bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Effects of Alzheimer Disease on EEG Signals Using the Entropy Measure: A Meta-analysis
Authors:   Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran., Ahmadieh Hajar , Ghassemi Farnaz ,   Department of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and a type of dementia. About 80% of dementia in older adults is due to AD. According to multiple research articles, AD is associated with several changes in EEG signals, such as slow rhythms, reduction in complexity and functional associations, and disordered functional communication between different brain areas. This research focuses on the entropy parameter. Methods: In this study, the keywords “Entropy,” “EEG,” and “Alzheimer” were used. In the initial search, 102 articles were found. In the first stage, after investigating the Abstracts of the articles, the number of them was reduced to 62, and upon further review of the remaining articles, the number of articles was reduced to 18. Some papers have used more than one entropy of EEG signals to compare, and some used more than one database. So, 25 entropy measures were considered in this meta-analysis. We used the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) to find the effect size and compare the effects of AD on the entropy of the EEG signal in healthy people. Funnel plots were used to investigate the bias of meta-analysis. Results: According to the articles, entropy seems to be a good benchmark for comparing the EEG signals between healthy people and AD people. Conclusion: It can be concluded that AD can significantly affect EEG signals and reduce the entropy of EEG signals.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester With Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Behavioral and Histopathological Changes in the Rat Model of Parkinson Disease
Authors:   Department of Anatomy, Nervous System Stem Cell Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Rahimi Jaberi Khojasteh , Safari Manouchehr ,   Department of Anatomy, Nervous System Stem Cell Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Semnani Vahid ,   Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Sameni Hamid Reza ,   Department of Anatomy, Nervous System Stem Cell Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Zarbakhsh Sam ,   Department of Anatomy, Nervous System Stem Cell Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Ghahari Laya ,   Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Parkinson disease (PD) results from the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of natural antioxidants such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) to maintain these neurons. Methods: CAPE is one of the main ingredients of propolis. Intranasal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2;3;4;6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was used to generate a PD model in rats. A total of 2×bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were injected from the tail vein. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, DiI, cresyl fast violet, and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate the rats 2 weeks after treatment. Results: In all treatment groups with stem cells, the DiI staining method revealed that the cells migrated to the substantia nigra pars compacta after injection. Treatment with CAPE significantly protects dopaminergic neurons from MPTP. The highest number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons was seen in the pre-CAPE+PD+stem cell (administration of CAPE, then the creation of PD, finally injection of stem cells) group. The number of TH+cells in all groups that received CAPE was significant compared to groups that received the stem cells only (P<0.001). Intranasal administration of MPTP significantly increases the number of apoptotic cells. The lowest number of apoptotic cells was in the CAPE+PD+stem cell group. Conclusion: The results showed that the use of CAPE and stem cells in Parkinson rats caused a significant reduction in the apoptotic cells.
Neuroprotective Effects of Berberine Hydrochloride on Methamphetamine-induced Cognitive Dysfunction: Immunohistochemical and Behavioral Studies in Rats
Authors:   Department of Addiction Studies, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran., Rezaeian Leila , Khaksari Mehdi ,   Addiction Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran., Rafaiee Raheleh ,   Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Kalalian Moghaddam Hamid ,   Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Methamphetamine (MA) as an addictive psychostimulant drug affects the central nervous system. The current research aimed to evaluate the impact of berberine hydrochloride on improving cognitive function and neuroprotective effects in rats addicted to MA. Methods: In this study, 27 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups, including control, MA addiction, and MA addiction with berberine hydrochloride (100 mg/kg/d) orally during the three weeks of withdrawal. Two groups received self-administered inhaled MA for two weeks (up to 10 mg/kg). Following the experimental procedures, a Morris water maze (MWM) and shuttle box were used to assess memory, and hippocampal sections from the animals were examined for caspase-3, Ki-67, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Results: The obtained results from the Morris water maze (MWM) showed that berberine hydrochloride decreases (P<0.01) the distance moved and the time spent to reach the hidden platform in the four-day learning trails phase and significant differences were observed in the distance moved, spent time, and frequency of motion in target quadrant on probe test day between groups. Berberine hydrochloride also reduced the latency of animals entering the dark chamber in the treated group compared to the control group (P<0.05). A significant decrease in activation of caspases-3, higher percentages of Ki-67 expression, and an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression of cells was observed in the addicted group compared to the berberine-treated and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of berberine hydrochloride for 3 weeks improves cognitive function in MA addiction and it has potential neuroprotective efficacy.
