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Bowie DC, Low KA, Rubenstein SL, Islam SS, Zimmerman B, Camacho PB, Sutton BP, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Neurovascular Mechanisms of Cognitive Aging: Sex-Related Differences in the Average Progression of Arteriosclerosis, White Matter Atrophy, and Cognitive Decline. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.06.556562. [PMID: 38562861 PMCID: PMC10983862 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.06.556562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Arterial stiffness (arteriosclerosis) has been linked to heightened risks for cognitive decline, and ultimately for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Importantly, neurovascular outcomes generally vary according to one's biological sex. Here, capitalizing on a large sample of participants with neuroimaging and behavioral data ( N = 203, age range = 18-87 years), we aimed to provide support for a hierarchical model of neurocognitive aging, which links age-related declines in cerebrovascular health to the rate of cognitive decline via a series of intervening variables, such as white matter integrity. By applying a novel piecewise regression approach to our cross-sectional sample to support Granger-like causality inferences, we show that, on average, a precipitous decline in cerebral arterial elasticity (measured with diffuse optical imaging of the cerebral arterial pulse; pulse-DOT) temporally precedes an acceleration in the development of white matter lesions by nearly a decade, with women protected from these deleterious effects until approximately age 50, the average onset of menopause. By employing multiple-mediator path analyses while controlling for sex, we show that age may impair cognition via the sequential indirect effects of arteriosclerosis and white matter atrophy on fluid, but not crystallized, abilities. Importantly, we replicate these results using pulse pressure, an independent index of arterial health, thereby providing converging evidence for the central role of arteriosclerosis as an accelerating factor in normal and pathological aging and identifying robust sex-related differences in the progression of cerebral arteriosclerosis and white matter degradation.
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Zhang Y, Qi X, Li W, Wan M, Ning X, Hu J. Research on the classification of early-stage brain edema by combining intrinsic optical signal imaging and laser speckle contrast imaging. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2024; 17:e202300394. [PMID: 38169143 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The early detection and pathological classification of brain edema are very important for symptomatic treatment. The dual-optical imaging system (DOIS) consists of intrinsic optical signal imaging (IOSI) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), which can acquire cerebral hemodynamic parameters of mice in real-time, including changes of oxygenated hemoglobin concentration ( Δ C HbO 2 ), deoxyhemoglobin concentration (ΔCHbR) and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) within the field of view. The slope sum of Δ C HbO 2 , ΔCHbR and rCBF was proposed to classify vasogenic edema (VE) and cytotoxic edema (CE). The slope sum values in the VE and CE group remain statistically different and the classification results provide higher accuracy of more than 93% for early brain edema detection. In conclusion, the differences of hemodynamic parameters between VE and CE in the early stage were revealed and the method helps in the classification of early brain edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yameng Zhang
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinping Qi
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Weitao Li
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wan
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Ning
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Fabiani M, Asnakew BA, Bowie DC, Chism SM, Clements GM, Gardner JC, Islam SS, Rubenstein SL, Gratton G. A healthy mind in a healthy body: Effects of arteriosclerosis and other risk factors on cognitive aging and dementia. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2022; 77:69-123. [PMID: 37139101 PMCID: PMC10153623 DOI: 10.1016/bs.plm.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this review we start from the assumption that, to fully understand cognitive aging, it is important to embrace a holistic view, integrating changes in bodily, brain, and cognitive functions. This broad view can help explain individual differences in aging trajectories and could ultimately enable prevention and remediation strategies. As the title of this review suggests, we claim that there are not only indirect but also direct effects of various organ systems on the brain, creating cascades of phenomena that strongly contribute to age-related cognitive decline. Here we focus primarily on the cerebrovascular system, because of its direct effects on brain health and close connections with the development and progression of Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia. We start by reviewing the main cognitive changes that are often observed in normally aging older adults, as well as the brain systems that support them. Second, we provide a brief overview of the cerebrovascular system and its known effects on brain anatomy and function, with a focus on aging. Third, we review genetic and lifestyle risk factors that may affect the cerebrovascular system and ultimately contribute to cognitive decline. Lastly, we discuss this evidence, review limitations, and point out avenues for additional research and clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Bethlehem A. Asnakew
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Daniel C. Bowie
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Sydney M. Chism
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Grace M. Clements
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Jennie C. Gardner
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Samia S. Islam
