Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Individual And Group Level Mediators Of Fear Acquisition, Rachel S. Lese

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The ability to discriminate between cues predictive of threat vs. safety (fear acquisition) and subsequently update fear responding when contingencies change (fear extinction) is crucial to survival for all organisms. While these processes have been the subject of intense experimental scrutiny for several decades, most human fear learning studies have focused primarily on extinction learning and fear recovery processes, with less focus on fear acquisition itself. Indeed, researchers typically aim to minimize variability during fear acquisition in order to rule out differences in extinction being driven by variability during the initial learning phase. Thus, experimental protocols are often optimized to …

Exploring Psychosocial Risk Factors For Disordered Eating Among Future Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Ayron Walker, Manan Roy, Jenna Warnock, Karlee Prater, Alisha Farris, Danielle Nunnery

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Background. The prevalence of disordered eating (DE) patterns is significantly higher among college-aged students and health-related majors. This study explored associations between DE behaviors and psychosocial risk factors, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), food insecurity, weight stigma, fat phobia, and family ‘fat talk’, among health science students at a large, rural U.S university, using an anonymous online survey.

Method. An anonymous online survey was distributed to a randomly selected, cross-sectional sample of 3,000 health science students. Participant responses (n = 550; 18.3% response rate) were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression.

Results. The sample was …

Exploring The Role Of Vitamin D In Familial Mediterranean Fever: Pathogenesis, Triggers, And Immune Modulation, Hagop Sassounian, Saad Aad, Hilda E. Ghadieh, Lara Khouzami, Elsa Nicolas, Sami Azar, Frederic Harb

All Works

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is among the most frequent autoinflammatory diseases in populations originating from the area of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. It is caused by mutations in the MEFV gene, which causes dysregulated pyrin expression and thus an immunologic anomaly. FMF is diagnosed by recurrent episodes of fever and serosal inflammation, predominantly peritonitis and pleuritis, as well as other systemic symptoms. Recent research is dedicated to searching for factors beyond genetic code contributing to how FMF evolves, the severity of its symptoms and response to conventional therapy—colchicine. These factors include epigenetic modifications of the MEFV gene and other …

Socio-Ecological Models As A Framework For 21st-Century Genetic Counseling, Shana L. Merrill, Rebecca Mueller

College of Life Sciences Faculty Papers

Socio-ecological models and the related concepts of micro-, meso-, and macro-level practice are commonly used in the fields of social work and public health yet have not been thoroughly conceptualized for application to genetic counseling practice, research, and training. The field of genetic counseling is currently undergoing significant expansion with more genetic counseling training programs, greater variation in genetic counselor job roles, and genetic counselors practicing in more globally dispersed regions. It is therefore a critical time to conceptualize and tailor relevant theoretical frameworks to unify and guide the evolving field of genetic counseling. In this paper, we posit that …

Evaluation Of Neuroplastic Changes In Psychological Intervention And Contemporary Treatments Of Depression, Taylor Severance

Dissertations

Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide. There is a vast range of treatment options for depression, with varying levels of effectiveness. Recent treatments for depression have expanded, increasing alternative treatments, and it is unknown which treatments have the largest impact on depression. This research was designed to examine the treatments of depression, with a focus on psychotherapy and contemporary treatments such as ketamine, psilocybin, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. A literature review was conducted to assess treatment outcomes and neuroplastic changes in these interventions, as well as combinations of the interventions. Data were evaluated …

Exercise Therapy For Mood Disorders In Retiring/Former Athletes, Christian Antos

Dissertations

This dissertation examined the potential integration of exercise therapy and psychotherapy as a treatment approach for mood-related difficulties experienced by former elite athletes during the transition out of competitive sport. Retirement from athletics is often associated with significant biopsychosocial challenges, including disruptions in identity, healthy routines, social support, and emotional well-being. Existing literature suggests that exercise may serve as an effective adjunctive intervention for improving mood and overall psychological functioning, though limited research has explored its application among retiring athletes within psychotherapeutic contexts. This literature review synthesized current research related to athletic retirement, neurobiological mechanisms associated with physical activity, and …