Psychiatric Onset Alexander Disease: An Important Challenge in Neuropsychiatric Diagnosis: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Arshiany Hedieh , Ezzatian Behzad ,   School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Artounian Valentin ,   Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Alizadeh Fatemeh ,   Department of Genomic Psychiatry and Behavioral Genomics, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Mohammadian Fatemeh ,   Department of Genomic Psychiatry and Behavioral Genomics, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Alexander disease is a heterogeneous group of diseases with various manifestations based on the age of disease onset. This rare leukodystrophy syndrome with mutations in the GFAP gene could present with developmental delay and seizure in the infantile form to ataxia and bulbar palsy in adulthood. However, psychiatric symptoms are not well-defined and are usually evaluated after disease diagnosis, not before disease investigations. Case Report : Our patient is a 52-year-old Iranian woman with a history of depression since 17 years ago, a suicidal attempt two years ago, and ingestion of a large amount of opium with the intention of suicide 2 months ago. She was presented with disorientation and probably a delirious state in the last interview. Eventually, in comprehensive investigations, white matter hyperintensity in MRI and leukodystrophy was diagnosed to determine the cause of these changes, we did a gene study, found whole exon deletion of the GFAP gene, and made a diagnosis of late-onset Alexander disease. Conclusion: Neurological-onset manifestation of Alexander disease, specifically late-onset form, is the most common clinical picture of disease and was seen in about 90% of patients, but psychiatric symptoms are not well-known, and psychiatric-onset disease was not described yet. Various gene mutations were described in late-onset Alexander disease; however, the large whole exon deletion which was revealed in our patient is a novel mutation and significantly needs to be explored. Here authors describe a late-onset Alexander disease with psychiatric-onset symptoms and novel large exon deletion in the GFAP gene.
New Biomarkers Based on Smoking-Related Phenotypes for Smoking Cessation Outcomes of Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Prospective Study
Authors:   Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Nikkholgh Arash , Ebrahimi Soltan Ahmad ,   Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran., Bakhshi Enayatollah ,   Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza ,   Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Asgari Yazdan ,   Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Torkaman-Boutorabi Anahita ,   Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Identifying a potent biomarker for smoking cessation can play a key role in predicting prognosis and improving treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of new biomarkers based on the levels of Cotinine (Cot) and carbon monoxide (CO) to the short- and long-term quit rates of nicotine replacement therapies (Nicotine Patch [NP] and Nicotine Lozenge [NL]). Methods: In this prospective interventional study, 124 smokers under treatment with the 5A’s method were selected from an outpatient smoking cessation center in district 18 of Tehran City, Iran. The study was conducted from April 2016 to December 2018. They were divided into NP (n=56) and NL (n=61) intervention groups. The levels of Cot and CO were measured using ELISA and breath analysis at the beginning of the study. Three markers were calculated: Cot/CO, Cot to cigarette per day ratio (Cot/CPD), and CO/CPD. Binary logistic regression models and generalized estimating equations models were analyzed by SPSS software, version 21 to determine the chances of quitting smoking. Results: Of the NP participants, 30.4% and 19.6% were abstinent after 2 and 6 months, respectively, while NL was found less effective with 19.7% for 2-month follow-up and 13.1% for 6-month follow-up. The 6-month success of quitting attempts was significantly different for the NP participants at the second half of Cot/CO (P=0.029). Of the NL participants, CO/CPD would be a superior predictor for smoking cessation success (P>0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested two markers of Cot/CO and CO/CPD in this order for the optimum treatment outcomes of NP and NL.
