An appraisal to Hans Berger by the time of his 150th birthday: the human EEG and tales of blood flow, heat and brain waves / Um ensaio sobre o aniversário de 150 anos de Hans Berger: uma história de sangue, calor e ondas cerebrais

Abstract More than 100 years of research have passed by and still the human electroencephalogram (EEG) remains a puzzle to be solved. Starting from his studies on plethysmography until his theories on brain thermodynamics, Hans Berger was able to refine his method of recording cortical signs with the apparatus at his disposal in an ordinary neuropsychiatric yard towards an early account of human EEG. This review is an appraisal of his contribution to the field of modern neurophysiology.

Resumo Mais de 100 anos se passaram e o eletroencefalograma humano (EEG) continua sendo um enigma a ser desvendado. A partir de seus estudos sobre pletismografia até suas teorias sobre termodinâmica cerebral, Hans Berger conseguiu refinar seu método de registro da atividade elétrica cortical com os equipamentos a sua disposição em uma ala psiquiátrica comum produzindo uma descrição acurada do EEG humano. Esta revisão é um breve resumo de sua contribuição para o campo da neurofisiologia moderna.

Diseño de la tarjeta de habilidades prácticas de electroencefalografía para el técnico en Neurofisiología Clínica

Introducción: El programa de formación del Técnico Superior de Ciclo Corto en Neurofisiología Clínica incorpora en la educación en el trabajo la rotación por electroencefalografía. En ella el estudiante adquiere habilidades esenciales, desarrolla su pensamiento creador e independiente. No obstante, las habilidades prácticas desarrolladas en la misma no están establecidas. Objetivo: Diseñar la tarjeta de habilidades prácticas de electroencefalografía para el técnico en Neurofisiología Clínica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal entre enero y julio de 2022. Fueron entrevistados seis profesores que impartieron la asignatura Electroencefalografía en el Técnico Superior de Ciclo Corto en Neurofisiología Clínica, cuatro de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Juan Guiteras Gener, de Matanzas, y dos de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Victoria de Girón, de La Habana. Resultados: Los profesores entrevistados, de modo general, apuntaron habilidades prácticas muy similares para el diseño de la tarjeta. La misma fue validada por el criterio de especialistas. Conclusiones: El diseño de la tarjeta de habilidades prácticas contiene los elementos fundamentales para la rotación de electroencefalografía aplicada en la educación al trabajo. Esta organiza y orienta en el estudiante su aprendizaje.

Introduction: The training program of the Short Cycle High Education Technician in Clinical Neurophysiology includes electroencephalography rotation into on-the-job education. In it, the student acquires essential skills, develops his creative and independent thinking. However, the practical skills developed in it are not established. Objective: To design the practical skills card of electroencephalography for the Technician in Clinical Neurophysiology. Materials and methods: A cross sectional, descriptive study was carried out in the period from January to July 2022. Six professors who taught the subject Electroencephalography in the Short Cycle course High Education Technician in Clinical Neurophysiology were interviewed; four from the Faculty of Medical Sciences Juan Guiteras Gener, from Matanzas, and two from the Faculty of Medical Sciences Victoria de Giron, from Havana. Results: The teachers interviewed, in general, pointed out very similar practical skills for the design of the card. It was validated by the criteria of specialists. Conclusions: The design of the practical skills card contains the fundamental elements for the electroencephalography rotation applied in on-the-job education. It organizes and guides the student's learning.

Acousto-optic stimuli to promote coherent 40-Hz frequency entrainment effect / Estímulos acústico-ópticos para promover efeito de arrastamento de frequência coerente de 40 Hz

Abstract Background Research has shown that a fundamental frequency of 40 Hz in continuous neural oscillation is indicative of normal brain activity; in Alzheimer disease (AD) patients, these oscillations either disappear or are significantly interrupted. Research has also indicated that the degenerative impacts of AD in mice were mitigated by the synchronization of 40-Hz acousto-optic stimulation (AOS). Objective To examine the impact of employing a 40-Hz AOS intervention on the induction of a substantial 40-Hz frequency entrainment and improvement in working memory performance among a sample of young individuals in good health. We conduct an analysis of event-related potentials (ERPs) derived from electroencephalogram (EEG) data following the presentation of AOS. Methods We recruited 20 healthy volunteers (median age: 25 years; 8 female subjects). Following the administration of various stimuli, including no stimuli, 40-Hz AOS, pink noise, and 40Hz acoustic stimuli (AS), the participants were required to complete a working memory task. A total of 62 electrodes were used to record EEG data, which was subsequently analyzed to investigate the impact of AOS on the activity of working memory. We also aimed to determine if AOS lead to a more pronounced 40-Hz frequency entrainment. Results Following the administration of AOS, a notable enhancement in the 40-Hz power of pertinent cerebral areas was observed, accompanied by a substantial improvement in the performance of the subjects on working memory tests subsequent to the stimulation. Conclusion The findings unequivocally establish the efficacy of using AOS to enhance the 40-Hz power and working memory.

