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Thielen H, Welkenhuyzen L, Tuts N, Vangkilde S, Lemmens R, Wibail A, Lafosse C, Huenges Wajer IMC, Gillebert CR. Why am I overwhelmed by bright lights? The behavioural mechanisms of post-stroke visual hypersensitivity. Neuropsychologia 2024; 198:108879. [PMID: 38570111 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
After stroke, patients can experience visual hypersensitivity, an increase in their sensitivity for visual stimuli as compared to their state prior to the stroke. Candidate behavioural mechanisms for these subjective symptoms are atypical bottom-up sensory processing and impaired selective attention, but empirical evidence is currently lacking. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between post-stroke visual hypersensitivity and sensory thresholds, sensory processing speed, and selective attention using computational modelling of behavioural data. During a whole/partial report task, participants (51 stroke patients, 76 orthopedic patients, and 77 neurotypical adults) had to correctly identify a single target letter that was presented alone (for 17-100 ms) or along a distractor (for 83ms). Performance on this task was used to estimate the sensory threshold, sensory processing speed, and selective attention abilities of each participant. In the stroke population, both on a group and individual level, there was evidence for impaired selective attention and -to a lesser extent- lower sensory thresholds in patients with post-stroke visual hypersensitivity as compared to neurotypical adults, orthopedic patients, or stroke patients without post-stroke sensory hypersensitivity. These results provide a significant advancement in our comprehension of post-stroke visual hypersensitivity and can serve as a catalyst for further investigations into the underlying mechanisms of sensory hypersensitivity after other types of acquired brain injury as well as post-injury hypersensitivity for other sensory modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Thielen
- Department Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L Welkenhuyzen
- Department Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department Psychology, Hospital East-Limbourgh, Genk, Belgium; TRACE, Centre for Translational Psychological Research (TRACE), KU Leuven - Hospital East-Limbourgh, Genk, Belgium
| | - N Tuts
- Department Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Vangkilde
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Lemmens
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Wibail
- Neurology, Hospital East-Limbourgh, Genk, Belgium
| | - C Lafosse
- Paramedical and Scientific Director, RevArte Rehabilitation Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - I M C Huenges Wajer
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - C R Gillebert
- Department Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; TRACE, Centre for Translational Psychological Research (TRACE), KU Leuven - Hospital East-Limbourgh, Genk, Belgium.
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Sarkar R, Zanetti K, Reynaud A, Kingdom FAA. Surround masking reveals binocular adding and differencing channels. Vision Res 2024; 219:108396. [PMID: 38640684 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2024.108396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that binocular adding S+ and differencing S- channels play an important role in binocular vision. To test for such a role in the context of binocular contrast detection and binocular summation, we employed a surround masking paradigm consisting of a central target disk surrounded by a mask annulus. All stimuli were horizontally oriented 0.5c/d sinusoidal gratings. Correlated stimuli were identical in interocular spatial phase while anticorrelated stimuli were opposite in interocular spatial phase. There were four target conditions: monocular left eye, monocular right eye, binocular correlated and binocular anticorrelated, and three surround mask conditions: no surround, binocularly correlated and binocularly anticorrelated. We observed consistent elevation of detection thresholds for monocular and binocular targets across the two binocular surround mask conditions. In addition, we found an interaction between the type of surround and the type of binocular target: both detection and summation were relatively enhanced by surround masks and targets with opposite interocular phase relationships and reduced by surround masks and targets with the same interocular phase relationships. The data were reasonably well accounted for by a model of binocular combination termed MAX (S+S-), in which the decision variable is the probability summation of modeled S+ and S- channel responses, with a free parameter determining the relative gains of the two channels. Our results support the existence of two channels involved in binocular combination, S+ and S-, whose relative gains are adjustable by surround context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinku Sarkar
- McGill Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Montréal General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Canada.
| | - Kiana Zanetti
- McGill Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Montréal General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Reynaud
- McGill Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Montréal General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Canada
| | - Frederick A A Kingdom
- McGill Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Montréal General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Jayakumar S, Ahmed AO, Butler PD, Silverstein SM, Thompson JL, Seitz AR. Performance on a contour integration task as a function of contour shape in schizophrenia and controls. Vision Res 2024; 219:108394. [PMID: 38579407 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2024.108394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Contour Integration (CI) is the ability to integrate elemental features into objects and is a basic visual process essential for object perception and recognition, and for functioning in visual environments. It is now well documented that people with schizophrenia (SZ), in addition to having cognitive impairments, also have several visual perceptual deficits, including in CI. Here, we retrospectively characterize the performance of both SZ and neurotypical individuals (NT) on a series of contour shapes, made up of Gabor elements, that varied in terms of closure and curvature. Participants in both groups performed a CI training task that included 7 different families of shapes (Lines, Ellipse, Blobs, Squiggles, Spiral, Circle and Letters) for up to 40 sessions. Two parameters were manipulated in the training task: Orientation Jitter (OJ, i.e., orientation deviations of individual Gabor elements from ideal for each shape) and Inducer Number (IN, i.e., number of Gabor elements defining the shape). Results show that both OJ and IN thresholds significantly differed between the groups, with higher (OJ) and lower (IN) thresholds observed in the controls. Furthermore, we found significant effects as a function of the contour shapes, with differences between groups emerging with contours that were considered more complex, e.g., due to having a higher degree of curvature (Blobs, Spiral, Letters). These data can inform future work that aims to characterize visual integration impairments in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samyukta Jayakumar
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, United States.
| | - Anthony O Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, United States.
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, United States.
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Berek K, Hegen H, Auer M, Barket R, Di Pauli F, Hocher J, Krajnc N, Zinganell A, Deisenhammer F, Berger T, Bsteh G. Olfactory threshold as a biomarker of long-term relapse activity in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 85:105545. [PMID: 38479044 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory threshold (OT) is a marker of short-term inflammatory activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE To investigate whether OT predicts long-term MS clinical disease course. METHODS This was a 6-year prospective longitudinal study on MS patients at the MS clinic Innsbruck. Clinical visits assessing the occurrence of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and disease-modifying treatment (DMT), were conducted biannually. OT testing was performed at baseline (BL), year 1 (Y1), year 2 (Y2) and year 6 (Y6), using the threshold subscore of the "Sniffin' Sticks" test. Cognitive function was assessed by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. RESULTS Of 139 MS patients, 92 were eligible for Y6 follow-up. 68% experienced relapses, 53% EDSS worsening, 29% progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) and 41% cognitive deterioration. OT scores were lower at BL, Y1 and Y2 in patients requiring DMT escalation. In multivariable analysis, higher OT scores at BL, Y1, Y2 and Y6 were associated with lower risk of relapse (hazard ratio, HR: 0.65-0.92) and EDSS worsening (HR: 0.86-0.89), while no associations were found for PIRA and cognitive deterioration. CONCLUSIONS OT is a potential surrogate marker for long-term inflammatory disease activity and DMT failure in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Berek
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Harald Hegen
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Auer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Robert Barket
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Franziska Di Pauli
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jakob Hocher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nik Krajnc
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne Zinganell
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriel Bsteh
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Favero JD, Luck C, Lipp OV, Marinovic W. The effect of prepulse amplitude and timing on the perception of an electrotactile pulse. Atten Percept Psychophys 2024; 86:1038-1047. [PMID: 36385671 PMCID: PMC11062989 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-022-02597-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The perceived intensity of an intense stimulus as well as the startle reflex it elicits can both be reduced when preceded by a weak stimulus (prepulse). Both phenomena are used to characterise the processes of sensory gating in clinical and non-clinical populations. The latter phenomenon, startle prepulse inhibition (PPI), is conceptualised as a measure of pre-attentive sensorimotor gating due to its observation at short latencies. In contrast, the former, prepulse inhibition of perceived stimulus intensity (PPIPSI), is believed to involve higher-order cognitive processes (e.g., attention), which require longer latencies. Although conceptually distinct, PPIPSI is often studied using parameters that elicit maximal PPI, likely limiting what we can learn about sensory gating's influence on conscious perception. Here, we tested an array of stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs; 0-602 ms) and prepulse intensities (0-3× perceptual threshold) to determine the time course and sensitivity to the intensity of electrotactile PPIPSI. Participants were required to compare an 'unpleasant but not painful' electric pulse to their left wrist that was presented alone with the same stimulus preceded by an electric prepulse, and report which pulse stimulus felt more intense. Using a 2× perceptual threshold prepulse, PPIPSI emerged as significant at SOAs from 162 to 602 ms. We conclude that evidence of electrotactile PPIPSI at SOAs of 162 ms or longer is consistent with gating of perception requiring higher-level processes, not measured by startle PPI. The possible role of attentional processes, stimuli intensity, modality-specific differences, and methods of investigating PPIPSI further are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspa D Favero
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Camilla Luck
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ottmar V Lipp
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Welber Marinovic
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
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Andersen LM, Dalal SS. Detection of Threshold-Level Stimuli Modulated by Temporal Predictions of the Cerebellum. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0070-24.2024. [PMID: 38575352 PMCID: PMC11064121 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0070-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum has the reputation of being a primitive part of the brain that mostly is involved in motor coordination and motor control. Older lesion studies and more recent electrophysiological studies have, however, indicated that it is involved in temporal perception and temporal expectation building. An outstanding question is whether this temporal expectation building cerebellar activity has functional relevance. In this study, we collected magnetoencephalographic data from 30 healthy participants performing a detection task on at-threshold stimulation that was presented at the end of a sequence of temporally regular or irregular above-threshold stimulation. We found that behavioral detection rates depended on the degree of irregularity in the sequence preceding it. We also found cerebellar responses evoked by above-threshold and at-threshold stimulation. The evoked responses to at-threshold stimulation differed significantly, depending on whether it was preceded by a regular or an irregular sequence. Finally, we found that detection performance across participants correlated significantly with the differences in cerebellar evoked responses to the at-threshold stimulation, demonstrating the functional relevance of cerebellar activity in sensory expectation building. We furthermore found evidence of thalamic involvement, as indicated by responses in the beta band (14-30 Hz) and by significant modulations of cerebello-thalamic connectivity by the regularity of the sequence and the kind of stimulation terminating the sequence. These results provide evidence that the temporal expectation building mechanism of the cerebellum, what we and others have called an internal clock, shows functional relevance by regulating behavior and performance in sensory action that requires acting and integrating evidence over precise timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lau M Andersen
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience (CFIN), Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
- Department for Linguistics, Cognitive Science and Semiotics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Sarang S Dalal
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience (CFIN), Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
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7
