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Nascimento Guimarães A, Beggiato Porto A, Junior Guidotti F, Soca Bazo N, Ugrinowitsch H, Hugo Alves Okazaki V. Effect of Transcranial direct current stimulation of the Primary motor Cortex and cerebellum on motor control and learning of geometric drawing tasks with varied cognitive demands. Brain Res 2024; 1828:148786. [PMID: 38266889 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Nascimento Guimarães
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Beggiato Porto
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Flavio Junior Guidotti
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Norberto Soca Bazo
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil; Licungo University, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Rua de Comandante Gaivão Extensão da Beira, Moçambique
| | - Herbert Ugrinowitsch
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Alves Okazaki
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil
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Caccianiga G, Mooney RA, Celnik PA, Cantarero GL, Brown JD. Anodal cerebellar t-DCS impacts skill learning and transfer on a robotic surgery training task. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21394. [PMID: 38123594 PMCID: PMC10733429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum has demonstrated a critical role during adaptation in motor learning. However, the extent to which it can contribute to the skill acquisition of complex real-world tasks remains unclear. One particularly challenging application in terms of motor activities is robotic surgery, which requires surgeons to complete complex multidimensional visuomotor tasks through a remotely operated robot. Given the need for high skill proficiency and the lack of haptic feedback, there is a pressing need for understanding and improving skill development. We investigated the effect of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation applied during the execution of a robotic surgery training task. Study participants received either real or sham stimulation while performing a needle driving task in a virtual (simulated) and a real-world (actual surgical robot) setting. We found that cerebellar stimulation significantly improved performance compared to sham stimulation at fast (more demanding) execution speeds in both virtual and real-world training settings. Furthermore, participants that received cerebellar stimulation more effectively transferred the skills they acquired during virtual training to the real world. Our findings underline the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance skill learning and transfer in real-world relevant tasks and, more broadly, its potential for improving complex motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Caccianiga
- Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21218, USA.
- Haptic Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart, 70569, Germany.
| | - Ronan A Mooney
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, John Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, 21218, USA
| | - Pablo A Celnik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, John Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, 21218, USA
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, 60611, USA
| | - Gabriela L Cantarero
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, John Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, 21218, USA
| | - Jeremy D Brown
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21218, USA
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Galvin D, Toth AJ, O'Reilly B, O'Sullivan R, Campbell MJ. M1 transcranial direct current stimulation augments laparoscopic surgical skill acquisition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13731. [PMID: 37612337 PMCID: PMC10447451 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40440-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of basic surgical skills is a key component of medical education and trainees in laparoscopic surgery typically begin developing their skills using simulation box trainers. However, despite the advantages of simulation surgical training, access can be difficult for many trainees. One technique that has shown promise to enhance the deliberate practice of motor skills is transcranial electric stimulation (tES). The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on training induced improvements and retention of traditional time and kinematic based laparoscopic surgical skill metrics. Forty-nine medical students were randomly allocated to a neurostimulation or sham group and completed 5 training sessions of a bead transfer and threading laparoscopic task. Participants in both the sham and stimulation groups significantly improved their time and kinematic performance on both tasks following training. Although we did find that participants who received M1 tDCS saw greater performance benefits in response to training on a bead transfer task compared to those receiving sham stimulation no effect of neurostimulation was found for the threading task. This finding raises new questions regarding the effect that motor task complexity has on the efficacy of neurostimulation to augment training induced improvement and contributes to a growing body of research investigating the effects of neurostimulation on the sensory-motor performance of laparoscopic surgical skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Galvin
- ASSERT Centre, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Adam J Toth
- Lero, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Barry O'Reilly
