Neurobiological Interventions Research Articles

The biopolitics of algorithmic governmentality: How the US military imagines war in the age of neurobiology and artificial intelligence

With the objective to predict and pre-empt the emergence of political violence, the US Department of Defence (DoD) has devoted increasing attention to the intersection between neurobiology and artificial intelligence. Concepts such as ‘cognitive biotechnologies’, ‘digital biosecurity’ and large-scale collection of ‘neurodata’ herald a future in which neurobiological intervention on a global scale is believed to come of age. This article analyses how the relationship between neurobiology and AI – between the human and the machine – is conceived, made possible, and acted upon within the SMA programme, an interdisciplinary research programme sponsored by the DoD. By showcasing the close intersection between the computer sciences and the neurosciences within the US military, the article questions descriptions of algorithmic governmentality as decentring the human, and as juxtaposed to biopolitical techniques to regulate processes of subjectivity. The article shows that within US military discourse, new biotechnologies are seen to engender algorithmic governmentality a biopolitical dimension, capable of monitoring and regulating emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and subjectivity on population level, particularly targeting the minds and brains of ‘vulnerable’ populations in the global South.

Pedophilia-Social Shame at present

Presently in the society main pathetic and cruel news is sexual harassment as well as molestation towards children, girls,women even old age people also. By keeping this concept to make people aware have taken this initiation to put lighton a very interesting topic i.e. Pedophilia. Pedophilia is a type of illness in conventional usage, a psychosexual disorder,commonly affecting adults, manifested by sexual interest in preteen children or attempts to engage in sexual acts withprepubescent children. The word pedophilia originates from the Greek παῖς, παιδός (paîs, paidós) means “child”, andφιλία (philía), “friendly love” or “friendship”. The term paedophilia erotica was thought up in an 1886 article by theViennese psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,fourth edition text revised the fantasies, sexual urges or behaviors must cause clinically significant distress or impairmentin social, occupational or other important areas of daily functioning. Some psychological treatment ways for treating thisdisease are Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Neurobiological Interventions etc.

Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Social and Criminal Transgressions.

Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is associated with social and criminal transgressions; studies from countries around the world have documented such behavior in persons with this condition. An overview and analysis of social and criminal transgressions in bvFTD and their potential neurobiological mechanisms can provide a window for understanding the relationship of antisocial behavior and the brain. This review evaluated the literature on the frequency of social and criminal transgressions in bvFTD and the neurobiological disturbances that underlie them. There is a high frequency of transgressions among patients with bvFTD due to impairments in neurocognition, such as social perception, behavioral regulation, and theory of mind, and impairments in social emotions, such as self-conscious emotions and empathy. Additionally, there is significant evidence for a specific impairment in an innate sense of morality. Alterations in these neurobiological processes result from predominantly right-hemisphere pathology in frontal (ventromedial, orbitofrontal, inferolateral frontal), anterior temporal (amygdala, temporal pole), limbic (anterior cingulate, amygdala), and insular regions. Overlapping disturbances in neurocognition, social emotions, and moral reasoning result from disease in the mostly mesial and right-sided frontotemporal network necessary for responding emotionally to others and for behavioral control. With increased sophistication in neurobiological interventions, future goals may be the routine evaluation of these processes among individuals with bvFTD who engage in social and criminal transgressions and the targeting of these neurobiological mechanisms with behavioral, pharmacological, and other interventions.

A Framework for Clinical Trials of Neurobiological Interventions That Target the Gut-Brain Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A growing body of evidence from preclinical, translational, and clinical studies supports a bidirectional relationship within the gut-brain axis that contributes to neurobiological symptoms including anxiety, depression, fatigue, stress, and sleep disturbance. These symptoms have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and functional ability in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical studies that generate high-quality evidence on pharmacological and nonpharmacological (eg, psychosocial, behavioral) interventions are needed to ultimately improve access to safe and effective therapies that have a meaningful impact on patients and to guide medical and regulatory decisions. This review outlines a framework for designing and conducting randomized controlled trials for interventions that target neurobiological symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease based on the most recent guidance published within the past 5 years from policy makers, clinicians specialized in inflammatory bowel disease, patient-reported outcomes methodologists, health economists, patient advocates, industry representatives, ethicists, and clinical trial experts.

