Neural Integration of Audiovisual Sensory Inputs in Macaque Amygdala and Adjacent Regions / 神经科学通报·英文版

Integrating multisensory inputs to generate accurate perception and guide behavior is among the most critical functions of the brain. Subcortical regions such as the amygdala are involved in sensory processing including vision and audition, yet their roles in multisensory integration remain unclear. In this study, we systematically investigated the function of neurons in the amygdala and adjacent regions in integrating audiovisual sensory inputs using a semi-chronic multi-electrode array and multiple combinations of audiovisual stimuli. From a sample of 332 neurons, we showed the diverse response patterns to audiovisual stimuli and the neural characteristics of bimodal over unimodal modulation, which could be classified into four types with differentiated regional origins. Using the hierarchical clustering method, neurons were further clustered into five groups and associated with different integrating functions and sub-regions. Finally, regions distinguishing congruent and incongruent bimodal sensory inputs were identified. Overall, visual processing dominates audiovisual integration in the amygdala and adjacent regions. Our findings shed new light on the neural mechanisms of multisensory integration in the primate brain.

Cortical Mechanisms of Multisensory Linear Self-motion Perception / 神经科学通报·英文版

Accurate self-motion perception, which is critical for organisms to survive, is a process involving multiple sensory cues. The two most powerful cues are visual (optic flow) and vestibular (inertial motion). Psychophysical studies have indicated that humans and nonhuman primates integrate the two cues to improve the estimation of self-motion direction, often in a statistically Bayesian-optimal way. In the last decade, single-unit recordings in awake, behaving animals have provided valuable neurophysiological data with a high spatial and temporal resolution, giving insight into possible neural mechanisms underlying multisensory self-motion perception. Here, we review these findings, along with new evidence from the most recent studies focusing on the temporal dynamics of signals in different modalities. We show that, in light of new data, conventional thoughts about the cortical mechanisms underlying visuo-vestibular integration for linear self-motion are challenged. We propose that different temporal component signals may mediate different functions, a possibility that requires future studies.

Psicología y olfato hacia un abordaje interdisciplinar frente a la COVID-19 / Psychology and smell towards an interdisciplinary approach against Covid-19 / Psicologia e cheiro por uma abordagem interdisciplinar contra o Covid-19

La psicología frente al olfato puede constituirse en una alternativa para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas que han sufrido trastornos olfativos a causa de la pandemia de la Covid-19, en tal sentido a nivel mundial se van conformando equipos interdisciplinares para brindar alternativas científicas globales con diferentes perspectivas profesionales, es así que esta disciplina tiene la oportunidad y el reto de vincularse a estos equipos de alto nivel, fortaleciendo la perspectiva del entrenamiento olfativo clásico del área médica, y matizarlo con los criterios técnicos de la psicología del tercer milenio, y así tratar de disminuir las secuelas de esta enfermedad y ampliar las esperanzas de las personas de cualquier parte del mundo que sufren estos deterioros sensoriales.

Psychology against smell can become an alternative to improve the quality of life of people who have suffered olfactory disorders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in this sense, interdisciplinary teams are being formed worldwide to provide scientific alternatives groups with different professional perspectives, so this discipline has the opportunity and the challenge of being linked to these high-level teams, strengthening the perspective of classical olfactory training in the medical area, and qualifying it with the technical criteria of the psychology of the third millennium, and thus try to reduce the consequences of this disease and expand the hopes of people from any part of the world who suffer from these sensory impairments.

A psicologia contra o olfato pode se tornar uma alternativa para melhorar a qualidade de vida de pessoas que sofreram distúrbios olfativos devido à pandemia de Covid-19, nesse sentido, equipes interdisciplinares estão sendo formadas em todo o mundo para fornecer alternativas científicas a grupos com diferentes perspectivas profissionais. disciplina tem a oportunidade e o desafio de estar vinculada a essas equipes de alto nível, fortalecendo a perspectiva da formação olfativa clássica na área médica, e qualificando-a com os critérios técnicos da psicologia do terceiro milênio, e assim tentar reduzir o consequências desta doença e ampliar as esperanças de pessoas de qualquer parte do mundo que sofrem com essas deficiências sensoriais.

