Using Real-time Biofeedback of Heart Rate Variability Measures to Track and Help Improve Levels of Attention and Relaxation

The main purpose of the study was to investigate if it was possible for a person to use the real-time biofeedback of their heart rate variability (HRV), recorded from a heart rate monitor watch, to help improve their level of attention and relaxation. Attention and relaxation are important factors affecting creativity, so improvements in ‘relaxed concentration’ could help enhance creativity. New HRV analysis algorithms were developed and tested together with three different user interfaces to explore how the interaction design affects user performance. Initial results suggest that it is possible to estimate levels of attention and relaxation, at least at a crude level, and that people are able to use this information to help improve their level of attention and relaxation. In addition, the results suggest that the interaction design of the application has a very important role to play in supporting user engagement and to maintain motivation levels

Anti-Hu antibody seropositive neuropathy with large and small fiber involvement mimicking alcoholic neuropathy: a case report

Abstract Background Anti-Hu antibody neuropathy is considered a rare acquired peripheral neuropathy, but common among paraneoplastic syndromes. Typically, is described as subacute sensory neuronopathy and electrophysiological findings are usually suggestive of a sensory axonal neuropathy. Case presentation We report the case of a 67-year-old man referred to our clinic with a 4-month history of progressive pain and paresthesias of distal lower limbs. He had a 30-year history of alcohol abuse and smoking. Alcoholic neuropathy was considered the most likely diagnosis, considering his history and evaluation. The patient’s neurological examination revealed symmetric bilateral superficial and deep sensory loss in the lower extremities, reduced Achilles tendon reflexes and wide based gait. Electrophysiological testing was suggestive of axonal sensory-motor polyneuropathy and small fiber involvement. Even though alcohol consumption was discontinued, symptoms gradually worsened. Further testing was performed and the patient was found seropositive for anti-Hu antibody. Small-cell lung cancer was detected later, but patient passed away before treatment for cancer was administrated. Conclusions The aim of our paper is to report a case of a rare paraneoplastic syndrome that can cause progressive sensory-motor neuropathy with large and small fiber involvement, which should be rapidly differentially diagnosed from other neuropathies, so that the underlying cause can be identified and, potentially, treated