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Brain Sciences
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Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development
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Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychiatric Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 17385

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Mario Liotti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, Padova, Italy
Interests: neuroimaging; ERP; emotion; developmental disorders; ADHD; depression

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the rapidly growing field of developmental cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. We welcome contributions regarding the characterization of normal and abnormal neurodevelopment from birth to adulthood through the integration of behavioural measures during cognitive tasks to neuroimaging methods (structural and functional MRI and NIRS), electromagnetic techniques (EEG and MEG) or neurostimulation methods (TMS or TES). The research can cover new findings on brain correlates of the typical development of cognitive processes (attention, perceptual and motor processes, language, executive function, memory, learning and memory, visuospatial processing, emotion, etc.), as well as new research related to brain correlates of neurodevelopmental disorders (learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, reading disorder, Down syndrome, ADHD, etc.).

Prof. Dr. Mario Liotti
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Neurodevelopment
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Neuroimaging
  • MRI
  • EEG
  • NIRS
  • Neurostimulation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1782 KiB  
Article
Distinct Effects of Brain Activation Using tDCS and Observational Practice: Implications for Motor Rehabilitation
by Julianne McLeod, Anuj Chavan, Harvey Lee, Sahar Sattari, Simrut Kurry, Miku Wake, Zia Janmohamed, Nicola Jane Hodges and Naznin Virji-Babul
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14020175 - 13 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2242
Abstract
Complex motor skills can be acquired while observing a model without physical practice. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) also facilitates motor learning. However, the effectiveness of observational practice for bimanual coordination skills is debated. We compared the [...] Read more.
Complex motor skills can be acquired while observing a model without physical practice. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) also facilitates motor learning. However, the effectiveness of observational practice for bimanual coordination skills is debated. We compared the behavioural and brain causal connectivity patterns following three interventions: primary motor cortex stimulation (M1-tDCS), action-observation (AO) and a combined group (AO+M1-tDCS) when acquiring a bimanual, two-ball juggling skill. Thirty healthy young adults with no juggling experience were randomly assigned to either video observation of a skilled juggler, anodal M1-tDCS or video observation combined with M1-tDCS. Thirty trials of juggling were performed and scored after the intervention. Resting-state EEG data were collected before and after the intervention. Information flow rate was applied to EEG source data to measure causal connectivity. The two observation groups were more accurate than the tDCS alone group. In the AO condition, there was strong information exchange from (L) parietal to (R) parietal regions, strong bidirectional information exchange between (R) parietal and (R) occipital regions and an extensive network of activity that was (L) lateralized. The M1-tDCS condition was characterized by bilateral long-range connections with the strongest information exchange from the (R) occipital region to the (R) temporal and (L) occipital regions. AO+M1-tDCS induced strong bidirectional information exchange in occipital and temporal regions in both hemispheres. Uniquely, it was the only condition that was characterized by information exchange between the (R) frontal and central regions. This study provides new results about the distinct network dynamics of stimulating the brain for skill acquisition, providing insights for motor rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development)
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22 pages, 5655 KiB  
Article
Atypical Associations between Functional Connectivity during Pragmatic and Semantic Language Processing and Cognitive Abilities in Children with Autism
by Amparo V. Márquez-García, Bonnie K. Ng, Grace Iarocci, Sylvain Moreno, Vasily A. Vakorin and Sam M. Doesburg
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(10), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13101448 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1721
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by both atypical functional brain connectivity and cognitive challenges across multiple cognitive domains. The relationship between task-dependent brain connectivity and cognitive abilities, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, children with ASD and their typically developing (TD) [...] Read more.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by both atypical functional brain connectivity and cognitive challenges across multiple cognitive domains. The relationship between task-dependent brain connectivity and cognitive abilities, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, children with ASD and their typically developing (TD) peers engaged in semantic and pragmatic language tasks while their task-dependent brain connectivity was mapped and compared. A multivariate statistical approach revealed associations between connectivity and psychometric assessments of relevant cognitive abilities. While both groups exhibited brain–behavior correlations, the nature of these associations diverged, particularly in the directionality of overall correlations across various psychometric categories. Specifically, greater disparities in functional connectivity between the groups were linked to larger differences in Autism Questionnaire, BRIEF, MSCS, and SRS-2 scores but smaller differences in WASI, pragmatic language, and Theory of Mind scores. Our findings suggest that children with ASD utilize distinct neural communication patterns for language processing. Although networks recruited by children with ASD may appear less efficient than those typically engaged, they could serve as compensatory mechanisms for potential disruptions in conventional brain networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development)