Exploring Potential Neurobiological Parallels of Restrictive Behaviour: Anorexia Nervosa and Chew and Spit (CHSP)

Consensus for where along the eating disorder spectrum the pathological eating behaviour of Chew and Spit (CHSP) falls has been a point of contention in academic literature. Using the case of Mary1, a 30 year old female from Australia who has engaged in excessive restrictive behaviour, was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) and has been engaging in Chew and Spit (CHSP) behaviour for over 10 years, the current paper examines the similarities from a neurobiological perspective between restrictive behaviours (akin with AN) and CHSP. In order to better understand the similarities between restrictive and CHSP behaviours and to begin gaining insight into potential approaches to dealing with CHSP as a primary symptom of an eating disorder, this paper aims to draw neurobiological parallels between CHSP and restrictive behaviours. Based on the behaviours outlined in the case provided, the paper broadly examines the anatomy of particular brain regions, structures and pathways before highlighting that similar reward processing and inhibition pathways could be dysregulated in both restrictive behaviours, seen in AN, and CHSP. This short communication paper draws a neurobiological similarities between restrictive behaviours akin to AN and CHSP, and offers points of contemplation, discussion, and provide a logical stepping-stone in order to examine CHSP more closely. The clinical significance of current neurobiological approaches to the treatment of AN are also considered in relation to CHSP. Future studies may focus on studying such neurobiological interventions as well as conducting functional brain imaging studies to better understand if the hypothesised brain regions and pathways are implicated in CHSP.

How strain differences could help decipher the neurobiology of mammalian playfulness: what the less playful Fischer 344 rat can tell us about play

ABSTRACTPlay is common among the young of many mammalian species. How that play is exhibited results from a dynamic interplay between genetic framework and experiential influences that, in turn, operate on hard-wired brain systems. One approach towards understanding how genes and environment interact with brain substrates to yield a particular playful phenotype is to take advantage of inbred strains of rats that come with a known genetic identity and assess the effects of varying early social experiences and targeted neurobiological interventions on rats of these strains. This paper primarily summarizes research utilizing the F344 inbred strain, a rat that consistently plays less than most other strains.

Predictors of neurofeedback training outcome: A systematic review

Neurofeedback (NF), a training tool aimed at enhancing neural self-regulation, has been suggested as a complementary treatment option for neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite its potential as a neurobiological intervention directly targeting neural alterations underlying clinical symptoms, the efficacy of NF for the treatment of mental disorders has been questioned recently by negative findings obtained in randomized controlled trials (e.g., Cortese et al., 2016). A possible reason for insufficient group effects of NF trainings vs. placebo could be related to the high rate of participants who fail to self-regulate brain activity by NF (“non-learners”). Another reason could be the application of standardized NF protocols not adjusted to individual differences in pathophysiology. Against this background, we have summarized information on factors determining training and treatment success to provide a basis for the development of individualized training protocols and/or clinical indications.The present systematic review included 25 reports investigating predictors for the outcome of NF trainings in healthy individuals as well as patients affected by mental disorders or epilepsy. We selected these studies based on searches in EBSCOhost using combinations of the keywords “neurofeedback” and “predictor/predictors”. As “NF training” we defined all NF applications with at least two sessions.The best available evidence exists for neurophysiological baseline parameters. Among them, the target parameters of the respective training seem to be of particular importance. However, particularities of the different experimental designs and outcome criteria restrict the interpretability of some of the information we extracted. Therefore, further research is needed to gain more profound knowledge about predictors of NF outcome.

