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Zakrajsek AD, Foulkes S, Nagel N, Neurohr F, Nauman EA. Biomechanical Considerations of Refreshable Braille and Tactile Graphics Toward Equitable Access: A Review. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:060907. [PMID: 38421346 DOI: 10.1115/1.4064964] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights the biomechanical foundations of braille and tactile graphic discrimination within the context of design innovations in information access for the blind and low-vision community. Braille discrimination is a complex and poorly understood process that necessitates the coordination of motor control, mechanotransduction, and cognitive-linguistic processing. Despite substantial technological advances and multiple design attempts over the last fifty years, a low-cost, high-fidelity refreshable braille and tactile graphics display has yet to be delivered. Consequently, the blind and low-vision communities are left with limited options for information access. This is amplified by the rapid adoption of graphical user interfaces for human-computer interaction, a move that the blind and low vision community were effectively excluded from. Text-to-speech screen readers lack the ability to convey the nuances necessary for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education and offer limited privacy for the user. Printed braille and tactile graphics are effective modalities but are time and resource-intensive, difficult to access, and lack real-time rendering. Single- and multiline refreshable braille devices either lack functionality or are extremely cost-prohibitive. Early computational models of mechanotransduction through complex digital skin tissue and the kinematics of the braille reading finger are explored as insight into device design specifications. A use-centered, convergence approach for future designs is discussed in which the design space is defined by both the end-user requirements and the available technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne D Zakrajsek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 2901 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45221
| | - Samuel Foulkes
- Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 7000 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45231
| | - Nicole Nagel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Fred Neurohr
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Eric A Nauman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 2901 Woodside Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45221
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2
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Yoshinaga Y, Sato N. Reach-to-Grasp and tactile discrimination task: A new task for the study of sensory-motor learning. Behav Brain Res 2024; 466:115007. [PMID: 38648867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115007] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Although active touch in rodents arises from the forepaws as well as whiskers, most research on active touch only focuses on whiskers. This results in a paucity of tasks designed to assess the process of active touch with a forepaw. We develop a new experimental task, the Reach-to-Grasp and Tactile Discrimination task (RGTD task), to examine active touch with a forepaw in rodents, particularly changes in processes of active touch during motor skill learning. In the RGTD task, animals are required to (1) extend their forelimb to an object, (2) grasp the object, and (3) manipulate the grasped object with the forelimb. The animals must determine the direction of the manipulation based on active touch sensations arising during the period of the grasping. In experiment 1 of the present study, we showed that rats can learn the RGTD task. In experiment 2, we confirmed that the rats are capable of reversal learning of the RGTD task. The RGTD task shared most of the reaching movements involved with conventional forelimb reaching tasks. From the standpoint of a discrimination task, the RGTD task enables rigorous experimental control, for example by removing bias in the stimulus-response correspondence, and makes it possible to utilize diverse experimental procedures that have been difficult in prior tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Yoshinaga
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1-1-155, Uegahara, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 662-8501, Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
| | - Nobuya Sato
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1-1-155, Uegahara, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 662-8501, Japan; Center for Applied Psychological Science (CAPS), Kwansei Gakuin University, 1-1-155, Uegahara, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.
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3
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Charbonneau JA, Santistevan AC, Raven EP, Bennett JL, Russ BE, Bliss-Moreau E. Evolutionarily conserved neural responses to affective touch in monkeys transcend consciousness and change with age. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322157121. [PMID: 38648473 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322157121] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Affective touch-a slow, gentle, and pleasant form of touch-activates a different neural network than which is activated during discriminative touch in humans. Affective touch perception is enabled by specialized low-threshold mechanoreceptors in the skin with unmyelinated fibers called C tactile (CT) afferents. These CT afferents are conserved across mammalian species, including macaque monkeys. However, it is unknown whether the neural representation of affective touch is the same across species and whether affective touch's capacity to activate the hubs of the brain that compute socioaffective information requires conscious perception. Here, we used functional MRI to assess the preferential activation of neural hubs by slow (affective) vs. fast (discriminative) touch in anesthetized rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). The insula, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, and secondary somatosensory cortex were all significantly more active during slow touch relative to fast touch, suggesting homologous activation of the interoceptive-allostatic network across primate species during affective touch. Further, we found that neural responses to affective vs. discriminative touch in the insula and ACC (the primary cortical hubs for interoceptive processing) changed significantly with age. Insula and ACC in younger animals differentiated between slow and fast touch, while activity was comparable between conditions for aged monkeys (equivalent to >70 y in humans). These results, together with prior studies establishing conserved peripheral nervous system mechanisms of affective touch transduction, suggest that neural responses to affective touch are evolutionarily conserved in monkeys, significantly impacted in old age, and do not necessitate conscious experience of touch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey A Charbonneau
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Anthony C Santistevan
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Erika P Raven
- Department of Radiology, Center for Biomedical Imaging, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Jeffrey L Bennett
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Brian E Russ
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone, New York, NY 10016
| | - Eliza Bliss-Moreau
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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Jouybari AF, Ferraroli N, Bouri M, Alaoui SH, Kannape OA, Blanke O. Augmenting locomotor perception by remapping tactile foot sensation to the back. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:65. [PMID: 38678291 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01344-7] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory reafferents are crucial to correct our posture and movements, both reflexively and in a cognitively driven manner. They are also integral to developing and maintaining a sense of agency for our actions. In cases of compromised reafferents, such as for persons with amputated or congenitally missing limbs, or diseases of the peripheral and central nervous systems, augmented sensory feedback therefore has the potential for a strong, neurorehabilitative impact. We here developed an untethered vibrotactile garment that provides walking-related sensory feedback remapped non-invasively to the wearer's back. Using the so-called FeetBack system, we investigated if healthy individuals perceive synchronous remapped feedback as corresponding to their own movement (motor awareness) and how temporal delays in tactile locomotor feedback affect both motor awareness and walking characteristics (adaptation). METHODS We designed the system to remap somatosensory information from the foot-soles of healthy participants (N = 29), using vibrotactile apparent movement, to two linear arrays of vibrators mounted ipsilaterally on the back. This mimics the translation of the centre-of-mass over each foot during stance-phase. The intervention included trials with real-time or delayed feedback, resulting in a total of 120 trials and approximately 750 step-cycles, i.e. 1500 steps, per participant. Based on previous work, experimental delays ranged from 0ms to 1500ms to include up to a full step-cycle (baseline stride-time: µ = 1144 ± 9ms, range 986-1379ms). After each trial participants were asked to report their motor awareness. RESULTS Participants reported high correspondence between their movement and the remapped feedback for real-time trials (85 ± 3%, µ ± σ), and lowest correspondence for trials with left-right reversed feedback (22 ± 6% at 600ms delay). Participants further reported high correspondence of trials delayed by a full gait-cycle (78 ± 4% at 1200ms delay), such that the modulation of motor awareness is best expressed as a sinusoidal relationship reflecting the phase-shifts between actual and remapped tactile feedback (cos model: 38% reduction of residual sum of squares (RSS) compared to linear fit, p < 0.001). The temporal delay systematically but only moderately modulated participant stride-time in a sinusoidal fashion (3% reduction of RSS compared a linear fit, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We here demonstrate that lateralized, remapped haptic feedback modulates motor awareness in a systematic, gait-cycle dependent manner. Based on this approach, the FeetBack system was used to provide augmented sensory information pertinent to the user's on-going movement such that they reported high motor awareness for (re)synchronized feedback of their movements. While motor adaptation was limited in the current cohort of healthy participants, the next step will be to evaluate if individuals with a compromised peripheral nervous system, as well as those with conditions of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's Disease, may benefit from the FeetBack system, both for maintaining a sense of agency over their movements as well as for systematic gait-adaptation in response to the remapped, self-paced, rhythmic feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atena Fadaei Jouybari
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, 1012, Switzerland
| | - Nathanael Ferraroli
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, 1012, Switzerland
| | - Mohammad Bouri
- REHAssist Group, EPFL, Station 9, STI IMT MED, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Selim Habiby Alaoui
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, 1012, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Alan Kannape
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, 1012, Switzerland
- Virtual Medicine Center, HUG-NeuroCentre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, 1012, Switzerland.
