctional communication within the SN, specifically in the AI-dACC pathway. This functional pattern could underline, at rest, saliency detection and brain correlates of altereted emotion regulation and cognitive control processes typically involved in anxiety.

Electroencephalographic correlates of body shape concerns: an eLORETA functional connectivity study.

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body shape concerns and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity within body image network in a sample of university students (N = 68). EEG was recorded during 5min of resting state. All participants were asked to complete self-report measures assessing certain psychopathological dimensions (i.e., body shape concerns, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms). EEG analyses were conducted by means of the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography software(eLORETA). Our results showed that body shape concerns were positively associated with increased gamma functional connectivity between the left and right prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, our data revealed that this EEG pattern was independently associated with body shape concerns after controlling for potential socio-demographic and clinical confounding variables. This finding seems to suggest that increased EEG gamma connectivity between the left and right PFC might be a relevant neurophysiological alteration involved in the development and/or maintenance of dysfunctional concerns about one's body.

Neurophysiological correlates of religious coping to stress: a preliminary EEG power spectra investigation

Religious coping to psychological stress has been linked to positive outcomes on both physical and mental health, but no studies have explored its neurophysiological correlates. Ninety-six participants (43 men and 53 women, mean age: 22.30 ± 2.48 years) were enrolled in the present study; they underwent an evaluation of coping with the brief version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (brief-COPE) scale and performed an eyes-closed resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. EEG analyses were conducted with the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Positive correlations between religious coping and EEG activity were observed in the theta frequency band in the right hemisphere, specifically in the superior temporal, inferior frontal, and middle temporal gyri. Religious coping scores were significantly positively associated with active coping and positive reframing coping strategies, with the latter not being significantly associated with EEG data. Taken together our results contribute to increase the knowledge on the neurophysiological concomitants of religious coping to stress.

Increased Resting State Triple Network Functional Connectivity in Undergraduate Problematic Cannabis Users: A Preliminary EEG Coherence Study.

An increasing body of experimental data have suggested that aberrant functional interactions between large-scale networks may be the most plausible explanation of psychopathology across multiple mental disorders, including substance-related and addictive disorders. In the current research, we have investigated the association between problematic cannabis use (PCU) and triple-network electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity. Twelve participants with PCU and 24 non-PCU participants were included in the study. EEG recordings were performed during resting state (RS). The exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA) was used for all EEG analyses. Compared to non-PCU, PCU participants showed an increased delta connectivity between the salience network (SN) and central executive network (CEN), specifically, between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and right posterior parietal cortex. The strength of delta connectivity between the SN and CEN was positively and significantly correlated with higher problematic patterns of cannabis use after controlling for age, sex, educational level, tobacco use, problematic alcohol use, and general psychopathology (rp = 0.40, p = 0.030). Taken together, our results show that individuals with PCU could be characterized by a specific dysfunctional interaction between the SN and CEN during RS, which might reflect the neurophysiological underpinnings of attentional and emotional processes of cannabis-related thoughts, memories, and craving.

Abnormal EEG Power Spectrum in Individuals with High Autistic Personality Traits: an eLORETA Study

Autistic traits lie on a continuously distributed spectrum ranging from non-clinical to clinical conditions. Indeed, autistic traits have been observed in general population at sub-threshold levels. Here, the main aim was to investigate differences in resting state (RS) electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectrum in individuals with high vs. low autistic traits. Fifty undergraduates completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Empathy Quotient (EQ). For each participant five minutes of RS-EEG were recorded and analysed by means of the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). A Two-Step Cluster Analysis revealed two groups: high autistic traits (AT+) and low autistic traits (AT−) group. Compared to AT−, AT+ individuals showed an increase of delta power in parietal/occipital and cortico-limbic areas. No alterations were observed in other frequency bands. Furthermore, both AQ and EQ total scores were positively correlated with delta EEG power after controlling for sex, age, and subclinical psychopathological traits. Results show that AT+ individuals exhibit an increase in slow RS EEG power in regions involved in self-referential processes, suggesting a reduction in these internally directed mental activities and adding new evidence on the existence of a continuum in the autistic spectrum which spreads from clinical to non-clinical significance.

Electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with high subclinical eating pathology levels: a quantitative EEG study.

To explore electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with different eating disorder (ED) psychopathology levels. Thirty-seven young women completed general and ED psychopathology (i.e., the ED Examination Questionnaire; EDE-Q) measures. EEG power spectra data were investigated in two conditions: (a) 5 min of resting state (RS) and (b) 5 min of RS after a single taste of a milkshake (ML-RS). EEG analyses were performed using exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Cluster analysis performed on the EDE-Q responses revealed a group of 17 women with high levels of ED pathology falling into the subclinical (i.e., sub-threshold) EDs category and a group of 20 women with low levels of ED pathology (controls). In the RS conditions, no significant modifications were observed between groups. Compared to controls, women with subclinical EDs showed an increase in theta activity in the parieto-occipital areas in the ML-RS condition. After controlling for body mass index and general psychopathology, theta activity in these brain structures was positively associated with EDE-Q global and subscale (restraint, shape and weight concern) scores. Our results may reflect the neurophysiological substrate of ED psychopathology core features like shape/weight concerns. Previous brain imaging and qEEG studies with full-syndrome ED patients also underscored the involvement of parieto-occipital areas in ED pathophysiology. These studies also found brain alterations in the RS condition, not observed here. This is notable given that full-syndrome and subclinical EDs are considered as different manifestations of the same disease along a severity spectrum. Level V, cross-sectional, electroencephalographic, descriptive study.

Default mode network alterations in individuals with high-trait-anxiety: An EEG functional connectivity study.

Although several researches investigated Default Mode Network (DMN) alterations in individuals with anxiety disorders, up to now no studies have investigated DMN functional connectivity in non-clinical individuals with high-trait-anxiety using quantitative electroencephalography (EEG). Here, the main aim was to extend previous findings investigating the association between trait anxiety and DMN EEG functional connectivity. Twenty-three individuals with high-trait-anxiety and twenty-four controls were enrolled. EEG was recorded during 5 min of resting state (RS). EEG analyses were conducted by means of the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Compared to controls, individuals with high-trait-anxiety showed a decrease of theta connectivity between right medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and right posterior cingulate/retrosplenial cortex. A decrease of beta connectivity was also observed between right mPFC and right anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, DMN functional connectivity strength was negatively related with STAI-T total score (i.e., lower connectivity was associated with higher trait anxiety), even when controlling for potential confounding variables (i.e., sex, age, and general psychopathology). Small sample size makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Furthermore, we did not assess state variation of anxiety, which make our interpretation specific to trait anxiety. Taken together, our results suggest that high-trait-anxiety individuals fail to synchronize DMN during RS, reflecting a possible top-down cognitive control deficit. These results may help in the understanding of the individual differences in functional brain networks associated with trait anxiety, a crucial aim in the prevention and in the early etiology understanding of clinical anxiety and related sequelae.

Self-guided Positive Imagery Training: Effects beyond the Emotions-A Loreta Study.

