scholarly journals The effect of APOE genotype and streamline density volume, on hippocampal CA1 down-regulation: a real-time fMRI virtual reality neurofeedback study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Skouras ◽  
Jordi Torner ◽  
Patrik Anderson ◽  
Yury Koush ◽  
Carles Falcon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Apoe Genotype ◽  
List Type ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Apoe Ε4 ◽  
Hippocampal Ca1

AbstractHippocampal hyperactivity is a precursor of Alzheimer’s disease and more prominent in APOE-ε4 carriers. It is therefore important to investigate the processes of hippocampal self-regulation, to monitor therapeutic efficacy of preclinical interventions. We have developed a closed-loop, virtual reality neurofeedback paradigm for real-time fMRI, that provides a standardized method for quantifying processes of hippocampal self-regulation. We acquired multi-modal neuroimaging data from a sample of 53 cognitively unimpaired subjects at risk for AD and applied standard methods of structural and functional connectomics. The analyses reveal significant negative associations between hippocampal CA1 down-regulation performance and APOE-ε4 alleles, as well as hippocampal streamline density volume. Better memory performance was associated with increased, bilateral hippocampal functional connectivity during the neurofeedback task. These are the first results to link neurofeedback performance to a genetic risk factor and structural connectivity. Further, these are the first evidence that functional cohesion between the hippocampi can reflect subtle differences in memory function, in cognitively unimpaired individuals at risk for AD. We provide a novel method to assess hippocampal function in preclinical AD, and propose it can be used to derive proxies for neural reserve.HighlightsAPOE-ε4 alleles impact hippocampal down-regulation neurofeedback performance.Hippocampal streamline density volume is associated with decreased hippocampal down-regulation performance.Bilaterally cohesive hippocampal activity is associated with better memory performance.We provide a novel paradigm to investigate self-regulation and brain function.

scholarly journals Distinct effects of amyloid and tau deposition on eigenvector centrality during hippocampal down-regulation: a real-time fMRI virtual reality closed-loop neurofeedback study with CSF biomarkers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Skouras ◽  
Jordi Torner ◽  
Patrik Andersson ◽  
Yury Koush ◽  
Carles Falcon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Primary Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Csf Biomarkers ◽  
Eigenvector Centrality ◽  
Down Regulation

AbstractHippocampal down-regulation is associated with genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neurodevelopmental processes and disease symptoms. Resting state eigenvector centrality (EC) patterns resemble those of FDG-PET in AD, they can predict self-regulation performance and they are related to functional compensation across the pathophysiological continuum of AD. We acquired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers from a cognitively unimpaired sample at risk for AD (N=48), to investigate the effect of β- amyloid peptide 42 (Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) levels on EC during the down-regulation of hippocampal subfield cornu ammonis 1, with real-time fMRI closed-loop neurofeedback. Controlling the effects of confounding variables (age, sex, number of APOE ε4 alleles, cognitive reserve, brain reserve and hippocampal down-regulation performance), CSF Aβ42 levels correlated positively with EC in the anterior cingulate cortex (BA24, BA32) and primary motor cortex (BA4). CSF p-Tau levels correlated with EC positively in the ACC (BA32, BA10) ventral striatum (caudate, nucleus accumbens, putamen) and left primary somatosensory cortex (BA2), as well as negatively in the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, cuneus and left frontal pole (BA9). Controlling for CSF biomarkers and other prognosis variables, age correlated negatively with EC in the midcingulate cortex, insula, primary somatosensory cortex (BA2) and inferior parietal lobule (BA40), as well as positively with EC in the inferior temporal gyri. Taken together, we identified patterns of functional connectomics in individuals at risk of AD during hippocampal down-regulation, which resemble those found during resting state at advanced AD stages. Moreover, we provide a standard paradigm to replicate and extend this work on a global level. This opens new avenues for further research applications, which quantify and monitor disease progression, by identifying early alterations in the self-regulation of brain function, with potential for non-invasive prognostic screening.HighlightsACC centrality decreases with early Aβ42ACC centrality increases with p-TauPCC centrality decreases with p-TauMCC centrality decreases in healthy aging

scholarly journals Mitigating Psychological Trauma on Adult Burn Patients Based on Virtual Reality Technology of Smart Medical Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Hongli Ren ◽  
Yunpeng Du ◽  
Xiaofen Feng ◽  
Jiamin Pu ◽  
Xiaoyan Xiang
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Data Processing ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Biofeedback Training ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Eeg Data ◽  
Processing Module

