Annals of NeurosciencesPub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2023-09-01DOI: 10.1177/09727531231186503
Rakhi Sharma, Shiv Dutt Joshi
{"title":"Graph Theoretical Measures for Alzheimer's, MCI, and Normal Controls: A Comparative Study Using MRI Data.","authors":"Rakhi Sharma, Shiv Dutt Joshi","doi":"10.1177/09727531231186503","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531231186503","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Graph theory provides the platform that could be used to model complex brain networks mathematically, and it could play a significant role in the diagnosis of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The main aim of our study is to perform a comparative analysis in terms of various graph theoretic measures of structural brain networks. In particular, the paper evaluates graph theoretical measures by first forming graphs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In this paper, we study and evaluate graph theoretical measures using MRI data, namely characteristic path length, global efficiency, strength, and clustering coefficient, in a cohort of normal controls (<i>N</i> = 30), a cohort of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (<i>N</i> = 30), and a cohort of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (<i>N</i> = 30). In our work, MRI data is preprocessed and cortical thickness is extracted for each brain region. The connectivity matrix is obtained, and thus a graph is formed. We have also performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC analyses of all graph theoretical measures to better elucidate and validate the results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>It is observed that these measures may be used to differentiate Alzheimer's from normal. In our study, we observed that a very random and disrupted network is obtained in the case of Alzheimer's in comparison with the normal and MCI cases. The other observations in terms of graph theoretic measures are an increase in characteristic path length, a decrease in global efficiency, a decrease in strength, and a reduction in values of the clustering coefficient in the case of Alzheimer's.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that graph theoretical measures and alterations in network topology could be used as quantitative biomarkers of AD.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"21-28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11863209/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45032809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Myasthenia Gravis as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Renal Cell Carcinoma: More Than a Coincidence?","authors":"Sujin Koshy, Reji Thomas, Vijayalekshmi S, Jeethu Thampi","doi":"10.1177/09727531241306852","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531241306852","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease primarily caused by autoantibodies against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction. However, extrathymic malignancies need to be considered in the elderly population.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Although thymic malignancy is the most common tumour association, several extrathymic malignancies complicated with myasthenia gravis have been reported. During the review of the literature, there are only a few reports of myasthenia occurring as a paraneoplastic manifestation of renal cell carcinoma.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We present a 64-year-old elderly gentleman with progressive weakness. The patient underwent routine blood investigations, AChR antibody testing repetitive nerve stimulation test (RNST), contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and radical nephrectomy with histopathological analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The patient improved significantly with immune modulatory therapies and underwent surgical intervention. He also later started on adjuvant chemotherapy based on histopathological reports and analysis. This case highlights the need for evaluation of extrathymic malignancy in late-onset myasthenia gravis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our case highlights the need for screening for extrathymic malignancies in patients presenting with late-onset myasthenia gravis, which had good outcomes if identified early initiation of treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"47-50"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11726495/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142982523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of Resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Connectivity Among Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Comparative Study.","authors":"Paramdeep Singh, Jawahar Singh, Sameer Peer, Manav Jindal, Sunil Khokhar, Abhilash Ludhiadch, Anjana Munshi","doi":"10.1177/09727531231191889","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531231191889","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Resting-state functional connectivity analysis has a potential to unearth the putative neuronal underpinnings of various disorders of the brain. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is regarded as a disorder arising from alterations in functional networks of the brain.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>There is paucity of literature on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI) in MDD, especially from the Indian subcontinent. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the differences in Rs-fMRI connectivity between MDD patients and age and gender matched healthy controls (HC).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective single institute-based study, the patients were recruited consecutively based on Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D). Age and gender matched HC were also recruited. Rs-fMRI and anatomical MRI images were acquired for all the subjects (MDD and HC group) and subsequent analysis was done using the CONN toolbox.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 49 subjects were included in the final analysis (MDD = 28 patients, HC = 21). HAM-D score was noted to be 24.4 ± 4.8 in the MDD group. There was no significant difference between MDD and HC groups as far as age, gender, employment status, and level of education is concerned. Region-of-interest-based analysis of Rs-fMRI data showed a significantly lower connectivity between the left insula and left nucleus accumbens and between left paracingulate gyrus and bilateral posterior middle temporal gyri in MDD group as compared to HC group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is reduced connectivity between certain key regions of the brain in MDD patients, that is, between the left insular cortex and the left nucleus accumbens and between the left paracingulate gyrus and the bilateral posterior middle temporal gyrus. These findings could explain the basis of clinical features of MDD such as anhedonia, rumination of thoughts, reduced visuo-spatial comprehension, reduced language function, and response to external stimuli.