Psicología y Olfato Hacia un Abordaje Interdisciplinar Frente a la Covid-19

La psicología frente al olfato puede constituirse en una alternativa para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas que han sufrido trastornos olfativos a causa de la pandemia de la Covid-19, en tal sentido a nivel mundial se van conformando equipos interdisciplinares para brindar alternativas científicas globales con diferentes perspectivas profesionales, es así que esta disciplina tiene la oportunidad y el reto de vincularse a estos equipos de alto nivel, fortaleciendo la perspectiva del entrenamiento olfativo clásico del área médica, y matizarlo con los criterios técnicos de la psicología del tercer milenio, y así tratar de disminuir las secuelas de esta enfermedad y ampliar las esperanzas de las personas de cualquier parte del mundo que sufren estos deterioros sensoriales.

Psychology against smell can become an alternative to improve the quality of life of people who have suffered olfactory disorders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in this sense, interdisciplinary teams are being formed worldwide to provide scientific alternatives groups with different professional perspectives, so this discipline has the opportunity and the challenge of being linked to these high-level teams, strengthening the perspective of classical olfactory training in the medical area, and qualifying it with the technical criteria of the psychology of the third millennium, and thus try to reduce the consequences of this disease and expand the hopes of people from any part of the world who suffer from these sensory impairments.

A psicologia contra o olfato pode se tornar uma alternativa para melhorar a qualidade de vida de pessoas que sofreram distúrbios olfativos devido à pandemia de Covid-19, nesse sentido, equipes interdisciplinares estão sendo formadas em todo o mundo para fornecer alternativas científicas a grupos com diferentes perspectivas profissionais. disciplina tem a oportunidade e o desafio de estar vinculada a essas equipes de alto nível, fortalecendo a perspectiva da formação olfativa clássica na área médica, e qualificando-a com os critérios técnicos da psicologia do terceiro milênio, e assim tentar reduzir o consequências desta doença e ampliar as esperanças de pessoas de qualquer parte do mundo que sofrem com essas deficiências sensoriais.

Application and evaluation of multi-sensory stimulation therapy in agitation behavior of patients with Alzheimer′s disease / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of multi-sensory stimulation therapy on agitation behavior in patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods:A total of 45 patients with AD hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, from June 2021 to January 2022 were selected, including 23 cases in the control group and 22 cases in the experimental group. The control group was treated with routine nursing methods, and the experimental group was treated with multi-sensory stimulation. The scores of Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer′s Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results:CMAI comparison showed that after the intervention, the CMAI scores of the experimental group and the control group was 33.14 ± 3.72 and 37.13 ± 7.23 respectively. The difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.34, P<0.05). The total score of "physical non aggressive behavior" and "language non aggressive behavior" in the experimental group were (11.09±2.91), (5.73±2.16), which were lower than those in the control group (13.57±4.33), (8.22±2.71). The differences were statistically significant ( t=-2.26,-3.39, P<0.05). The BEHAVE-AD scores of the experimental group before and after the intervention were (13.14 ± 9.54), (9.50 ± 4.81), in the control group were (11.04 ± 8.34), (10.70 ± 9.81). There was significant difference in BEHAVE-AD score before and after the intervention in the experimental group ( t=2.21, P<0.05), but there was no significant difference compared with the control group ( t=-0.73, P>0.05). "Behavior disorder" of the experimental group improved significantly after the intervention, and the score was (2.41 ± 1.26) compared with the control group (4.48 ± 2.87), the difference was statistically significant ( t=-3.10, P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with routine nursing, visual + auditory + tactile multi-sensory stimulation can improve the agitation behavior of AD patients, especially non aggressive agitation behavior, which has certain clinical significance and can provide reference for future related research.