The Relationship Between Helmet Weight, Cognitive Performance, and Mental Workload
Authors:   Department of Ergonomics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran., Zoaktafi Mojgan , Choobineh Alireza ,   Department of Ergonomics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,   Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran., Rostami Matin ,   Department of Ergonomics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran., Kazemi Reza ,   Department of Ergonomics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: This study sought to examine the effects of helmet weight on cognitive performance and mental workload. Twenty participants were studied in 3 one-hour sessions. Methods: The study participants were requested to read and work with computers under the following 3 conditions: wearing no helmets, wearing a helmet that weighed 800 g (A), and a helmet weighing 1500 g (B). “N-back” task and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were employed to assess cognitive performance. At the same time, NASA-TLX and Thermal Comfort and Fatigue Perception Scale were used to evaluate mental workload and comfort. At the end of the intervention sessions, perceived mental workload, thermal comfort, and fatigue in the head were measured. Moreover, the research participants’ cognitive performance was gauged before and after the sessions. Results: The present study findings revealed that helmet weight significantly impacted cognitive performance (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was detected in the participants’ mental workload before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Helmet weight could affect cognitive performance. Therefore, in designing helmets, the helmet’s weight should be considered an essential factor.
Brain Atrophy and Physical and Cognitive Disability in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors:   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., Casanova Ignacio , De Silanes Carlos Lopez ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., De Torres Laura ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., Eimil Miriam ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., Jose Gil María ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., Oyanguren Beatriz ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejó, Servicio de Neurología., Terrero Rodrigo ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., Sabin Julia ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., Patricia Diaz Blanca ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., Ángel Saiz Miguel ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., De Antonio Esther ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Radiología., Abellan Sara ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología., González Marta ,   Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Servicio de Neurología.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: brain atrophy is associated with physical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), but there is a great variability between different studies and methodologies, and its use is still limited to research projects. Objective: to analyze the relationship between several volumetric measurements and physical disability and cognitive functioning in MS patients in a clinical practice setting. Material and methods: cross-sectional study. 41 patinets (31 relapsing-remitting MS, 6 secondary-progressive MS and 4 primary-progressive MS). Whole brain volume (WBV), Gray Matter Volume (GMV) and T2 lesion load (T2L) were obtained using Icometrix ® software. Physical disability was measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and cognitive status was evaluated with the Brief Repeatble Battery of neuropsychological tests (BRB-N). The relationship between brain volumes and EDSS was analyzed through lineal multivariate regression. The association between volumetry measurements and the number of affected cognitive domains was studied with negative binomial regression. Results: GMV was associated with age (b=-1.7; p=0,014) and with EDSS (b= -7.55; p=0.013). T2L was associated with EDSS (b= 2.29; p=0.032). The number of affected cognitive domains was associated with clinical phenotype, worse in primary progressive MS (PPMS). There was not correlations between cognitive impairment and cerebral volumes. Conclusions: Brain atrophy measurement is feasible in clinical practice setting, and it is helpful in monitoring the EDSS progression. Primary progressive phenotype is associated with greater risk of cognitive dysfunction.
Brain Functional Correlates of Intelligence Score in ADHD Based on EEG
Authors:   Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaie University, Tehran, Iran., Rostami Mohammad , Faridi Farnaz ,   Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran., Khosrowabadi Reza ,   Institut for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

It has been shown that intelligence as a general mental ability is related to structure and function of the brain regions. However, specificity of this regional dependencies to the intelligence scores in the typical and atypical developed individuals needs to be well understood. In this study, we hypothesized that neural correlates of IQ should not have a fixed pattern rather it must follow a dynamic pattern to compensate the functional deficits caused by a neurodevelopmental disorder. Therefore, EEG correlates of normal IQ in various subtypes of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) were compared to a group of healthy controls. Sixty-three ADHD subjects comprising of combined, inattentive, and hyperactive individuals diagnosed by a psychiatrist using structural clinical interview for DSM-V, and 46 healthy controls with similar normal IQ scores were recruited in this study. The subjects’ EEG data were then recorded during an eye-closed resting condition. The subjects’ intelligence level was measured by the Raven’s standard progressive matrices. Then, association between IQ and power of EEG signal were computed in the conventional frequency bands. Subsequently, topographical representations of these associations were compared between the groups. Our results demonstrated that association between IQ score and EEG power is not the same in various ADHD subtypes, and healthy controls. This finding suggests a compensatory mechanism in ADHD individuals for changing the regional oscillatory pattern to maintain the IQ within a normal range.
