Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Stroke Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection and its Pathogenesis: A Systematic Review
569
586
EN
Samaneh
Kazemi
Deputy of Research and Technology, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
samaneh.kazemi@ymail.com
N
Arash
Pourgholaminejad
Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
arash_pgn@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-6786-3386
Alia
Saberi
Department of Neurology, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
alia.saberi1@gmail.com
Y
0000-0001-7842-7328
10.32598/bcn.2021.3277.1
Introduction: In this systematic review, we will discuss the change of stroke incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic period and the proposed mechanisms of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and stroke.
Methods: Web of Science, PMC/Medline, and Scopus databases were searched until July 2020 without time and language limitations. After quality assessment, 22 articles were included in this study.
Results: Based on the results, it is impossible to conclude any definite relationship between the rising or decreasing stroke frequency or the shift in the ischemic and hemorrhagic ratio and SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it appears that SARS-CoV-2 infection has some correlation with stroke. The supposed mechanisms for the SARS-CoV-2-related hemorrhagic stroke include 1) SARS-CoV-2-related vasculopathy with the endothelial damage of small vessels, 2) viral infection-induced platelet dysfunction or thrombocytopenia, and 3) activation of the proinflammatory cascade leading to coagulopathy. The helpful strategies are receiving therapeutic anticoagulation for high D-dimer or a known thrombus due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in some patients. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms for the SARS-CoV-2-related ischemic stroke include 1) dysregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (a key host cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2)-related physiologic functions, 2) endothelial cell damages, 3) thrombo-inflammation, and 4) coagulopathy and coagulation abnormalities related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusion: A better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and its relation to neurologic abnormalities such as stroke can help to design new therapeutic approaches.
SARS-CoV-2, Stroke, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, Blood coagulation disorders, Cerebrovascular disorders
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2119-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2119-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
The Effect of Brain Teaser Games on the Attention of Players Based on Hormonal and Brain Signals Changes
587
596
EN
Hamed
Aliyari
Center for Human-Engaged Computing, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi, Japan.
hamedaliyary@gmail.com
N
0000-0001-5496-2756
Hedayat
Sahraei
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
h.sahrae@bmsu.ac.ir
N
0000-0001-9235-0013
Sahar
Golabi
Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical sciences, Abadan, Iran.
sgolabister@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-1210-7222
Masoomeh
Kazemi
Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
mkazemih@yahoo.com
Y
0000-0002-4031-8967
Mohammad Reza
Daliri
Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
daliri@iust.ac.ir
N
0000-0001-9241-8751
Behrouz
Minaei-Bidgoli
Departmentl of Computer Engineering, School of Computer Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
bminae@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-4581-3879
10.32598/bcn.2021.724.9
Introduction: Computer games as an interactive media play a significant role in the cognitive and behavioral health of the players. Computer games have either positive or negative effects on cognitive indices among players. They also directly influence the lifestyle and quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults. The present study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of the brain teaser game on players.
Methods: Among 45 male volunteers, 40 subjects with an average age of 20 years were recruited and divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. All required tests were conducted before and after the intervention (playing the game) on the experimental group. Also, the same tests were performed on the control group, in which the participants were not allowed to play the game. All participants completed a questionnaire comprised demographic characteristics and specific information regarding the game (e.g., game style and hours spent on playing the game). The saliva samples were collected to measure levels of cortisol and α-amylase. The salivary α-amylase (sAA) and cortisol levels were analyzed using the relevant ELISA kits. The cognitive tests were performed using PASAT software before and after the game to assess the perceptual-cognitive abilities of the players. The brain waveforms were acquired by a 14-channel Emotiv brain signal recording device before and after the game. Data analysis was conducted in R and MATLAB software.
Results: PASAT test suggested that mental health and sustained attention were significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, the sAA and salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher before the intervention. The results of the brainwave analysis revealed that stress index and attention were significantly higher before the intervention.
Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that brain teaser games positively influence the central nervous system and activate stress path, leading to changes in brain signals and subsequently improved cognitive elements, such as attention among players.
Brain teaser, EEG, Stress, Cortisol, α-Amylase, Attention
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1635-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1635-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Recovery: A Program to Promote Metacognition in People With Substance Use Disorders
597
606
EN
Tara
Rezapour
Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.
Tara_rezapour@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-8073-7648
Mohammad
Barzegari
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
mbarzegari.k@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-1522-7959
Elham
Sharifi
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
elhamsharifi2003@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-9562-557X
Nastaran
Malmir
Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
nastaranmalmir@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-2906-1336
Hamidreza
Ghiasvand
Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran.
hamidrezaghiyasvand@yahoo.com
N
Mohammad
Salehi
Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
drmsalehi@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-7459-9472
Alireza
Noroozi
Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
a_r_noroozi@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-5838-4348
Hamed
Ekhtiari
Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
hekhtiari@laureateinstitute.org
Y
0000-0001-6902-8798
10.32598/bcn.2021.809.3
Introduction: A brief neuroscience-informed psychoeducation program (Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Recovery [NIPER]) was developed to promote awareness (metacognition) in the main cognitive domains affected by drug and alcohol use to increase willingness to invest time and effort in the brain and cognition recovery process. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the NIPER program and its potential effectiveness in increasing metacognition, psychological wellbeing, and willingness for the brain and cognition recovery programs among patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
Methods: A total of 56 patients with SUDs were recruited from four outpatient treatment centers in Tehran City, Iran. They participated in four 90-min weekly sessions delivered adjunct to their routine treatment. The program’s effectiveness was measured in terms of metacognition and psychological wellbeing at baseline and the end of the program. The rate of adherence and participation and willingness to continue with brain and cognition recovery programs were measured as feasibility outcomes.
Results: A total of 51 participants completed the study. Compared to the baseline assessments, patients reported more problems in dimensions of attention, memory, inhibitory control, decision making, motor/speech, interoception, insight, and a higher level of psychological wellbeing (t=4.66; P<0.001). In terms of feasibility outcomes, the adherence and participation rates were found above 85%. Most participants expressed their high willingness to continue the brain and cognition recovery programs (86.2%) and would introduce NIPER to their peers (98%).
Conclusion: Considering the pilot results in terms of feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of NIPER in the clinical context of addiction treatment, we think that NIPER is a potentially beneficial intervention to be offered to people with SUD. It would increase their awareness and engage them in the brain and cognition recovery process. However, the clinical efficacy of the intervention should be tested in future randomized clinical trials.
Psychoeducation, Substance use disorders, Metacognition, Awareness, Neuroscience
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2058-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2058-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Environmental Enrichment Ameliorates Psychological Dependence Symptoms and Voluntary Morphine Consumption in Morphine Withdrawn Rats Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment
607
616
EN
Marjan
Lari
Department of Clinical Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
lari.marjan@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-2068-6076
Hossein
Miladi-Gorji
Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
miladi331@yahoo.com
Y
0000-0003-3948-4703
Mahmoud
Najafi
Department of Clinical Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
najafy2001ir@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-1160-2117
Ali-Mohammad
Rezaei
Department of Educational Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
rezaei_am@semnan.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-5968-1571
10.32598/bcn.12.5.886.3
Introduction: Previous studies have shown that physical and psychological dependence and the vulnerability to relapse are still present during MMT. Thus, this study examined whether Enriched Environment (EE) would attenuate anxiety, depressive, and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors, as well as voluntary morphine consumption following Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) in morphine withdrawn rats.
Methods: The rats were injected bi-daily doses (10 mg/kg, 12-h interval) of morphine for 14 days. Then, the rats were reared in a Standard Environment (SE) or EE for 30 more days during morphine withdrawal, simultaneous with receiving MMT. The rats were tested for anxiety (the Elevated Plus Maze [EPM]) and depression (Sucrose Preference Test [SPT]), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as grooming behavior, and voluntary morphine consumption using a Two-Bottle Choice (TBC) paradigm.