Resumo Antecedentes A pesquisa mostrou que uma frequência fundamental de 40 Hz em oscilação neural contínua é indicativa de atividade cerebral normal. Em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA), essas oscilações desaparecem ou são significativamente interrompidas. A pesquisa também indicou que os impactos degenerativos da DA em camundongos foram mitigados pela sincronização da estimulação acústico-óptica (EAO) de 40 Hz. Objetivo Examinar o impacto do emprego de uma intervenção EAO de 40 Hz na indução de um arrastamento substancial de frequência de 40 Hz e na melhoria do desempenho da memória de trabalho entre uma amostra de jovens com boa saúde. Conduzimos uma análise de potenciais relacionados a eventos (PREs) derivados de dados de eletroencefalograma (EEG) após a apresentação de EAO. Métodos Recrutamos 20 voluntários saudáveis (idade média: 25 anos; 8 mulheres). Após a administração de vários estímulos, incluindo nenhum estímulo, EAO de 40 Hz, ruído rosa e estímulos acústicos (EA) de 40 Hz, os participantes foram obrigados a completar uma tarefa de memória de trabalho. Um total de 62 eletrodos foram utilizados para registrar dados de EEG, que foram posteriormente analisados. para investigar o impacto do AOS na atividade da memória de trabalho. Também pretendemos determinar se o AOS leva a um arrastamento de frequência de 40 Hz mais pronunciado. Resultados Após a administração de AOS, foi observado um aumento notável na potência de 40 Hz de áreas cerebrais pertinentes, acompanhado por uma melhoria substancial no desempenho dos sujeitos em testes de memória de trabalho subsequentes à estimulação. Conclusão Os resultados estabelecem inequivocamente a eficácia do uso do AOS para melhorar a potência de 40 Hz e a memória de trabalho.

Latency of epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures / Latencia de las crisis epilépticas y psicógenas no epilépticas

Abstract Background Due to their semiological similarities, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs) can occasionally hardly be differentiated from epileptic seizures (ESs), and long-term video-electroencephalographic monitoring (VEM) is needed for the differential diagnosis. Objective To investigate the time of the first clinical event and its distribution on the days of VEM in ES and PNES patients. Methods In total, a consecutive series of 48 PNES and 51 ES patients matched for gender and age were retrospectively and consecutively evaluated. The time distribution of the seizures during the day was noted. Seizure latency was determined as the time in hours from the start of the video-electroencephalographic recording to the first clinical event. Results The seizure latency was significantly shorter in PNES patients compared to ES patients (p < 0.001). Seventy-two percent of PNES patients and 49.1% of ES patients had their first seizure in the 24 hours of video-EEG recording (p = 0.023). Recording longer than 48 hours was required for 12.5% of PNES patients and 37.3% of ES patients (p = 0.006). While ESs were almost evenly distributed throughout the day, most PNESs occurred during the evening hours (p = 0.011). Conclusion We observed that the PNESs appeared earlier than the ESs in the VEM and were concentrated during daylight hours. Although not strictly reliable, seizure latency can contribute to the differential diagnosis of ES and PNES.

Resumen Antecedentes Debido a sus similitudes semiológicas, las crisis no epilépticas psicógenas (CNEP) en ocasiones apenas se pueden diferenciar de las crisis epilépticas (CE), y se necesita una monitorización video-electroencefalográfica (EEG) prolongada para el diagnóstico diferencial. Objectivo Investigar el momento del primer evento clínico y su distribución en los días de monitorización video-EEG en pacientes con CE y CNEP. Métodos Se evaluó retrospectivamente a una serie consecutiva de 48 pacientes con CNEP y 51 con ES emparejados por sexo y edad. Se anotó la distribución temporal de las incautaciones durante el día. La latencia de las crisis se determinó como el tiempo en horas desde el inicio de la grabación del video-EEG hasta el primer evento clínico. Resultados La latencia de las crisis fue significativamente menor en los pacientes con CNEP en comparación con los pacientes con CE (p < 0,001). El 72% de los pacientes con CNEP y el 49,1% de los pacientes con CE tuvieron su primera crisis en las 24 horas de registro del video-EEG (p = 0,023). Se requirió un registro de más de 48 horas para el 12,5% de los pacientes con CNEP y el 37,3% de los pacientes con CE (p = 0,006). Mientras que las CE se distribuyeron casi uniformemente a lo largo del día, la mayoría de las CNEP ocurrieron durante las horas después del anochecer (p = 0,011). Conclusión Observamos que las CNEPs aparecieron antes que las CEs en la monitorización video-EEG, y se agruparon durante las horas del día. Aunque no es estrictamente confiable, la latencia de las crisis puede contribuir al diagnóstico diferencial de ES y CNEP.