The Role of Oxidant-Antioxidant Status in Suicide Behavior in Kurdish Ethnicity
Authors:   Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran., Oshnokhah Mahin , Bagheri Maryam ,   Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran., Ghaneialvar Hori ,   Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran., Haghani Karimeh ,   Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran, Khorshidi Ali ,   Department of Epidemiology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran., Shahbazi Ali ,   Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Salari Sajjad ,   Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, its role in suicidal behavior has not been clarified yet. Consequently, we aimed to evaluate the oxidant-antioxidant status in the serum of suicide attempters in Ilam city. Methods: Fifty suicide attempters and 40 control subjects (volunteers) aged 18-35 years were studied in the current experiment. To consider the oxidant-antioxidant status, serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NO), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured. Results: Serum levels of SOD and TAC were significantly lower in the suicide attempters group compared to the controls. Furthermore, serum NO level was significantly higher in the suicide attempters compared to the control groups. Interestingly, the serum level of MDA was significantly lower in the suicide attempters compared to the control groups. Conclusion: The oxidative stress without MDA elevation, detected in suicide attempters, can be considered a biochemical hallmark in suicide behavior.
Investigation of the Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Effects on Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing in Hippocampal Cells
Authors:   Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran., Sadeghi Leila , Marefat Arezu ,   Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) are small magnetic particles that widely used in different aspects of biology and medicine in modern life. Fe2O3-NP accumulated in the living cells due to absence of active system to excrete the iron ions so damages cellular organelles by highly reactivity. Method: Herein cytotoxic effects of Fe2O3-NP with 50 nm size were investigated on primary culture of neonatal rat hippocampus by MTT assay. Pathophysiological signs of Alzheimer disease such as amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression, Aβ aggregation, soluble APPα and APPβ secretion also were investigated in hippocampal cells treated by various concentration of NP for different exposure time. Results: Our results revealed, Fe2O3-NP treatment causes oxidative stress in cells that accompanied by upregulation of the APP and Aβ in a concentration dependent manner. NP exposing also leads to more secretion of sAPPβ rather than sAPPα that concluded to increased activation of β-secretase in NP received cells. All of the harmful effects accumulate in neurons that could not be renovated so lead to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer disease. Conclusion: This study approved iron-based NPs could help to develop the Alzheimer and related neurological disorders and explained why some of the iron chelators have therapeutic potential in Alzheimer disease.
Comparing Autobiographical Brand Images and Neutral Images Regarding False Memory Formation
Authors:   Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University GC, Tehran, Iran., Shabani Mohsen , Salehi Javad ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran., Khosrowabadi Reza ,   Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University GC, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Consumers’ prior experiences form an episodic memory that largely influences their decision-making process. This episodic memory is mainly linked to cognitive and emotional perception and we know that brand image influences our cognitive and emotional perception. Nevertheless, it has not been well described how autobiographical memories of brand images differ from other types of images. Methods: In this study, we hypothesized that brand pictures have a higher chance to create false memories as compared to neutral ones. Results: We investigated this hypothesis using the Deese–Roediger–McDermott paradigm with lists of brand pictures from the local market and associated neutral images from the international affective picture system. Thirty graduate students were exposed to image stimuli, followed by a distractor task and a recognition task. After the normality test, reaction times (RT), and false recognition rate of brands and neutral images were statistically compared using a pairwise t-test. Conclusion: The results showed a significant decrease in reaction time (RT) and an increase in the false recognition rate of brand pictures compared to neutral images. Interestingly, the effect of gender on the creation of false memory by autobiographical brand images was not significant. We hope these findings can pave the way for a better understanding of the false memory mechanism.
Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Stachys lavandulifolia on Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures in Male Mice: The Role of GABAergic and Opioidergic Systems
Authors:   Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Behzadnia Hamid , Naseri Amin ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Emamhadi Mohammadreza ,   Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Ghadarjani Shervin ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Aghaei Iraj ,   Neuroscience Research Center, Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran., Dehpour Ahmadreza ,   Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Though there are several effective drugs for treating epilepsy, most drugs are associated with side effects and drug interactions. Stachys lavandulifolia used in Iranian traditional medicine has proven anti-anxiety and sedative properties. The current study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of S. lavandulifoliaon the Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure in male mice and the role of benzodiazepine and opioid receptors. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 male mice, randomly categorized into 10 groups: Normal Saline (NS), two diazepam groups (0.025 and 0.1 mg/kg), three S. lavandulifolia extract groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), diazepam 0.025 mg/kg+S. lavandulifolia extract 50 mg/kg, and three groups that pretreated with NS, flumazenil, or naloxone, 5 min before injection of 200 mg/kg S. lavandulifolia extract. After 30 min, PTZ (80 mg/kg) was injected into animals, and seizure indices were evaluated. Results: The S. lavandulifoliaextract attenuated the PTZ-induced seizures in a dose-dependent manner, and pretreatment with flumazenil reversed this effect. However, pretreatment with naloxone could not reverse this effect because seizure indices in the naloxone pretreated group were lower than that in the normal saline group. The combination of an ineffective dose of diazepam and S. lavandulifoliaextract decreased PTZ-induced seizures. Conclusion: The results of our study showed the anticonvulsant properties of hydroalcoholic extract of S. lavandulifolia. These effects might be due to the impact of the components of this extract on the central benzodiazepine system.
Effect of Neurofeedback Training on Aggression and Impulsivity in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Dashbozorgi Zahra , Ghaffari Amin ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Karamali Esmaili Samaneh ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Ashoori Jamal ,   Department of Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University., Moradi Ali ,   Orthopedic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran., Sarvghadi Pooria ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Aggression and impulsivity are some of the behavioral symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neurofeedback (NF) training has been suggested as a promising treatment in these children. This study aimed to investigate the effect of NF training on aggression and impulsivity in schoolchildren with ADHD. Methods: A total of 40 male elementary school children with ADHD (aged 11.17±0.97 years) were randomized into the NF and sham groups. The NF group received 12 NF training sessions, each taking about 60 minutes for six consecutive weeks (twice a week), based on the Hammond protocol. The subjects’ parents were questioned to evaluate the outcomes, including aggression and impulsivity, using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Results: After the intervention, in the NF group, the BPAQ score changed from 87.60±9.33 to 81±7.23 and the BIS score from 94.7±7.25 to 88.05±5.4, which were significant (P=0.001). The results indicated the large effect size of NF on aggression and impulsivity in ADHD. Conclusion: Our findings suggest NF training as a clinically applicable method for decreasing aggression and impulsivity, also support concurrent use of medication and NF training in children with ADHD.
Brain Wave Patterns in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-control Study
Authors:   Department of Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Larie Maryam Sadat , Esfandiarpour Fateme ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Riahi Forough ,   Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran., Parnianpour Mohamad ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of ‪Biomechanics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Research evidence indicates that maladaptive reorganization of the brain plays a critical role in amplifying pain experiences and pain chronification; however, no clear evidence of change exists in brain wave activity among patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The objective of this study was to assess brain wave activity in patients with CLBP, compared to healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-five patients with CLBP and twenty-four healthy controls participated in the study. A quantitative electroencephalography device was used to assess brain wave activity in eyes-open and eyes-closed (EO and EC) conditions. The regional absolute and relative power of brain waves were compared between the groups. Results: Our results showed a significant increase in the absolute power of theta (F=5.905, P=0.019), alpha (F=5.404, P=0.024) waves in patients with CLBP compared to healthy subjects in both EC and EO conditions. Patients with CLBP showed a reduced delta absolute power in the frontal region (F=5.852, P=0.019) and augmented delta absolute power in the central region (F=5.597, P=0.022) in the EO condition. An increased delta absolute power was observed in the frontal (F=7.563 P=0.008), central (F=10.430, P=0.002), and parietal (F=4.596, P=0.037) regions in patients with CLBP compared to the healthy subjects in the EC condition. In the EC condition, significant increases in theta relative power (F=4.680, P=0.036) in the parietal region were also found in patients with CLBP. Conclusion: The increased absolute power of brain waves in people with CLBP may indicate cortical overactivity and changes in the pain processing mechanisms in these patients.