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Samantha L. Rubenstein
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
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Yu B, Jang SH, Chang PH. Entropy Could Quantify Brain Activation Induced by Mechanical Impedance-Restrained Active Arm Motion: A Functional NIRS Study. ENTROPY 2022; 24:e24040556. [PMID: 35455219 PMCID: PMC9024511 DOI: 10.3390/e24040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain activation has been used to understand brain-level events associated with cognitive tasks or physical tasks. As a quantitative measure for brain activation, we propose entropy in place of signal amplitude and beta value, which are widely used, but sometimes criticized for their limitations and shortcomings as such measures. To investigate the relevance of our proposition, we provided 22 subjects with physical stimuli through elbow extension-flexion motions by using our exoskeleton robot, measured brain activation in terms of entropy, signal amplitude, and beta value; and compared entropy with the other two. The results show that entropy is superior, in that its change appeared in limited, well established, motor areas, while signal amplitude and beta value changes appeared in a widespread fashion, contradicting the modularity theory. Entropy can predict increase in brain activation with task duration, while the other two cannot. When stimuli shifted from the rest state to the task state, entropy exhibited a similar increase as the other two did. Although entropy showed only a part of the phenomenon induced by task strength, it showed superiority by showing a decrease in brain activation that the other two did not show. Moreover, entropy was capable of identifying the physiologically important location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeonggi Yu
- Department of Robotics Engineering, Graduate School, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea;
| | - Sung-Ho Jang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Korea;
| | - Pyung-Hun Chang
- Department of Robotics Engineering, Graduate School, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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Huo C, Xu G, Li W, Xie H, Zhang T, Liu Y, Li Z. A review on functional near-infrared spectroscopy and application in stroke rehabilitation. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2021.100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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6
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Getz LM, Toscano JC. The time-course of speech perception revealed by temporally-sensitive neural measures. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2020; 12:e1541. [PMID: 32767836 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience have provided a detailed picture of the early time-course of speech perception. In this review, we highlight this work, placing it within the broader context of research on the neurobiology of speech processing, and discuss how these data point us toward new models of speech perception and spoken language comprehension. We focus, in particular, on temporally-sensitive measures that allow us to directly measure early perceptual processes. Overall, the data provide support for two key principles: (a) speech perception is based on gradient representations of speech sounds and (b) speech perception is interactive and receives input from higher-level linguistic context at the earliest stages of cortical processing. Implications for models of speech processing and the neurobiology of language more broadly are discussed. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Language Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics Neuroscience > Cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Getz
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joseph C Toscano
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
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Chiarelli AM, Giaconia GC, Perpetuini D, Greco G, Mistretta L, Rizzo R, Vinciguerra V, Romeo MF, Merla A, Fallica PG. Wearable, Fiber-less, Multi-Channel System for Continuous Wave Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy Based on Silicon Photomultipliers Detectors and Lock-In Amplification. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2019:60-66. [PMID: 31945845 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2019.8857206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Development and in-vivo validation of a Continuous Wave (CW) functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) system is presented. The system is wearable, fiber-less, multi-channel (16×16, 256 channels) and expandable and it relies on silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) for light detection. SiPMs are inexpensive, low voltage and resilient semiconductor light detectors, whose performances are analogous to photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The advantage of SiPMs with respect to PMTs is that they allow direct contact with the scalp and avoidance of optical fibers. In fact, the coupling of SiPMs and light emitting diodes (LEDs) allows the transfer of the analog signals to and from the scalp through thin electric cables that greatly increase the system flexibility. Moreover, the optical probes, mechanically resembling electroencephalographic electrodes, are robust against motion artifacts. In order to increase the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of the fNIRS acquisition and to decrease ambient noise contamination, a digital lock-in technique was implemented through LEDs modulation and SiPMs signal processing chain. In-vivo validation proved the system capabilities of detecting functional brain activity in the sensorimotor cortices. When compared to other state-of-the-art wearable fNIRS systems, the single photon sensitivity and dynamic range of SiPMs can exploit the long and variable interoptode distances needed for estimation of brain functional hemodynamics using CW-fNIRS.
