Invasive Computational Psychiatry.

Computational psychiatry, a relatively new yet prolific field that aims to understand psychiatric disorders with formal theories about the brain, has seen tremendous growth in the past decade. Despite initial excitement, actual progress made by computational psychiatry seems stagnant. Meanwhile, understanding of the human brain has benefited tremendously from recent progress in intracranial neuroscience. Specifically, invasive techniques such as stereotactic electroencephalography, electrocorticography, and deep brain stimulation have provided a unique opportunity to precisely measure and causally modulate neurophysiological activity in the living human brain. In this review, we summarize progress and drawbacks in both computational psychiatry and invasive electrophysiology and propose that their combination presents a highly promising new direction-invasive computational psychiatry. The value of this approach is at least twofold. First, it advances our mechanistic understanding of the neural computations of mental states by providing a spatiotemporally precise depiction of neural activity that is traditionally unattainable using noninvasive techniques with human subjects. Second, it offers a direct and immediate way to modulate brain states through stimulation of algorithmically defined neural regions and circuits (i.e., algorithmic targeting), thus providing both causal and therapeutic insights. We then present depression as a use case where the combination of computational and invasive approaches has already shown initial success. We conclude by outlining future directions as a road map for this exciting new field as well as presenting cautions about issues such as ethical concerns and generalizability of findings.

The population doctrine in cognitive neuroscience.

A major shift is happening within neurophysiology: a population doctrine is drawing level with the single-neuron doctrine that has long dominated the field. Population-level ideas have so far had their greatest impact in motor neuroscience, but they hold great promise for resolving open questions in cognition as well. Here, we codify the population doctrine and survey recent work that leverages this view to specifically probe cognition. Our discussion is organized around five core concepts that provide a foundation for population-level thinking: (1) state spaces, (2) manifolds, (3) coding dimensions, (4) subspaces, and (5) dynamics. The work we review illustrates the progress and promise that population-level thinking holds for cognitive neuroscience-for delivering new insight into attention, working memory, decision-making, executive function, learning, and reward processing.

V Reunión de la Asociación Vasca de Neurofisiología Clínica / Euskadiko Neurofisiologia Klinica Elkartea (AVANFIKE): Bilbao, Bizkaia, 27 de septiembre de 2019 / V Reunión de la Asociación Vasca de Neurofisiología Clínica / Euskadiko Neurofisiologia Klinica Elkartea (AVANFIKE): 27 september of 2019

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Unfolding political attitudes through the face: facial expressions when reading emotion language of left- and right-wing political leaders.

Spontaneous emotionally congruent facial responses (ECFR) to others' emotional expressions can occur by simply observing others' faces (i.e., smiling) or by reading emotion related words (i.e., to smile). The goal of the present study was to examine whether language describing political leaders' emotions affects voters by inducing emotionally congruent facial reactions as a function of readers' and politicians' shared political orientation. Participants read sentences describing politicians' emotional expressions, while their facial muscle activation was measured by means of electromyography (EMG). Results showed that reading sentences describing left and right-wing politicians "smiling" or "frowning" elicits ECFR for ingroup but not outgroup members. Remarkably, ECFR were sensitive to attitudes toward individual leaders beyond the ingroup vs. outgroup political divide. Through integrating behavioral and physiological methods we were able to consistently tap on a 'favored political leader effect' thus capturing political attitudes towards an individual politician at a given moment of time, at multiple levels (explicit responses and automatic ECFR) and across political party membership lines. Our findings highlight the role of verbal behavior of politicians in affecting voters' facial expressions with important implications for social judgment and behavioral outcomes.

An integration-to-bound model of decision-making that accounts for the spectral properties of neural data.

Integration-to-bound models are among the most widely used models of perceptual decision-making due to their simplicity and power in accounting for behavioral and neurophysiological data. They involve temporal integration over an input signal ("evidence") plus Gaussian white noise. However, brain data shows that noise in the brain is long-term correlated, with a spectral density of the form 1/fα (with typically 1 < α < 2), also known as pink noise or '1/f' noise. Surprisingly, the adequacy of the spectral properties of drift-diffusion models to electrophysiological data has received little attention in the literature. Here we propose a model of accumulation of evidence for decision-making that takes into consideration the spectral properties of brain signals. We develop a generalization of the leaky stochastic accumulator model using a Langevin equation whose non-linear noise term allows for varying levels of autocorrelation in the time course of the decision variable. We derive this equation directly from magnetoencephalographic data recorded while subjects performed a spontaneous movement-initiation task. We then propose a nonlinear model of accumulation of evidence that accounts for the '1/f' spectral properties of brain signals, and the observed variability in the power spectral properties of brain signals. Furthermore, our model outperforms the standard drift-diffusion model at approximating the empirical waiting time distribution.