A influência de mídias multissensoriais na aprendizagem de crianças com transtorno de leitura / The influence of multisensory media on learning children with reading disorder

A dislexia é um transtorno específico de aprendizagem que pode afetar a habilidade de leitura prejudicando, principalmente, o processo de alfabetização. Na leitura, alguns dos sintomas observados são os erros de reconhecimento de palavras e a dificuldade de decodificação de palavras, o que acaba ocasionando um prejuízo na compreensão de textos. Pesquisas publicadas na literatura indicam que o uso de conteúdos multimídia melhoram o desempenho de leitura de escolares com dislexia. No entanto, a maioria das aplicações multimídia usam apenas dois dos cinco sentidos humanos: a visão e a audição. O MBook, livro multissensorial desenvolvido para este trabalho, utiliza um rastreador ocular para sincronizar mídias multissensoriais de vento, cheiro, sons e luzes ao texto que está sendo lido. Baseado na hipótese de que o livro multissensorial poderia diminuir a sobrecarga na memória de trabalho durante a leitura, favorecendo a compreensão de textos, aumentando o número de palavras lidas por minuto e aumentando a motivação pela leitura, foi realizada uma comparação entre dois estudos de caso individuais, um com um escolar com dislexia e outro sem. Os resultados apontam para um ganho maior na compreensão do texto e aumento na velocidade da leitura pelo escolar com dislexia ao utilizar mídias multissensoriais. Além disso, em ambos os casos, o uso da ferramenta indicou um aumento na motivação pela leitura.

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that can affect reading ability, mainly impairing the literacy process. In reading, some of the symptoms observed are errors of word recognition and difficulty in decoding words, which causes a loss in the comprehension of texts. Studies published in the literature indicate that the use of multimedia content improves the reading performance of students with dyslexia. However, most multimedia applications use only two of the five human senses: vision and hearing. The MBook, a multisensory book developed for this work, uses an eye tracker to synchronize wind, smell, sounds, and light effects to the text being read. Based on the hypothesis that the multisensory book could reduce the overload in working memory during reading, favoring the comprehension of texts, increasing the number of words read per minute and increasing motivation for reading, a comparison of two individual case studies was conducted: one with a student with dyslexia and one without. The results pointed to a greater gain in the comprehension of the text and an increase in reading speed by the student with dyslexia when multisensory media were used. In addition, with both students, the use of the tool pointed to an increase in reading motivation.

The effect of multisensory-adapted dental environment on children's behavior toward dental treatment A systematic review

Objective: The objective was to assess the effectiveness of multisensory-adapted environment on children's behavior toward dental treatment, specifically in special need children. Materials and Methods: The main health databases were selected such as SCOPUS, Medline, CINAHL, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences. A set of keywords was defined to identify the relevant article were (i.e., Snoezelen OR Multisensory OR sensory-adapted and Dentistry OR Oral). The articles were selected and extracted by two reviewers based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines and some predetermined exclusion criteria. Furthermore, the risk of bias assessment was done. Results: A total of 317 papers were selected at the first phase from SCOPUS (97 papers), Medline (108 papers), CINAHL (110 papers), and Dentistry and Oral Sciences (2 papers). After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and duplicated papers were removed, only four eligible papers were selected for final synthesis. Conclusions: Multisensory-adapted dental environment effectively improves oral health behavior among special needs children in terms of physiological changes, behaviors, pain, and sensory discomfort. Thus, the clinician may introduce this approach in their clinical settings.