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Abstract
The global population is ageing at an accelerating speed. The ability to perform working memory tasks together with rapid processing becomes increasingly difficult with increases in age. With increasing national average life spans and a rise in the prevalence of age-related disease, it is pertinent to discuss the unique perspectives that can be gained from imaging the aged brain. Differences in structure, function, blood flow, and neurovascular coupling are present in both healthy aged brains and in diseased brains and have not yet been explored to their full depth in contemporary imaging studies. Imaging methods ranging from optical imaging to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to newer technologies such as photoacoustic tomography each offer unique advantages and challenges in imaging the aged brain. This paper will summarize first the importance and challenges of imaging the aged brain and then offer analysis of potential imaging modalities and their representative applications. The potential breakthroughs in brain imaging are also envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Humayun
- Photoacoustic Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Junjie Yao
- Photoacoustic Imaging Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Cinciute S. Translating the hemodynamic response: why focused interdisciplinary integration should matter for the future of functional neuroimaging. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6621. [PMID: 30941269 PMCID: PMC6438158 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The amount of information acquired with functional neuroimaging techniques, particularly fNIRS and fMRI, is rapidly growing and has enormous potential for studying human brain functioning. Therefore, many scientists focus on solving computational neuroimaging and Big Data issues to advance the discipline. However, the main obstacle—the accurate translation of the hemodynamic response (HR) by the investigation of a physiological phenomenon called neurovascular coupling—is still not fully overcome and, more importantly, often overlooked in this context. This article provides a brief and critical overview of significant findings from cellular biology and in vivo brain physiology with a focus on advancing existing HR modelling paradigms. A brief historical timeline of these disciplines of neuroscience is presented for readers to grasp the concept better, and some possible solutions for further scientific discussion are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigita Cinciute
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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10
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Cinciute S, Daktariunas A, Ruksenas O. Hemodynamic effects of sex and handedness on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: the contradiction between neuroimaging and behavioural results. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5890. [PMID: 30498629 PMCID: PMC6252064 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the potential role of sex and handedness on the performance of a computerised Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in healthy participants by applying functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) sex-related differences of hemodynamic response in the prefrontal cortex of 70 healthy participants (female, n = 35 and male, n = 35; right-handed, n = 40 and left-handed, n = 30). In contrast, behavioural results of the WCST do not show sex bias, which is consistent with previous literature. Because of this, we compared ours and sparse previous fNIRS studies on the WCST. We propose that, according to recent studies of neurovascular coupling, this contradiction between neuroimaging and behavioural results may be explained by normal variability in neurovascular dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigita Cinciute
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Algis Daktariunas
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Osvaldas Ruksenas
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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11
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Herold F, Wiegel P, Scholkmann F, Müller NG. Applications of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Neuroimaging in Exercise⁻Cognition Science: A Systematic, Methodology-Focused Review. J Clin Med 2018; 7:E466. [PMID: 30469482 PMCID: PMC6306799 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7120466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For cognitive processes to function well, it is essential that the brain is optimally supplied with oxygen and blood. In recent years, evidence has emerged suggesting that cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics can be modified with physical activity. To better understand the relationship between cerebral oxygenation/hemodynamics, physical activity, and cognition, the application of state-of-the art neuroimaging tools is essential. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is such a neuroimaging tool especially suitable to investigate the effects of physical activity/exercises on cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics due to its capability to quantify changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb) non-invasively in the human brain. However, currently there is no clear standardized procedure regarding the application, data processing, and data analysis of fNIRS, and there is a large heterogeneity regarding how fNIRS is applied in the field of exercise⁻cognition science. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current methodological knowledge about fNIRS application in studies measuring the cortical hemodynamic responses during cognitive testing (i) prior and after different physical activities interventions, and (ii) in cross-sectional studies accounting for the physical fitness level of their participants. Based on the review of the methodology of 35 as relevant considered publications, we outline recommendations for future fNIRS studies in the field of exercise⁻cognition science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Herold
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
| | - Patrick Wiegel
- Department of Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79117, Germany.
- Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany.
| | - Felix Scholkmann
- Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zürich, Zürich 8091, Switzerland.
| | - Notger G Müller
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg 39118, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
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12
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Pushing the Boundaries of Neuroimaging with Optoacoustics. Neuron 2017; 96:966-988. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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Chiarelli AM, Libertino S, Zappasodi F, Mazzillo M, Pompeo FD, Merla A, Lombardo S, Fallica G. Characterization of a fiber-less, multichannel optical probe for continuous wave functional near-infrared spectroscopy based on silicon photomultipliers detectors: in-vivo assessment of primary sensorimotor response. NEUROPHOTONICS 2017; 4:035002. [PMID: 28983487 PMCID: PMC5615232 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.4.3.035002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We report development, testing, and in vivo characterization of a multichannel optical probe for continuous wave (CW) functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) that relies on silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) detectors. SiPMs are cheap, low voltage, and robust semiconductor light detectors with performances analogous to photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). In contrast with PMTs, SiPMs allow direct contact with the head and transfer of the analog signals through thin cables greatly increasing the system flexibility avoiding optical fibers. The coupling of SiPMs and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) made the optical probe lightweight and robust against motion artifacts. After characterization of SiPM performances, which was proven to provide a noise equivalent power below 3 fW, the apparatus was compared through an in vivo experiment to a commercial system relying on laser diodes, PMTs, and optical fibers for light probing and detection. The optical probes were located over the primary sensorimotor cortex and the similarities between the hemodynamic responses to the contralateral motor task were assessed. When compared to other state-of-the-art wearable fNIRS systems, where photodiode detectors are employed, the single photon sensitivity and dynamic range of SiPMs can fully exploit the long and variable interoptode distances needed for correct estimation of brain hemodynamics using CW-fNIRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M. Chiarelli
- G.d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Italy
| | - Sebania Libertino
- National Research Council (CNR), Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Zappasodi
- G.d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Di Pompeo
- G.d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Merla
- G.d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Italy
| | - Salvatore Lombardo
- National Research Council (CNR), Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), Catania, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fallica
- STMicroelectronics, Research and Development, Catania, Italy
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