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Finkel EA, Chang YT, Dasgupta R, Lubin EE, Xu D, Minamisawa G, Chang AJ, Cohen JY, O'Connor DH. Tactile processing in mouse cortex depends on action context. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113991. [PMID: 38573855 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113991] [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: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The brain receives constant tactile input, but only a subset guides ongoing behavior. Actions associated with tactile stimuli thus endow them with behavioral relevance. It remains unclear how the relevance of tactile stimuli affects processing in the somatosensory (S1) cortex. We developed a cross-modal selection task in which head-fixed mice switched between responding to tactile stimuli in the presence of visual distractors or to visual stimuli in the presence of tactile distractors using licking movements to the left or right side in different blocks of trials. S1 spiking encoded tactile stimuli, licking actions, and direction of licking in response to tactile but not visual stimuli. Bidirectional optogenetic manipulations showed that sensory-motor activity in S1 guided behavior when touch but not vision was relevant. Our results show that S1 activity and its impact on behavior depend on the actions associated with a tactile stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Finkel
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Yi-Ting Chang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Rajan Dasgupta
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Emily E Lubin
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Duo Xu
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Genki Minamisawa
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Anna J Chang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jeremiah Y Cohen
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Daniel H O'Connor
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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6
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Schnepel P, Paricio-Montesinos R, Ezquerra-Romano I, Haggard P, Poulet JFA. Cortical cellular encoding of thermotactile integration. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1718-1730.e3. [PMID: 38582078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.018] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that primary sensory cortical regions play a role in the integration of information from multiple sensory modalities. How primary cortical neurons integrate different sources of sensory information is unclear, partly because non-primary sensory input to a cortical sensory region is often weak or modulatory. To address this question, we take advantage of the robust representation of thermal (cooling) and tactile stimuli in mouse forelimb primary somatosensory cortex (fS1). Using a thermotactile detection task, we show that the perception of threshold-level cool or tactile information is enhanced when they are presented simultaneously, compared with presentation alone. To investigate the cortical cellular correlates of thermotactile integration, we performed in vivo extracellular recordings from fS1 in awake resting and anesthetized mice during unimodal and bimodal stimulation of the forepaw. Unimodal stimulation evoked thermal- or tactile- specific excitatory and inhibitory responses of fS1 neurons. The most prominent features of combined thermotactile stimulation are the recruitment of unimodally silent fS1 neurons, non-linear integration features, and response dynamics that favor longer response durations with additional spikes. Together, we identify quantitative and qualitative changes in cortical encoding that may underlie the improvement in perception of thermotactile surfaces during haptic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schnepel
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ricardo Paricio-Montesinos
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivan Ezquerra-Romano
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London (UCL), London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Patrick Haggard
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London (UCL), London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - James F A Poulet
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Mohammadi V, Shahbad R, Hosseini M, Gholampour MH, Shiry Ghidary S, Najafi F, Behboodi A. Development of a Two-Finger Haptic Robotic Hand with Novel Stiffness Detection and Impedance Control. Sensors (Basel) 2024; 24:2585. [PMID: 38676202 PMCID: PMC11055014 DOI: 10.3390/s24082585] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Haptic hands and grippers, designed to enable skillful object manipulation, are pivotal for high-precision interaction with environments. These technologies are particularly vital in fields such as minimally invasive surgery, where they enhance surgical accuracy and tactile feedback: in the development of advanced prosthetic limbs, offering users improved functionality and a more natural sense of touch, and within industrial automation and manufacturing, they contribute to more efficient, safe, and flexible production processes. This paper presents the development of a two-finger robotic hand that employs simple yet precise strategies to manipulate objects without damaging or dropping them. Our innovative approach fused force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors with the average current of servomotors to enhance both the speed and accuracy of grasping. Therefore, we aim to create a grasping mechanism that is more dexterous than grippers and less complex than robotic hands. To achieve this goal, we designed a two-finger robotic hand with two degrees of freedom on each finger; an FSR was integrated into each fingertip to enable object categorization and the detection of the initial contact. Subsequently, servomotor currents were monitored continuously to implement impedance control and maintain the grasp of objects in a wide range of stiffness. The proposed hand categorized objects' stiffness upon initial contact and exerted accurate force by fusing FSR and the motor currents. An experimental test was conducted using a Yale-CMU-Berkeley (YCB) object set consisted of a foam ball, an empty soda can, an apple, a glass cup, a plastic cup, and a small milk packet. The robotic hand successfully picked up these objects from a table and sat them down without inflicting any damage or dropping them midway. Our results represent a significant step forward in developing haptic robotic hands with advanced object perception and manipulation capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Mohammadi
- Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (V.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Ramin Shahbad
- Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (V.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Mojtaba Hosseini
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Saeed Shiry Ghidary
- Center for Health Innovation, Staffordshire University, Staffordshire ST4 2XE, UK;
| | - Farshid Najafi
- School of Mechatronic System Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Ahad Behboodi
- Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (V.M.); (R.S.)
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Yamada A, Ling J, Yamada AI, Furue H, Gu JG. ASICs mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission for tactile discrimination. Neuron 2024; 112:1286-1301.e8. [PMID: 38359825 PMCID: PMC11031316 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.018] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Tactile discrimination, the ability to differentiate objects' physical properties such as texture, shape, and edges, is essential for environmental exploration, social interaction, and early childhood development. This ability heavily relies on Merkel cell-neurite complexes (MNCs), the tactile end-organs enriched in the fingertips of humans and the whisker hair follicles of non-primate mammals. Although recent studies have advanced our knowledge on mechanical transduction in MNCs, it remains unknown how tactile signals are encoded at MNCs. Here, using rodent whisker hair follicles, we show that tactile signals are encoded at MNCs as fast excitatory synaptic transmission. This synaptic transmission is mediated by acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) located on the neurites of MNCs, with protons as the principal transmitters. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of ASICs diminishes the tactile encoding at MNCs and impairs tactile discrimination in animals. Together, ASICs are required for tactile encoding at MNCs to enable tactile discrimination in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Yamada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jennifer Ling
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ayaka I Yamada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hidemasa Furue
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Jianguo G Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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9
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Pélegrin N, Konishi M, Sarrazin JC. Tactile shape discrimination for moving stimuli. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8707. [PMID: 38622201 PMCID: PMC11018860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58509-6] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explored spatial-temporal dependencies and their impact on the tactile perception of moving objects. Building on previous research linking visual perception and human movement, we examined if an imputed motion mechanism operates within the tactile modality. We focused on how biological coherence between space and time, characteristic of human movement, influences tactile perception. An experiment was designed wherein participants were stimulated on their right palm with tactile patterns, either ambiguous (incongruent conditions) or non-ambiguous (congruent conditions) relative to a biological motion law (two-thirds power law) and asked to report perceived shape and associated confidence. Our findings reveal that introducing ambiguous tactile patterns (1) significantly diminishes tactile discrimination performance, implying motor features of shape recognition in vision are also observed in the tactile modality, and (2) undermines participants' response confidence, uncovering the accessibility degree of information determining the tactile percept's conscious representation. Analysis based on the Hierarchical Drift Diffusion Model unveiled the sensitivity of the evidence accumulation process to the stimulus's informational ambiguity and provides insight into tactile perception as predictive dynamics for reducing uncertainty. These discoveries deepen our understanding of tactile perception mechanisms and underscore the criticality of predictions in sensory information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pélegrin
- ONERA, Information Processing and Systems Department, Cognitive Engineering and Applied Neurosciences Research Unit, Salon-de-Provence, 13661, France.
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Sarrazin
- ONERA, Information Processing and Systems Department, Cognitive Engineering and Applied Neurosciences Research Unit, Salon-de-Provence, 13661, France
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10
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Weiler S, Rahmati V, Isstas M, Wutke J, Stark AW, Franke C, Graf J, Geis C, Witte OW, Hübener M, Bolz J, Margrie TW, Holthoff K, Teichert M. A primary sensory cortical interareal feedforward inhibitory circuit for tacto-visual integration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3081. [PMID: 38594279 PMCID: PMC11003985 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47459-2] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Tactile sensation and vision are often both utilized for the exploration of objects that are within reach though it is not known whether or how these two distinct sensory systems combine such information. Here in mice, we used a combination of stereo photogrammetry for 3D reconstruction of the whisker array, brain-wide anatomical tracing and functional connectivity analysis to explore the possibility of tacto-visual convergence in sensory space and within the circuitry of the primary visual cortex (VISp). Strikingly, we find that stimulation of the contralateral whisker array suppresses visually evoked activity in a tacto-visual sub-region of VISp whose visual space representation closely overlaps with the whisker search space. This suppression is mediated by local fast-spiking interneurons that receive a direct cortico-cortical input predominantly from layer 6 neurons located in the posterior primary somatosensory barrel cortex (SSp-bfd). These data demonstrate functional convergence within and between two primary sensory cortical areas for multisensory object detection and recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Weiler
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, 25 Howland Street, London, W1T 4JG, UK
| | - Vahid Rahmati
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel Isstas
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of General Zoology and Animal Physiology, Erbertstraße 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Johann Wutke
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Walter Stark
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Fröbelstieg 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Franke
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Fröbelstieg 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena Center for Soft Matter, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Straße 6, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Graf
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Geis
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Otto W Witte
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark Hübener
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bolz
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of General Zoology and Animal Physiology, Erbertstraße 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Troy W Margrie
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, 25 Howland Street, London, W1T 4JG, UK
| | - Knut Holthoff
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Manuel Teichert
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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11
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Buist M, Damercheli S, Zbinden J, Truong MTN, Mastinu E, Ortiz-Catalan M. Novel Wearable Device for Mindful Sensorimotor Training: Integrating Motor Decoding and Somatosensory Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2024; 32:1515-1523. [PMID: 38512736 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2024.3379996] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Sensorimotor impairment is a prevalent condition requiring effective rehabilitation strategies. This study introduces a novel wearable device for Mindful Sensorimotor Training (MiSMT) designed for sensory and motor rehabilitation. Our MiSMT device combines motor training using myoelectric pattern recognition along sensory training using two tactile displays. This device offers a comprehensive solution, integrating electromyography and haptic feedback, lacking in existing devices. The device features eight electromyography channels, a rechargeable battery, and wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless communication with a computer or mobile device. Its flexible material allows for adaptability to various body parts, ensuring ease of use in diverse patients. The two tactile displays, with 16 electromagnetic actuators each, provide touch and vibration sensations up to 250 Hz. In this proof-of-concept study, we show improved two-point discrimination after 5 training sessions in participants with intact limbs (p=0.047). We also demonstrated successful acquisition, processing, and decoding of myoelectric signals in offline and online evaluations. In conclusion, the MiSMT device presents a promising tool for sensorimotor rehabilitation by combining motor execution and sensory training benefits. Further studies are required to assess its effectiveness in individuals with sensorimotor impairments. Integrating mindful sensory and motor training with innovative technology can enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve the quality of life for those with sensorimotor impairments.
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12
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Geers L, Kozieja P, Coello Y. Multisensory peripersonal space: Visual looming stimuli induce stronger response facilitation to tactile than auditory and visual stimulations. Cortex 2024; 173:222-233. [PMID: 38430652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.01.008] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Anticipating physical contact with objects in the environment is a key component of efficient motor performance. Peripersonal neurons are thought to play a determinant role in these predictions by enhancing responses to touch when combined with visual stimuli in peripersonal space (PPS). However, recent research challenges the idea that this visuo-tactile integration contributing to the prediction of tactile events occurs strictly in PPS. We hypothesised that enhanced sensory sensitivity in a multisensory context involves not only contact anticipation but also heightened attention towards near-body visual stimuli. To test this hypothesis, Experiment 1 required participants to respond promptly to tactile (probing contact anticipation) and auditory (probing enhanced attention) stimulations presented at different moments of the trajectory of a (social and non-social) looming visual stimulus. Reduction in reaction time as compared to a unisensory baseline was observed from an egocentric distance of around 2 m (inside and outside PPS) for all multisensory conditions and types of visual stimuli. Experiment 2 tested whether these facilitation effects still occur in the absence of a multisensory context, i.e., in a visuo-visual condition. Overall, facilitation effects induced by the looming visual stimulus were comparable in the three sensory modalities outside PPS but were more pronounced for the tactile modality inside PPS (84 cm from the body as estimated by a reachability judgement task). Considered together, the results suggest that facilitation effects induced by visual looming stimuli in multimodal sensory processing rely on the combination of attentional factors and contact anticipation depending on their distance from the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Geers
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
| | - Paul Kozieja
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
| | - Yann Coello
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France.