Visual and Haptic Feedback Fusion Based on Force Tracking in Upper-limb Rehabilitation Robot System / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To solve the issue regarding a low correlation between visual and haptic feedback provided by the current upper-limb rehabilitation training system, this study was implemented based on the end-effector based upper-limb rehabilitation robot developed in the lab. A novel visual and haptic feedback fusion technology based on force tracking was investigated and its effect on upper-limb training was also studied. Methods:Based on the force model constructed in a virtual environment, two types of haptic feedbacks correlated to the visual feedback were designed, including the repulsive force when two objects getting close and the friction force when the object moving above medium surfaces. The haptic feedback constructed in the virtual environment was delivered to the trainees by using force tracking based on robot controlling algorithm. Eight health subjects were recruited and trained with and without feedback fusion. In the training process, the actual and expected haptic feedbacks as well as the surface electromyography (EMG) signals from anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, biceps, and triceps were collected. The root means square error (RMSE) between the actual and expected haptic feedback was calculated under the feedback fusion training mode to characterize the force tracking-based multi-sensory feedback fusion technology. The integrated EMG values (iEMG) and EMG amplitudes per unit time (EMG/T) under two training modes were measured to explore the effect of feedback fusion technology on the upper-limb motor training. Results:Under feedback fusion training mode, the RMSE between actual and expected haptic feedback was (0.757±0.171) N. The values of iEMG from four muscles were significantly higher (|t| > 7.965, P < 0.001), and the values of EMG/T from the biceps, triceps and anterior deltoid were significantly larger under feedback fusion training mode than under the training mode without feedback fusion. Conclusion:The proposed upper-limb rehabilitation robot training system could accurately transmit the haptic feedback constructed under the virtual environment to the trainees. This system could increase the stimulation to trainees' peripheral nervous function through visual and haptic feedback fusion as well as increase the trainees' training effort. The advantages of force tracking-based visual and haptic feedback fusion technology are to freely construct the force model under the virtual environment and the haptic feedback mode is not constrained by the spatial position. Moreover, two or more types of force models can be superimposed in the same spatial position by using this technology that could improve the matching effect between haptic feedback and visual feedback under a virtual environment. The trainees' motor rehabilitation interest could be stimulated and the experience feeling of human-robot interaction could also be enhanced.

Understanding low functioning cerebral visual impairment: An Indian context

For several reasons, cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is emerging as a major cause of visual impairment among children in the developing world and we are seeing an increasing number of such children in our clinics. Owing to lack of early training about CVI and it being a habilitation orientated subject, we need to become equipped to optimally help the affected children. In this paper we have explained our pragmatic approach in addressing children who present with low functioning CVI. Initially we explain briefly, how vision is processed in the brain. We then present what should be specifically looked for in these children in regular clinics as a part of their comprehensive ophthalmic examination. We discuss the process of functional vision evaluation that we follow with the help of videos to explain the procedures, examples of how to convey the conclusions to the family, and how to use our findings to develop intervention guidelines for the child. We explain the difference between passive vision stimulation and vision intervention, provide some common interventions that may be applicable to many children and suggest how to infuse interventions in daily routines of children so that they become relevant and meaningful leading to effective learning experiences.

Effect of Multisensory Training on Visual Information Processing Ability for Children with Autism / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effect of multisensory training on the visual processing capacity for children with autism. Methods:The multisensory training intervention was developed and implemented in perceptual abilities for four children with autism. The intervention experiment design for single subject with multiple baseline was adopted to the monitor the change of abilities for children to receive colorful food signals and adapt to the changes of living space during the multisensory training from June to September, 2017, four children finishied training. They were assessed with Perception Ability Assessment before and after training. Results:Four subjects improved in accepting colorful food signals and adapting to the changes of living space after intervention. The scores of the visual, auditory and feeling perception abilities significantly improved at the end of intervention compared to those at baseline. Conclusion:The multisensory training could improve the visual information processing ability for children with autism.

