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O’Brien WJ, Carlton L, Muhvich J, Kura S, Ortega-Martinez A, Dubb J, Duwadi S, Hazen E, Yücel MA, von Lühmann A, Boas DA, Zimmermann BB. ninjaNIRS: an open hardware solution for wearable whole-head high-density functional near-infrared spectroscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:5625-5644. [PMID: 39421779 PMCID: PMC11482177 DOI: 10.1364/boe.531501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology has been steadily advancing since the first measurements of human brain activity over 30 years ago. Initially, efforts were focused on increasing the channel count of fNIRS systems and then to moving from sparse to high density arrays of sources and detectors, enhancing spatial resolution through overlapping measurements. Over the last ten years, there have been rapid developments in wearable fNIRS systems that place the light sources and detectors on the head as opposed to the original approach of using fiber optics to deliver the light between the hardware and the head. The miniaturization of the electronics and increased computational power continues to permit impressive advances in wearable fNIRS systems. Here we detail our design for a wearable fNIRS system that covers the whole head of an adult human with a high-density array of 56 sources and up to 192 detectors. We provide characterization of the system showing that its performance is among the best in published systems. Additionally, we provide demonstrative images of brain activation during a ball squeezing task. We have released the hardware design to the public, with the hope that the community will build upon our foundational work and drive further advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Joseph O’Brien
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Laura Carlton
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Johnathan Muhvich
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sreekanth Kura
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Jay Dubb
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sudan Duwadi
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Eric Hazen
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Meryem A. Yücel
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alexander von Lühmann
- BIFOLD – Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data, Ernst-Reuter Platz 7, 10587 Berlin, Germany
- Intelligent Biomedical Sensing (IBS) Lab, Machine Learning Department, Technical University of Berlin, Marchstr. 23, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - David A. Boas
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Pinti P, Dina LM, Smith TJ. Ecological functional near-infrared spectroscopy in mobile children: using short separation channels to correct for systemic contamination during naturalistic neuroimaging. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:045004. [PMID: 39380715 PMCID: PMC11460616 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.4.045004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Significance The advances and miniaturization in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) instrumentation offer the potential to move the classical laboratory-based cognitive neuroscience investigations into more naturalistic settings. Wearable and mobile fNIRS devices also provide a novel child-friendly means to image functional brain activity in freely moving toddlers and preschoolers. Measuring brain activity in more ecologically valid settings with fNIRS presents additional challenges, such as the increased impact of physiological interferences. One of the most popular methods for minimizing such interferences is to regress out short separation channels from the long separation channels [i.e., superficial signal regression (SSR)]. Although this has been extensively investigated in adults, little is known about the impact of systemic changes on the fNIRS signals recorded in children in either classical or novel naturalistic experiments. Aim We aim to investigate if extracerebral physiological changes occur in toddlers and preschoolers and whether SSR can help minimize these interferences. Approach We collected fNIRS data from 3- to 7-year-olds during a conventional computerized static task and in a dynamic naturalistic task in an immersive virtual reality (VR) cave automatic virtual environment. Results Our results show that superficial signal contamination data are present in young children as in adults. Importantly, we find that SSR helps in improving the localization of functional brain activity, both in the computerized task and, to a larger extent, in the dynamic VR task. Conclusions Following these results, we formulate suggestions to advance the field of developmental neuroimaging with fNIRS, particularly in ecological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pinti
- University of London, Birkbeck, Department of Psychological Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Larisa M. Dina
- University of London, Birkbeck, Department of Psychological Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College London, Department of Psychology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim J. Smith
- University of London, Birkbeck, Department of Psychological Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- University of the Arts London, Creative Computing Institute, London, United Kingdom
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Kawaguchi H, Eda H. Development of the international standard for functional near-infrared spectroscopy as medical equipment [Invited]. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:5272-5279. [PMID: 39296402 PMCID: PMC11407267 DOI: 10.1364/boe.531664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is widely used in academia and medicine, especially in human brain science. The international standard for the basic safety and essential performance of the fNIRS equipment as a medical device was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and published as IEC 80601-2-71. In this review, the authors, who are experienced project leaders in developing and revising the fNIRS standard, provide information on the development of the standard, including the process to date and expectations for the research community. The review will guide future experts in fNIRS standard revisions and relevant standard development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kawaguchi
