Browsing by Author "Campos, Carlos"
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- Aerobic exercise reduces anxiety symptoms and improves fitness in patients with panic disorderPublication . Lamego, Murilo Khede; Lattari, Eduardo; Sá Filho, Alberto Souza de; Paes, Flávia; Mascarenhas Jr., Jarbas; Maranhão Neto, Geraldo; Oliveira, Aldair José de; Campos, Carlos; Rocha, Nuno; Nardi, Antonio E.; Machado, SergioTo investigate the effects of a regularly repeated aerobic exercise series on anxiety and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in Panic Disorder patients. METHODS: Ten previously sedentary female subjects diagnosed with Panic Disorder performed 36 sessions of aerobic exercise (at 70 to 75% of VO2max), 3 times per week during 12 weeks. A cardiopulmonary evaluation (ergospirometry test) was used to set the intensity of training as well as to establish baseline and post-training VO2max parameters. The assessment of anxiety symptoms was performed at baseline, at the end of the 6th and 12th weeks, using the Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), and the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) questionnaires. One-way ANOVA for repeated measurements (at 3 moments: Baseline, 6th week (mid-training) and 12th week (post-training) was used to compare the evolution of the questionnaires; the Bonferroni post hoc test was applied to identify differences between moments. A dependent t-test was performed for measures of VO2max. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, (a) STAI-T showed significant anxiety reductions at mid- and post-training moments; (b) STAI-S and SUDS recorded anxiety reductions only at Post-training; (c) VO2max showed a significant improvement at Post-training. CONCLUSION: This protocol promoted beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and anxiety levels of Panic Disorder patients.
- Allostatic interoception in frontotemporal dementia: A scoping review protocolPublication . Carneiro, Fábio; Hazelton, Jessica L.; Campos, Carlos; Ibáñez, Agustín; Ferreira-Santos, FernandoFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a spectrum of disorders characterized by distinct behavioral, cognitive, and motor symptoms. Deficits in interoception and allostasis have garnered attention, considering the involvement of the allostatic-interoceptive network in FTD, their contribution to canonical social cognitive and affective deficits, and the identification of whole-body biomarkers related to autonomic and allostatic processes. Traditionally, interoception has been defined as the perception of visceral signals, yet contemporary understandings broaden this to encompass both the representation and regulation of the physiological state across bodily tissues. Consequently, interoceptive deficits in FTD extend beyond classical viscerosensory paradigms to include pain, temperature, autonomic, metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine phenomena. Allostasis involves the prospective regulation of energy balance, as well as the anticipation and adaptive response to homeostatic challenges. These repeated challenges result in physiological consequences measurable by markers of allostatic load, spanning various bodily systems. Despite emerging evidence highlighting dysfunction in interoception and allostasis in FTD, the literature remains fragmented, lacking cohesive reviews addressing the diverse mechanisms comprehensively. Thus, this scoping review examines the reciprocal interaction between brain and bodily physiology (interoception) and the physiological responses to environmental demands (allostatic load) in FTD. Following the principles outlined in the PRISMA statement, we will systematically search and screen quantitative primary research studies on patients with FTD, utilizing interoceptive or allostatic metrics. By synthesizing the existing literature, we aim to identify active research areas, delineate primary deficits across physiological systems, uncover syndrome-specific patterns of dysfunction, and identify the most promising and understudied domains in this field.
- An unobtrusive stress detection software: Protocol design to assess the reliability of video plethysmographyPublication . Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, Matilde; Campos, Carlos; Rocha, NunoSoftware solutions for stress detection have been emerging. Existing solutions still largely rely on supervised learning methods, requiring extremely large sets of labeled data for each situation. Stress assessment using video plethysmography is a recent method that needs further investigation. The room lighting conditions and the person’s movement have been identified as the main barriers to the software progression. Thus, it is necessary to build a laboratory pilot that will take into account these difficulties. We present an in-depth protocol on how to assess the reliability of a video facial recognition software on collecting physiological data (heart rate and blinking).