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13
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Nikolaeva EI, Dydenkova EA, Mayorova LA, Portnova GV. The impact of daily affective touch on cortisol levels in institutionalized & fostered children. Physiol Behav 2024; 277:114479. [PMID: 38309608 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114479] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Institutionalized children are often deprived of affective touch. Such tactile deprivation often leads to constant stress, as measured by the levels of salivary cortisol. We report here the impact of an affective touch program, optimized to activate a specific population of unmyelinated mechanosensitive nerves in the skin called c-tactile afferents (CT) on stress resistance. Two populations of children (age 4-10) were recruited: (i) a cohort living in an orphanage and (ii) a fostered cohort. Both groups received the affective touch program daily for 10-15 min for 5-6 weeks. A cohort of age-matched children living in a family environment acted as a control group and did not receive any instructions for tactile stimulation. Salivary cortisol was collected at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the study in all three groups. For institutionalized and fostered children there was a significant improvement in the level of cortisol (p < 0.0001) between T1 and T2, which is manifested in the balancing cortisol levels: a decrease where it was elevated and an increase, where the critically low level testified to the distress of the child. Balancing cortisol levels is a process of recovery to normal values, which indicates the restoration of neurohumoral mechanisms of stress regulation. The effect of balancing cortisol levels was more pronounced in the group of fostered children compared to the group of orphanage children (p = 0.0326). The children in the control group had no significant differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I Nikolaeva
- Herzen State pedagogical University, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation; Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Eva A Dydenkova
- Minin University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation; Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Larisa A Mayorova
- Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Galina V Portnova
- Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation; Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
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14
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Alouit A, Gavaret M, Ramdani C, Lindberg PG, Dupin L. Cortical activations associated with spatial remapping of finger touch using EEG. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae161. [PMID: 38642106 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae161] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatial coding of tactile information is functionally essential for touch-based shape perception and motor control. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of how tactile information is remapped from the somatotopic reference frame in the primary somatosensory cortex to the spatiotopic reference frame remains unclear. This study investigated how hand position in space or posture influences cortical somatosensory processing. Twenty-two healthy subjects received electrical stimulation to the right thumb (D1) or little finger (D5) in three position conditions: palm down on right side of the body (baseline), hand crossing the body midline (effect of position), and palm up (effect of posture). Somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded using electroencephalography. One early-, two mid-, and two late-latency neurophysiological components were identified for both fingers: P50, P1, N125, P200, and N250. D1 and D5 showed different cortical activation patterns: compared with baseline, the crossing condition showed significant clustering at P1 for D1, and at P50 and N125 for D5; the change in posture showed a significant cluster at N125 for D5. Clusters predominated at centro-parietal electrodes. These results suggest that tactile remapping of fingers after electrical stimulation occurs around 100-125 ms in the parietal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaëlle Alouit
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, 102-108 Rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Martine Gavaret
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, 102-108 Rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France
- GHU-Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, Service de neurophysiologie clinique, 1 Rue Cabanis, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Céline Ramdani
- Service de Santé des Armées, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place du Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Påvel G Lindberg
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, 102-108 Rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Lucile Dupin
- Université Paris Cité, INCC UMR 8002, CNRS, 45 Rue des Saints-Pères, F-75006 Paris, France
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15
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Devecioğlu İ, Karakulak E. Three Sliding Probes Placed on Forelimb Skin for Proprioceptive Feedback Differentially yet Complementarily Contribute to Hand Gesture Detection and Object-Size Discrimination. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:982-996. [PMID: 38246964 PMCID: PMC10940487 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03434-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of three sliding tactile probes placed on the forelimb skin to provide proprioceptive feedback for the detection of hand gestures and discrimination of object size. Tactile contactors representing the first three fingers were driven along the proximodistal axis by linear servo motors. Twenty healthy subjects were involved in the gesture detection test, with 10 of them also participating in the object-size discrimination task. Motors were controlled by computer in the first four sessions of the gesture detection experiment, while the fifth session utilized a sensorized glove. Both the volar and dorsal sides of the forearm were examined. In the object-size discrimination experiment, the method was exclusively assessed on the volar surface under four distinct feedback conditions, including all fingers and each finger separately. The psychophysical data were further analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM) to evaluate the specific contributions of each individual contactor. Subjects consistently outperformed the chance level in detecting gestures. Performance improved up to the third session, with better results obtained on the volar side. The performances were similar in the fourth and fifth sessions. The just noticeable difference for achieving a 75% discrimination accuracy was found to be 2.90 mm of movement on the skin. SEM analysis indicated that the contactor for the index finger had the lowest importance in gesture detection, while it played a more significant role in object-size discrimination. However, all fingers were found to be significant predictors of subjects' responses in both experiments, except for the thumb, which was deemed insignificant in object-size discrimination. The study highlights the importance of considering the partial contribution of each degree of freedom in a sensory feedback system, especially concerning the task, when designing such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- İsmail Devecioğlu
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Çorlu Faculty of Engineering, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey.
| | - Ertuğrul Karakulak
- Department of Biomedical Device Technologies, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
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16
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Lee BY, Kim S, Oh S, Lee Y, Park J, Ko H, Koo JC, Jung Y, Lim H. Human-Inspired Tactile Perception System for Real-Time and Multimodal Detection of Tactile Stimuli. Soft Robot 2024; 11:270-281. [PMID: 38112297 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0191] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A human can intuitively perceive and comprehend complicated tactile information because the cutaneous receptors distributed in the fingertip skin receive different tactile stimuli simultaneously and the tactile signals are immediately transmitted to the brain. Although many research groups have attempted to mimic the structure and function of human skin, it remains a challenge to implement human-like tactile perception process inside one system. In this study, we developed a real-time and multimodal tactile system that mimics the function of cutaneous receptors and the transduction of tactile stimuli from receptors to the brain, by using multiple sensors, a signal processing and transmission circuit module, and a signal analysis module. The proposed system is capable of simultaneously acquiring four types of decoupled tactile information with a compact system, thereby enabling differentiation between various tactile stimuli, texture characteristics, and consecutive complex motions. This skin-like three-dimensional integrated design provides further opportunities in multimodal tactile sensing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yeon Lee
- Department of Nature-Inspired System and Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonggi Kim
- Department of Nature-Inspired System and Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunjong Oh
- Department of Nature-Inspired System and Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngoh Lee
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghwa Park
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunhyub Ko
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Choon Koo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngdo Jung
- Department of Nature-Inspired System and Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuneui Lim
- Department of Nature-Inspired System and Application, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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17
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Mariani Wigley ILC, Mascheroni E, Pastore M, Bonichini S, Montirosso R. Stroking in early mother-infant exchanges: The role of maternal tactile biography and interoceptive sensibility. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298733. [PMID: 38451923 PMCID: PMC10919687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298733] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Caress-like is a crucial component of caregiving and a key factor in mother-infant interactions. Mother's experience of touch during her own childhood (i.e., tactile biography) has been found to be related to maternal actual use of caress-like touch (i.e., stroking) during mother-infant exchanges. Evidence also suggests that maternal interoceptive sensibility (i.e., self-perceived sensitivity to inner-body sensations) might be related to sensitive caregiving abilities. However, further empirical investigation is needed to understand to what extent tactile biography and interoceptive sensibility have an impact on mothers' stroking when interacting with their infants. Using an online survey, this cross-sectional study explored the potential association between maternal tactile biography, interoceptive sensibility and use of touch for interaction with their own infants in a group of 377 Italian mothers (mean age = 33.29; SD = 4.79). We tested and compared a series of multivariate linear mediation models using maternal tactile biography as predictor, maternal use of affective touch as outcome variable and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) subscale scores as mediators. We found that, if a mother had positive touch experiences in her own childhood, she may be more likely to use touch in a positive and nurturing way with her own infant (i.e., stroking). Furthermore, mothers' interoceptive sensibility in the form of attention regulation, self-regulation and body listening mediates the association between their past experiences of positive touch and their use of caress-like touch in mother-infant exchanges. This study highlights that maternal tactile biography is directly associated with mothers' use of caress-like touch and indirectly linked to it through the mediating role of interoceptive sensibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Mascheroni
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pastore
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bonichini
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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18
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Jiang C, Xu H, Yang L, Liu J, Li Y, Takei K, Xu W. Neuromorphic antennal sensory system. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2109. [PMID: 38453967 PMCID: PMC10920631 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46393-7] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect antennae facilitate the nuanced detection of vibrations and deflections, and the non-contact perception of magnetic or chemical stimuli, capabilities not found in mammalian skin. Here, we report a neuromorphic antennal sensory system that emulates the structural, functional, and neuronal characteristics of ant antennae. Our system comprises electronic antennae sensor with three-dimensional flexible structures that detects tactile and magnetic stimuli. The integration of artificial synaptic devices adsorbed with solution-processable MoS2 nanoflakes enables synaptic processing of sensory information. By emulating the architecture of receptor-neuron pathway, our system realizes hardware-level, spatiotemporal perception of tactile contact, surface pattern, and magnetic field (detection limits: 1.3 mN, 50 μm, 9.4 mT). Vibrotactile-perception tasks involving profile and texture classifications were accomplished with high accuracy (> 90%), surpassing human performance in "blind" tactile explorations. Magneto-perception tasks including magnetic navigation and touchless interaction were successfully completed. Our work represents a milestone for neuromorphic sensory systems and biomimetic perceptual intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpeng Jiang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Honghuan Xu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Li
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kuniharu Takei
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Wentao Xu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China.