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Ninghetto M, Wieteska M, Kozak A, Szulborski K, Gałecki T, Szaflik J, Burnat K. Motion-Acuity Test for Visual Field Acuity Measurement with Motion-Defined Shapes. J Vis Exp 2024. [PMID: 38465936 DOI: 10.3791/66272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The standard visual acuity measurements rely on stationary stimuli, either letters (Snellen charts), vertical lines (vernier acuity) or grating charts, processed by those regions of the visual system most sensitive to the stationary stimulation, receiving visual input from the central part of the visual field. Here, an acuity measurement is proposed based on discrimination of simple shapes, that are defined by motion of the dots in the random dot kinematograms (RDK) processed by visual regions sensitive to motion stimulation and receiving input also from the peripheral visual field. In the motion-acuity test, participants are asked to distinguish between a circle and an ellipse, with matching surfaces, built from RDKs, and separated from the background RDK either by coherence, direction, or velocity of dots. The acuity measurement is based on ellipse detection, which with every correct response becomes more circular until reaching the acuity threshold. The motion-acuity test can be presented in negative contrast (black dots on white background) or in positive contrast (white dots on black background). The motion defined shapes are located centrally within 8 visual degrees and are surrounded by RDK background. To test the influence of visual peripheries on centrally measured acuity, a mechanical narrowing of the visual field to 10 degrees is proposed, using opaque goggles with centrally located holes. This easy and replicable narrowing system is suitable for MRI protocols, allowing further investigations of the functions of the peripheral visual input. Here, a simple measurement of shape and motion perception simultaneously is proposed. This straightforward test assesses vision impairments depending on the central and peripheral visual field inputs. The proposed motion-acuity test advances the capability of standard tests to reveal spare or even strengthened vision functions in patients with injured visual system, that until now remained undetected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ninghetto
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences
| | - Michał Wieteska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences; Institute of Radio Electronics and Multimedia Technology, Warsaw University of Technology
| | - Anna Kozak
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences
| | | | - Tomasz Gałecki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw
| | - Jacek Szaflik
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences
| | - Kalina Burnat
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences;
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Tordai DZ, Hajdú N, Rácz R, Istenes I, Békeffy M, Vági OE, Kempler M, Körei AE, Tóbiás B, Illés A, Pikó H, Kósa JP, Árvai K, Papp M, Lakatos PA, Kempler P, Putz Z. Genetic Factors Associated with the Development of Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1815. [PMID: 38339094 PMCID: PMC10855482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathy is a serious and frequent complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study was carried out to search for genetic factors associated with the development of diabetic neuropathy by whole exome sequencing. For this study, 24 patients with long-term type 2 diabetes with neuropathy and 24 without underwent detailed neurological assessment and whole exome sequencing. Cardiovascular autonomic function was evaluated by cardiovascular reflex tests. Heart rate variability was measured by the triangle index. Sensory nerve function was estimated by Neurometer and Medoc devices. Neuropathic symptoms were characterized by the neuropathy total symptom score (NTSS). Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a Thermo Ion GeneStudio S5 system determining the coding sequences of approximately 32,000 genes comprising 50 million base pairs. Variants were detected by Ion Reporter software and annotated using ANNOVAR, integrating database information from dbSNP, ClinVar, gnomAD, and OMIM. Integrative genomics viewer (IGV) was used for visualization of the mapped reads. We have identified genetic variants that were significantly associated with increased (22-49-fold) risk of neuropathy (rs2032930 and rs2032931 of recQ-mediated genome instability protein 2 (RMI2) gene), rs604349 of myosin binding protein H like (MYBPHL) gene and with reduced (0.07-0.08-fold) risk (rs917778 of multivesicular body subunit 12B (MVB12B) and rs2234753 of retinoic acid X receptor alpha (RXRA) genes). The rs2032930 showed a significant correlation with current perception thresholds measured at 5 Hz and 250 Hz for n. medianus (p = 0.042 and p = 0.003, respectively) and at 5 Hz for n. peroneus (p = 0.037), as well as the deep breath test (p = 0.022) and the NTSS (p = 0.023). The rs2032931 was associated with current perception thresholds (p = 0.003 and p = 0.037, respectively), deep breath test (p = 0.022), and NTSS (p = 0.023). The rs604349 correlated with values measured at 2000 (p = 0.049), 250 (p = 0.018), and 5 Hz (p = 0.005) for n. medianus, as well as warm perception threshold measured by Medoc device (p = 0.042). The rs2234753 showed correlations with a current perception threshold measured at 2000 Hz for n. medianus (p = 0.020), deep breath test (p = 0.040), and NTSS (p = 0.003). There was a significant relationship between rs91778 and cold perception threshold (p = 0.013). In our study, genetic variants have been identified that may have an impact on the risk of neuropathy developing in type 2 diabetic patients. These results could open up new opportunities for early preventive measures and might provide targets for new drug developments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Zsuszanna Tordai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Noémi Hajdú
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Ramóna Rácz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Ildikó Istenes
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Magdolna Békeffy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Orsolya Erzsébet Vági
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Miklós Kempler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Anna Erzsébet Körei
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Bálint Tóbiás
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
- PentaCore Laboratory, 1134 Budapest, Hungary;
- Vascular Diagnostics Ltd., 1026 Budapest, Hungary
- Eötvös Lóránd Scientific Network ENDOMOLPAT, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anett Illés
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
- PentaCore Laboratory, 1134 Budapest, Hungary;
- Eötvös Lóránd Scientific Network ENDOMOLPAT, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Henriett Pikó
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
- PentaCore Laboratory, 1134 Budapest, Hungary;
- Eötvös Lóránd Scientific Network ENDOMOLPAT, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Pál Kósa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
- PentaCore Laboratory, 1134 Budapest, Hungary;
- Vascular Diagnostics Ltd., 1026 Budapest, Hungary
- Eötvös Lóránd Scientific Network ENDOMOLPAT, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Árvai
- PentaCore Laboratory, 1134 Budapest, Hungary;
- Vascular Diagnostics Ltd., 1026 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márton Papp
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Péter András Lakatos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
- PentaCore Laboratory, 1134 Budapest, Hungary;
- Vascular Diagnostics Ltd., 1026 Budapest, Hungary
- Eötvös Lóránd Scientific Network ENDOMOLPAT, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Kempler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Putz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (N.H.); (I.I.); (M.B.); (O.E.V.); or (A.E.K.); (B.T.); (A.I.); (H.P.); (J.P.K.); (P.A.L.); (P.K.); or (Z.P.)
- Eötvös Lóránd Scientific Network ENDOMOLPAT, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Kato T, Suzuki J, Kobayashi Y, Oishi T, Ikushima H, Yamauchi Y, Katori Y. Effect of wearing masks on odor detection and recognition. Acta Otolaryngol 2024; 144:142-146. [PMID: 38469861 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2024.2325047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of wearing masks on olfaction remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to clarify the differences between the effects of no masks, surgical masks, and N95 respirator masks by conducting both identification and threshold olfaction tests. METHODS Young, healthy volunteers aged ≥ 18 years and < 30 years without awareness of apparent olfactory disorder were included. All participants filled out a questionnaire on olfaction and completed an acuity smell identification test (Open Essence test) and an olfactory threshold test (T&T olfactometry) while wearing no masks, surgical masks, or N95 respirator masks. RESULTS In the Open Essence tests, the no-mask group score was significantly higher than those of the surgical- and N95-mask groups. Using T&T olfactometry, the median-detection threshold of the no-mask group was significantly lower than that of the surgical-mask group, and the surgical-mask group threshold was significantly lower than that of the N95-mask group. Similar patterns were observed for the median-recognition threshold. CONCLUSIONS Wearing masks, especially an N95 mask, reduces the ability to detect and identify odors. This disadvantage should be considered by professionals such as healthcare workers, who require proper olfaction to perform appropriate tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Kato
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jun Suzuki
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuta Kobayashi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Oishi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ikushima
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasunari Yamauchi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukio Katori
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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10
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Song J, Breitmeyer BG, Brown JM. Examining Increment thresholds as a function of pedestal contrast under hypothetical parvo- and magnocellular-biased conditions. Atten Percept Psychophys 2024; 86:213-220. [PMID: 38030820 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-023-02819-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Theoretically, the pulsed- and steady-pedestal paradigms are thought to track contrast-increment thresholds (ΔC) as a function of pedestal contrast (C) for the parvocellular (P) and magnocellular (M) systems, respectively, yielding linear ΔC versus C functions for the pulsed- and nonlinear functions for the steady-pedestal paradigm. A recent study utilizing these paradigms to isolate the P and M systems reported no evidence of the M system being suppressed by red light, contrary to previous physiological and psychophysical findings. Curious as to why this may have occurred, we examined how ΔC varies with C for the P and M systems using the pulsed- and steady-pedestal paradigms and stimuli biased towards the P or M systems based on their sensitivity to spatial frequency (SF) and color. We found no effect of color and little influence of SF. To explain this lack of color effects, we used a quantitative model of ΔC (as it changes with C) to obtain Csat and contrast-gain values. The contrast-gain values (i) contradicted the hypothesis that the steady-pedestal paradigm tracks the M-system response, and (ii) our obtained Csat values indicated strongly that both pulsed- and steady-pedestal paradigms track primarily the P-system response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseon Song
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602-3013, USA.
| | - Bruno G Breitmeyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-5022, USA
| | - James M Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602-3013, USA
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11
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Cosentino G, Antoniazzi E, Bonomi L, Cavigioli C, D'Agostino M, Todisco M, Tassorelli C. Age-, gender- and body site-specific reference values of thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing in the Italian population using the Q-sense device. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:4481-4489. [PMID: 37450073 PMCID: PMC10641050 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-, gender- and body site-specific values of thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) measures have not yet been reported using the novel and cheap device 'Q-sense'. Here, we aimed to assess normative values of Q-sense-derived parameters in a representative Italian population. METHODS QST parameters were measured in 84 healthy participants (42 males; aged 20-76 years) equally distributed into three age groups (18-39, 40-59 and 60-80 years). We explored the Warm and the Cold Detection Thresholds (WDT and CDT, respectively) with the method of limits (MLI) and the method of levels (MLE), and the Heat Pain Threshold (HPT) with the MLI. We tested the trigeminal supraorbital region, the hand thenar, and the foot dorsum on the right body side. RESULTS We calculated non-parametric reference limits (2.5-97.5th) according to age, gender and tested site. All QST measures were affected by age, gender and tested site. In the extra-trigeminal body sites, females showed lower WDT and higher CDT, while males had higher HPT. Worse sensory discriminative abilities and increased HPT values were found in people aged over 40 on the foot. Age-related differences were more evident with the reaction time-dependent MLI vs. MLE paradigm. CONCLUSIONS Demographic characteristics must be considered when QST is used in the clinical setting. The definition of reference limits for sensory testing with the Q-sense herein provided can pave the way towards a more widespread use of thermal QST for diagnosing small fiber neuropathy and for identifying patients' profiles in different chronic pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cosentino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
- Translational Neurophysiology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Elisa Antoniazzi
- Translational Neurophysiology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Bonomi
- Translational Neurophysiology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Cavigioli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Translational Neurophysiology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Todisco
- Translational Neurophysiology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Senthilkumar S, Dasarathan R, Pazhani P, Gaur A, Sakthivadivel V. Comparing the Ipswich Touch Test (IpTT) and 10gm-SMWF (10-gm Semmes-Weinstein mono-filament) in Indian population subset with type 2 diabetes mellitus to detect diabetes neuropathy. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:2793-2799. [PMID: 37140765 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03376-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic neuropathy diagnosis involves invasive procedures like nerve biopsy and nerve conduction studies which are seldom available at rural health centers. The Ipswich Touch Test (IpTT) is one test that can be performed by the caregiver and it's simple to perform. AIM This study was aimed to compare the validity of the IpTT and 10gm-SMWF (10-gm Semmes-Weinstein mono-filament) test with the vibration perception threshold (VPT) using biothesiometer. METHODS Two hundred patients with type 2 diabetes, between the age of 30 and 50 years, were included in the study. The neuropathy assessment was performed by biothesiometer, 10gm-SMWF test, and IpTT. Taking VPT(> 25 V) as the gold standard; the sensitivity and specificity of IpTT and 10gm-SMWF are calculated and compared to each other. RESULTS On comparing with the VPT, the 10gm-SMWF test had a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 85.7%, and the IpTT had a sensitivity of 91.9% and specificity of 85.7%. 10gm-SMWF test (Kappa value 0.733) had better agreement with VPT than IpTT (Kappa value 0.675). On Spearman's correlation, the 10gm-SMWF test and the IpTT had r values of 0.738 and 0.686 respectively (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION 10gm-SMWFis a better test to diagnose neuropathy than the IpTT; but in the absence of 10gm-SMWFs, the IpTT is an ideal alternative. IpTT can be performed in a bedside or chairside setting in the absence of a professional health care provider who can screen patients for neuropathy and alert the physician of an impending complication where amputation can be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramesh Dasarathan
- Department of General Medicine, Governement Omandurar Medical College, Chennai, India
| | | | - Archana Gaur
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Varatharajan Sakthivadivel
- Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 508126, India.
