|
The 2022 Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) Annual Report is now available to download via the link below. The report provides an overview of last year’s happenings at LIBR, including a letter from the President and Scientific Director, Dr. Martin Paulus, information on our mission, history and specific aims, current areas of research, funding sources, events and lectures, awards, individual laboratories, select publications and opportunities to participate in research. We hope you enjoy the publication and look forward to continuing our goal to improve mental health through neuroscience in 2023 and beyond. 
0 Comments
The Oklahoman has published a op-ed piece from Dr. Martin Paulus, Sahib Khalsa and Salvador Guinjoan on what Oklahomans should consider from the latest marijuana research ahead of SQ 820.
Dr. Sahib Khalsa, M.D., Ph.D., is Director of Clinical Operations for LIBR, Associate Professor at the Oxley College of Health Sciences at the University of Tulsa, Director at LIBR Float Clinic and Research Center, and Volunteer Faculty Member in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Khalsa’s laboratory studies the role of the brain-body connection in human health; he has published more than 90 peer-reviewed papers and has received research funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute for General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), the Mind and Life Foundation, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. His research is currently funded by NIMH and LIBR.
Q: The Laureate Psychiatric Hospital and LIBR are known and respected for their work in the fields of identifying, treating, and researching eating disorders like anorexia nervosa; as February is focused on heart health, how does what you study relate to a healthy heart? A: Many people know about the relaxing experience of floating in water or the value of taking some time each day to pause and be away from the usual hustle and bustle of daily activities. We are currently studying the potential therapeutic impact of a particular form of Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) called Floatation-REST, on mental health in individuals with anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, or substance use disorder. Floatation-REST reduces external sensory input to the central nervous system by minimizing environmental stimulation, through the act of floating supine in a pool of water saturated with Epsom salt. In this environment, the density of the salt water allows for effortless floating. The temperature of the air and water is matched to the person’s skin temperature, and visual and auditory stimulation and movement is minimized. Our research using Floatation-REST (Paper 1) (Paper 2) has shown that it can significantly reduce blood pressure during the float session, especially the diastolic blood pressure, reduce breathing rate, and certain metrics of heart rate variability, suggesting a shift in the autonomic nervous system toward a more relaxed state. Interestingly, Floatation-REST is also associated with enhanced awareness for cardiac and respiratory sensations while reducing anxiety levels in anxious individuals, indicating a paradoxical effect. We have also recently found that Floatation-REST acutely lowers anxiety and stress symptoms and improves some aspects of body image in hospitalized individuals with anorexia nervosa. Q: How do your present studies take the next steps in studying heart health as it relates to eating disorders? A: Our ongoing studies are adding to the rigor of prior research by thoroughly characterizing the cardiovascular changes induced by Floatation-REST and examining how neural and physiological changes are associated with its anxiolytic effects. For example, in healthy individuals, we have found that Floatation-REST is associated with a reduced functional coupling of brain activity within the hubs of brain networks most responsible for creating and mapping our sense of self. We also recently found that women with anorexia nervosa show reduced brain-body network connectivity after undergoing a cardiac stress challenge; the less connected these parts of the brain were, the more anxiety, depression, and negative body image the women had. We plan to extend these studies to identify whether changes in similar brain networks helps to explain the beneficial impacts observed with Floatation-REST in individuals with eating disorders. Q: Do you need people to help you with this new research project? A: We are conducting several studies looking at the role of the brain-body connection in eating disorders. When an individual receiving treatment with Laureate qualifies for ongoing research studies, they may be offered the opportunity to participate. The clinical team assists in evaluating how participation will support their recovery and whether the individual might benefit from engaging in the study. We also need volunteers not in treatment for an eating disorder to help with this research. If you or someone you know between the ages of 13-40 would like to be one of our paid volunteers, please contact our lab or fill out the form on our website. Dr. Joan Camprodon - February 7, 2023
