scholarly journals Selective neuromodulation induced by alpha-based neurofeedback learning: A double-blind randomized study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Grosselin ◽  
Audrey Breton ◽  
Lydia Yahia-Cherif ◽  
Xi Wang ◽  
Giuseppe Spinelli ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe neuromodulation induced by neurofeedback training (NFT) remains a matter of debate. Investigating the modulation of brain activity specifically associated with NF requires controlling for multiple factors, such as reward, performance, congruency between task and targeted brain activity. This can be achieved using sham feedback (FB) control condition, equating all aspects of the experiment but the closed-loop between brain activity and FB.ObjectiveWe aimed at investigating the modulation of individual alpha EEG activity induced by NFT in a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study.MethodsForty-eight healthy participants were assigned to either NF (n=25) or control (n=23) group and performed 12 NFT sessions of alpha upregulation with a wearable EEG device. Participants of the NF group received FB based on their individual alpha activity. The control group received the auditory FB of participants of the NF group.ResultsAn increase of alpha activity across training sessions was observed in the NF group only (p<0.001). This neuromodulation was selective in that it was not observed for theta (4-8Hz) and low beta (13-18Hz) activities. It was associated with an increased feeling of control (p<0.001), more marked for NF than control group. Anxiety level decreased and relaxation feeling increased with training in both groups.ConclusionsNFT across multiple sessions can induce specific brain modulation, suggesting a neuroplasticity selective of the targeted brain activity. Our results pave the way to self-learnt, NF-based neuromodulation with light-weighted, wearable EEG systems for various applications (e.g. epilepsy, sleep, attention).HighlightsRandomized double-blind study of neuromodulation induced by EEG-neurofeedback (NF)Sham feedback (FB) was used for the control groupTargeted alpha activity increased selectively over the 12 NF training sessionsThis neuromodulation was observed only in the real NF training groupThe feeling of control across sessions increased more for real than sham FB group

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Grosselin ◽  
Audrey Breton ◽  
Lydia Yahia-Cherif ◽  
Xi Wang ◽  
Giuseppe Spinelli ◽  
...  

AbstractThe neuromodulation induced by neurofeedback training (NFT) remains a matter of debate. Investigating the modulation of brain activity specifically associated with NF requires controlling for multiple factors, such as reward, performance, congruency between task and targeted brain activity. This can be achieved using sham feedback (FB) control condition, equating all aspects of the experiment but the link between brain activity and FB. We aimed at investigating the modulation of individual alpha EEG activity induced by NFT in a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study. Forty-eight healthy participants were assigned to either NF (n = 25) or control (n = 23) group and performed alpha upregulation training (over 12 weeks) with a wearable EEG device. Participants of the NF group received FB based on their individual alpha activity. The control group received the auditory FB of participants of the NF group. An increase of alpha activity across training sessions was observed in the NF group only (p < 0.001). This neuromodulation was selective in that there was no evidence for similar effects in the theta (4–8 Hz) and low beta (13–18 Hz) bands. While alpha upregulation was found in the NF group only, psychological outcome variables showed overall increased feeling of control, decreased anxiety level and increased relaxation feeling, without any significant difference between the NF and the control groups. This is interpreted in terms of learning context and placebo effects. Our results pave the way to self-learnt, NF-based neuromodulation with light-weighted, wearable EEG systems.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujita Manandhar ◽  
Kishor Manandhar ◽  
Sharad Khakrel

Introductions: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a commonly seen adverse event after general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory action is the most popular steroid studied in this regard with positive results. Methods: This randomized, prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted on one hundred and ten adult patients of either sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I & II, undergoing elective surgeries requiring endotracheal tube intubation. After obtaining written informed consent, they were randomly divided into Control (A, n=55) and Dexamethasone (B, n=55) groups and received either an injection of Dexamethasone (Group B) 8 mg intravenously or an equivalent volume of Normal Saline (Group A) just before entering the operating theatre. All the patients received a similar anesthesia with endotracheal tube intubation and at the end of surgery, extubated and transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit. The incidence and severity of sore throat were assessed at 1, 6 and 24 hours post-extubation. Severity of sore throat were graded on a 4 point scale, p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Incidence of POST in Dexamethasone group was found significantly low compared to the control group up to six hours (p<0.05) but was comparable at 24 hours post extubation. Severity of POST in the study group was of lower grade in compare to control group. Conclusions: Prophylactic intravenous Dexamethasone 8 mg administered to patients undergoing elective surgeries requiring endotracheal tube intubation significantly reduces the incidence and severity of POST up to six hours post-extubation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ninadini Shrestha ◽  
Renu Gurung ◽  
Moda Nath Marhatta

