Exploring Emotion Recognition Patterns Among Iranian People Using CANTAB as an Approved Neuro-Psychological Assessment

Background: Emotion Recognition is the main component of social cognition and has various patterns in different cultures and nationalities. The present study aimed to investigate emotion recognition patterns among Iranians using the Cambridge Neuro-Psychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) as a valid neuropsychological test. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 117 males and females (Mage = 32.1, SD = 6.4) were initially assessed by computerised intelligence and progressive matrices of RAVEN-2. Furthermore, the excitement recognition subtest taken from the Cambridge Neuro-Psychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was performed. The correct response of participants to each of the six basic emotions as well as the recognition time was used for analysis. Results: The maximum correct responses rate was 75.83% related to happy emotion. The correct responses for sadness, surprise, disgust, anger and fear were 70%, 68.48%, 47.84%, 42.54% and 38.26%, respectively. Moreover, the shortest recognition time was related to disgust with 322ms, while sadness with mean response time 1800ms and fear response time with 1529ms indicated the longest recognition time. In addition, participants recognised happiness with mean response time in 1264ms better than other emotions; however, post-hoc t-test analyses showed that only the correct responses for sadness and surprised emotions did not differ significantly, (t (112) = -.59, p = .55, d = .05). These results suggested that different emotions have various correct responses. However, sadness and surprised did not differ. Conclusions: The findings of this study could be beneficial for evaluating cognitive elements, as well as cognitive abilities and inabilities among the Iranian population. Moreover, the findings could be used for investigating social cognition in this population.

Paired-Pulse Inhibition and Disinhibition of the Dentate Gyrus Following Orexin Receptors Inactivation in the Basolateral Amygdala

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) has substantial effects on the neuronal transmission and synaptic plasticity processes through the dentate gyrus. Orexin neuropeptides play different roles in the sleep/wakefulness cycle, feeding, learning, and memory. The present study was conducted to investigate the function of the orexin receptors of the BLA in the hippocampal local interneuron circuits. For this, paired-pulse responses from dentate gyrus (DG) region were recorded. Within the procedure, SB-334867-A (12μg/0.5μl), and, TCS-OX2-29 (10μg/0.5μl (orexin 1 and 2 receptors antagonists, respectively), were administered into the both side of the BLA areas of the rat brain. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as the solvent in the control animals with the volume of 0.5μl. Our data indicated that the paired-pulse (PP) responses were not affected by the inactivation of the orexin receptors of the BLA.

Probable Neuropsychological & Cognitive Complications due to Cytokine Storm in Patients With COVID-19

Introduction: COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) was identified in China in December 2019 for the first time and is rapidly spreading throughout the world as a pandemic. As COVID-19 causes mild to severe acute respiratory syndrome, most studies in this context have focused on pathogenesis primarily in the respiratory system. However, evidence shows that the central nervous system (CNS) may also be affected by COVID-19. Since COVID-19 is spreading, it is imperative to study its possible cognitive effects in patients suffering and recovering from COVID-19. Methods: The articles used in this study were searched by keywords such as Cytokine storm and covid-19, covid-19 and executive dysfunction, cognitive disorder and covid-19, CNS and covid 19, Coronavirus, Neuroinvasion in science direct, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. The study will assess all observational studies published between December 2019 and April 2021 in peer-reviewed journals, including cross-sectional, cohort, case-control studies, case reports and case series. The search result was 106 articles, of which 73 articles related to Covid-19, the stages of infection by this virus, its effect on the nervous system and neurological symptoms, the cytokine storm caused by this infection, and the possible cognitive consequences caused by this virus in patients, has been reviewed. Other articles were not checked due to their limited relevance to the topic under discussion. Results: Studies show that neurons may be directly affected by SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, various studies indicate that systemic inflammation (so-called "cytokine storm") is also responsible for brain damage induced by infection with SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Such a way that this patients showed elevated levels of interleukin (IL-), 6, 8, and 10 and of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) in their blood. Conclusion: Various cognitive defects following an increase level of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6,8 have been observed. Therefore, due to the increase level of these pro-inflammatory factors in the brains of these patients, cognitive deficits can be expected, which need further investigation.

