Post‐traumatic functional recovery and reorganization in animal models: A theoretical and methodological challenge

Studies addressing cerebral functional localization face methodological and theoretical problems. Lesion experiments expect that when a functionally specialized structure is missing, its function can be deduced from the resulting impairments. Mostly, however, initial impairments are partially or fully eliminated through functional recovery. Apparently, such a recovery contradicts the notion of functional localization. In order to understand the mechanisms of recovery, improved methodology and a new theoretical framework are required. Insights into the mechanisms of recovery can be achieved by using “challenge” techniques, where functionally recovered individuals are exposed to organic and behavioral challenges, e.g. pharmacological manipulations or additional lesions, as well as modified test situations. Using such methods, a number of principles of functional recovery have emerged. We evaluate some of the available theories of post‐traumatic recovery against these principles and find that none of them can account for the principles. Finally, we present a new conceptual framework – the Reorganization of Elementary Functions (REF) model. This model reconceptualizes the term “function”, suggests mechanisms of post‐traumatic reorganizations, and resolves the contradiction between localization and functional recovery.     

MINDING QUANTA AND COSMOLOGY

The revolution in science inaugurated by quantum physics has made us aware of the role of observation in the construction of data. Eugene Wigner remarked that in quantum physics we no longer have observables (invariants), only observations. Tongue in cheek, I asked him whether that meant that quantum physics is really psychology, expecting a gruff reply to my sassiness. Instead, Wigner beamed understanding and replied "Yes, yes, that's exactly correct." David Bohm pointed out that were we to look at the cosmos without the lenses of our telescopes we would see a hologram. I extend Bohm's insight to the lens in the optics of the eye. The receptor processes of the ear and skin work in a similar fashion. Without these lenses and lenslike operations all of our perceptions would be entangled as in a hologram. Furthermore, the retina absorbs quanta of radiation so that quantum physics uses the very perceptions that become formed by it. In turn, higher-order brain systems send signals to the sensory receptors so that what we perceive is often as much a result of earlier rather than just immediate experience. This influence from inside out becomes especially relevant to our interpretation of how we experience the contents and bounds of cosmology that come to us by way of radiation.     

On Yoda,Trouble, and Transformation: The Cultural Context of Therapy and Supervision

In America, we miss the pivotal role of trouble in transformation, because our pursuit of a painless and trouble-free life aborts the process by which the psyche “gives birth” to change. As therapists, we know better: healing and growth require movement through, rather than avoidance of, troubling symptoms. Meanwhile our culture, in order to avoid facing the trouble of aging, sidelines and segregates our old people, which lets the Elder spirit waiting in each Old One wither from disuse. We do for our clients what Elders would do for the culture, carrying their accumulated weight of hope and despair, joy and sorrow, violence and peace. Eldering and therapy transform that troubling weight into “spiritual ballast,” providing the stable ground people need for the journey through life. So as therapists, we’ve been drafted, ready or not, and without our informed consent, into the role of Cultural Elder. We are midwives during the labor that births new beginnings. The supervisors among us can be seen as providing for apprentice therapists the final experience that initiates them into this crucial cultural role. In contributing to the reweaving of an unraveling world, our profession serves a function and carries a responsibility much broader than that defined by our credentials.

儿童生命认知和生命体验的发展特点

本研究在生命教育的社会背景下,以2、4、6、8、11年级的中小学生为研究对象,使用造句和补充句子的方式考察儿童对生命和死亡的认知及体验。结果表明:1)儿童对生命和死亡的认知发展是随着年级的升高从模糊不清、具体形象到认知生命本质直至表达态度、感悟哲理的一个渐次深入的过程;2)儿童对生命过程的体验总体上是积极的,且随着年级的升高体验的内涵越来越丰富;3)儿童对死亡的心理体验以恐惧和悲伤为主;但随着年级的升高,儿童对死亡体验哲理性和迷茫的逐渐增多。     

亚低温在重型颅脑损伤患者救治中的应用与思考

重型颅脑损伤是致死、致残的主要原因之一。亚低温（MHT）的应用为重型颅脑损伤患者的救治提供了新的思路和方法,国内外多个临床试验证实了其在救治中的有效性和实用性。本文结合国内外相关诊疗指南、循证医学证据和文献,辩证探讨了MHT在重型颅脑损伤患者救治中的适应证及机制、操作方法及时间窗、并发症及临床决策问题。     

语言和文化塑造大脑

不同语言的神经生理基础不同,文化和语言对脑组织的可塑性发挥着重要作用。对儿童、双语者和阅读障碍者语言加工的神经生理机制研究揭示,在不同语言和文化背景下,个体负责语言加工的脑区的结构和功能不同。语言和文化塑造个体的脑组织。     