Microtubule Disruption Without Learning Impairment in the Unicellular Organism, Paramecium: Implications for Information Processing in Microtubules
Authors:   Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran., Alipour Abolfazl , Hatam Gholamreza ,   Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran., Seradj Hassan ,   Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Information processing in microtubules is an open question that has not been adequately addressed. It was suggested that microtubules could store and process information in the nervous system or even support consciousness. The unicellular organism, Paramecium caudatum, has a microtubular structure but lacks a neuron or neural network. However, it shows intelligent behaviors such as associative learning. This property may suggest that the microtubules are involved in intelligent behavior, information storage, or information processing in this organism. Methods: To test this hypothesis and study the role of microtubules in P. caudatum learning, we utilized a learning task in which the organism associates brightness in its swimming medium with attractive cathodal shocks. To see if microtubules are an integral part of information storage and processing in P. caudatum, we disrupted the microtubular dynamics in the organism using an antimicrotubular agent (parbendazole). Results: We observed that while a partial allosteric modulator of GABA (midazolam) could disrupt the learning process in P. caudatum, the antimicrotubular agent could not interfere with the learning. Conclusion: Microtubules are probably not vital for the learning behavior in P. caudatum. Consequently, our results call for further investigation of the microtubular information processing hypothesis.
Beta-amyloid Formation, Memory and Learning Decline Following Long-term Ovariectomy Are Inhibited by Systemic Administration of Apigenin and β-estradiol
Authors:   Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Jameie Seyed Behnamedin , Pirasteh Abbas ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University Firoozabad Branch, Fars, Iran., Naseri Ali ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University Firoozabad Branch, Fars, Iran., Farhadi Mona ,   Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran., Fahanik Babaee Javad ,   Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Elyasi Leila ,   Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Objective: The increase in the number of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has led to numerous problems. The risk of developing AD increases in menopause women. Apigenin and is β-estradiol are effective antioxidant and neuroprotective agents. In order to study the combined effects of them on beta-amyloid plaque formation, memory, and learning in ovariectomized rats, the present study was designed. Methods: Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 7 groups; ovariectomized (OVX), OVX + apigenin, OVX + β-estradiol, OVX + apigenin + β-estradiol, vehicle and surgical sham. Treatment was done with apigenin and β-estradiol. The formation of β-amyloid plaques, neuronal density in the hippocampus area, apoptosis, memory, and learning was studied. Results: Findings showed the significant formation of β-amyloid plaques in the (hippocampus) area of OVX animals and memory impairment. Apigenin and β-estradiol significantly reduced the number of β-amyloid plaques, as well as the reduction of symptoms of memory impairment and learning and decreased expression of Caspase-3 in treated animals. Conclusion: Accordingly, the combination of antioxidants with E2 could have more strong therapeutic effects for AD.
The Development and Validation of a Scale for the Activities of Daily Living in Iranian Children
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Soltaninejad Hossein , Alizadeh Zarei Mehdi ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Akbarfahimi Malahat ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Azad Akram ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Rabiei Farzad ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Activities of Daily Living (ADL), as an ultimate goal of rehabilitation, rely on cultural and environmental factors. This study aimed to develop a questionnaire based on the occupational therapy practice frame to accurately evaluate Iranian children’s occupational performance. Methods: This scale was developed in two phases of planning and construction. The planning phase involved a literature review and a collection of the available evaluation tools in the area. The advice of two expert panels was used to develop a preliminary 87-item questionnaire. In the construction phase, 40 parents were surveyed to assess the popularity of the activities in Iran. After a face to content validation, the final version of the questionnaire was prepared with 93 items. Results: The final 93-item questionnaire was used to assess the ADL of 3-6-year-old children. The 93 items, selected according to criteria found in the literature and the panel of experts, were categorized into six ranges of occupational therapy practice framework (bathing/washing/personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, eating/feeding, functional mobility, and others). Conclusion: The ADL in Iranian children is a practical and culturally relevant tool for measuring the occupational performance of Iranian children. It can be used in clinical and population-based research.
