Gender-Dependent Changes in Time Production Following Quadrato Motor Training in Dyslexic and Normal Readers

Time estimation is an important component of the ability to organize and plan sequences of actions as well as cognitive functions, both of which are known to be altered in dyslexia. While attention deficits are accompanied by short Time Productions (TPs), expert meditators have been reported to produce longer durations, and this seems to be related to their increased attentional resources. In the current study, we examined the effects of a month of Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), which is a structured sensorimotor training program that involves sequencing of motor responses based on verbal commands, on TP using a pre-post design. QMT has previously been found to enhance attention and EEG oscillatory activity, especially within the alpha range. For the current study, 29 adult Hebrew readers were recruited, of whom 10 dyslexic participants performed the QMT. The normal readers were randomly assigned to QMT (n = 9) or Verbal Training (VT, identical cognitive training with no overt motor component, and only verbal response, n = 10). Our results demonstrate that in contrast to the controls, longer TP in females was found following 1 month of intensive QMT in the dyslexic group, while the opposite trend occurred in control females. We suggest that this longer TP in the female dyslexics is related to their enhanced attention resulting from QMT. The current findings suggest that the combination of motor and mindful training, embedded in QMT, has a differential effect depending on gender and whether one is dyslexic or not. These results have implications for educational and contemplative neuroscience, emphasizing the connection between specifically-structured motor training, time estimation and attention

Emotional Intelligence, Identification, and Self-Awareness According to the Sphere Model of Consciousness

While emotion and cognition were previously considered separate concepts, current research demonstrates an interplay between them. In the current chapter, we discuss the importance of the body in relation to emotional intelligence (EI) and executive functioning. In particular, we address a specific movement meditation called Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), which has been shown to enhance emotion regulation and neurocognitive functions. We then examine the importance of emotion regulation in the context of the Sphere Model of Consciousness (SMC) and related neurocognitive studies. The SMC is a neuro-phenomenal model of consciousness based on three main axes: Emotion, Time, and Self-Determination. It presents all phenomenal experiences in a sphere-shaped matrix, aiming to account for different interactions among the axes. Through this model, the processes leading to improved EI can be framed in a general theory of consciousness and described in relation to the three axes. We discuss three key concepts in relation to the SMC: (1) EI; (2) identification, namely excessive self-involvement or feeling caught up by experience (3) self-awareness, or awareness and management of ongoing inner processes

Time perception at resting state and during active motion: The role of anxiety and depression

Abstract Background: Time perception and motion intensity are interrelated factors that may influence symptom expression and severity in case of various psychiatric conditions, including anxiety and depression. Aims: The present study aimed to 1) explore the associations between the intensity of physical activity, time perception, impulsivity, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and to 2) investigate the extent to which resting state motion intensity can be used to identify the assessed psychiatric conditions. Methods: 20 healthy controls and 20 psychiatric patients (with either anxiety or depression-related diagnoses) were included in the study and filled out a questionnaire consisting of validated anxiety, depression and impulsivity measures. Time perception was measured by a computerized time production task, whereas motion intensity was analyzed by a motion capture and analysis software. Respondents were randomly assigned to an experimental (with active motion task) and non-experimental group (resting state conditions). Both subgroups were repeatedly assessed, in order to explore changes in motion intensity, time perception and psychiatric symptom levels. Results: Random forest regression analysis identified the level of impulsivity, depression and anxiety as the strongest predictors of resting state motion intensity, while a path analysis model indicated that controls and psychiatric patients show different pathways regarding the connection between motion intensity changes, time production ratio alterations and symptom reduction. Conclusions: Our study implies the importance of distinguishing between clinical and subclinical severity of psychiatric symptoms when considering the association between motion intensity, time perception, anxiety and depression. Potential transdiagnostic relevance of resting state motion intensity is also addressed

Regulation and function of ciliary dyslexia candidate genes

Dyslexia is defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading despite normal intelligence, senses and instruction. It is the most common learning disability with estimated 5-10% of the population affected. Its heredity is estimated to about 40-60%. Despite the established heredity of the condition, it has been very challenging to pinpoint the underlying genes. In the past 15 years, a number of dyslexia candidate genes have been suggested. A handful of them have been replicated in several studies, including DYX1C1, DCDC2 and KIAA0319. More recently, the very same genes have been independently associated to functions of the cilium. Cilia are microtubule-based organelles present on the surface of most eukaryotic cells. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the molecular functions of ciliary dyslexia candidate genes and their role at the cilium. In paper I, we found X-box motifs in the promoter regions of DYX1C1, DCDC2 and KIAA0319 and showed that they are functional and able to bind ciliogenic RFX transcription factors. Knockdown of certain RFX transcription factors altered the expression of DYX1C1 and DCDC2, but not KIAA0319. Overall, we strengthened the evidence for DYX1C1 and DCDC2 as ciliary genes. In paper II, we identified DCDC2 as a causative gene for nephronophthisis-related ciliopathy (NPHP-RC) with loss-of function mutations present in two affected families. We observed localization of DCDC2 to the ciliary axoneme of affected organs and demonstrated a crucial role of the Wnt pathway in the pathogenesis of NPHP-RC. 3D modeling in spheroids and in vivo modeling in zebrafish confirmed these observations. In paper III, we identified CPAP as an interacting partner of both DYX1C1 and DCDC2. In addition, we observed genetic pathway synergy between DYX1C1 and DCDC2 using zebrafish and a human ciliated cell model. In paper IV, we performed transcriptomics on differentiating human neuroepithelial stem cells and characterized the expression of dyslexia candidate genes. We found that some dyslexia candidate genes are upregulated during human neuronal differentiation. Remarkably, we identified the group of ciliary genes as the major group of upregulated genes. In addition, we showed that cilia are present on the surface of neuronal cells throughout differentiation. In paper V, we asked whether dyslexia and ciliopathies might have a common genetic origin by investigating the genome of two individuals with situs inversus and dyslexia. We identified rare variants in dynein heavy chain genes likely causing their situs inversus phenotype. Their involvement in dyslexia remains to be determined. In conclusion, the work conducted within this thesis strengthened and expanded on the role of DYX1C1 and DCDC2 at the cilium and in ciliopathies and identified the group of ciliary genes as a major gene class in human neuronal differentiation. A link between cilia and dyslexia remains elusive