"Suicide Circuit Therapeutics: Leveraging the Efficacy of ECT and the Focality of TMS" William K. Warren, Jr. Frontiers in Neuroscience Lecture 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Program in the LPCH auditorium (No registration needed) Dr. Camprodon is inaugural Chief of the Division of Neuropsychiatry and Director of the Laboratory for Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Clinically, he is the founding Director of the MGH Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) clinical service, a member of the Psychiatric Neurosurgery Committee and an attending physician in the Departments of Psychiatry (Neuropsychiatry) and Neurology (Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology). He is board-certified in psychiatry and behavioral neurology-neuropsychiatry. Dr. Camprodon’s research focuses on Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation. Methodologically, he uses multimodal combinations of brain stimulation and neuroimaging/neurophysiology to investigate neural circuitry and plasticity in a translational manner. He uses a wide range of noninvasive and invasive neuromodulation techniques including transcranial current stimulation (tCS, e.g. tDCS/tACS), transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial photobiomodulation, electroconvulsive therapy and deep brain stimulation. He also uses multimodal functional and structural MRI, EEG and innovative simultaneous combinations of TMS and tDCS/tACS with neuroimaging and neurophysiology. The scope of his research includes basic, translational and clinical projects focused on human circuit neuroscience. Projects in his laboratory address (1) circuit level neuropsychiatric pathophysiology (with an emphasis on transdiagnostic processes and the role of plasticity) and (3) the translational development of tools to support clinical care and decision-making (e.g. biomarkers and treatment development). Critical efforts are geared towards applying the paradigms and methods of human systems/cognitive neuroscience to discover treatment targets that support the development of individualized precision therapeutics, with a focus on image-guided device-based neuromodulation. Learning objectives:
Saint Francis Health System designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. For Psychologists: The Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the American Psychological Association and the Oklahoma Psychological Association recognize AMA PRA Category 1 credit™. Saint Francis Health System is accredited by the OSMA For Social Workers: Saint Francis Health System is an approved provider of continuing education for social worker through the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers for 1 hour Category 1 Clinical. (CEP Number - 20230007) For CADCs and LADCs Saint Francis Health System is accredited as a provider of continuing education programs for CADCs and LADCs through the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. (1 hour) The LPC/LMFT This event as been approved by the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL) for 1 hour of CE. For questions , email: Lauren Haguewood at lehaguewood@saintfrancis.com  Now that the initial fervor of New Year’s Resolutions has passed, you have plenty of time to consider what is most meaningful to you and develop goals that may truly fit with those values.
We talked with LIBR principal investigator Dr. Robin Aupperle about how to combat the tendency of people to abandon their January 1 resolutions—and instead use SMART goals to make lasting life changes. Q: How are SMART goals different from something like a New Year’s resolution? RA: Good question. There’s a tremendous push—internal and external—to start the New Year with a big, transformative resolution. For instance, I’ve heard resolutions like “I’m going to work out every single day this year,” “I’m going to save 50% of my salary,” or “I’m going to lose 50 pounds,” none of which are likely to be realistic. Some of these goals may also relate to what people feel they “should” do rather than necessarily being related to what is truly important for that individual. Q: Those seem lofty, but if we don’t try, we’ll never do it, right? RA: It can be very challenging to change our behaviors and ingrained habits. In order to be successful, the new behaviors have to be rewarding and reinforcing in some way. This feeling of reward can come from feeling successful and accomplished for being successful, or from engaging in something we value and enjoy. Q: What’s a better approach? RA: SMART goals offer a great framework for how to think about goal-setting. SMART is an acronym that helps identify and quantify elements of the goal you’re setting. Q: How does that work? RA: SMART stands for: S Specific What is the specific goal that someone wants to accomplish? “I want to increase my stamina and endurance so that I feel healthier.” M Measurable What data will be used to measure the goal? How will I measure it? “I will start by doing something that raises my heart rate for 20 minutes two times a week. My long-term goal will be to work towards 30 minutes, three times per week. I’ll make a calendar to chart my progress and keep myself accountable.” A Achievable Is the goal doable? Do you have the necessary skills and resources? “I will walk around my neighborhood (around the office, or at the mall) after work on Mondays and Thursdays, inviting friends to join me.” R Relevant How does this goal align with your values? Why is the result important? “I know I need to be less sedentary for my health. I want to be healthier in order to feel like I have more energy throughout my daily life and live longer.” T Time-Bound What’s the timeframe for accomplishing this goal, beginning to end? “I will focus on 20 minutes, two times a week for two months and assess my progress and modify my goals as needed.” Q: That’s a lot of work! RA: Much of this relates to all the thoughts going on in our heads when we are considering behavior change. This just provides a framework