Results: The findings revealed that EE experience in morphine withdrawn rats under MMT significantly increased the EPM open-arm time and higher sucrose preference than SE rats. Also, we found that the EE decreased the self-grooming behavior and morphine preference ratio in morphine withdrawn rats receiving MMT compared to the SE group.
Conclusion: We conclude that exposure to EE decreased methadone-induced anxiety, depressive and OCD-like behaviors, and voluntary morphine consumption in morphine withdrawn rats under MMT. Thus, the EE seems to be one of the strategies for reducing MMT-induced behavioral dysfunction and the risk of relapse induced by morphine withdrawal.
Morphine-withdrawn rats, Methadone, Enriched environment, Anxiety, Depression, Grooming, Morphine preference
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1728-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1728-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Neurosphere-Free Transdifferentiation of Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells Into Retinal Cells and Retinal Pigment Epithelium
617
628
EN
Hamid
AboutalebKadkhodaeian
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
habootaleb92@gmail.com; habootaleb@semums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0002-9736-9722
Hamidreza
Sameni
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
hrsameni@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-2669-6697
Ali
Shahbazi
Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
shahbazi.a@iums.ac.ir
N
0000-0001-5222-4792
10.32598/bcn.2021.1055.3
Introduction: Neurosphere-free transdifferentiation of bone marrow stem cells into Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) and Retinal Cells (RCs) in vitro could offer an exceptional opportunity to study cell replacement in degenerative eye diseases. Thus, a simple and efficient protocol for retinal cells production from transdifferentiation of rat BMSCs in the neurosphere-free state is reported.
Methods: Extracted BMSCs from hooded pigment rats were exposed to a single-step protocol, including neurosphere-free, containing a cocktail medium that induced transdifferentiation into Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) and retinal cells.
Results: The results showed morphological differentiation changes in vitro. Also, the expressed retinal pigment epithelium and retinal cell markers, such as retinal orthodenticle homeobox 2 (23.45%), retinal pigment epithelium protein 65 (91.54%), cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (91.21%), vascular endothelial growth factor (94.79%), rhodopsin (57.19%), glial fibrillary acidic protein (28.33%), and neurofilament 200 (24.55%).
Conclusion: Overall, these findings showed that a protocol without using basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and B-27 supplements could generate RPE and retinal cells in vitro.
Neurosphere-free, Rat bone marrow stem cells, Retinal cells, Retinal pigment epithelium, Transdifferentiation
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1992-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1992-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Alterations Following Subchronic Administration of Aqueous Extract of Erythrophleum Ivorense Stem Bark in Mice
629
638
EN
Olamide
Adebiyi
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
olamideadebiyi24@gmail.com
Y
0000-0003-1541-1163
Oluwasina
Ajayi
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
zynaluga@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-0920-2552
Funmilayo
Olopade
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
funmiolopade@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-0868-9637
10.32598/bcn.2021.1057.2
Introduction: Erythrophleum Ivorense (EI) is a tree found across tropical Africa. The bark of EI is widely used as hunting poisons for animals and ordeal poison in humans. Eating this plant causes paralysis, respiratory distress, and amnesia. In folklore, these behavioral changes have been attributed to guilt in victims; nonetheless, no scientific evidence supports this claim. Thus, the mechanism of neurotoxicity and behavioral alteration of this plant should be investigated.
Methods: A total of 48 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into four groups. The three experimental groups were administered an aqueous extract of EI in a single daily dose of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg bodyweight for 28 days, while the control group received distilled water. Afterward, the motor coordination, learning, memory, and grip strength of the mice were accessed with wire grip, Morris water maze, and inverted wire mesh grid grip tests. Histological staining of brain sections was also carried out.
