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Introduction: Today, high-voltage (HV) lines create a pernicious environment for humans living or working in the vicinity and even under these lines. The male rhesus monkey is used to investigate the effects of fields produced by HV towers. This study examines the function and level of impact in rhesus monkeys' brains from the cerebellum's cognitive, biological, and structural perspective. Methods: Two monkeys have been used, one as a control and the second as a test. The monkey under test was subjected to a simulated HV electrical field of 3 kV/m, 4 hours a day, for 1 month. Behavioral tests were performed using a device designed and built for this purpose. Concentration analysis of adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH) and inspection of glucocorticoid receptor gene's (GR) expression were performed by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Changes in cerebellar anatomy were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All tests were performed before and after the study period and compared with the control monkey. Results: Cognitive tests showed a significant reduction for the monkey exposed to the HV electrical field in the first week after imposition compared with the same time before. Also, the expression of the GR gene decreased, and the concentration of ACTH hormone in plasma increased. Surveying the level of cerebral MRI images did not show any difference, but hemorrhage was evident in a part of the cerebellum. Conclusion: The tested monkey's cognitive, biological, and MRI results showed a decrease in visual learning and memory indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most critical public health issues in psychiatric and medical concerns is methamphetamine (METH) dependence. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate caffeine (Rescuecaf) effectiveness in reducing craving and relapse prevention in METH dependence. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 15 participants in the experimental group received 4.5 mg/kg of caffeine (with an average daily dose of 300 mg for each participant for three months), and 15 patients with METH use disorder were treated with the placebo. Addiction severity was measured daily using the addiction intensity index (ASI). The Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire (AWQ), Amphetamine Selective Severity Assessment (ASSA), and Drug Complications Questionnaire were used for data collection. Statistical analysis was carried out on weeks 1, 6, and 12 after the intervention and between caffeineand placebo-treated patients based on repeated measures and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) at the 95% confidence interval. Results: There was a significant difference between the experimental and placebo groups in METH-dependency and deprivation symptoms. In addition, in the experimental group, there was a significant difference between weeks 1, 6, and 12 (P > 0.05), but no significant difference was found between weeks 6 and 12. No significant side effects were seen during caffeine consumption during the second, fourth, and sixth weeks. Conclusions: Caffeine is an efficient, new drug capable of managing amphetamine withdrawal syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Video games affect the stress system and cognitive abilities in different ways. Here, we evaluated electrophysiological and biochemical indicators of stress and assessed their effects on cognition and behavioral indexes after playing a scary video game. Methods: Thirty volunteers were recruited into two groups as control and experimental. The saliva and blood samples were collected before and after intervention (watching/playing the scary game for control and experimental groups respectively). To measure cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels, oxytocin (OT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels, dedicated ELISA kits were used. Electroencephalography recording was done before and after interventions for electroencephalogram (EEG)-based emotion and stress recognition. Then, the feature extraction (for mental stress, arousal, and valence) was done. Matrix laboratory (MATLAB) software, version 7.0.1 was used for processing EEG-acquired data. The repeated measures were applied to determine the intragroup significance level of difference. Results: Scary gameplay increases mental stress (P<0.001) and arousal (P<0.001) features and decreases the valence (P<0.001) one. The salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were significantly higher after the gameplay (P<0.001 for both). OT and BDNF plasma levels decreased after playing the scary game (P<0.05 for both). Conclusion: We conclude that perceived stress considerably elevates among players of scary video games, which adversely affects the emotional and cognitive capabilities, possibly via the strength of synaptic connections, and dendritic thorn construction of the brain neurons among players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ascorbic acid is shown to reduce the signs of opioid dependence and addiction. The present experiments investigated the possible influence of ascorbic acid in acquiring and expressing morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) and sensitization in mice. Methods: Male Swiss-Webster mice (20-25 g) were used. The unbiased method and an open field procedure were conducted for place preference and sensitization studies, respectively. Animals received different doses of morphine (1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), ascorbic acid (1, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg), or saline (10 ml/kg) for place preference studies. Ascorbic acid was injected into the animals 20 min before each morphine (5 mg/kg) injection (acquisition) or 20 min before the test of morphine CPP (expression). Mice received morphine (5 mg/ kg) for three consecutive days, followed by five resting days for sensitization. Animals’ hyperactivity after morphine (1 