- Análise do padrão motor em pessoas com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia: uma abordagem em tempo realPublication . Sá, Fátima; Marques, António; Campos, Carlos; Trigueiro, Maria João; Rocha, NunoAs alterações motoras são consistentemente observadas na esquizofrenia, embora estudos nesta área com recurso a ferramentas válidas de análise cinemática do movimento sejam ainda escassos (Kent et al., 2012; Putzhammer & Klein, 2006; Walther & Strik, 2012). Verificar se os indivíduos com esquizofrenia apresentam alterações na coordenação motora, comparativamente com indivíduos sem diagnóstico, bem como analisar se a presença dos sinais neurológicos subtis (SNS) motores se encontra correlacionada com o funcionamento executivo e psicopatológico na esquizofrenia. Participaram 29 indivíduos (13 com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia e 16 sem diagnóstico) equivalentes em termos de idade, género, escolaridade e índice de massa corporal. Para a recolha de dados utilizou-se a Positive and Negative Sindrome Scale (PANSS), o subteste do Vocabulário (WAIS-III edição), o teste da fluência verbal, a Brief Motor Scale (BMS) e o sistema de parametrização do movimento em tempo real – Biostage. Encontraram-se alterações na coordenação motora nos indivíduos com esquizofrenia, recrutando estes um padrão motor menos desenvolvido e com menor individualização das componentes, comparativamente com os indivíduos sem a perturbação. Verificou-se também que o grupo de pessoas com esquizofrenia é caracterizado por uma alta prevalência dos SNS motores (média BMS = 6,01), estabelecendo este domínio uma relação boa com o desempenho verbal (rho Spearman=-0,62) e uma relação forte e positiva com todos os domínios psicopatológicos da PANSS (rho Spearman=0,74). A compreensão da existência das alterações motoras como parte intrínseca da esquizofrenia é fundamental, permitindo o desenvolvimento de práticas mais efetivas na área da saúde e reabilitação.
- Association between depression severity and executive functioning in late-life depression: a systematic reviewPublication . Monteiro, Suzana; Monteiro, Bárbara; Candida, Maristela; Adler, Nathalia; Campos, Carlos; Rocha, Nuno; Paes, Flávia; Nardi, Antônio Egidio; Machado, SérgioOBJECTIVE: Late-life depression is an under-diagnosed and under-treated disease that reduces the well-being of older adults. Executive dysfunction is another critical impairment in elderly depressed individuals which further disrupts their everyday functioning. This systematic review aims to analyze the association between executive function and depression severity in elderly individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. METHOD: The studies were retrieved from MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and PsychInfo, after a search strategy combining the terms "depression", "executive function", "neuropsychological assessment", "elderly" and "late life". Study selection, data collection and quality ratings was performed by two independent raters. RESULTS: A total of 1,130 articles were found but only 8 studies met the defined eligibility criteria and evaluated the association between depression severity and executive functioning. Six out of 8 studies found an association between depression severity and executive function, with correlations ranging from small to large (r= -0.15 to -0.53). The included reports had several methodological limitations such as selective data reporting, non-comprehensive executive function assessment and not controlling potential biases. CONCLUSION: Depression severity may be more strongly correlated with a specific set of executive abilities although it also seems to be a broad-based association with executive functioning as a whole. Future high-quality prospective studies are recommended in order to understand the causal relationship between depression severity and executive functioning taking into account possible mediators such as age-related or neurodegenerative cognitive impairment, educational level and other clinic characteristics (e.g. age of onset, medication).