Forensic practitioners\u2019 expectations and moral views regarding neurobiological interventions in offenders with mental disorders

Neurobiological and behavioural genetic research gives rise to speculations about potential biomedical interventions to prevent, contain, or treat violent and antisocial behaviour. These developments have stirred considerable ethical debate on the prospects, threats, and limitations of integrating neurobiological and behavioural genetic interventions in forensic psychiatric practices, yet little is known about how forensic practitioners perceive these potential interventions. We conducted a qualitative study to examine (i) the extent to which forensic practitioners expect that effective biomedical interventions will be developed and integrated in their daily work practice and (ii) their normative views concerning those potential biomedically informed interventions. We focused on potential biomedical possibilities to lower aggression, the possible usage of neuroimaging in assessing legal responsibility, and the potential use of biomarkers in assessing risk for future violent and antisocial behaviour. Forensic practitioners expect novel biomedical interventions to be developed and display a general openness towards them. At the same time, they express concern that the integration of neurobiological and behavioural genetic elements in explanatory models of violence and antisocial behaviour may lead to misinterpretations, especially when implemented in the forensic field.

BabyGaze: A Rapid Neurobiological Intervention for Anxiety, Panic and Anger

A method of rapid attenuation of symptoms of anxiety, panic and anger is described using interoception combined with stimulation of the third and fourth cranial nerves by the subject. The proposed method by which BabyGaze interrupts a neurological feedback loop via direct stimulation of the EdingherWestphal Nucleus (the rostral-most parasympathetic nucleus) in the brainstem is illustrated. Attenuation of interoceptive (physical) symptoms typically occurs in less than 5 minutes with associated elimination of psychological symptoms. Having learnt the method, it can be carried out by the patient without further therapeutic intervention. This method has been used in a Scottish General Practice now for over 12 months with associated reduction in prescribing and referral to mental health services.

Use of empathy in psychiatric practice: constructivist grounded theory study.

BackgroundPsychiatry has faced significant criticism for overreliance on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and medications with purported disregard for empathetic, humanistic interventions.AimsTo develop an empirically based qualitative theory explaining how psychiatrists use empathy in day-to-day practice, to inform practice and teaching approaches.MethodThis study used constructivist grounded theory methodology to ask (a) ‘How do psychiatrists understand and use empathetic engagement in the day-to-day practice of psychiatry?’ and (b) ‘How do psychiatrists learn and teach the skills of empathetic engagement?’ The authors interviewed 17 academic psychiatrists and 4 residents and developed a theory by iterative coding of the collected data.ResultsThis constructivist grounded theory of empathetic engagement in psychiatric practice considered three major elements: relational empathy, transactional empathy and instrumental empathy. As one moves from relational empathy through transactional empathy to instrumental empathy, the actions of the psychiatrist become more deliberate and interventional.ConclusionsParticipants were described by empathy-based interventions which are presented in a theory of ’empathetic engagement’. This is in contrast to a paradigm that sees psychiatry as purely based on neurobiological interventions, with psychotherapy and interpersonal interventions as completely separate activities from day-to-day psychiatric practice.Declaration of interestNone.Copyright and usage© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2017. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license.

The implications for the biological and sociodynamic causal explanations of attitudes toward alcohol-dependent patients

This study tested whether sole neurobiological or sociodynamic explanations of alcohol dependence altered respondents' attitudes toward alcohol-dependent patients. We investigated the effect of information leaflets on 444 participants: one group received an information leaflet with a biological explanation of AD; the other received a leaflet with a sole sociodynamic explanation of AD. A third, control group did not receive any leaflet. Afterwards, all three groups completed a questionnaire regarding their attitudes toward ADPs and their opinions of the underlying causes of AD. We found a significant group difference with regard to participants' agreement with a neurobiological explanation of AD. Moreover, respondents in the neurobiological intervention group considered the characteristics of ADP to be significantly more positive than those in the sociodynamic group. Furthermore, they were significantly less likely to accept AD as a self-inflicted disease. Correlation analysis revealed associations between accepting the sociodynamic disease model and all of the stigmatization dimensions tested in our questionnaire. In summary, stigmatization toward ADP was closely associated with the agreement with sociodynamic origins of AD in this study.