mg/kg) challenge dose confirmed the sensitization. Ascorbic acid was administered 20 min before each morphine (5 mg/kg) injection (acquisition) or 20 min before each morphine challenge dose (1 mg/kg) administration on the test day (expression). Results: Morphine induced significant place preference dose-dependently. Furthermore, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of ascorbic acid failed to induce any aversion or preference effects. Ascorbic acid reduced the expression and acquisition of morphine place conditioning. Intraperitoneal injections of ascorbic acid also reduced the expression and acquisition of morphine sensitization. Conclusion: Ascorbic acid could affect the motivational effects of morphine in mice. The exact mechanism by which the vitamin reduces the morphine effect must be evaluated in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affects public mental health around the world. Individuals' reactions to COVID-19 vary depending on their temperament, individual differences, and personality traits. Therefore, the current study is conducted to assess the association of demographical features, Persian temperament, and psychological characteristics with the severity of COVID-19. Method: An online survey was sent to COVID-19 patients to collect their demographic information, COVID-19 symptoms, and clinical data. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DAAS-21) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Spiel Berger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), and Persian general and brain temperament Questionnaire were also completed by 258 participants (127 men and 131 women) 45 days after recovery from COVID-19. Non-parametric analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: Results showed the significant relationship of demographic factors such as weight, age and gender with the severity of the COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Mean scores of brain temperament (warm/cold) in the severe group were significantly lower than the moderate and mild groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the dry/wet temperament of the brain in the severe and moderate groups compared to the mild group (P < 0.05). The results of DASS-21 showed a significantly higher anxiety in patients with severe COVID-19 compared with moderate and mild groups (P < 0.05). The severe group was found to be significantly different compared to moderate group in the results of BDI-II (P < 0.05). The result of STAI (state and trait) showed a significant difference between the severe group and the mild and moderate groups. The score of PSQI between the moderate and mild groups was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate the relationship between demographic factors such as weight, age and gender, brain temperament, as well as some psychological factors such as sleep quality and anxiety with the severity of the COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights a study on the effects of intra-ventral hippocampal memantine administration in male NMRI stressed mice were studied. It could be concluded that N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid glutamate receptors in the ventral hippocampus may play a pivotal role in the mediation of maintenance of anxiety and depression induced by stress in the mice.

Introduction:In the present study, the effects of prenatal stress on spatial learning and memory deficit and its relationship with hippocampal insulin resistance were examined in male and female offspring. Methods: Female NMRI mice were mated with males overnight, and the 0-day of pregnancy was detected (Gestational day 0-GD0). The pregnant mice were then randomly divided into stress and control groups. The stress group received stress from the GD0 to GD10. On post natal day 30 (PND30), the offspring were divided into 4 subgroups, namely: male-control, female-control, male-stress, and female-stress. Barnes maze method was used for spatial learning evaluation. Plasma cortisol and insulin levels were measured at the beginning of the experiments. At the end of the experiments, the animals’ brains were removed, and their hippocampus was extracted. The hippocampus was homogenized, and its insulin and insulinreceptor contents were evaluated. Results: The stressed animals needed more time for reaching to target hole. In addition, they spend more distance to find the target hole, which was more pronounced in the male offspring. Both plasma and hippocampal insulin content were reduced in the stressed groups. Moreover, the hippocampal insulin receptors protein was reduced in the stressed animals. There was a positive relationship between plasma and hippocampal content and memory deficit in the stressed groups. Conclusion: These results indicated that prenatal stress could induce spatial learning and memory deficit in offspring, which is associated with plasma and hippocampal insulin and receptor content reduction (hippocampal insulin resistance) in these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Today, humans live in a world surrounded by electromagnetic fields. Numerous studies have been conducted to discover the biological, physiological, and behavioral effects of electromagnetic fields on humans and animals. Given the biological similarities between monkeys and humans, The present research aimed to examine Visual Memory (VM), hormonal, genomic, and anatomic changes, in the male rhesus macaques exposed to an Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF). Methods: Four male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were used. For the behavioral tests, the animals should be fasting for 17 hours. For the tests such as visual memory, the animal's cooperation was necessary. Using the radiation protocol, we exposed two monkeys to a 12-Hz electromagnetic field with a magnitude of 0.7 µT (electromagnetic radiation) four hours a day for a month. Before and after the exposure, a visual memory test was conducted using a coated device (visible reward) on a movable stand. Ten