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The Neural Correlates of Visual Perspective Taking: a Critical Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVisual perspective taking (VPT) enables us to understand, anticipate, and interact with other social beings by accurately computing how and what they see in their environment. The present review provides an up-to-date review of the neural mechanisms underpinning VPT that integrates all neuroscientific methods and, importantly, organizes studies based on the distinct cognitive dimensions of VPT they measure.Recent FindingsRecent studies are characterized by a greater use of transcranial stimulation and a more diverse use of contrasts in analyses. Recent findings suggest namely that the temporopariet...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - September 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Non-Pharmacological Cognitive Remediation Strategies for Treatment of Depression and Cognitive Impairment
AbstractObjectiveMajor depression in the elderly often presents with cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive deficits in memory, processing speed, and cognitive control functioning are particularly common in late-life depression. For the almost 40% of elderly depressed patients with cognitive impairment, there is currently no efficacious intervention that adequately treats both mood and the cognitive deficits leaving many patients depressed and disabled [AJGP 9(3):269 –74, 2001].Recent FindingsRecent advances in non-pharmacologic treatments for depression and cognitive impairment show promise for treating both cognitive and...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - August 15, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

The Neural Correlates of Visual Perspective Taking: a Critical Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVisual perspective taking (VPT) enables us to understand, anticipate, and interact with other social beings by accurately computing how and what they see in their environment. The present review provides an up-to-date review of the neural mechanisms underpinning VPT that integrates all neuroscientific methods and, importantly, organizes studies based on the distinct cognitive dimensions of VPT they measure.Recent FindingsRecent studies are characterized by a greater use of transcranial stimulation and a more diverse use of contrasts in analyses. Recent findings suggest namely that the temporopariet...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - July 7, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Modulation of Brain Function and Behavior by Focused Ultrasound
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe past decade has seen rapid growth in the application of focused ultrasound (FUS) as a tool for basic neuroscience research and potential treatment of brain disorders. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of how FUS can alter brain activity, perception, and behavior when applied to the central nervous system, either alone or in combination with circulating agents.Recent FindingsFocused ultrasound in the central nervous system can directly excite or inhibit neuronal activity, as well as affect perception and behavior. Combining FUS with intravenous microbubbles to open the blo...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Using Animal Models to Improve the Design and Application of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Humans
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTranscranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a non-invasive stimulation technique used for modulating brain function in humans. To help tES reach its full therapeutic potential, it is necessary to address a number of critical gaps in our knowledge. Here, we review studies that have taken advantage of animal models to provide invaluable insight about the basic science behind tES.Recent FindingsAnimal studies are playing a key role in elucidating the mechanisms implicated in tES, defining safety limits, validating computational models, inspiring new stimulation protocols, enhancing brain function, an...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

