Annals of Neurosciences最新文献

Background and purpose: Electroencephalography (EEG) is a popular non-invasive method for studying brain dynamics because of its excellent temporal resolution. However, the non-stationarity, intersubject variability and class imbalance of EEG data, make it difficult to automatically discriminate between brain states that correspond to various cognitive or sensory circumstances. With the use of a deep hybrid convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) networks with an attention architecture intended to improve discriminative learning from wavelet-based time-frequency features, this study attempts to categorise EEG recordings into discrete brain states recorded prior to and during auditory (mantra) stimulation.

Methods: Experienced practitioners (mean age: 37 ± 6 years; mean practice: 5 years) had their EEG data recorded in two different experimental settings: (a) When they were at rest before the auditory stimulus and (b) while they were listening to mantras. Each segment's time-frequency representations were produced using wavelet transforms and fed into a hybrid model that combined convolutional, recurrent and attention layers. To guarantee steady convergence, adaptive learning rate scheduling and early stopping were used in the model optimisation process.

Results: With CNN (76.92%), long short-term memory (LSTM) (75.30%), CNN+LSTM (84.62%) and CNN+BiLSTM (88.65%), baseline models performed moderately. The suggested CNN-BiLSTM-Attention model achieved an independent test accuracy of 99.46%, greatly outperforming all baselines. High discriminative capability was confirmed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, which produced an AUC near 1.0.

Conclusion: The inclusion of convolutional, recurrent and attention methods greatly improves spatial-temporal feature learning, as demonstrated by the suggested framework's ability to distinguish between resting and during mantra EEG states. These results demonstrate the model's resilience and possible use in neurophysiological monitoring and real-time cognitive state detection.

Background: Convulsions (seizures) are common neurological conditions characterised by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Various modern treatments are available for managing convulsions; however, due to the side effects of available treatments, alternative medicine is gaining attention. One of the most popular homoeopathic remedies is Belladonna, used for treating neurological symptoms such as seizures, but scientific evidence is not available.

Purpose: The present study was designed to evaluate its anticonvulsive effect in the zebrafish animal model.

Methodology: The effect of homoeopathic Belladonna on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in zebrafish (Danio rerio) was assessed in this study. The safe dose was identified through acute toxicity studies, which revealed that 0.25% and 0.5% were non-toxic to zebrafish larvae and adults, respectively. In seizure studies, zebrafish larvae and adults were pre-treated with Belladonna mother tincture (Bell-MT), Bell-6C and Bell-30C potencies, followed by PTZ exposure to induce epileptic responses. An in silico molecular docking study was performed with the help of the Glide tool of Schrödinger Suite 2022-4.

Results: The total phenolic content (TPC) in Belladonna-MT was 292.61 µg of gallic acid/100% MT. In zebrafish larvae, Bell-6C and Bell-30C significantly increased the latency to reach seizure score 2 and score 3, compared to the PTZ group. In adult zebrafish, Bell-6C and Bell-30C pre-treatment resulted in significant delays in reaching seizure scores 1-5. Additionally, the number of rotations and total distance travelled were also improved after the Belladonna pre-treatment in larvae and adult zebrafish and suggest a marked protective effect against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in zebrafish. The possible mechanisms involved in the anti-convulsant activity of Belladonna were elucidated using molecular docking studies.

Conclusion: Collectively, these findings support the potential of Belladonna as an anticonvulsant and could be a potential candidate for the management of epilepsy. However, further exploration for epilepsy management through the underlying mechanisms of action is needed in the future.

Background: Stroke is a chronic, debilitating health condition with serious and often fatal implications. Lack of public awareness is one of the main reasons for the delay in getting timely intervention.

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of risk factors and warning signs and symptoms of stroke among the general population.

Method: A self-structured questionnaire on stroke, risk factors of stroke and warning signs and symptoms of stroke was administered to 2,868 healthy individuals (65.83%; n = 1,888 males and 34.17%; n = 980 females) from Northeast India. A descriptive statistics approach was undertaken for data analysis.

Results: The mean age of the cohort was 43 ± 12.2 years. About 45.50% (n = 1,305) of individuals were aware of stroke. Only 19.87% (n = 570) of individuals correctly responded brain is the organ where a stroke occurs. Awareness about the risk factors of stroke was reported by only 26.11% (n = 749) of individuals. High blood pressure (45.94%; n = 509) was found to be the common response in terms of risk factors of stroke. Further, 19.42% (n = 557) individuals were aware of the warning signs and symptoms of stroke with paralysis on one side of the body as the most common response given by 37.97% (n = 303) individuals. Knowledge regarding their own blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels was reported by 26.26% (n = 753), 9.72% (n = 279) and 2.79% (n = 80) individuals, respectively.

Conclusion: Data from the survey suggested that there is scarce knowledge and awareness among the community adults regarding stroke, its risk factors and its alarming signs and symptoms. Awareness among the general public is of utmost importance for early recognition and treatment of stroke. Educating the vulnerable public can improve the chances of survival and recovery post-stroke.

