Archives of Neuroscience
Year:2021 | Volume:8 | Issue:1|Papers Count:12

Background: Executive functions as a group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities necessary for our goal-directed behavior to control the skills. Acculturation is a process in which an individual acquires and adjusts to a new cultural environment. Objectives: The present study aimed to predict the ethnically diverse students’ brain executive functions based on their acculturation. Methods: In this correlational survey study, 1, 019 high school students in the city of Kabodar Ahang, a multicultural city in Hamedan Province, are investigated. In total, 280 bilingual as ethnically diverse students were selected using a relative stratifi ed random method. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) and Marin acculturation scale were used to collect data. The Pearson correlation coeffi cient, multiple regression, and step-by-step regression were employed to collect the data. Results: There is a positive association between acculturation and brain functions and inhibition components, task completion, working memory, and organization (P  0. 001). In other words, increased students’ acculturation leads to fostered brain executive functions in subscales of inhibition, task completion, working memory, and mental organization. Also, the multiple regression indicated that acculturation can predict 30% of the students’ brain function variance. Conclusions: Teachers working in multicultural regions can use the fi ndings of the present study to gain an appropriate understanding about students’ individual diff erences according to their capacity of executive functions and organizing the process of learning based on their working memory and the complexity of the task.

Background: Proprioceptive deficits are one of the most important challenges after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating innovative land-based proprioceptive training into the conventional accelerated land-based rehabilitation protocol, as compared to the conventional accelerated land-based rehabilitation protocol alone, on knee function and joint position sense in male athletes after ACLR. Methods: Thirty male athletes with ACLR were randomly assigned to two rehabilitation groups. The conventional therapy (CT) group (n = 15) received conventional rehabilitation for six weeks, and the proprioception training (PT) group (n = 15) received the same conventional rehabilitation in addition to 12 sessions of innovative land-based proprioceptive training. Outcomes included joint position sense (JPS) errors, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: There were significant differences in absolute errors (AE) (FAE = 56. 81, P < 0. 001) and variable errors (VE) (FVE = 60. 95, P < 0. 001) between the two groups. No significant differences were found in constant error (CE), VAS, and IKDC score between the two groups (P> 0. 05). Both groups showed significant changes in terms of AE, VE, VAS, and IKDC after the intervention (P< 0. 05). Percent changes after the intervention for AE, VE, CE, VAS, and IKDC were greater in the PT group than in the CT group, which were 70. 19%, 69. 22%, 66. 20%, 38. 50%, and 39. 61%, respectively. Conclusions: Innovative land-based proprioceptive training incorporated into the conventional accelerated rehabilitation protocol offers the improvement of proprioception efficiency for individuals with ACL reconstruction, and therefore, it could be useful for clinicians when designing rehabilitation protocols to ensure the optimal engagement of proprioception.

Background: External ventricular drains (EVDs) infection is a life-threatening complication. Objectives: To investigate the rate of EVDs infection and its predictive factors in neurosurgery patients hospitalized at a tertiary teaching hospital in Iran. Methods: In this survey, all patients referred to a subspecialty hospital in Tehran (Iran) with an external ventricular drain (EVDs) from Jun 23, 2018, to Jun 23, 2019, are monitored within 30 days of EVDs placement for infection. Data on demographic information, underlying diseases, number of EVD replacements, length of hospital stay, type consumed antibiotic before neurosurgery, length of tunneling, type of airway, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of surgery(hours), surgeon name, APACHE II score, length of intensive care unit stay are collected. The diagnosis was based on the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention criteria for meningitis/ventriculitis and clinical vision of infectious or critical care specialists. A logistic regression model was developed to identify factors that can predict the infection. Results: Of 81 patients with EVDs, 39 (48. 1%) were infected. The mean age of patients was 44. 33  19. 5 years, and 55. 6% of them were male. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, mechanical ventilation for more than 6 days (OR: 2. 5, 95% CI: 1. 6-3. 56, P = 0. 04) and length of tunneling > 5 cm (OR: 1. 98, 95%CI: 1. 87-4. 76, P = 0. 02) were identifi ed as factors that could predict EVD infection. Also, consuming ceftazidime + vancomycin, as a prophylaxis agent, had a lower odds ratio for EVD infection (OR: 0. 4, 95% CI: 0. 08 0. 84, P = 0. 04). Conclusions: Regarding the predictive factors of EVDs infection, either in the present study or other studies, there should be strategies to manage this life-threatening infection in neurosurgery patients.