Promoting subjective preferences in simple economic choices during nap.

Sleep is known to benefit consolidation of memories, especially those of motivational relevance. Yet, it remains largely unknown the extent to which sleep influences reward-associated behavior, in particular, whether and how sleep modulates reward evaluation that critically underlies value-based decisions. Here, we show that neural processing during sleep can selectively bias preferences in simple economic choices when the sleeper is stimulated by covert, reward-associated cues. Specifically, presenting the spoken name of a familiar, valued snack item during midday nap significantly improves the preference for that item relative to items not externally cued. The cueing-specific preference enhancement is sleep-dependent and can be predicted by cue-induced neurophysiological signals at the subject and item level. Computational modeling further suggests that sleep cueing accelerates evidence accumulation for cued options during the post-sleep choice process in a manner consistent with the preference shift. These findings suggest that neurocognitive processing during sleep contributes to the fine-tuning of subjective preferences in a flexible, selective manner.

III Congreso de la Asociación de Monitorización Intraquirúrgica Neurofisiológica Española. Comunicaciones: Oviedo, Asturias, 24-26 de mayo de 2018 / No disponible

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Monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria en España: inicios, situación actual y perspectivas de futuro / Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in Spain: its beginnings, current situation and future prospects

La monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria (MNIO) es hoy en día una herramienta más dentro del quirófano que busca evitar secuelas neurológicas derivadas del acto quirúrgico. Nuestro objetivo, desde la Asociación de Monitorización Intraquirúrgica Neurofisiológica Española (AMINE), en colaboración con la Sociedad Española de Neurofisiología Clínica (SENFC) y el Grupo de Trabajo de MNIO de la SENFC, ha sido recopilar datos para conocer la situación actual de la MNIO en España por hospitales, comunidades autónomas y ciudades autónomas de Ceuta y Melilla, las opiniones de los especialistas en neurofisiología clínica involucrados en este tema y las perspectivas de futuro. La recopilación de los datos se ha realizado durante el período de noviembre de 2015 a mayo de 2016 mediante contacto telefónico o correo electrónico con especialistas de neurofisiología clínica del Sistema Nacional de Salud, y mediante una encuesta vía informática en la que también participaron algunos centros sanitarios privados. Con los datos obtenidos consideramos desde la perspectiva de la AMINE y la SENFC que el campo de la medicina que abarca la MNIO en estos momentos es muy amplio y seguirá creciendo. Por eso, se precisa un mayor número de especialistas en neurofisiología clínica, así como una mayor formación específica dentro de la especialidad, que implica incrementar el período formativo actual de los médicos internos residentes en función a competencias debido al incremento de las técnicas/procedimientos, así como su complejidad

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is nowadays another tool within the operating room that seeks to avoid neurological sequels derived from the surgical act. The Spanish Neurophysiological Intra-Surgical Monitoring Association (AMINE) in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Clinical Neurophysiology (SENFC), and the IONM Working Group of the SENFC has been collecting data in order to know the current situation of the IONM in Spain by hospitals, autonomous communities including the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the opinions of the specialists in clinical neurophysiology involved in this topic and further forecasts regarding IONM. The data was gathered from November 2015 to May 2016 through telephone contact and/or email with specialists in clinical neurophysiology of the public National Health System, and through a computerized survey that also includes private healthcare centers. With the data obtained, from the perspective of AMINE and the SENFC we consider that nowadays the field of medicine covered by IONM is considerably large and it is foreseen that it will continue to grow. Therefore, a greater number of specialists in Clinical Neurophysiology will be required, as well as the need for specific training within the specialty that involves increasing the training period of MIRs based on competencies due to the increase in techniques/procedures, as well as its complexity

Neurophysiology and neural engineering: a review.