Background: Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a recent psychological phenomenon and has been constantly linked with aggression, disturbed sleeping habits and deficits in self-regulatory skills. It is important to understand the mechanism through which FOMO influences sleepiness, self-regulation and aggression.

Purpose: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between FOMO and aggression in young adults and examine the mediating roles of fatigue, daytime sleepiness and self-regulation in the relationship between FOMO and aggression.

Method: A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed to collect data from 455 young adults aged 18-24 years (M = 20.71; SD = 1.61). Data were collected through standardised self-report measures. The obtained data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v23, and sequential mediation analysis using AMOS v22.

Results: Findings indicated significant relationships between FOMO and the outcome variables like aggression, daytime sleepiness and self-regulation. However, no significant relationship was found between FOMO and fatigue; therefore, fatigue was not considered for further analysis. Sequential mediation analysis revealed that elevated levels of FOMO predicted lower daytime sleepiness (β = -0.26, p < .001), which in turn predicted low self-regulation (β = -0.39, p < .001) and consequently led to elevated levels of aggression (β = -0.26, p < .001). The indirect route (FOMO → sleepiness → self-regulation → aggression) was statistically significant with excellent model fit (χ²(2) = 3.86, RMSEA = 0.02, CFI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.01).

Conclusion: The study indicates a full sequential mediation: greater FOMO levels reduce daytime sleepiness, possibly due to heightened arousal, which in turn leads to poor self-regulatory skills and increased aggression. It can be concluded that psychological interventions to improve self-regulation can help manage aggression in people with high levels of FOMO.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterised primarily by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness with associated impairments related to sensory processing and motor coordination, and attributed to abnormalities in the brain areas responsible for sensory-motor integration and cognitive control. The symptoms may persist until adulthood, impacting various aspects of life. Traditional treatment and pharmacological approaches chiefly target behavioural aspects, highlighting the need to address sensory, motor, and cognitive issues via an integrative approach.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of a multi-modal exercise programme on improving cognitive, sensory, and motor function among children with ADHD.

Methods: The study will be a randomised controlled trial involving 60 children diagnosed with ADHD, aged 6-12 years. Children will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. Both groups will be subjected to a 45-minute therapy session four times a week for eight weeks. The intervention group will receive sensory, motor and cognitive training, and the control group will receive standard care. Outcomes Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Trail Making Test, and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 will be analysed at baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and at the end of the eight-week training programme.

Results: It is anticipated that an integrative training approach among the intervention group, will concurrently address the underlying neurodevelopmental deficits and improve sensory, motor, and cognitive functions instead of focusing solely on symptom management among children with ADHD.

Conclusion: Incorporating sensory, motor, and cognitive training offers a promising supplementary approach in ADHD management. The multimodal stimulation of neural circuits will serve to improve core functions and promote more adaptive behaviours.

Trial registration: This prospective trial has been successfully registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India with registration number (CTRI/2025/05/086742).

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is defined as an immune-mediated disorder characterised by granulomatous inflammation of affected organs. Neurosarcoidosis is demographically reported in 5%-10% of all patients with primary sarcoidosis. A similar genetic mechanism for inflammation compared to active systemic tuberculosis suggests that identical inflammatory pathways are acting in both tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.

Case report: We, hereby, report a case of recurrent cranial nerve neuropathy, which was falsely diagnosed as tuberculosis, and the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis was masked for more than a year.

Conclusion: Any case with recurrent cranial nerve involvement, bilateral lymphadenopathy with multi-system involvement and a history of steroid-dependent resolution of symptoms must be primarily evaluated for sarcoidosis with histological evidence.

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) studies consistently associate alpha-band oscillations with relaxation, internalized attention, and sensory disengagement during meditation. However, limited evidence exists on how Heartfulness Meditation (HM), particularly its unique transmission phases, modulates alpha activity across different experience levels.

Purpose: This study investigated experience-dependent modulation of EEG alpha-band power during multiple phases of HM, with a specific focus on transmission and post-meditation periods.

Method: Thirty-three healthy adults were categorized as long-term meditators (LTMs; n = 12), short-term meditators (STMs; n = 11), and non-meditating controls (CGs; n = 10). High-density EEG (129 channels) was recorded across seven consecutive five-minute phases: baseline, meditation (M1, M2), transmission (T1, T2), and post-rest (P1, P2). EEG data were preprocessed using RANSAC-based bad-channel detection and independent component analysis. Alpha power (8-12 Hz) was computed using Welch's method and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with false discovery rate correction.

Results: A significant Group × Phase × Region interaction (p_FDR < 0.05) indicated experience- and phase-dependent alpha modulation. Both LTMs and STMs exhibited higher alpha power than controls, particularly in frontal, parietal, and occipital regions during meditation and post-meditation phases. Effect sizes ranged from small to moderate (Cohen's d = 0.34-0.70). Notably, STMs showed alpha enhancements comparable to LTMs during early meditation.

