Brain Volumetric Changes and Cognitive Functions in Epileptic Patients

Abstract Background Epilepsy is a serious common neurological disorder that can affect any age. Cognitive functions are highly prevalent in patients with epilepsy and is more likely to occur in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). Associations were found between cognitive functions and brain volume loss in patients with epilepsy. Objective This work was carried out to assess the volumetric changes in brain of epileptic patients to use it as a biomarker for cognitive dysfunction in adult and adolescent patients with epilepsy. Patients and Methods A case control study was conducted to include 61 patients, 20 of which diagnosed with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), 21 with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 20 with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) who were selected from the epilepsy outpatient clinic in Ain Shams university hospitals along with 23 age and sex matched healthy controls. Both cases and control groups were subjected to Magnetic resonance imaging MRI brain volumetry and detailed cognitive testing. An informed consent was taken from each adult patient, guardian of adolescent patient and healthy control. Results Statistically significant difference in comprehension subcategory of the Wechsler adult intelligence scale (WAIS) between patients with IGE and healthy controls denoting poorer social judgment in the IGE group. The IGE group also showed poorer performance in digit symbol subcategory of the same test denoting worse psychomotor speed and sustained attention. Also, significant difference in similarities subcategory was found between TLE group and control group denoting poorer abstract thinking among the TLE group. The IGE and TLE groups also showed lower attention and concentration than control group in the mental control subcategory of the Wechsler memory scale (WMS) yet failed to show superiority over each other. No statistically significant difference was found on comparing the whole brain volume between cases and control groups. A statistically significant direct relationship was found between the arithmetic subcategory of WAIS and the whole brain volume of the patients among the patients of the FLE group. Conclusion Patients with IGE had worse psychomotor speed, sustained attention and concentration than healthy controls in addition to poorer social judgment. Also, patients with TLE showed lower attention and concentration together with poorer abstract thinking despite normal IQ. The study also concluded that increased whole brain volume in patients with frontal lobe epilepsy is associated with better mathematical problem solving.

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T73. COGNITIVE CLUSTERING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDER AND THE ASSOCIATION WITH BRAIN VOLUME

Schizophrenia Bulletin ◽

10.1093/schbul/sbaa029.633 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S259-S259

Author(s):

Priscilla Oomen ◽

Marieke Begemann ◽

Hannah de Muinck Keizer ◽

Iris Sommer

Keyword(s):

Hierarchical Clustering ◽

Brain Volume ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Cognitive Profiles ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder ◽

Whole Brain ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cluster 2

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD), and appears in both mild and severe forms. As cognition is crucial for functioning in daily life, it is important to understand these impairments. Large heterogeneity exists within these cognitive impairments, and different cognitive profiles may be associated with dissimilar structural brain volumes. Such cognitive brain profiles may be relevant biomarkers for more homogeneous subclasses to be used for both prognosis and choice of optimal care. Methods The population consisted of 85 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (mean age 27 years, 64 males) and 40 healthy controls (mean age 24 years, 31 males). To identify cognitive clusters, hierarchical clustering analyses were conducted using performance on the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) battery. The emerging cognitive clusters were compared in performance on the BACS, diagnosis and whole brain volume. Results Hierarchical clustering analyses revealed three cognitive profiles: cluster 1 “relatively intact” cluster 2 “mild-moderate impairment” and cluster 3 “severe impairment”. Cluster 1 comprised of 68% healthy controls vs 32% SSD patients, whereas clusters 3 comprised of 89% SSD patients vs 11% healthy controls. Cluster 2 was a rather mixed cluster with 25% healthy controls and 75% SSD patients. Whole brain volume shows a continuum towards smaller brain volume in the more impaired clusters with a significant difference shown in whole brain volume between cluster 1 and 3. Discussion These findings support the concept that cognitive heterogeneity among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder can be reduced by using cognitive clustering methods. Furthermore, cognitive clusters are associated with brain volume sizes, indicating different underlying brain structure. Future research should focus on the predictive power of such clusters.