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21 pages, 2523 KiB  
Article
Resting State Dynamic Reconfiguration of Spatial Attention Cortical Networks and Visuospatial Functioning in Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD): A HD-EEG Investigation
by Ambra Coccaro, Maria Grazia Di Bono, Antonio Maffei, Camilla Orefice, Rachele Lievore, Irene Mammarella and Mario Liotti
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050731 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2321
Abstract
Nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in visuospatial processing but spared verbal competencies. Neurocognitive markers may provide confirmatory evidence for characterizing NVLD as a separate neurodevelopmental disorder. Visuospatial performance and high-density electroencephalography (EEG) were measured in 16 NLVD [...] Read more.
Nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in visuospatial processing but spared verbal competencies. Neurocognitive markers may provide confirmatory evidence for characterizing NVLD as a separate neurodevelopmental disorder. Visuospatial performance and high-density electroencephalography (EEG) were measured in 16 NLVD and in 16 typically developing (TD) children. Cortical source modeling was applied to assess resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) in spatial attention networks (dorsal (DAN) and ventral attention networks (VAN)) implicated in visuospatial abilities. A machine-learning approach was applied to investigate whether group membership could be predicted from rs-FC maps and if these connectivity patterns were predictive of visuospatial performance. Graph theoretical measures were applied to nodes inside each network. EEG rs-FC maps in the gamma and beta band differentiated children with and without NVLD, with increased but more diffuse and less efficient functional connections bilaterally in the NVLD group. While rs-FC of the left DAN in the gamma range predicted visuospatial scores for TD children, in the NVLD group rs-FC of the right DAN in the delta range predicted impaired visuospatial performance, confirming that NVLD is a disorder with a predominant dysfunction in right hemisphere connectivity patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development)
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21 pages, 3159 KiB  
Article
Cortical Source Analysis of the Face Sensitive N290 ERP Component in Infants at High Risk for Autism
by Maggie W. Guy, John E. Richards and Jane E. Roberts
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(9), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12091129 - 25 Aug 2022
Viewed by 2046
Abstract
Appropriate head models for cortical source analysis were investigated and applied to source analyses examining the neural bases of the face-sensitive N290 event-related potential (ERP) component in infants at high risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This included infant siblings of children with [...] Read more.
Appropriate head models for cortical source analysis were investigated and applied to source analyses examining the neural bases of the face-sensitive N290 event-related potential (ERP) component in infants at high risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This included infant siblings of children with ASD (ASIBs) and infants with fragile X syndrome (FXS). First, alternative head models for use with ASIBs and FXS were investigated. Head models created from the infant’s own MRI were examined in relation to five head models based on average MRI templates. The results of the head model comparison identified group-specific (i.e., ASIB or FXS) head models created from a large collection of structural MRIs as the best substitution for the head model created from the participant’s own structural MRI. Second, the cortical source analysis was completed on N290 data collected from a previous study to investigate brain areas associated with face sensitive ERP responses. Participants’ own MRIs were used for head models when available, and the group-specific head model was used when the participants’ own MRIs were not available. The results provide evidence for unique patterns of neural activation during face processing across infants at high and low risk for ASD and across etiologically distinct high-risk groups. All infants demonstrated greater activation to faces than toys in brain areas most associated with specialized face processing. Infants with FXS displayed higher levels of activation to faces across all areas analyzed, while ASIBs show more muted levels of activation. Overall, the results of the current study demonstrate the importance of group-specific head models for accurate cortical source analysis in infants at high risk for ASD. This also allows for further research on early distinctions in brain function based on risk status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development)
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22 pages, 3006 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Cognitive Control in Prematurely Born Children: An HD-EEG Investigation