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"13-20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11863249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43113605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biomarkers of Parkinson's Disease.","authors":"Anjali Sahai, Khyati Saxena","doi":"10.1177/09727531241301878","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531241301878","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative brain disease characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor disabilities, including dystonia and dyskinesia, cause speech and movement difficulties and limit many aspects of life. Factors affecting PD refer to the various internal and external conditions that contribute to the onset, severity and progression of the disease. These factors can be broadly categorised into genetic, environmental and lifestyle-related factors.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The primary objective of this prospective cohort study is to investigate the association between environmental exposures and genetic predisposition and the risk of developing PD. Secondary objectives include examining the relationships between these factors and clinical outcomes in PD, such as disease severity and progression. We have utilised the data from other research studies, which primarily involve recruiting a cohort of individuals at high risk for PD based on their family history and/or environmental exposure history. These research studies also include participants who will undergo clinical evaluations, including neurological examinations and cognitive assessments, and provide biospecimens for genetic analysis. Environmental exposure histories will be obtained through questionnaires and medical records fetched by the authors of these research studies. In all these studies, participants were followed up regularly over several years to monitor the development of PD and to assess disease progression.</p><p><strong>Key message: </strong>This study provided valuable insights into the role of environmental exposures and genetic predisposition in the development and progression of PD. The results of this study may inform strategies for preventing or delaying the onset of PD in high-risk individuals, as well as guide the development of targeted interventions for those already diagnosed with the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"09727531241301878"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11656457/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142875840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Mental Health Issues: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Arya Aravind, Manju Agarwal, Shahzadi Malhotra, Sayma Ayyub","doi":"10.1177/09727531241300741","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531241300741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mental health disorders rank among the most common psychiatric conditions, with lifetime prevalence rates that have a significant effect on the global population. Although CBT is still the most generally recommended psychosocial intervention for mental health problems, a significant number of patients do not fully react to therapy, which results in persistent symptoms. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has gained worldwide attention as a promising intervention with a growing body of empirical support across a variety of mental health conditions.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>A systematic review was conducted to evaluate ACT's impact on mental health. Comprehensive searches of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Shodganga, along with reference and citation checks, yielded 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Four independent reviewers assessed the studies for eligibility, methodological rigor, and data extraction. The findings revealed that ACT consistently reduces symptom severity, improves emotional regulation, enhances life satisfaction, and increases psychological flexibility. However, common methodological limitations include small sample sizes, lack of long-term follow-ups, and limited control group comparisons.</p><p><strong>Key message: </strong>ACT demonstrates significant promise as a trans-diagnostic intervention adaptable to various mental health issues. Despite its evident benefits in symptom reduction and psychological well-being, further research addressing methodological constraints is crucial to optimize its clinical applications and establish its long-term efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"09727531241300741"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11653371/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142863141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Physical Activity on Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Sayma Ayyub, Manju Agrawal, Vibha Sharma, Arya Aravind","doi":"10.1177/09727531241297012","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531241297012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that can significantly impact daily life are the hallmarks of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common illness affecting women of reproductive age. There are many different ways to manage PMS, and there is mounting evidence that physical activity may be helpful in reducing symptoms. With an emphasis on different exercise modalities such as weight training, yoga, and aerobic activity, this systematic review attempts to investigate how physical activity affects the management of PMS symptoms.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>A systematic review of studies published between 2009 and 2023 was conducted, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Articles from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were evaluated based on inclusion criteria focusing on the effects of physical activity on PMS symptoms. The findings indicate that regular participation in exercises such as weight training, yoga, and aerobic activities significantly reduces fatigue, improves mood regulation, and alleviates physical discomfort associated with PMS. These results highlight the benefits of exercise as an effective, non-pharmacological intervention for managing PMS symptoms.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>Incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines can serve as a practical and sustainable approach to managing PMS symptoms. Women suffering from PMS can experience improved physical and psychological well-being through diverse forms of exercise, including yoga and aerobic workouts. This underscores the role of exercise as a holistic and accessible intervention for enhancing women's health.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"09727531241297012"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11647822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142845650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Examining the Moderating Role of Affective Commitment on the Influence of Job Satisfaction on Intent to Stay: Evidence from Healthcare Technical Staff.","authors":"Chiradip Bandyopadhyay","doi":"10.1177/09727531241302573","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531241302573","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare technical workers are responsible for service delivery and are indispensable to the organisation. However, being in a client facing role, they perform under client pressures thereby experiencing stress. The enormity of the healthcare industry ensures the existence of multiple competing organisations. Therefore, attrition is a cause of concern for these industries. Not only do organisations suffer as a consequence of such actions, the end users of such services may also be affected by attrition.