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19
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Lopez JA, Romero LO, Kaung WL, Maddox JW, Vásquez V, Lee A. Caldendrin Is a Repressor of PIEZO2 Channels and Touch Sensation in Mice. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1402232023. [PMID: 38262725 PMCID: PMC10919251 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1402-23.2023] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The sense of touch is crucial for cognitive, emotional, and social development and relies on mechanically activated (MA) ion channels that transduce force into an electrical signal. Despite advances in the molecular characterization of these channels, the physiological factors that control their activity are poorly understood. Here, we used behavioral assays, electrophysiological recordings, and various mouse strains (males and females analyzed separately) to investigate the role of the calmodulin-like Ca2+ sensor, caldendrin, as a key regulator of MA channels and their roles in touch sensation. In mice lacking caldendrin (Cabp1 KO), heightened responses to tactile stimuli correlate with enlarged MA currents with lower mechanical thresholds in dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs). The expression pattern of caldendrin in the DRG parallels that of the major MA channel required for touch sensation, PIEZO2. In transfected cells, caldendrin interacts with and inhibits the activity of PIEZO2 in a manner that requires an alternatively spliced sequence in the N-terminal domain of caldendrin. Moreover, targeted genetic deletion of caldendrin in Piezo2-expressing DRGNs phenocopies the tactile hypersensitivity of complete Cabp1 KO mice. We conclude that caldendrin is an endogenous repressor of PIEZO2 channels and their contributions to touch sensation in DRGNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue A Lopez
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
| | - Luis O Romero
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, Tennessee
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, Memphis 38163, Tennessee
| | - Wai-Lin Kaung
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
| | - J Wesley Maddox
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
| | - Valeria Vásquez
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, Tennessee
| | - Amy Lee
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas-Austin, Austin 78712, Texas
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20
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Zhang Y, Long D, Feng H, Shang K, Lu X, Fu C, Jiang Z, Fang J, Yao Y, He QC, Yang T. Bioinspired ion channel receptor based on hygroelectricity for precontact sensing of living organism. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 247:115922. [PMID: 38096720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115922] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Tactile sensors play an important role in human-machine interaction (HMI). Compared to contact tactile sensing, which leaves physical hardware vulnerable to wear and tear, proximity sensing is better at reacting to remote events before physical contact. The apteronotus albifrons possess ion channel receptors for remote surroundings perception. Inspired by the relevant ion channel structure and self-powered operation mode, we designed a new proximity sensor with ion rectification characteristics and self-powered capability. This bio-inspired ion channel receptor exploits the hygroelectric effect to convert the humidity information into a series of current signals when the living organism approaches, and it is insensitive to non-aquatic non-organisms. The sensor offers high sensitivity (2.3 mm-1), a suitable range (0-10 mm) for close object detection, fast response (0.3 s), and fast recovery (2.5 s). The unique combination of bio-sensitivity, non-contact detection characteristics, and humidity-based power generation capabilities enriches the functionality of future HMI electronics. As a proof of concept, the sensor has been successfully applied in different scenarios such as human health management, early warning systems, non-contact switches to prevent virus transmission, object recognition, and finger trajectory detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China
| | - Dongxu Long
- Sanechips Technology Co., Ltd. Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Huiling Feng
- College of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610059, PR China
| | - Kedong Shang
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China
| | - Xulei Lu
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China
| | - Chunqiao Fu
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China
| | - Zhongbao Jiang
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China
| | - Jiahao Fang
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China
| | - Yuming Yao
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China
| | - Qi-Chang He
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China; Univ Gustave Eiffel, MSME, CNRS UMR 8208, F-77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France.
| | - Tingting Yang
- Tribology Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, PR China.
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21
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Tasnim A, Alkislar I, Hakim R, Turecek J, Abdelaziz A, Orefice LL, Ginty DD. The developmental timing of spinal touch processing alterations predicts behavioral changes in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorders. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:484-496. [PMID: 38233682 PMCID: PMC10917678 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01552-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Altered somatosensory reactivity is frequently observed among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Here, we report that although multiple mouse models of ASD exhibit aberrant somatosensory behaviors in adulthood, some models exhibit altered tactile reactivity as early as embryonic development, whereas in others, altered reactivity emerges later in life. Additionally, tactile overreactivity during neonatal development is associated with anxiety-like behaviors and social behavior deficits in adulthood, whereas tactile overreactivity that emerges later in life is not. The locus of circuit disruption dictates the timing of aberrant tactile behaviors, as altered feedback or presynaptic inhibition of peripheral mechanosensory neurons leads to abnormal tactile reactivity during neonatal development, whereas disruptions in feedforward inhibition in the spinal cord lead to touch reactivity alterations that manifest later in life. Thus, the developmental timing of aberrant touch processing can predict the manifestation of ASD-associated behaviors in mouse models, and differential timing of sensory disturbance onset may contribute to phenotypic diversity across individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniqa Tasnim
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ilayda Alkislar
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Hakim
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Josef Turecek
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amira Abdelaziz
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren L Orefice
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Carnevali L, Della Longa L, Dragovic D, Farroni T. Touch and look: The role of affective touch in promoting infants' attention towards complex visual scenes. Infancy 2024; 29:271-283. [PMID: 38180744 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12580] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
In a complex social environment, stimuli from different sensory modalities need to be integrated to decode communicative meanings. From very early in life, infants have to combine a multitude of sensory features with social and affective attributes. Of all senses, touch constitutes a privileged channel to carry affective-motivational meanings and foster social connection. In the present study, we investigate whether sharing sensory stimulation that varies for its affective value differentially affects infants' attention towards visual stimuli. 6 to 11-month-old infants (N = 42) were familiarized with two characters respectively matched with tactile (affective or non-affective) and auditory stimulation; then repeatedly exposed to scenes where the two characters moved towards target objects. Our results showed a main effect of stimulation (sound vs. touch) on looking times during familiarization, with longer looking times when sound is provided. During scenes presentation, a main effect of the type of touch (affective vs. non affective) emerged, with longer looking times in infants that previously experienced affective touch, suggesting that this sensory experience may critically engage the self and modulate infant attention. Overall, these findings suggest that while sound acts as attention getter, affective touch supports sustained attention towards complex visual scenes beyond the stimulation period itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Carnevali
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Letizia Della Longa
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Danica Dragovic
- Pediatric Unit, San Polo Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), Monfalcone, Italy
| | - Teresa Farroni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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23
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Sasaki K, Sakurai N, Yuguchi Y, Kasai S, Kodama N. Identification of areas of the brain activated by active stimulation in hairless skin. Behav Brain Res 2024; 458:114758. [PMID: 37952686 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114758] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, neuroscientists have studied the physiological basis of pleasant touch. Unmyelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors are central to the study of the physiological basis of pleasant touch. Research on pleasant stimuli has mostly focused on passive stimuli, and the brain activation sites for active pleasant stimuli are not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify brain activation sites during active pleasant stimulation of hairless skin using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Forty-two healthy subjects aged 19 years or older were asked to actively grasp in five stimulus tasks. The comfort and sensations that occurred during the tasks were investigated using a questionnaire. Significant activation was found in the middle frontal gyrus when the hair ball and slime ball were grasped, while there was significant activation in the amygdala when grasping a squeeze ball compared to the tennis ball. In a questionnaire survey of the subjects, there was a significant difference in the comfort score between the tennis ball and the squeeze ball, but no significant correlation was found between the comfort scores and the brain sites of activation. Therefore, although active stimulation with the squeeze ball significantly activated the amygdala, it was not clear that the amygdala was significantly activated by active pleasant stimulation. In the future, it will be necessary to investigate the texture of the squeeze ball in more detail, and to increase the number of subjects for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Sasaki
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Noriko Sakurai
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Yukina Yuguchi
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kasai
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Naoki Kodama
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan.
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24
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Reinartz S, Fassihi A, Ravera M, Paz L, Pulecchi F, Gigante M, Diamond ME. Direct contribution of the sensory cortex to the judgment of stimulus duration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1712. [PMID: 38402290 PMCID: PMC10894222 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45970-0] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Decision making frequently depends on monitoring the duration of sensory events. To determine whether, and how, the perception of elapsed time derives from the neuronal representation of the stimulus itself, we recorded and optogenetically modulated vibrissal somatosensory cortical activity as male rats judged vibration duration. Perceived duration was dilated by optogenetic excitation. A second set of rats judged vibration intensity; here, optogenetic excitation amplified the intensity percept, demonstrating sensory cortex to be the common gateway both to time and to stimulus feature processing. A model beginning with the membrane currents evoked by vibrissal and optogenetic drive and culminating in the representation of perceived time successfully replicated rats' choices. Time perception is thus as deeply intermeshed within the sensory processing pathway as is the sense of touch itself, suggesting that the experience of time may be further investigated with the toolbox of sensory coding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Reinartz
- SENSEx Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy
- Brain & Sound Lab, Department of Biomedicine, Basel University, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arash Fassihi
- SENSEx Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Maria Ravera
- SENSEx Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luciano Paz
- SENSEx Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Pulecchi
- SENSEx Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Gigante
- SENSEx Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mathew E Diamond
- SENSEx Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy.