Toward Identification of Neural Markers of Suicide Risk in Adolescents

Suicide remains a leading cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality. Despite identification of risk factors and protective factors for suicidal behavior, we have limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying risk for suicide attempt. Adolescence is a time of high risk for suicidal behavior, as well as a time that intervention and treatment may have the greatest impact because of structural brain changes and significant psychosocial development during this period. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have promise to yield markers of risk for suicidal behavior in adolescents because they can help identify neurobiological underpinnings of pathophysiologic mechanisms that are not observable at the behavioral level, and can also provide targets for future neurobiological interventions. Markers of risk for suicidal behavior are beginning to be elucidated, but as yet have not been applied to the clinical management of adolescents at risk for suicide. Neuroimaging studies indicate neural circuitry abnormalities in adult suicide attempters. One study in adult suicide attempters reported lower glucose uptake in the prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus in high vs low lethality suicide attempters (Oquendo et al, 2003). With regard to emotion processing, vulnerability to suicidal behavior has been associated with differences in response to negative emotion. Specifically, adult male suicide attempters showed greater activity in the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex and decreased activity in the right superior frontal gyrus to intense angry vs neutral faces relative to healthy and depressed non-attempter controls. In addition, cognitive inflexibility (inability to change strategy) is well documented in studies of adult patients with a history of suicide attempt (Jollant et al, 2005). However, few studies have explored the neural circuitry underlying adolescent suicidal behavior. This is an important oversight because suicide is one of the leading causes of death in adolescence, and the developing brain may provide a window into risk for suicidal behavior and allow for earlier intervention to prevent suicide. Our functional neuroimaging studies indicate differences in emotion processing in adolescents with history of depression and suicide attempt relative to healthy control adolescents. Here, we have shown differences in the attention and salience networks (Pan et al, 2013). Our findings differ from those in adult males with depression, in whom the functional connectivity of the striatal-anterior cortical midline structures circuit is implicated in suicidal ideation (Marchand et al, 2012). Specifically, we have shown increased attentional control network activity and decreased functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus, implicated in attentional control of emotion, and the insula, a neural region associated with interoceptive processing of emotion, when viewing angry faces in adolescents with a history of depression and suicide attempt compared with healthy controls and depressed adolescent non-attempters (Figure 1). In contrast, adolescents with a history of depression and suicide attempt showed no abnormalities in levels of performance accuracy or dorsal anterior cingulate activity and attentional control network activity on tasks of cognitive control and learning in the context of risk (Pan et al, 2011, 2013). Together, these findings suggest that abnormal functioning of the salience and attention networks in the setting of emotion processing, with normal function in these networks in the absence of emotional stimuli, may represent markers of past suicide attempt. These networks are thus promising foci for future neuroimaging studies aiming to identify markers of risk for future suicide attempt in adolescent populations.

Motor Control in the Human Spinal Cord and the Repair of Cord Function

In this review we describe clinical and neurophysiological features of motor control in human spinal cord injury based on two models. First, motor control is considered in subjects with injury-induced complete division of the spinal cord from brain and brainstem structures, and second, in those in which the division is partial. We describe motor control in terms of segmental and plurisegmental reflex activity that dominates motor unit output to the muscles following complete separation from the brain motor structures by accidental injury. With incomplete separation of the spinal cord from brain structures, motor control is defined as the voluntary manipulation of reflex and automatic activity integrated with internal and external feedback signals. We review here motor control found after complete spinal cord injury with paradigm of single and regular-repeating stimuli applied to elicit cutaneous and muscle stretch reflex responses. We argue, that isolated spinal cord neural circuitry is capable of organizing characteristic reflex events that depend on the characteristics of the stimulus. Also, the profile of residual brain and brainstem, modified by the reduction in descending long spinal tract fibers arriving at their targets in the spinal gray matter, produces characteristic changes in motor output to the muscles that leads to the development of new neural strategies for control of segmental and plurisegmental neural circuitry. In the second part of this review, we discuss available treatment modalities for impaired cord function and briefly outline neurobiological interventions under development for repair of spinal cord injury.