- ASSERT Centre, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ray O'Sullivan
- ASSERT Centre, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mark J Campbell
- Lero, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Goble M, Caddick V, Patel R, Modi H, Darzi A, Orihuela-Espina F, Leff DR. Optical neuroimaging and neurostimulation in surgical training and assessment: A state-of-the-art review. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2023; 4:1142182. [PMID: 38234498 PMCID: PMC10790870 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2023.1142182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive optical neuroimaging technique used to assess surgeons' brain function. The aim of this narrative review is to outline the effect of expertise, stress, surgical technology, and neurostimulation on surgeons' neural activation patterns, and highlight key progress areas required in surgical neuroergonomics to modulate training and performance. Methods A literature search of PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify neuroimaging studies using fNIRS and neurostimulation in surgeons performing simulated tasks. Results Novice surgeons exhibit greater haemodynamic responses across the pre-frontal cortex than experts during simple surgical tasks, whilst expert surgical performance is characterized by relative prefrontal attenuation and upregulation of activation foci across other regions such as the supplementary motor area. The association between PFC activation and mental workload follows an inverted-U shaped curve, activation increasing then attenuating past a critical inflection point at which demands outstrip cognitive capacity Neuroimages are sensitive to the impact of laparoscopic and robotic tools on cognitive workload, helping inform the development of training programs which target neural learning curves. FNIRS differs in comparison to current tools to assess proficiency by depicting a cognitive state during surgery, enabling the development of cognitive benchmarks of expertise. Finally, neurostimulation using transcranial direct-current-stimulation may accelerate skill acquisition and enhance technical performance. Conclusion FNIRS can inform the development of surgical training programs which modulate stress responses, cognitive learning curves, and motor skill performance. Improved data processing with machine learning offers the possibility of live feedback regarding surgeons' cognitive states during operative procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Goble
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Guimarães AN, Porto AB, Marcori AJ, Lage GM, Altimari LR, Alves Okazaki VH. Motor learning and tDCS: A systematic review on the dependency of the stimulation effect on motor task characteristics or tDCS assembly specifications. Neuropsychologia 2023; 179:108463. [PMID: 36567006 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
TDCS is one of the most commonly used methods among studies with transcranial electrical stimulation and motor skills learning. Differences between study results suggest that the effect of tDCS on motor learning is dependent on the motor task performed or on the tDCS assembly specification used in the learning process. This systematic review aimed to analyze the tDCS effect on motor learning and verify whether this effect is dependent on the task or tDCS assembly specifications. Searches were performed in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and PsycINFO. Articles were included that analyzed the effect of tDCS on motor learning through pre-practice, post-practice, retention, and/or transfer tests (period ≥24 h). The tDCS was most frequently applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) or the cerebellar cortex (CC) and the majority of studies found significant stimulation effects. Studies that analyzed identical or similar motor tasks show divergent results for the tDCS effect, even when the assembly specifications are the same. The tDCS effect is not dependent on motor task characteristics or tDCS assembly specifications alone but is dependent on the interaction between these factors. This interaction occurs between uni and bimanual tasks with anodal uni and bihemispheric (bilateral) stimulations at M1 or with anodal unihemispheric stimulations (unilateral and centrally) at CC, and between tasks of greater or lesser difficulty with single or multiple tDCS sessions. Movement time seems to be more sensitive than errors to indicate the effects of tDCS on motor learning, and a sufficient amount of motor practice to reach the "learning plateau" also seems to determine the effect of tDCS on motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Nascimento Guimarães
- State University of Londrina, Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Cx. Postal 10.011, CEP 86057-970, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Beggiato Porto
- State University of Londrina, Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Cx. Postal 10.011, CEP 86057-970, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Jehan Marcori
- University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Mello Moraes 65, CEP 05508-030, Vila Universitaria, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Menezes Lage
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Ricardo Altimari
- State University of Londrina, Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Cx. Postal 10.011, CEP 86057-970, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Victor Hugo Alves Okazaki