Rethinking Ethics For An Era Of Trusted Computational Tools, Kristin M Kostick-Quenet, Meghan Hurley, John Herrington, Eric A Storch

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Computer perception (CP) technologies are poised to deliver near real-time behavioral insights with high precision. As technical barriers recede, our field's ethical focus must shift from "Can we trust the data?" to "Should we use it here, and how?" We propose a contextual ethics framework that: (1) defines the appropriate scope of CP integration; (2) advocates codesigned roadmaps to manage expectations and epistemic conflict; (3) expands evaluation beyond performance metrics to humanistic outcomes; and (4) anticipates future high performance systems to safeguard dignity, empathy, and shared decision-making in clinical care.

The Crossroads Between Osteosarcopenia And Intrinsic Capacity—A Narrative Review, Nailton J. Neto, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Wayne Lok Ok Choo, Miguel G. Borda, Konstantinos Prokopidis, Hassan Rammal, Daniel Rivas, Hussein Samhat, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Mahdi Imani, Cristiano Dos Santos Gomes, Oscar Rosas Carrasco, Marc Sim, Julie A. Pasco, Julia Chabot, Ana M. Ayala-Copete, Francisco J. García-García, Claire Godard-Sebillotte, Raman Agnihotram, Lana J. Williams, Anna Andrianova, Robinson Ramirez-Vélez, Emma Connolly, Harmehr Sekhon, Hidenori Arai, Liang-Kung Chen, Andréa Faust, Howard Bergman, Alexandra Papaioannou, Pierrette Gaudreau, Tiago Alexandre, Leocadio Rodriguez-Mañas, Ricardo Oliveira Guerra, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as the composite of physical and mental abilities an individual possesses, encompassing 5 domains: cognition, psychological health, sensory function, vitality, and locomotion. This construct is central to the World Health Organization’s framework for assessing functional ability in older adults. Growing evidence highlights the critical role of the musculoskeletal system in maintaining these domains, while conditions such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and their coexistence as osteosarcopenia (OS) are increasingly associated with IC decline. This narrative review compiles current evidence on the modulatory role of muscles and bones in IC and the impacts of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and OS. …

Facilitators And Barriers That Exist For Patients Receiving Dental Care In Rural Communities, Monse Sandoval Brumbaugh

University Honors Theses

Rising healthcare costs and limited access to care have exacerbated the shortage of healthcare providers. Although multiple factors contribute to a clinician’s preference for practicing in rural areas, the imbalance created leads to rural communities with significantly reduced access to essential services, particularly dental care. The disparity between urban and rural healthcare is a well-documented global problem, but it remains a pressing issue in the United States, particularly in Oregon. The Full Time Equivalents (FTE) count of full-time practicing dentists in rural regions is significantly lower than in urban areas. Statewide, there are about 0.48 dentists per 1,000 residents. However, …

Leadership Revisited, Allen Vean Dmd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This Reflections examines the importance of communication, collaboration and human connection in dental practice management. Dr. Allen Vean draws parallels between healthcare teams and organizational leadership models, and discusses how trust, morale and team engagement directly impact patient care and practice culture. The article also explores the evolving role of AI and technology in dentistry while emphasizing that human interaction remains essential to long-term success. The author implores dentists to foster stronger team relationships to create patient-centered practice environments.