Background: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJD) is considered an origin of low-back pain. It can change the motor control strategy and postural control (PC). Objectives: We aimed to fi nd any probable diff erences in PC between subjects with and without SIJD and determine the eff ects of the pelvic belt (PB) on PC. Methods: Thirty-eight subjects were assigned into two equal groups with and without SIJD. They started to walk from the place marked on a force plate for 10 seconds after hearing an auditory signal and performed three attempts for each foot. They repeated six more ones with PB. Raw data were imported to an excel software (version 2007) spreadsheet to calculate the reaction time (RT) and anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) as the components of PC. Results: Our results showed a signifi cant diff erence in RT between the SIJD-aff ected and non-aff ected sides (P = 0. 035), but there was no signifi cant diff erence in APA (P = 0. 057). There were signifi cant diff erences in RT and APAs between the control and SIJDaff ected side groups (P = 0. 001 and P = 0. 010, respectively). The PB application showed a signifi cant diff erence in RT and APAs of the SIJD-aff ected side (P = 0. 001 and P = 0. 047, respectively). Conclusions: It seems pain could lead to the postural sway into instability and change the motor control strategy. The proprioception signals from the neuromuscular system of SIJ improved after PB. Therefore, PB, as a feasible tool, can be recommended for PC improvement.

Background: Dexmedetomidine protective effects on apoptosis in the brain and peripheral organs have been reported in vivo and in vitro. Apoptotic factors of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)mayinfluence the prognosis of patients undergoing open discectomy surgery. Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of intrathecal dexmedetomidine administration on the CSF levels of apoptotic factors and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on patients undergoing open lumbar discectomy. Forty patients were randomly divided into control and dexmedetomidine groups. In the dexmedetomidine group, 0. 1  g/kg of dexmedetomidine was intrathecally injected after anesthesia induction. Patients’ hemodynamic status during surgery was recorded; additionally, their pain scores were recorded by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) in the recovery room. The levels of apoptotic factors including Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the CSF were measured at the beginning and end of discectomy, and the results were compared between the two groups. Results: Of the40evaluated patients, themeanlevels of caspase-3 in the interventionandcontrol groups were 2. 28 0. 35and2. 34 0. 32 ng/mL before surgery and 2. 56 0. 42 and 2. 72 0. 39 ng/mL after surgery, respectively. The levels of Bax/Bcl-2 in the intervention and control groups were 1. 01 0. 11 and 0. 89 0. 07 before surgery and 1. 28 0. 14 and 1. 16 0. 19 after surgery, respectively. The levels of these two factors were not significantly different. However, the NRS scores were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group. Conclusions: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine could significantly and safely reduce the NRS score in the intervention group but did not have any significant effect on the CSF levels of apoptotic factors before and after lumbar discectomy surgery.