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Paire A, Hillairet de Boisferon A, Paeye C. Empirical validation of QUEST+ in PSE and JND estimations in visual discrimination tasks. Behav Res Methods 2023; 55:3984-4001. [PMID: 36538168 PMCID: PMC10700427 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-022-02001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the most precise methods to establish psychometric functions and estimate threshold and slope parameters is the constant stimuli procedure. The large distribution of predetermined stimulus values presented to observers enables the psychometric functions to be fully developed, but makes this procedure time-consuming. Adaptive procedures enable reliable threshold estimation while reducing the number of trials by concentrating stimulus presentations around observers' supposed threshold. Here, the stimulus value for the next trial depends on observer's responses to the previous trials. One recent improvement of these procedures is to also estimate the slope (related to discrimination sensitivity). The Bayesian QUEST+ procedure (Watson Journal of Vision, 17(3), 10, 2017), a generalization and extension of the QUEST procedure, includes this refinement. Surprisingly, this procedure is barely used. Our goal was to empirically assess its precision to evaluate size, orientation, or temporal perception, in three yes/no discrimination tasks that increase in demands. In 72 adult participants in total, we compared points of subjective equivalence (PSEs) or simultaneity (PSSs) as well as discrimination sensitivity obtained with the QUEST+, constant stimuli, and simple up-down staircase procedures. While PSEs did not differ between procedures, sensitivity estimates obtained with the 64-trials QUEST+ procedure were overestimated (i.e., just-noticeable differences, or JNDs, were underestimated). Overall, agreement between procedures was good, and was at its best for the easiest tasks. This study empirically confirmed that the QUEST+ procedure can be considered as a method of choice to accelerate PSE estimation, while keeping in mind that sensitivity estimation should be handled with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Paire
- Université Paris Cité, Vision Action Cognition, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Céline Paeye
- Université Paris Cité, Vision Action Cognition, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
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14
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Sharma K N S, Kumar H A. Assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of Vibrasense compared to a biothesiometer and nerve conduction study for screening diabetic peripheral neuropathy. J Foot Ankle Res 2023; 16:65. [PMID: 37770911 PMCID: PMC10537102 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-023-00667-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Peripheral neuropathy is a common microvascular complication in diabetes and a risk factor for the development of diabetic foot ulcers and amputations. Vibrasense (Ayati Devices) is a handheld, battery-operated, rapid screening device for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) that works by quantifying vibration perception threshold (VPT). In this study, we compared Vibrasense against a biothesiometer and nerve conduction study for screening DPN. METHODS A total of 562 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent neuropathy assessments including clinical examination, 10-g monofilament test, VPT evaluation with Vibrasense and a standard biothesiometer. Those with an average VPT ≥ 15 V with Vibrasense were noted to have DPN. A subset of these patients (N = 61) underwent nerve conduction study (NCS). Diagnostic accuracy of Vibrasense was compared against a standard biothesiometer and abnormal NCS. RESULTS Average VPTs measured with Vibrasense had a strong positive correlation with standard biothesiometer values (Spearman's correlation 0.891, P < 0.001). Vibrasense showed sensitivity and specificity of 87.89% and 86.81% compared to biothesiometer, and 82.14% and 78.79% compared to NCS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Vibrasense demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for detecting peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes and can be an effective screening device in routine clinical settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trials registry of India (CTRI/2022/11/047002). Registered 3 November 2022. https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=76167 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Srihari Sharma K N
- College of Physiotherapy, Dayananda Sagar University, Shavige Malleshwara Hills, 1st Stage, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 560111.
| | - Anil Kumar H
- Department of Medicine, Dr Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research (CDSIMER), Kanakapura, Karnataka, India
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Georgeson M, Lerner P, Kingdom F. Binocular properties of contrast adaptation in human vision. Vision Res 2023; 209:108261. [PMID: 37300947 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to contrast has been known and studied for 50 years, and the functional importance of dynamic gain control mechanisms is widely recognized. Understanding of binocular combination and binocular fusion has also advanced in the last 20 years, but aside from interocular transfer (IOT), we still know little about binocular properties of contrast adaptation. Our observers adapted to a high contrast 3.6 c/deg grating, and we assessed contrast detection and discrimination across a wide range of test contrasts (plotted as threshold vs contrast [TvC] functions). For each combination of adapt/test eye(s), the adapted TvC data followed a 'dipper' curve similar to the unadapted data, but displaced obliquely to higher contrasts. Adaptation had effectively re-scaled all contrasts by a common factor Cs that varied with the combination of adapt and test eye(s). Cs was well described by a simple 2-parameter model that had separate monocular and binocular gain controls, sited before and after binocular summation respectively. When these two levels of adaptation were inserted into an existing model for contrast discrimination, the extended 2-stage model gave a good account of the TvC functions, their shape invariance with adaptation, and the contrast scaling factors. The underlying contrast-response function is of almost constant shape, and adaptation shifts it to higher contrasts by the factor log10(Cs) - a 'pure contrast gain control'. Evidence of partial IOT in cat V1 cells supports the 2-stage scheme, but is not consistent with a classic (single-stage) model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Georgeson
- Aston University, School of Life & Health Sciences, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Paul Lerner
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frederick Kingdom
- McGill Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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16
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Frankford SA, O'Flynn LC, Simonyan K. Sensory processing in the auditory and olfactory domains is normal in laryngeal dystonia. J Neurol 2023; 270:2184-2190. [PMID: 36640203 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal sensory discriminatory processing has been implicated as an endophenotypic marker of isolated dystonia. However, the extent of alterations across the different sensory domains and their commonality in different forms of dystonia are unclear. Based on the previous findings of abnormal temporal but not spatial discrimination in patients with laryngeal dystonia, we investigated sensory processing in the auditory and olfactory domains as potentially additional contributors to the disorder pathophysiology. We tested auditory temporal discrimination and olfactory function, including odor identification, threshold, and discrimination, in 102 laryngeal dystonia patients and 44 healthy controls, using dichotically presented pure tones and the extended Sniffin' Sticks smell test protocol, respectively. Statistical significance was assessed using analysis of variance with non-parametric bootstrapping. Patients had a lower mean auditory temporal discrimination threshold, with abnormal values found in three patients. Hyposmia was found in 64 patients and anosmia in 2 patients. However, there were no statistically significant differences in either auditory temporal discrimination threshold or olfactory identification, threshold, and discrimination between the groups. A significant positive relationship was found between olfactory threshold and disorder severity based on the Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia rating scale. Our findings demonstrate that, contrary to altered visual temporal discrimination, auditory temporal discrimination and olfactory function are likely not candidate endophenotypic markers of laryngeal dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul A Frankford
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Suite 421, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Lena C O'Flynn
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Suite 421, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Program in Speech Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kristina Simonyan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Suite 421, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Program in Speech Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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17
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Kar M, Altıntaş M, Bayar Muluk N, Cingi C. Olfactory function in patients undergoing hemodialysis as assessed by Sniffin' Sticks testing. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:1-7. [PMID: 36971214 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202303_31694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated olfactory function in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The evaluation utilized the Sniffin' Sticks test. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study enrolled 56 individuals undergoing hemodialysis for chronic renal failure alongside 54 healthy controls. The Sniffin' Sticks battery was used to assess olfactory function in all subjects. The battery included 12 separately identifiable odors. A score below 6 was considered anosmia, whilst scores ranging from 7 to 10 were classed as hyposmia. A score of at least 11 indicated normal olfaction. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in scores between the two groups. The hemodialysis patients scored 9.12±2.77 compared to 10.72±1.94 in the controls. In the hemodialysis patients, scores for males and females did not differ significantly. Furthermore, there was no correlation between score and age, sex or length of renal failure. Some 12.5% of hemodialysis patients were anosmic, whilst 50% were hyposmic. The corresponding rates in the control group were 7.4% and 20.4%. CONCLUSIONS Undergoing hemodialysis is associated with a decreased total score on the Sniffin' Sticks battery, with anosmia in 12.5% of patients and hyposmia in 50.0%. Thus, olfactory impairment is present in 62.5% of hemodialysis patients. According to previous research, renal transplantation results in an improved ability to smell, depending on how plastic the neurons involved in olfaction are.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya Training and Research Hospital, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey.
