mohammad nami

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback-based treatments on the brain networks of primary school children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The purpose of this research is a quasi-experimental study with a comparison group with random assignment, pre-test-post-test. The purpose of quasi-experimental research is to find possible causes of a behavior pattern. The pre-test and post-test design with control group is one of the experimental designs in which subjects are randomly selected and replaced in different groups using the same method. In this research, neurofeedback-based treatment is considered as an independent variable, and its effectiveness on the brain networks of primary school children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is considered as a dependent variable. The statistical population includes all primary school children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder who refer to related centers in Shiraz city. The sample size is 160 people. The sampling method is targeted in such a way that 30 patients were selected from the relevant medical centers that had active treatment cases in the spring and summer season and amounted to 160 cases. The participants were identified and evaluated based on the Connors questionnaire (parent form) as well as clinical interviews with parents and children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The results obtained from the present study indicate that the neurofeedback intervention has shown the greatest effect in the temporal region on the right side in theta and alpha waves and the theta wave on the opposite side. In the results obtained from the Coherence Quantitative Assessment Scale, it showed the most changes in the Fp1/Fp2 area in delta, alpha and beta waves, as well as F3/F4 in delta, theta and alpha waves to a greater extent, and also in T3/T4 on the delta wave. Also, O1/O2 on theta wave, F7/F8 on beta wave, F7/T5 on alpha wave and C3/C4 were seen to a lesser extent.

The studies showed that neurofeedback along with cognitive tasks was able to reduce the symptoms of attention deficit disorder and hence it is an effective method to reduce the symptoms of this disorder. The results showed the effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating the symptoms of attention deficit disorder and this study found the effect size reported a significant effect for the treatment of attention deficit and impulsivity and a moderate effect size for the treatment of hyperactivity. In many other researches,

Since brain temperature fluctuations are related to cognitive disorders, regulating brain temperature has become a key focus in cognitive studies. This study examined the effect of frontopolar cortical cooling on working memory using a cortical thermal stimulation device (CTSD).  This phase II, randomized, controlled trial included twenty participants randomly divided into two groups to receive 30 minutes of frontopolar cortical cooling across four sessions. The control group received sham cooling, while the intervention group received real cooling. Spatial working memory tests were recorded from both groups before and after the first and after the fourth sessions. The cortical thermal stimulation device used for cooling operates through the flow of water and alcohol in a closed loop. After four sessions of frontopolar cortical cooling, a significant improvement in working memory was observed. The analysis of working memory results, based on an ANCOVA test, showed an improvement in the Spatial Working Memory (SWM) test in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Considering the positive effect of frontopolar cortical cooling on working memory capacity, the results suggest that using an appropriate tool for cooling the cerebral cortex could become a practical approach in cognitive rehabilitation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of treatments based on sensory integration on the brain networks of primary school children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The purpose of this research is a quasi-experimental study with a comparison group with random assignment, pre-test-post-test. The purpose of quasi-experimental research is to find possible causes of a behavior pattern. The pre-test and post-test design with control group is one of the experimental designs in which subjects are randomly selected and replaced in different groups using the same method. In this research, the treatment based on sensory integration is considered as an independent variable, and its effectiveness on the brain networks of primary school children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is considered as a dependent variable. The statistical population includes all primary school children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder who refer to related centers in Shiraz city. The sample size is 160 people.

Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) is a tool helping better understand the electrical activity of the brain and a non-invasive method to assess cortical activity. To date, the brain activity of patients with chronic patellofemoral pain (PFP) has not been investigated. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of PFP on higher levels of the central nervous system by assessing the correlation between QEEG and modified excursion balance test (mSEBT) in patients with PFP. Twenty-two patients with chronic PFP participated in this observational study. Their cortical electrical activity was recorded in a resting state with their eyes open, via a 32-channel QEEG. C3, C4, and Cz were considered as regions of interest. In addition to QEEG, the balance performance of the participants was evaluated via mSEBT. The obtained findings revealed a negative and moderate to high correlation between theta absolute power and posteromedial direction of mSEBT in C4 (P: 0.000, r: -0.68), Cz (P: 0.001, r: -0.66), and C3 (P 0.000, r: -0.70). Additionally, a significantly close correlation is between alpha absolute power in C3 (P: 0.001, r: -0.70), C4 (P: 0.000, r: -0.71), and Cz (P: 0.000, r: -0.74) and the posteromedial direction of mSEBT. No significant correlations were between the other two directions of mSEBT, alpha, and theta.  According to our results, balance impairment in patients with chronic PFP correlated with their QEEG neurodynamics. Moreover, our findings demonstrated the efficiency of QEEG as a neuromodulation method for patients with PFP.