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis is a sympathetic disorder characterized by prolonged and uncontrollable sweating. It is associated with emotional stress or psychological causes that preferably affects the axillae, palms, feet, and face. Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery is currently a globally recognized treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). However, compensatory sweating (CS) is the most prominent long-term adverse effect of thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Objectives: Here, we aim to perform selective sympathetic ramicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis patients and evaluate the clinical outcomes of satisfaction, as well as the effect on the frequency, location, and severity of compensatory sweating. Methods: In this single-arm trial study, 24 sympathectomies were carried out on 12 patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who were candidates for bilateral thoracoscopic selective sympathectomy (ramicotomy) at Imam Khomeini Hospital. The patients' demographic information was interviewed and followed up using telephone questionnaires in the health center one week after surgery. Then, the rates of compensatory sweating, satisfaction, and failure or recurrence were retrospectively analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed between age, gender, weight, BMI, and compensatory sweating rates. Notwithstanding, there was a statistically significant difference in the severity of compensatory sweating with patients' height (P = 0. 016). Compensatory sweating occurred in 66. 7% of the patients; 50% of the patients were mild, 16. 7% of the patients were moderate, and there was no intolerable compensatory sweating or recurrence. The most incidence of compensatory sweating was on the lower back. The rate of satisfaction was 94. 5-7. 8%. Conclusions: Selective thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ramicotomy) is an effective surgical procedure with a very high level of precision and satisfaction. This technique hence should be considered the method of choice for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic, and patients receiving immunosuppressive agents could be at a higher risk of the infection. Patients’ knowledge and behavior play a major role in their health. Physicians should provide patients with enough information regarding medication use, prevention strategies, and treatment choices in case of infection. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the attitude and knowledge of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) about COVID-19, as provided by physicians. Methods: A google form was designed, and the patients consented to fill out the survey. The participants’ basic characteristics were collected. Moreover, they were asked about COVID-19 transmission routes and prevention strategies, their concerns regarding MSrelated checkups during the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 infection tests, COVID-19 symptoms, and information they received from their physicians about what to do in case of COVID-19 infection. Results: Four hundred and ten forms were collected. The mean age of the patients and the mean duration of the disease were 34. 5  8 and 7. 2 5. 7 years, respectively. Nearly 80% of the respondents believed that patients with MS were at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, and 75% of them thought that wearing a face mask could prevent the infection transmission. Moreover, only 21% of 410 the physicians informed their patients of when to stop their medication if they were suspected to have COVID-19, and 22% of them informed their patients of where to refer in case of COVID-19 suspicion. Nearly half of all physicians prescribed immune-boosting supplements, such as selenium, zinc, and vitamin D. Conclusions: The results showed that IranianMSpatients had good knowledge regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies and transmission routes. However, they received less information from their physicians regarding medication use control, centers for admission, and physician consultation in case of COVID-19 infection.

Academic promotion has always been amongst the favorite dreams of faculty members and is encouraged by medical universities. Some of these achievements may find their true place if a chair is defined for a highly capable faculty so that the spirit of competition remains alive and rivalries are altogether banished. The dignity, grandeur, and reputation of an academician is related to the magnitude, scope, and spectrum of his/her thinking capabilities, intuitive powers, and their wise application in academic pursuits. The vaster the horizon of thinking, the greater would be the dignity of an academician. Individuals who are humble would achieve higher distinctions because of their ability to exploit their capabilities of thinking, intuition, understanding, and perception in contrast to their self-centered colleagues. Intellectuals who have managed to come out of this web of selfishness have a wider horizon of thinking and thus are able to sparkle their intellectual powers in the greater interest of the students in general and the society in particular. Scientists who have a knack and potential to excel in their specialty help in resolving the needs of people, and as such, have a distinct and vast horizon of thinking. They ponder over debatable theories, concepts, propositions, and hypotheses and are determined to find acceptable and plausible solutions to the thorny and difficult questions. Thus, dignity and grandeur totally depend on creative, innovative, and ethical standards, which are invariably found in dedicated researchers, artists, writers, scientists, and thinkers...

Objectives: The current study aimed to compare between the chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) and healthy subjects during four phases of the trunk flexion-extension task (standing, flexion, relaxation, and extension phases) by using pool coherence as well as pairwise coherence of Beta band Intermuscular coherence (Bb-IMC) and flexion relaxation phenomena. Methods: Twenty-four men with CNSLBP and 20 healthy men voluntarily participated in this study. All subjects performed three tests of Flexion-extension task (F-ET) while the surface electromyography (sEMGs) were recorded from the right erector spinal muscle of the lumbar region "1", left erector spinal muscle of the lumbar region "2", right gluteus maximus muscle"3", left gluteus maximus muscle"4", right hamstring muscle"5" and left hamstring muscle"6". Accordingly, group A contains muscles 1, 4, and 6 and group B consists of muscles 2, 3, and 5. The pool coherence (PC) and the pairwise coherence (PWC) for all the above-mentioned muscles were calculated using Beta-band intermuscular coherence analysis. Thereafter, the mean pool coherence (mPC) was considered for group A and group B for four phases of F-ET in three groups as following: CNSLBP patients group, healthy subjects group and the third group included all subjects that participated in this study, whether patients or healthy and it was called the general group. Moreover, the mean pairwise coherence (mPWC) among each pair of group A and B muscles was calculated for four phases of F-ET using Bb-IMC in CNSLBP patients and healthy subjects. Results: These results indicated a high value of A mPC in the general group and healthy subjects in the fl exion phase, whereas the same A mPC in CNSLBP patients was high in all phases of F-ET. On the other hand, while B mPC was high in the general group and healthy subjects in the extension phase; it was high in all phases of F-ET in CNSLBP patients; B mPC in CNSLBP patients was high in extension, standing, and fl exion phases. A mPWC and B mPWC were not signifi cantly different between CNSLBP patients and healthy subjects in all phases of F-ET. However, only A mPWC "1-4" and the A mPWC "4-6" were signifi cantly smaller in CNSLBP patients compared to the healthy subjects in the relaxation and fl exion phases, respectively. Hence, we suggest pool coherence of Bb-IMC, not pairwise coherence of Bb-IMC, to compare CNSLBP patients and healthy subjects. Conclusions: According to the present fi ndings, we suggest using the pool coherence of Bb-IMC in the clinical examination for CNSLBP patients and studying the probable cortical effects and the effectiveness of various treatments on corticospinal tract function in CNSLBP.