Bridging The Diagnostic Gap: Expanding Dementia Care Navigation For Timely Diagnosis, Lucille Carriere, Morgan Minyo, David Bass, Katherine L Possin, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Joel Salinas, Nicole Deaner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Over half of dementia cases remain undiagnosed, with persistent disparities across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Dementia care navigation (DCN) has demonstrated value in post-diagnosis settings. If implemented earlier, DCN could address diagnostic delays and care gaps. We define the diagnostic window as the period from initial symptom awareness through diagnosis and early care planning. Drawing on deliberations from the Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Navigation Roundtable, we present a pre-diagnosis DCN framework organized across six domains and describe navigator roles across three phases: pre-evaluation, diagnostic assessment, and immediate post-diagnosis and transition. We address special considerations, including people without a care …

Legends, Lies, & Rewritten Lives: After The Little Bighorn: Forgotten Struggles Of Those Who Walked Away, 2nd Edition, Thomas B. Davidson

DU Textbooks

This Story surrounds an event that occurred one summer on June 25, 1876, along the banks of the Little Bighorn River in what is now the state of Montana. Seen from a 21st century perch, it is a story of a collision between two very different civilizations or empires. Both empire’s military fought in the manner of their society. This narrative will attempt to balance the believable truth of what happened in that contest between the military representatives of both societies while also trying to tell an engaging story, without drifting into naked partisanship, purple prose, or sensationalism. The narrative …

Dental Care Utilization Among Sexual And Gender Minority Individuals, Ishita Singh, Oladipo Afolayan, Sarah S Jackson, Irene Tamí-Maury

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals can experience notable health disparities, including higher HIV prevalence, social isolation, substance abuse, lack of culturally competent providers, and poorer health outcomes compared to heterosexuals due to stigma and discrimination. This study aims to identify predictors of dental care utilization across sexual minorities using the 2023 TEXAS PRIDE Survey.

Methods: We analyzed data from 517 SGM individuals, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and recent medical and dental visits. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of dental care utilization (i.e., a dental visit in the past year).

Results: Among sexual orientation groups, reported dental care …

Cal Poly Rodeo Program, Keith J. Johnson

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

The purpose of this project was to evaluate and improve livestock welfare practices within the Cal Poly Rodeo Program while supporting the program's core values of student success, western heritage, and program excellence. Livestock play a critical role in collegiate rodeo by providing educational opportunities, athletic competition, and hands-on learning experiences for students. As public awareness of animal welfare continues to increase, rodeo programs must demonstrate responsible stewardship and ethical animal management practices.

This project assessed current livestock management procedures, identified areas for improvement, and implemented educational and operational strategies designed to enhance animal health and welfare. Key performance indicators …

Global Youth Development: Challenges And Remedies, Raymond Chimezie

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Young people have enormous potential for growth and innovation, but not all have access to resources and opportunities to explore, achieve their dreams, and contribute immensely to society. Absence or limited opportunities and resources pose great challenges to young people’s aspirations. Through a review of literature and study of some countries young people globally face challenges, though at varying degrees like unemployment, limited access to healthcare, social services, and education; lack of professional support, skills acquisition and retraining, and political exclusion; judicial inequity, loneliness, and poor parenting. There still exist policies, structures, or regulations that encourage racial and ethnic or …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Mobile App And Wearable Device For Collecting Mental Health Survey And Passively Sensed Data Among Health Care Workers In Kenya: Mixed Methods Pilot Study, Linda Khakali, Andrew Aballa, Dorcas G. Mwigereri, Willie Njoroge, Rachel Maina, Amos Bunde, Peris Musitia, Moses Nyongesa, James Orwa, Jasmit Shah, Anthony Ngugi, Lukoye Atwoli, Amina Abubakar, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Mobile apps and wearable devices may help to facilitate early detection of mental health conditions by providing objective, real-time data to supplement other forms of feedback and diagnoses. Few studies have investigated the acceptability and feasibility of using a mobile app to track survey- and wearable-based data in mental health research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of using a mobile app and wearables to capture mental health–based survey data and passively sensed data among Kenyan health care workers.

Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted among health care workers …

The Wake Of Addiction: Pharmacological Strategies For Sleep Disturbances In Stimulant Use Disorders, A Systematic Review, Isabella G Bourtin, Douglas J Calvillo, Jessica C Badawi, Joy M Schmitz, Scott D Lane, Jin Ho Yoon, Heather E Webber

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to identify human studies investigating pharmacological interventions and reported sleep outcomes among individuals with CUD or MUD.