- State University of Londrina, Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Cx. Postal 10.011, CEP 86057-970, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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Patel R, Suwa Y, Kinross J, von Roon A, Woods AJ, Darzi A, Singh H, Leff DR. Neuroenhancement of surgeons during robotic suturing. Surg Endosc 2022; 36:4803-4814. [PMID: 34724587 PMCID: PMC9160107 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-021-08823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The initial phases of robotic surgical skills acquisition are associated with poor technical performance, such as low knot-tensile strength (KTS). Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) can improve force and accuracy in motor tasks but research in surgery is limited to open and laparoscopic tasks in students. More recently, robotic surgery has gained traction and is now the most common approach for certain procedures (e.g. prostatectomy). Early-phase robotic suturing performance is dependent on prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation, and this study aimed to determine whether performance can be improved with prefrontal tDCS. METHODS Fifteen surgical residents were randomized to either active then sham tDCS or sham then active tDCS, in two counterbalanced sessions in a double-blind crossover study. Within each session, participants performed a robotic suturing task repeated in three blocks: pre-, intra- and post-tDCS. During the intra-tDCS block, participants were randomized to either active tDCS (2 mA for 15 min) to the PFC or sham tDCS. Primary outcome measures of technical quality included KTS and error scores. RESULTS Significantly faster completion times were observed longitudinally, regardless of active (p < 0.001) or sham stimulation (p < 0.001). KTS was greater following active compared to sham stimulation (median: active = 44.35 N vs. sham = 27.12 N, p < 0.001). A significant reduction in error scores from "pre-" to "post-" (p = 0.029) were only observed in the active group. CONCLUSION tDCS could reduce error and enhance KTS during robotic suturing and warrants further exploration as an adjunct to robotic surgical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronak Patel
- Deparment of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Yusuke Suwa
- Deparment of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Kinross
- Deparment of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Adam J Woods
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ara Darzi
- Deparment of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harsimrat Singh
- Deparment of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Wilson MA, Greenwell D, Meek AW, Poston B, Riley ZA. Neuroenhancement of a dexterous motor task with Anodal tDCS. Brain Res 2022; 1790:147993. [PMID: 35760153 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Motor skill learning can cause structural and functional changes in the primary motor cortex (M1) leading to cortical plasticity that can be associated with the performance change during the motor skill that is practiced. Similarly, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) has been shown to facilitate and enhance plasticity in M1, causing even greater motor skill improvement. By using a fine motor task (O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity Task) in combination with a-tDCS we theorized that a-tDCS could increase the speed of skill acquisition. Forty subjects were recruited and randomized into either a-tDCS or SHAM groups. Subjects completed a single session performing the O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity Task with their non-dominant hand while receiving either a-tDCS stimulation or SHAM stimulation of the hand region of M1. The time it took to place 50- pins was assessed before and after 20 minutes of practice with a-tDCS or SHAM. We found that both groups had similar pre-test performance (P=0.94) and they both had a similar amount of practice pins placed (P=0.69). However, the a-tDCS group had a greater improvement than the SHAM group (p=0.028) for overall learning from pretest to posttest. These results suggest that a-tDCS improved the rate of motor learning and fine motor task performance. These results are in line with previous research and demonstrate that a-tDCS applied to M1 can increase manual precision and steadiness needed for delicate tasks and could have implications in the advancement of surgical training as well as in athletic, military, and other occupational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela A Wilson
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Davin Greenwell
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anthony W Meek
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brach Poston
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Zachary A Riley
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Hadi Z, Umbreen A, Anwar MN, Navid MS. The effects of unilateral transcranial direct current stimulation on unimanual laparoscopic peg-transfer task. Brain Res 2021; 1771:147656. [PMID: 34508672 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Efficient training methods are required for laparoscopic surgical skills training to reduce the time needed for proficiency. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is widely used to enhance motor skill acquisition and can be used to supplement the training of laparoscopic surgical skill acquisition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) on the performance of a unimanual variant of the laparoscopic peg-transfer task. METHODS Fifteen healthy subjects participated in this randomized, double-blinded crossover study involving an anodal tDCS and a sham tDCS intervention separated by 48 h. On each intervention day, subjects performed a unimanual variant of laparoscopic peg-transfer task in three sessions (baseline, tDCS, post-tDCS). The tDCS session consisted of 10 min of offline tDCS followed by 10 min of online tDCS. The scores based on the task completion time and the number of errors in each session were used as a primary outcome measure. A linear mixed-effects model was used for the analysis. RESULTS We found that the scores increased over sessions (p < 0.01). However, we found no effects of stimulation (anodal tDCS vs. sham tDCS) and no interaction of stimulation and sessions. CONCLUSION This study suggests that irrespective of the type of current stimulation (anodal and sham) over M1, there was an improvement in the performance of the unimanual peg-transfer task, implying that there was motor learning over time. The results would be useful in designing efficient training paradigms and further investigating the effects of tDCS on laparoscopic peg-transfer tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaeem Hadi
- Human Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Brain and Vestibular Group, Neuro-otology Unit, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Aysha Umbreen
- Human Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nabeel Anwar
- Human Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Samran Navid
- Human Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland, New Zealand; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Dong XL, Sun X, Sun WM, Yuan Q, Yu GH, Shuai L, Yuan YF. A randomized controlled trial to explore the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation on patients with post-stroke fatigue. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27504. [PMID: 34731132 PMCID: PMC8519229 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-stroke fatigue seriously affects the quality of life for stroke patients. There is no effective treatment at present. transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation which may have therapeutic effect on post-stroke fatigue. This study will explore about this. METHOD A total of 60 patients with post-stroke fatigue were randomly divided into the control group and the treatment group with 30 patients each by minimization randomization. Both groups received basic treatment and conventional rehabilitation. In the treatment group, patients were treated with active tDCS, while in the control group, sham tDCS. Both active and sham tDCS were administered 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the trial, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were evaluated and analyzed. And comparisons were made among groups. And there were an 8-week follow-up after the intervention. RESULT Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in baseline data and assessment scores between the groups (P > 0.05). After 4 weeks of intervention, FSS scores in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P = 0.012), and FMA and BMI scores were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in FSS scores after 8 months of follow-up (P > 0.05). DISCUSSION TDCS is a safe treatment that can effectively reduce the degree of fatigue after stroke, improve the motor function and daily activity ability of patients after stroke, and the efficacy is better than only routine rehabilitation training. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000031120. Registered on March 22, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Li Dong
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xing Sun
- First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Ming Sun
- First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Yuan
- Department of Psychology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Guo-Hua Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lang Shuai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ye-Feng Yuan
- First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Walia P, Kumar KN, Dutta A. Neuroimaging Guided Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Enhancing Surgical Skill Acquisition. Comment on Hung et al. The Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Enhancing Surgical Skill Acquisition: A Preliminary Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Brain Sci. 2021, 11, 707. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1078. [PMID: 34439698 PMCID: PMC8395024 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical skill acquisition may be facilitated with a safe application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). A preliminary meta-analysis of randomized control trials showed that tDCS was associated with significantly better improvement in surgical performance than the sham control; however, meta-analysis does not address the mechanistic understanding. It is known from skill learning studies that the hierarchy of cognitive control shows a rostrocaudal axis in the frontal lobe where a shift from posterior to anterior is postulated to mediate progressively abstract, higher-order control. Therefore, optimizing the transcranial electrical stimulation to target surgical task-related brain activation at different stages of motor learning may provide the causal link to the learning behavior. This comment paper presents the computational approach for neuroimaging guided tDCS based on open-source software pipelines and an open-data of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for complex motor tasks. We performed an fNIRS-based cortical activation analysis using AtlasViewer software that was used as the target for tDCS of the motor complexity-related brain regions using ROAST software. For future studies on surgical skill training, it is postulated that the higher complexity laparoscopic suturing with intracorporeal knot tying task may result in more robust activation of the motor complexity-related brain areas when compared to the lower complexity laparoscopic tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpinder Walia