Background: Migraine is a complex disorder triggered by an interaction of multiple abnormalities involving genes, blood vessels, and brain structures. It is characterized by throbbing headaches, mostly on one side of the head. It is one of the most common causes of disability, as announced by the Global Burden of the Diseases (GBD). Objectives: We aimed at assessing disabilities in Saudi migraine patients and addressing the relation between migraine-associated disabilities and social factors in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a web-based survey randomly through social media channels to the general population around Saudi Arabia. Basic personal information, along with a confi rmation of the migraine diagnosis, were included in the fi rst part of the questionnaire, and the respondent’ s eligibility was determined to complete the survey. Specifi ed questions about the sociodemographic characteristics, migraine attacks and medications, and the items of Migraine Disability Assessment score (MIDAS), were included in the next parts of the survey. Results: Of the 480 total responses, 250 (52. 1%) eligible participants were included (mean age of 34. 84  10. 14 years; 83. 2% females). Most of the participants were married (59. 6%), had three or more kids (50. 7%), had a bachelor’ s degree (60. 8%), and 52. 8% were employed. Only 16. 4% of the subjects did regular exercise, and 16. 8% were current smokers. No signifi cant association was detected between the MIDAS score and most of the social characteristics, including marital status, number of kids, education level, occupation, and smocking. Conclusions: Most of the migraineurs in Saudi Arabia had a severe disability according to the MIDAS score. Gender, regular exercise, the severity of the disease, and frequency of attack had a statistically signifi cant relationship with migraine-related disabilities. Migraine treatment and prophylaxis were incompetent in decreasing migraine severity and related disabilities in our selected participants.

Background: Compression of the spinal cord induces alterations in protein expression of neurons and glia cells, which in turn triggers a cascade of pathophysiologic events. It’ s well-documented that activation of inhibitory proteins following spinal cord injury stimulates activation of the RhoA via neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR), which causes promotion of apoptotic cell death and inhibiting axon outgrowth. Elucidating the underlying factors driving the expressions during sustained compression is important to develop new therapeutic strategies. Objectives: To investigate the impact of compression duration on the RhoA, P75, and S100 expression in spinal cord injury model in rats. Methods: We investigated the impact of compression duration on the expression of RhoA, p75NTR, and S100 in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). Initially, rats were subjected to SCI using an aneurism clip at the T9 vertebrae lamina for 3 sec or 10 min. Sham group was subjected to laminectomy only. We compared spinal cord histopathology at 3 and 14 days after injury for both short and prolonged compressive surgery groups. At the respective scarify times points, the rats were sacrifi ced, and the pathology of the injury was studied using light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found a greater expression level of p75NTR, S100 , and RhoA in the prolonged compression group compared to the short compression group. The diff erence was statistically signifi cant, indicating that earlier decompression can prevent the progress of secondary injuries due to higher expression levels of p75NTR, S100, and RhoA. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that early decompression of the spinal cord through the changes in p75NTR, S100 , and RhoA expression may modulate secondary injury events. Besides, it was found that using diff erent inhibitors, especially for RhoA, might improve SCI-induced regeneration.

1. Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), identified on December 31st, 2019, has become a problem for governments and health care providers worldwide. While biomedical scientists continue their efforts to develop vaccines and medications, the social and neuropsychological aspects of COVID-19 and its impacts on the cognitive process should not be ignored (1, 2). . .