The optimal design and construction of high-performance buildings to ensure the inhabitants' health, both physically and mentally, has attracted many designers. Maintaining appropriate daylight is one of the most important variables in designing of high-quality residential buildings. Indeed, it has a great impact on creating a sense of desirability, health and relaxation. The main question of this study was the relationship between the intensity of light and the activity of areas outside the brain's default mode network and its effects on the level of sustained attention. Based on the research question, the hypothesis was presented as follows: Low light inhibits sustained attention and regions outside the DMN are expected to be activated by increased light. The study results indicated that the measurable intensity of daylight, can meaningfully influence the examinees. In other words, ambient light at the intensity of 197 lux may activate some brain areas with a defining role in cognitive processes. This would help in activation of the default mode network and helping one to stay even more vigilant during the whole process. This could help better designing architectural spaces such as residential buildings, classrooms and meeting rooms, in which light is a key content of design where vigilance is concerned. It is suggested that researchers, in future studies, pay attention to the effect of other factors on the intensity of illumination, such as Dimensions and type of architectural space, type of materials, color, and absorption coefficient of walls and floors.

To address a hyperarousal model with daytime qEEG frequency bands fluctuations in frontal, central, and parietal regions in Psychophysiological insomnia(PPI) compared to good sleepers(GS).

qEEGs in resting states of Patients with Psychophysiological insomnia (n = 16) were contrasted with those with good sleep (n = 20). To serve this purpose, the daytime hyperarousal model is developed with a linear model.

psychophysiological insomnia(PPI) recorded significantly high beta band activity in all brain regions as their eyes closed condition compare to the control. In addition, low frequency in the frontal region and high frequency in the parietal and central regions were detected in eyes open conditions.

The hyperarousal model results suggest that patients with psychophysiological insomnia were undergoing daytime neurophysiological hyperarousal because of upregulation in arousal and low-frequency band fluctuation in the frontal region in eyes closed condition is the most effective index.

Bilingualism is the ability to speak or understand two languages or the regular use of two languages. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in metaphor processing areas in bilingual and monolingual children based on brain maps. We used the tool for measuring metaphor perception and reaction time in children developed by (Pouscoulous and Tomasello, 2019) and the Quantitative electroencephalogram device. Participants were 30 children aged 7 to 11 years. The results revealed no significant difference between the groups in terms of the correctness of the answer content about the metaphors, According to QEEG analysis, the significant difference in absolute power between the bilingual and monolingual groups is only at point T5 and in beta, beta1 and high beta waves - bilinguals are less than monolinguals - 25, 35 and 19%, respectively.

One of the critical parts of human life is sleeping. Sleep Deprivation (SD) is defined as sleep-loss status generally caused by personal or environmental reasons. It becomes an inherent problem to shift work, e.g., Intensive Care Unit (ICU) physicians or drivers, is prevalent in modern society and profoundly affectscognitive function, attention, learning, and working memory.

The data set obtained from Stockholm University in the Sleepy Brain project was evaluated using brain image analysis software, FSL. The statistical double regression method was used to investigate the significant differences between different brain regions. According to the Yeo Atlas, the components of the independent group analysis were assigned to seven brain networks. For this purpose, the brain communication matrix was calculated for two fundamental quantities before and after SD. The first quantity is the intra-network communication for each network’s independent components, and the second quantity is the intra-network communication, indicating the weakening or strengthening of the communication between the seven introduced networks.