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA;
| | - Kavya Narendra Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA;
| | - Anirban Dutta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA;
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11
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The Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Enhancing Surgical Skill Acquisition: A Preliminary Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060707. [PMID: 34071756 PMCID: PMC8229080 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to targeted cortices has been found to improve in skill acquisition; however, these beneficial effects remained unclear in fine and complicated skill. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to investigate the association between tDCS application and the efficacy of surgical performance during surgical skill training. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of tDCS in enhancing surgical skill acquisition. This meta-analysis was conducted under a random-effect model. Six RCTs with 198 participants were included. The main result revealed that tDCS was associated with significantly better improvement in surgical performance than the sham control (Hedges’ g = 0.659, 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) = 0.383 to 0.935, p < 0.001). The subgroups of tDCS over the bilateral prefrontal cortex (Hedges’ g = 0.900, 95%CIs = 0.419 to 1.382, p < 0.001) and the primary motor cortex (Hedges’ g = 0.599, 95%CIs = 0.245 to 0.953, p = 0.001) were both associated with significantly better improvements in surgical performance. The tDCS application was not associated with significant differences in error scores or rates of local discomfort compared with a sham control. This meta-analysis supported the rationale for the tDCS application in surgical training programs to improve surgical skill acquisition.
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12
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Patel R, Rai A, Thornton-Wood F, Wilkinson A, Darzi A, Singh H, Leff DR. Neuroenhancement of future surgeons - Opinions from students, surgeons and patients. Brain Stimul 2021; 14:616-618. [PMID: 33789167 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ronak Patel
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Amar Rai
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Aimee Wilkinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ara Darzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Harsimrat Singh
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Daniel R Leff
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
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Patel R, Singh H, Ashcroft J, Woods AJ, Darzi A, Leff DR. Dataset of prefrontal transcranial direct-current stimulation to improve early surgical knot-tying skills. Data Brief 2021; 35:106905. [PMID: 33732823 PMCID: PMC7941089 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.106905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) has previously demonstrated promising effects in improving surgical performance with motor region stimulation [1], [2], [3], [4]. However, extensive prior research has revealed an important role of the prefrontal cortex in surgical skill development [5,6]. This article presents the data of a double-blind randomized sham-controlled trial investigating the effect of prefrontal tDCS on knot-tying performance [7]. Data was collected from an active (n = 20) and sham (n = 20) group across three blocks: pre-, online- (during) and post-tDCS. Group and block differences of knot-tying performance were analyzed using a Generalized linear mixed model and supported with a Friedman's test. Further sub-analyses were conducted to compare high vs. low skilled individuals and initial vs. last knots. Subjective workload was assessed after each block using a SURG-TLX questionnaire and side-effects of the tDCS block were recorded using an additional survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronak Patel
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, QEQM Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Harsimrat Singh
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, QEQM Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - James Ashcroft
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, QEQM Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J Woods
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ara Darzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, QEQM Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R Leff
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, QEQM Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
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14
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Romanella SM, Sprugnoli G, Ruffini G, Seyedmadani K, Rossi S, Santarnecchi E. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation & Space Exploration: Opportunities and Challenges. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:294-319. [PMID: 32937115 PMCID: PMC8361862 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
