Simple cyclic movements as a distinct autism feature - computational approach

Diversity of symptoms in autism dictates a broad definition of Autism Spectrum of Disorders(ASD). Each year percentage of children diagnosed with ASD is growing. One common diag-nostic feature in individuals with ASD is the tendency to atypical simple cyclic movements.The motor brain activity seems to generate periodic attractor state that is hard to escape.Despite numerous studies scientists and clinicians do not know exactly if ASD is a result ofa simple but general mechanism, or a complex set of mechanisms, both on neural, molecularand system levels. Simulations using biologically relevant neural network model presentedhere may help to reveal simplest mechanisms that may be responsible for specific behavior.Abnormal neural fatigue mechanisms may be responsible for motor as well as many if notall other symptoms observed in ASD

Znaczenie Kliniczne Obliczeniowych Modeli Mózgu W Rehabilitacji Neurologicznej

Despite quick development of the newest neurorehabilitation methods and techniques there is a need for experimentally validated models of motor learning, neural control of movements, functional recovery, therapy control strategies.Computational models are perceived as another way for optimization and objectivization of the neurorehabilitation. Fully understanding of the neural repair is needed for simulation of reorganization and remodeling of neural networks as the effect of neurorehabilitation. Better understanding can significantly influence both traditional forms of the therapy (neurosurgery, drug therapy, neurorehabilitation, etc.) and use of the advanced Assitive Technology (AT) solutions, e.g. brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroprostheses [49, 50] or artificial brain stimulation.Pomimo szybkiego rozwoju najnowszych metod i technik rehabilitacyjnych istnieje potrzeba tworzenia eksperymentalnie weryfikowalnych modeli motorycznego uczenia się, nerwowej kontroli ruchu, funkcjonalnego powrotu do zdrowia oraz strategii terapeutycznych.Modele obliczeniowe są uważanie za kolejny ze sposobów optymalizacji i obiektywizacji rehabilitacji neurologicznej. Pełne zrozumienie naprawy struktur nerwowych wymaga modelowania reorganizacji i przemodelowania sieci neuronowych następujących w efekcie rehabilitacji neurologicznej. Lepsze zrozumienie ww. procesów może znacząco wpłynąć zarówno na tradycyjne formy terapii (neurochirurgię, farmakoterapię, rehabilitację neurologiczną i inne), jak również użycie zaawansowanych rozwiązań technologii wspomagających, takich jak interfejsy mózg-komputer i neuroprotezy, jak również sztucznej stymulacji mózgu

Mapping the Human Brain in Frequency Band Analysis of Brain Cortex Electroencephalographic Activity for Selected Psychiatric Disorders

There are still no good quantitative methods to be applied in psychiatric diagnosis. The interview is still the main and most important tool in the psychiatrist work. This paper presents the results of electroencephalographic research with the subjects of a group of 30 patients with psychiatric disorders compared to the control group of healthy volunteers. All subjects were solving working memory task. The digit-span working memory task test was chosen as one of the most popular tasks given to subjects with cognitive dysfunctions, especially for the patients with panic disorders, depression (including the depressive phase of bipolar disorder), phobias, and schizophrenia. Having such cohort of patients some results for the subjects with insomnia and Asperger syndrome are also presented. The cortical activity of their brains was registered by the dense array EEG amplifier. Source localization using the photogrammetry station and the sLORETA algorithm was then performed in five EEG frequency bands. The most active Brodmann Areas are indicated. Methodology for mapping the brain and research protocol are presented. The first results indicate that the presented technique can be useful in finding psychiatric disorder neurophysiological biomarkers. The first attempts were made to associate hyperactivity of selected Brodmann Areas with particular disorders