A significant difference was found between N1 and N5 networks (Five networks related to visual function and limbic network) among five networks for which intra-network comparison is possible. In addition, significant differences were observed between networks for N1-N7, N2-N6, N3-N7, and finally, N4-N6 networks in SD and normal conditions.

The relationship between visual and limbic networks between regions and brain networks that are statistically significant in people with SD and normal people can be interpreted as affecting the cognitive functions of memory and attention.

Human brain performance and arousal are still challenging and critical, especially in environments such as power plants. Since different emotions are common in daily work life and have inevitable effects on cognitive performance, it is important to evaluate whether emotional interventions can alter brain arousal. Poor cognitive performance in control room operators (CROs) can lead to mental fatigue and affect their cognitive emotion regulation. To address this issue, flicker fusion frequency (FFF) was employed as a simple and reproducible surrogate index for mental fatigue.

This study aimed to investigate whether emotionally loaded visual stimuli can alter brain arousal (brain fatigue) or is associated with cognitive emotion regulation (CER) ability.

Flicker fusion frequency was assessed by RT-961, and the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) was adopted as the picture database of stimuli. Additionally, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) was used to determine the participants’ cognitive emotion CER ability. Twenty volunteer CROs from Fars Combined Cycle Power Plant participated in this study. After completing the CERQ, they were assessed at 2 different time points (ie, before and after presenting emotional stimuli). Flicker fusion frequency was assessed 20 times at each round, and the average frequency was recorded. Emotionally loaded images were considered as stimuli. The stimuli sets were classified based on their arousal levels and valences, yet they were presented in random order. Subjects were exposed to each image for 5 seconds (30 minutes in total).

The participants’ mean age was 39.55 ± 7.02 years. The first and second FFFs were 42.15 ± 3.90 and 41.96 ± 3.98 in the appropriate group and 42.82 ± 3.59 and 42.26 ± 4.07 in the inappropriate group. Based on the statistical tests, there were no significant relationships between the measurements (P > 0.05).

Control room operators may positively maintain their brain arousal during specific emotional stimuli when the intervention lasts less than 30 minutes. Considering the prolonged working hours in such industries (roughly over 8 hours a day) and the importance of cognitive aptitude in preventing work-related errors, we propose this line of research to gain momentum.

Despite the novelty in methodologies, User behavior study based on brain activity during information-seeking stages has become popular among information science researchers. This paper reviews scientific publications in which information-seeking behavior has been studied along with recorded brain activity to shed light on research status, challenges, and suggestions for future studies. Based on Kitchenham & Charters (2007) framework, a complete web search was performed in English and Persian scientific databases, and 22 publications in English were found as the final result, from 2007 to 2020. Review results demonstrate that exploring the user status (10 papers) and brain wave activity during information-seeking episodes (12 papers) were the most dominant subjective approaches in the field of user behavior studies. Cognitive load was found as an effective cognitive component on user status. With eye movement measurement and brain waves frequency study, 3 factors were found effective on cognitive load level generated during information searching and processing: searching media type, information representation, and text reading style. Brain wave activity and pupil dilation analysis were the most important measures in user status during search stages, and alpha and theta band waves were demonstrated as an index for cognitive load measurement during the information searching process. A correlation among eye data, search behavior, task complexity based on user experience, and cognitive style – as another effective factor on user status- led to results in different information searching behavior demonstrations. Also, 3 main stages were analyzed in the information-seeking process, based on brain wave activity: information exploring and query formulation, query reformulation and selection, relevance judgment, and decision making. Results showed a difference between brain activity areas, and differences in pupil dilation change level and alpha/beta frequency level during different search episodes. For future research, some suggestions were offered based on reviews. Finding relations between correlations among cognitive styles, task features, and domain knowledge during information searching process, personalized information retrieval improvement, more collaboration between information science and neurocognitive specialists, research in more user affective status like aggression and fatigue during the search process, using more economic methods and portable devices aiming to reduce research costs and expenses, facilitating larger sample studies and designing standard tasks were considered as a suggestion. Finally, some challenges were found based on reviewed studies. Some concepts like relevance feedback in information retrieval need more investigation. Also, it is necessary to investigate and explore user affections during the search process with multiple approaches.

Cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies define as cognition-based responses according to emotion-eliciting experiences that can change the type and severity of individuals’ reactions and behaviors. This modification may positively or negatively affect cognitive performance and therefore, it is a defining issue in the workplace. Notably, industries such as combined cycle power plants need to hire staff with a high cognitive ability to perform their duties in a highly efficient way. Since CER is of great importance for overall health and cognitive performance, we aimed to evaluate the state of CER among control room operators (CROs) in the Fars combined cycle power plant.

The CER questionnaire (CERQ) measures nine cognitive coping strategies (i.e., self-blame, other-blame, rumination, catastrophizing, positive refocusing, planning, positive reappraisal, putting into perspective, and acceptance) that are followed when an individual confronts negative events. The CERQ (short version) was administered to 57 male CROs at the Fars combined cycle power plant. The questionnaire also collected demographic data. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 25.0. For the normality test, Shapiro-Wilk was the method of choice.

Results of the CERQ scoring showed that the median with interquartile range (IQR) in appropriate and inappropriate categories were 3.50 (3.30-4.00) and 2.62 (2.25-3.06), respectively. Of note, age (39.07 ±6.19) and work experience (14.49±6.26) were not significantly correlated with the results of CERQ.

Taken together, adaptive cognitive strategies (acceptance, positive refocusing, planning, positive reappraisal, and putting into perspective) were reported to be used more often than less adaptive strategies. In general, staff strategies were appropriate while facing a negative event. Although assessing CER in high-demand workplaces is necessary, factors such as managerial styles, job engagement, job satisfaction, and larger sample size should be further studied.

The interaction between endocannabinoid (eCB) system with in key brain structures such as hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex and sleep deprivation (SD)-induced psychosis has been less studied. The present hypothesis revolves around the question whether altered chemical dynamics within the eCB system with the resultant impact on cannabinoid receptors in key cortical hubs would impact SD-induced psychosis-like symptoms. Having this investigated research is expected to pave the path towards identifying newer drug targets namely for schizophrenia. Research may be pursued by blocking the eCB system systemically after SD using eCB receptors antagonists to identify if SD still hampers the PPI. Continued research would also need to investigate if antipsychotic and cognitive enhancing drugs, such as cannabidiol and modafinil reverse the effects of SD upon PPI impairments.

Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI) is a primary disorder intensifies by aging. Rapid diagnosis of MCI can prevent its progression towards the development of dementia. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric features of the self-assessment Persian version of Alzheimer's questionnaire (AQ) in the elderly to detect MCI. 

First, the Alzheimer's questionnaire was translated into the Persian language; then, content validity was evaluated by CVI and CVR method, face validity was determined by two checklists for expert panel and the elderly. Convergent validity of the MCI test with MoCA was assessed using Pearson correlation. Test-retest and internal consistency reliability using Intra-Class Correlation (ICC) and Kuder-Richardson coefficients, respectively, were evaluated; moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off point of self-assessment MCI test. Among 148 older people took part, 93 of them meet our inclusion criteria (aged 60 years old or older, had reading and writing skills and able to speak and communicate).

A translated version of the questionnaire was named “M-check”. The developed test showed good content and face validity. Statistically significant correlations were found between M-check and MoCA (r= -0.83, p < 0.05). Kuder–Richardson and ICC coefficient were obtained as 0.84 and 0.92, respectively. Area under the curve presented satisfactory values (AUC =0.852, sensitivity =0.62, specificity =0.94).

M-check is a reliable tool that can be used as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing cognitive state and screening dementia in the elderly.