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 2, 1-1-1, Umezono Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan
| | - Hideo Eda
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 2, 1-1-1, Umezono Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan
- Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Hiroshima Institute of Technology, 2-1-1, Miyake, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima, 731-5143, Japan
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Gaeta G, Gunasekara N, Pinti P, Levy A, Parkkinen E, Kontaris E, Tachtsidis I. Naturalistic approach to investigate the neural correlates of a laundry cycle with and without fragrance. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:5461-5478. [PMID: 39296381 PMCID: PMC11407240 DOI: 10.1364/boe.528275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in brain imaging technologies have facilitated the development of "real-world" experimental scenarios. In this study, participants engaged in a household chore - completing a laundry cycle - while their frontal lobe brain activity was monitored using fNIRS. Participants completed this twice using both fragranced and unfragranced detergent, to explore if fNIRS is able to identify any differences in brain activity in response to subtle changes in stimuli. Analysis was conducted using Automatic IDentification of functional Events (AIDE) software and fNIRS correlation-based signal improvement (CBSI). Results indicated that brain activity, particularly in the right frontopolar and occasionally the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, was more pronounced and frequent with the unfragranced detergent than the fragranced. This suggests that completing tasks in an environment where a pleasant and relaxing fragrance is present might be less effortful compared to an odourless environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Gaeta
- Health and Well-being Centre of Excellence, Givaudan UK Limited, Ashford, UK
| | - Natalie Gunasekara
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Pinti
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
- Metabolight Ltd, Croydon, UK
| | | | - Emilia Parkkinen
- Health and Well-being Centre of Excellence, Givaudan UK Limited, Ashford, UK
| | - Emily Kontaris
- Health and Well-being Centre of Excellence, Givaudan UK Limited, Ashford, UK
| | - Ilias Tachtsidis
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
- Metabolight Ltd, Croydon, UK
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Dubois J, Field RM, Jawhar S, Koch EM, Aghajan ZM, Miller N, Perdue KL, Taylor M. Reliability of brain metrics derived from a Time-Domain Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy System. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17500. [PMID: 39080458 PMCID: PMC11289386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68555-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
With the growing interest in establishing brain-based biomarkers for precision medicine, there is a need for noninvasive, scalable neuroimaging devices that yield valid and reliable metrics. Kernel's second-generation Flow2 Time-Domain Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) system meets the requirements of noninvasive and scalable neuroimaging, and uses a validated modality to measure brain function. In this work, we investigate the test-retest reliability (TRR) of a set of metrics derived from the Flow2 recordings. We adopted a repeated-measures design with 49 healthy participants, and quantified TRR over multiple time points and different headsets-in different experimental conditions including a resting state, a sensory, and a cognitive task. Results demonstrated high reliability in resting state features including hemoglobin concentrations, head tissue light attenuation, amplitude of low frequency fluctuations, and functional connectivity. Additionally, passive auditory and Go/No-Go inhibitory control tasks each exhibited similar activation patterns across days. Notably, areas with the highest reliability were in auditory regions during the auditory task, and right prefrontal regions during the Go/No-Go task, consistent with prior literature. This study underscores the reliability of Flow2-derived metrics, supporting its potential to actualize the vision of using brain-based biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment selection and treatment monitoring of neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Dubois
- Kernel, 10361 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, USA
| | - Ryan M Field
- Kernel, 10361 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, USA
| | - Sami Jawhar
- Kernel, 10361 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, USA
| | - Erin M Koch
- Kernel, 10361 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, USA
| | | | - Naomi Miller
- Kernel, 10361 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, USA
| | | | - Moriah Taylor
- Kernel, 10361 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, USA
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von Lühmann A, Kura S, Joseph O’Brien W, Zimmermann BB, Duwadi S, Rogers D, Anderson JE, Farzam P, Snow C, Chen A, Yücel MA, Perkins N, Boas DA. ninjaCap: a fully customizable and 3D printable headgear for functional near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalography brain imaging. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:036601. [PMID: 39193445 PMCID: PMC11348010 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.3.036601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Accurate sensor placement is vital for non-invasive brain imaging, particularly for functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT), which lack standardized layouts such as those in electroencephalography (EEG). Custom, manually prepared probe layouts on textile caps are often imprecise and labor intensive. We introduce a method for creating personalized, 3D-printed headgear, enabling the accurate translation of 3D brain coordinates to 2D printable panels for custom fNIRS and EEG sensor layouts while reducing costs and manual labor. Our approach uses atlas-based or subject-specific head models and a spring-relaxation algorithm for flattening 3D coordinates onto 2D panels, using 10-5 EEG coordinates for reference. This process ensures geometrical fidelity, crucial for accurate probe placement. Probe geometries and holder types are customizable and printed directly on the cap, making the approach agnostic to instrument manufacturers and probe types. Our ninjaCap method offers 2.7 ± 1.8 mm probe placement accuracy. Over the last five years, we have developed and validated this approach with over 50 cap models and 500 participants. A cloud-based ninjaCap generation pipeline along with detailed instructions is now available at openfnirs.org. The ninjaCap marks a significant advancement in creating individualized neuroimaging caps, reducing costs and labor while improving probe placement accuracy, thereby reducing variability in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander von Lühmann
