FNNDSC Weekly Newsletter - Week 18

Upcoming Events

· September 30 10:00 - 11:00 AM: Bi-Weekly Lecture Series with Dr. Valentina Gumenyuk & Dr. Noam Peled

· October 1-2: iFETIS 6th International Conference

• Dr. Ellen Grant will be speaking on "The Role of MRI in Fetal Therapies" at iFETIS on October 2nd 3:50 PM

· October 5-8: MICCAI 2020

· Every Friday: Fenway Fridays

Save the Date

· November 11 1:00 - 2:00 PM: FNNDSC Virtual Social Event - Zoom Escape the Room

(meeting invitation to follow)

Helpful Links ▴Flu Central

▴ Research Announcements & News ▴ Funding Opportunities ▴ Staff Resources - Covid-19 ▴ Volunteers for Covid-19 Related Projects

Bi-Weekly Lecture Series with Guest Speakers: Dr. Valentina Gumenyuk & Dr. Noam Peled

Date: Wednesday, September 30​ at 10:00 AM​

Title: From dipoles fit to Causality connectivity analysis using xfit and MMVT*

* MMVT: Multimodal analysis and visualization tool (mmvt.mgh.harvard.edu)

* Elekta Neuromag xfit: an advanced tool for dipole fits to averaged files

Abstract:

Interictal and Ictal events are localizable by equivalent current dipole (ECD) analysis (parametric model). However, in cases where there are bilateral or multifocal ictal/interictal EEG/MEG clusters, it is challenging to find the onset or primary epileptogenic source by the ECD method. In our work, we are developing tools for localization and investigation of the complex epileptogenic network. As a case study, we will demonstrate the usage of Granger causality analysis of calculating the whole-head connectivity network associated with the ictal/interictal events.

The talk will begin with an introduction to our in-house multimodal analysis and visualization tool, MMVT (mmvt.mgh.harvard.edu), and how it can be used for epilepsy surgical planning.  

Biographies:

Dr. Valentina Gumenyuk did her Master degree in Odessa State University ( Ukraine) in chemistry – biology. Her PhD studies were performed at University of Helsinki ( Finland) at Risto Naatanen lab.  Her post -doctoral research on auditory scene development in school age children she did at Albert Einstein College of Medicine ( Bronx, NY). In Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI) Dr. Gumenyuk did her research in clinical field ( sleep medicine) and was awarded for new carrier path ( KO1) to do clinical research on typical and atypical sleepers, to understand how we can help night shift workers to adjust their cognitive and sleep functions to abnormal work hours. Cross-field training in cognitive- sleep medicine and epilepsy areas, helping Valia to work with epilepsy patients using EEG and MEG modality. She evaluated over 600 patients and generated clinical MEG reports for surgery / pre-surgery planning. Currently, she is working with Dr. Noam Peled to develop the tool ( MMVT) for accurate and helpful analysis of complicated epilepsy cases, so patients will be benefit from that work. 

Dr. Noam Peled is a research scientist at the MGH/HST Martinos center for biomedical imaging and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. He has a broad background in neuroimaging, with specific training and expertise in analyzing and visualization of multi-modality neuroimaging datasets. He received his Ph.D. degree in machine learning and games theory from Bar-Ilan University (Israel) in 2014. As the leading developer of the multi-modality analysis and visualization tool (MMT), he laid the groundwork for developing a unique interactive platform to analyze, integrate and visualize highly complex multi-modalities neuroimaging datasets (e.g., EEG, MEG, fMRI, PET, and invasive electrodes). 

Zoom Meeting Information:

Join from your computer or mobile device: https://bostonchildrens.zoom.us/j/94834402912?pwd=T1REL1BzaGI0OUJNRTJmNnlMZkxaZz09

Password: 343319

Or dial in from your telephone:

Internally: x28882

Externally: 646-558-8656 (Primary)

408-638-0968 (If you are unable to dial into the primary number)

Telephone password: 343319

Or iPhone one-tap:

+16465588656,,94834402912# or +14086380968,,94834402912#

EWS link: https://zoom.us/wc/94834402912/join

Meeting ID: 948 3440 2912

Flu Vaccinations

Due to Covid-19 and the need for social distancing, many aspects of the Annual Staff Influenza (flu) Vaccination Program will be different this year.  It is more critical than ever to get vaccinated as influenza and covid-19 have similar symptoms.

There are 3 options for flu vaccination:

• Unit-based by a nurse in your department or floor

• Large clinic in Folkman Auditorium (by appointment only)

• Your local doctor's office or "minute clinic"

Deadline for vaccination is October 30, 2020. Click here to book your flu shot appointment.

On-site Administrative Support This Week

Gauravi will be onsite this week on Friday, October 2nd.

How have we adapted to work from home?

Ai Wern Chung shares a vacation moment from her time at Cayuga, Ithaca.

If you would like to share your work from home set up, fun quarantine activities, or pictures of your quarantine pet pals on the weekly newsletter series, please email gauravi.prabhu@childrens.harvard.edu.