Projects
Projects
EU environMENTAL (ENGLISH)
Titel: Reducing the impact of major environmental challenges on mental health
Principal Investigator WP3 and WP8 : Frauke Nees
Team: Sebastian Siehl
Collaboration:
Prof. Dr. Gunter Schumann (Charité Berlin, Deutschland) – head of the consortium; Freie Universität Berlin (FUB); Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (CIMH); University of Olo (UiO); Oslo Universitetssykehus Hf (OUS); Universität Potsdam (UP); RadboudUMC (RUMC); Institute for Science and Technology Austria (ISTA); University of Barcelona (UB); Universitätsklinikum Bonn (UBO); Life and Brain GmbH (LB); Ksilink (KL); Aix-Marseille Universite (AMU); Virtual Bodyworks (VB); ARTTIC Innovation GmbH (AI); Universität Jena (FSU)
Associated Partners:
Fudan University Shanghai, ISTBI (FUDAN); Georgia State University; TReNDs Center (GSU); University of Southern California (USC); Goodle Inc. (Google); King’College London (KCL); De Montfort University (DMU)
Funding: Horizon Europe (European Commission)
Abstract:
The environMENTAL project will investigate how some of the greatest global environmental challenges, climate change, urbanisation, and psychosocial stress caused by the COVID-19-pandemic affect mental health over the lifespan. It will identify their underlying molecular mechanisms and develop preventions and early interventions. Leveraging cohort data of over 1.5 million European citizens and patients enriched with deep phenotyping data from large scale behavioural neuroimaging cohorts, we will identify brain mechanisms related to environmental adversity underlying symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and substance abuse. By linking population and patient data via geo-location to spatiotemporal environmental data derived from remote sensing satellites, climate models, regional-socioeconomic data and digital health applications, our interdisciplinary team will develop a neurocognitive model of multimodal environmental signatures related to transdiagnostic symptom groups that are characterised by shared brain mechanisms. We will uncover the molecular basis underlying these mechanisms using multi-modal -omics analyses, brain organoids and virtual brain simulations, thus providing an integrated perspective for each individual across the lifespan and spectrum of functioning. The insight gained will be applied to developing risk biomarkers and stratification markers. We will then screen for pharmacological compounds targeting the molecular mechanisms discovered. We will also reduce symptom development and progression using virtual reality interventions based on the adverse environmental features - developed in close collaboration with stakeholders. Overall, this project will lead to objective biomarkers and evidence-based pharmacologic and VR-based interventions that will significantly prevent and improve outcomes of environmentally-related mental illnesses, and empower EU citizens to manage better their mental health and well-being.
WP3: Development and implementation of digital health assessments
WP8: Digital intervention (Development of a virtual reality programme using reinforcement learning)
Social Navigation (English)
Titel: Two sides of the same representation? Object-based and social navigation in virtual space.
PIs: Frauke Nees and Sebastian Siehl
Collaboration:
· Prof. Dr. Herta Flor (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
· Prof. Dr. John King (University College London, London, United Kingdom)
· Dr. Stella Guldner (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
· M.Sc. Kornelius Kammler-Sücker (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
Funding
Abstract: This project aims to elucidate commonalities as well as differences in behaviour and functional brain activity of social and object-based navigation. In a first subproject, we plan to establish a battery of humanoid avatars that differ in their facial and vocal expressions on a social space model. In the second subproject, we intend to implement our avatars in an established, large-scale, virtual town, in which participants navigate and memorize the position of these avatars.
The development of cognitive maps (English)
Titel: Two sides of the same representation? Object-based and social navigation in virtual space.
PIs: Frauke Nees and Sebastian Siehl
Collaboration:
· Prof. Dr. Herta Flor (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
· Prof. Dr. John King (University College London, London, United Kingdom)
· Dr. Stella Guldner (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
· M.Sc. Kornelius Kammler-Sücker (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
Funding:
Abstract: This project aims to elucidate commonalities as well as differences in behaviour and functional brain activity of social and object-based navigation. In a first subproject, we plan to establish a battery of humanoid avatars that differ in their facial and vocal expressions on a social space model. In the second subproject, we intend to implement our avatars in an established, large-scale, virtual town, in which participants navigate and memorize the position of these avatars.