Methods: PubMed and APA PsycInfo were searched from inception to January 2025 and risk of bias was assessed. Articles were included if they included human participants with either cocaine or methamphetamine dependence, administered a pharmacological treatment, and reported night-time sleep as an outcome using at least one rigorous measurement tool. Articles were excluded if they included animals, did not include pharmacological intervention (e.g., supplements or behavioral treatments), or only assessed baseline sleep or if …

Oxytocin Dynamics And Synchrony In Mother-Child Dyads: Long-Term Neuroendocrine Effects Of Maternal Institutionalization, Olga V Burenkova, Ekaterina M Shurdova, Victoria Manasevich, Marina Norkina, Polina E Pashkina, Aleksei A Podturkin, Alena Vodneva, Marina A Zhukova, Elena L Grigorenko

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Early institutional care (IC; orphanage) is a severe form of early psychosocial deprivation with documented long-term effects on social and caregiving functioning. Despite longstanding interest in oxytocin (OT) as a key neuroendocrine modulator of affiliative behavior and stress, OT dynamics and synchrony during mother-child interaction among mothers with IC history remain poorly understood. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize maternal and child OT responses and dyadic OT covariation in this population. We measured salivary OT in mothers with IC history and mothers raised in biological family care (BFC), and in their children, at baseline and after …

Dementia, Advance Directives, And Second-Order Volitions, Rand Hirmiz

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

This paper contributes to the ongoing debate over the authority of advance directives in cases where patients with dementia express desires that conflict with their earlier wishes. Drawing on Harry Frankfurt’s concept of second-order volitions, I argue that the preferences of the pre-dementia self (the “then-self”) should, in most cases, take precedence over those of the post-dementia self (the “now-self”) –  particularly in instances where the now-self has lost the capacity to form second-order volitions and is no longer able to meaningfully repudiate prior values and commitments.

The Impact Of A Single Session Of Sprint Interval Training (Sit) On Pain Pressure Threshold (Ppt) In Healthy Adults, Francesco Pacenza, Gary Brickley, Umberto Crainich, Francesco Bettariga, Anthony Turner, Luca Maestroni

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Different forms of aerobic exercise lead to Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia (EIH). The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a single session of Sprint Interval Training (SIT) on EIH. A total of 44 recreationally active young adults participated in a single SIT session on a cycle ergometer, consisting of a 2 min warm-up, 3 × 20 s “all-out” cycling bouts interspersed with 2 min of active recovery, and a 3 min cool-down. Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) measurements were taken on the quadriceps (working muscle) and thenar eminence (resting muscle) before and after the session. Additionally, average power …

Approach–Avoidance Motivation And Goal Adaptation In Chronic Pain: Predicting Pain Intensity And Interference, Paria Eshraghi, Deirdre Drake, Joanne Iddon, Joanne M. Dickson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Chronic pain is a major public health concern associated with disability, reduced functioning and psychological distress. Compared with biological studies, relatively little research has studied chronic pain from a psychological perspective, specifically motivation. Yet, motivation is considered fundamental to human functioning and drives human behaviour. The present study aimed to investigate whether distinct motivational and adaptive goal processes are implicated in chronic pain. The sample comprised 190 adult community participants who reported chronic pain for 3 months or more. Participants completed self-report measures of approach and avoidance motivation, adaptive goal processes, pain intensity, and interference. As hypothesised, avoidance motivation (but …

Beyond Weight Loss: Effects Of Trx Suspension Training Combined With Caloric Restriction On Thyroid Function And Mental Well-Being In Obese Hypothyroid Women, Siavash Naddafha, Christopher B. Taber