基于啮齿类动物的决策行为研究及其脑机制

介绍了近年来以啮齿类动物为对象,关于决策的行为表现及其内在脑机制的研究进展。首先介绍了决策的概念,以及啮齿类动物的决策模型。在这些模型的基础上,总结了不同决策模型的共同的心理过程：计算、动机和记忆,并且介绍了业已发现的参与这些心理机制的脑机制。最后,还从决策的角度探讨了其与药物成瘾之间的关系,包括成瘾药物对决策行为的影响以及决策个体差异与药物成瘾易感性之间的关系     

Timed performance weaknesses on computerized tasks in pediatric brain tumor survivors: A comparison with sibling controls

With more children surviving a brain tumor, insight into the late effects of the disease and treatment is of high importance. This study focused on profiling the neurocognitive functions that might be affected after treatment for a pediatric brain tumor, using a broad battery of computerized tests. Predictors that may influence neurocognitive functioning were also investigated. A total of 82 pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs) aged 8–18 years (M = 13.85, SD = 3.15, 49% males) with parent-reported neurocognitive complaints were compared to a control group of 43 siblings (age M = 14.27, SD = 2.44, 40% males) using linear mixed models. Neurocognitive performance was assessed using measures of attention, processing speed, memory, executive functioning, visuomotor integration (VMI), and intelligence. Tumor type, treatment, tumor location, hydrocephalus, gender, age at diagnosis, and time since diagnosis were entered into regression analyzes as predictors for neurocognitive functioning. The PBTSs showed slower processing speeds and lower intelligence (range effect sizes .71–.82, p < .001), as well as deficits in executive attention, short-term memory, executive functioning, and VMI (range effect sizes .40–.57, p < .05). Older age at assessment was associated with better neurocognitive functioning (B = .450, p < .001) and younger age at diagnosis was associated with lower intelligence (B = .328, p < .05). Medical risk factors, e.g., hydrocephalus, did not show an association with neurocognitive functioning. Late effects in PBTSs include a broad range of neurocognitive deficits. The results suggest that even PBTSs that were traditionally viewed as low risk for neurocognitive problems (e.g., surgery only, no hydrocephalus) may suffer from decreased neurocognitive functioning.     

Parental ratings of daily behavior and child cognitive test performance after pediatric mild traumatic brain injury

This study aimed to evaluate the degree to which the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) measure overlapping vs. distinct constructs in pediatric patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to examine the demographic and injury correlates of such constructs as well as those of cognitive test performance. A total of 100 parents completed the BRIEF and the CBCL within 1 to 12 months after the injury of their child. Groups were contrasted based on the presence vs. absence of impairment on, respectively, the BRIEF and the CBCL. Exploratory maximum likelihood factor analysis was used to evaluate latent constructs. Correlates of the various factor scores were evaluated through regression analysis and contrasted with those of a test of verbal learning and memory.The results revealed that the BRIEF and the CBCL disagree about the presence vs. absence of impairment in about one quarter of cases. A prior history of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was associated with an increased likelihood of impairment on both the BRIEF and the CBCL, whereas prior outpatient psychiatric treatment was associated with the increased likelihood of selective impairment on the CBCL. Latent constructs manifested themselves along cognitive regulation, emotional adjustment and behavioral regulation factors. Whereas premorbid characteristics were the exclusive correlates of these factors, performance on a test of verbal learning and memory was negatively affected by intracranial lesions on neuroimaging.It is concluded that the BRIEF and the CBCL offer complementary and non-redundant information about daily functioning after pediatric mild TBI. The correlates of cognitive test performance and parental behavior ratings after such injuries are different and reflect a divergence between premorbid and injury-related influences.     

The neural basis of mirror symmetry detection: a review

The human visual system is extremely sensitive to the presence of bilateral (mirror) symmetry. In this review, I summarise the results of recent work investigating the neural basis of mirror symmetry detection, focusing in particular on brain stimulation evidence. Overall, available findings converge in pointing to the lateral occipital (LO) complex, especially in the right hemisphere, as a key region causally involved in symmetry detection. Interestingly, they also suggest that another region in the right extrastriate visual cortex, the occipital face area (OFA), is causally implied in symmetry detection, posing an interesting connection at the neural level between visual cortex responses to faces and to symmetry. Finally, this review also considers evidence on haptic symmetry detection in sighted and early blind individuals that points to LO as a multi-modal symmetry-sensitive region, and suggests that symmetry is a salient perceptual feature mediated by LO even when any visual experience is missing.