Titel: From nociception to chronic pain: Structure-function properties of neural pathways and their reorganization
Subprojekt: B03- The role of learning, stress and underlying brain circuits involving prefrontal-limbic interactions in the development of chronic back pain.
PIs: Frauke Nees und Herta Flor
Team: Vera Moliadze und Nils Jannik Heukamp https://www.zi-mannheim.de/forschung/abteilungen-ags-institute/neuropsych/arbeitsgruppen-neuropsych/psychobiologie-lernprozesse.html
Collaboration: Universität Heidelberg, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit Mannheim
Funding: 07/2019-06/2023, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (https://www.sfb1158.de/)
Abstract: Previous research led to the assumption that chronic pain may be related to emotional learning, however, little is known about the associated changes in brain structure and function that might predict persistent pain. This project seeks to determine brain circuits related to learning mechanisms in pain such as aversive and appetitive, operant and respondent learning as well as the role of stress to predict the transition from acute to chronic back pain and to identify risk and resilience factors.
EU HaPpY: Comorbidity of chronic pain and mood disorders: breaking the vicious cycle (HaPpY)
PIs: Frauke Nees
Team: Ginevra Sperandio
Funding: The European Union has approved funding for an Innovative Training Network (ITN) as part of the MARIE SKLODOWSKA-CURIE ACTIONS. In it, scientists are looking at the mutual influence of affective disorders and chronic pain.
Abstract: Until now, affective disorders and chronic pain disorders have largely been considered and usually treated separately in medicine. However, the fact that they do overlap and influence each other has become a central feature in the clinical context. These so-called comorbidities allow a poorer prognosis and increase the likelihood of complications. This can complicate the course of therapy, and the procedures used are inefficient in many cases. Which mechanisms are central in this context therefore needs to be further investigated and is a question of current research. The focus is on the training and networking of doctoral students, who will conduct research on various aspects of the initial research question. Participating institutions: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU) and Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital (UKSH). Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, National University of Ireland Galway, Universidad de Cádiz, Helsingin yliopisto, Heidelberg University Hospital, Universidade do Minho and partner organizations such as Université de Strasbourg, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines, Neurofit SAS, Neurex Alsace and the European Pain Federation.
fMRI-Neurofeedback and Pain
Title: Effects of modulating prefrontal-limbic neural circuits with fMRI-Neurofeedback on pain perception in acute and chronic pain
PIs: Frauke Nees and Vera Moliadze
Team: Nils Jannik Heukamp
Med. doctoral students: Louise List und Tom Lenuweit
Collaboration: Universität Heidelberg, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit Mannheim
Abstract: Previous studies that experimentally investigated neural alterations by using fMRI-Neurofeedback in chronic and acute pain showed heterogenous results on pain perception. With a new approach based on new findings on fMRI-Neurofeedback and brain alterations in pain we intervene altered prefrontal-limbic brain circuits more precisely by assessing the feedback signal on connectivity-based methods. We analyse psychological, physiological and neurobiological effects of this.
Titel 1: Psychische Gesundheit und Suchtgefahr im Kindes- und Jugendalter.
Titel 2: TP2-Entwicklung von suchtrelevanten Screening (IMAC-Mind)
Titel: Improving Mental Health and Reducing Addiction in Childhood and Adolescence through Mindfulness: Mechanisms, Prevention and Treatment.