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The rate of metabolism decreases in hypothyroid patients; hypothyroidism is associated with body mass increases; due to this and other factors, depression, anxiety, and stress increase, which, alongside the disease state and psychological problems, causes the quality of life to suffer. Objectives: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of caloric restriction along with TRX exercise on body mass, thyroid hormones, and psychological measures in obese and overweight women with hypothyroidism. Methods: 34 women aged 18–50 with hypothyroidism and a body mass index above 25 participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: a …

Evidence For Direct And Sleep-Moderated Relationships Between Aquaporin-4 Genetic Variants And Alzheimer's Disease Phenotypes, Tenielle Porter, Ayeisha Milligan Armstrong, Eleanor K. O'Brien, Vincent Doré, Pierrick Bourgeat, Mitchell Turner, Paul Maruff, Christopher C. Rowe, Belinda M. Brown, Victor L. Villemagne, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Variants in the aquaporin-4 gene (AQP4) have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, cognition, and brain amyloid beta (Aβ) and may affect the sleep and Aβ relationship. Their association with other AD-related phenotypes/disease progression remain largely unknown. Methods: Associations between AQP4 variants, self-reported sleep measures, and AD-related phenotypes in cognitively unimpaired individuals with evidence of Aβ accumulation were examined using data from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study. Results: AQP4 variants were directly associated with regional brain volumes, atrophy, and cognition. They were also associated with differences in regional brain volumes and atrophy in interaction with sleep …

Exploring The Fidelity Of Resistance Training Interventions In Regional, Rural, And Remote Cancer Care: A Systematic Scoping Review, Christopher W. Rowe, Nicolas H. Hart, Julia Carlino, James Murray

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Resistance-based exercise interventions are an integral part of supportive cancer care, though their high quality and high-fidelity implementation with people with cancer living in non-metropolitan locations is challenging. This systematic scoping review aimed to identify how exercise prescription principles and measures of fidelity are reported in resistance-based exercise interventions delivered to people with cancer living in regional, rural and remote areas. A systematic scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS and SportDiscus) for peer-reviewed studies published in English, that delivered a resistance-based exercise intervention to adult cancer survivors …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Unanticipated Effects Experienced By People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Who Participated In Interventions Designed To Reduce Sedentary Behaviour, Fiona Coll, Vinicius Cavalheri, Daniel F. Gucciardi, Kylie Hill

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: This study explored the lived experiences of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who participated in interventions designed to reduce the accumulation of sedentary behaviour in prolonged uninterrupted bouts. Methods: Ten participants with stable COPD participated in a multi-component intervention that spanned over 9 months and was designed to address the intervention message ‘If you have been sitting or resting continuously for 30 min, stand up and move’. Interventions comprised participation in an 8-week programme of supervised exercise training coupled with behaviour change techniques. Throughout the intervention period the person delivering the intervention kept detailed notes of their …

The Interplay Between Osteosarcopenia And Intrinsic Capacity: Insights And Associations With All-Cause Mortality In The Toledo Study For Healthy Aging, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Pedro L. Valenzuela, Irene Rodríguez-Gómez, Fabio Quiñonez-Bareiro, Luis M. Alegre, Konstantinos Prokopidis, Leocadio Rodriguez-Mañas, Ignacio Ara, Oscar Rosas-Carrasco, Lana J. Williams, Robinson Ramirez-Vélez, Julie A. Pasco, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Raman Agnihotram, Marc Sim, Wayne Lok Ok Choo, Mahdi Imani, Ana M. Ayala-Copete, Julia Chabot, Miguel G. Borda, Nailton J. Neto, Claire Godard-Sebillotte, Howard Bergman, Anna Andrianova, Hidenori Arai, Pierrette Gaudreau

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Osteosarcopenia—the coexistence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia—is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, but its association with intrinsic capacity (IC) remains unknown. We aimed to explore the associations of osteosarcopenia with IC and all-cause mortality in older adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of IC and a prospective analysis of all-cause mortality in 1142 participants from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging (75.1 ± 6.0 years, 53.1% women). Participants were classified as having no musculoskeletal disorders, osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, or osteosarcopenia (DXA- and EWGSOP2-based criteria). IC was operationalized as a composite score integrating locomotion, cognition, psychological, vitality, and sensory domains. …