In this work, the ZnO/CuO nanocomposite was synthesized with two different initial pH values in an acidic media through a simple one-step and cost-efficient chemical bath precipitation method. To alter the pH value of the solution, nitric acid was added dropwise and initial pH values were 1.5 and 4.5, respectively. The crystal phase structure of the samples was investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), indicating the formation of wurtzite structure of ZnO and monoclinic structure of CuO. Additionally, the morphological structure of the as-formed nanocomposites was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was demonstrated that at pH = 4.5 and 1.5, ZnO nanorods/CuO nanoflakes and ZnO nanoparticles/CuO nanosheets were formed, respectively. For optical characterizations, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were performed. The band gap energy of the as-prepared samples was calculated at 3.08 and 2.9 eV with an initial pH of 1.5 and 4.5, respectively. Furthermore, PL data revealed that the sample synthesized in pH = 4.5 exhibits a significant decrease in electron/hole recombination rate compared with that of the sample fabricated in pH = 1.5. Accordingly, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was studied employing methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation. Overall, the prepared sample at pH = 4.5 and pH = 1.5 demonstrated ~76% and ~66% photo-degradation efficiency of MB after 150 min, respectively. Finally, the role of holes and hydroxyl radicals on the degradation of MB were proposed using charge carrier scavengers.

Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) is a non-invasive method used to quantify electrical activity over the cortex. QEEG provides an accurate temporal resolution of the brain activity, making it a useful tool for assessing cortical function during challenging tasks. This study aimed to investigate postural adjustments in older adults in response to an external perturbation. In this observational study, nineteen healthy older adults were involved. A 32-channel qEEG was employed to track alterations in beta power on the electrodes over the two sensory-motor areas. Integrated electromyographic activity (IntEMG) of the leg muscles was evaluated in response to perturbations under predictable and unpredictable conditions. The results indicated higher beta power during late-phase in the Cz electrode in both conditions. IntEMG was significantly greater in the tibialis anterior muscle during both conditions in the CPA epoch. In predictable condition, a positive correlation was found between the beta power over C4 (r = 0.560, p = 0.013) and C3 (r = 0.458, p = 0.048) electrodes and tibialis anterior muscle amplitude, and between beta power in C4 and gastrocnemius amplitude (r = 0.525, p = 0.021). In unpredictable condition, there was a positive correlation between beta power over the C4 and the tibialis anterior amplitude (r = 0.580, p = 0.009) and also it over the C3 and the tibialis anterior amplitude (r = 0.452, p = 0.049). Our findings demonstrate that sensorimotor processing occurs in the brain during response to perturbation. Furthermore, cortical activity appeared to be greatest during the recruitment of the muscles upon late-phase in older adults.

Various plant species of genus Epipremnum have already been reportedto have different types of pharmacological activities. However, another plant of the samegenus Epipremnum aureum has not been scientifically exposed to a significant extent todate. Although it contains many bioactives, it has only been studied for antidepressantactivity. The present study aims to evaluate the nootropic potential of standardized extractof Epipremnum aureum against scopolamine-induced amnesia in experimental animals. The nootropic potential of Epipremnum aureum was evaluated using an elevatedplus maze and Morris water maze apparatus. A dose of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg was usedto access the nootropic activity. Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) was used to induce amnesia inmice. Additionally, the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of the extract was evaluated bymeasuring the level of acetylcholinesterase in the mice brain. Epipremnum aureum was found to increase memory and reverse the amnesicaction of scopolamine in a dose-dependent manner. In elevated plus maze and Morriswater maze, Epipremnum aureum decreased the transfer latency as compared to the controlgroup. Further biochemical investigation revealed an increased level of acetylcholine anddecreased level of TBARS resulting in reversing the effect of scopolamine in amnesic mice. Epipremnum aureum showed positive results in reversing the amnesiaaction of scopolamine which may be the probable mechanism for its memory retentionactivity. Based on the experimental outcome, the present study provides a piece of scientificevidence for the nootropic potential of Epipremnum aureum in experimental animals.