Efecto de los anestésicos en la electroencefalografía. Parte 2 / Effect of anesthetics on electroencephalography. Part 2

Resumen: La anestesiología cuenta con una nueva generación de monitores de la profundidad anestésica como Narcotrend, SedLine y el índice biespectral; con un procesador del electroencefalograma llamado espectrograma o espectrografía. Tras la obtención del electroencefalograma, se procesa para graficar en tres dimensiones: la frecuencia, el tiempo y la potencia en una escala de colores, con lo que se obtiene la matriz de densidad espectral (DSA, por sus siglas en inglés). El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es ilustrar los efectos de los anestésicos más comunes en el espectrograma y hacer una breve revisión de su huella en el electroencefalograma.

Abstract: Anesthesiology has a new generation of anesthetic depth monitors such as Narcotrend, SedLine and Bispectral Index; with an electroencephalogram processor called a spectrogram or spectrograph. After obtaining the electroencephalogram, it is processed to graph three dimensions: frequency, time, and power on a color scale, obtaining the DSA (density spectral array). The objective of this narrative review is to illustrate the effects of the most common anesthetics on the spectrogram and to briefly review their signature on the electroencephalogram.

Application of brain functional connectivity and nonlinear dynamic analysis in brain function assessment for infants with controlled infantile spasm / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the role of brain functional connectivity and nonlinear dynamic analysis in brain function assessment for infants with controlled infantile spasm (IS).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 14 children with controlled IS (IS group) who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, from January 2019 to January 2023. Twelve healthy children, matched for sex and age, were enrolled as the control group. Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were analyzed for both groups to compare the features of brain network, and nonlinear dynamic indicators were calculated, including approximate entropy, sample entropy, permutation entropy, and permutation Lempel-Ziv complexity.@*RESULTS@#Brain functional connectivity showed that compared with the control group, the IS group had an increase in the strength of functional connectivity, and there was a significant difference between the two groups in the connection strength between the Fp2 and F8 channels (P<0.05). The network stability analysis showed that the IS group had a significantly higher network stability than the control group at different time windows (P<0.05). The nonlinear dynamic analysis showed that compared with the control group, the IS group had a significantly lower sample entropy of Fz electrode (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Abnormalities in brain network and sample entropy may be observed in some children with controlled IS, and it is suggested that quantitative EEG analysis parameters can serve as neurological biomarkers for evaluating brain function in children with IS.

A preliminary study on a new method for evaluating brain maturation in preterm infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To establish a new method for evaluating the brain maturation of preterm infants based on the features of electroencephalographic activity.@*METHODS@#A prospective study was conducted on the video electroencephalography (vEEG) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) recordings within 7 days after birth of preterm infants who had a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 25-36 weeks and met the inclusion criteria. The background activity of aEEG+conventional electroencephalography (cEEG) was scored according to the features of brain maturation as a new evaluation system and was compared with the aEEG evaluation system. The correlations of the evaluation results of the two methods with gestational age (GA), PMA, and head circumference were evaluated. The intervals of the total scores of aEEG+cEEG and aEEG were calculated for preterm infants with different PMAs and were compared between groups. The consistency of the new scoring system was evaluated among different raters.@*RESULTS@#A total of 52 preterm infants were included. The total scores of aEEG+cEEG and aEEG were positively correlated with GA, PMA, and head circumference (P<0.05), and the correlation coefficient between the total scores of the two systems and PMA and GA was >0.9. The normal score intervals for aEEG+cEEG and aEEG scoring systems were determined in preterm infants with different PMAs as follows: infants with a PMA of less than 28 weeks had scores of 13.0 (11.0, 14.0) points for aEEG+cEEG and 6.0 (4.0, 7.0) points for aEEG; infants with a PMA between 28 and 29+6 weeks had scores of 16.0 (14.5, 17.0) points for aEEG+cEEG and 8.0 (6.0, 8.0) points for aEEG; infants with a PMA between 30 and 31+6 weeks had scores of 18.0 (17.0, 21.0) points for aEEG+cEEG and 9.0 (8.0, 10.0) points for aEEG; infants with between 32 and 33+6 weeks had scores of 22.0 (20.0, 24.5) points for aEEG+cEEG and 10.0 (10.0, 10.8) points for aEEG; infants with a PMA between 34 and 36 weeks had scores of 26.0 (24.5, 27.5) points for aEEG+cEEG and 11.0 (10.0, 12.0) points for aEEG. There were significant differences in the total scores of aEEG+cEEG and aEEG among the different PMA groups (P<0.05). There was a high consistency between different raters when using the scoring system to evaluate the brain maturation of preterm infants (κ=0.86).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The aEEG+cEEG scoring system established in this study can quantitatively reflect the brain maturation of preterm infants, with a good discriminatory ability between preterm infants with different PMAs and high consistency between different raters.