Subprojekt: TP2- Translation of neurobehavioral risk profiles into the development of screening and prevention
PIs: Frauke Nees und Herta Flor
Med. doctoral students: https://www.zi-mannheim.de/forschung/abteilungen-ags-institute/neuropsych/arbeitsgruppen-neuropsych/psychobiologie-lernprozesse.html
Collaboration: Universität Heidelberg, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit Mannheim
Funding: : 10/2017-09/2021, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
Abstract: This project provides early screening and prevention tools by developing mobile computing devices for individualized application based on a mechanism-based approach. This is closely linked to the other projects in the Consortium integrating identified risk profiles from different cohorts (Project 1 on data mining) and clinical information, also with respect to treatment strategies (pre- versus post and over the course; clinical Projects 4-7). It thus constitutes a promising step in the translation of neurobehavioral risk profiles into the development of screening and prevention tools in a mechanism-based approach, as interventions have so far rather been characterized by small effect sizes. Importantly, our approach has high ecological validity, as we apply tools adapted to the lifestyle of adolescents / children using electronic applications and social media. Moreover, these tools will be easy to use in order to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and foster clinical routines in the context of substance (ab)use from a developmental psychopathological perspective. Using both previous results and adding on the new findings from IMAC-Mind, the present project will provide validated and reliable up-to-date and state-of-the-art neuro-psycho-behaviorally based screening, prevention and intervention applications to already identify individuals with a high risk of developing addictive behavior early in life, or treat adolescent patients with addiction.
Effectiveness of intervention procedures for post-traumatic stress disorders
Titel: The efficacy of psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
PIs: Frauke Nees and Sebastian Siehl
Med. doctoral students: Liliana Christensen and Patricia Nowak
Master-/Bachelor students: Laura Wilhelms
Collaboration:
Dr. med. Christian Clemm von Hohenberg (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
Dr. Anselm Crombach (University of Konstanz)
Dr. Josepha Zimmer (Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University)
Dr. Tanja Burgard (Leipniz Institute for Psychology Information, Trier)
Abstract: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an extensive overview of all existing randomized control studies on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Treatment approaches included will be psychotherapeutic and pharmacological. Between-group treatment effects will be quantified and compared in classical and network meta-analyses.
Psychologische Parameter in der operativen Gynäkologie
Titel: Implementation of a psychological assessment into the scientific concepts of the Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy
PIs: Frauke Nees
Collaboration: Prof. Dr. med. Ibrahim Alkatout, Senior Physician, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endometriosis Center, Arnold-Heller- Straße 3, Haus C, 24105 Kiel
Abstract: The aim of the present project is to identify and characterize neuropsychological and stress-related markers of performance and training indices in the context of an operative hysteroscopy and laparoscopy as well as with respect to, for example, the process in the context of a diagnostic laparoscopy, sterilization, or endometriosis.
Verlaufsparameter im Setting der Pränataldiagnostik
Titel: Implementation of a tablet-based trajectory measurement in the prenatal diagnostic process
PIs: Frauke Nees
Collaboration: Prof. Dr. med. Eckmann-Scholz and Dr. med. Kristin Andresen, University Medical Center Kiel for Specialized Diagnostics and Genetic Medicine, Prenatal Diagnostics, Arnold-Heller- Straße 3, 24105 Kiel
Abstract: The aim of this project is to determine the correlation between aspects of patient education and prenatal examination offerings and acceptances through tablet-based questionnaire surveys.
Evaluation eines Proctoring sim klinischen Setting
Titel: Proctoring in robot-assisted gynecological surgery
PIs: Frauke Nees
Collaboration: Prof. Dr. med. Ibrahim Alkatout, Senior Physician, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endometriosis Center, Arnold-Heller- Straße 3, Haus C, 24105 Kiel
Abstract: The aim of this project is to investigate the proctoring process in robot-assisted gynecological surgery at various clinical locations in terms of acceptance, efficiency, and sustainability, while considering various individual parameters such as achievement motivation and receptiveness to criticism, as well as performance metrics.
Tumorerkrankung im Hinblick auf humane Papillomviren (HPV) und dessen Einflussfaktoren
Titel: Implementation of a questionnaire-based survey to identify significant cofactors in the context of tumor diseases and HPV type
PIs: Frauke Nees
Collaboration: Prof. Dr. Markus Hoffmann und Dr. Elgar Susanne Quabius, Clinic for Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3 und Rosalind Franklin Strasse 9, 24105 Kiel
Abstract: The aim of this project is to explore the largely unanswered question of what possible causes may play a role in human papillomavirus infection.
https://anxiety-culture.net/