Virtual reality (VR) is one of the hot spots in the computer network world in recent years, which has attracted more and more people’s attention. This study mainly explores the effect of mitigating the psychological trauma of adult burn patients based on the VR technology of smart medical treatment. First, the EEG data are sent to the data processing module through a wireless protocol; then, the data processing module denoises the EEG data and performs feature extraction and feedback parameter calculation; after that, these parameters will be sent to the VR interaction engine; based on this, these parameters change the VR scene to capture and reflect the physiological activities of the patient’s brain in real time; finally, the patient uses the VR scene content presented by the real-time feedback of the captured EEG signal as a guide to making self-adjustment in time, and the electrical signal of captured brain at this time is again transmitted to the next work cycle and continues to feed back and present new VR interactive scenes to guide and intervene in the patient’s self-regulation behavior. The VR feedback training module is responsible for receiving the characteristic data calculated from the EEG acquisition and processing module and converts it into parameter variables that control the VR intervention system. The system user adjusts the state according to the feedback information displayed in the VR scene and generates new EEG signals to promote the realization of self-adjustment. The biofeedback training based on EEG feeds back the intuitive EEG state to the patient, prompting them to learn how to realize self-regulation and achieve the purpose of adjusting the level of mental health. The degree of itching and pain in the VR treatment group was alleviated, and compared with the normal training treatment results, it was statistically significant ( P > 0.05 ). This study has a positive effect on the psychological intervention of patients with facial injuries.

scholarly journals The effects of psychiatric history and age on self-regulation of the default mode network

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Skouras ◽  
Frank Scharnowski
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychiatric History ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractReal-time neurofeedback enables human subjects to learn to regulate their brain activity, effecting behavioral changes and improvements of psychiatric symptomatology. Neurofeedback up-regulation and down-regulation have been assumed to share common neural correlates. Neuropsychiatric pathology and aging incur suboptimal functioning of the default mode network. Despite the exponential increase in real-time neuroimaging studies, the effects of aging, pathology and the direction of regulation on neurofeedback performance remain largely unknown. Using open-access analyses and real-time fMRI data shared through the Rockland Sample Real-Time Neurofeedback project (N=136), we first modeled neurofeedback performance and learning in a group of subjects with psychiatric history (na=74) and a healthy control group (nb=62). Subsequently, we examined the relationship between up-regulation and down-regulation learning, the relationship between age and neurofeedback performance in each group and differences in neurofeedback performance between the two groups. Results show that in an initial session of default mode network neurofeedback with real-time fMRI, up-regulation and down-regulation learning scores are negatively correlated. Moreover, age correlates negatively with default mode network neurofeedback performance, only in absence of psychiatric history. Finally, adults with psychiatric history outperform healthy controls in default mode network up-regulation. Interestingly, the performance difference is related to no up-regulation learning in controls.

scholarly journals COVID-19 projections for reopening Connecticut

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Forrest W. Crawford ◽  
Zehang Richard Li ◽  
Olga Morozova
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
The State ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
List Type ◽  
Interpersonal Contact ◽  
Contact Patterns ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Substantial Uncertainty

Key PointsClosure of schools and the statewide “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order have effectively reduced COVID-19 transmission in Connecticut, with model projections estimating incidence at about 1,300 new infections per day.If close interpersonal contact increases quickly in Connecticut following reopening on May 20, the state is at risk of a substantial increase of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths by late Summer 2020.Real-time metrics including case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths may fail to provide enough advance warning to avoid resurgence.Substantial uncertainty remains in our knowledge of cumulative COVID-19 incidence, the proportion of infected individuals who are asymptomatic, infectiousness of children, the effects of testing and contact tracing on isolation of infected individuals, and how contact patterns may change following reopening.

scholarly journals Studying Spatial Memory in Augmented and Virtual reality

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shachar Maidenbaum ◽  
Ansh Patel ◽  
Isaiah Garlin ◽  
Josh Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
List Type ◽  
Memory Research ◽  
Mobile Ar ◽  
Crucial Part ◽  
World Environment

AbstractSpatial memory is a crucial part of our lives. Spatial memory research and rehabilitation in humans is typically performed either in real environments, which is challenging practically, or in Virtual Reality (VR), which has limited realism. Here we explored the use of Augmented Reality (AR) for studying spatial cognition. AR combines the best features of real and VR paradigms by allowing subjects to learn spatial information in a flexible fashion while walking through a real-world environment. To compare these methods, we had subjects perform the same spatial memory task in VR and AR settings. Although subjects showed good performance in both, subjects reported that the AR task version was significantly easier, more immersive, and more fun than VR. Importantly, memory performance was significantly better in AR compared to VR. Our findings validate that integrating AR can lead to improved techniques for spatial memory research and suggest their potential for rehabilitation.HighlightsWe built matching spatial memory tasks in VR and ARSubjectively, subjects find the AR easier, more immersive and more funObjectively, subjects are significantly more accurate in AR compared to VRPointing based tasks did not fully show the same advantagesOnly AR walking significantly correlated with SBSoD, suggesting mobile AR better captures more natural spatial performance