Multi-Sensory Information And Simulator Immersion: Impact On Decision-Making Performance, Presence, And Cognitive Load, Zachariah G. Hoyne, Khaya Morris-Binelli, Sean Müller, Benjamin Piggott, Paola Chivers, Evan Dekker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Immersive technologies such as 360-degree video virtual reality (360VR) provide unique opportunities to simulate representative environments to investigate decision-making in a safe and cost-effective manner. Inclusion of multi-sensory visual, contextual, and auditory information is important to enhance simulator psychological fidelity. Yet, the influence of increased sensory information on decision-making, presence, and cognitive load in 360VR compared to less immersive two-dimensional video simulators is unknown. This study investigated multi-sensory information, presence, and cognitive load across immersion conditions (360VR and two-dimensional video) in an exemplar sport-specific decision-making task. Fifteen higher-skilled and 15 lesser-skilled Australian Rules Football players completed a decision-making task which …

How To … Coach Problem Representation To Strengthen Diagnostic Reasoning In Trainees, Cody Clary, Adam Cohen, Satid Thammasitboon

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Problem representation (PR) is a concise synthesis of clinical information that captures the core diagnostic problem in a single statement, often referred to as a 'one-liner'. Although central to diagnostic reasoning, this skill is frequently underdeveloped in medical training. Many trainees struggle to transform clinical data into meaningful representations, which can hinder communication, diagnostic reasoning and patient safety. The Assessment of Reasoning Tool-Reconstructed (ART-R) provides a structured framework that educators can adapt as a coaching rubric to strengthen PR during clinical teaching. Using the ART-R, faculty can guide trainees to refine their PR by focusing on three elements: (1) clarity …

Mindful Self-Compassion To Reduce Pain Interference Among Adults With Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Amena Sediqi, Roya Al-Khalili, Saunya Dover, Corien Peeters, Adam Khalif, V Reid Sutton, Frank Rauch, Brendan Lee, Eric A Storch, Marie-Eve Robinson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Between 60 and 80% of adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) experience chronic pain and associated interference. Currently available pain therapies often provide marginal efficacy. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) has emerged as a promising intervention for coping with chronic pain. We conducted a single-center 8-week pilot intervention study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a MSC program among adults with OI and co-occurring chronic pain. Individuals attended the validated MSC course consisting of 8 weekly virtual 2-h sessions. Participants completed a battery of validated questionnaires assessing pain, various aspects of well-being, and physical function at baseline and post-intervention. Participants wore the …

Plasticity And Language In The Anaesthetized Human Hippocampus, Kalman A Katlowitz, Eric R Cole, Elizabeth A Mickiewicz, Shraddha Shah, Melissa Franch, Joshua A Adkinson, James L Belanger, Raissa K Mathura, Domokos Meszéna, Matthew Mcginley, William Muñoz, Garrett P Banks, Sydney S Cash, Chih-Wei Hsu, Angelique C Paulk, Nicole R Provenza, Andrew J Watrous, Ziv Williams, Alica M Goldman, Vaishnav Krishnan, Atul Maheshwari, Sarah R Heilbronner, Robert Kim, Nuttida Rungratsameetaweemana, Benjamin Y Hayden, Sameer A Sheth

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Consciousness is a fundamental component of cognition1, but the degree to which higher-order pattern recognition relies on it remains disputed2,3. Here we demonstrate the persistence of oddball discrimination, semantic processing and online prediction in individuals under general-anaesthesia-induced loss of consciousness4,5. Using high-density Neuropixels microelectrodes6 to record both single-unit and local-field-potential neural activity in the human hippocampus while playing a series of tones to anaesthetized patients, we found that hippocampal neurons and local oscillations retained some detection of oddball tones. This effect size grew over the course of the experiment …