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Maniglia M, Contemori G, Marini E, Battaglini L. Contrast adaptation of flankers reduces collinear facilitation and inhibition. Vision Res 2022; 193:107979. [PMID: 34999351 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2021.107979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Increase (facilitation) or decrease (inhibition) of contrast sensitivity for a Gabor patch presented between two collinear flankers is a well-studied contextual modulation phenomenon. It has been suggested that this effect has its neural bases in the primary visual cortex, specifically the horizontal connections between hypercolumns with similar orientation and spatial frequency selectivity. Another typical phenomenon dependent on early visual areas is contrast adaptation, in which the neural response to a contrast stimulus is decreased after exposure. Here, we investigated the effect of contrast adaptation of the flankers on the magnitude of collinear modulation by testing whether contrast adaptation reduced collinear facilitation and collinear inhibition. Results showed dissociation in the effect of collinear flanker adaptation, which increased contrast thresholds for the target in the facilitatory configuration and reduced them in the inhibitory configuration. Moreover, the effect was specific for the collinear configuration, since contrast adaptation of orthogonal flankers did not affect the contrast of the target, pointing towards the involvement of early visual units specific for orientation. Surprisingly, the same pattern of results was also confirmed when the inhibitory configuration was tested with low-contrast flankers, indicating that the effect of adaptation does not depend on a decrease in perceived contrast of the flankers. Taken together, these results suggest that contrast adaptation disrupts collinear modulation and that contrast thresholds can be affected by adapting portions of the visual field outside the receptive field of the units processing the contrast of the target (i.e., the flankers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Maniglia
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Riverside, CA, USA.
| | | | - Elena Marini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Battaglini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Italy
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Abstract
While perception of high-viscosity solutions (η > 1000 cP) is speculated to be linked to filiform papillae deformation, this has not been demonstrated psychophysically. Presently, just-noticeable-viscosity-difference thresholds were determined using the forced-choice staircase method and high-viscosity solutions (η = 4798-12260 cP) with the hypotheses that the tongue would be chiefly responsible for viscosity perception in the oral cavity, and that individuals with more, longer, narrower filiform papillae would show a greater acuity for viscosity perception. Subjects (n = 59) evaluated solutions in a normal, "unblocked" condition as well as in a "palate blocked" condition which isolated the tongue so that only perceptual mechanisms on the lingual tissue were engaged. Optical profiling was used to characterize papillary length, diameter, and density in tongue biopsies of a subset (n = 45) of participants. Finally, psychophysical and anatomical data were used to generate a novel model of the tongue surface as porous media to predict papillary deformation as a strain-detector for viscosity perception. Results suggest that viscosity thresholds are governed by filiform papillae features. Indeed, anatomical characterization of filiform papillae suggests sensitivity to high-viscosity solutions is associated with filiform papillae length and density (r = 0.68, p < 0.00001), but not with diameter. Modelling indicated this is likely due to a reciprocal interaction between papillae diameter and fluid shear stress. Papillae with larger diameters would result in higher viscous shear stress due to a narrower gap and stronger fluid-structure interaction, but a larger-diameter papilla would also deform less easily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Miles
- Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, 2015 Fyffe Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1007, USA.
| | - Zhenxing Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, 915 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43212-3153, USA
| | - Kelly S Kennedy
- Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University, 305 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1267, USA
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, 915 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43212-3153, USA
| | - Christopher T Simons
- Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, 2015 Fyffe Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1007, USA.
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Jang H, McCormack D, Tong F. Noise-trained deep neural networks effectively predict human vision and its neural responses to challenging images. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001418. [PMID: 34882676 PMCID: PMC8659651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep neural networks (DNNs) for object classification have been argued to provide the most promising model of the visual system, accompanied by claims that they have attained or even surpassed human-level performance. Here, we evaluated whether DNNs provide a viable model of human vision when tested with challenging noisy images of objects, sometimes presented at the very limits of visibility. We show that popular state-of-the-art DNNs perform in a qualitatively different manner than humans—they are unusually susceptible to spatially uncorrelated white noise and less impaired by spatially correlated noise. We implemented a noise training procedure to determine whether noise-trained DNNs exhibit more robust responses that better match human behavioral and neural performance. We found that noise-trained DNNs provide a better qualitative match to human performance; moreover, they reliably predict human recognition thresholds on an image-by-image basis. Functional neuroimaging revealed that noise-trained DNNs provide a better correspondence to the pattern-specific neural representations found in both early visual areas and high-level object areas. A layer-specific analysis of the DNNs indicated that noise training led to broad-ranging modifications throughout the network, with greater benefits of noise robustness accruing in progressively higher layers. Our findings demonstrate that noise-trained DNNs provide a viable model to account for human behavioral and neural responses to objects in challenging noisy viewing conditions. Further, they suggest that robustness to noise may be acquired through a process of visual learning. Unlike human observers, deep neural networks fail to recognize objects in severe visual noise. This study develops noise-trained networks and shows that these networks better predict human performance and neural responses in the visual cortex to challenging noisy object images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojin Jang
- Psychology Department and Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HJ); (FT)
| | - Devin McCormack
- Psychology Department and Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Frank Tong
- Psychology Department and Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HJ); (FT)
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Lever TE, Kloepper AM, Deninger I, Hamad A, Hopewell BL, Ovaitt AK, Szewczyk M, Bunyak F, Zitsch B, Blake B, Vandell C, Dooley L. Advancing Laryngeal Adductor Reflex Testing Beyond Sensory Threshold Detection. Dysphagia 2021; 37:1151-1171. [PMID: 34686917 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST) is a promising clinical tool to assess airway integrity via the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR). The current clinical protocol relies on sensory threshold detection, as relatively little is known about the motor response of this sensorimotor airway protective reflex. Here, we focused on characterizing normative LAR motion dynamics in 20 healthy young participants using our prototype high-pressure syringe-based air pulse device and analytic software (VFtrack™) that tracks vocal fold (VF) motion in endoscopic videos. Following device bench testing for air pulse stimulus characterization, we evoked and objectively quantified LAR motion dynamics in response to two suprathreshold air pulse stimuli (40 versus 60 mm Hg), delivered to the arytenoid mucosa through a bronchoscope working channel. The higher air pressures generated by our device permitted an approximate 1 cm endoscope working distance for continual visualization of the bilateral VFs throughout the LAR. Post hoc video analysis identified two main findings: (1) there are variant and invariant subcomponents of the LAR motor response, and (2) only a fraction of suprathreshold stimuli evoked complete glottic closure during the LAR. While the clinical relevance of these findings remains to be determined, we have nonetheless demonstrated untapped potential in the current FEESST protocol. Our ongoing efforts may reveal LAR biomarkers to quantify the severity of laryngeal pathology and change over time with natural disease progression, spontaneous recovery, or in response to intervention. The ultimate goal is to facilitate predictive modeling of patients at high risk for dysphagia-related aspiration pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E Lever
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
| | - Ashley M Kloepper
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Ian Deninger
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Ali Hamad
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bridget L Hopewell
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Alyssa K Ovaitt
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Marlena Szewczyk
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Filiz Bunyak
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bradford Zitsch
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Brett Blake
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Caitlin Vandell
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Laura Dooley
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Dr. MA314, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
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Liu M, Gao Y, Chen D, Lin S, Wang C, Chen L, Ran X. Quantitative vibration perception threshold in assessing diabetic polyneuropathy: Should the cut-off value be adjusted for Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes? J Diabetes Investig 2021; 12:1663-1670. [PMID: 33512757 PMCID: PMC8409819 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION To examine the performance and identify the optimal threshold of vibration perception threshold (VPT) for diagnosing diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in a Chinese population according to multiple definitions of DPN as gold standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS VPT was determined in 421 Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes, who simultaneously completed a questionnaire of neuropathic symptoms, and underwent the assessment of signs of peripheral neuropathy and electromyography tests. Three definitions of DPN (i.e., clinician-diagnosed DPN, abnormal nerve conduction and confirmed DPN) were taken as reference gold standards. RESULTS Vibration perception threshold was a specific measure for all three groups of DPN outcomes, with the highest specificity noted for clinician-diagnosed DPN (85.1%). The specificity for abnormal nerve conduction and confirmed DPN was 77.0 and 76.6%, respectively. The sensitivity of VPT was 67.0% for clinician-diagnosed DPN, 66.5% for abnormal nerve conduction and 67.2% for confirmed DPN. The optimal cut-off threshold for abnormal nerve conduction, as well as confirmed DPN, was VPT >14.9 V. The specificity and sensitivity of VPT >14.9 V as the cut-off value for clinician-diagnosed DPN were 85.6 and 66.2%, respectively. When taking clinician-diagnosed DPN as the gold standard, the performance of VPT for diagnosing DPN was best with an area under the curve value of 0.804. CONCLUSIONS VPT measured using the neurothesiometer had relatively high specificity and best performance for diagnosing DPN when clinician-diagnosed DPN rather than abnormal nerve conduction was taken as the gold standard in a Chinese population. A VPT value of ≥15 V might be equally applicable for diagnosing DPN in a Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismDiabetic Foot Care CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yun Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismDiabetic Foot Care CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Da‐Wei Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismDiabetic Foot Care CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Shuang Lin
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismDiabetic Foot Care CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Chun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismDiabetic Foot Care CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Li‐Hong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismDiabetic Foot Care CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xing‐Wu Ran
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismDiabetic Foot Care CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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Rao SS, Coss-Adame E, Yan Y, Erdogan A, Valestin J, Ayyala DN. Sensory Adaptation Training or Escitalopram for IBS With Constipation and Rectal Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00381. [PMID: 34254966 PMCID: PMC8280059 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rectal hypersensitivity is an important pathophysiological dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C), whose treatment remains challenging. In a randomized controlled trial, we compared the efficacy and safety of a novel sensori-behavioral treatment, sensory adaptation training (SAT) with escitalopram. METHODS Patients with IBS-C (Rome III) with rectal hypersensitivity received 6 biweekly sessions of SAT or escitalopram 10 mg daily for 3 months. SAT was performed by repetitive gradual distension of 10-cm long highly compliant rectal balloon above tolerability thresholds using barostat. Treatment effects on sensory thresholds and symptoms were compared. Coprimary outcome measures were those achieving improvements in rectal hypersensitivity (≥20% increase in ≥2/3 sensory thresholds) and pain (≥30% decrease). RESULTS We randomized 49 patients; 26 received SAT and 23 escitalopram. SAT significantly improved desire to defecate (Δ 13.5 ± 2.3 vs 2.2 ± 1.1 mm Hg, P = 0.0006) and maximum tolerability (Δ 14.8 ± 1.9 vs 1.6 ± 0.9 mm Hg, P < 0.0001) thresholds compared with escitalopram. There were significantly greater percentage of hypersensitivity responders with SAT than escitalopram (69% vs 17%, P < 0.001), but not pain responders (58% vs 44%, P = 0.4). Daily pain scores did not differ between groups (P = 0.8) or escitalopram (P = 0.06) but decreased with SAT (P = 0.0046) compared with baseline. SAT significantly increased rectal compliance (P < 0.019) and complete spontaneous bowel movements per week than escitalopram (P = 0.04). Five withdrew from adverse events with escitalopram and none with SAT. DISCUSSION SAT was significantly more efficacious in improving hypersensitivity and bowel symptoms in IBS-C than escitalopram. SAT is a promising novel treatment for IBS with rectal hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish S.C. Rao