Results: At all tested doses, the aqueous extract of EI caused a significant reduction in hanging latency, significantly increased escape latency, and decreased duration of the target platform in the Morris water maze test compared to control. Reduced grip strength was also observed in the test groups compared to the control. Histology revealed dysmorphic and disoriented Purkinje cells and loss of this cell layer of the cerebellum.
Conclusion: Erythrophleum ivorense administration altered motor coordination, learning and memory, and grip strength in mice dose-dependently. It also caused disruption of granule cells layer, loss of Purkinje cells, and altered cerebellar anatomy leading to motor deficits in mice.
Erythrophleum ivorense, Purkinje neurons, Learning, Memory, Motor deficit
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1517-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1517-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
New Biomarkers Based on Smoking-Related Phenotypes for Smoking Cessation Outcomes of Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Prospective Study
639
650
EN
Arash
Nikkholgh
Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
arash.nikkholgh@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-7582-2111
Soltan Ahmad
Ebrahimi
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran.
soltan.ahmad.ebrahimi@gmail.com
N
0000-0003-3794-4198
Enayatollah
Bakhshi
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
bakhshi@razi.tums.ac.ir.
N
0000-0001-6566-9723
Mohammad-Reza
Zarrindast
Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
zarinmr@ams.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-0688-5378
Yazdan
Asgari
Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
yasgari@sina.tums.ac.ir
N
Anahita
Torkaman-Boutorabi
Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
a_torkaman@sina.tums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0003-2045-7668
10.32598/bcn.2021.1552.1
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.
Cotinine, Carbon monoxide, Nicotine replacement therapy, Smoking cessation
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1939-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1939-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Evaluation of the GABAA Receptor Expression and the Effects of Muscimol on the Activity of Wide Dynamic Range Neurons Following Chronic Constriction Injury of Sciatic Nerve in Rats
651
666
EN
Mehdi
Sadeghi
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
sadeghi_mehdi@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-4313-7886
Homa
Manaheji
Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
manahejih@sbmu.ac.ir, hshardimanaheji@yahoo.com
Y
0000-0002-1684-0843
Jalal
Zaringhalam
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
jzaringhalam@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-4637-1686
Abbas
Haghparast
Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
haghparast@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-1084-180X
Samad
Nazemi
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
samadnazemi@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-5081-6273
Zahra
Bahari
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
bahari_441@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-3205-1235
Seyed Mohammad
Noorbakhsh
Science Beam Institute, Tehran, Iran.
info@sciencebeam.com
N
0000-0003-4666-4200
10.32598/bcn.2021.1726.1
Introduction: The modality of γ-aminobutyric acid type a receptors (GABAA) controls dorsal horn neuronal excitability and inhibits sensory information. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the GABAA receptor and the effects of its agonist muscimol on Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) neuronal activity in the Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain.
Methods: Adult male Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were used to induce CCI neuropathy. Fourteen days after surgery, muscimol (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg IP) was injected. Then, the behavioral tests were performed. After that, the animals were killed, and the lumbar segments of the spinal cords were collected for Western blot analysis of the GABAA receptor α1 subunit expression. The electrophysiological properties of WDR neurons were studied by single-unit recordings in separate groups 14 days after CCI.
Results: The outcomes indicated the development of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia after neuropathy; nonetheless, the expression of the GABAA receptor α1 subunit did not change significantly. Moreover, the evoked responses of the WDR neurons to electrical, mechanical, and thermal stimuli increased considerably. Fourteen days after CCI, muscimol administration decreased thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, and hyper-responsiveness of the WDR neurons in CCI rats.
Conclusion: The modulation of the spinal GABAA receptors after nerve injury can offer further insights to design new therapeutic agents to reduce neuropathic pain symptoms.