This study is aimed at profiling cognitive functions in patients with age-relatedmacular degeneration (AMD). This cross-sectional investigation enrolled 45 patients with AMD and 45 age- andsex-matched controls. The overall cognitive performance in AMD sufferers versus controlsubjects was assessed using the Persian version of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examinationbattery (ACE-R). Subjects’ sleep quality was also evaluated using the Pittsburgh SleepQuality Index (PSQI). The mean global assessment and subscale scores were statisticallycompared between groups. The mean global scores for ACE-R in AMD and control groups (80.4±12.3 and86 ± 9.6, respectively) were found to be statistically different (p=0.018). On the other hand,there was no significant difference (p=0.793) between the AMD and control groups interms of PSQI scores (9.7±2.8 and 9.8±2.8, respectively). AMD patients seem to have cognitively underperformed in memoryand verbal fluency domains compared to the control group. Evidence on cognitiveimpairments in patients with AMD may possibly herald neurocognitive insufficienciesand have common pathological mechanisms with dementias.

This paper contains an analysis and comparison of different classifiers on different datasetsof Psychiatric Disorders- Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophreniaand Alzheimer's disease. Psychiatric disorders are also referred to as mental disorders,abnormalities of the mind that result in persistent behavior which can seriously cause dayto day function and life. Stochastic in AI refers to if there is any uncertainty or randomnessinvolved in results and are used during optimization; Using this process also helps toprovide precise results. The study of stochastic process in AI uses mathematical knowledgeand techniques from probability, set theory, calculus, linear algebra and mathematicalanalysis like Fourier analysis, real analysis, and functional analysis. this technique is usedto construct neural network for making artificial intelligent mode for processing andminimizing human effort. This paper contains classifiers like SVM, MLP, LR, KNN, DT,and RF. Several types of attributes are used and have been trained by Weka tool, MATLAB,and Python. The results show that the SVM classifier showed the best performance for allthe attributes and disorders researched in this paper.

Modern neuroscience is on the verge of exploring new frontiers within varioussubdisciplines.The question of how our brain with over hundred billion neurons puts together cognition,emotion and behavior has always been captivating. As such, the study of neural processesthrough which we not only maintain our survival and homeostasis, but also stayproductive and functional, has attracted cognitive neuroscientists for decades. With theadvent of neurotechnologies and ever-growing research facilities, modern neurosciencehas seen a tremendous progress in dealing with such questions. This letter argues the mostreferenced theories with respect to key concepts in affective neuroscience, i.e. fear, loveand related emotions or traits. We hope the present letter is found thought-provoking withregards to further theoretical models and empirical research in affective neuroscience andneuropsychology.

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a mental illness that impairs a person's mental capacity, emotionaldispositions, and personal and social quality of life. Manual SZ patient screening is timeconsuming,expensive, and prone to human mistakes. As a result, a autonomous, relativelyaccurate, and reasonably economical system for diagnosing schizophrenia patients isrequired. Machine learning methods are capable of learning subtle hidden patterns fromhigh dimensional imaging data and achieve significant correlations for the classificationof Schizophrenia. In this study, the diverse types of symptoms of the affected person areselected which have the weights assigned by cross-correlations and the model classifiesthe probability of schizophrenia in the person based on the highest weighted symptomspresent in the report of the patient using machine learning classifiers. The classificationis made by various classifiers in which the Support Vector Machine (SVM) gives thebest result. In the neuroscience domain, it has been one of the most popular machinelearningtools. SVM with Radial Basis Function kernel helps to distinguish betweenpatients and healthy controls with significant accuracy of 76% without normalization andPrincipal Component Analysis (PCA). The K nearest neighbor’s algorithm also with nonormalization and PCA showed an accuracy of 73% in predicting SZ which is remarkablyclose to the SVM given the small size dataset.