Efficacy of multi-sensory stimulation on psychological, behavioral symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's disease / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of multisensory stimulation on mental behavioral symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods From March 2018 to August 2018,159 AD patients (65-75 years old) in neurology and psychiatric clinic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled.Randomized grouping was performed by randomized software,experimental group (multi-sensory stimulation),81 cases,control group (no intervention),78 cases.The experimental group had a multi-sensory stimulation for 16 weeks,twice a week,40 minutes each time,for a total of 32 times.At the time of enrollment and 16 weeks after the intervention,the simple neuropsychiatry scale (NPI-Q) and the health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQLS) were filled out.The t-test and two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.Results The NPI-Q scores of the two groups before and after intervention were compared by two-factor repeated measurement ANOVA.There was no significant difference in NPI-Q average score between the expermental group(2.20±0.22) and control group(2.17±0.35) before intervention (t=0.53,P=0.595).After intervention NPI-Q average score of the experimental group(2.17±0.46) was lower than that of the control group (1.71±0.29) (t =7.56,P＜ 0.01).The intervention effect (F=50.77,P＜ 0.0 1),the time effect (F=39.20,P＜0.01) and interaction effect (F=33.89,P＜0.01) were statistically significant.The HRQLS scores of the two groups before and after intervention were compared by two-factor repeated measurement ANOVA.The intervention effect(F=140.82,P＜0.01),the time effect (F=56.64,P＜0.01) and interaction effect (F=60.38,P＜0.01) were statistically significant.Conclusion Multisensory stimulation can improve mental behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease and improve health-related quality of life.

How to Make the Body Speak? Visual Disability, Verbalism and Embodied Speech / Como Fazer Falar o Corpo? Deficiência Visual, Verbalismo e Fala Encarnada / ¿Cómo Hacer que el Cuerpo Hable? Discapacidad Visual, Verbalismo y Discurso Incorporado

Verbalism represents a controversial issue in the field of visual disability. It is frequently stated that blind people use statements with words and expressions which are not based on direct sensory experience. Sometimes it is considered a pathology or something specific to blind people. In taking the work of three blind researchers ­ Pierre Villey, Joana Belarmino and Bertrand Verine ­ as a guideline, this paper emphasizes two main points: 1) The usage of words with visual references constitutes a strategy of inclusion in a social environment dominated by vision; 2) The importance to develop new affirmative actions to stimulate embodied and multisensory discourse, favoring experiences of belonging and sharing between the blind and the sighted beyond the hegemony of vision....(AU)

O verbalismo constitui um problema controverso no campo da Psicologia da deficiência visual. É frequente a afirmação de que pessoas cegas utilizam enunciados que portam palavras concretas, mas que não estão baseadas na experiência sensorial direta. Por vezes é considerado algo patológico e específico de pessoas que não dispõem da visão. Tomando como fio condutor o trabalho de três pesquisadores cegos ­ Pierre Villey, Joana Belarmino e Bertrand Verine ­, o estudo destaca dois pontos principais: 1) O uso de palavras com referências visuais é uma estratégia desenvolvida pelas pessoas cegas visando sua inclusão num ambiente social dominado pela visão; 2) É importante desenvolver ações afirmativas de estímulo à produção discursiva encarnada e multissensorial, favorecendo experiências de pertencimento e partilha entre cegos e videntes, para além da hegemonia da visão....(AU)

El verbalismo representa un tema controvertido en el campo de la discapacidad visual. Con frecuencia se afirma que las personas ciegas usan afirmaciones con palabras y expresiones que no se basan en la experiencia sensorial directa. A veces se considera una patología o algo específico de las personas ciegas. Al tomar el trabajo de tres investigadores ciegos ­ Pierre Villey, Joana Belarmino y Bertrand Verine ­ como una guía, este documento enfatiza dos puntos principales: 1) El uso de palabras con referencias visuales constituye una estrategia de inclusión en un entorno social dominado por la visión; 2) La importancia de desarrollar nuevas acciones afirmativas para estimular el discurso incorporado y multisensorial, favoreciendo las experiencias de pertenencia e intercambio entre los ciegos y los videntes más allá de la hegemonía de la visión....(AU)