milliliters of blood was obtained from the femoral artery of each monkey, and half of it was used to examine cortisol serum levels using the MyBioSource kit (made in the USA). The other half of the blood was used to extract lymphocytes for assaying expressions of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) genes before and after radiation using the PCR method. Anatomic studies of the amygdala were carried out based on pre- and post-radiation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Results: Research results indicated that visual memory in male primates increased significantly after exposure to the 12-Hz frequency. Hormonal analysis at the 12-Hz frequency showed a decrease in cortisol serum levels. However, visual memory and serum cortisol levels did not change considerably in male primates in the control group. There was no considerable amygdala volumetric difference after exposure to the 12-Hz frequency. The expression of the GR genes decreased in the 12-Hz group compared to the control group. Conclusion: In short, these results indicated that ELF might benefit memory enhancement because exposure to the 12-HZ ELF can enhance visual memory. This outcome may be due to a decrease in plasma cortisol and or expression of GR genes. Moreover, direct amygdala involvement in this regard cannot be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Computer games as an interactive media play a significant role in the cognitive and behavioral health of the players. Computer games have either positive or negative effects on cognitive indices among players. They also directly influence the lifestyle and quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults. The present study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of the brain teaser game on players. Methods: Among 45 male volunteers, 40 subjects with an average age of 20 years were recruited and divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. All required tests were conducted before and after the intervention (playing the game) on the experimental group. Also, the same tests were performed on the control group, in which the participants were not allowed to play the game. All participants completed a questionnaire comprised demographic characteristics and specific information regarding the game (e.g., game style and hours spent on playing the game). The saliva samples were collected to measure levels of cortisol and α-amylase. The salivary α-amylase (sAA) and cortisol levels were analyzed using the relevant ELISA kits. The cognitive tests were performed using PASAT software before and after the game to assess the perceptual-cognitive abilities of the players. The brain waveforms were acquired by a 14-channel Emotiv brain signal recording device before and after the game. Data analysis was conducted in R and MATLAB software. Results: PASAT test suggested that mental health and sustained attention were significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, the sAA and salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher before the intervention. The results of the brainwave analysis revealed that stress index and attention were significantly higher before the intervention. Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that brain teaser games positively influence the central nervous system and activate stress path, leading to changes in brain signals and subsequently improved cognitive elements, such as attention among players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cortisol hormone, as the output of the HPA axis, has a negative feedback on the HPG axis. Pheromones are chemical compounds influenced by sex steroids, leading to triggering a series of sex-related behaviors by affecting the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hypothalamicpituitary-gonad axes (12). Sexual hormones that are released from gonads have positive feedback on the amygdala and HPG axis. While the testosterone or estradiol, as the output of the HPG axis, increases the activity of the amygdala and HPA axis (Figure 1). [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Stress and fear caused by computer games have been shown to have various effects on the cognitive system. This work was aimed to investigate the effects of short-time horror computer games on cognitive indicators. Methods: A total of twenty female subjects were recruited and divided into experimental and control groups. All required tests were performed before and after the intervention (playing or watching horror game) on the control and experimental groups. The saliva samples were collected before and after the intervention to measure levels of cortisol and alpha-amylase. Also, blood was taken before and during the game from each subject to evaluate plasma levels of oxytocin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The Brain waveforms were acquired by Emotive brain signal recording device before and after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using R and MATLAB software. Results: The cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were shown to significantly increase after the horror game playing. Also, the levels of oxytocin were significantly higher after the experimentation. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor were displayed to reduce after the experimentation. The results of the brainwave analysis revealed that the average stress index was significantly higher, while the average attention index was lower after playing the game. No significant difference in the study variables was observed in the control group. Conclusion: Horror computer games may have adverse effects on the activity of the stress system in the central nervous system. Fear-induced stress was shown to relatively undermine some cognitive elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Manizheh. Karami, Mahnaz. Rahimpour, Sara. Karimi, Hedayat. Sahraei Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate if nitric oxide (NO) in the central amygdala (CeA) is involved in [...]