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25
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Valle G, Katic Secerovic N, Eggemann D, Gorskii O, Pavlova N, Petrini FM, Cvancara P, Stieglitz T, Musienko P, Bumbasirevic M, Raspopovic S. Biomimetic computer-to-brain communication enhancing naturalistic touch sensations via peripheral nerve stimulation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1151. [PMID: 38378671 PMCID: PMC10879152 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45190-6] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial communication with the brain through peripheral nerve stimulation shows promising results in individuals with sensorimotor deficits. However, these efforts lack an intuitive and natural sensory experience. In this study, we design and test a biomimetic neurostimulation framework inspired by nature, capable of "writing" physiologically plausible information back into the peripheral nervous system. Starting from an in-silico model of mechanoreceptors, we develop biomimetic stimulation policies. We then experimentally assess them alongside mechanical touch and common linear neuromodulations. Neural responses resulting from biomimetic neuromodulation are consistently transmitted towards dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord of cats, and their spatio-temporal neural dynamics resemble those naturally induced. We implement these paradigms within the bionic device and test it with patients (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03350061). He we report that biomimetic neurostimulation improves mobility (primary outcome) and reduces mental effort (secondary outcome) compared to traditional approaches. The outcomes of this neuroscience-driven technology, inspired by the human body, may serve as a model for advancing assistive neurotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Valle
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Natalija Katic Secerovic
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- The Mihajlo Pupin Institute, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dominic Eggemann
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Oleg Gorskii
- Laboratory for Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory for Neuromodulation, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", 119049, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Pavlova
- Laboratory for Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Paul Cvancara
- Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, Bernstein Center, BrainLinks-BrainTools Center of Excellence, University of Freiburg, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Stieglitz
- Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, Bernstein Center, BrainLinks-BrainTools Center of Excellence, University of Freiburg, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pavel Musienko
- Laboratory for Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Neuroscience Program, Sirius, Russia
- Laboratory for Neurorehabilitation Technologies, Life Improvement by Future Technologies Center "LIFT", Moscow, Russia
| | - Marko Bumbasirevic
- Orthopaedic Surgery Department, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stanisa Raspopovic
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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26
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Ojeda-Alonso J, Calvo-Enrique L, Paricio-Montesinos R, Kumar R, Zhang MD, Poulet JFA, Ernfors P, Lewin GR. Sensory Schwann cells set perceptual thresholds for touch and selectively regulate mechanical nociception. Nat Commun 2024; 15:898. [PMID: 38320986 PMCID: PMC10847425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44845-8] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous work identified nociceptive Schwann cells that can initiate pain. Consistent with the existence of inherently mechanosensitive sensory Schwann cells, we found that in mice, the mechanosensory function of almost all nociceptors, including those signaling fast pain, were dependent on sensory Schwann cells. In polymodal nociceptors, sensory Schwann cells signal mechanical, but not cold or heat pain. Terminal Schwann cells also surround mechanoreceptor nerve-endings within the Meissner's corpuscle and in hair follicle lanceolate endings that both signal vibrotactile touch. Within Meissner´s corpuscles, two molecularly and functionally distinct sensory Schwann cells positive for Sox10 and Sox2 differentially modulate rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor function. Using optogenetics we show that Meissner's corpuscle Schwann cells are necessary for the perception of low threshold vibrotactile stimuli. These results show that sensory Schwann cells within diverse glio-neural mechanosensory end-organs are sensors for mechanical pain as well as necessary for touch perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ojeda-Alonso
- Molecular Physiology of Somatic Sensation, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Calvo-Enrique
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paricio-Montesinos
- Neural Circuits and Behavior, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology Washington University School of Medicine, CB 8108, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ming-Dong Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James F A Poulet
- Neural Circuits and Behavior, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gary R Lewin
- Molecular Physiology of Somatic Sensation, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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27
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Myga KA, Kuehn E, Azañón E. How the inner repetition of a desired perception changes actual tactile perception. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3072. [PMID: 38321068 PMCID: PMC10847438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53449-7] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Autosuggestion is a cognitive process where the inner repetition of a thought actively influences one's own perceptual state. In spite of its potential benefits for medical interventions, this technique has gained little scientific attention so far. Here, we took advantage of the known link between intensity and frequency perception in touch ('Békésy effect'). In three separate experiments, participants were asked to modulate the perceived intensity of vibrotactile stimuli at the fingertip through the inner reiteration of the thought that this perception feels very strong (Experiment 1, n = 19) or very weak (Experiments 2, n = 38, and 3, n = 20), while they were asked to report the perceived frequency. We show that the task to change the perceived intensity of a tactile stimulus via the inner reiteration of a thought modulates tactile frequency perception. This constitutes the first experimental demonstration that an experimental design that triggers autosuggestion alters participants' tactile perception using a response orthogonal to the suggested variable. We discuss whether this cognitive process could be used to influence the perception of pain in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasia A Myga
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestrasse 6, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Esther Kuehn
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research (IKND), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elena Azañón
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestrasse 6, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Germany
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28
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Schienle A, Schlintl C, Wabnegger A. Brain mechanisms for processing caress-like touch in skin-picking disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:235-243. [PMID: 37610499 PMCID: PMC10786990 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01669-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Skin-picking disorder (SPD) is characterized by repetitive touching and picking of one's skin. The picking is typically experienced as pleasant although this behavior leads to tissue damage. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated how individuals with SPD react to caress-like touch, which stimulates C-tactile afferents. A standardized touch procedure was used. Seventy females with a primary diagnosis of SPD and 62 healthy females received CT-optimal brushing of their forearms (3 cm/s) and non-optimal brushing (30 cm/s) during an fMRI session. The two types of tactile stimulation were rated according to pleasure, arousal, and urge to pick one's skin. Relative to healthy controls, patients with SPD showed greater activation in parietal regions (supramarginal/angular gyrus) during CT-optimal touch. Moreover, the deactivation of the middle/ inferior frontal cortex displayed by control participants was absent in the SPD group. Being touched was rated as less pleasant, more arousing, and elicited a greater urge to perform skin-picking in participants with SPD. The mentioned frontal and parietal brain regions are sources of attentional control. They are involved in integrating somatosensory information and switching attention between external/internal stimuli. The present study adds to the limited database on the dysfunctional processing of touch in SPD. This study was preregistered on the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022123, June 8th, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Carina Schlintl
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Albert Wabnegger
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, 8010, Graz, Austria
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29
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Wingenbach TSH, Ribeiro B, Nakao C, Boggio PS. Modulation of facial muscle responses by another person's presence and affiliative touch during affective image viewing. Cogn Emot 2024; 38:59-70. [PMID: 37712676 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2023.2258588] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Stimulating CT-afferents by forearm caresses produces the subjective experience of pleasantness in the receiver and modulates subjective evaluations of viewed affective images. Receiving touch from another person includes the social element of another person's presence, which has been found to influence affective image evaluations without involving touch. The current study investigated whether these modulations translate to facial muscle responses associated with positive and negative affect across touch-involving and mere presence conditions. Female participants (N = 40, M(age) = 22.4, SD = 5.3) watched affective images (neutral, positive, negative) while facial electromyography was recorded (sites: zygomaticus, corrugator). Results from ANOVAs showed that providing touch to another person or oneself modulated zygomaticus site responses when viewing positive images. Providing CT-afferent stimulating touch (i.e., forearm caresses) to another person or oneself dampened the positive affective facial muscle response to positive affective images. Providing touch to another person generally increased corrugator facial muscle activity related to negative affect. Receiving touch did not modulate affective facial muscle responses during the viewing of affective images but may have effects on later cognitive processes. Together, previously reported social and touch modulations of subjective evaluations of affective images do not translate to facial muscle responses during affective image viewing, which were differentially modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja S H Wingenbach
- Centre for Health and Biological Sciences, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Beatriz Ribeiro
- Centre for Health and Biological Sciences, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Nakao
- Centre for Health and Biological Sciences, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Boggio
- Centre for Health and Biological Sciences, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Social and Affective Neuroscience, CNPq, Brazil
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30
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Lee DH, Kim JS, Ryun S, Chung CK. Discrete tactile feature comparison subprocess in human brain during a decision-making process. Cortex 2024; 171:383-396. [PMID: 38101274 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.11.004] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
From sensory input to motor action, encoded sensory features flow sequentially along cortical networks for decision-making. Despite numerous studies probing the decision-making process, the subprocess that compares encoded sensory features before making a decision has not been fully elucidated in humans. In this study, we investigated sensory feature comparison by presenting two different tasks (a discrimination task, in which participants made decisions by comparing two sequential tactile stimuli; and a detection task, in which participants responded to the second tactile stimulus in two sequential stimuli) to epilepsy patients while recording electrocorticography (ECoG). By comparing tactile-specific gamma band (30-200 Hz) power between the two tasks, the decision-making process was divided into three subprocesses-categorization, comparison, and decision-consistent with a previous study (Heekeren et al., 2004). These subprocesses occurred sequentially in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex, secondary somatosensory cortex, and parietal lobe. Gamma power showed two different patterns of correlation with response time. In the inferior parietal lobule (IPL), there was a negative correlation. This means that as gamma power increased, response time decreased. In the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2), there was a positive correlation. Here, as gamma power increased, response time also increased. These results indicate that the IPL and S2 encode tactile feature comparison differently. Our connectivity analysis showed that the S2 transmitted tactile information to the IPL. Our findings suggest that multiple areas in the parietal lobe encode sensory feature comparison differently before making a decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hyeok Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - June Sic Kim
- The Research Institute of Basic Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokyun Ryun
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Kee Chung
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Pfabigan DM, Frogner ER, Schéle E, Thorsby PM, Skålhegg BS, Dickson SL, Sailer U. Ghrelin is related to lower brain reward activation during touch. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14443. [PMID: 37737514 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14443] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The gut hormone ghrelin drives food motivation and increases food intake, but it is also involved in the anticipation of and response to rewards other than food. This pre-registered study investigated how naturally varying ghrelin concentrations affect the processing of touch as a social reward in humans. Sixty-seven volunteers received slow caressing touch (so-called CT-targeted touch) as a social reward and control touch on their shins during 3T functional imaging on two test days. On one occasion, participants were fasted, and on another, they received a meal. On each occasion, plasma ghrelin was measured at three time points. All touch was rated as more pleasant after the meal, but there was no association between ghrelin concentrations and pleasantness. CT-targeted touch was rated as the most pleasant and activated somatosensory and reward networks (whole brain). A region-of-interest in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) showed lower activation during all touches, the higher the ghrelin concentrations were. During CT-targeted touch, a larger satiety response (ghrelin decrease after the meal) was associated with higher mOFC activation, and this mOFC activation was associated with higher experienced pleasantness. Overall, higher ghrelin concentrations appear to be related to a lower reward value for touch. Ghrelin may reduce the value of social stimuli, such as touch, to promote food search and intake in a state of low energy. This suggests that the role of ghrelin goes beyond assigning value to food reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Pfabigan
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Endocrinology, Obesity and Nutrition, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - E R Frogner
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - E Schéle
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - P M Thorsby
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biochemical Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Group, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - B S Skålhegg
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - S L Dickson
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - U Sailer
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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32
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Wabnegger A, Schienle A. Atypical cerebellar activity and connectivity during affective touch in adults with skin-picking disorder. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:184-191. [PMID: 37973691 PMCID: PMC10844139 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00824-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] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Excessive touching and picking of one's skin are core symptoms of skin-picking disorder (SPD). Previous research has shown that patients with SPD display difficulties in motor control and show altered reward responsivity. Considering the limited knowledge about neuronal mechanisms in SPD, particularly concerning the cerebellum, the analysis focused on this brain region due to its involvement in sensorimotor and affective functions. The participants of the present study received affective (caress-like), which is typically perceived as pleasant and can be passively enjoyed. A total of 132 female participants (70 patients with SPD, 62 healthy controls) received affective and nonaffective touch to their forearms (slow vs. fast brushing) during functional magnetic resonance imaging. This tactile stimulation was rated according to pleasure, arousal, and the urge to pick one's skin. Being touched was perceived as more negative and arousing by the SPD group, and elicited a greater urge to perform skin-picking. During affective touch, those participants with SPD were characterized by reduced activity in lobule VIII, reduced functional connectivity of lobule VIII with the hippocampus, and increased connectivity with the superior parietal lobule. Since VIII is involved in the inhibition of movement, the present findings point to deficient motor control in SPD in the context of affective-sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Wabnegger
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, Graz, A-8010, Austria
| | - Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Universitätsplatz 2/III, Graz, A-8010, Austria.