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Cognitive Functions in Combat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Collegium Antropologicum ◽

10.5671/ca.44.4.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (4) ◽

pp. 199-207

Author(s):

Ana Havelka Meštrović ◽

Marina Domijan ◽

Vlatko Mičković ◽

Zoran Lončar

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Additional Contribution ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with changes in cognitive functions. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in cognitive abilities between PTSD patients and healthy controls. As PTSD is often accompanied by comorbidity, the PTSD patients with comorbid diagnoses were also included in our study. The study participants included 254 Croatian combat veterans (60 PTSD and 194 PTSD plus comorbidity) and control group of 125 healthy Croatian military and civilian pilots. The diagnosis of PTSD was made by clinical scale for PTSD assessment (CAPS), while cognitive abilities were measured by Wechsler intelligence scale (WAIS-III-R) and Rey test (ROCFT). The study results have confirmed that there is a significant difference in cognitive functions between the PTSD patients and healthy controls regarding age and education. The PTSD patients (PTSD only and PTSD with comorbidity) have shown lower general intellectual abilities, reduced capacity of working, numerical and visual memory, and decreased executive functions when compared to healthy controls. These results are an additional contribution to a better understanding and determination of changes in cognitive functions that occur in combat PTSD as a result of traumatic stress.

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The Effect of 5A Self-management Program on Medication Adherence of Epileptic Patients in During the COVID – 19 Pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1131999/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Seyede Fateme Moosavimoghadam ◽

Ali Dehghani ◽

Rasool Eslami Akbar

Keyword(s):

Medication Adherence ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Management Training ◽

Wilcoxon Test ◽

Self Management ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Epileptic Patients ◽

And Control

Abstract Background: Adherence to medication adherence plays a vital role in controlling the problems and complications of epilepsy. During the COVID – 19 pandemic and limitations of face-to-face education, the use of distance education can play an important role in providing education to patients. Therefore, the aim of this study is the effect of model 5A self-management training on medication adherence in epileptic patients.Methods: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 56 epilepsy patients referred to Shiraz Namazi Hospital were divided into intervention and control groups using random allocation. Thereafter, 5A self - management training sessions were virtually held in 5 sessions in WhatsApp application for intervention group. The data collection tool was Morisky medication adherence scale at two stages of before and two months after intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software.Results: The results of Wilcoxon test showed that in intervention group, the mean drug adherence in patients after intervention significantly increased compared to before intervention (p = 0.005). But in control group, this was not significant (p = 0.909). According to results of Mann-Whitney test, there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups before intervention (p = 0.632). However, by passing two months from intervention, a significant difference was found between intervention and control groups (p = 0.041).Conclusion: Based on results, the implementation of Model 5A can be effective on medication adherence in epilepsy patients. This program can be considered as a suitable method in epileptic patients in during COVID – 19 pandemic.

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The Effectiveness of Humor Training on Happiness and Life Satisfaction of Female Patients With Epilepsy

Journal of Client-centered Nursing Care ◽

10.32598/jccnc.7.4.33.17 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 255-262

Author(s):

Nazanin Bagherzadeh Shirvan ◽

◽

Anahita Khodabakhshi-Koolaee ◽

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Female Patients ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Test ◽

Patients With Epilepsy ◽

And Control

Background: Women with epilepsy face many physical and psychological problems due to their illness. Epilepsy affects women’s motherhood, parenting role, and quality of life. Thus, in addition to medical interventions, their recovery programs should also cover psychological therapies. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of humor training on happiness and life satisfaction of female patients with epilepsy. Methods: This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest design and control group. The research population included all female patients who were members of the Iranian Epilepsy Association, Tehran, in 2020. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling. To this end, 30 women who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group attended eight 2-hour humor training sessions and the control group did not receive any training. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were completed by the subjects before and after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed by one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) using SPSS software (version 24). Results: According to the findings, the patients who received humor training reported significantly higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction compared to the control group. There was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of happiness (pre-test: 38.20±3.59; post-test: 45.27±4.18) (F=26.37; P=0.001) and also, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of pre-test and post-test of life satisfaction (pre-test: 13.01±6.16; post-test: 18.67±5.70) (F=30.07; P=0.001) in the intervention group. This difference was not significant in the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Humor training increased happiness and life satisfaction among women with epilepsy. This low-cost and easy-to-implement training is recommended to be used by psychologists and psychiatric nurses as a non-pharmacologic alternative along with other treatment options.