by Giovanni Mento, Lisa Toffoli, Letizia Della Longa, Teresa Farroni, Fiorella Del Popolo Cristaldi and Gian Marco Duma
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12081074 - 13 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2036
Abstract
Preterm birth is a neurodevelopmental risk condition often associated with cognitive control (CC) impairment. Recent evidence showed that CC can be implicitly adapted through associative learning. In the present study we investigated the ability to flexibly adjust CC as a function of implicit [...] Read more.
Preterm birth is a neurodevelopmental risk condition often associated with cognitive control (CC) impairment. Recent evidence showed that CC can be implicitly adapted through associative learning. In the present study we investigated the ability to flexibly adjust CC as a function of implicit stimulus-response temporal regularities in preterm (PT; N = 21; mean age 8 ± 1.3 years; gestational age 30 ± 18.5 weeks) and full-term (FT; N = 20; mean age 8 ± 1.3 years) school-age children. All children underwent an HD-EEG recording while undergoing the Dynamic Temporal Prediction (DTP) task, a simple S1–S2 detection task purposely designed to generate local-global temporal predictability of imperative stimuli. The Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) was administered to measure explicit CC. The PT group showed more premature and slower (DTP) as well as perseverative (WCST) responses than the FT group. Moreover, pre-terms showed poor adaptive CC as revealed by less efficient global response-speed adjustment. This behavioral pattern was mirrored by a reduced and less sensitive to global manipulation anticipatory Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) and by different cortical source recruitment. These findings suggest that implicit CC may be a reliable endophenotypic marker of atypical cognitive development associated with preterm birth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development)
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13 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
Altered Cytokine and BDNF Levels in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
by Yvonne M. Y. Han, Suk-Yu Yau, Melody M. Y. Chan, Chun-Kwok Wong and Agnes S. Chan
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(4), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12040460 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3079
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that immunological factors are involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The present study examined whether immunological abnormalities are associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits in children with ASD and whether children with ASD show different immunological [...] Read more.
Previous studies have shown that immunological factors are involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The present study examined whether immunological abnormalities are associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits in children with ASD and whether children with ASD show different immunological biomarkers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF levels than typically developing (TD) children. Sixteen children with TD and 18 children with ASD, aged 6–18 years, voluntarily participated in the study. Participants’ executive functions were measured using neuropsychological tests, and behavioral measures were measured using parent ratings. Immunological measures were assessed by measuring the participants’ blood serum levels of chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5). Children with ASD showed greater deficits in cognitive functions as well as altered levels of immunological measures when compared to TD children, and their cognitive functions and behavioral deficits were significantly associated with increased CCL5 levels and decreased BDNF levels. These results provide evidence to support the notion that altered immune functions and neurotrophin deficiency are involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development)

Review

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15 pages, 643 KiB  
Review
Motivation from Agency and Reward in Typical Development and Autism: Narrative Review of Behavioral and Neural Evidence
by Irene Valori, Laura Carnevali, Giulia Mantovani and Teresa Farroni
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(10), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101411 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3022
Abstract
Our ability to perform voluntary actions and make choices is shaped by the motivation from having control over the resulting effects (agency) and positive outcomes (reward). We offer an overview of distinct and common behavioral and neural signatures of agency and reward. We [...] Read more.
Our ability to perform voluntary actions and make choices is shaped by the motivation from having control over the resulting effects (agency) and positive outcomes (reward). We offer an overview of distinct and common behavioral and neural signatures of agency and reward. We discuss their typical and atypical developmental trajectories, focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by neurodiverse processes underlying action selection. We propose that reduced sensitivity to agency and reward in ASD may be related to atypical multisensory processes and motor planning, with potential for understanding restricted and repetitive behaviors. We emphasize the limitations of the existing literature, and prospects for future research. Understanding the neurocognitive processes that shape the way people with ASD select actions and perceive outcomes is essential to support not only learning, but also volition and self-determination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Correlates of Typical and Atypical Development)
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