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study is to examine whether the intent to stay of healthcare workers is influenced by their job satisfaction and affective commitment. It also attempts to understand if affective commitment moderates the influence of job satisfaction on the intent to stay.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study has adopted a quantitative survey-based and primary data-based approach. The sample consists of technical healthcare staff such as medical imaging technicians, pathology laboratory technicians and medical equipment technicians. Two stage sampling has been adopted, with convenience sampling being used to approach private sector hospitals, and random sampling being used to select the respondents. Standard and established scales have been used in the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicate a significant correlation among job satisfaction, affective commitment and intent to stay. Further, the findings of analysis indicate that job satisfaction significantly influences the intent to stay. Affective commitment also significantly impacts the intent to stay. Moreover, affective commitment moderates the influence of job satisfaction on the intent to stay.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Healthcare organisations need to focus not only on enhancing the job satisfaction of healthcare staff but also pay attention effective commitment. They therefore need to focus not only on enhancing job skills and competencies but also provide a congenial organisation climate conducive to growth and development.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"09727531241302573"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11647818/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142845649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Immediate Effect of <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i> on Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomised Controlled Study.","authors":"Karuppasamy Govindasamy, Dilpreet Kaur, Masilamani Elayaraja, Deepika Sethi, Shantichitra Kalidas, Debajit Karmakar, Bekir Erhan Orhan, Yuni Astuti, Koulla Parpa","doi":"10.1177/09727531241299258","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531241299258","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular condition, is linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, often evidenced by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga, particularly <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i>, may influence autonomic control and improve HRV, thus offering potential benefits for hypertension management.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study intended to assess the impact of the regular use of <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i> practice on HRV among hypertensive patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This randomised controlled study included 60 hypertensive patients aged between 40 and 60. Participants were randomised into an intervention group practicing <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i> (<i>n</i> = 30) and a control group with no intervention (<i>n</i> = 30). The outcome measures included time and frequency domain HRV variables, specifically the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) components in normalised units (n.u), and the LF/HF ratio. These were assessed both before and immediately after the intervention. The intervention group performed three rounds of <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i> under supervision, while the control group rested quietly for an equivalent duration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i> group demonstrated significant (<i>p</i> < .05) improvements in HRV parameters post-intervention compared to the control group. Mean RR interval, SDNN and RMSSD increased immediately after <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i> practice. The HF component (n.u) increased, while the LF component (n.u) and LF/HF ratio decreased (<i>p</i> < .05), indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity. No significant changes were observed in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>Uddiyana Bandha</i>'s practice immediately has notable effects on HRV in hypertensive patients, showing better autonomic balance and cardiovascular performance. These results suggest <i>Uddiyana Bandha</i> as a possible non-pharmacological strategy for hypertension management. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to support these results and explore long-term effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"09727531241299258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11638923/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142827216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Stress, Resilience, Sexual Functioning and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy.","authors":"Sheshagiri V, Ravitej Manjunath Thoralakki, Pradeep Kumar P C, Shivananda Manohar J","doi":"10.1177/09727531241299989","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09727531241299989","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In India, the incidence of orthopaedic conditions is significantly increasing, with 63 million people suffering from various orthopaedic issues, causing considerable distress to patients. This study aims to assess stress, resilience, sexual functioning, and quality of life in participants who underwent arthroplasty and arthroscopy surgery at baseline, one month, and three months.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This comparative study utilised the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Sexual Function Scale, and the WHO Quality of Life Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The comparison between arthroscopy and arthroplasty reveals distinct patterns in stress, resilience, sexual functioning, and quality of life. For both procedures, stress levels were higher at baseline and one-month post-surgery but decreased by three months. Resilience scores improved consistently over time in both groups. However, sexual functioning and quality of life showed different trends: while sexual functioning initially decreased post-arthroscopy but improved by three months, arthroplasty participants generally experienced a more consistent improvement in both sexual functioning and quality of life from baseline through the follow-up periods.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study showed that stress was significantly higher at baseline and one-month post-surgery. However, the trends in sexual functioning and quality of life differed between the two types of surgery. These findings highlight the need for tailored patient support and interventions based on the type of orthopaedic procedure performed.</p>","PeriodicalId":7921,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Neurosciences","volume":" ","pages":"09727531241299989"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11638931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142827217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}