Sleep disorders are very common in today’s world as we all are living a relatively competitive life; where we undervalue our mental health. There are some sleep disorders that share almost similar symptoms yet various pathological underpinnings leading to clinical misjudgments; thereby resulting in the inappropriate treatments. The present study has attempted to investigate possible correlation between various types of sleep predicaments. To do so; we used multiple statistical analysis algorithms as well as prediction models on our database and performed manual testing to draw our conclusion. Our analyses revealed that sleep disorders; and namely sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; tend to present with related comorbidities

This study aimed to investigate a case of sleep problems associated with violence (non-REM parasomnias) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) besides related therapeutic approaches. The studied case in the present study was a 60-year-old man with a family history of this sleep disorder. The treatment plan in the present study was as follows: Execution of the principles of sleep hygiene by the patient, use of the continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), and eight sessions of weekly biofeedback therapy. Before the intervention, the subject suffered from anxiety, minor depression, moderate quality of life, some degree of PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, and periodic limb undesirable movements. After the intervention, there was a relative improvement in all indicators, especially obstructive sleep apnea and limb movements. Practical Implications. Given the prevalence and complexity of non-REM parasomnias, insufficient knowledge of the involved causes and mechanisms, and the failure of many pharmacological therapies, the present study can help discover the possible causes and alternative treatments based on physical and psychological factors.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a devastating disease with poor clinical outcomes. Animal models provide great opportunities to expand our horizons in identifying SCI pathophysiological mechanisms and introducing effective treatment strategies. The present study introduces a new murine contusion model.

A simple, cheap, and reproducible novel instrument was designed, which consisted of a body part, an immobilization piece, and a bar-shaped weight. The injury was inflicted to the spinal cord using an 8-g weight for 5, 10, or 15 minutes after laminectomy at the T9 level in male C57BL/6 mice. Motor function, cavity formation, cell injury, and macrophage infiltration were evaluated 28 days after injury.

The newly designed instrument minimized adverse spinal movement during injury induction. Moreover, no additional devices, such as a stereotaxic apparatus, were required to stabilize the animals during the surgical procedure. Locomotor activity was deteriorated after injury. Furthermore, tissue damage and cell injury were exacerbated by increasing the duration of weight exertion. In addition, macrophage infiltration around the injured tissue was observed 28 days after injury.

This novel apparatus could induce a controllable SCI with a clear cavity formation in mice. No accessory elements are needed, which can be used in future SCI studies.

Tumor Necrose Factor-alpha (TNF-α) changes by REM sleep deprivation. Some believe that TNF-α is a biomarker in the deprivation of REM sleep. The patients with insomnia could be better after using Anti TNF-α or Infliximab (IFX), on the other hand, IFX effects on Patient Tolerance Threshold (PTT). Trying to manage the hospital inpatients’ pain is one of the common aims specially for intensive care unit patients.

 An experimental study with 72 male Wistar rats in 9 groups that each of groups include 8 rats and approved according to the ethics code in ethics committee of Tehran medical sciences university (CNS.Protocol-ICSS-940816). IFX was administered and it showed the time of the latency changed as PTT.

A significant difference between saline and IFX 0.2 mg/kg (F2 = 8.363, (P = <0.001)) in the time of latency observed.

REM sleep deprivation effects on TNF-α and IFX change the PTT in a Wistar rat model. So, these findings could be considered complex for patients and must to manage.

Balance ability is a crucial component of independent daily activities among the older adultss. Balance impairment is one of the major risk factors for falls and related complications. The present study aims to investigate and compare the effect of neurofeedback training and balance training on balance and fall risk among older adults. In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 48 older adults aged more than 65 years were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, neurofeedback group (n=24) and balance exercise group (n=24). Prior to the intervention, the static balance, dynamic balance, and fall risk were measured using Biodex D balance system and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. Subjects in neurofeedback group received neurofeedback training for 12 sessions of 30-min, every other day. Moreover, subjects in balance exercise group received balance training for four weeks in 12 sessions (45-minute) every other day. After the intervention, balance measurements were repeated in both groups. The significance level was set at p Static balance and dynamic balance were shown to significantly improve, after the interventions (p <0.001). Furthermore, fall risk was significantly reduced, after the trial (p <0.001). In addition, the therapeutic effect of neurofeedback training was not less significant than exercises on balance in the older adults (p <0.001). The findings suggest that both neurofeedback training and balance training improved balance ability among the older adults. Results also show the therapeutic effect of neurofeedback training on balance in older people. However, further research is required to accurately investigate the long-term effects of these two treatment methods among the older adults.