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- BIFOLD – Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data, Berlin, Germany
- Technical University Berlin, Intelligent Biomedical Sensing Lab, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sreekanth Kura
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Walker Joseph O’Brien
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bernhard B. Zimmermann
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sudan Duwadi
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - De’Ja Rogers
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jessica E. Anderson
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Parya Farzam
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Cameron Snow
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Anderson Chen
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Meryem A. Yücel
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Nathan Perkins
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - David A. Boas
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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7
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Yamamoto Y, Kawai W, Hayashi T, Uga M, Kyutoku Y, Dan I. Adjusting effective multiplicity ( M eff ) for family-wise error rate in functional near-infrared spectroscopy data with a small sample size. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:035004. [PMID: 39071050 PMCID: PMC11283272 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.3.035004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Significance The advancement of multichannel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has enabled measurements across a wide range of brain regions. This increase in multiplicity necessitates the control of family-wise errors in statistical hypothesis testing. To address this issue, the effective multiplicity (M eff ) method designed for channel-wise analysis, which considers the correlation between fNIRS channels, was developed. However, this method loses reliability when the sample size is smaller than the number of channels, leading to a rank deficiency in the eigenvalues of the correlation matrix and hindering the accuracy ofM eff calculations. Aim We aimed to reevaluate the effectiveness of theM eff method for fNIRS data with a small sample size. Approach In experiment 1, we used resampling simulations to explore the relationship between sample size andM eff values. Based on these results, experiment 2 employed a typical exponential model to investigate whether validM eff could be predicted from a small sample size. Results Experiment 1 revealed that theM eff values were underestimated when the sample size was smaller than the number of channels. However, an exponential pattern was observed. Subsequently, in experiment 2, we found that validM eff values can be derived from sample sizes of 30 to 40 in datasets with 44 and 52 channels using a typical exponential model. Conclusions The findings from these two experiments indicate the potential for the effective application ofM eff correction in fNIRS studies with sample sizes smaller than the number of channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamamoto
- Chuo University, Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wakana Kawai
- Chuo University, Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hayashi
- Chuo University, Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
- Yamato University, Department of Information Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minako Uga
- Health Science University, Department of Welfare and Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kyutoku
- Chuo University, Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ippeita Dan
- Chuo University, Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
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von Lühmann A, Kura S, O'Brien WJ, Zimmermann BB, Duwadi S, Rogers D, Anderson JE, Farzam P, Snow C, Chen A, Yücel MA, Perkins N, Boas DA. ninjaCap: A fully customizable and 3D printable headgear for fNIRS and EEG brain imaging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594159. [PMID: 38798389 PMCID: PMC11118375 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Significance Accurate sensor placement is vital for non-invasive brain imaging, particularly for functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT), which lack standardized layouts like EEG. Custom, manually prepared probe layouts on textile caps are often imprecise and labor-intensive. Aim We introduce a method for creating personalized, 3D-printed headgear, enabling accurate translation of 3D brain coordinates to 2D printable panels for custom fNIRS and EEG sensor layouts, reducing costs and manual labor. Approach Our approach uses atlas-based or subject-specific head models and a spring-relaxation algorithm for flattening 3D coordinates onto 2D panels, using 10-5 EEG coordinates for reference. This process ensures geometrical fidelity, crucial for accurate probe placement. Probe geometries and holder types are customizable and printed directly on the cap, making the approach agnostic to instrument manufacturers and probe types. Results Our ninjaCap method offers 2.2±1.5 mm probe placement accuracy. Over the last five years, we have developed and validated this approach with over 50 cap models and 500 participants. A cloud-based ninjaCap generation pipeline along with detailed instructions is now available at openfnirs.org. Conclusions The ninjaCap marks a significant advancement in creating individualized neuroimaging caps, reducing costs and labor while improving probe placement accuracy, thereby reducing variability in research.