- Division of Neurogastroenterology/Motility, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Enrique Coss-Adame
- Division of Neurogastroenterology/Motility, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Yun Yan
- Division of Neurogastroenterology/Motility, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Askin Erdogan
- Division of Neurogastroenterology/Motility, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica Valestin
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Deepak Nag Ayyala
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Thomsen NOB, Dahlin LB. Vibrotactile sense 5 years after carpal tunnel release in people with diabetes: A prospective study with matched controls. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14453. [PMID: 33169372 PMCID: PMC8246996 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare vibrotactile sense, 5 years after carpal tunnel release in people with and without diabetes. METHODS Out of 35 people with diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome, age- and gender-matched with 31 people without diabetes but with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, 27 and 30 people, respectively, participated in this prolonged follow-up. Vibration perception threshold of the index and little finger (median and ulnar nerve, respectively), 5 years after surgery, was measured at seven different frequencies (8, 16, 32, 64, 125, 250 and 500 Hz). RESULTS Significant improvement of vibration perception threshold from 1 to 5 years after carpal tunnel release was found at 64 Hz for people with diabetes, while improvement for people without diabetes was demonstrated at several frequencies (64-250 Hz). However, both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in vibration perception threshold for the low frequencies (8-16 Hz). At 5 years, people with diabetes had significantly impaired vibration perception threshold at the index finger for high frequencies (125-500 Hz), and for nearly all frequencies (16 Hz, 64-500 Hz) at the little finger, compared to people without diabetes. CONCLUSION After carpal tunnel release, significant mid-term improvement of vibrotactile sense appears limited for people with diabetes, compared to a continuous improvement for people without diabetes. In addition, a decline in low-frequency vibrotactile sense occurs for the median as well as the ulnar nerve innervated fingers. Clinical Trial Registration NCT01201109.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels O. B. Thomsen
- Department of Hand SurgerySkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand SurgeryLund UniversityMalmöSweden
| | - Lars B. Dahlin
- Department of Hand SurgerySkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand SurgeryLund UniversityMalmöSweden
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Ulrich Y, Kawakatsu M, Tokita CK, Saragosti J, Chandra V, Tarnita CE, Kronauer DJC. Response thresholds alone cannot explain empirical patterns of division of labor in social insects. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001269. [PMID: 34138839 PMCID: PMC8211278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of heterogeneity in group composition remain a major hurdle to our understanding of collective behavior across disciplines. In social insects, division of labor (DOL) is an emergent, colony-level trait thought to depend on colony composition. Theoretically, behavioral response threshold models have most commonly been employed to investigate the impact of heterogeneity on DOL. However, empirical studies that systematically test their predictions are lacking because they require control over colony composition and the ability to monitor individual behavior in groups, both of which are challenging. Here, we employ automated behavioral tracking in 120 colonies of the clonal raider ant with unparalleled control over genetic, morphological, and demographic composition. We find that each of these sources of variation in colony composition generates a distinct pattern of behavioral organization, ranging from the amplification to the dampening of inherent behavioral differences in heterogeneous colonies. Furthermore, larvae modulate interactions between adults, exacerbating the apparent complexity. Models based on threshold variation alone only partially recapitulate these empirical patterns. However, by incorporating the potential for variability in task efficiency among adults and task demand among larvae, we account for all the observed phenomena. Our findings highlight the significance of previously overlooked parameters pertaining to both larvae and workers, allow the formulation of theoretical predictions for increasing colony complexity, and suggest new avenues of empirical study. This study uses automated tracking of clonal raider ants and mathematical modeling to reveal how previously overlooked traits of larvae and workers might shape social organization in heterogeneous ant colonies. By incorporating the potential for variability in task efficiency among adults and task demand among larvae, the authors were able to account for all empirically observed phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ulrich
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mari Kawakatsu
- Program in Applied and Computational Mathematics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Christopher K. Tokita
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Saragosti
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Vikram Chandra
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Corina E. Tarnita
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CET); (DJCK)
| | - Daniel J. C. Kronauer
- Laboratory of Social Evolution and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CET); (DJCK)
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Abstract
The International Standard Organization (ISO) standard 13091-1 describes methods and procedures for performing the vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) testing to diagnose changes in tactile sensory function associated with occupational exposures. However, the VPT test also has been used in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies associated with a number of disorders. This review examines the VPT test, variations in procedures that have been used, as well as disorders and diseases in which this test has been reliable for the detection of sensory changes. Mechanisms potentially underlying the changes in VPTs are also discussed along with procedural and subject/patient factors that may affect the interpretation of test results. Based upon the review of the literature, there are also suggestions for where additional research might improve the administration of this test, depending upon the subject/patient population and interpretation of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Krajnak
- Physical Effect Research Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Zhao L, Liu Y, Song W. Tactile Perceptual Thresholds of Electrovibration in VR. IEEE Trans Vis Comput Graph 2021; 27:2618-2626. [PMID: 33750706 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2021.3067778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Haptic sensation plays an important role in providing physical information to users in both real environments and virtual environments. To produce high-fidelity haptic feedback, various haptic devices and tactile rendering methods have been explored in myriad scenarios, and perception deviation between a virtual environment and a real environment has been investigated. However, the tactile sensitivity for touch perception in a virtual environment has not been fully studied; thus, the necessary guidance to design haptic feedback quantitatively for virtual reality systems is lacking. This paper aims to investigate users' tactile sensitivity and explore the perceptual thresholds when users are immersed in a virtual environment by utilizing electrovibration tactile feedback and by generating tactile stimuli with different waveform, frequency and amplitude characteristics. Hence, two psychophysical experiments were designed, and the experimental results were analyzed. We believe that the significance and potential of our study on tactile perceptual thresholds can promote future research that focuses on creating a favorable haptic experience for VR applications.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of age on contrast threshold are well known but little is known about its effect on supra-threshold contrast perception. This study examines supra-threshold contrast matching and the effects of age in naïve observers. METHODS Two age groups (from 20 to 50 years with 14 subjects and 51 years and older with 15 subjects) participated in the study. Contrast threshold and supra-threshold contrast matching up to 8.53 cycles per degree were measured. RESULTS Both age groups demonstrated some degree of contrast constancy at medium and higher contrasts but this was not perfect even at the highest contrast tested (55.9 per cent). There was no overall effect of age on supra-threshold contrast matching (p = 0.086) but there was an interaction between age and spatial frequency (p < 0.001). The plots of matched contrast against standard contrast showed that for some spatial frequencies, the slope was significantly different from unity, indicating a gain in the visual system for supra-threshold perception. This was still true when corrected for threshold differences. CONCLUSION Contrast constancy exists in a larger group of naïve subjects of different ages but does not perfectly compensate for the differences in thresholds. The results are discussed in terms of the currently proposed models of contrast perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Mei
- School of Optometry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Contrast sensitivity changes across the visual field with age and is often measured clinically with various forms of perimetry on plain backgrounds. In daily life, the visual scene is more complicated, and therefore, the standard clinical measures of contrast sensitivity may not predict a patient's visual experience in more natural environments. PURPOSE This study aims to determine whether contrast thresholds in older adults are different from younger adults when measured on a 1/f noise background (a nonuniform background whose spatial frequency content is similar to those present in the natural vision environments). METHODS Twenty younger (age range, 20 to 35 years) and 20 older adults (age range, 61 to 79 years) with normal ocular health were recruited. Contrast thresholds were measured for a Gabor patch of 6 cycles per degree (sine wave grating masked by a Gaussian envelope of standard deviation 0.17°) presented on 1/f noise background (root-mean-square contrast, 0.05 and 0.20) that subtended 15° diameter of the central visual field. The stimulus was presented at four eccentricities (0°, 2°, 4°, and 6°) along the 45° meridian in the noise background, and nine contrast levels were tested at each eccentricity. The proportion of correct responses for detecting the target at each eccentricity was obtained, and psychometric functions were fit to estimate the contrast threshold. RESULTS Older adults demonstrate increased contrast thresholds compared with younger adults. There was an eccentricity-dependent interaction with age, with the difference between groups being highest in the fovea compared with other eccentricities. Performance was similar for the two noise backgrounds tested. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed a strong eccentricity dependence in performance between older and younger adults, highlighting age-related differences in the contrast detection mechanisms between fovea and parafovea for stimuli presented on nonuniform backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Srinivasan
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Turpin
- School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rodriguez KM, Palmieri-Smith RM, Krishnan C. How does anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affect the functioning of the brain and spinal cord? A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci 2021; 10:172-181. [PMID: 32707098 PMCID: PMC7987657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on spinal-reflex and corticospinal excitability of the quadriceps muscle. METHODS A comprehensive electronic database search was performed to identify studies that objectively measured Hoffmann reflex to muscle response ratio, motor threshold, and motor evoked potentials after ACL reconstruction. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) were computed using a random effects meta-analysis model. RESULTS A total of 13 studies were eligible for analysis. The Hoffmann reflex to muscle response ratio was significantly higher on both the reconstructed and non-reconstructed legs when compared with the healthy control leg (SMD = 0.28, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.08-0.49, p = 0.006 and SMD = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.04-0.40, p = 0.016, respectively) but did not differ between legs (SMD = 0.10, 95%CI: -0.01 to 0.21, p = 0.078). The motor threshold was significantly higher on both the reconstructed (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.40-1.12, p < 0.001) and non-reconstructed legs (SMD = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.00-0.95, p = 0.049) when compared with the legs of healthy controls. The reconstructed leg also had a higher motor threshold when compared with the non-reconstructed leg (SMD = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.06-0.34, p = 0.005). These changes were paralleled by bilateral reductions in quadriceps strength (ACL reconstructed: SMD = -0.78, 95%CI: -1.07 to -0.49, p < 0.001; non-reconstructed: SMD = -0.32, 95%CI: -0.63 to -0.01, p = 0.042) and quadriceps voluntary activation (ACL reconstructed: SMD = -0.73, 95%CI: -0.97 to -0.50, p < 0.001; non-reconstructed: SMD = -0.55, 95%CI: -0.82 to -0.27, p < 0.001) when compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSION There is increased excitability of the spinal-reflex pathways and reduced excitability of the corticospinal pathways following ACL reconstruction. These changes are paralleled by reductions in quadriceps strength and voluntary activation, suggesting that rehabilitation interventions should focus on normalizing the excitability of neural pathways to effectively address quadriceps dysfunction after ACL reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riann M Palmieri-Smith
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chandramouli Krishnan