Research progress of brain-computer interface application paradigms based on rapid serial visual presentation / 生物医学工程学杂志

Rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) is a type of psychological visual stimulation experimental paradigm that requires participants to identify target stimuli presented continuously in a stream of stimuli composed of numbers, letters, words, images, and so on at the same spatial location, allowing them to discern a large amount of information in a short period of time. The RSVP-based brain-computer interface (BCI) can not only be widely used in scenarios such as assistive interaction and information reading, but also has the advantages of stability and high efficiency, which has become one of the common techniques for human-machine intelligence fusion. In recent years, brain-controlled spellers, image recognition and mind games are the most popular fields of RSVP-BCI research. Therefore, aiming to provide reference and new ideas for RSVP-BCI related research, this paper reviewed the paradigm design and system performance optimization of RSVP-BCI in these three fields. It also looks ahead to its potential applications in cutting-edge fields such as entertainment, clinical medicine, and special military operations.

Alterations of β-γ coupling of scalp electroencephalography during epilepsy / 生物医学工程学杂志

Uncovering the alterations of neural interactions within the brain during epilepsy is important for the clinical diagnosis and treatment. Previous studies have shown that the phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) can be used as a potential biomarker for locating epileptic zones and characterizing the transition of epileptic phases. However, in contrast to the θ-γ coupling widely investigated in epilepsy, few studies have paid attention to the β-γ coupling, as well as its potential applications. In the current study, we use the modulation index (MI) to calculate the scalp electroencephalography (EEG)-based β-γ coupling and investigate the corresponding changes during different epileptic phases. The results show that the β-γ coupling of each brain region changes with the evolution of epilepsy, and in several brain regions, the β-γ coupling decreases during the ictal period but increases in the post-ictal period, where the differences are statistically significant. Moreover, the alterations of β-γ coupling between different brain regions can also be observed, and the strength of β-γ coupling increases in the post-ictal period, where the differences are also significant. Taken together, these findings not only contribute to understanding neural interactions within the brain during the evolution of epilepsy, but also provide a new insight into the clinical treatment.

Modulation of brain waves in spinal cord injury patients with pain: cross-sectional analysis / Modulação de ondas cerebrais em pacientes com lesão medular e dor: uma análise transversal / Modulación de ondas cerebrales en pacientes con lesión de médula espinal y dolor: un análisis transversal

ABSTRACT: Objective: This study aimed to describe the encephalographic electrical rhythm pattern of the Alpha wave in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury in the thoracic spine. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted from January to March 2022. A total of 20 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury were included in the study and divided into two groups, with pain symptoms and without pain symptoms. Both groups were submitted for evaluation for population characterization, identification of the presence of pain and the possible presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization and quantitative electroencephalographic examination. Results: Comparing them, it was possible to observe a reduction of 38.7% (2.69µV; 95%CI 1.28 to 4.09) in the Alpha 2 wave (10-12 Hz) in the group with pain symptoms. This alteration was identified in the parietal lobe, mainly in PZ. Conclusion: We observed a selective reduction of Alpha 2 waves, mainly in the parietal region (PZ), in spinal cord injury patients with pain compared to spinal cord injury patients without pain. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies.

RESUMO: Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o padrão do ritmo eletroencefalográfico da onda Alfa em pacientes com lesão medular traumática na coluna torácica. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, realizado no período de janeiro a março de 2022. No total 20 pacientes com lesão medular traumática foram incluídos no estudo e divididos em dois grupos, com sintomas de dor e sem sintomas de dor. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos a avaliação para caracterização populacional, identificação de presença de dor e possível presença de sinais e sintomas de sensibilização central e ao exame Eletroencefalográfico quantitativo. Resultados: Ao compará-los foi possível constatar uma redução de 38,7% (2.69µV; 95%IC 1,28 to 4.09) da onda Alfa 2 (10-12 Hz) do grupo com sintomas de dor. Essa alteração foi identificada no lobo parietal, principalmente em PZ. Conclusão: Observamos uma redução seletiva de ondas Alfa 2, principalmente na região parietal (PZ), em pacientes com lesão medular com dor em relação aos pacientes lesão medular sem dor. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el patrón del ritmo electroencefalográfico de la onda Alfa en pacientes con lesión medular traumática en la columna torácica. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio observacional transversal realizado entre enero y marzo de 2022. En total, se incluyeron 20 pacientes con lesión medular traumática en el estudio, divididos en dos grupos, uno con síntomas de dolor y otro sin síntomas de dolor. Ambos grupos fueron sometidos a evaluación para caracterización poblacional, identificación de presencia de dolor y posible presencia de signos y síntomas de sensibilización central, así como al examen electroencefalográfico cuantitativo. Resultados: Al compararlos, se pudo constatar una reducción del 38,7% (2,69 µV; IC del 95%: 1,28 a 4,09) en la onda Alfa 2 (10-12 Hz) del grupo con síntomas de dolor. Esta alteración se identificó en el lóbulo parietal, principalmente en PZ. Conclusión: Observamos una reducción selectiva de las ondas Alfa 2, principalmente en la región parietal (PZ), en pacientes con lesión medular y dolor en comparación con pacientes con lesión medular sin dolor. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudios de diagnósticos.