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9
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Bálint A, Rummel C, Caversaccio M, Weder S. Three-dimensional infrared scanning: an enhanced approach for spatial registration of probes for neuroimaging. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024309. [PMID: 38812965 PMCID: PMC11134420 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Significance Accurate spatial registration of probes (e.g., optodes and electrodes) for measurement of brain activity is a crucial aspect in many neuroimaging modalities. It may increase measurement precision and enable the transition from channel-based calculations to volumetric representations. Aim This technical note evaluates the efficacy of a commercially available infrared three-dimensional (3D) scanner under actual experimental (or clinical) conditions and provides guidelines for its use. Method We registered probe positions using an infrared 3D scanner and validated them against magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on five volunteer participants. Results Our analysis showed that with standard cap fixation, the average Euclidean distance of probe position among subjects could reach up to 43 mm, with an average distance of 15.25 mm [standard deviation (SD) = 8.0]. By contrast, the average distance between the infrared 3D scanner and the MRI-acquired positions was 5.69 mm (SD = 1.73), while the average difference between consecutive infrared 3D scans was 3.43 mm (SD = 1.62). The inter-optode distance, which was fixed at 30 mm, was measured as 29.28 mm (SD = 1.12) on the MRI and 29.43 mm (SD = 1.96) on infrared 3D scans. Our results demonstrate the high accuracy and reproducibility of the proposed spatial registration method, making it suitable for both functional near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalogram studies. Conclusions The 3D infrared scanning technique for spatial registration of probes provides economic efficiency, simplicity, practicality, repeatability, and high accuracy, with potential benefits for a range of neuroimaging applications. We provide practical guidance on anonymization, labeling, and post-processing of acquired scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Bálint
- University of Bern, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Hearing Research Laboratory, Bern, Switzerland
- Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Department of ENT - Head and Neck Surgery, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Rummel
- Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Caversaccio
- University of Bern, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Hearing Research Laboratory, Bern, Switzerland
- Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Department of ENT - Head and Neck Surgery, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Weder
- Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Department of ENT - Head and Neck Surgery, Bern, Switzerland
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Konrad K, Gerloff C, Kohl SH, Mehler DMA, Mehlem L, Volbert EL, Komorek M, Henn AT, Boecker M, Weiss E, Reindl V. Interpersonal neural synchrony and mental disorders: unlocking potential pathways for clinical interventions. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1286130. [PMID: 38529267 PMCID: PMC10962391 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1286130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interpersonal synchronization involves the alignment of behavioral, affective, physiological, and brain states during social interactions. It facilitates empathy, emotion regulation, and prosocial commitment. Mental disorders characterized by social interaction dysfunction, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), often exhibit atypical synchronization with others across multiple levels. With the introduction of the "second-person" neuroscience perspective, our understanding of interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) has improved, however, so far, it has hardly impacted the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Methods To evaluate the potential of INS-based treatments for mental disorders, we performed two systematic literature searches identifying studies that directly target INS through neurofeedback (12 publications; 9 independent studies) or brain stimulation techniques (7 studies), following PRISMA guidelines. In addition, we narratively review indirect INS manipulations through behavioral, biofeedback, or hormonal interventions. We discuss the potential of such treatments for ASD, RAD, and SAD and using a systematic database search assess the acceptability of neurofeedback (4 studies) and neurostimulation (4 studies) in patients with social dysfunction. Results Although behavioral approaches, such as engaging in eye contact or cooperative actions, have been shown to be associated with increased INS, little is known about potential long-term consequences of such interventions. Few proof-of-concept studies have utilized brain stimulation techniques, like transcranial direct current stimulation or INS-based neurofeedback, showing feasibility and preliminary evidence that such interventions can boost behavioral synchrony and social connectedness. Yet, optimal brain stimulation protocols and neurofeedback parameters are still undefined. For ASD, RAD, or SAD, so far no randomized controlled trial has proven the efficacy of direct INS-based intervention techniques, although in general brain stimulation and neurofeedback methods seem to be well accepted in these patient groups. Discussion Significant work remains to translate INS-based manipulations into effective treatments for social interaction disorders. Future research should focus on mechanistic insights into INS, technological advancements, and rigorous design standards. Furthermore, it will be key to compare interventions directly targeting INS to those targeting other modalities of synchrony as well as to define optimal target dyads and target synchrony states in clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christian Gerloff
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge Centre for Data-Driven Discovery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon H. Kohl
