Although managing social information and decision making on the basis of reward is critical for survival, it remains uncertain whether differing reward type is processed in a uniform manner. Previously, we demonstrated that monetary reward and the social reward of good reputation activated the same striatal regions including the caudate nucleus and putamen. However, it remains unclear whether overlapping activations reflect activities of identical neuronal populations or two overlapping but functionally independent neuronal populations. Here, we re-analyzed the original data and addressed this question using multivariate-pattern-analysis and found evidence that in the left caudate nucleus and bilateral nucleus accumbens, social vs monetary reward were represented similarly. The findings suggest that social and monetary rewards are processed by the same population of neurons within these regions of the striatum. Additional findings demonstrated similar neural patterns when participants experience high social reward compared to viewing others receiving low social reward (potentially inducing schadenfreude). This is possibly an early indication that the same population of neurons may be responsible for processing two different types of social reward (good reputation and schadenfreude). These findings provide a supplementary perspective to previous research, helping to further elucidate the mechanisms behind social vs non-social reward processing.

A fundamental function of the brain is learning via new information. Studies investigating the 22 neural basis of information-based learning processes indicate an important role played by the 23 posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) in representing conflict between an individual's 24 expectation and new information. However, specific function of the pMFC in this process 25 remains relatively indistinct. Particularly, it's unclear whether the pMFC plays a role in the 26 detection of conflict of incoming information, or the update of their belief after new 27 information is provided. In an fMRI scanner, twenty-eight Japanese students viewed 28 scenarios depicting various pro-social/anti-social behaviors. Participants rated how likely 29 Japanese and South Korean students would perform each behavior, followed by feedback of 30 the actual likelihood. They were then asked to rerate the scenarios after the fMRI session. 31 Participants updated their second estimates based on feedback, with estimate changes more 32 pronounced for favorable feedback (e.g., higher likelihood of pro-social behavior than 33 expected) despite nationality, indicating participants were willing to view other people 34 favorably. The fMRI results demonstrated activity in a part of the pMFC, the dorsomedial 35 prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), was correlated with social conflict (difference between 36 participant's estimate and actual likelihood), but not the corresponding belief update. 37 Importantly, activity in a different part within the dmPFC was more sensitive to unfavorable 38 trials compared to favorable trials. These results indicate sensitivity in the pMFC (at least 39 within the dmPFC) relates to conflict between desirable outcomes versus reality, as opposed 40 to the associated update of belief. 41 42

myCOPD is a digital tool designed for people to manage their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It requires a device with an internet connection and incorporates tools for education, self-management, symptom tracking and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). myCOPD was selected for medical technologies guidance by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2020. The External Assessment Group (EAG) critiqued the company’s submission. The evidence comprised four clinical studies (three randomised controlled trials [RCTs] and one observational study) and real-world evidence from 22 documents. The RCTs had small sample sizes, limiting the power to detect statistically significant differences and to match patient characteristics across arms. The company produced two de novo models for two subgroups of people with COPD; people discharged from hospital with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and people referred for PR. After the EAG updated input parameters and adjusted the model structures, cost savings of £86,297 per clinical commissioning group (CCG) compared with standard care were estimated for the AECOPD population, with myCOPD predicted to be cost saving in 74% of iterations. Cost savings of £22,779 per CCG were estimated for the PR population (with the assumption that the CCG had an existing myCOPD licence), with myCOPD predicted to be cost saving in 86% of the iterations. The Medical Technologies Advisory Committee concluded that although myCOPD has the potential to help manage COPD in adults, further evidence is required to address uncertainties in the current evidence base. NICE published this as Medical Technology Guidance 68 (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). myCOPD for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2022. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg68/ ). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40258-023-00811-x.