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Expression of mir-221, mir-29a, mir-155 and mir-146ain peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in HIV-1 infected patients

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871526520666201207123701 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Arsalan Narouei ◽

Negin Hosseini Rouzbahani ◽

Maryam Ghanbari ◽

Leila Taj ◽

Minoo Mohraz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Comparative Method ◽

Normal Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽

Sample Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control ◽

Hiv 1

Background and Aim: In patients infected by HIV-1, some cellular biomarkers such as microRNAs have an important function in the suppression or progression of the disease. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the expression of mir-221, mir-29a, mir-155, and mir-146a in HIV-1 infected patients. Methods: The miRNAs of 60 HIV-1 infected patients (sample group) and 20 healthy controls (normal group) were extracted from their peripheral mononuclear cells. We used TaqMan-based Real-time PCR for evaluation of expression mir-155,mir221, mir-29a and mir-146a by the comparative method. To evaluate differences among the data, one-way ANOVA was used. The expression of mir-155 andmir-146a in HIV-1 patients (sample group) was down-regulated in comparison with healthy controls (normal group) with a confidence value, (p <0.001). Also, in the sample group the expression of mir221 was downregulatedin compared to the normal group (p <0.001). Results: There was no significant difference in expression mi-29a in sample and control group. Inthe sample group, mir-221 hadlow expression and mir-29a had a high expression, respectively. According to the results of the current study and comparable studies, it seems that the microRNA has an important role in the progression or suppression of HIV-1 infection. Conclusion: However, the data showed, besides others cellular and viral factor, we could use these miRNAs as a biomarker. However, the experts in themiRNAs field are in general agreement that more investigation is needed to use miRNAs as a biomarker in HIV.

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Fractal dimension and lacunarity analysis of mandibular bone on digital panoramic radiographs of tobacco users

Journal of Dental Research Dental Clinics Dental Prospects ◽

10.34172/joddd.2021.024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 140-146

Author(s):

Suman Basavarajappa ◽

Vijayalakshmi Konddajji Ramachandra ◽

Shrawan Kumar

Keyword(s):

Fractal Dimension ◽

Trabecular Bone ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Control Groups ◽

Panoramic Radiographs ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control ◽

Lacunarity Analysis

Background. This study aimed to evaluate and compare changes in the mandibular trabecular bone pattern using the fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity analysis in tobacco users with healthy controls. Methods. This study was carried out on digital panoramic radiographs of 225 subjects divided into three groups: smokeless tobacco users (SLTs), smokers, and control (n=75). ImageJ program with FracLac plugin was used to assess the FD and lacunarity of mandibular trabecular bone on the digital panoramic radiographs. Results. The differences in the mean FD values of the study and control groups were statistically significant (P<0.001). Mean FD was lower in the case groups than the control group, with SLTs having the least FD value. A significant difference in lacunarity was noted between SLTs and controls (P<0.001). On the contrary, there was no significant difference in lacunarity between smokers and controls. Conclusions. FD values were lower in tobacco users, suggesting that tobacco users have a less complex trabecular bone pattern than healthy controls. Higher lacunarity values in SLTs indicated a more heterogeneous bone pattern. These findings signify that FD and lacunarity analysis on digital panoramic radiographs can serve as promising predictive tools to assess bone quality for osteoporotic changes in tobacco users, thereby facilitating prompt referral for further management.

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MRI Volumetric Analysis of the Thalamus and Hypothalamus in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnagi.2021.610332 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Shan Ye ◽

Yishan Luo ◽

Pingping Jin ◽

Yajun Wang ◽

Nan Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽

Brain Volume ◽

Volumetric Analysis ◽

Motor Dysfunction ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Whole Brain ◽