Visual Dominance Effect upon Passing the Central Bottleneck of Information Processing / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#In the classical psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm, two stimuli are presented in brief succession, and participants are asked to make separate speeded responses to both stimuli. Due to a central cognitive bottleneck, responses to the second stimulus are delayed, especially at short stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) between the two stimuli. Although the mechanisms of dual-task interference in the classical PRP paradigm have been extensively investigated, specific mechanisms underlying the cross-modal PRP paradigm are not well understood. In particular, it remains unknown whether the dominance of vision over audition manifests in the cross-modal PRP tasks. The present study aimed to investigate whether the visual dominance effect manifests in the cross-modal PRP paradigm.@*Methods@#We adapted the classical PRP paradigm by manipulating the order of a visual and an auditory task: the visual task could either precede the auditory task or vice versa, at either short or long SOAs. Twenty-five healthy participants took part in Experiment 1, and thirty-three new participants took part in Experiment 2. Reaction time and accuracy data were calculated and further analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance.@*Results@#The results showed that visual precedence in the Visual-Auditory condition caused larger impairments to the subsequent auditory processing than vice versa in the Auditory-Visual condition: a larger delay of second response was revealed in the Visual-Auditory condition (135 ± 10 ms) than the Auditory-Visual condition (88 ± 9 ms). This effect was found only at the short SOAs under the existence of the central bottleneck, but not at the long SOAs. Moreover, this effect occurred both when the single visual and the single auditory task were of equal difficulty in Experiment 1 and when the single auditory task was more difficult than the single visual task in Experiment 2.@*Conclusion@#Results of the two experiments suggested that the visual dominance effect occurred under the central bottleneck of cognitive processing.

Functional Neuroanatomy for Posture and Gait Control

Here we argue functional neuroanatomy for posture-gait control. Multi-sensory information such as somatosensory, visual and vestibular sensation act on various areas of the brain so that adaptable posture-gait control can be achieved. Automatic process of gait, which is steady-state stepping movements associating with postural reflexes including headeye coordination accompanied by appropriate alignment of body segments and optimal level of postural muscle tone, is mediated by the descending pathways from the brainstem to the spinal cord. Particularly, reticulospinal pathways arising from the lateral part of the mesopontine tegmentum and spinal locomotor network contribute to this process. On the other hand, walking in unfamiliar circumstance requires cognitive process of postural control, which depends on knowledges of self-body, such as body schema and body motion in space. The cognitive information is produced at the temporoparietal association cortex, and is fundamental to sustention of vertical posture and construction of motor programs. The programs in the motor cortical areas run to execute anticipatory postural adjustment that is optimal for achievement of goal-directed movements. The basal ganglia and cerebellum may affect both the automatic and cognitive processes of posturegait control through reciprocal connections with the brainstem and cerebral cortex, respectively. Consequently, impairments in cognitive function by damages in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum may disturb posture-gait control, resulting in falling.

Anatomía, fisiología y rol clínico de la corteza vestibular / Anatomy, physiology and clinical role of the vestibular cortex

El sistema vestibular, mediante sus órganos periféricos, nos permite procesar correctamente los cambios de aceleración angular de la cabeza y lineal del cuerpo y así permitirnos una correcta orientación en el espacio. Esta información sensorial es dirigida hacia los núcleos vestibulares y desde aquí se comunica con los núcleos óculo-motores y estructuras del tálamo a través de tractos ascendentes del tronco encefálico. Posteriormente la información se dirige hacia centros subcorticales y corticales de naturaleza eminentemente multisensorial. La naturaleza y función de estas estructuras es controversial. En esta revisión se abordan los principales conceptos y descubrimientos a nivel de investigación básica y clínica del procesamiento cortical generado por estimulación de tipo vestibular.

The vestibular system, thanks to its peripheral organs, allows us to properly process the angular head movements and linear acceleration in order to give us a proper orientation in space. The information from these sensory inputs is routed to the vestibular nuclei and thence ascending tracts of the brainstem, which communicate with the oculomotor nuclei of the thalamus and structures. Then the information goes to subcortical and cortical centers, which are eminently multisensory nature. The nature and function of these structures are controversial. In this review the main concepts and discoveries at the level of basic and clinical research generated cortical processing of vestibular stimulation are addressed.