As NASA prepares for longer space missions aiming for the Moon and Mars, astronauts' health and performance are becoming a central concern due to the threats associated with galactic cosmic radiation, unnatural gravity fields, and life in extreme environments. In space, the human brain undergoes functional and structural changes related to fluid shift and changes in intracranial pressure. Behavioral abnormalities, such as cognitive deficits, sleep disruption, and visuomotor difficulties, as well as psychological effects, are also an issue. We discuss opportunities and challenges of noninvasive brain stimulation (NiBS) methods - including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) - to support space exploration in several ways. NiBS includes safe and portable techniques already applied in a wide range of cognitive and motor domains, as well as therapeutically. NiBS could be used to enhance in-flight performance, supporting astronauts during pre-flight Earth-based training, as well as to identify biomarkers of post-flight brain changes for optimization of rehabilitation/compensatory strategies. We review these NiBS techniques and their effects on brain physiology, psychology, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Romanella
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy
| | - G Sprugnoli
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Radiology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - G Ruffini
- Neuroelectrics Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - K Seyedmadani
- University Space Research Association NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA; Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - S Rossi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy; Human Physiology Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - E Santarnecchi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy; Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Prefrontal transcranial direct-current stimulation improves early technical skills in surgery. Brain Stimul 2020; 13:1834-1841. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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16
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Gao Y, Cavuoto L, Schwaitzberg S, Norfleet JE, Intes X, De S. The Effects of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation on Human Motor Functions: A Comprehensive Review of Functional Neuroimaging Studies. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:744. [PMID: 32792898 PMCID: PMC7393222 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a promising tool to enhance human motor skills. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms are not fully understood. On the other hand, neuroimaging modalities provide powerful tools to map some of the neurophysiological biomarkers associated with tES. Here, a comprehensive review was undertaken to summarize the neuroimaging evidence of how tES affects human motor skills. A literature search has been done on the PubMed database, and 46 relative articles were selected. After reviewing these articles, we conclude that neuroimaging techniques are feasible to be coupled with tES and offer valuable information of cortical excitability, connectivity, and oscillations regarding the effects of tES on human motor behavior. The biomarkers derived from neuroimaging could also indicate the motor performance under tES conditions. This approach could advance the understanding of tES effects on motor skill and shed light on a new generation of adaptive stimulation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Lora Cavuoto
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | | | - Jack E. Norfleet
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center (CCDC SC), Orlando, FL, United States
- SFC Paul Ray Smith Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC), Orlando, FL, United States
- Medical Simulation Research Branch (MSRB), Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Xavier Intes
- Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Suvranu De
- Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
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17
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Patel R, Ashcroft J, Darzi A, Singh H, Leff DR. Neuroenhancement in surgeons: benefits, risks and ethical dilemmas. Br J Surg 2020; 107:946-950. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Surgeons traditionally aim to reduce mistakes in healthcare through repeated training and advancement of surgical technology. Recently, performance-enhancing interventions such as neurostimulation are emerging which may offset errors in surgical practice.
Methods
Use of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), a novel neuroenhancement technique that has been applied to surgeons to improve surgical technical performance, was reviewed. Evidence supporting tDCS improvements in motor and cognitive performance outside of the field of surgery was assessed and correlated with emerging research investigating tDCS in the surgical setting and potential applications to wider aspects of healthcare. Ethical considerations and future implications of using tDCS in surgical training and perioperatively are also discussed.
Results
Outside of surgery, tDCS studies demonstrate improved motor performance with regards to reaction time, task completion, strength and fatigue, while also suggesting enhanced cognitive function through multitasking, vigilance and attention assessments. In surgery, current research has demonstrated improved performance in open knot-tying, laparoscopic and robotic skills while also offsetting subjective temporal demands. However, a number of ethical issues arise from the potential application of tDCS in surgery in the form of safety, coercion, distributive justice and fairness, all of which must be considered prior to implementation.