Neurophysiology is the branch of physiology concerned with understanding the function of neural systems. Neural engineering (also known as neuroengineering) is a discipline within biomedical engineering that uses engineering techniques to understand, repair, replace, enhance, or otherwise exploit the properties and functions of neural systems. In most cases neural engineering involves the development of an interface between electronic devices and living neural tissue. This review describes the origins of neural engineering, the explosive development of methods and devices commencing in the late 1950s, and the present-day devices that have resulted. The barriers to interfacing electronic devices with living neural tissues are many and varied, and consequently there have been numerous stops and starts along the way. Representative examples are discussed. None of this could have happened without a basic understanding of the relevant neurophysiology. I also consider examples of how neural engineering is repaying the debt to basic neurophysiology with new knowledge and insight.

Genetic strategies to access activated neurons.

A major goal of modern neuroscience is to understand how ensembles of neurons participate in neural circuits underlying behavior. The recent explosion of genetically-encoded circuit analysis tools has allowed neuroscientists to characterize molecularly-defined neuronal types with unprecedented detail. However, since neurons defined by molecular expression can be functionally heterogeneous, targeting circuit analysis tools to neurons based on their activity is critical to elucidating the neural basis of behavior. Here we review genetic strategies to access activated neurons and characterize their functional properties, molecular profiles, connectivity, and causal roles in sensory-coding, memory, and valence-encoding. We also discuss future possibilities for improving these strategies and using them to screen brain-wide activity patterns underlying adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.

[The development of ideas about the organization of the speech system]. / Razvitie predstavlenii ob organizatsii rechevoi sistemy.

This work represents an insight into a problem of studying one of the higher mental functions of humans - speech, its primary role in the development of man as a biosocial being. Various concepts of speech and the problem of the dominance of cerebral hemispheres in language function are analyzed. It touched upon the ontogenesis of hemispheric asymmetry. The problem of 'codominance' of right and left hemispheres depending on the nature of the task solving by the subject and the functional level of information processing is discussed. The authors highlight that the problem has an interdisciplinary nature, it is marked at the junction of neurophysiology, neuropsychology, neurology and defectology.

mRNA transport & local translation in neurons.

Neurons are amongst the most structurally complex cells and exhibit a high degree of spatial compartmentalization. Also, neurons exhibit rapid and dynamic signaling by processing information in a precise and, sometimes, spatially-restricted manner. The signaling that occurs in axons and dendrites necessitates the maintenance and modification of their local proteomes. Local translation of mRNAs into protein is one solution that neurons use to meet synaptic demand and activity. Here we review some of the key findings and recent discoveries that have shaped our understanding of local translation in neuronal function and highlight important new techniques that might pave the way for new insights.

Neurorehabilitation in upper limb amputation: understanding how neurophysiological changes can affect functional rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Significant advances have been made in developing new prosthetic technologies with the goal of restoring function to persons that suffer partial or complete loss of the upper limb. Despite these technological advances, many challenges remain in understanding barriers in patient adoption of technology, and what critical factors should be of focus in prosthetics development from a motor control perspective. This points to a potential opportunity to improve our understanding of amputation using neurophysiology and plasticity, and integrate this knowledge into the development of prosthetics technology in novel ways. Here, argument will be made to include a stronger focus on the neural and behavioral changes that result from amputation, and a better appreciation of the time-scale of changes which may significantly affect device adaptation, functional device utility, and motor learning implemented in rehabilitation environments. CONCLUSION: By strengthening our understanding of the neuroscience of amputation, we may improve the ability to couple neurorehabilitation with neuroengineering to support clinician needs in yielding improved outcomes in patients.

Prevalencia del diagnóstico de demencia en pacientes ancianos institucionalizados en Zaragoza. Estudio piloto / Prevalence of dementia patients diagnosis of elderly home care in Zaragoza. Pilot study

Introducción. El proceso de envejecimiento biológico de las personas es irreversible, y comienza prácticamente desde el nacimiento. Los avances sociales y sanitarios han hecho que la esperanza de vida aumente de forma exponencial, lo cual ha producido que los síndromes asociados al envejecimiento se conviertan en uno de los principales problemas del siglo XXI. Las enfermedades neurodegenerativas constituyen el paradigma de enfermedad crónica incapacitante. Las personas con demencia suelen ser los usuarios más habituales en las residencias de la tercera edad. Aquellos que padecen demencia, además de padecer una alteración importante en las funciones cognitivas, pueden presentar los llamados síntomas psicológicos y conductuales de la demencia (SPCD). Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia del diagnóstico de demencia en la población de una residencia geriátrica y cuántos usuarios presentan deterioro cognitivo sin estar diagnosticados. Conclusiones. Existe un porcentaje importante de usuarios que presentan deterioro cognitivo en las pruebas diagnósticas sin estar diagnosticados de demencia (AU)