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Odriozola A, Ortega L, Martinez L, Odriozola S, Torrens A, Corroleu D, Martínez S, Ponce M, Meije Y, Presas M, Duarte A, Belén Odriozola M, Malik RA. Widespread sensory neuropathy in diabetic patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2021; 172:108631. [PMID: 33346072 PMCID: PMC7746125 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize the distribution and severity of sensory neuropathy using a portable quantitative sensory testing (QST) device in diabetic patients (DM) hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection. METHODS Four patients with diabetes and severe SARS-CoV-2 requiring non-invasive ventilation for a protracted duration underwent clinical, laboratory and radiologic assessment and detailed evaluation of neuropathic symptoms, neurological assessment, QST on the dorsum of the foot and face using NerveCheck Master with assessment of taste and smell. RESULTS All four subjects developed neuropathic symptoms characterized by numbness in the feet with preserved reflexes. QST confirmed symmetrical abnormality of vibration and thermal thresholds in both lower limbs in all patients and an abnormal heat pain threshold on the face of two patients and altered taste and smell. CONCLUSIONS Severe COVID-19 infection with hypoxemia is associated with neuropathic symptoms and widespread sensory dysfunction in patients with DM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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Marstrand SD, Buch-Larsen K, Andersson M, Jensen LT, Schwarz P. Heart rate variability and vibration perception threshold to assess chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in women with breast cancer - a systematic review. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2020; 26:100295. [PMID: 33387870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2020.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well known that breast cancer (BC) patients often suffer from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, it is not always recognized that they have higher risk of falling, dizziness and other signs of dysfunctional autonomous nervous system. We performed a systematic review of the literature on vibration perception threshold (VPT) and heart rate variability (HRV) as methods to objectively assess (CIPN) in BC-patients. Could VPT and HRV describe coexisting sensory and autonomic nerve damage? MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed was searched in September 2019. The included studies had to address HRV and/or VPT in BC-patients who received chemotherapy. RESULTS Seven studies assessed VPT and six studies assessed HRV in BC-patients. Studies showed lowered perception of vibrations after chemotherapy reflected in higher VPT and no changes in HRV after taxane-based chemotherapy. No studies evaluated VPT and HRV at the same time. CONCLUSION The results were limited by short follow-up, small sample sizes, and different chemotherapy regimens which makes generalizability problematic. A standard assessment method of CIPN is still missing and further research is needed to evaluate if VPT and HRV could contribute to an objective assessment of CIPN. With higher survival rates for BC-patients autonomous and sensory nerve damage will be an increasing task. However, our literature review showed that no one have focused on the combination of autonomous and sensory affection measured by the simple methods VPT and HRV. Therefore, we encourage the development of international guidelines for the objective measure of nerve damage in BC-patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Diedrichsen Marstrand
- Diabetes and bone-metabolic research unit, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kristian Buch-Larsen
- Diabetes and bone-metabolic research unit, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Andersson
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Thorbjørn Jensen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Herlev Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 71, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Schwarz
- Diabetes and bone-metabolic research unit, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Iannuzzi L, Salzo AE, Angarano G, Palmieri VO, Portincasa P, Saracino A, Gelardi M, Dibattista M, Quaranta N. Gaining Back What Is Lost: Recovering the Sense of Smell in Mild to Moderate Patients After COVID-19. Chem Senses 2020; 45:875-881. [PMID: 33033827 PMCID: PMC7665358 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our cohort study was to quantify olfactory deficits in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients using Sniffin' Sticks and a pre-post design to evaluate olfactory recovery. Thirty adult patients with laboratory-confirmed mild to moderate forms of COVID-19 underwent a quantitative olfactory test performed with the Sniffin' Sticks test (SST; Burghardt, Wedel, Germany), considering olfactory threshold (T), odor discrimination (D), and odor identification (I). Results were presented as a composite TDI score (range 1-48) that used to define functional anosmia (TDI ≤ 16.5), hyposmia (16.5 < TDI < 30.5), or functionally normal ability to smell (TDI ≥ 30.5). Patients also self-evaluated their olfactory function by rating their ability to smell on a visual analogue scale (Visual Analog Scale rating) and answering a validated Italian questionnaire (Hyposmia Rating Scale). Patients were tested during hospitalization and about 2 months after symptoms onset. During the hospitalization, the overall TDI score indicated that our cohort had impairments in their olfactory ability (10% was diagnosed with anosmia and more than 50% were hyposmic). Almost all patients showed a significant improvement at around 1 month following the first test and for all the parts of the SST except for odor identification. None of the subjects at 1 month was still diagnosed with anosmia. We also quantified the improvement in the TDI score based on initial diagnosis. Anosmic subjects showed a greater improvement than hyposmic and normosmic subjects. In conclusion, within a month time window and 2 months after symptoms' onset, in our cohort of patients we observed a substantial improvement in the olfactory abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Iannuzzi
- ENT Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Eugenia Salzo
- ENT Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Angarano
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri,” Department of Biomedical sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri,” Department of Biomedical sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Saracino
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Michele Dibattista
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari A. Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Quaranta
- ENT Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Wang H, Yu L, Liang J, Yin H, Li T, Wang S. Hierarchical Predictive Coding-Based JND Estimation for Image Compression. IEEE Trans Image Process 2020; 30:487-500. [PMID: 33201816 DOI: 10.1109/tip.2020.3037525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The human visual system (HVS) is a hierarchical system, in which visual signals are processed hierarchically. In this paper, the HVS is modeled as a three-level communication system and visual perception is divided into three stages according to the hierarchical predictive coding theory. Then, a novel just noticeable distortion (JND) estimation scheme is proposed. In visual perception, the input signals are predicted constantly and spontaneously in each hierarchy, and neural response is evoked by the central residue and inhibited by surrounding residues. These two types' residues are regarded as the positive and negative visual incentives which cause positive and negative perception effects, respectively. In neuroscience, the effect of incentive on observer is measured by the surprise of this incentive. Thus, we propose a surprise-based measurement method to measure both perception effects. Specifically, considering the biased competition of visual attention, we define the product of the residue self-information (i.e., surprise) and the competition biases as the perceptual surprise to measure the positive perception effect. As for the negative perception effect, it is measured by the average surprise (i.e., the local Shannon entropy). The JND threshold of each stage is estimated individually by considering both perception effects. The total JND threshold is finally obtained by non-linear superposition of three stage thresholds. Furthermore, the proposed JND estimation scheme is incorporated into the codec of Versatile Video Coding for image compression. Experimental results show that the proposed JND model outperforms the relevant existing ones, and over 16% of bit rate can be reduced without jeopardizing the perceptual quality.
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Nolte S, van Londen M, Elting JWJ, de Greef BTA, Kuks JBM, Faber CG, Nolte IM, Groen RJM, Bakker SJL, Groothof D, Lesman-Leegte I, Berger SP, Drost G. Vibration threshold in non-diabetic subjects. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237733. [PMID: 33027294 PMCID: PMC7540842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Measuring vibration perception threshold (VPT) accurately classifies and quantifies the severity of loss of vibration perception. A biothesiometer (Bio-thesiometer®; Bio Medical Instrument Co, Ohio, USA) appears to be the most suitable tool to determine VPT due to its low inter-rater variability and low occurence of adaption to the sensation. Different VPT values for a biothesiometer have been described, however, specification on age, height and different measurement locations is currently lacking. The objective of our study was to identify determinants of vibration perception in non-diabetic subjects, in order to provide individualized normal values of VPTs for clinical practice. Measurements of the vibration perception were performed on the big toes, insteps, lateral malleoli, and wrists. A total of 205 healthy subjects were included (108 (52.7%) males) with a median [interquartile range] age of 59 [51;64] (range 21-80) years. Mean height was 174.45 ± 9.20 cm and mean weight was 82.94 ± 14.84 kg, resulting in a mean BMI of 27.19 ± 4.00 kg/m2. In stepwise forward linear regression analyses, age (st. β = 0.51, p < 0.001) and height (st. β = 0.43, p < 0.001) were found to be the independent unmodifiable determinants of the VPT at the big toe. Regression coefficients for quantiles of the determinants age and height were incorporated in the corresponding regression equations. This study provides equations to calculate age- and height-specific normal values for VPT that can be used in clinical practice and in large research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svea Nolte
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Marco van Londen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem J. Elting
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca T. A. de Greef
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center and University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Klinische Epidemiologie en Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan B. M. Kuks
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center and University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ilja M. Nolte
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rob J. M. Groen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan J. L. Bakker
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dion Groothof
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ivonne Lesman-Leegte
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan P. Berger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gea Drost
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Barboni MTS, Maneschg OA, Németh J, Nagy ZZ, Vidnyánszky Z, Bankó ÉM. Dichoptic Spatial Contrast Sensitivity Reflects Binocular Balance in Normal and Stereoanomalous Subjects. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:23. [PMID: 32931571 PMCID: PMC7500129 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.11.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study binocular balance by comparing dichoptic and standard monocular contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in stereonormal and stereoanomalous/stereoblind amblyopic subjects. Methods Sixteen amblyopes and 17 controls participated. Using the capability of the passive three-dimensional display, we measured their CSF both monocularly and dichoptically at spatial frequencies 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 cpds using achromatic Gabor patches on a luminance noise background. During monocular stimulation, the untested eye was covered, while for the dichoptic stimulation the untested eye viewed background noise. Dichoptic CSF of both eyes was acquired within one block. Results In patients with central fixation, dichoptic viewing had a large negative impact on the CSF of the amblyopic eye, although it hardly affected that of the dominant eye. In contrast, dichoptic viewing had a small but significant effect on both eyes for controls. In addition, all participants lay along a continuum in terms of how much their two eyes were affected by dichoptic stimulation: by using two predefined contrast sensitivity ratios, namely, amblyopic sensitivity decrement and dichoptic sensitivity decrement, not only did we find a significant correlation between these variables among all participants, but also the two groups were identified with minimum error using a cluster analysis. Conclusions Dichoptic CSF may be considered to measure visual performance in patients with altered binocular vision, because it better reflects the visual capacity of the amblyopic eye than the standard monocular examinations. It may also be a more reliable parameter to assess the efficacy of modern approaches to treat amblyopia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Otto Alexander Maneschg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Bionic Innovation Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Németh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Bionic Innovation Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Zsolt Nagy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Vidnyánszky
- Brain Imaging Centre, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva M. Bankó
- Brain Imaging Centre, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Shmuel D, Frank SM, Sharon H, Sasaki Y, Watanabe T, Censor N. Early Visual Cortex Stimulation Modifies Well-Consolidated Perceptual Gains. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:138-146. [PMID: 32803241 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Perception thresholds can improve through repeated practice with visual tasks. Can an already acquired and well-consolidated perceptual skill be noninvasively neuromodulated, unfolding the neural mechanisms involved? Here, leveraging the susceptibility of reactivated memories ranging from synaptic to systems levels across learning and memory domains and animal models, we used noninvasive brain stimulation to neuromodulate well-consolidated reactivated visual perceptual learning and reveal the underlying neural mechanisms. Subjects first encoded and consolidated the visual skill memory by performing daily practice sessions with the task. On a separate day, the consolidated visual memory was briefly reactivated, followed by low-frequency, inhibitory 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over early visual cortex, which was individually localized using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Poststimulation perceptual thresholds were measured on the final session. The results show modulation of perceptual thresholds following early visual cortex stimulation, relative to control stimulation. Consistently, resting state functional connectivity between trained and untrained parts of early visual cortex prior to training predicted the magnitude of perceptual threshold modulation. Together, these results indicate that even previously consolidated human perceptual memories are susceptible to neuromodulation, involving early visual cortical processing. Moreover, the opportunity to noninvasively neuromodulate reactivated perceptual learning may have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Shmuel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Sebastian M Frank