The MHC/HLA Gene Complex in Major Psychiatric Disorders: Emerging Roles and Implications
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMajor psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are etiologically heterogeneous. Gene-environment interactions seemingly constitute the predominant risk mechanism for these conditions. Multiple common and rare genetic variants, sometimes shared, are shown to confer risk to these disorders. Amongst them, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), known as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in humans, has emerged as one of the best replicated genetic risk locus of various neuropsychiatric diseases. Herein, we review recent advances regarding MHC ’s involvement in the immunopathogen...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Recent Trends in the Use of Electrical Neuromodulation in Parkinson ’s Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to survey recent trends in electrical forms of neuromodulation, with a specific application to Parkinson ’s disease (PD). Emerging trends are identified, highlighting synergies in state-of-the-art neuromodulation strategies, with directions for future improvements in stimulation efficacy suggested.Recent FindingsDeep brain stimulation remains the most common and effective form of electrical stimulation for the treatment of PD. Evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) most likely impacts the motor symptoms of the disease, with the most prominent result...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Principles of Designing a Clinical Trial: Optimizing Chances of Trial Success
AbstractPurpose of ReviewClinical trials are essential to advance health care and develop new therapies. In this review, we discuss the underlying principles of clinical trial design with an emphasis on assessing design risks that lead to trial failure as well as negative trials. While of general interest, this is perhaps particularly timely for the neuromodulation community, given the paucity of well-designed trials in the field. We give some examples from the phantom limb pain (PLP) literature.Recent FindingsIt is critical to gather as much preliminary data as possible and to know how to interpret it in order to choose a...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Motor Cortical Gamma Oscillations: What Have We Learnt and Where Are We Headed?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAn increase in oscillatory activity in theγ-frequency band (approximately 50 –100 Hz) has long been noted during human movement. However, its functional role has been difficult to elucidate. The advent of novel techniques, particularly transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), has dramatically increased our ability to studyγ oscillations. Here, we review our current understanding of the role ofγ oscillations in the human motor cortex, with reference toγ activity outside the motor system, and evidence from animal models.Recent FindingsEvidence for the neurophysiological basis of hu...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Combining NIBS with EEG: What Can It Tell Us About Normal Cognition?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGiven recent controversies about the limitations of using unnatural experimental contexts and overly reductionist approaches, it is timely to illustrate how combined TMS-EEG can inform the study of normal cognition.Recent FindingsThe effect of TMS to visual cortices has been characterized with EEG, and related to specific aspects of normal perceptual cognition. Occipital regions act as one of multiple key trigger nodes in an attentional network that can function to some extent independently of awareness, and with a neural signature dissociable from that recorded after stimulating other nodes.Summar...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Modulation of Brain Function and Behavior by Focused Ultrasound
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe past decade has seen rapid growth in the application of focused ultrasound (FUS) as a tool for basic neuroscience research and potential treatment of brain disorders. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of how FUS can alter brain activity, perception, and behavior when applied to the central nervous system, either alone or in combination with circulating agents.Recent FindingsFocused ultrasound in the central nervous system can directly excite or inhibit neuronal activity, as well as affect perception and behavior. Combining FUS with intravenous microbubbles to open the blo...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - May 9, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Principles of Designing a Clinical Trial: Optimizing Chances of Trial Success
AbstractPurpose of ReviewClinical trials are essential to advance health care and develop new therapies. In this review, we discuss the underlying principles of clinical trial design with an emphasis on assessing design risks that lead to trial failure as well as negative trials. While of general interest, this is perhaps particularly timely for the neuromodulation community, given the paucity of well-designed trials in the field. We give some examples from the phantom limb pain (PLP) literature.Recent FindingsIt is critical to gather as much preliminary data as possible and to know how to interpret it in order to choose a...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - May 2, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Motor Cortical Gamma Oscillations: What Have We Learnt and Where Are We Headed?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAn increase in oscillatory activity in theγ-frequency band (approximately 50 –100 Hz) has long been noted during human movement. However, its functional role has been difficult to elucidate. The advent of novel techniques, particularly transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), has dramatically increased our ability to studyγ oscillations. Here, we review our current understanding of the role ofγ oscillations in the human motor cortex, with reference toγ activity outside the motor system, and evidence from animal models.Recent FindingsEvidence for the neurophysiological basis of hu...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - April 27, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Using Animal Models to Improve the Design and Application of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Humans
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTranscranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a non-invasive stimulation technique used for modulating brain function in humans. To help tES reach its full therapeutic potential, it is necessary to address a number of critical gaps in our knowledge. Here, we review studies that have taken advantage of animal models to provide invaluable insight about the basic science behind tES.Recent FindingsAnimal studies are playing a key role in elucidating the mechanisms implicated in tES, defining safety limits, validating computational models, inspiring new stimulation protocols, enhancing brain function, an...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - April 25, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

The MHC/HLA Gene Complex in Major Psychiatric Disorders: Emerging Roles and Implications
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMajor psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are etiologically heterogeneous. Gene-environment interactions seemingly constitute the predominant risk mechanism for these conditions. Multiple common and rare genetic variants, sometimes shared, are shown to confer risk to these disorders. Amongst them, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), known as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in humans, has emerged as one of the best replicated genetic risk locus of various neuropsychiatric diseases. Herein, we review recent advances regarding MHC ’s involvement in the immunopathogen...
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - April 25, 2018 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research