Introduction. The process of biological aging of people is irreversible, and starts virtually from birth. Health and social advances have made life expectancy increases exponentially, making the syndromes associated with aging become one of the main problems of the XXI century. Neurodegenerative diseases are the paradigm of chronic disabling disease. People with dementia are often the most regular users in the elderly care homes. They also suffer significant alterations in cognitive functions, and may have the so-called psychological and behavioural symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Objectives. To determine the prevalence of diagnosis of dementia in the population of a nursing home and how many users present undiagnosed cognitive impairment. Conclusions. There are a significant percentage of users who have cognitive impairment in diagnostic tests without being diagnosed with dementia (AU)

Inervación sensitiva de la porción dorsomedial de la mano por parte del nervio radial como variante de la normalidad: lesión traumática de esta rama anómala / Sensory innervation of the dorsomedial segment of the hand due to the radial nerve as deviation from normal: traumatic injury of this anomalous branch

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Repeated sugammadex reversal of muscle relaxation during lumbar spine surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological multimodal monitoring / Reversión repetida del bloqueo neuromuscular con sugammadex en cirugía del raquis lumbar, con monitorización neurofisiológica multimodal intraoperatoria

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during spine surgery is usually acomplished avoiding muscle relaxants. A case of intraoperative sugammadex partial reversal of the neuromuscular blockade allowing adequate monitoring during spine surgery is presented. A 38 year-old man was scheduled for discectomy and vertebral arthrodesis throughout anterior and posterior approaches. Anesthesia consisted of total intravenous anesthesia plus rocuronium. Intraoperatively monitoring was needed, and the muscle relaxant reverted twice with low dose sugammadex in order to obtain adequate responses. The doses of sugammadex used were conservatively selected (0.1mg/kg boluses increases, total dose needed 0.4mg/kg). Both motor evoqued potentials, and electromyographic responses were deemed adequate by the neurophysiologist. If muscle relaxation was needed in the context described, this approach could be useful to prevent neurological sequelae. This is the first study using very low dose sugammadex to reverse rocuronium intraoperatively and to re-establish the neuromuscular blockade (AU)

La monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria en cirugía de raquis se suele llevar a cabo evitando los bloqueantes neuromusculares. Presentamos el caso de un paciente en el que se empleó reversión parcial del bloqueo neuromuscular que permitió la monitorización intraoperatoria con respuestas adecuadas. Un paciente varón de 38 años fue sometido a discectomía y artrodesis mediante abordajes consecutivos anterior y posterior. Se procedió con anestesia intravenosa y rocuronio como bloqueante neuromuscular. Se precisó monitorización intraoperatoria y el bloqueante neuromuscular fue revertido por 2 veces con dosis bajas de sugammadex para obtener las respuestas adecuadas. Las dosis de sugammadex usadas fueron seleccionadas de forma conservadora (bolos incrementales de 0,1mg/kg, dosis total requerida 0,4mg/kg). Tanto los potenciales evocados motores como las respuestas electromiográficas fueron juzgadas adecuadas por el neurofisiólogo. Si se precisa relajación muscular en el contexto descrito, esta aproximación podría ser útil para contribuir a la prevención de secuelas neurológicas. Este es el primer estudio en el que se emplean dosis muy bajas de sugammadex intraoperatoriamente para revertir rocuronio y restablecer, consecutivamente, el bloqueo neuromuscular (AU)

Cortical circuits and modules in movement generation: experiments and theories.

Here we review recent studies of the cortical circuits subserving the control of posture and movement. This topic is addressed from neurophysiological and evolutionary perspectives describing recent advancements achieved through experimental studies in humans and non-human primates. We also describe current debates and controversies concerning motor mapping within the motor cortex and the different computational approaches aimed at resolving the mystery around motor representations and computations. In recent years there is growing interest in the possibly modular organization of motor representations and dynamical processes and the potential of such studies to provide new clues into motor information processing. Hence this review focuses on motor modularity, highlighting the new research directions inspired by empirical findings and theoretical models developed within the last several years.