Conclusion
Neuroenhancement may improve motor and cognitive skills in healthcare professions with impact on patient safety. Implementation will require accurate protocols and regulations to balance benefits with the associated ethical dilemmas, and to direct safe use for clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Patel
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - J Ashcroft
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - A Darzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - H Singh
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - D R Leff
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, 10th Floor, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Building, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
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18
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Cox ML, Deng ZD, Palmer H, Watts A, Beynel L, Young JR, Lisanby SH, Migaly J, Appelbaum LG. Utilizing transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance laparoscopic technical skills training: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Stimul 2020; 13:863-872. [PMID: 32289719 PMCID: PMC8474665 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that delivers constant, low electrical current resulting in changes to cortical excitability. Prior work suggests it may enhance motor learning giving it the potential to augment surgical technical skill acquisition. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of tDCS, coupled with motor skill training, to accelerate laparoscopic skill acquisition in a pre-registered (NCT03083483), double-blind and placebo-controlled study. We hypothesized that relative to sham tDCS, active tDCS would accelerate the development of laparoscopic technical skills, as measured by the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Peg Transfer task quantitative metrics. METHODS In this study, sixty subjects (mean age 22.7 years with 42 females) were randomized into sham or active tDCS in either bilateral primary motor cortex (bM1) or supplementary motor area (SMA) electrode configurations. All subjects practiced the FLS Peg Transfer Task during six 20-min training blocks, which were preceded and followed by a single trial pre-test and post-test. The primary outcome was changes in laparoscopic skill performance over time, quantified by group differences in completion time from pre-test to post-test and learning curves developed from a calculated score accounting for errors. RESULTS Learning curves calculated over the six 20-min training blocks showed significantly greater improvement in performance for the bM1 group than the sham group (t = 2.07, p = 0.039), with the bM1 group achieving approximately the same amount of improvement in 4 blocks compared to the 6 blocks required of the sham group. The SMA group also showed greater mean improvement than sham, but exhibited more variable learning performance and differences relative to sham were not significant (t = 0.85, p = 0.400). A significant main effect was present for pre-test versus post-test times (F = 133.2, p < 0.001), with lower completion times at post-test, however these did not significantly differ for the training groups. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic skill training with active bilateral tDCS exhibited significantly greater learning relative to sham. The potential for tDCS to enhance the training of surgical skills, therefore, merits further investigation to determine if these preliminary results may be replicated and extended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L Cox
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Zhi-De Deng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amanda Watts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lysianne Beynel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan R Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah H Lisanby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Migaly
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence G Appelbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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19
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Ciechanski P, Kirton A, Wilson B, Williams CC, Anderson SJ, Cheng A, Lopushinsky S, Hecker KG. Electroencephalography correlates of transcranial direct-current stimulation enhanced surgical skill learning: A replication and extension study. Brain Res 2019; 1725:146445. [PMID: 31520611 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), an increasingly applied form of non-invasive brain stimulation, can augment the acquisition of motor skills. Motor learning investigations of tDCS are limited to simple skills, where mechanisms are increasingly understood. Investigations of meaningful, complex motor skills possessed by humans, such as surgical skills, are limited. This replication and extension of our previous findings used electroencephalography (EEG) to determine how tDCS and complex surgical training alters electrical activity in the sensorimotor network to enhance complex surgical skill acquisition. In twenty-two participants, EEG was recorded during baseline performance of simulation-based laparoscopic surgical skills. Participants were randomized to receive 20 min of primary motor cortex targeting anodal tDCS or sham concurrent to 1 h of surgical skill training. EEG was reassessed following training, during a post-training repetition of the surgical tasks. Our results replicated our previous study suggesting that compared to sham, anodal tDCS enhanced the acquisition of unimanual surgical skill. Surgical training modulated delta frequency band activity in sensorimotor regions. Next, the performance of unimanual and bimanual skills evoked unique EEG profiles, primarily within the beta frequency-band in parietal regions. Finally, tDCS-paired surgical training independently modulated delta and alpha frequency-bands in sensorimotor regions. Application of tDCS during surgical skill training is feasible, safe and tolerable. In conclusion, we are the first to explore electrical brain activity during performance of surgical skills, how electrical activity may change during surgical training and how tDCS alters the brain to enhance skill acquisition. The results provide preliminary evidence of neural markers that can be targeted by neuromodulation to optimize complex surgical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ciechanski
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 1-002 Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Adam Kirton
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Pediatrics and Radiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Bethan Wilson
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, 2305 Health Sciences Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Chad C Williams
- Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada.
| | - Sarah J Anderson
- Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Adam Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Steven Lopushinsky
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Kent G Hecker
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
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