scholarly journals Quality and denoising in real-time fMRI neurofeedback: a methods review

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Heunis ◽  
Rolf Lamerichs ◽  
Svitlana Zinger ◽  
Cesar Caballero-Gaudes ◽  
Jacobus FA Jansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Feedback Signal ◽  
Learning Effects ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Quality Reporting ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Methodological Studies

Neurofeedback training using real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI-NF) allows subjects voluntary control of localized and distributed brain activity. It has sparked increased interest as a promising non-invasive treatment option in neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, although its efficacy and clinical significance are yet to be determined. Maximization of neurofeedback learning effects in accordance with operant conditioning requires the feedback signal to be closely contingent on real brain activity, which necessitates the use of effective real-time fMRI denoising methods to prevent sham feedback. In this work, we present the first extensive review of acquisition, data processing and quality reporting methods available to improve the quality of the rtfMRI neurofeedback signal. Furthermore, we investigated the state of denoising and quality control practices in a set of 128 recently published rtfMRI-NF studies. We found: (i) that less than a third of the studies reported implementing standard real-time fMRI denoising steps; (ii) significant room for improvement with regards to methods reporting; and (iii) the need for methodological studies quantifying and comparing the contribution of denoising steps to the quality of the neurofeedback signal. Advances in the field of rtfMRI-NF research depend on reproducibility of methods and results. To this end, we recommend that future rtfMRI-NF studies: (i) report implementation of a set of standard real-time fMRI denoising steps according to a proposed COBIDAS-style checklist (https://osf.io/kjwhf/); (ii) ensure the quality of the neurofeedback signal by calculating and reporting community-informed quality metrics and applying offline control checks; and (iii) strive to adopt transparent principles in the form of methods and data sharing and the support of open-source rtfMRI-NF software.

scholarly journals Carbon Dioxide Laser Vulvovaginal Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review

Cosmetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Tassahil Messas ◽  
Achraf Messas ◽  
George Kroumpouzos
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Laser Therapy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Laser ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Erbium:Yag Laser ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Level I ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) causes significant symptomatic aggravation that affects the quality of life (QoL). Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), the hallmark of GSM, is managed with topical non-hormonal therapy, including moisturizers and lubricants, and topical estrogen application. Patients not responding/being unsatisfied with previous local estrogen therapies are candidates for a noninvasive modality. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy, especially the fractionated type (FrCO2), has drawn considerable attention over the past two decades as a non-invasive treatment for GSM. This systematic review describes the accumulated evidence from 40 FrCO2 laser studies (3466 participants) in GSM/VVA. MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched through April 2021. We analyze the effects of FrCO2 laser therapy on symptoms, sexual function, and QoL of patients with GSM/VVA. As shown in this review, FrCO2 laser therapy for GSM shows good efficacy and safety. This modality has the potential to advance female sexual wellness. Patient satisfaction was high in the studies included in this systematic review. However, there is a lack of level I evidence, and more randomized sham-controlled trials are required. Furthermore, several clinical questions, such as the number of sessions required that determine cost-effectiveness, should be addressed. Also, whether FrCO2 laser therapy may exert a synergistic effect with systemic and/or local hormonal/non-hormonal treatments, energy-based devices, and other modalities to treat GMS requires further investigation. Lastly, studies are required to compare FrCO2 laser therapy with other energy-based devices such as erbium:YAG laser and radiofrequency.

scholarly journals Osteopetrosis. Presentación de dos casos [Non-surgical management of osteopetrosis: two case reports an review of the literature]

2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 386-392
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Caruso ◽  
Juan Martín Patiño
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Bone Dysplasia ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
History Of ◽  
Diaphyseal Fractures ◽  
Non Surgical Treatment ◽  
Delayed Consolidation