Neuropathic pain, Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI), γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor, Muscimol, Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) neurons
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1496-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1496-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
The Role of Oxidant-Antioxidant Status in Suicide Behavior in Kurdish Ethnicity
667
674
EN
Mahin
Oshnokhah
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
m.oshnokhah@gmail.com
N
Maryam
Bagheri
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
maryam.bagheri@medilam.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-4188-6288
Hori
Ghaneialvar
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
ghaneihuri@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-4536-6041
Karimeh
Haghani
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
Haghani.bio@gmail.com
N
Ali
Khorshidi
Department of Epidemiology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
khorshidi-a@medilam.ac.ir
N
Ali
Shahbazi
Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
shahbazial@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-5222-4792
Sajjad
Salari
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
sajjad.salari@medilam.ac.ir
Y
0000-0001-6892-2544
10.32598/bcn.2021.1917.1
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.
Suicide behavior, Oxidative stress, TAC, MDA, SOD
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1545-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1545-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex to Reduce the Symptoms of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
675
680
EN
Sina
Shafiezadeh
Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.
sina.shafiezadeh@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-5462-4893
Mansoureh
Eshghi
Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.
ma.eshghi137@gmail.com
N
Zahra
Dokhaei
Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.
psychzd@gmail.com
N
Hossein
Mohajeri
Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
hosseinmohajeri19288@gmail.com
N
Atiyeh
MohammadShirazi
Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
atiyeh.mohammadshirazi@gmail.com
N
Sara
Mirsadeghi
Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
sara.mirsadeghi.sm@gmail.com
N
Peyman
Hasani Abharian
Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.
abharian@iricss.org
Y
0000-0002-7943-7146
10.32598/bcn.2021.1920.2
Introduction: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most common debilitating mental disorders with a prevalence rate of 2% to 3% in the general population. Previous studies have indicated abnormalities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of OCD patients; thus, we decided to use transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to decline these patients’ symptoms.
Methods: A total of 24 patients with OCD participated in this study with the hope of improvement after the application of tDCS. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups of Sham, Right DLPFC, and Left DLPFC. tDCS was applied for five consecutive days and in each session, patients were subjected to 2 mA current flow for two 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute rest in between (every session lasted for 40 minutes).
Results: Subsequently, the changes in obsessive-compulsive level and cognitive functions were evaluated via Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) by comparing the results before (pre-test) and after (post-test) tDCS treatment.
Conclusion: Ultimately, the scores of the Yale-Brown scale in the Left DLPFC group showed significant changes after treatment with tDCS (mean difference compared to the sham group: -6.18 and P≤0.05). Hereupon, this study demonstrated that transcranial direct current stimulation may cause improvements in symptoms of OCD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Transcranial direct current stimulation, Yale-Brown test
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1568-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1568-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
A Neurochemical and Electrophysiological Study on the Combined Effects of Caffeine and Nicotine in the Cortex of Rats
681
692
EN
Iman M.
Mourad
Department of Zoology, School of Science, Cairo University, Egypt.
emanmourad@rocketmail.com
N
0000-0003-1061-6506
Neveen A.
Noor
Department of Zoology, School of Science, Cairo University, Egypt.
emanmourad@rocketmail.com
N
0000-0002-4852-2508
Haitham S.
Mohammed
Department of Biophysics, School of Science, Cairo University, Egypt.
haitham_sharaf@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-6055-9514
Heba S.
Aboul Ezz
Department of Zoology, School of Science, Cairo University, Egypt.
hebasal@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-1923-6155
Yasser A.
Khadrawy
Department of Medical Physiology, Medical Division, National Research Center, Egypt.
yaserask@yahoo.com
Y
0000-0003-2562-535X
10.32598/bcn.2021.2100.1
Introduction: Caffeine and nicotine are the most widely consumed psychostimulants worldwide. Although the effects of each drug alone on the central nervous system have been studied extensively, the literature on the neurochemical and electrophysiological effects of their combined treatments is scarce. The present study investigated the cortical electrophysiological and neurochemical alterations induced by acute administration of caffeine and nicotine in rats.
Methods: The rats received caffeine and nicotine at a 1-hour interval between the two treatments.