Conclusion: HM induces region- and phase-specific increases in alpha-band EEG activity, reflecting enhanced internal attention and sensory disengagement. Even short-term practice produces measurable neural changes, underscoring the potential neuroplastic effects of HM.

Background: Depression and active smoking are very common situations among the population, which also reduces the positive mental well-being of a person. Smoking is a global issue, and depression and low mental well-being interfere with the daily lives of individuals.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of meditation on an active smoker in terms of depression and psychological well-being (PWB) as variables.

Method: The study used the pre-test and post-test design with 100 participants who were actively engaged in daily smoking. The individuals were divided equally into the two groups, and depression and PWB scores were recorded for both groups in the pre-test period. After recording the scores, the experimental group received meditation practice for one week, while the control group received no treatment. After one week, depression and PWB scores were again tested in the post-test period for both groups and recorded.

Results: Paired-samples t-tests revealed a significant decrease in depression scores from pre-test (M = 54.36, SD = 4.91) to post-test (M = 28.10, SD = 6.05), t(49) = 24.70, p = .01, and a significant increase in PWB scores from pre-test (M = 57.50, SD = 4.91) to post-test (M = 65.88, SD = 4.94), t(49) = 9.96, p = .01. Independent-samples t-tests showed that post-intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher depression scores (M = 55.02, SD = 4.42) compared to the control group (M = 28.10, SD = 6.05), F = 7.14, p = .05, and significantly lower well-being scores (M = 56.60, SD = 4.69) versus (M = 65.88, SD = 4.94), F = 0.017, p = .05.

Conclusion: The intervention was effective in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing PWB among participants, demonstrating its potential as a beneficial programme for mental health improvement.

Background: Anxiety disorders are increasingly recognized as involving neurocognitive impairments in executive functioning, including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. However, Indian research has predominantly emphasized emotional and behavioural manifestations, leaving the neuropsychological correlates of anxiety severity underexplored.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship and differences in executive functioning among individuals with varying levels of anxiety.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 patients, classified into mild, moderate, or severe anxiety using the PROMIS Anxiety-Adult Short Form. Neuropsychological assessment included the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMI), Stroop Test (inhibitory control), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (conceptual processing). Data were analysed using ANOVA, post hoc comparisons, chi-square tests, Pearson's correlations, and linear regression. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results: Significant group differences emerged across all domains (WMI: F = 6.87, p = .002; Stroop: F = 13.09, p < .001; WCST: F = 17.72, p < .001). Post hoc tests showed superior performance in the mild group relative to moderate and severe groups, with no significant differences between the latter two. Anxiety severity correlated negatively with executive functioning (r = -0.45 to -0.61, p < .01). Regression analyses confirmed severity as a significant predictor, explaining 20%-37% of variance in executive performance.

Conclusion: Executive dysfunction worsens with increasing anxiety severity, with cognitive decline plateauing between moderate and severe levels. Strong correlations highlight severity as a critical determinant of working memory, inhibitory control, and conceptual processing. Findings underscore the need to integrate neuropsychological assessment and cognitive rehabilitation into anxiety management in Indian clinical settings.

Background: Eye-hand coordination is an important component of accurate upper limb movement and is frequently compromised following stroke, leading to persistent functional impairments. Existing methods for the assessment and training of eye -hand coordination are resource-intensive and largely limited to research environments. Therefore, affordable sensor-based technologies may represent a feasible and engaging approach for clinical stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and concurrent validity of a gamified eye-hand coordination system using Tobii EyeX and Leap Motion for assessing visuomotor performance in individuals with chronic stroke, and to explore its associations with validated clinical outcome measures.

Methods: Prospective, single-group, longitudinal pilot study conducted at a physiotherapy rehabilitation center in Jodhpur, India. Fifteen community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke (≥1 year post-event), aged 45 -70 years, underwent 10 weeks of standard physiotherapy, supplemented with biweekly gamified sessions using the HandEye system. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Box and Block Test (BBT), and HandEye game scores. Statistical analyses included repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), Friedman tests, Spearman correlations, and linear fixed-effects modeling.

Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in FMA-UE (mean change = +6.86), BBT (+10.2 blocks), and HandEye scores (+4.62 points) over the 10-week period (p < .001 for all). Strong correlations were observed between HandEye scores and BBT (ρ = 0.726, p < .001), and moderate correlations with FMA-UE (ρ = 0.349, p = .019). Fixed-effects modeling revealed a significant association between HandEye scores and FMA-UE (β = 0.59, p < .001), though not with BBT. System performance remained stable across sessions, with <5% missing data for gaze and hand tracking.

Conclusion: The HandEye system integrating Tobii EyeX and Leap Motion provides a low-cost, feasible approach for assessing visuomotor function in stroke rehabilitation settings. Strong associations with manual dexterity suggest potential as an adjunct assessment tool. However, limitations in study design, low training dosage, and unvalidated sensor accuracy necessitate larger randomized trials for clinical validation.