Effect of multidimensional physiotherapy on non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Many people with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) do not recover with current conventional management. Systematic reviews show multidimensional treatment improves pain better than usual active interventions. It is unclear whether multidimensional physiotherapy improves pain better than usual physiotherapy. This study determines the effectiveness of this treatment to reduce pain and disability and improve quality of life, pain cognitions, and electroencephalographic pattern in individuals with NSCLBP. Methods 70 eligible participants aged 18 to 50 years with NSCLBP were randomized into either the experimental group (multidimensional physiotherapy) or the active control group (usual physiotherapy). Pain intensity was measured as the primary outcome. Disability, quality of life, pain Catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, fear Avoidance Beliefs, active lumbar range of motion, and brain function were measured as secondary outcomes. The outcomes were measured at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 10, and 22 weeks. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat approaches. Results There were 17 men and 18 women in the experimental group (mean [SD] age, 34.57 [6.98] years) and 18 men and 17 women in the active control group (mean [SD] age, 35.94 [7.51] years). Multidimensional physiotherapy was not more effective than usual physiotherapy at reducing pain intensity at the end of treatment. At the 10 weeks and 22 weeks follow-up, there were statistically significant differences between multidimensional physiotherapy and usual physiotherapy (mean difference at 10 weeks, -1.54; 95% CI, -2.59 to -0.49 and mean difference at 22 weeks, -2.20; 95% CI, - 3.25 to - 1.15). The standardized mean difference and their 95% confidence intervals (Cohen's d) revealed a large effect of pain at 22 weeks: (Cohen's d, -0.89; 95% CI (-1.38 to-0.39)). There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes. Conclusions In this randomized controlled trial, multidimensional physiotherapy resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvements in pain compared to usual physiotherapy in individuals with NSCLBP at 10 and 22 weeks. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270422; IRCT IRCT20140810018754N11.

Differences between hemispheres and in saccade latency regarding volleyball athletes and non-athletes during saccadic eye movements: an analysis using EEG / Diferenças inter-hemisféricas e na latência sacádica entre atletas de voleibol e não atletas durante movimentos oculares sacádicos: uma análise usando EEG

Abstract Background The saccadic eye movement is responsible for providing focus to a visual object of interest to the retina. In sports like volleyball, identifying relevant targets quickly is essential to a masterful performance. The training improves cortical regions underlying saccadic action, enabling more automated processing in athletes. Objective We investigated changes in the latency during the saccadic eye movement and the absolute theta power on the frontal and prefrontal cortices during the execution of the saccadic eye movement task in volleyball athletes and non-athletes. We hypothesized that the saccade latency and theta power would be lower due to training and perceptual-cognitive enhancement in volleyball players. Methods We recruited 30 healthy volunteers: 15 volleyball athletes (11 men and 4 women; mean age: 15.08 ± 1.06 years) and 15 non-athletes (5 men and 10 women; mean age: 18.00 ± 1.46 years). All tasks were performed simultaneously with electroencephalography signal recording. Results The latency of the saccadic eye movement presented a significant difference between the groups; a shorter time was observed among the athletes, associated with the players' superiority in terms of attention level. During the experiment, the athletes observed a decrease in absolute theta power compared to non-athletes on the electrodes of each frontal and prefrontal area. Conclusion In the present study, we observed the behavior of reaction time and absolute theta power in athletes and non-athletes during a saccadic movement task. Our findings corroborate the premise of cognitive improvement, mainly due to the reduction of saccadic latency and lower beta power, validating the neural efficiency hypothesis.

Resumo Antecedentes O movimento ocular sacádico é responsável por dar foco a um objeto visual de interesse para a retina. Em esportes como o vôlei, identificar alvos relevantes o mais rápido possível é essencial para se ter um desempenho magistral. O treinamento melhora as regiões corticais subjacentes à ação sacádica, e permite um processamento mais automatizado em atletas. Objetivo Investigamos as mudanças na latência durante o movimento ocular sacádico e a potência teta absoluta nos córtices frontal e pré-frontal durante a execução da tarefa de movimento ocular sacádico em atletas e não atletas de voleibol. Nossa hipótese é a de que a latência sacádica e a potência teta seriam menores em atletas devido ao treinamento e ao aprimoramento perceptivo-cognitivo em jogadores de voleibol. Métodos Ao todo, 30 voluntários saudáveis foram recrutados para este estudo: 15 atletas de voleibol (11 homens e 4 mulheres; idade média: 15,08 ± 1,06 anos) e 15 não atletas (5 homens e 10 mulheres; idade média: 18,00 ± 1,46 anos). Todas as tarefas foram realizadas simultaneamente com o registro do sinal eletroencefalográfico. Resultados O resultado da latência do movimento ocular sacádico apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos, sendo observado menor tempo entre os atletas, associado à superioridade dos jogadores em termos de nível de atenção. Durante o experimento, nos eletrodos de cada área frontal e pré-frontal, observou-se uma diminuição na potência teta absoluta nos atletas em comparação aos não atletas. Conclusão Neste estudo, observou-se o comportamento do tempo de reação e da potência teta absoluta em atletas e não atletas durante uma tarefa de movimento sacádico. Nossos achados corroboram a premissa de melhora cognitiva, principalmente pela redução da latência sacádica e menor potência beta, o que valida a hipótese de eficiência neural.