Background: Magnesium sulphate has been used successfully as a non opioid analgesic adjuvant for postoperative pain management. This prospective controlled study was designed to evaluate the pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of adding magnesium to epidural analgesia in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.Methodology: In a randomized, double- blind study sixty patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were assigned to three groups. Pre-magnesium (Group PI), post-magnesium (Group PO) and control (Group C) group. Anesthetic technique was standardized. Patients in pre-magnesium group received bolus of magnesium 50 mg via epidural before induction of anaesthesia followed by boluses of 10 mg h-1 until end of surgery. Post-magnesium group patients received epidural saline during the same time periods plus bolus epidural magnesium 50 mg at the end of surgery. Patients in control group received epidural saline during all three periods. Patients in the magnesium groups received bolus epidural analgesia with Fentanyl 8mcg, Bupivacaine 0.1%, and Magnesium 8mg in a volume of 8 ml after operation, when patient complained of pain and VAS score was more than 4. Patients in the control group received epidural analgesia with Fentanyl 8 mcg and Bupivacaine 0.1% in a volume of 8ml. Blood Pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, time to the first request for analgesic, visual analogue scale at rest, 24 hour, opioids consumption and side effect profiles were studied for 24 hours postoperatively.Results: The demographic parameters were comparable. Group PI had significantly lower VAS scores at all times 0,2,4,6,10,14,18 and 24 hours than those in the Group PO or Group C(P<0.05). The groups were similar with respect to haemodynamic, respiratory variables and side effects.Conclusion: Epidural Magnesium sulphate provided preemptive analgesia, and an a analgesic-sparing effect that improved postoperative analgesia without increasing the incidence of side-effects.Journal of Society of Anesthesiologists 2014 1(1): 22-28


2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia de Noronha Pinho ◽  
Leonardo Bíscaro Pereira ◽  
Sérgio Luís Scombatti de Souza ◽  
Daniela Bazan Palioto ◽  
Márcio Fernando de Moraes Grisi ◽  
...  

Adjunctive therapeutic strategies that modulate the inflammatory mediators can play a significant role in periodontal therapy. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 subjects diagnosed as periodontitis patients were evaluated for 28 days after periodontal treatment combined with selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. The experimental group received scaling and root planning (SRP) combined with the Loxoprofen antiinflammatory drug (SRP+Loxoprofen). The control group received SRP combined with placebo (SRP+placebo). Plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were monitored with an electronic probe at baseline and after 14 and 28 days. Both groups displayed clinical improvement in PD, PI and BOP. They also showed statistically similar values (p>0.05) of PD reduction on day 14 (0.4 mm) and on day 28 (0.6 mm). At the baseline, few deeper sites (>7 mm) from SRP+Loxoprofen group were responsible and most PD reduction was observed after 14 days (p<0.05). The percentage of remaining deep pockets (>7 mm) after 14 days in the SRP+Loxoprofen group was significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the SRP+placebo group. Loxoprofen presents potential effect as an adjunct of periodontal disease treatment, but long-term clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 626
Author(s):  
Ángela Rodríguez-Padilla ◽  
Germán Morales-Martín ◽  
Rocío Pérez-Quintero ◽  
Juan Gómez-Salgado ◽  
Rafael Balongo-García ◽  
...  

Loop ileostomy closure after colorectal surgery is often associated with Postoperative ileus, with an incidence between 13–20%. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative stimulation of the efferent loop with probiotics prior to ileostomy closure in patients operated on for colorectal carcinoma. For this, a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study is designed. All patients who underwent surgery for colorectal carcinoma with loop ileostomy were included. Randomized and divided into two groups, 34 cases and 35 controls were included in the study. Postoperative ileus, the need for nasogastric tube insertion, the time required to begin tolerating a diet, restoration of bowel function, and duration of hospital stay were evaluated. The incidence of Postoperative ileus was similar in both groups, 9/34 patients stimulated with probiotics and 10/35 in the control group (CG) with a p = 0.192. The comparative analysis showed a direct relationship between Postoperative ileus after oncological surgery and Postoperative ileus after reconstruction surgery, independently of stimulation. Postoperative ileus after closure ileostomy is independent of stimulation of the ileostomy with probiotics through the efferent loop. There seem to be a relationship between Postoperative ileus after reconstruction and the previous existence of Postoperative ileus after colorectal cancer surgery.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1958 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 980-993
Author(s):  
Rosalind S. Abernathy ◽  
Edward L. Strem ◽  
Robert A. Good

To evaluate the effect of injections of gamma-globulin upon the course of asthma, observations were made with 22 asthmatic children ranging in age from 1½ to 5½ years. They had suffered from asthma from 1 to 13 years and were selected as subjects because they had not made satisfactory improvement under allergic management over an average of 2.4 years. They were placed in two groups by random assignment, one of which received injections of gamma-globulin. Without knowledge of the treatment being given, one author examined each child at the time of each injection and one month after the last injection. Roentgenograms, vital capacity, complete blood counts and chemical determination of the blood proteins were performed at the initial and final visits. Fifteen of the twenty-two patients improved clinically, eight in the treatment group and seven in the control group. No significant differences between the groups were noted in the amount of asthma, physical growth, hemoglobin value or eosinophilia. The concentration of gamma-globulin in the serum increased in the treated patients. Nevertheless, there was no difference in the incidence of infection in the two groups and in both it was equal to that in a normal population. This double-blind controlled study offers no evidence to support the view that treatment with gamma-globulin has a beneficial effect on the course of chronic asthma in children.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-210
Author(s):  
Sowmya Sadanandan ◽  
Suhas S ◽  
Sanjay Venugopal ◽  
Kavitha Karur