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33
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Cataldo A, Crivelli D, Bottini G, Gomi H, Haggard P. Active self-touch restores bodily proprioceptive spatial awareness following disruption by 'rubber hand illusion'. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20231753. [PMID: 38228504 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1753] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Bodily self-awareness relies on a constant integration of visual, tactile, proprioceptive, and motor signals. In the 'rubber hand illusion' (RHI), conflicting visuo-tactile stimuli lead to changes in self-awareness. It remains unclear whether other, somatic signals could compensate for the alterations in self-awareness caused by visual information about the body. Here, we used the RHI in combination with robot-mediated self-touch to systematically investigate the role of tactile, proprioceptive and motor signals in maintaining and restoring bodily self-awareness. Participants moved the handle of a leader robot with their right hand and simultaneously received corresponding tactile feedback on their left hand from a follower robot. This self-touch stimulation was performed either before or after the induction of a classical RHI. Across three experiments, active self-touch delivered after-but not before-the RHI, significantly reduced the proprioceptive drift caused by RHI, supporting a restorative role of active self-touch on bodily self-awareness. The effect was not present during involuntary self-touch. Unimodal control conditions confirmed that both tactile and motor components of self-touch were necessary to restore bodily self-awareness. We hypothesize that active self-touch transiently boosts the precision of proprioceptive representation of the touched body part, thus counteracting the visual capture effects that underlie the RHI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cataldo
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Damiano Crivelli
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Centre for Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Bottini
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Centre for Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Hiroaki Gomi
- NTT Communication Science Laboratories, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Patrick Haggard
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
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34
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Liang X, Lin J, Zhou P, Fu W, Xu N, Liu J. Toe stimulation improves tactile perception of the genitals. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae054. [PMID: 38367614 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae054] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The human body is represented in a topographic pattern in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), and genital representation is displaced below the toe representation. However, the relationship between the representation of the genitals and toe in S1 remains unclear. In this study, tactile stimulation was applied to the big toe in healthy subjects to observe changes in tactile acuity in the unstimulated genital area, abdomen, and metacarpal dorsal. Then tactile stimulation was applied to the right abdomen and metacarpal dorsal to observe changes in tactile acuity in bilateral genitals. The results revealed that tactile stimulation of the big toe led to a reduction in the 2-point discrimination threshold (2PDT) not only in the stimulated big toe but also in the bilateral unstimulated genitals, whereas the bilateral abdomen and metacarpal dorsal threshold remained unchanged. On the other hand, tactile stimulation of the abdomen and metacarpal dorsal did not elicit 2-point discrimination threshold changes in the bilateral genitals. Cortical and subcortical mechanisms have been proposed to account for the findings. One explanation involves the intracortical interaction between 2 adjacent representations. Another possible explanation is that the information content of a specific body part is broadly distributed across the S1. Moreover, exploring the links between human behaviors and changes in the cerebral cortex is of significant importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Liang
- Group for Acupuncture Research, Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518133, China
| | - Jiahui Lin
- Group for Acupuncture Research, Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518133, China
| | - Wenbin Fu
- Group for Acupuncture Research, Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- Group for Acupuncture Research, Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Group for Acupuncture Research, Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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35
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Donati E, Valle G. Neuromorphic hardware for somatosensory neuroprostheses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:556. [PMID: 38228580 PMCID: PMC10791662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44723-3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In individuals with sensory-motor impairments, missing limb functions can be restored using neuroprosthetic devices that directly interface with the nervous system. However, restoring the natural tactile experience through electrical neural stimulation requires complex encoding strategies. Indeed, they are presently limited in effectively conveying or restoring tactile sensations by bandwidth constraints. Neuromorphic technology, which mimics the natural behavior of neurons and synapses, holds promise for replicating the encoding of natural touch, potentially informing neurostimulation design. In this perspective, we propose that incorporating neuromorphic technologies into neuroprostheses could be an effective approach for developing more natural human-machine interfaces, potentially leading to advancements in device performance, acceptability, and embeddability. We also highlight ongoing challenges and the required actions to facilitate the future integration of these advanced technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Donati
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Giacomo Valle
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Kang K, Ye S, Jeong C, Jeong J, Ye YS, Jeong JY, Kim YJ, Lim S, Kim TH, Kim KY, Kim JU, Kim GI, Chun DH, Kim K, Park J, Hong JH, Park B, Kim K, Jung S, Baek K, Cho D, Yoo J, Lee K, Cheng H, Min BW, Kim HJ, Jeon H, Yi H, Kim TI, Yu KJ, Jung Y. Bionic artificial skin with a fully implantable wireless tactile sensory system for wound healing and restoring skin tactile function. Nat Commun 2024; 15:10. [PMID: 38169465 PMCID: PMC10762199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44064-7] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tactile function is essential for human life as it enables us to recognize texture and respond to external stimuli, including potential threats with sharp objects that may result in punctures or lacerations. Severe skin damage caused by severe burns, skin cancer, chemical accidents, and industrial accidents damage the structure of the skin tissue as well as the nerve system, resulting in permanent tactile sensory dysfunction, which significantly impacts an individual's daily life. Here, we introduce a fully-implantable wireless powered tactile sensory system embedded artificial skin (WTSA), with stable operation, to restore permanently damaged tactile function and promote wound healing for regenerating severely damaged skin. The fabricated WTSA facilitates (i) replacement of severely damaged tactile sensory with broad biocompatibility, (ii) promoting of skin wound healing and regeneration through collagen and fibrin-based artificial skin (CFAS), and (iii) minimization of foreign body reaction via hydrogel coating on neural interface electrodes. Furthermore, the WTSA shows a stable operation as a sensory system as evidenced by the quantitative analysis of leg movement angle and electromyogram (EMG) signals in response to varying intensities of applied pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyowon Kang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Seongryeol Ye
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Chanho Jeong
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinmo Jeong
- Post-Silicon Semiconductor Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yeong-Sinn Ye
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Jeong
- Post-Silicon Semiconductor Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
| | - Selin Lim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hee Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
- Department of Fusion Research and Collaboration, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Yeun Kim
- Biomaterials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Uk Kim
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Gwan In Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Do Hoon Chun
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Kiho Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jaejin Park
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Hong
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Byeonghak Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kyubeen Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sujin Jung
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Kyeongrim Baek
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Dongjun Cho
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jin Yoo
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea
| | - Kangwon Lee
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Byung-Wook Min
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hyun Jae Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hojeong Jeon
- Biomaterials Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Yi
- Post-Silicon Semiconductor Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ki Jun Yu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngmee Jung
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Korea.
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Gao N, Huang J, Chen Z, Liang Y, Zhang L, Peng Z, Pan C. Biomimetic Ion Channel Regulation for Temperature-Pressure Decoupled Tactile Perception. Small 2024; 20:e2302440. [PMID: 37668280 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The perception of temperature and pressure of skin plays a vital role in joint movement, hand grasp, emotional expression, and self-protection of human. Among many biomimetic materials, ionic gels are uniquely suited to simulate the function of skin due to its ionic transport mechanism. However, both the temperature and pressure sensing are heavily dependent on the changes in ionic conductivity, making it impossible to decouple the temperature and pressure signals. Here, a pressure-insensitive and temperature-modulated ion channel is designed by synergistic strategies for gel skeleton's compact packing and ultra-thin structure, mimicking the function of the temperature ion channel in human skin. This ion-confined gel can completely suppress the pressure response of the temperature sensing layer. Furthermore, a temperature-pressure decoupled ionic sensor is fabricated and it is demonstrated that the ionic sensor can sense complex signals of temperature and pressure. This novel and effective approach has great potential to overcome one of the current barriers in developing ionic skin and extending its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiwei Gao
- Center for Stretchable Electronics and Nano Sensors, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Jiaoya Huang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, P. R. China
| | - Yegang Liang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
| | - Zhengchun Peng
- Center for Stretchable Electronics and Nano Sensors, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Caofeng Pan
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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38
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Raitor M, Nunez CM, Stolka PJ, Okamura AM, Culbertson H. Design and Evaluation of Haptic Guidance in Ultrasound-Based Needle-Insertion Procedures. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:26-35. [PMID: 37384470 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2023.3290919] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article presents two haptic guidance systems designed to help a clinician keep an ultrasound probe steady when completing ultrasound-assisted needle insertion tasks. These procedures demand spatial reasoning and hand-eye coordination because the clinician must align a needle with the ultrasound probe and extrapolate the needle trajectory using only a 2D ultrasound image. Past research has shown that visual guidance helps the clinician align the needle, but does not help the clinician keep the ultrasound probe steady, sometimes resulting in a failed procedure. METHODS We created two separate haptic guidance systems to provide feedback if the user tilts the ultrasound probe away from the desired setpoint using (1) vibrotactile stimulation provided by a voice coil motor or (2) distributed tactile pressure provided by a pneumatic mechanism. RESULTS Both systems significantly reduced probe deviation and correction time to errors during a needle insertion task. We also tested the two feedback systems in a more clinically relevant setup and showed that the perceptibility of the feedback was not affected by the addition of a sterile bag placed over the actuators and gloves worn by the user. CONCLUSION These studies show that both types of haptic feedback are promising for helping the user keep the ultrasound probe steady during ultrasound-assisted needle insertion tasks. Survey results indicated that users preferred the pneumatic system over the vibrotactile system. SIGNIFICANCE Haptic feedback may improve user performance in ultrasound-based needle-insertion procedures and shows promise in training for needle-insertion tasks and other medical procedures where guidance is required.