Verbal Fluency Performance in Normal Adult Population in Iran: Norms and Effects of Age, Education, and Gender
Authors:   School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shirdel Saeedeh , Esmaeeli Setareh ,   School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Alavi Kaveh ,   Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Ghaemmaghami Pezhman ,   Iran Psychiatric Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shariat Seyed Vahid ,   Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Verbal fluency is a cognitive function that can be easily assessed at the bedside and provide valuable data for clinical assessment of various cognitive functions. We decided to provide a standardized test to assess verbal fluency in the Persian language, including both phonemic and semantic fluency subtests. Methods: First, three phonemes (/p/, /d/, and /ʃ/) and three categories (animals, fruits, and kitchen appliances) were selected based on a pilot study and a panel of specialists. Then, we selected 500 Persian-speaking participants (47.8% male) aged 18 to 65 years via a convenient sampling method from the general population. Participants were grouped according to age, gender, and education. They performed the verbal fluency test. Results: The Mean±SD number of generated words in letter fluency and semantic fluency was 8.3±4.1 and 18.0±5.5, respectively. Age, educational level, and mother tongue were associated with letter fluency. Semantic fluency was associated with age, gender, education level, and mother tongue. Conclusion: For a more reliable clinical assessment, we suggest using all three letters (phonemes) and three semantic categories for each subject, calculating the mean of the produced words, and comparing them with the suggested cut-off points provided for each subcategory. Age was negatively correlated with the number of generated words in letter fluency (r=-0.33; P<0.001) and semantic fluency tasks (r=-0.26; P<0.001). In the letter fluency task, there was no statistically significant difference between males and females according to the number of generated words (P=0.057). However, in semantic fluency, female participants generated more words (P=0.005). Mother tongue (Farsi) showed a significant effect both on letter fluency (t=5.55, P<0.001) and semantic fluency (t=9.41, P<0.001). Level of education had a significant association with both letter fluency (F=117.23, P<0.001) and semantic fluency (F=64.48, P<0.001).
Evaluation of Date Extract on Nerve Conduction Velocity in Male Rats
Authors:   Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran., Ebrahimi Hossein Ali , Jafari Mandana ,   Pharmaceutics Research Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran., Khanjani Narges ,   Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran., Moradi Najmeh ,   Afzalipour Medical Faculty Kerman, University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Neuropathy is a condition in which the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is disordered. Studying the effects of antioxidants on the performance improvement of this system is vital. This study aimed to investigate the effects of date extract on Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Distal Motor Latency (DML), and wave height of the sciatic nerve in male rats. Methods: This laboratory study used 24 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g, divided into the test and control groups. The test group received 10% date extract daily, at 4 mL /kg of body weight, for three weeks. In the beginning, nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Distal Motor Latency (DML), and wave height of the sciatic nerve were examined in all animals and re-examined for NCV three weeks later. P-values lower than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Sciatic NCV and wave height were significantly increased; however, compared to the control group, DML of the knee significantly declined in the test group. Conclusion: The compositions of date extract accelerate electrical signal transmission.