Results: Caffeine and nicotine administration resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of cortical amino acid neurotransmitters, namely glutamate, aspartate, glycine, and taurine, while γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) significantly increased. Increased cortical lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione and nitric oxide levels and acetylcholinesterase and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activities were also observed. The Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed an increase in delta frequency power band, whereas theta, beta-1, and beta-2 decreased after caffeine and nicotine treatment.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that caffeine and nicotine adversely exacerbate their stimulant effects manifested by the EEG changes mediated by increasing cholinergic transmission and disturbing the balance between the excitatory and inhibitory amino acids leading to oxidative stress.
Caffeine, Nicotine, Electroencephalogram, Oxidative stress, Amino acid neurotransmitters
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1631-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1631-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Effect of Neurofeedback Training on Aggression and Impulsivity in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
693
702
EN
Zahra
Dashbozorgi
Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
zahradb2000@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-9603-8032
Amin
Ghaffari
Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
amin.ghaffari@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-7144-7681
Samaneh
Karamali Esmaili
Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
esmaeili.s@iums.ac.ir
N
0000-0002-0162-3424
Jamal
Ashoori
Department of Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University.
Jamal_ashoori@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-5371-040X
Ali
Moradi
Orthopedic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
ralimoradi@gmail.com
N
0000-0003-3866-0867
Pooria
Sarvghadi
Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
sarvghadi.pooria@gmail.com
Y
0000-0002-1443-5916
10.32598/bcn.2021.2363.1
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.
ADHD, Neurofeedback, Aggression, Impulsivity
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1695-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1695-en.pdf
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
2008-126X
2228-7442
12
5
2021
9
1
Guillain-Barre Syndrome and COVID-19 Vaccine: A Report of Nine Patients
703
710
EN
Narges
Karimi
Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
drkarimi_236@yahoo.com
N
0000-0001-5912-3732
Reza
Boostani
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
boostanir@mums.ac.ir
N
0000-0001-7998-9592
Farzad
Fatehi
Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Fatehifa@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-6774-7825
Akram
Panahi
Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Akram.panahii61@gmail.com
N
0000-0003-3746-1831
Ali Asghar
Okhovat
Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Aliokhi20@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-9286-4943
Bentolhoda
Ziaadini
Department of Neurology, Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran.
Dr.bentalhodaziaadini@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-9286-4943
Keivan
Basiri
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
basiri.keivan@gmail.com
N
0000-0001-8621-9625
Siamak
Abdi
Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
siamak.abdi@yahoo.com
N
0000-0002-1339-346X
Farnaz
Sinaei
Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
farnazsinaei@gmail.com
N
0000-0002-7332-7317
Mojtaba
Rezaei
Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
morezaeis@gmail.com
N
0000-0001-7855-7659
Gholamreza
Shamsaei
Neurology Department, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
grshamsaei@gmail.com
N
0000-0001-9596-9882
Behnaz
Ansari
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
ansaribehnaz@yahoo.com
N
0000-0003-0368-5888
Shahriar
Nafissi
Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
nafisi@sina.tums.ac.ir
Y
0000-0003-4763-4310
10.32598/bcn.2021.3565.1
Introduction: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy usually elicited by an upper respiratory tract infection. Several studies reported GBS associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. In this study, we described nine GBS patients following the COVID-19 vaccine.
Methods: In this study, nine patients were introduced from six referral centers for neuromuscular disorders in Iran between April 8 and June 20, 2021. Four patients received the Sputnik V, three patients received the Sinopharm, and two cases received the AstraZeneca vaccine. All patients were diagnosed with GBS evidenced by nerve conduction studies and/or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Results: The median age of the patients was 54.22 years (ranged 26-87 years), and seven patients were male. The patients were treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) or Plasma Exchange (PLEX). All patients were discharged with some improvements.
Conclusion: The link between the COVID-19 vaccine and GBS is not well understood. Given the prevalence of GBS over the population, this association may be coincidental; therefore, more studies are needed to investigate a causal relationship.
Coronavirus-2019, Vaccine, Guillain-Barre syndrome, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2223-en.html
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2223-en.pdf