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Córdova Bulens D, du Bois de Dunilac S, Delhaye BP, Lefèvre P, Redmond SJ. Open-Source Instrumented Object to Study Dexterous Object Manipulation. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0211-23.2023. [PMID: 38164548 PMCID: PMC10849037 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0211-23.2023] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans use tactile feedback to perform skillful manipulation. When tactile sensory feedback is unavailable, for instance, if the fingers are anesthetized, dexterity is severely impaired. Imaging the deformation of the finger pad skin when in contact with a transparent plate provides information about the tactile feedback received by the central nervous system. Indeed, skin deformations are transduced into neural signals by the mechanoreceptors of the finger pad skin. Understanding how this feedback is used for active object manipulation would improve our understanding of human dexterity. In this paper, we present a new device for imaging the skin of the finger pad of one finger during manipulation performed with a precision grip. The device's mass (300 g) makes it easy to use during unconstrained dexterous manipulation. Using this device, we reproduced the experiment performed in Delhaye et al. (2021) We extracted the strains aligned with the object's movement, i.e., the vertical strains in the ulnar and radial parts of the fingerpad, to see how correlated they were with the grip force (GF) adaptation. Interestingly, parts of our results differed from those in Delhaye et al. (2021) due to weight and inertia differences between the devices, with average GF across participants differing significantly. Our results highlight a large variability in the behavior of the skin across participants, with generally low correlations between strain and GF adjustments, suggesting that skin deformations are not the primary driver of GF adaptation in this manipulation scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Córdova Bulens
- Biomedical Sensors & Signals Group, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin, D04V1W8, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Sophie du Bois de Dunilac
- Biomedical Sensors & Signals Group, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin, D04V1W8, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Benoit P Delhaye
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics (ICTEAM), Université catholique de Louvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lefèvre
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics (ICTEAM), Université catholique de Louvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stephen J Redmond
- Biomedical Sensors & Signals Group, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin, D04V1W8, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
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40
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Sullivan DH, Chase EDZ, O'Malley MK. Comparing the Perceived Intensity of Vibrotacitle Cues Scaled Based on Inherent Dynamic Range. IEEE Trans Haptics 2024; 17:45-51. [PMID: 38252577 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2024.3355203] [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: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Wearable devices increasingly incorporate vibrotactile feedback notifications to users, which are limited by the frequency-dependent response characteristics of the low-cost actuators that they employ. To increase the range and type of information that can be conveyed to users via vibration feedback, it is crucial to understand user perception of vibration cue intensity across the narrow range of frequencies that these actuators operate. In this paper, we quantify user perception of vibration cues conveyed via a linear resonant actuator embedded in a bracelet interface using two psychophysical experiments. We also experimentally determine the frequency response characteristics of the wearable device. We then compare user perceived intensity of vibration cues delivered by the bracelet when the cues undergo frequency-specific amplitude modulation based on user perception compared to modulation based on the experimental or manufacturer-reported characterization of the actuator dynamic response. For applications in which designers rely on user perception of cue amplitudes across frequencies to be equivalent, it is recommended that a perceptual calibration experiment be conducted to determine appropriate modulation factors. For applications in which only relative perceived amplitudes are important, basing amplitude modulation factors on manufacturer data or experimentally determined dynamic response characteristics of the wearable device should be sufficient.
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Kusnir F, Pesin S, Landau AN. Hello from the other side: Robust contralateral interference in tactile detection. Atten Percept Psychophys 2024; 86:295-311. [PMID: 37872432 PMCID: PMC10769913 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-023-02801-6] [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: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Touch is unique among the sensory modalities in that our tactile receptors are spread across the body surface and continuously receive different inputs at the same time. These inputs vary in type, properties, relevance according to current goals, and, of course, location on the body. Sometimes, they must be integrated, and other times set apart and distinguished. Here, we investigate how simultaneous stimulation to different body sites affects tactile cognition. Specifically, we characterized the impact of irrelevant tactile sensations on tactile change detection. To this end, we embedded detection targets amidst ongoing performance, akin to the conditions encountered in everyday life, where we are constantly confronted with new events within ongoing stimuli. In the set of experiments presented here, participants detected a brief intensity change (.04 s) within an ongoing vibrotactile stimulus (1.6 s) that was always presented in a constantly attended location. The intensity change (i.e., the detection target) varied parametrically, from hardly detectable to easily detectable. In half of the trials, irrelevant ongoing stimulation was simultaneously presented to a site across the body midline, but participants were instructed to ignore it. In line with previous bimanual studies employing brief onset targets, we document robust interference on performance due to the irrelevant stimulation at each of the measured body sites (homologous and nonhomologous fingers, and the contralateral ankle). After describing this basic phenomenon, we further examine the conditions under which such interference occurs in three additional tasks. In each task, we honed in on a different aspect of the stimulation protocol (e.g., hand distance, the strength of the irrelevant stimulation, the detection target itself) in order to better understand the principles governing the observed interference effects. Our findings suggest a minimal role for exogenous attentional capture in producing the observed interference effects (Exp. 2), and a principled distribution of attentional resources or sensory integration between body sides (Exps. 3, 4). In our last study (Exp. 4), we presented bilateral tactile targets of varying intensities to both the relevant and irrelevant stimulation sites. We then characterized the degree to which the irrelevant stimulation is also processed. Our results-that participants' perception of target intensity is always proportional to the combined bilateral signal-suggest that both body sites are equally weighed and processed despite clear instructions to attend only the target site. In light of this observation and participants' inability to use selection processes to guide their perception, we propose that bilateral tactile inputs are automatically combined, quite possibly early in the hierarchy of somatosensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor Kusnir
- Departments of Psychology and Cognitive Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Slav Pesin
- Departments of Psychology and Cognitive Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ayelet N Landau
- Departments of Psychology and Cognitive Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Hachisu T, Kajiura M, Takeshita T, Takei Y, Kobayashi T, Konyo M. Lever Mechanism for Diaphragm-Type Vibrators to Enhance Vibrotactile Intensity. IEEE Trans Haptics 2024; 17:20-25. [PMID: 38227399 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2024.3354253] [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: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Thin and light vibrators that leverage the inverse piezoelectric effect with a diaphragm mechanism are promising vibrotactile actuators owing to their form factors and high temporal and frequency response. However, generating perceptually sufficient displacement in the low-frequency domain is challenging. This study presents a lever mechanism mounted on a diaphragm vibrator to enhance the vibrotactile intensity of low-frequency vibrotactile stimuli. The lever mechanism is inspired by the tactile contact lens consisting of an array of cylinders held against the skin on a sheet that enhances micro-bump tactile detection. We built an experimental apparatus including our previously developed thin-film diaphragm-type vibrator, which reproduced the common characteristic of piezoelectric vibrators: near-threshold displacement (10 to 20 μm) at low frequency. Experiments demonstrated enhanced vibrotactile intensity at frequencies less than 100 Hz with the lever mechanism. Although the arrangement and material of the mechanism can be improved, our findings can help improve the expressiveness of diaphragm-type vibrators.
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Lee J, Choi S. Multimodal Haptic Feedback for Virtual Collisions Combining Vibrotactile and Electrical Muscle Stimulation. IEEE Trans Haptics 2024; 17:33-38. [PMID: 38227400 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2024.3354268] [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: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, we explore the effects of multimodal haptic feedback combining vibrotactile and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on expressing virtual collisions. We first present a wearable multimodal haptic device capable of generating both mechanical vibration and EMS stimuli. The two types of haptic stimulus are combined into a haptic rendering method that conveys improved virtual collision sensations. This multimodal rendering method highlights the strengths of each modality while compensating for mutual weaknesses. The multimodal rendering method is compared in subjective quality with two unimodal methods (vibration only and EMS only) by a user study. Experimental results demonstrate that our multimodal feedback method can elicit more realistic, enjoyable, expressive, and preferable user experiences.