Activation characteristics of motor cortex during mirror visual feedback based on electroencephalography / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the activation of motor cortex and brain lateralization of healthy male subjects during mirror visual feedback (MVF) of dominant and non-dominant hands. MethodsFrom March to September, 2021, 17 right-handed male subjects were recruited in Shenyang Sport University. The eegoTMmylab electroencephalography (EEG) system was applied to acquire the EEG and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of digital extensor muscle during MVF. The subjects were completed unilateral finger stretching exercise, including left/right hand MVF and left/right hand visual feedback (VF). Each paradigm was repeated 80 trials, and the four paradigms were divided into two experiments, with one week between each experiment. The time-domain characteristics of sEMG signals and the time-frequency characteristics of α-band (8 to 13 Hz) and β-band (13 to 20 Hz) EEG signals which were closely related to motion were analyzed. Activation and asymmetry of motor cortex during MVF in dominant and nondominant hands were measured with event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) and asymmetric index (AI). ResultsWhen the relaxed hand was right hand, the sEMG amplitude of digital extensor muscle were more in MVF and VF than in resting state (P < 0.05). In α bands, the main effect of training state on ERD/ERS was significant (F = 14.125, ηp2 = 0.469, P = 0.002), and it was higher in MVF than in VF. In β band, the main effect of training state on ERD/ERS was significant (F = 9.704, ηp2 = 0.378, P = 0.007), the interaction effect of moving hand and training state was significant on ERD/ERS (F = 8.014, ηp2 = 0.334, P = 0.012); for VF, ERD/ERS was higher in right hand movement than in left hand movement (F = 7.267, ηp2 = 0.312, P = 0.016); for right hand movement, ERD/ERS was higher in MVF than in VF (F = 17.530, ηp2 = 0.523, P = 0.001). At the position of C4 electrode, ERD/ERS was higher in right hand movement than in left hand movement under VF (t = -3.201, P = 0.006, Cohen's d = 0.776), and ERD/ERS was higher in MVF than in VF under right hand movement (t = -4.060, P = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.985). Main effect of training state was significant on AI at β band (F = 5.796, ηp2 = 0.266, P = 0.028), and it was higher in MVF than in VF. ConclusionMVF may improve the activity of motor cortex neurons on the ipsilateral side of the motor hand through recruitment of frontal and parietal mirror neurons and reduction of interhemispheric and intracortical inhibitory activities, and it is more effective for the dominant hand training.

A comparative study of multiple resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging indices to detect epileptic activity in childhood absence epilepsy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the ability of common resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) indices to detect abnormal brain activity in childhood absence epilepsy (CAE).Methods:Simultaneous electroencephalography-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of 20 patients with CAE who were treated in the Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine from February 2010 to September 2021 were retrospectively collected. After excluding 2 patients with CAE with greater head movement, 44 fMRI data containing discharges from 18 patients were obtained finally. The generalized spike and slow-wave discharges (GSWD) related fMRI activation mappings were obtained by using the generalized linear model. At the same time, 94 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent rs-fMRI scanning. Meanwhile, 12 indices of rs-fMRI were calculated respectively [amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), functional connectivity density (FCD), long FCD, local FCD, granger causality density (GCD)-in, GCD-out, GCD-int, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging lag analysis (RSLA), Hurst index and brain entropy]. Two-sample t-tests were employed to detect significant differences in 12 indices of rs-fMRI. The Dice coefficient was used to evaluate the overlap between different brain maps of 12 indices of rs-fMRI and the GSWD-related blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activation. Results:Positive activation of GSWD-related BOLD in CAE was mainly in the bilateral thalamus, and negative activation was mainly in default mode network (DMN) related brain regions. There was a significant overlap between the abnormal brain regions detected by various resting-state indicators: compared with normal controls, ALFF, fALFF, ReHo, GCD-in, GCD-out and local FCD were elevated in the bilateral thalamus, while FCD, long FCD, GCD-int and RSLA were decreased in CAE; ALFF, fALFF, ReHo, local FCD, GCD-out, RSLA and brain entropy were decreased in the DMN, while FCD, long FCD, GCD-in and GCD-int were increased in CAE. The Dice coefficient of long FCD was the highest (0.365),FCD was 0.362, while the Hurst index showed the lowest (0.142).Conclusions:Rs-fMRI indices variously revealed abnormal brain activity in CAE, in which the FCD is better for detection of epileptic activity. Rs-fMRI could be helpful to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of CAE, and to find reliable imaging markers.