Las osteopetrosis (enfermedad de Albers-Schönberg) es un síndrome con cuatro tipos clásicos e instituye una displasia ósea secundaria a la falta de resorción de hueso por anormalidad de los osteoclastos, lo cual provoca un tejido óseo duro y quebradizo,propenso a fracturas difíciles de tratar quirúrgicamente. Se han publicado escasos artículos sobre el tema; por este motivo, decidimos presentar a dos pacientes con fracturas diafisarias de húmero con osteopetrosis, ambas tratadas en forma incruenta.Los objetivos son comunicar nuestra experiencia y el método de tratamiento de dicha afección y realizar una revisión bibliográfica acerca del tema. Creemos que el tratamiento de elección para las fracturas diafisarias de húmero en pacientes con osteopetrosises el incruento, ya que su tipo de tejido óseo dificulta la implementación de cualquier osteosíntesis. Además, la colocación de implantes puede provocar algunas complicaciones, como infecciones, retraso de la consolidación y seudoartrosis. La cirugía se reserva para ciertos casos, como en pacientes con riesgo de desarrollar deformidades incapacitantes, aquellos que han sufrido fracturas repetidas, con retraso de la consolidación, seudoartrosis, quienes no responden al tratamiento incruento o con unadeformidad previa.AbstractOsteopetrosis (also known as Albers-Schönberg disease) is a syndrome that includes four classic types and is characterized by bone dysplasia and lack of bone resorption due to abnormal osteoclastic activity and consequent development of brittle and hard bone that is prone to fractures that are difficult to treat surgically. Herein we present two cases of osteopetrosis with diaphyseal fractures of the humerus, both managed with non-surgical treatment. The objectives of our manuscript are to document our experience in the management of these cases and review the literature. The non-invasive treatment provides the best outcome for dyaphyseal fractures on the humerus in patients with osteopetrosis, given that the quality of the bone in these patients impairs the implementation of osteosynthesis. In addition, the placement of implants can lead to complications such as infections, delayed consolidation and pseudoarthrosis, among others. Surgical treatment should reserved for certain patients such as those with delayed consolidation, pseudoarthrosis, a history of repeated fractures, pre-existing deformity and those who are at risk for the development of disabling deformities or do not respond to non-surgical treatment.

scholarly journals Directly Exploring the Neural Correlates of Feedback-Related Reward Saliency and Valence During Real-Time fMRI-Based Neurofeedback

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Direito ◽  
Manuel Ramos ◽  
João Pereira ◽  
Alexandre Sayal ◽  
Teresa Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Visual Motion ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Feedback Processing ◽  
Positive Valence ◽  
Feedback Valence

Introduction: The potential therapeutic efficacy of real-time fMRI Neurofeedback has received increasing attention in a variety of psychological and neurological disorders and as a tool to probe cognition. Despite its growing popularity, the success rate varies significantly, and the underlying neural mechanisms are still a matter of debate. The question whether an individually tailored framework positively influences neurofeedback success remains largely unexplored.Methods: To address this question, participants were trained to modulate the activity of a target brain region, the visual motion area hMT+/V5, based on the performance of three imagery tasks with increasing complexity: imagery of a static dot, imagery of a moving dot with two and with four opposite directions. Participants received auditory feedback in the form of vocalizations with either negative, neutral or positive valence. The modulation thresholds were defined for each participant according to the maximum BOLD signal change of their target region during the localizer run.Results: We found that 4 out of 10 participants were able to modulate brain activity in this region-of-interest during neurofeedback training. This rate of success (40%) is consistent with the neurofeedback literature. Whole-brain analysis revealed the recruitment of specific cortical regions involved in cognitive control, reward monitoring, and feedback processing during neurofeedback training. Individually tailored feedback thresholds did not correlate with the success level. We found region-dependent neuromodulation profiles associated with task complexity and feedback valence.Discussion: Findings support the strategic role of task complexity and feedback valence on the modulation of the network nodes involved in monitoring and feedback control, key variables in neurofeedback frameworks optimization. Considering the elaborate design, the small sample size here tested (N = 10) impairs external validity in comparison to our previous studies. Future work will address this limitation. Ultimately, our results contribute to the discussion of individually tailored solutions, and justify further investigation concerning volitional control over brain activity.

scholarly journals Real-time fMRI neurofeedback training as a neurorehabilitation approach on depressive disorders: A systematic review of randomized control trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Gonzalez Mendez ◽  
Ranganatha Sitaram ◽  
Jeffrey A. Stanley ◽  
Julio Rodino Clement
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Depressive disorders are a group of neuropsychiatric disorders that cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning. In the last decade, Brain-Computer Interfaces based-neurofeedback training appears as an innovative therapy for this condition and other neuropsychiatric disorders, allowing to volitionally self-regulate brain activity and behavior. Up to date, non-invasive neurofeedback training have been built on different techniques, including EEG, NIRS and fMRI. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the clinical application of fMRI neurofeedback training and its efficacy on treating depressive disorders. As a secondary objective, we intend to extract additional information on the neurofeedback training technique, in order to provide recommendations for future research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The systematic review complies with the PRISMA guidelines and it was submitted to PROSPERO registration. We will only include randomized control trials assessing participants with a depressive disorder. The intervention of interest is real-time fMRI neurofeedback training, the comparison of interest will be placebo neurofeedback, another active non-neurofeedback control or no treatment. The primary outcome will be effects on behavior (symptomatology/disease severity reduction). The secondary outcomes will assess quality of life, acceptability and adverse effects. Finally, we will evaluate other outcomes regarding brain MRI metrics (BOLD activation/connectivity), cognitive tasks performance, and physiology measures. At least two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. If methodologically possible, for primary and secondary outcomes, a meta-analysis will be performed and the data will be presented in summary tables of results using the GRADE approach. STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS: As the number of studies on neurofeedback is increasing every year, and better quality of evidence is available, this systematic review, will include only randomized control trials. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review assessing randomized control trials on fMRI neurofeedback training as a neurorehabilitation approach on depressive disorders. The main limitation of this systematic review might arise from the low number of extant RCTs.