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Haggai Sharon
- Center for Brain Functions and Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 62431, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yuka Sasaki
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Takeo Watanabe
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Nitzan Censor
- Sagol School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Bedggood P. Are you sure? The relationship between response certainty and performance in visual detection using a perimetry-style task. J Vis 2020; 20:27. [PMID: 32845962 PMCID: PMC7453053 DOI: 10.1167/jov.20.8.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional psychophysical methods ignore the degree of confidence associated with each response. We compared the psychometric function for detection with that for "absolute certainty" in a perimetry-style task, to explore how knowledge of response certainty might aid the estimation of detection thresholds. Five healthy subjects performed a temporal 2-AFC detection task, indicating on each trial whether they were "absolutely certain." The method of constant stimuli was used to characterize the shape of the two psychometric functions. Four eccentricities spanning central and peripheral vision were tested. Where possible, conditions approximated those of the Humphrey Field Analyzer (spot size, duration, background luminance, test locations). Based on the empirical data, adaptive runs (ZEST) were simulated to predict the likely improvement in efficiency obtained by collecting certainty information. Compared to detection, threshold for certainty was 0.5 to 1.0 dB worse, and slope was indistinguishable across all eccentricities tested. A simple two-stage model explained the threshold difference; under this model, psychometric functions for detection and for certainty-given-detection are the same. Exploiting this equivalence is predicted to reduce the number of trials required to achieve a given level of accuracy by approximately 30% to 40%. The chances of detecting a spot and the chances of certainty-given-detection were approximately the same in young, healthy subjects. This means, for example, that a spot detected at threshold was labeled as "certainly" detected approximately half the time. The collection of certainty information could be used to improve the efficiency of estimation of detection thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Bedggood
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Hathibelagal AR, Bharadwaj SR, Yadav AR, Subramanian A, Sadler JRE, Barbur JL. Age-related change in flicker thresholds with rod- and cone-enhanced stimuli. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232784. [PMID: 32639956 PMCID: PMC7343165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Rod and cone photoreceptor-specific tests can be time-consuming. A new non-invasive test is described. The test is based on the measurement of flicker modulation thresholds with rod- and cone-enhanced visual stimuli, which requires only minimum adaptation time. Here, we investigated how the rod-and cone-mediated flicker thresholds vary with age. METHODS Monocular thresholds with rod and cone-enhanced stimuli were measured in 140 healthy adults, (age range: 18-75 years), foveally (0°) and at four parafoveal locations, at an eccentricity of 5° in each of the four quadrants using five, adaptive, interleaved staircases. Temporal frequencies, stimulus sizes, background luminance and spectral composition, were adjusted appropriately to achieve approximately 1 log unit separation in sensitivity between the rod- and cone-enhanced stimuli. Spectrally calibrated, 'neutral density' filters were used to enable adequate control of display luminance for rod enhanced stimuli. RESULTS The magnitude of central and parafoveal rod thresholds was significantly higher than the central and parafoveal cone thresholds, respectively (p < 0.001) in both the age groups. However, the rate of increase in central rod thresholds (y = 0.45x-12.79; linear regression equation) was not significantly steeper than the rate of increase in central (y = 0.29x-8.53) cone thresholds (p = 0.15). Centrally, cone thresholds showed a better correlation with rod central thresholds for the age > 45 years (Spearman correlation, ρ = 0.74, p < 0.001) compared to age ≤ 45 years (ρ = 0.41, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Thresholds with rod- and cone-enhanced stimuli are largely invariant below 45 years of age and increase rapidly above this age. This age-wise normative database can be used as an effective functional-marker to assess photoreceptor sensitivities in retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amithavikram R. Hathibelagal
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Shrikant R. Bharadwaj
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anil R. Yadav
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ahalya Subramanian
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - James R. E. Sadler
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, England, United Kingdom
- Human Performance, QinetiQ, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom
| | - John L. Barbur
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, England, United Kingdom
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Guo X, Zhang Y, Wei W, Xu W, Wang D. Effect of Temperature on the Absolute and Discrimination Thresholds of Voltage on Electrovibration Tactile Display. IEEE Trans Haptics 2020; 13:578-587. [PMID: 31899431 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2019.2962111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multi-dimensions tactile displays, such as thermal and texture display, are desirable for enhancing perception while users experience virtual shopping such as touching a garment in virtual reality. Understanding the effect of one dimension on the other is fundamental for design of multi-dimensions tactile display. In this article, we report the effect of temperature on thresholds of voltage applied on an electrovibration tactile display. Three temperatures of the electrovibration tactile display at 18°C (cold), 30°C (neutral) and 38°C (warm) were considered in two experiments. In Experiment I, we measured the absolute thresholds of square wave voltage with 25 Hz, 140 Hz and 485 Hz. In Experiment II, we measured the amplitude discrimination thresholds of same voltage signals as in Experiment I. The results show that the absolute thresholds differed significantly between 18°C and 38°C for all the three frequencies. No significant difference in the absolute threshold was found between 18°C and 30°C, except for the 485 Hz voltage. The amplitude discrimination thresholds were essentially constant except for that of the 485 Hz voltage at 18°C, which were 17.11 Vpp and 16.86 Vpp larger than those at 30°C and 38°C, respectively.
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Ge Q, Chen Z, Liu Z, Pan JS, Wen Y, Li J, Feng L, Yuan J, Deng D, Yu M. Quantifying Nasotemporal Asymmetry of Interocular Suppression in Alternating Strabismus After Correction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:6. [PMID: 32634203 PMCID: PMC7425725 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.8.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study identifies and characterizes the nasotemporal hemifield difference of interocular suppression in subjects who have been successfully treated for strabismus. Methods Interocular suppression in the nasal and temporal hemifields were measured using two methods, namely, binocular phase combination and dichoptic motion coherence, both entailed suprathreshold stimuli. We tested 29 clinical subjects, who had strabismus (19 with exotropia and 10 with esotropia) but regained good ocular alignment (within 10 prism diopters) after surgical or refractive correction, and 10 control subjects. Results Both the hemifield binocular phase combination and the hemifield dichoptic motion coherence tests revealed similar nasotemporal asymmetry of interocular suppression. Subjects with previous exotropia showed deeper suppression in the nasal hemifield, and those with previous esotropia showed deeper suppression in the temporal hemifield. This finding was consistent with the hemifield suppression theory. Furthermore, there was deeper suppression but less imbalance of nasotemporal asymmetry in the hemifield dichoptic motion coherence test. Finally, clinical stereopsis and the nasotemporal asymmetry of suppression (P < 0.05 in both tests) were negatively correlated in subjects with previous exotropia and measurable stereopsis. Conclusions Hemifield asymmetry of interocular suppression in corrected strabismus can be measured by using static and dynamic suprathreshold stimuli. Thus, the evaluation of binocular vision in strabismus should focus on both the magnitude and the pattern of interocular suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zidong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zitian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinrong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junpeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daming Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minbin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kermavnar T, O'Sullivan KJ, de Eyto A, O'Sullivan LW. Discomfort/Pain and Tissue Oxygenation at the Lower Limb During Circumferential Compression: Application to Soft Exoskeleton Design. Hum Factors 2020; 62:475-488. [PMID: 31928412 DOI: 10.1177/0018720819892098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the relationship between circumferential compression on the lower limb during simulated ramp and staircase profile loading, and the resultant relationship with discomfort/pain and tissue oxygenation. BACKGROUND Excessive mechanical loading by exoskeletons on the body can lead to pressure-related soft tissue injury. Potential tissue damage is associated with objective oxygen deprivation and accompanied by subjective perception of pain and discomfort. METHOD Three widths of pneumatic cuffs were inflated at the dominant thigh and calf of healthy participants using two inflation patterns (ramp and staircase), using a computer-controlled pneumatic rig. Participants rated discomfort on an electronic visual analog scale and deep tissue oxygenation was monitored using near infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS Circumferential compression with pneumatic cuffs triggered discomfort and pain at lower pressures at the thigh, with wider cuffs, and with a ramp inflation pattern. Staircase profile compression caused an increase in deep tissue oxygenation, whereas the ramp profile compression decreased it. CONCLUSION Discomfort and pain during circumferential compression at the lower limb is related to the width of pneumatic cuffs, the inflation pattern, and the volume of soft tissue at the assessment site. The occurrence of pain is also possibly related to the decrease in deep tissue oxygenation during compression. APPLICATION Our findings can be used to inform safe and comfortable design of soft exoskeletons to avoid discomfort and possible soft tissue injury.
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Mikkelsen M, He J, Tommerdahl M, Edden RAE, Mostofsky SH, Puts NAJ. Reproducibility of flutter-range vibrotactile detection and discrimination thresholds. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6528. [PMID: 32300187 PMCID: PMC7162987 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory processing can be probed empirically through vibrotactile psychophysical experiments. Psychophysical approaches are valuable for investigating both normal and abnormal tactile function in healthy and clinical populations. To date, the test-retest reliability of vibrotactile detection and discrimination thresholds has yet to be established. This study sought to assess the reproducibility of vibrotactile detection and discrimination thresholds in human adults using an established vibrotactile psychophysical battery. Fifteen healthy adults underwent three repeat sessions of an eleven-task battery that measured a range of vibrotactile measures, including reaction time, detection threshold, amplitude and frequency discrimination, and temporal order judgement. Coefficients of variation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for the measures in each task. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test for length and training effects and differences between tasks within the same domain. Reaction times were shown to be the most reproducible (ICC: ~0.9) followed by detection thresholds (ICC: ~0.7). Frequency discrimination thresholds were the least reproducible (ICC: ~0.3). As reported in prior studies, significant differences in measures between related tasks were also found, demonstrating the reproducibility of task-related effects. These findings show that vibrotactile detection and discrimination thresholds are reliable, further supporting the use of psychophysical experiments to probe tactile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Mikkelsen
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jason He
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Tommerdahl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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44
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Dahlin LB, Elgzyri T, Löndahl M, Ekman L, Lindholm E. Improved metabolic control using glucose monitoring systems leads to improvement in vibration perception thresholds in type 1 diabetes patients. Acta Diabetol 2020; 57:433-438. [PMID: 31705298 PMCID: PMC7093360 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-019-01450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Few studies have examined how improved metabolic control might influence vibration perception thresholds (VPTs). The aim of this study was to evaluate if improved HbA1c can influence vibration thresholds in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). METHODS VPTs were investigated at six frequencies (4-125 Hz) using VibroSense Meter in the sole of the foot at two occasions in 159 T1DM patients, at the heads of the first and fifth metatarsal bones, i.e. MTH1 and MTH5, respectively. The participants were divided into three groups: group A: HbA1c improved by more than 1 mmol/mol (n = 95), group B: HbA1c deteriorated by more than 1 mmol/mol (n = 48) and group C: HbA1c unchanged (± 1 mmol/mol) (n = 16) compared to baseline. RESULTS In group A, the mean z-score, reflecting the combined effect of all VPTs, improved being lower at the follow-up than at the baseline [0.2 (- 0.3 to 1.2) vs. -0.1 (- 0.7 to 0.8), p = 0.00002]. VPTs improved at 4 and 64 Hz at both MTH1 (metatarsal head 1) and MTH5. The VPTs at 125 Hz frequency improved at MTH5, but not at MTH1. No significant differences were seen in group B or group C. CONCLUSIONS Lower HbA1c and lower VPTs in T1DM patients were associated with improved VPT, suggesting a reversible effect on nerve function by improved metabolic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars B Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Targ Elgzyri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Endocrinology, Lund University, Jan Waldenströmsgata 24, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Magnus Löndahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Endocrinology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Ekman
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Eero Lindholm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Endocrinology, Lund University, Jan Waldenströmsgata 24, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.
