Spelling interface using intracortical signals in a completely locked-in patient enabled via auditory neurofeedback training.

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can lose all muscle-based routes of communication as motor neuron degeneration progresses, and ultimately, they may be left without any means of communication. While others have evaluated communication in people with remaining muscle control, to the best of our knowledge, it is not known whether neural-based communication remains possible in a completely locked-in state. Here, we implanted two 64 microelectrode arrays in the supplementary and primary motor cortex of a patient in a completely locked-in state with ALS. The patient modulated neural firing rates based on auditory feedback and he used this strategy to select letters one at a time to form words and phrases to communicate his needs and experiences. This case study provides evidence that brain-based volitional communication is possible even in a completely locked-in state.

Surgical Training for the Implantation of Neocortical Microelectrode Arrays Using a Formaldehyde-fixed Human Cadaver Model.

This protocol describes a procedure to assist surgeons in training for the implantation of microelectrode arrays into the neocortex of the human brain. Recent technological progress has enabled the fabrication of microelectrode arrays that allow recording the activity of multiple individual neurons in the neocortex of the human brain. These arrays have the potential to bring unique insight onto the neuronal correlates of cerebral function in health and disease. Furthermore, the identification and decoding of volitional neuronal activity opens the possibility to establish brain-computer interfaces, and thus might help restore lost neurological functions. The implantation of neocortical microelectrode arrays is an invasive procedure requiring a supra-centimetric craniotomy and the exposure of the cortical surface; thus, the procedure must be performed by an adequately trained neurosurgeon. In order to provide an opportunity for surgical training, we designed a procedure based on a human cadaver model. The use of a formaldehyde-fixed human cadaver bypasses the practical, ethical and financial difficulties of surgical practice on animals (especially non-human primates) while preserving the macroscopic structure of the head, skull, meninges and cerebral surface and allowing realistic, operating room-like positioning and instrumentation. Furthermore, the use of a human cadaver is closer to clinical daily practice than any non-human model. The major drawbacks of the cadaveric simulation are the absence of cerebral pulsation and of blood and cerebrospinal fluid circulation. We suggest that a formaldehyde-fixed human cadaver model is an adequate, practical and cost-effective approach to ensure proper surgical training before implanting microelectrode arrays in the living human neocortex.

Photoeradication of Helicobacter pylori using 5-aminolevulinic acid: preliminary human studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is an endemic pathogenic bacterium causing gastritis and gastroduodenal ulceration in humans and is linked to the development of gastric malignancies. These first human in vivo studies investigated the photoeradication of HP using laser and white light. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 13 HP-positive volunteers, a zone of gastric antrum was irradiated with laser (410 nm, 50 J/cm(2)) or endoscopic white light (10 J/cm(2)) 45 minutes after oral 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) 20 mg/kg. HP-eradication was assessed by biopsy urease test and HP-culture from irradiated and control zones 5 minutes, 4 and 48 hours post-irradiation. RESULTS: A maximum eradication effect was achieved at 4 hours post-irradiation when 85% of biopsies in the monochromatic and 66% in the white light exposed zones, and 58 and 33% in the respective control zones were HP-negative. CONCLUSIONS: HP numbers were greatly reduced following exposure to 5-ALA and either laser or white light in vivo. Photoeradication appears feasible, but further light dosimetry and the development of convenient application methods is required.