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - David M. A. Mehler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Center (CUBRIC), Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lena Mehlem
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Emily L. Volbert
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maike Komorek
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alina T. Henn
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maren Boecker
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Eileen Weiss
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Reindl
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Shin JH, Kang MJ, Lee SA. Wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy for measuring dissociable activation dynamics of prefrontal cortex subregions during working memory. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26619. [PMID: 38339822 PMCID: PMC10858338 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been extensively studied in relation to various cognitive abilities, including executive function, attention, and memory. Nevertheless, there is a gap in our scientific knowledge regarding the functionally dissociable neural dynamics across the PFC during a cognitive task and their individual differences in performance. Here, we explored this possibility using a delayed match-to-sample (DMTS) working memory (WM) task using NIRSIT, a high-density, wireless, wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. First, upon presentation of the sample stimulus, we observed an immediate signal increase in the ventral (orbitofrontal) region of the anterior PFC, followed by activity in the dorsolateral PFC. After the DMTS test stimulus appeared, the orbitofrontal cortex activated once again, while the rest of the PFC showed overall disengagement. Individuals with higher accuracy showed earlier and sustained activation of the PFC across the trial. Furthermore, higher network efficiency and functional connectivity in the PFC were correlated with individual WM performance. Our study sheds new light on the dynamics of PFC subregional activity during a cognitive task and its potential applicability in explaining individual differences in experimental, educational, or clinical populations. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) captured dissociable temporal dynamics across prefrontal subregions during a delayed match-to-sample task. Anterior regions of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activated first during the delay period, followed by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). PFC disengaged overall after the delay, but the OFC reactivated to the test stimulus. Earlier and sustained activation of PFC was associated with better accuracy. Functional connectivity and network efficiency also varied with task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Han Shin
- Program of Brain and Cognitive EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)DaejeonSouth Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Min Jun Kang
- Department of Bio and Brain EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)DaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Sang Ah Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
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Belluscio V, Cartocci G, Terbojevich T, Di Feo P, Inguscio BMS, Ferrari M, Quaresima V, Vannozzi G. Facilitating or disturbing? An investigation about the effects of auditory frequencies on prefrontal cortex activation and postural sway. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1197733. [PMID: 37425019 PMCID: PMC10324668 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1197733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Auditory stimulation activates brain areas associated with higher cognitive processes, like the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and plays a role in postural control regulation. However, the effects of specific frequency stimuli on upright posture maintenance and PFC activation patterns remain unknown. Therefore, the study aims at filling this gap. Twenty healthy adults performed static double- and single-leg stance tasks of 60s each under four auditory conditions: 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 Hz, binaurally delivered through headphones, and in quiet condition. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure PFC activation through changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration, while an inertial sensor (sealed at the L5 vertebra level) quantified postural sway parameters. Perceived discomfort and pleasantness were rated through a 0-100 visual analogue scale (VAS). Results showed that in both motor tasks, different PFC activation patterns were displayed at the different auditory frequencies and the postural performance worsened with auditory stimuli, compared to quiet conditions. VAS results showed that higher frequencies were considered more discomfortable than lower ones. Present data prove that specific sound frequencies play a significant role in cognitive resources recruitment and in the regulation of postural control. Furthermore, it supports the importance of exploring the relationship among tones, cortical activity, and posture, also considering possible applications with neurological populations and people with hearing dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Belluscio
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Interuniversity Centre of Bioengineering of the Human Neuromusculoskeletal System, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cartocci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- BrainSigns Ltd, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Di Feo
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Interuniversity Centre of Bioengineering of the Human Neuromusculoskeletal System, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Quaresima
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vannozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Interuniversity Centre of Bioengineering of the Human Neuromusculoskeletal System, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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