Ilusão da mão de borracha induzida por estímulos controlados por equipamento eletrônico / Rubber hand illusion induced by electronic equipment­controlled stimuli / Ilusión de la mano de goma inducida por estímulos controlados por los equipos electrónicos

A indução da ilusão da mão de borracha (IMB) é tipicamente realizada por pincéis de forma manual. Nesse sentido, elaboramos um equipamento eletrônico com intuito de aumentar a precisão dos estímulos táteis na IMB. Objetivo: verificar a eficácia de um equipamento eletrônico para indução da IMB. Método: participaram do estudo 51 participantes, com idades entre 11 e 59 anos divididos em quatro grupos. Para coleta de dados utilizamos próteses de mãos e o equipamento eletrônico desenvolvido. A intensidade da IMB foi avaliada por um questionário subjetivo contendo 13 perguntas classificadas entre concordância ou discordância sobre as sensações percebidas do paradigma. Resultados: encontramos efeitos significativos em todas as perguntas de incorporação da mão de borracha. Conclusão: o equipamento eletrônico mostrou‑se eficaz na velocidade, sincronia e precisão da movimentação dos pincéis, com indução robusta do paradigma da IMB. Sugere‑se a utilização desse equipamento em experimentação científica do paradigma da IMB.

The induction of rubber hand illusion (RHI) is typically manually performed by brushes. In this direction, we developed an electronic device in order to increase the accuracy of tactile stimuli in RHI. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of an electronic and programmable apparatus developed for induction of RHI. Method: The study included 51 participants, age (11 and 59 years) distributed in four groups. For data collection we used the prosthetic hands and the personaly developed electronic equipment. The intensity of RHI was assessed using a subjective questionnaire containing 13 questions ranked in agreement or disagreement on the sensations perceived paradigm. Results: We found significant effects on all questions about incorporation of the rubber hand. Conclusion: The electronic equipment was effective in speed, timing and accuracy of movement of brushes and displayed the robust induction of RHI. Hence, we propose the use of such eletronic equipment in the RHI paradigm in scientific studies.

La inducción de la ilusión de la mano de goma (IMG) se realiza normalmente manualmente mediante cepillos. De este modo, hemos elaborado un dispositivo electrónico con el fin de aumentar la precisión de los estímulos táctiles en IMG. Objetivo: determinar la eficacia de un aparato electrónico y programable desarrollado para la inducción de IMG. Método: el estudio incluyó a 51 participantes, entre 11 y 59 años, divididos en cuatro grupos. Para la obtención de datos se utilizaron prótesis de mano y equipos electrónicos desarrollados. Para evaluar la intensidad de la inducción la IMG, se utilizó un cuestionario subjetivo que contiene 13 preguntas sobre la sensación ilusoria de incorporación de la mano. Resultados: un efecto significativo de las preguntas sobre la sensación ilusoria de incorporación de la mano de goma fue observado. Conclusión: el equipo electrónico fue eficaz en la velocidad, el tiempo y la precisión de movimiento de los cepillos con la inducción robusta de la IMG. Sugerimos el uso de estos equipos en el paradigma de la IMG experimentación científica.

Reduced Gray Matter Volume of Auditory Cortical and Subcortical Areas in Congenitally Deaf Adolescents: A Voxel-Based Morphometric Study