Background: Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of 0.1% Octenidine mouthwash as an anti-plaque agent and to assess its effect on gingival inflammation and staining of teeth when compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate by evaluating the impact on plaque and gingival inflammation as well as on microbial load. Materials and Methods: A three week double blind study was conducted on 69 subjects, aged 20-50 years, with moderate to severe gingivitis. The study population was divided into three groups with 23 subjects in each group: Group A - control subjects received only scaling, Group B received 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in addition to scaling and Group C received 0.1% Octenidine mouthwash along with scaling. Clinical and microbiological parameters were recorded at baseline, on 14th day and on 21st day. Subjective and objective criteria were assessed on the 14th day and 21st day. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in all the tested parameters within all the three groups and between the groups from baseline to 21st day. The highest mean reduction in all the parameters was seen in subjects using 0.1% Octenidine. On comparison with the control group, subjects using the mouthwashes (Group B and Group C) had better improvement in clinical and microbiological parameters from baseline to 21st day. On comparison with chlorhexidine, Octenidine mouthwash significantly reduced plaque (p<0.05) and showed better patient acceptability. However, it was comparable to chlorhexidine in other two tested parameters. Conclusion: Owing to Octenidine’s pronounced and comparable antibacterial properties, it can be a promising candidate for the use in antiseptic mouthwashes.


Author(s):  
Maryam Sadeghi ◽  
Naeimeh Moheb ◽  
Marziyeh Alivandi Vafa

Introduction: The aim of current paper was to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment group therapy (ACT) and group cognitive therapy (GCT) on Alexithymia and marital boredom (MB) among women affected by marital infidelity in Mashhad. Method: This clinical trial was a double- blind study with a pretest-posttest design in which two intervention groups and one control group were investigated. The study performed on women who realized their spouse infidelity and referred to Azad University Counseling Center in Mashhad in 2018. The sample consisted of 30 women who were selected by purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and a control group (n=10 per group). The intervention groups were put under ACT training (twelve 90-minute sessions) and GCT training (twelve 90-minute sessions), but the control group did not receive any intervention. Data was obtained by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Pines Marital Boredom Scale and was analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance with SPSS (version 22) software. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the mean score of MB in the ACT group, also there was a significant reduction in the mean score of Alexithymia in the GCT group (P <0.05). So comparing both therapies, ACT was more influential on reducing marital boredom whereas GCT was more effective on reducing alexithymia. Conclusion: Although both intervention methods were effective on Alexithymia and Marital Boredom in women affected by marital infidelity, it was demonstrated that ACT and GCT have more effect on Marital Boredom and Alexithymia, respectively.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Ranran Chen ◽  
Dianrong Song ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Guanwei Fan ◽  
Yingqiang Zhao ◽  
...  

Objective. To evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy and safety of modified Erzhi granules (MEG) in patients with menopause-related vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Methods. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comprised two groups, including the treatment and control groups. Patients receive MEG and placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Vaginal health score (VHS), vaginitis score, vaginal maturation index (VMI), female sexual function index (FSFI), and modified Kupperman Index (modified KI) were used as efficacy endpoints and assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks during administration, and 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. At baseline and 12 weeks, serum estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), pelvic ultrasound, breast ultrasound, and other safety parameters were measured, recording adverse events. Results. At 12 weeks, VHS, percentage of superficial cells in the vaginal epithelium and FSFI were significantly increased, while vaginitis score, percentage of basal cells in the vaginal epithelium, and modified KI were significantly decreased in comparison with baseline and control group (all P<0.05); these differences persisted for up to 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. The placebo group showed no significant change during treatment compared with baseline values (p>0.05). Serum E2 and FSH levels, endometrial thickness, and breast thickness in all patients were within the normal ranges before and after treatment, with no serious adverse reactions observed. Conclusion. MEG significantly alleviates menopause-related vulvovaginal atrophy, with no overt adverse effects on the endometrium, breast, hepatic, and renal functions.


1992 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. LAMBERT ◽  
R. J. MORTON ◽  
J. P. SLOAN

A controlled double-blind prospective study of injection of methylprednisolone acetate plus local anaesthetic against a control injection of a local anaesthetic in the treatment of trigger finger and thumb has shown a 60% success rate for the steroid injection against 16% for the control group (p < 0.05). This is the first controlled trial of local steroid therapy in this condition.


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