scholarly journals The role of superstition of cognitive control during neurofeedback training

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris Groessinger ◽  
Florian Ph.S Fischmeister ◽  
Mathias Witte ◽  
Karl Koschutnig ◽  
Manuel Ninaus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Associative Learning ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Ventral Striatum ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
The Impact

Background: Real-time fMRI neurofeedback is growing in reputation as a means to alter brain activity patterns and alleviate psychiatric symptoms. Activity in ventral striatum structures is considered an index of training efficacy. fMRI response in these brain regions indicates neurofeedback-driven associative learning. Here we investigated the impact of mere superstition of control as observed during neurofeedback training on patterns of fMRI activation. Methods: We examined the brain activations of a large sample of young participants (n = 97, 50 female, age range 18-54yrs) in a simple fMRI task. Participants saw a display similar to that typically used for real-time fMRI. They were instructed to watch the bars' movements or to control them with their own brain activity. Bar movements were not connected with brain activity of participants in any way and perceptions of control were superstitious. After the pretended control condition, they rated how well they were able to control the bars' movements. Results: Strong activation in the basal ganglia and ventral striatum as well as in large portions of the anterior insula, supplementary motor area, and the middle frontal gyrus due to the superstition of brain control. Conclusions: The superstition of control over one's own brain activity in a pretended neurofeedback training session activates the same neural networks as neurofeedback-driven learning. Therefore, activity in the basal ganglia and ventral striatum cannot be taken as evidence for neurofeedback-driven associative learning unless its effects are proven to supersede those elicited by appropriate sham conditions.

Importance of Automation and Next-Generation IoT in Smart Healthcare

2020 ◽  
pp. 80-88
Author(s):  
Ahmed Alenezi ◽  
M. S. Irfan Ahamed
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Physiological Status ◽  
Remote Monitoring System ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Smart Healthcare ◽  
Working Principle ◽  
The Cost

Generally, the sensors employed in healthcare are used for real-time monitoring of patients, such devices are termed IoT-driven sensors. These type of sensors are deployed for serious patients because of the non-invasive monitoring, for instance physiological status of patients will be monitored by the IoT-driven sensors, which gathers physiological information regarding the patient through gateways and later analysed by the doctors and then stored in cloud, which enhances quality of healthcare and lessens the cost burden of the patient. The working principle of IoT in remote health monitoring systems is that it tracks the vital signs of the patient in real-time, and if the vital signs are abnormal, then it acts based on the problem in patient and notifies the doctor for further analysis. The IoT-driven sensor is attached to the patient and transmits the data regarding the vital signs from the patient's location by employing a telecom network with a transmitter to a hospital that has a remote monitoring system that reads the incoming data about the patient's vital signs.

High-Intensity Targeted Cavitation as a More Efficient and Safer Approach to Treat Kidney Stones

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Dion ◽  
Louis-Philippe Riel ◽  
Michael W. Sourial ◽  
Martin Brouillette
Keyword(s):  
Shock Wave ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Kidney Stones ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Artificial Kidney ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Non Invasive

An apparatus to provide a safer and more efficient non-invasive treatment of kidney stones is under development. The proposed non-invasive alternative is to produce a tightly focused high-intensity cavitation cloud right at the stone; the cloud being electronically steerable in real time to compensate for the respiratory movements which would significantly reduce the exposition of healthy tissues to damaging shock waves. The piloted cloud is produced by 19 independent novel shock wave generators that are geometrically oriented towards a single focal point. The real-time steering is accomplished by applying different emission delays between the shock wave generators. The steering capability of the 19-channel prototype was monitored in vitro using a pressure sensor and kidney stone analogs. Promising tests were also conducted on ex-vivo pigs to measure the erosion rate of implanted artificial kidney stones.

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