for organizing these thoughts, and making them specific. The main idea though, is that any attempts at change offer helpful information. If you aren’t successful in your first attempts, the key is to not get down on yourself! Simply consider what obstacles got in the way and how you can modify your plan to be more effective. For example, this could include starting smaller and breaking things down – for example, starting with walking around the block ONE time, ONCE per week to begin with….and then working up from there. Any amount of successful change goes a long way towards motivating further change. The University of California created this SMART goals template—it’s really good. You can use it to write your own SMART goals: Initial Goal (Write the goal you have in mind): ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Specific (What do you want to accomplish? Who needs to be included? When do you want to do this? Why is this a goal?) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Measurable (How can you measure progress and know if you’ve successfully met your goal?): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Achievable (Do you have the skills required to achieve the goal? If not, can you obtain them? What is the motivation for this goal? Is the amount of effort required on par with what the goal will achieve?): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 4. Relevant (Why am I setting this goal now? Is it aligned with overall values?): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Time-bound (What’s the deadline and is it realistic?): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ S.M.A.R.T. Goal (Review what you have written, and craft a new goal statement based on what the answers to the questions above have revealed): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Q: Do you have any SMART goals you’re working on? RA: I am working towards building strength by focusing on lifting weights when I am at the gym. My initial goal is to go twice per week for 30 minutes each time. I am going to re-assess my goals in two months to consider if I should modify my goal. This is important to me because I want to be stronger to keep up with my kids, who are very into ninja warrior right now! I also have non-health related goals, such as writing a children’s book, which I have broken down into several steps needed to work towards that goal. Dr. Aupperle has initiated research projects at LIBR investigating neurocognitive and behavioral predictors of treatment response to behavioral activation therapy for depression and exposure therapy for anxiety. In addition, she is taking the lead in LIBR projects investigating predictors of success for females enrolled in a criminal diversion program and factors related to mental health resiliency in college students. Dr. Guido Frank - January 11, 2023 "Why Does My Child Not Eat? The Complex Relationships Between Behavior and Neurobiology in Eating Disorders" William K. Warren, Jr. Frontiers in Neuroscience Lecture 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Program in the LPCH auditorium (No registration needed) Dr. Frank is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego and a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany. He trained in psychosomatics at the Center for Behavioral Health Klinik Roseneck, Prien, Germany, and then at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, and the University of California San Diego, USA. Dr. Frank is a clinician-researcher who has studied the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders for the past 25 years. He is also a trained psychotherapist and applies neurobiological knowledge to inform psychotherapeutic treatment. In addition, he is an expert consultant to local and national law firms. He has received multiple awards for mentoring, research, and teaching. Dr. Frank has been funded through the National Institute of Mental Health and numerous private foundation grants for the past fifteen years to study the biological domains that underlie eating disorder-related behaviors in youth and adults. His research has introduced computational modeling to the eating disorders field. His overarching goal is to develop translational models that bridge clinical presentation with neuroscience to develop more effective treatments. Learning objectives:
Saint Francis Health System designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. For Psychologists: The Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the American Psychological Association and the Oklahoma Psychological Association recognize AMA PRA Category 1 credit™. Saint Francis Health System is accredited by the OSMA For Social Workers: Saint Francis Health System is an approved provider of continuing education for social worker through the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers for 1 hour Category 1 Clinical. (CEP Number - 20230007) For CADCs and LADCs Saint Francis Health System is accredited as a provider of continuing education programs for CADCs and LADCs through the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. (1 hour) The LPC/LMFT This event as been approved by the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL) for 1 hour of CE. For questions , email: Lauren Haguewood at lehaguewood@saintfrancis.com  Dr. Karl-Juergen Baer - November 1, 2022 "Central Mechanisms of the Autonomic System in Health and Disease" William K. Warren, Jr. Frontiers in Neuroscience Lecture 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Program in the LPCH auditorium 11:00am - 11:45am Lunch will be served beforehand in the LPCH banquet room Dr. Karl-Juergen Baer is the Chief of Psychosomatic Medicine of the Universitaetsklinikum Jena in Jena, Germany. He is a psychiatrist and clinical scientist with over 200 publications in the area of neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and pathophysiology of prevalent conditions affecting mental health including mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and pain syndromes. Learning objectives:
Karen Quigley, Ph.D. - Sept 7, 2022 "Why It Matters That A Brain Is In A Body" William K. Warren, Jr. Frontiers in Neuroscience Lecture 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm LPCH Auditorium Dr. Karen Quigley is Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University where she directs the Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory. She is an affective scientist and biological psychologist whose basic science work examines the psychophysiological, behavioral and contextual features of affective experiences like emotion and stress. She also studies how interoception (i.e., sensory signaling from the organs of the body and use of this sense data by the brain) impacts affective experience and behavior. More broadly, her work focuses on how the body and brain together create experience and behavior. Her recent work focuses on understanding the sources of observed variation in patterns of physiological features that occur during different instances of the same emotional experience, such as when a person feels anger or fear. Contrary to common assumptions, the variation is quite large in the observed biological patterns of activity in the body and brain, even for emotional instances labeled with the same emotion word. So, the biological pattern associated with anger during one emotional instance in one person can be quite different from the pattern observed in the same person within a different context or the pattern observed in another person. This suggests that studies of emotion need to go beyond the laboratory and sample a much broader range of emotional instances in everyday life. To enable this work, Dr. Quigley innovated a new biologically-triggered experience sampling methodology that enhances the efficiency of sampling multimodal data, including self-reports, physiology, behavior, and context, which can be used in data-driven models to better understand what features of a person or the context serve to structure the variation. In her applied research, Dr. Quigley assesses affective experience and health outcomes in those experiencing negative functional impacts after major life events like a military deployment or in community members who have experienced a local terrorism event. In other applied work, she uses health technology, including a person’s own physiological data, to motivate a patient to make behavior changes with the goal of improving sleep, physical activity, and pain. Dr. Quigley is a former president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research, and a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research, and an inaugural Fellow of the Society for Psychophysiological Research. She is a former Associate Editor for Psychophysiology, where she is currently a consulting editor. She also serves on the editorial boards of Affective Science and Biological Psychology. Learning objectives:
  LIBR Principal Investigators, Dr. Chun Chieh Fan, M.D., Ph.D. and Wesley Thompson, Ph.D., have co-authored a new paper in JAMA Neurology with collaborators from UCSD, UCSD School of Medicine, UCSF, University of Oslo and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reporting that individuals with two copies of the hemochromatosis risk gene mutation (one inherited from each parent) show substantial evidence iron buildup in regions of the brain responsible for movement, which may be a risk factor for developing movement disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease. Key Points Question: "To what extent does genetic risk for hemochromatosis affect the brain and contribute to risk for neurological disorders?" Finding: "In this cross-sectional study that included 836 participants, we found that individuals at high genetic risk for developing hemochromatosis had magnetic resonance imaging scans indicating substantial iron deposition localized to motor circuits of the brain. Further analysis of data for 488 288 individuals revealed that male individuals with high genetic risk for hemochromatosis (but not female individuals) were at 1.80-fold increased risk for developing a movement disorder, with the majority of these individuals not having a concurrent diagnosis for hemochromatosis." Meaning: "Genetic risk for hemochromatosis is associated with abnormal iron deposition in motor circuits and increased risk of movement disorders, regardless of formal diagnosis of hemochromatosis, and treatment for hemochromatosis that reduces iron overload may prove beneficial for male individuals at genetic risk for hemochromatosis who have movement disorders." Learn more about their groundbreaking research in the full press release from the University of California - San Diego. Original research article from JAMA Neurology: Association of Genetic Variant Linked to Hemochromatosis with Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures of Iron and Movement Disorders |
Archives
March 2023
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
VISIT LIBR6655 South Yale Ave. Tulsa, OK 74136
918.502.5100 | info@laureateinstitute.org |
|
© 2009-2022. All Rights Reserved. Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Site powered by Laureate Institute for Brain Research