PURPOSE: Several morphometric studies have been performed to investigate brain abnormalities in congenitally deaf people. But no report exists concerning structural brain abnormalities in congenitally deaf adolescents. We evaluated the regional volume changes in gray matter (GM) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in congenitally deaf adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A VBM8 methodology was applied to the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of eight congenitally deaf adolescents (mean age, 15.6 years) and nine adolescents with normal hearing. All MRI scans were normalized to a template and then segmented, modulated, and smoothed. Smoothed GM data were tested statistically using analysis of covariance (controlled for age, gender, and intracranial cavity volume). RESULTS: The mean values of age, gender, total volumes of GM, and total intracranial volume did not differ between the two groups. In the auditory centers, the left anterior Heschl's gyrus and both inferior colliculi showed decreased regional GM volume in the congenitally deaf adolescents. The GM volumes of the lingual gyri, nuclei accumbens, and left posterior thalamic reticular nucleus in the midbrain were also decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that early deprivation of auditory stimulation in congenitally deaf adolescents might have caused significant underdevelopment of the auditory cortex (left Heschl's gyrus), subcortical auditory structures (inferior colliculi), auditory gain controllers (nucleus accumbens and thalamic reticular nucleus), and multisensory integration areas (inferior colliculi and lingual gyri). These defects might be related to the absence of general auditory perception, the auditory gating system of thalamocortical transmission, and failure in the maturation of the auditory-to-limbic connection and the auditorysomatosensory-visual interconnection.

No difference in the omitted stimulus reaction time task during the menstrual cycle : A multisensory study.

Pharmacological studies are currently performed in men and not in women due to the absence of methodological or conceptual information concerning the effects of the menstrual cycle. This is the first study in which three different sensory stimuli were applied to females in an omitted stimulus reaction time (OSRT) task during three phases of the menstrual cycle. Eleven college volunteers with regular menstrual cycles responded to lateralized trains of visual, auditory, and somatosensory stimuli. A participant’s OSRT was recorded for each trial performed during the menstrual (day 2-3), follicular (day 7-8), and luteal (day 21-22) phases. The results showed that the ovarian cycle has no effects on the OSRT task in any of the sensory modalities, but the reaction to the missing auditory stimuli was found to be systematically faster than the reactions to the visual and somatosensory stimuli (P<0.002). Thus the OSRT is affected by sensory modality but not by the normal menstrual cycle.

The Analysis of Intervention Studies for Snoezelen / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze intervention studies related to Snoezelen (multisensory environment). METHODS: Studies related to Snoezelen (multisensory environment) published between 1995 and 2010 in both Korean and International journals were systematically reviewed, and analyzed following guidelines. Based on inclusion criteria, 23 studies including 5 Korean and 18 International articles were selected. RESULTS: Most studies were conducted in various area of research such as medicine, nursing, and occupational therapy. There was no publication related to Snoezelen (multisensory environment) in Korean nursing journals. In terms of target population, more than 65% of the study subjects were patients with dementia, mental retardation, and learning disability. Intervention was implemented mostly in less than 30 minutes, once a week for 2 to 4 weeks. The effects on behavior, physical, and psychological contexts were assessed as outcome indicators. There was more 'positive' than 'no effect' in self-stimulatory behaviors, problem behaviors, heart rate, pain, mood state, and anxiety, whereas more 'no effect' than 'positive' in blood pressure, respiration, enjoyment, and relaxation. CONCLUSION: Future studies are needed to develop the protocol and outcome indicators for effective use of this new intervention in Korea.

Effects of Multisensory Stimulation Using Familiarity: Persons with Dementia in Long-term Care Facility in Korea

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of multisensory stimulation (MSS) using familiarity on persons with dementia (PWDs) residing in nursing homes in Korea. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group with pre and posttests was used. Fifty one PWDs were included if they: 1) were over 65 yr old, 2) were diagnosed with dementia, 3) had no visual or speech impairments, 4) were able to communicate, and 5) had spent more than one month in a nursing home. The experimental group (n=25) received a 55 min MSS program twice a week for 10 weeks. The outcome variables included were cognition, activities of daily living, grip strength, depression, wandering, and aggressive behaviors. Repeated ANOVA was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics or the main variables at pretest. Cognition, depression, wandering, and aggressive behaviors were significant over time between the two groups. Grip strength was only significant when accounting for interaction between group and time. CONCLUSION: An intervention of MSS using familiarity was marginally effective in improving cognition, depression, wandering, and aggression. Future study is suggested with a larger sample and longer treatment to retest the effects of MSS.