Identifying biomarkers for tDCS treatment response in Alzheimer's disease patients: a machine learning approach using resting-state EEG classification.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising treatment for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, identifying objective biomarkers that can predict brain stimulation efficacy, remains a challenge. The primary aim of this investigation is to delineate the cerebral regions implicated in AD, taking into account the existing lacuna in comprehension of these regions. In pursuit of this objective, we have employed a supervised machine learning algorithm to prognosticate the neurophysiological outcomes resultant from the confluence of tDCS therapy plus cognitive intervention within both the cohort of responders and non-responders to antecedent tDCS treatment, stratified on the basis of antecedent cognitive outcomes. Methods: The data were obtained through an interventional trial. The study recorded high-resolution electroencephalography (EEG) in 70 AD patients and analyzed spectral power density during a 6 min resting period with eyes open focusing on a fixed point. The cognitive response was assessed using the AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale. The training process was carried out through a Random Forest classifier, and the dataset was partitioned into K equally-partitioned subsamples. The model was iterated k times using K-1 subsamples as the training bench and the remaining subsample as validation data for testing the model. Results: A clinical discriminating EEG biomarkers (features) was found. The ML model identified four brain regions that best predict the response to tDCS associated with cognitive intervention in AD patients. These regions included the channels: FC1, F8, CP5, Oz, and F7. Conclusion: These findings suggest that resting-state EEG features can provide valuable information on the likelihood of cognitive response to tDCS plus cognitive intervention in AD patients. The identified brain regions may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response and maybe guide a patient-centered strategy. Clinical Trial Registration: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02772185?term=NCT02772185&draw=2&rank=1, identifier ID: NCT02772185.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on lower limb function, balance and quality of life after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS on lower limb function, balance and quality of life in stroke patients. METHODS: The search included PubMed, CENTRAL, PEDro, Web of Science, SCOPUS, PsycINFO Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, reference lists of relevant reviews, clinical trials registries and academic google, in June and July 2021. Randomized controlled trials were selected, which present the effect of tDCS on lower limb motor function recovery in stroke patients, comparing any type of active tDCS versus sham; parallel or crossover study design; adult patients; stimulation on the primary motor cortex; articles published in any language; without restriction of publication period. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included. The treatment with active tDCS did not improve motor function (Chi2 = 32,87, I2 = 76%, SMD = 0,36 e 95% CI -0,18-0,90). Subgroup analyzes showed a significant effect favorable to tDCS, in relation to motor function, in the acute and subacute post stroke phases. However, the quality of evidence for this outcome was very low. Regarding balance outcome, a meta-analysis showed a significant difference in favor of active tDCS, but the quality of the evidence was considered very low. As for the quality of life outcome, no statistically significant difference was found in favor of tDCS. DISCUSSION: There is a lack of evidence in recommending the use of tDCS in isolation in the treatment of patients after stroke, aiming at improving motor function, balance and quality of life. However, it is possible that tDCS can be beneficial when associated with other therapies or interventions.

Perfil clínico dos portadores da síndrome congênita do zika vírus atendidos no centro especializado em reabilitação da cidade de Campina Grande- Pb / Clinical profile of patients with congenital syndrome of zika virus attended at the specialized center for rehabilitation in the city of Campina Grande-Pb

INTRODUÇÃO: No segundo semestre do ano de 2015 um surto de microcefalia foi registrado na região nordeste do Brasil. O presente artigo tem como objetivo traçar o perfil clínico dos portadores da síndrome congênita do zika vírus da cidade de Campina Grande. MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo documental com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados deu-se no Centro Especializado em Reabilitação (CER), no município de Campina Grande no estado da Paraíba com análise de 66 prontuários. RESULTADOS: Maioria do sexo feminino (57,6%), com idade média de 3,36 anos. Houve predominância de infecção pelo vírus da Zika no 1º trimestre de gestação (69,7%), em mães com baixo grau de escolaridade em que apenas 28,8% completaram o ensino médio. A maioria das crianças, mesmo com a infecção, nasceram a termo (68,2%), porém, apresentaram baixo peso ao nascer, 2,697kg em média, perímetro cefálico médio de 29,97 cm, hipertonia, diminuição da amplitude de movimento, grande dependência nas atividades de vida diária e um importante atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Com isto é possível destacar que os distúrbios apresentados, contribuem de maneira negativa para o desenvolvimento motor das crianças gerando um impacto em sua qualidade de vida

INTRODUCTION: In the second half of 2015, an outbreak of microcephaly was recorded in the northeast of Brazil. This article aims to outline the clinical profile of patients with congenital Zika virus syndrome in the city of Campina Grande. METHODS: This was a documentary study with a quantitative approach. Data collection took place at the Specialized Center for Rehabilitation (CER), in the city of Campina Grande in the state of Paraíba, with the analysis of 66 medical records. RESULTS: Most of them were female (57.6%), with an average age of 3.36 years. There was a predominance of Zika virus infection in the first trimester of pregnancy (69.7%), in mothers with a low level of education, in which only 28.8% completed high school. Most of the children, even with the infection, were born at term (68.2%), however, they had low birth weight, 2.697 kg on average, average head circumference of 29.97 cm, hypertonia, decreased range of motion, great dependence on activities of daily living and an important delay in neuropsychomotor development. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: With this it is possible to highlight that the disorders presented, contribute negatively to the motor development of children generating an impact on their quality of life

The acute effect of resistance exercise with blood flow restriction with hemodynamic variables on hypertensive subjects.

The purpose of this study was to analyze systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the heart rate (HR) before, during and after training at moderate intensity (MI, 50%-1RM) and at low intensity with blood flow restriction (LIBFR). In a randomized controlled trial study, 14 subjects (average age 45±9,9 years) performed one of the exercise protocols during two separate visits to the laboratory. SBP, DBP and HR measurements were collected prior to the start of the set and 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after knee extension exercises. Repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to identify significant variables (2 × 5; group × time). The results demonstrated a significant reduction in SBP in the LIBFR group. These results provide evidence that strength training performed acutely alters hemodynamic variables. However, training with blood flow restriction is more efficient in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive individuals than training with moderate intensity.