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Boada MD, Gutierrez S, Eisenach JC. Effects of systemic oxytocin administration on ultraviolet B-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity and tactile hyposensitivity in mice. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241226553. [PMID: 38172079 PMCID: PMC10846038 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241226553] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces cutaneous inflammation, leading to thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. Here, we examine the mechanical properties and profile of tactile and nociceptive peripheral afferents functionally disrupted by this injury and the role of oxytocin (OXT) as a modulator of this disruption. We recorded intracellularly from L4 afferents innervating the irradiated area (5.1 J/cm2) in 4-6 old week male mice (C57BL/6J) after administering OXT intraperitoneally, 6 mg/Kg. The distribution of recorded neurons was shifted by UVB radiation to a pattern observed after acute and chronic injuries and reduced mechanical thresholds of A and C- high threshold mechanoreceptors while reducing tactile sensitivity. UVB radiation did not change somatic membrane electrical properties or fiber conduction velocity. OXT systemic administration rapidly reversed these peripheral changes toward normal in both low and high-threshold mechanoreceptors and shifted recorded neuron distribution toward normal. OXT and V1aR receptors were present on the terminals of myelinated and unmyelinated afferents innervating the skin. We conclude that UVB radiation, similar to local tissue surgical injury, cancer metastasis, and peripheral nerve injury, alters the distribution of low and high threshold mechanoreceptors afferents and sensitizes nociceptors while desensitizing tactile units. Acute systemic OXT administration partially returns all of those effects to normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Danilo Boada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Silvia Gutierrez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - James C Eisenach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Lee J, Kim J, Kang J, Jo E, Park DC, Choi S. Telemetry-Based Haptic Rendering for Racing Game Experience Improvement. IEEE Trans Haptics 2024; 17:72-79. [PMID: 38265896 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2024.3357885] [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: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Many recent games, such as racing and flight games, open their game telemetry data to users by storing them in the local memory. Such telemetry data can provide useful information for haptic rendering, and this advantage has been exploited by the industry. This approach applies to any applications that export telemetry data in run time. The haptic rendering module operates as a separate process that accesses the telemetry data in parallel with the application. It is simple, efficient, and modular while retaining the application intact. We examine the approach's viability for user experience improvement by developing three telemetry-based haptic rendering algorithms for car racing games. They express the car engine response, collisions with external objects, and the road surface texture, respectively. Building a haptics-enabled driving platform, we conducted a user study comparing gaming experiences between our telemetry-based algorithms and conventional sound-to-tactile conversion algorithms. The results showed that the telemetry-based effects elicited better experiences than the sound-based effects.
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Ryan L, Sun-Yan A, Laughton M, Peron S. Cortical circuitry mediating interareal touch signal amplification. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113532. [PMID: 38064338 PMCID: PMC10842872 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113532] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory cortical areas are organized into topographic maps representing the sensory epithelium. Interareal projections typically connect topographically matched subregions across areas. Because matched subregions process the same stimulus, their interaction is central to many computations. Here, we ask how topographically matched subregions of primary and secondary vibrissal somatosensory cortices (vS1 and vS2) interact during active touch. Volumetric calcium imaging in mice palpating an object with two whiskers revealed a sparse population of highly responsive, broadly tuned touch neurons especially pronounced in layer 2 of both areas. These rare neurons exhibited elevated synchrony and carried most touch-evoked activity in both directions. Lesioning the subregion of either area responding to the spared whiskers degraded touch responses in the unlesioned area, with whisker-specific vS1 lesions degrading whisker-specific vS2 touch responses. Thus, a sparse population of broadly tuned touch neurons dominates vS1-vS2 communication in both directions, and topographically matched vS1 and vS2 subregions recurrently amplify whisker touch activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Ryan
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, Rm. 621, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Andrew Sun-Yan
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, Rm. 621, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Maya Laughton
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, Rm. 621, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Simon Peron
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, Rm. 621, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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Memeo M, Sandini G, Cocchi E, Brayda L. Blind people can actively manipulate virtual objects with a novel tactile device. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22845. [PMID: 38129483 PMCID: PMC10739710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49507-1] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequently in rehabilitation, visually impaired persons are passive agents of exercises with fixed environmental constraints. In fact, a printed tactile map, i.e. a particular picture with a specific spatial arrangement, can usually not be edited. Interaction with map content, instead, facilitates the learning of spatial skills because it exploits mental imagery, manipulation and strategic planning simultaneously. However, it has rarely been applied to maps, mainly because of technological limitations. This study aims to understand if visually impaired people can autonomously build objects that are completely virtual. Specifically, we investigated if a group of twelve blind persons, with a wide age range, could exploit mental imagery to interact with virtual content and actively manipulate it by means of a haptic device. The device is mouse-shaped and designed to jointly perceive, with one finger only, local tactile height and inclination cues of arbitrary scalar fields. Spatial information can be mentally constructed by integrating local tactile cues, given by the device, with global proprioceptive cues, given by hand and arm motion. The experiment consisted of a bi-manual task, in which one hand explored some basic virtual objects and the other hand acted on a keyboard to change the position of one object in real-time. The goal was to merge basic objects into more complex objects, like a puzzle. The experiment spanned different resolutions of the tactile information. We measured task accuracy, efficiency, usability and execution time. The average accuracy in solving the puzzle was 90.5%. Importantly, accuracy was linearly predicted by efficiency, measured as the number of moves needed to solve the task. Subjective parameters linked to usability and spatial resolutions did not predict accuracy; gender modulated the execution time, with men being faster than women. Overall, we show that building purely virtual tactile objects is possible in absence of vision and that the process is measurable and achievable in partial autonomy. Introducing virtual tactile graphics in rehabilitation protocols could facilitate the stimulation of mental imagery, a basic element for the ability to orient in space. The behavioural variable introduced in the current study can be calculated after each trial and therefore could be used to automatically measure and tailor protocols to specific user needs. In perspective, our experimental setup can inspire remote rehabilitation scenarios for visually impaired people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacarla Memeo
- Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department Now With Center for Human Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulio Sandini
- Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Cocchi
- Istituto David Chiossone per Ciechi e Ipovedenti Onlus, Geona, Italy
| | - Luca Brayda
- Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Genoa, Italy.
- Acoesis srl, Via Enrico Melen 83, Genoa, Italy.
- Nextage srl, Piazza della Vittoria 12, Genova, Italia.
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Job X, Kilteni K. Action does not enhance but attenuates predicted touch. eLife 2023; 12:e90912. [PMID: 38099521 PMCID: PMC10723797 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90912] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dominant motor control theories propose that the brain predicts and attenuates the somatosensory consequences of actions, referred to as somatosensory attenuation. Support comes from psychophysical and neuroimaging studies showing that touch applied on a passive hand elicits attenuated perceptual and neural responses if it is actively generated by one's other hand, compared to an identical touch from an external origin. However, recent experimental findings have challenged this view by providing psychophysical evidence that the perceived intensity of touch on the passive hand is enhanced if the active hand does not receive touch simultaneously with the passive hand (somatosensory enhancement) and by further attributing attenuation to the double tactile stimulation of the hands upon contact. Here, we directly contrasted the hypotheses of the attenuation and enhancement models regarding how action influences somatosensory perception by manipulating whether the active hand contacts the passive hand. We further assessed somatosensory perception in the absence of any predictive cues in a condition that turned out to be essential for interpreting the experimental findings. In three pre-registered experiments, we demonstrate that action does not enhance the predicted touch (Experiment 1), that the previously reported 'enhancement' effects are driven by the reference condition used (Experiment 2), and that self-generated touch is robustly attenuated regardless of whether the two hands make contact (Experiment 3). Our results provide conclusive evidence that action does not enhance but attenuates predicted touch and prompt a reappraisal of recent experimental findings upon which theoretical frameworks proposing a perceptual enhancement by action prediction are based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Job
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Konstantina Kilteni
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud UniversityNijmegenNetherlands
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Kalyani A, Contier O, Klemm L, Azañon E, Schreiber S, Speck O, Reichert C, Kuehn E. Reduced dimension stimulus decoding and column-based modeling reveal architectural differences of primary somatosensory finger maps between younger and older adults. Neuroimage 2023; 283:120430. [PMID: 37923281 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120430] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary somatosensory cortex (SI) contains fine-grained tactile representations of the body, arranged in an orderly fashion. The use of ultra-high resolution fMRI data to detect group differences, for example between younger and older adults' SI maps, is challenging, because group alignment often does not preserve the high spatial detail of the data. Here, we use robust-shared response modeling (rSRM) that allows group analyses by mapping individual stimulus-driven responses to a lower dimensional shared feature space, to detect age-related differences in tactile representations between younger and older adults using 7T-fMRI data. Using this method, we show that finger representations are more precise in Brodmann-Area (BA) 3b and BA1 compared to BA2 and motor areas, and that this hierarchical processing is preserved across age groups. By combining rSRM with column-based decoding (C-SRM), we further show that the number of columns that optimally describes finger maps in SI is higher in younger compared to older adults in BA1, indicating a greater columnar size in older adults' SI. Taken together, we conclude that rSRM is suitable for finding fine-grained group differences in ultra-high resolution fMRI data, and we provide first evidence that the columnar architecture in SI changes with increasing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Kalyani
- Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research (IKND), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.
| | - Oliver Contier
- Vision and Computational Cognition Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, 04103, Germany; Max Planck School of Cognition, Stephanstrasse 1a, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Lisa Klemm
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS) Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Clinic for Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120, Germany
| | - Elena Azañon
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS) Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Clinic for Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Clinic for Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120, Germany
| | - Oliver Speck
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS) Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Department Biomedical Magnetic Resonance (BMMR), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany; Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Reichert
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS) Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Research Campus STIMULATE, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Esther Kuehn
- Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research (IKND), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS) Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany; Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Montanari R, Alegre-Cortés J, Alonso-Andrés A, Cabrera-Moreno J, Navarro I, García-Frigola C, Sáez M, Reig R. Callosal inputs generate side-invariant receptive fields in the barrel cortex. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadi3728. [PMID: 38019920 PMCID: PMC10686559 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi3728] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Barrel cortex integrates contra- and ipsilateral whiskers' inputs. While contralateral inputs depend on the thalamocortical innervation, ipsilateral ones are thought to rely on callosal axons. These are more abundant in the barrel cortex region bordering with S2 and containing the row A-whiskers representation, the row lying nearest to the facial midline. Here, we ask what role this callosal axonal arrangement plays in ipsilateral tactile signaling. We found that novel object exploration with ipsilateral whiskers confines c-Fos expression within the highly callosal subregion. Targeting this area with in vivo patch-clamp recordings revealed neurons with uniquely strong ipsilateral responses dependent on the corpus callosum, as assessed by tetrodotoxin silencing and by optogenetic activation of the contralateral hemisphere. Still, in this area, stimulation of contra- or ipsilateral row A-whiskers evoked an indistinguishable response in some neurons, mostly located in layers 5/6, indicating their involvement in the midline representation of the whiskers' sensory space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jorge Cabrera-Moreno
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC (Alicante), Avenida Santiago Ramón y Cajal s.n., 03550, Spain
| | | | - Cristina García-Frigola
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC (Alicante), Avenida Santiago Ramón y Cajal s.n., 03550, Spain
| | - María Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC (Alicante), Avenida Santiago Ramón y Cajal s.n., 03550, Spain
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