Effect of Short Time Exposure of Local ELF-MFs on Sleepiness Induced in Male Rats

Introduction: Lack of high-quality sleep causes serious side effects like anxiety and changes in plasma concentration of oxalate. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of local extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on inducing sleep (sleepiness) and anxiety in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were allocated in four groups (n=10). The ELF-MFs exposure (0, 10 and 18 Hz) was applied with intensity 200µT for three days (10 min/day). Sham-treated animal did not receive ELF-MF. Serum level of oxalic acid (OA) and sleepiness were measured both before first and after last exposure to ELF-MF or sham. Anxiety, sleepiness and OA were measured by using elevated plus maze, open-field test (OFT) and ELISA test, respectively. Results: Comparison of oxalate levels between before and after exposure to ELF-MF revealed that ELF-MF (10 Hz) decreased the serum level of oxalate (p<0.05). Comparison of the percent of open:closed arm entry (in elevated plus maze) between before and after exposure to ELF-MF revealed significant differences. Also, frequency, velocity and distance moved were decreased in the open-field test. Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrated that ELF-MF with short time exposure may modulate the metabolism of OA and may modulate anxiety-like behavior or kind of induction of sleepiness in male rats.

Differential Effects of the Lateral Hypothalamus Lesion as an Origin of Orexin and Blockade of Orexin-1 Receptor in the Orbitoftontal Cortex and Anterior Cingulate Cortex on Their Neuronal Activity

Several studies revealed that orexins may take part in the regulation of the different forms of affective and cognitive processes during wakefulness. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as an important part of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have a crucial role in cognitive processes such as reward and decision-making and has a high density of orexin receptor type 1 (OX1Rs). In the present study, to find out the role of OX1Rs in the OFC neurons firing rate, the OX1Rs were inhibited in this area after a10-min baseline recording. In the second part, the lateral hypothalamus (LH) as the main source of orexinergic neurons was inhibited and its effect on the firing rate and activity pattern of the ACC or OFC neurons were detected by using single-unit recording technique in the rats. Results showed that blockade of OX1Rs in the OFC could excite 8 and inhibit 1 neuron out of 11. Besides, the blockade of OX1Rs in the ACC could excite 6 and inhibit 3 neurons out of 10. Also, LH inactivation excited 5 out of 12 neurons and inhibited 6 neurons in the ACC. It excited 8 and inhibited 6 neurons out of 14 in the OFC. These data suggested that blockade of the OX1Rs excited 72% of the neurons, but LH inactivation had an exciting effect on just 50% of neurons in two main subregions of PFC. It seems that the PFC neurons receive the orexinergic inputs from the LH and indirectly from other sources.

Cardiovascular Effect of Dorsal Periaqueductal Gray During LPS- Induced Hypotension

Introduction: The central mechanism responsible for cardiovascular response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - induced hypotension is not completely determined and it is suggested numerous brain areas such as dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) are involved. In this study the cardiovascular effect of the dPAG during LPS-induced hypotension was evaluated. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats divided into four groups including 1) Control (Saline microinjected into dPAG), 2) Lidocaine 2%, 3) LPS (intravenously injected), and 4) Lidocaine + LPS were used. Catheterization of the femoral artery and vein was performed for the recording of blood pressure and LPS injection, respectively. Saline and lidocaine were microinjected into the dPAG nucleus then, LPS injection was done. Cardiovascular responses throughout of experiments were recorded and changes (∆) of systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were calculated over time and was compared with those control and LPS groups, using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: LPS significantly reduced ∆SBP and ∆MAP (P<0.05) and did not change the ∆HR than the control group. Lidocaine did not significantly affect basic ∆SBP, ∆MAP and ∆HR compared to the control. Injection of lidocaine before LPS significantly attenuated reduction of ∆SBP and ∆MAP evoked by LPS (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our data showed that blockade of the dPAG by lidocaine significantly ameliorates the hypotension induced by LPS. It confirms involvement of the dPAG in cardiovascular regulation during LPS-induced hypotension.

Effect of Probiotics on Parkinson's Disease Rating, Selected Gastrointestinal Measurements and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Parkinson's disease is the world's second most prevalent neurological disease. In Parkinson’s disease intracytoplasmic neuronal inclusions are observed in enteric neurons in the gastrointestinal tract, and the composition of the intestinal microbiome is altered. These changes correlate with the motor phenotype. A systematic review was conducted to determine the effect of probiotics with individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Science Direct and OVID-LWW were searched until April 2021 and total 27.395 records were reached according to inclusion and exclusion criteria with the following outcomes: Parkinson's disease rating; oxidative stress, and gastrointestinal system markers. Data searches, article selection and data extraction assessments were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The Jadad scale was used to rate the evidence's quality. Results: The information gathered from 5 randomized controlled trials involving 350 individuals with Parkinson’s disease receiving probiotic supplements. Parkinson’s disease rating and non-motor symptoms test were performed. Oxidative stress (Glutathione, malondialdehyde) and gastrointestinal system symptoms (bowel opening frequency, gut transit time, complete bowel movement, spontaneous bowel movements) were evaulated for 4-12 weeks of usage. Conclusion: While all high-quality studies demonstrate progress, there is currently insufficient data to recommend the use of probiotics for people with Parkinson's disease in clinical practice.