The Effect of Selected Yoga Exercises on Thoracic Spine Alignment and Respiratory Capacity in Children With Asthma
Authors:   Department of Corrective Exercises and Sport Injuries, University Campus, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran., Ahmadi Recabdar Mahbobeh , Sedaghati Parisa ,   Department of Corrective Exercises and Sport Injuries, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: People with asthma often have sedentary lifestyles and are less physically, mentally, and cardio-respiratory prepared than their peers. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of selected Yoga exercises on thoracic spine alignment and respiratory capacity indices in children with asthma. Methods: The present research is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. For this purpose, 30 children with mild asthma were included in the study purposefully and voluntarily. The subjects were randomly divided into a control group (15 people with mean [SD] age: 11.40 [ 2.13] years) and an experimental group (15 people with mean [SD] age: 10.60 [1.76] years). Written informed consent was obtained from the parents of the children. Flexible ruler and spirometry were used to evaluate the curvature of the thoracic spine and respiratory capacity, respectively. To analyze the results of this study, we used a dependent t test and analysis of covariance at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The present study results showed a significant difference between the thoracic spine curvature (P = 0.001) and increased respiratory capacity (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Breathing exercises and asanas of Yoga positively influence the extensor muscles of the chest and improve lung function and postural misalignment in children with asthma. Therefore, therapists, coaches, and exercise teachers are recommended to use Yoga exercises to improve the physical, postural, and respiratory indices of children with asthma.
Investigating the Relationship Between Lower Limb Flexibility With Motor Function and Risk of Falling in Visually Impaired Individuals
Authors:   Department of Health and Sport Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Mohammad Khani Kamal , Karimizadeh Ardakani Mohammad ,   Department of Health and Sport Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Mansori Mohammad Hani ,   Department of Health and Sport Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the flexibility of the ankle and knee joints and to determine its relationship with balance, motor function, and risk of falling in visually impaired individuals. Methods: The sample consisted of 32 blind males, 20-30 years old. They were selected by the purposeful sampling method. We used modified stork tests, tendon gait, and Berg balance scale to evaluate their balance. The Tinetti test was used to evaluate motor performance and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to assess the risk of falling. The SLR test and Lunge test were used to assess the range of motion of the knee and ankle joint, respectively. This study was conducted in the men’s dormitories of Tehran University in the fall of 2019. The obtained data were normalized using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Pearson correlation coefficient at the significant level of 0.05 to investigate the relationship between the variables. Results: The results of the Pearson correlation test showed a significant relationship between balance (P=0.001), motor function (P=0.002), and TUG fall risk test (P=0.010) (ankle motor restriction). On the other hand, there was a significant relationship between balance (P=0.002), motor function (P=0.001), and TUG fall risk test (P=0.003) with hamstring flexibility test (knee motor restriction). Conclusion: Given the significant relationship between the range of motion of the lower limbs with balance and motor function, the use of stretching exercises can be an influential factor in increasing the range of motion of the ankle and knee in blind people, which improves balance, motor function, and reduced risk of falling in blindness.
Comparison Between Spatiotemporal Parameters and Vertical Ground Reaction Force in Ankle Sprain Coper and Healthy Athletes: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors:   Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran., Raeisi Zaha
Published: June 2021

Purpose: It is essential to maintain dynamic stability during walking to perform daily tasks independently. The present study aimed at comparing the spatiotemporal parameters and the values of the vertical Ground Reaction Force (vGRF) as well as determining the time to reach them in ankle-sprain coper and healthy athletes during the stance phase of gait. Methods: A total of 28 female university athletes were recruited in this cross-sectional study and assigned into two groups: ankle-sprain coper (n=14) and healthy control (n=14). The gait cycle analysis was then performed on a 10-m path, and the information related to the stance phase was recorded by a foot scanning device. The spatiotemporal parameters (gait line and contact time) and the values of the vGRF along with the time to reach them were subsequently obtained from each test. The repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was additionally used to analyze the data (P≤0.05). Results: The study results revealed no differences between the injured and the healthy feet in the ankle-sprain coper group in any of the variables (P>0.05). As well, the spatiotemporal gait cycle parameters between the ankle-sprain coper group and the healthy controls were not significantly different (P>0.05). However, significant differences were observed between the ankle-sprain coper and healthy controls in terms of the variables of the vGRF in the mid-stance (F=5.25, P=0.03) and the time to reach the second peak of the vGRF (F=9.13, P=0.006). Conclusion: The spatiotemporal gait parameters were not significantly different between the ankle-sprain coper and the control groups, but the vGRF in the ankle-sprain coper was greater than that in the control group. With regard to the correlation between the reduction in the vGRF and the secondary injury, it is recommended to pay much attention to this point in rehabilitation programs following the first injury in female athletes.