Previously we demonstrated that a 12-week lasting self-guided positive imagery training had a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of healthy subjects and was associated with an increase in functional connectivity in the brain. Here we repeated the previous project, but expanded the study, testing the hypothesis that training can also affect cognitive functions. Twenty subjects (half of them with subthreshold depression according CES-D) participated in the program of positive imagery training for 12 weeks. The schedule began with group training for 2 days, followed by training at home. Evaluations of cognitive functions and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity were conducted during three examinations as follows: E0-baseline (1 month before the training); E1-pre-training and E2-post-training. CNS Vital Signs battery was used to test the following cognitive domains: verbal and visual memory, executive functions, cognitive flexibility, social acuity, non-verbal reasoning. EEGs (19-channel) were recorded at rest with closed eyes and analyzed with Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography software. One-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by pairwise comparison showed a significant increase after training (E2 vs. E1; E2 vs. E0) in the number of correct hits for positive emotions received during perception of emotions test (POET); after the sample was split according to the initial presence of depressive symptoms, the effect was present only in the subgroup with subthreshold depressive symptomatology. Post-training (E2 vs. E1; E2 vs. E0) the number of correct answers on non-verbal reasoning test increased; this effect was observed only in the subgroup that does have any depressive symptoms. Comparison of EEG post-training vs. pre-training demonstrated a significant reduction in current source density (CSD) after the training in the left hemisphere (insular cortex, frontal and temporal lobes in delta, theta and alpha1 bands). The observed changes were presented only in the subgroup with initial subthreshold depressive symptomatology. A negative correlation was found between POET and CSD in the left insular cortex for theta band. No significant differences were observed when data from EEG and cognitive tests obtained during pre-training were compared with baseline values. Potential use of training for the rehabilitation of various disturbances with cognitive and emotional deficits is discussed.

Standardized Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (s_LORETA) is a Sensitive Indicator of Protracted Neuropsychological Impairments Following “Mild” (Concussive) Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Differentiation of patients who have sustained a mild TBI and who show continued difficulties with adaptation is a major clinical challenge and a time-consuming process when classical neuropsychological testing is involved. LORETA (Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) was employed to discern its sensitivity for differentiating the regions of the cerebrum for patients who exhibited continued difficulties with adaptation and showed either no or formal neuropsychological impairment years after the injury. Methods: The quantitative electroencephalographic data for total of 14 patients who had sustained a mild TBI and who either displayed moderately-severe neuropsychological impairment (n=7) or did not (n=7) according to the results of a standardized battery were analyzed by s_LORETA software. The centroid Talairach (X,Y,Z) components for each major frequency band that were significantly different between the two populations were computed. Results: Averaged s_LORETAs demonstrated that the group of patients who displayed formal moderate-severe neuropsychological impairments more than five years after the injury displayed differential power values compared to the group of patients who also sustained a TBI but exhibited no formal impairment within regions that were consistent with the residual subjective symptoms. The s_LORETA analyses, including data collection, required less than 1 hr. Conclusion: A 30 minute sample of QEEG data when applied to s_LORETA software can reveal the general regions of the cerebrum that remain anomalous for years after the initial injury. Employment of this technology could be more efficient and provide greater precision for the strategic interventions that could facilitate the patients’ adaptation.

Cortical reorganization in dyslexic children after phonological training: evidence from early evoked potentials

Brain plasticity was investigated in 14 Italian children affected by developmental dyslexia after 6 months of phonological training. The means used to measure language reorganization was the recognition potential, an early wave, also called N150, elicited by automatic word recognition. This component peaks over the left temporo-occipital cortex and its amplitude depends on linguistic expertise. N150 elicited by written words was measured both in dyslexic children before and after training and in a sample of matched normal readers during phonological, semantic and orthographic tasks. After training, dyslexic children increased their reading speed. Normal readers showed a typical left posterior N150, whereas in dyslexic children it was equally distributed across hemispheres before and shifted to left posterior sites after training. In addition, dyslexics' left posterior N150 asymmetry on the phonological task after training was significantly correlated with reading speed improvement, that is, those children who showed the greatest left shift in phonological N150 also had the greatest reading speed improvement. Source localization of the N150 component was made with both the Standard Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software and the classical dipole analysis method termed Brain Electrical Source Analysis. The N150 generator lies in the left occipito-temporal cortex (Brodmann areas 39, 37 and 19) in good readers, but in right homologous areas in dyslexic children before training. After the treatment, the dyslexics' main N150 generator shifted to the left occipito-inferotemporal cortex (namely Brodmann areas 37 and 19) with small differences between tasks. The two source location methods provided consistent, converging solutions. Results add to the current literature on the phonological hypothesis of dyslexia by showing hemispheric reorganization of linguistic networks at the level of early word recognition potential. Furthermore, the present work is the first to investigate brain reorganization in a regular/transparent language like Italian.