- Attachment Dimensions and Spatial Navigation in Female College Students: The Role of Comfort With Closeness and Confidence in OthersPublication . Rocha, Nuno; Lemos, Andreia; Campos, Carlos; Rocha, Susana; Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Machado, Sérgio; Murillo-Rodriguez, EricThere is preliminary evidence suggesting that hippocampal functioning is associated with attachment style. However, it is unknown if attachment is also associated with hippocampal-related cognitive function such as spatial learning and recall. This study aims to verify if attachment dimensions are associated with spatial learning and recall. Sixty-five female participants were recruited and were evaluated using the Adult Attachment Scale-R and tested on a virtual maze navigation task (VMT) at one moment (exploratory trial + 3 trials) and 24 h later (3 trials). There was a significant Moment × Trial × Close-Depend interaction for the outcome time, F(2,126) = 3.807, p = 0.025, with post hoc analysis indicating that the High Close-Depend group displayed significant improvements between Trial 1 and Trial 3 in the post-test assessment. Conversely, the Low Close-Depend group displayed significant improvements between Trial 1and Trial 3 but on the pre-test assessment. Furthermore, the Low Close-Depend group presented significant better performance in pre-test Trial 3 in comparison to the High Close-Depend group. Thereby, it seems that low comfort with proximity and trust in others is associated with reduced spatial recall, although spatial learning performance was actually superior in these participants. It is possible that reduced exposure to social interaction and meaningful relationships may be reduced in the Low Close-Depend group, leading to modifications in hippocampal function and, ultimately, reduced spatial recall. Oppositely, participants in the High Close-Depend group may not display typical spatial learning in the proposed task as they are more willing to freely explore the presented environment.
- Bilateral DMPFC-rTMS Leads to Sustained Remission in Geriatric Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Case ReportPublication . Sender, David; Nazar, Bruno Palazzo; Baczynski, Tathiana; Paes, Flávia; Fettes, Peter; Downar, Jonathan; Campos, Carlos; Nardi, Antonio Egidio; Machado, SergioMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent condition that has been labeled the current leading cause of disability adjusted life years (Ferrari et al. 2013). Approximately 30% of MDD patients are treatment resistant, not achieving remission after two or more antidepressant trials (Baldessarini et al. 2015). In the geriatric population, MDD is associated with both lower rates of remission and increased levels of recurrence (Kiosses & Alexopoulos 2013). Geriatric MDD not only shows an impoverished response to pharmacological approaches, but also presents new treatment challenges associated with clinical limitations such as frequent metabolic issues, comorbidity and poly-medication. Hence, additional therapeutic alternatives such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) might be beneficial in these resistant cases (Downar & Daskalakis 2013).
- Can transcranial direct current stimulation on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves balance and functional mobility in Parkinson’s disease?Publication . Lattari, Eduardo; Costa, Samara Sezana; Campos, Carlos; de Oliveira, Aldair José; Machado, Sérgio; Maranhao Neto, Geraldo AlbuquerqueTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique increasingly explored for Parkinson's disease (PD). Although evidence is still inconsistent, there are preliminary findings suggesting its efficacy to improve motor function in individuals with PD, as the role of secondary motor areas remains unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) tDCS on balance and functional mobility of individuals with PD. Seventeen individuals with PD, on-medication, aged between 40 and 90 years were recruited to enroll in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial. Each participant completed two conditions at least 48h apart, namely anodal-tDCS and sham-tDCS (placebo). The a-tDCS condition targeted the left DLPC (F3) and was applied during 20min using a 2mA current intensity. In the sham-tDCS condition, electrode position remained the same but the stimulator was turned off after 30s. Functional mobility and balance were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index and Timed Up and Go. There were significant differences between conditions on all outcome measures, as the a-tDCS condition was associated with better performance in comparison to the sham condition (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that a-tDCS on the left DLPFC improves balance and functional mobility in comparison to sham-tDCS. Compensatory mechanisms that support motor function in individuals with PD may have been enhanced by a-tDCS on the DLPFC, leading to improved functional mobility and balance. Future trials should explore left DLPFC stimulation with larger samples and compare t-DCS protocols targeting several brain regions.