Left And Right ◽

Lateral Sclerosis

Background: Increasing evidence has shown that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can result in abnormal energy metabolism and sleep disorders, even before motor dysfunction. Although the hypothalamus and thalamus are important structures in these processes, few ALS studies have reported abnormal MRI structural findings in the hypothalamus and thalamus.Purpose: We aimed to investigate volumetric changes in the thalamus and hypothalamus by using the automatic brain structure volumetry tool AccuBrain®.Methods: 3D T1-weighted magnetization-prepared gradient echo imaging (MPRAGE) scans were acquired from 16 patients with ALS with normal cognitive scores and 16 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy controls. Brain tissue and structure volumes were automatically calculated using AccuBrain®.Results: There were no significant differences in bilateral thalamic (F = 1.31, p = 0.287) or hypothalamic volumes (F = 1.65, p = 0.213) between the ALS and control groups by multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Left and right hypothalamic volumes were correlated with whole-brain volume in patients with ALS (t = 3.19, p = 0.036; t = 3.03, p = 0.044), while the correlation between age and bilateral thalamic volumes tended to be significant after Bonferroni correction (t = 2.76, p = 0.068; t = 2.83, p = 0.06). In the control group, left and right thalamic volumes were correlated with whole-brain volume (t = 4.26, p = 0.004; t = 4.52, p = 0.004).Conclusion: Thalamic and hypothalamic volumes did not show differences between patients with normal frontotemporal function ALS and healthy controls, but further studies are still needed.

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Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in epileptic patients

The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology ◽

10.1186/s43163-021-00114-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abd El Mageed Hassan Kabel ◽

Khaled Hatem Afifi ◽

Samar Mohammed ElFakhrany ◽

Asmaa Salah Moaty

Keyword(s):

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Sex Distribution ◽

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential ◽

Myogenic Potential ◽

Normal Individuals ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Epileptic Patients ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Vertigo and dizziness are very common complaints that may be related to epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to assess vestibulo-spinal and linear vestibulo-ocular function in epileptic patients in the inter ictal period. The current observational study was carried out in audio-vestibular unit Menoufia University. Subjects in the current study were divided into two groups: The control group included 30 normal individuals not complaining from any dizzy symptoms and the epileptic cases group included 30 epileptic patients. All subjects in the study were submitted to cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential. Results There was no significant difference between the control and epileptic group regarding the age and sex distribution. Sixty-seven percent of epileptic cases had dizzy symptoms. There was statistically significant difference in the latency and amplitude of c and o VEMP between the control and the epileptic group, 39/60 ears (65%) in the study group had cVEMP abnormalities, 32/60 ears (53%) had oVEMP abnormalities. Abnormal c and o VEMP were reported in 28/60 ears (46.7%). There was statistically significant relationship between VEMP abnormalities and duration of seizures, frequency of epileptic attacks, and type of therapy. Conclusion Vestibular abnormalities were frequently reported in epileptic patients in the current study which may be related to the severity and control of epilepsy.

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Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24191/jchs.v1i1.5850 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 22

Author(s):

Nazli Zainuddin ◽

Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽

Rosdan Salim

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Side Effects ◽

Coconut Oil ◽

Test Group ◽

Nasal Symptom ◽

Control Group ◽

Virgin Coconut Oil ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

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Enrichment of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) diet with Malic acid: Effects on skin mucosal immunity, antioxidant defecne and growth performance

Annals of Animal Science ◽

10.2478/aoas-2020-0092 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Roghieh Safari ◽

Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar ◽

Maryam Dadar ◽

Hien Van Doan

Keyword(s):

Common Carp ◽

Cyprinus Carpio ◽

Malic Acid ◽

Control Group ◽

Skin Mucus ◽

Antioxidant Genes ◽

Treatment Comparison ◽

Genes Expression ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

AbstractThe present study investigated possible effects of dietary malic acid on the expression of immunity, antioxidant and growth related genes expression as well as skin mucus immune parameters in common carp. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings were fed diets supplemented with different levels (0 [control], 0.5%, 1%, 2%) of malic acid (MA) for 60 days. The results revealed highest expression levels of immune-related genes (tnf-alpha, il1b, il8 and lyz) in skin of common carp fed 2% MA (P < 0.05). Regarding 1% MA treatment comparison with control group, significant difference was noticed just in case of lyz (P < 0.05). Evaluation of growth related genes expression revealed no significant difference between treatments (P > 0.05). The study of antioxidant related genes (gsta and gpx) in common carp skin fed with MA, showed significant difference between treated groups and control (P < 0.05). Carps fed with 2% MA had highest alkaline phosphatase activity in skin mucus compared other treated groups and control (P < 0.05). There were no significant difference between 0.5% and 1% and control (P > 0.05). The study of total protein and total immunoglobulin (Ig) in common carp skin musus revealed no alteration following MA treatment (P > 0.05). The present data demonstrated that feeding with MA altered immune and antioxidant genes expression in skin mucus of common carp.

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