The value of surface sphenoidal electrode in detecting interictal abnormal discharge in temporal region / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To compare the detection and amplitude of epileptiform discharges (EDs) between surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode in patients with interictal EDs in the temporal region, and to explore the value of surface sphenoidal electrode.Methods:A total of 1 356 outpatients with epilepsy who underwent 2-hour video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring in Xuanwu Hospital from October to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients were hooked up with scalp electrode according to the international 10-20 system as well as surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode. The EEGs with EDs recorded by surface sphenoidal electrode and/or anterior temporal electrode were selected for analysis. The detection rate and the amplitude of EDs by surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode were compared.Results:Seventy-three EEGs were collected and 250 EDs were counted. The detection rate of the anterior temporal electrode and surface sphenoidal electrode were 88.0% (220/250) and 98.4% (246/250) respectively. The difference in detection rate was statistically significant (χ 2=18.38, P<0.001). For the EDs from anterior temporal regions (taking the discharges recorded by anterior temporal electrode as "gold standard"), the detection rate of surface sphenoidal electrode was 98.2% (216/220). There was no statistically significant difference in detection rate between the anterior temporal electrode and surface sphenoidal electrode (χ 2=2.27, P=0.132). There were 216 EDs recorded by these two kinds of electrode simultaneously. The average amplitude of the EDs on surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode was (77.1±38.9) μV and (80.2±44.9) μV, respectively. The difference was statistically significant ( t=2.28, P=0.031). Conclusions:The detection rate of surface sphenoid electrodes was higher than that of anterior temporal electrodes for the EDs in the temporal region, and surface sphenoidal electrodes can be used routinely in outpatient. The surface sphenoidal electrode had more chance to detect EDs originating from regions out of the anterior temporal regions.

The clinical and neuroelectrophysiological characteristics of patients with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of patients with sudden unexpected death of epilepsy (SUDEP).Methods:Using "epilepsy" as the keyword, the relevant cases entered from October 2011 to March 2012 were searched in the database of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) Monitoring Center, Xijing Hospital, the Air Force Military Medical University. Telephone follow-up was conducted for all confirmed epilepsy patients, and for the death cases confirmed by telephone follow-up, the patients identified as consistent with SUDEP diagnosis were included in this study based on their past medical history, clinical data, death details, etc, and their clinical and neuroelectrophysiological characteristics were summarized and analyzed.Results:Among the 1 232 patients who underwent 24-hour video-EEG monitoring during the study period, 354 patients were successfully followed up by telephone interview, of whom 17 patients were died (4.8%), 12 individuals met the diagnosis of SUDEP (7 men, 5 women). The duration of the disease in 9 patients exceeded 10 years. Eight cases presented with focal-bilateral tonic clonic seizures. Nine patients were treated with anti-seizure drug monotherapy. All the 24-hour video EEG of 12 patients were abnormal. There were 8 occasions when the EEG occipital α background rhythm slowed down compared with the standard frequency of peers or was dominated by slow waves. Interictal epileptic discharge (IED) located in temporal lobe were found in 12 EEG records, of which 9 EEG records were found with frontal IED. One of the 12 cases received 24-hour video EEG twice within 6 years, and his EEG background rhythm was significantly slower and the IED region was expanded compared with the first EEG record. At the third year after reexamination of EEG, SUDEP developed in this patient.Conclusions:SUDEP patients have a long course of disease and bilateral tonic-clonic seizure. The interictal EEG shows occipital slow α activity and temporofrontal epileptiform discharges, which may increase the risk of SUDEP.

Application status of generalized periodic discharges in continuous electroencephalography monitoring in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy / 中华神经科杂志

In the electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring of patients with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, generalized periodic discharges are often monitored abnormal waveforms. When there are some features of generalized periodic discharges (e.g., frequency≥1.5 Hz or plus), it indicates that the patient is at high risk for seizures or has a poor prognosis. Compared with conventional EEG, the time of continuous EEG monitoring is longer, so the detection rate of these waveforms is higher. At present, scholars at home and abroad have studied these waveforms, but there is controversy about the significance of these waveforms. In this paper, the definition and characteristics of these waveforms and their significance in determining prognosis and guiding treatment in patients with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are reviewed.

Opinions on the nomenclature of familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy / 中华神经科杂志

Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy (FCMTE) is a rare neurological disorder. There were more than 10 different terms of disease name in domestic and international published articles by searching FCMTE from PubMed and Wanfang database (from 1990 to 2022), which indicated the different understanding of the disease. It is necessary to discuss the correct and consentaneous name of the disease to facilitate the professional investigation in the future. The name evolution of FCMTE and the author′s views are described in this article.