- Cardiac interoceptive processing across psychopathy dimensions: evidence from the heartbeat tapping task and the attentional modulation of heartbeat-evoked potentialsPublication . Campos, Carlos; Sá, Catarina; Mazer, Prune; Pasion, Rita; Garcez, Helena; Paiva, Tiago O.; Braga, Patrícia Vilela; Rocha, Nuno Barbosa; Barbosa, Fernando; Rocha, Nuno; Campos, CarlosPsychopathy is a multidimensional personality structure encompassing interpersonal, affective, and behavioral traits. Interoception (ability to perceive and subjectively experience inner bodily states) may be a putative mechanism underlying the etiological pathways of psychopathy. Individual differences in interoceptive processing across psychopathy dimensions may interfere with the ability to perceive somatic sensations that signal the emotional valence of everyday events. To examine the association between psychopathy dimensions (triarchic phenotypes - boldness, meanness, and disinhibition; classical 4-facets - interpersonal, affective, impulsive, antisocial) and cardiac interoceptive processing, namely objectively measured cardiac interoceptive attention and accuracy. Fifty community-dwelling participants (25 women) were recruited and completed: (a) self-report measures indexing psychopathy, trait-based interoceptive attention and accuracy, and alexithymia; (b) modified Heartbeat Tapping Task to index cardiac interoceptive accuracy, where subjects were required to tap after each heartbeat under rest and breath hold conditions (the latter enhanced the magnitude of cardiac signals); (c) modified Heartbeat Attention Task for producing an attentional modulation of heartbeat-evoked potentials (HEP) - neuronal markers of cardiac interoceptive processing - where subjects were required to allocate their attention on their heart vs. an exteroceptive stimulus (objective measure of interoceptive attention). Cardiac interoception was only significantly related to boldness traits. Boldness was positively associated with cardiac interoceptive accuracy after the breath hold manipulation (non-significant after controlling for heart rate), despite no significant effects being observed at rest. Boldness was also negatively correlated with the attentional modulation of HEP due to atypical neuronal responses when allocating attentional resources to the heart. The current findings implicate cardiac interoception in the boldness phenotype, as this psychopathy dimension was associated with enhanced interoceptive-specific perceptual sensitivity and atypical neuronal responses to cardiac afferent inputs when attending to heart-related sensations. Future studies should examine how other interoceptive modalities (e.g., respiratory, gastric) are implicated in psychopathy.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia: an overview on efficacy, recent trends and neurobiological findingsPublication . Candida, Maristela; Campos, Carlos; Monteiro, Bárbara; Rocha, Nuno; Paes, Flávia; Nardi, António Egídio; Machado, SérgioCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been recommended by several international guidelines as the gold-standard treatment to address the needs of patients with schizophrenia. This review provides an overview on recent advances regarding CBT for schizophrenia. An electronic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane Database, using the key-words: "schizophrenia"; "psychosis"; "cognitive-behavioral therapy", "CBT"and "psychotherapy". Numerous systematic reviews support the immediate and long-term efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reduce positive and negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. In the last decade, CBT for schizophrenia has been applied to clinical high-risk subjects and delivered using innovative approaches (low intensity, web-based and self-guided). Brain regions and networks which support high-level cognitive functions have been associated with CBT responsiveness. There is preliminary evidence indicating that CBT induces a prefrontal dependent increase in the top-down modulation of social threat activation. In the last decade, CBT for schizophrenia has explored new treatment outcomes, targeted acute and pre-clinical populations and provided alternative methods to reach more patients and reduce intervention costs. The patients' neurocognitive profile seems to play a critical role in treatment response and combining CBT with cognitive remediation may allow to enhance therapeutic effects. Although CBT for schizophrenia is widely established as a gold-standard practice, future studies using innovative CBT protocols, exploring brain-related predictors and treatment outcomes may allow this intervention to be more effective, personalized and to reach a wider number of patients.