The Pattern of Neuroinflammatory miRNAs, C-Reactive Protein, and Alanine Aminotransferase During Hospitalization In Recovered or Not-Recovered COVID-19 Patients

Background: Our aim was to investigate the expression of miRNAs, C-reactive protein as a blood inflammation marker, and alanine aminotransferase as a tissue inflammation marker in recovered and not-recovered COVID-19 patients. Methods: This cross-sectional project was done in three medical center of Iran from December to March, 2021. Generally, a total of 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with grade III and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Then, the neuroinflammatory expression of miRNAs (miR-199, miR-203, and miR-181), C-reactive protein, and alanine aminotransferase were investigated during hospitalization from week 0 to week 2. Results: In not-recovered COVID-19 subjects, the expression of miR-199, miR-203, and miR-181 were decreased and the levels of C-reactive protein and alanine aminotransferase were increased during hospitalization. Conversely, in recovered COVID-19 subjects, the relative expression of miR-199, miR-203, and miR-181 were increased and the levels of C-reactive protein and alanine aminotransferase were decreased during hospitalization. Conclusions: The expression pattern of neuroinflammatory miRNAs is depends on whether the COVID-19 patient is recovering or deteriorating. Their expression is down-regulated in not-recovered COVID-19 patients and up-regulated in recovered COVID-19 patients.

Psychometric Properties of Sex Addiction Screening Test-Revised (SAST-R) for Persian Population

Background and Objectives: Sexual addiction is known as a disorder that afflicts a person with difficulty in controlling or delaying sexual behaviors. In order to prevent social, physical, and psychological consequences, validated screening tests are needed to diagnose this disorder. One of these tests is established by Carnes with the name of “Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised” (SAST-R). In this study, Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised has been translated and verified in the Persian language. Methods: To this purpose, the original screening test was translated to the Persian language and also back translated for matching by two different expert teams. Data was collected through online survey from 1268 participants who were between 18 to 65 years old (M=29.44 and SD=6.90) that 56.1% and 43.9% of them where women and men respectively. Three questionnaires including sexual addiction screening test–revised (SAST-R), hypersexual behavior consequences scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale as the principal, convergent and divergent tests were administered to the participants. Results: The reliability of the test's internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.883), Split-Half (Cronbach's alpha = 0.779), and Guttman (lambda coefficients were between 0.773 to 0.883) tests were used. In addition, four methods of content validity (sexual hyperactivity specialist approved), convergent structure validity (P<0.001, R =0.731), the validity of divergent structure (P<0.09, R = -0.132), and factor validity (CFI=0.884, GFI=0.873, RMSEA=0.047) were measured and confirmed the validity of the test. Conclusion: The Persian version of the sexual addiction screening test–revised (SAST-R) seems to be a reliable pre-clinical tool to assess the severity of sexual desire of patients.

Evaluating the Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Neuropathic Pain and Oxidative Stress Factors in an Animal Model of Chronic Constriction Injury of the Sciatic Nerve

Background: Neuropathic pain is a common and painful somatosensory nervous system disease, and its treatment remains a medical challenge. Evidence demonstrates that gut microbiota alters in neuropathic pain and, therefore, improvement of the gut flora may affect the disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of probiotics in neuropathic pain and oxidative biomarkers' responsiveness to the probiotic treatment. Methods: Using chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rats' sciatic nerve, neuropathic pain was induced. Investigating the analgesic effect of the probiotics mixture, 40 male rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=10 for each): Sham-operated (SM), and CCI model rats have orally received 1 ml saline (CS), or 100 mg/kg Gabapentin (CG) or 1 ml probiotics mixture (CP) Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum (109 CFU of each) daily. Using behavioral tests, the pain was assessed on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of the study. Finally, the biochemical evaluation of sciatic nerve tissue was done. Results: Probiotics decreased cold and mechanic allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Reducing lipid peroxidation level and increasing total antioxidant capacity, SOD, and GPx activity was also significant in the probiotics group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that probiotics have analgesic effects on the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain via increasing antioxidant capacity of the rats' sciatic nerve.