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45
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Abstract
The perception of an event is strongly influenced by the context in which it occurs. Here, we examined the effect of a rhythmic context on detection of asynchrony in both the auditory and vibrotactile modalities. Using the method of constant stimuli and a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC), participants were presented with pairs of pure tones played either simultaneously or with various levels of stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). Target stimuli in both modalities were nested within either: (i) a regularly occurring, predictable rhythm (ii) an irregular, unpredictable rhythm, or (iii) no rhythm at all. Vibrotactile asynchrony detection had higher thresholds and showed greater variability than auditory asynchrony detection in general. Asynchrony detection thresholds for auditory targets but not vibrotactile targets were significantly reduced when the target stimulus was embedded in a regular rhythm as compared to no rhythm. Embedding within an irregular rhythm produced no such improvement. The observed modality asymmetries are interpreted with regard to the superior temporal resolution of the auditory system and specialized brain circuitry supporting auditory-motor coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Lauzon
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Frank A Russo
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laurence R Harris
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
- Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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46
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Rugelj D, Vidovič M, Vauhnik R. Sensory Sub- and Suprathreshold TENS Exhibit No Immediate Effect on Postural Steadiness in Older Adults with No Balance Impairments. Biomed Res Int 2020; 2020:2451291. [PMID: 32190655 PMCID: PMC7064865 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2451291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been reported to attenuate postural sway; however, the results are inconclusive, with some indicating the effect and others not. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sensory sub- and suprathreshold low-frequency TENS applied through the plantar surface and posterior aspect of shanks on postural sway. In a group of healthy community-dwelling older adults, TENS was delivered with two different current intensities: (1) subsensory which is below conscious perception and (2) suprasensory threshold which is within the range of conscious perception. Frequencies of the TENS stimulation were sweeping from 5 to 180 Hz and were delivered through the plantar surface and posterior shanks of both legs. Postural sway was measured with a force platform in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. To evaluate potential fast adaptability to TENS stimuli, the results were evaluated in two time intervals: 30 seconds and 60 seconds. The results indicated that TENS with the chosen frequencies and electrode placement did not affect postural sway in both the sub- and suprathreshold intensities of TENS, in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, and in 30-second and 60-second time intervals. In conclusion, given that in this study sub- and suprathreshold TENS applied via the plantar surface of the feet did not attenuate postural sway, it would be easy to conclude that this type of electrical stimuli is ineffective and no further research is required. We must caution against this, given the specificity of the electrode placements. We recommend that future research be performed consisting of individuals with balance impairments and with different positions of electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darja Rugelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomechanical Laboratory, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Vidovič
- University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Renata Vauhnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomechanical Laboratory, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Arthron Institute for Joint and Sports Injuries, Celje, Slovenia
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47
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Alonso I, Sanchez Merlinsky A, Szczupak L. Phase-Specific Motor Efference during a Rhythmic Motor Pattern. J Neurosci 2020; 40:1888-1896. [PMID: 31980584 PMCID: PMC7046455 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1201-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal circuits that control motor behaviors orchestrate multiple tasks, including the inhibition of self-generated sensory signals. In the hermaphroditic leech, T and P mechanosensory neurons respond to light touch and pressure on the skin, respectively. We show that the low threshold T cells were also sensitive to topological changes of the animal surface, caused by contraction of the muscles that erect the skin annuli. P cells were unresponsive to this movement. Annuli erection is part of the contraction phase of crawling, a leech locomotive behavior. In isolated ganglia, T cells showed phase-dependent IPSPs during dopamine-induced fictive crawling, whereas P cells were unaffected. The timing and magnitude of the T-IPSPs were highly correlated with the activity of the motoneurons excited during the contraction phase. Together, the results suggest that the central network responsible for crawling sends a reafferent signal onto the T cells, concomitant with the signal to the motoneurons. This reafference is specifically targeted at the sensory neurons that are affected by the movements; and it is behaviorally relevant as excitation of T cells affected the rhythmic motor pattern, probably acting upon the rhythmogenic circuit. Corollary discharge is a highly conserved function of motor systems throughout evolution, and we provide clear evidence of the specificity of its targets and timing and of the benefit of counteracting self-generated sensory input.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuronal circuits that control motor behaviors orchestrate multiple tasks, including inhibition of sensory signals originated by the animal movement, a phenomenon known as corollary discharge. Leeches crawl on solid surfaces through a sequence of elongation and contraction movements. During the contraction, the skin topology changes, affecting a subpopulation of mechanosensory receptors, T (touch) neurons, but not P (pressure) sensory neurons. In the isolated nervous system, T neurons were inhibited during the contraction but not during the elongation phase, whereas P cells were unaffected throughout crawling. Excitation of T cells during the contraction phase temporarily disrupted the rhythmic pattern. Thus, corollary discharge was target (T vs P) and phase (contraction vs elongation) specific, and prevented self-generated signals to perturb motor behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Alonso
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Ciudad Universitaria, (C1428EHA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Sanchez Merlinsky
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Ciudad Universitaria, (C1428EHA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lidia Szczupak
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Ciudad Universitaria, (C1428EHA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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48
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Herr T, Hummel T, Vollmer M, Willert C, Veit B, Gamain J, Fleischmann R, Lehnert B, Mueller JU, Stenner A, Kronenbuerger M. Smell and taste in cervical dystonia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:347-354. [PMID: 32062706 PMCID: PMC8102446 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of cervical dystonia is not completely understood. Current concepts of the pathophysiology propose that it is a network disorder involving the basal ganglia, cerebellum and sensorimotor cortex. These structures are primarily concerned with sensorimotor control but are also involved in non-motor functioning such as the processing of information related to the chemical senses. This overlap lets us hypothesize a link between cervical dystonia and altered sense of smell and taste. To prove this hypothesis and to contribute to the better understanding of cervical dystonia, we assessed olfactory and gustatory functioning in 40 adults with idiopathic cervical dystonia and 40 healthy controls. The Sniffin Sticks were used to assess odor threshold, discrimination and identification. Furthermore, the Taste Strips were applied to assess the combined taste score. Motor and non-motor deficits of cervical dystonia including neuropsychological and psychiatric alterations were assessed as cofactors for regression analyses. We found that cervical dystonia subjects had lower scores than healthy controls for odor threshold (5.8 ± 2.4 versus 8.0 ± 3.2; p = 0.001), odor identification (11.7 ± 2.3 versus 13.1 ± 1.3; p = 0.001) and the combined taste score (9.5 ± 2.2 versus 11.7 ± 2.7; p < 0.001), while no difference was found in odor discrimination (12.0 ± 2.5 versus 12.9 ± 1.8; p = 0.097). Regression analysis suggests that age is the main predictor for olfactory decline in subjects with cervical dystonia. Moreover, performance in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment is a predictor for gustatory decline in cervical dystonia subjects. Findings propose that cervical dystonia is associated with diminished olfactory and gustatory functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Herr
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Strasse, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marcus Vollmer
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Birgitt Veit
- Neurology Group Practice, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Julie Gamain
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Strasse, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robert Fleischmann
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Strasse, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bernhard Lehnert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan-Uwe Mueller
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andrea Stenner
- Outpatient Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Clinic Zwickau, Zwickau, Germany
| | - Martin Kronenbuerger
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Strasse, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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49
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Zwaferink JBJ, Hijmans JM, Schrijver CM, Schrijver LK, Postema K, van Netten JJ. Mechanical Noise Improves the Vibration Perception Threshold of the Foot in People With Diabetic Neuropathy. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2020; 14:16-21. [PMID: 30328708 PMCID: PMC7189161 DOI: 10.1177/1932296818804552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical noise may improve somatosensation at the dorsal side of the foot, but the effect at the plantar side of the foot, the side most at risk for foot ulceration, is unknown. Moreover, techniques used in research so far have several problems that limit applicability in daily practice. Piezoelectric actuators may provide mechanical noise with better clinical applicability. We assessed the effects of piezoelectric actuators generating mechanical noise on the vibration perception threshold (VPT) at the plantar side of the foot in people with diabetic neuropathy. METHODS Double-blind within-subjects design in a controlled laboratory setting including participants with diabetic neuropathy (N = 40; 18 male; mean age 69.6 years; mean duration of diabetes 14.1 years; mean BMI 30.5). VPT was measured at three plantar foot locations with and without mechanical noise applied via piezoelectric actuators. RESULTS Mechanical noise improved VPT at metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) 1 (left 39.3V vs 43.5V; right 39.0 vs 42.6 V), MTP5 (left 37.5V vs 41.7V; right 34.5V vs 40.8V) and the heel (left 40.0V vs 44.0V; right 39.3V vs 41.0V), all P < .001. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical noise improves VPT at the plantar side of the foot in people with diabetic neuropathy. This is an important step for further development of insoles using mechanical noise that may have the potential to improve VPT and decrease the risk of foot ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennefer B. J. Zwaferink
- Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Almelo and
Hengelo, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of
Rehablitation Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, The
Netherlands
- Jennefer B. J. Zwaferink, Department of
Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Movement Sciences, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Juha M. Hijmans
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Klaas Postema
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J. van Netten
- Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Almelo and
Hengelo, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of
Rehablitation Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, The
Netherlands
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland
University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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50
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Park K, Kim Y, Kim J, Kang S, Park JS, Ahn CW, Nam JS. Supplementation with Korean Red Ginseng Improves Current Perception Threshold in Korean Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Diabetes Res 2020; 2020:5295328. [PMID: 32025522 PMCID: PMC6991165 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5295328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients in Korea take Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) for various reasons. In this study, we investigated the effects of KRG administration on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients. METHODS This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to either the placebo or KRG group and took corresponding tablets for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in current perception threshold (CPT) at week 24. Secondary outcomes were altered fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and various metabolic and inflammatory markers at week 24. RESULTS Sixty-one patients completed the study. The CPT of the lower extremities at various frequencies exhibited significant improvements at week 24 in the KRG group. Other metabolic parameters were not altered after 24 weeks in both groups. In the subgroup analysis, CPT levels were improved in those with a longer diabetes duration or who already had neuropathy at the beginning of the study, and insulin resistance was improved in patients with a shorter diabetes duration. CONCLUSION Twenty-four week administration of KRG in T2DM patients resulted in a significant improvement in neuropathy, especially in those with a longer diabetes duration. A further, larger population study with a longer follow-up period is warranted to verify the effects of KRG on diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahui Park
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - YuSik Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
- Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghye Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinae Kang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
- Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Suk Park
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
- Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Woo Ahn
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
- Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Nam
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
- Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
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