Clinical characteristics and analysis of diagnosis and treatment of 16 patients with GATOR1 complex-related epilepsy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical manifestations, gene mutation characteristics and treatment effects of patients with GATOR1 complex-related epilepsy, and to explore the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.Methods:The medical history, electroencephalogram, brain imaging, genetic test results, treatment and follow-up data of patients with GATOR1 complex-related epilepsy who attended the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, and Shanghai Deji Hospital from May 2017 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 16 patients with GATOR1 complex-related epilepsy were collected, including 7 males and 9 females. The age of onset of epilepsy was from 2 months to 14 years. Ten cases had focal seizures only, 2 cases had generalized seizures only, and 4 cases had coexistence of focal seizures and generalized seizures, of which generalized seizures included generalized tonic-clonic seizure, spastic seizure, and myoclonic seizure. Among the 16 patients, 2 had infantile spasms, 3 had familial focal epilepsy with variable focus, and 1 had sleep related hyperkinetic epilepsy. Electroencephalogram intervals suggested multiple brain areas discharge or diffuse discharge. A total of 13 DEPDC5 gene mutation sites, 1 NPRL2 gene mutation site, and 2 NPRL3 gene mutation sites were found; 4 sites of DEPDC5 gene were reported sites, the rest were unreported; all mutations had pathogenic significance; 8 cases had nonsense mutation, 1 case had large fragment deletion, 4 cases had frameshift mutation, 1 case had integer mutation, 2 cases had splicing mutation; 13 cases′ mutation was inherited from parents, 2 cases had new mutation, and 1 case had unverified mutation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed 5 of the 16 patients were normal, and 11 had abnormal cerebral cortex structure, manifested as bottom-of-sulcus focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), abnormal formation of sulci and (or) gyri with or without ill-defined gray-white matter and malformation of cortical dysplasia of the bilateral brain. Seven patients underwent stereotactic electroencephalogram (SEEG) monitoring, and the SEEG showed low-amplitude fast rhythm at the beginning in 6 patients, of whom 5 cases started from the frontal lobe, and 1 case started from the parietal lobe. Eight patients were only treated with drugs, 1 with single-drug therapy and the rest with multi-drug combination therapy. Eight patients underwent surgery. Among them, 5 patients with DEPDC5 gene mutation underwent epileptogenic cortex excising after SEEG monitoring, and postoperative pathological examinations showed FCDⅡ, FCDⅢ or non-specific changes; 1 patient was waiting for surgery. One patient with NPRL3 gene mutation underwent epileptogenic foci resection and postoperative pathological examinations showed FCDⅡa; the other patient with NPRL3 gene mutation underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation after SEEG monitoring. Follow-up showed that 3 patients were seizure-free with drug treatment, and 4 patients had fewer seizures after drug treatment. Six cases underwent epileptic foci resection. Five of them were assisted by SEEG to locate the epileptic foci before surgery and were seizure-free after the operation, but the range of surgical resection was wider than the abnormal range shown by MRI; whereas 1 case who was not assisted by SEEG showed no improvement. There was still 1 case who underwent SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation and had no improvement after operation. Conclusions:GATOR1 complex-related epilepsy mostly manifests as focal seizures. SEEG shows that seizures originate from the frontal lobe more often, and cortical developmental abnormalities are often found. DEPDC5 gene mutations are the most common ones, mostly inherited from parents, with high incomplete penetrance rate. Therefore, genetic testing is recommended for non-acquired brain structural abnormalities. For those who are refractory to drugs, a radical cure can be obtained by resection of the epileptogenic foci after preoperative evaluation.

Nuciferine,an aromatic ring-containing alkaloid,delivers sedative-hypnotic effects through serotoner-gic system / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Insomnia is the most fre-quent sleep disorder worldwide and the clinical applica-tion of therapeutic drugs has various adverse effects.In recent years,drugs developed from natural herbs have become potential alternative therapies for insomnia.Nuciferine,one of the main bioactive components obtained from the lotus leaves,has been reported to possess extensive pharmacological activities.However,its hypnotic and sleep regulatory effects have rarely been reported.Hence,this study was intended to investigate the pharma-cological effects of nuciferine and its mechanisms of action in insomnia.METHODS The hypnotic and seda-tive effects of nuciferine were investigated using the eval-uation of locomotor activity test and pentobarbital-induced sleep test in normal and serotonin(5-HT)depletion-induced insomniac mice.Furthermore,the sleep regulatory effects,including sleep time,sleep architecture,and δ-wave power spectral density,were explored using elec-troencephalography/electromyogram(EEG/EMG)-based sleep profiling in normal rats.Finally,the mechanisms of the hypnotic and sedative effects of nuciferine were explored usingin vivoand in silico experiments.RESULTS Nuciferine reduced locomotor activity and prolonged pen-tobarbital-induced sleep time in a dose-dependent man-ner in normal and insomniac model mice.Nuciferine sig-nificantly increased the total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement(NREM)sleep time,inhibited NREM sleep fragmentation,and improved delta power between 0.5 Hz and 1 Hz in normal rats.The results of molecular experiments showed that nuciferine could increase the 5-HT content and 5-HT1A receptor level in the hypothala-mus of insomnia model mice.CONCLUSION This study combined network pharmacological prediction and experi-mental pharmacological techniques to discover the seda-tive-hypnotic effect of nuciferine for the first time Nucif-erine can ameliorate sleep disorder in mice with insom-nia,possibly via serotonergic system.Nuciferine may rep-resent a novel treatment that alleviate the insomnia-like symptoms by modulating 5-HT system.