Nuances in Alzheimer’s Genetic Risk Reveal Differential Predictions of Non-demented Memory Aging Trajectories: Selective Patterns by APOE Genotype and Sex

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Peggy McFall ◽  
Lars Bäckman ◽  
Roger A. Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Apoe Genotype ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Latent Growth ◽  
Latent Growth Models ◽  
Selective Protection ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Apoe Genotypes

Background: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a prominent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and a frequent target for associations with non-demented and cognitively impaired aging. APOE offers a unique opportunity to evaluate two dichotomous comparisons and selected gradations of APOE risk. Some evidence suggests that APOE effects may differ by sex and emerge especially in interaction with other AD-related biomarkers (e.g., vascular health). Methods: Longitudinal trajectories of non-demented adults (n = 632, 67% female, Mage = 68.9) populated a 40-year band of aging. Focusing on memory performance and individualized memory trajectories, a sequence of latent growth models was tested for predictions of (moderation between) APOE and pulse pressure (PP) as stratified by sex. The analyses (1) established robust benchmark PP effects on memory trajectories, (2) compared predictions of alternative dichotomous groupings (ε4- vs ε4+, ε2- vs ε2+), and (3) examined precision-based predictions by disaggregated APOE genotypes. Results: Healthier (lower) PP was associated with better memory performance and less decline. Therefore, all subsequent analyses were conducted in the interactive context of PP effects and sex stratification. The ε4-based dichotomization produced no differential genetic predictions. The ε2-based analyses showed sex differences, including selective protection for ε2-positive females. Exploratory follow-up disaggregated APOE genotype analyses suggested selective ε2 protection effects for both homozygotic and heterozygotic females. Conclusion: Precision analyses of AD genetic risk will advance the understanding of underlying mechanisms and improve personalized implementation of interventions.

scholarly journals Telemanipulation of an Articulated Robotic Arm using a Commercial Virtual Reality Controller

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-130
Author(s):  
Max B. Schäfer ◽  
Kent W. Stewart ◽  
Nico Lösch ◽  
Peter P. Pott
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Robotic Arm ◽  
Input Device ◽  
Robot Assisted ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Input Devices ◽  
Current Input ◽  
Current Systems ◽  
Robot Assisted Surgery

AbstractAccess to systems for robot-assisted surgery is limited due to high costs. To enable widespread use, numerous issues have to be addressed to improve and/or simplify their components. Current systems commonly use universal linkage-based input devices, and only a few applicationoriented and specialized designs are used. A versatile virtual reality controller is proposed as an alternative input device for the control of a seven degree of freedom articulated robotic arm. The real-time capabilities of the setup, replicating a system for robot-assisted teleoperated surgery, are investigated to assess suitability. Image-based assessment showed a considerable system latency of 81.7 ± 27.7 ms. However, due to its versatility, the virtual reality controller is a promising alternative to current input devices for research around medical telemanipulation systems.

scholarly journals Virtual Reality Technology and Remote Digital Application for Tele-Simulation and Global Medical Education: An Innovative Hybrid System for Clinical Training

2021 ◽  
pp. 104687812110082
Author(s):  
Omamah Almousa ◽  
Ruby Zhang ◽  
Meghan Dimma ◽  
Jieming Yao ◽  
Arden Allen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Global Education ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Simulation Training ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Control Panel ◽  
Clinical Simulation ◽  
Clinical Scenarios

Objective. Although simulation-based medical education is fundamental for acquisition and maintenance of knowledge and skills; simulators are often located in urban centers and they are not easily accessible due to cost, time, and geographic constraints. Our objective is to develop a proof-of-concept innovative prototype using virtual reality (VR) technology for clinical tele simulation training to facilitate access and global academic collaborations. Methodology. Our project is a VR-based system using Oculus Quest as a standalone, portable, and wireless head-mounted device, along with a digital platform to deliver immersive clinical simulation sessions. Instructor’s control panel (ICP) application is designed to create VR-clinical scenarios remotely, live-stream sessions, communicate with learners and control VR-clinical training in real-time. Results. The Virtual Clinical Simulation (VCS) system offers realistic clinical training in virtual space that mimics hospital environments. Those VR clinical scenarios are customizable to suit the need, with high-fidelity lifelike characters designed to deliver interactive and immersive learning experience. The real-time connection and live-stream between ICP and VR-training system enables interactive academic learning and facilitates access to tele simulation training. Conclusions. VCS system provides innovative solutions to major challenges associated with conventional simulation training such as access, cost, personnel, and curriculum. VCS facilitates the delivery of academic and interactive clinical training that is similar to real-life settings. Tele-clinical simulation systems like VCS facilitate necessary academic-community partnerships, as well as global education network between resource-rich and low-income countries.

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