Moderation of Increased Anxiety in Children and Teenagers with the Use of Neurotherapy: Estimation of the Efficacy

We estimated the efficacy of using the technique of feedback (FB) by EEG characteristics (EEG-FB, neurotherapy) with the aim of reducing increased anxiety levels in healthy 10- to 14-year-old children. The anxiety level was estimated using the Prikhojan anxiety test, the Spielberger–Khanin questionnaire, and the House–Tree–Person projective drawing technique. Positive effects of series of neurotherapy sessions were obvious. After training was completed, we observed significant increases in the ratios of the amplitudes of alpha and theta rhythms, semsorimotor and theta rhythms, as well as of the modal frequency of the EEG alpha rhythm in tested persons of the experimental group (n = 7). In the control group (n = 10), changes in these values did not reach the significance level. In the experimental group of tested persons subjected to EEG-FB sessions, the anxiety level decreased appreciably; in addition, the indices “feeling of inferiority” and “frustration” decreased significantly. In the control group, alterations of these psychological indices were not unidirectional. Therefore, modifications of the EEG pattern, which occurred in the course of training and were accompanied by a decrease in the anxiety level in the experimental group, can be indicative of the expediency of EEG-FB for the reduction of high anxiety levels in children and teenagers.     

EEG Biofeedback Treatment Improves Certain Attention and Somatic Symptoms in Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic, painful disorder often associated with measurable deficiencies in attention. Since EEG biofeedback (EEG-BF) has been used successfully to treat attention problems, we reasoned that this modality might be helpful in the treatment of attention problems in FMS. We also speculated that improvement in central nervous system (CNS) function might be accompanied by improvement in FMS somatic symptoms. We studied fifteen FMS patients with attention problems, demonstrated by visual and auditory continuous performance testing (CPT), while completing 40 or more EEG-BF sessions. Training consisted of a “SMR protocol” that augmented 12–15 Hz brainwaves (sensory motor rhythm; SMR), while simultaneously inhibiting 4–7 Hz brainwaves (theta) and 22–30 Hz brainwaves (high beta). Serial measurements of pain, fatigue, psychological distress, morning stiffness, and tenderness were also obtained. Sixty-three FMS patients who received standard medical care, but who did not receive EEG-BF, served as controls. Visual, but not auditory, attention improved significantly (P < 0.008). EEG-BF treated subjects also showed improvement in tenderness, pain and fatigue. Somatic symptoms did not change significantly in controls. Visual attention parameters and certain somatic features of FMS appear to improve with an EEG-BF SMR protocol. EEG-BF training in FMS deserves further study.     

Correlations between the psychological peculiarities of an individual and the efficacy of a single neurofeedback session (by the EEG characteristics)

Modifications of different EEG rhythms induced by a single neurofeedback session (by the EEG characteristics) directed toward an increase in the ratio of the spectral powers (SPs) of the α vs θ oscillations were compared with the psychological characteristics of the tested subjects (the group included 30 persons). A generally accepted neurofeedback technique was used; the intensity of acoustic white noise served as the feedback signal. EEG potentials were recorded from the C3 and C4 leads. Psychological testing was carried out using Eysenck’s (EPQ), Rusalov’s (OST), and (16 PF) questionnaires. The directions of changes in the SPs of EEG frequency components were found to significantly correlate with some individuality-related peculiarities of the tested subjects. The SP of the δ rhythm correlated with the EPQ scale “neuroticism,” OST scale “social plasticity,” and 16 PF factors H (“parmia”), I (“premsia”), and Q₃ (“self-control of behavior”). The SP of the θ component demonstrated correlations with the OST scales “ergisity,” “plasticity,” and “social temp” and with 16 PF factors M (“autia”), Q₄ (“frustration”), and Q1 (“exvia”). The SP of the α rhythm correlated with 16 PF factors Q₃ (“self-control of behavior”), G (“strength of superEgo”), O (“hypothymia”), L (“protension”), and N (“shrewdness”). The SP of the β rhythm correlated with the OST scale “emotionality,” while that of the γ rhythm showed correlations with the 16 PF indices L (“protension”) and M (“autia”). Changes in the ratio of the α vs θ SPs correlated with the EPQ scale “neuroticism.” Thus, our data confirm the statement that a high individual variability of the results of a single (first in the series) neurofeedback session is to a great extent related to peculiarities of the individual psychological pattern of the subject. Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 239–247, May–June, 2006.     

Brain’s alpha activity is highly reduced in euthymic bipolar disorder patients

Brain’s alpha activity and alpha responses belong to major electrical signals that are related to sensory/cognitive signal processing. The present study aims to analyze the spontaneous alpha activity and visual evoked alpha response in drug free euthymic bipolar patients. Eighteen DSM-IV euthymic bipolar patients (bipolar I n = 15, bipolar II n = 3) and 18 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients needed to be euthymic at least for 4 weeks and psychotrop free for at least 2 weeks. Spontaneous EEG (4 min eyes closed, 4 min eyes open) and evoked alpha response upon application of simple visual stimuli were analyzed. EEG was recorded at 30 positions. The digital FFT-based power spectrum analysis was performed for spontaneous eyes closed and eyes open conditions and the response power spectrum was also analyzed for simple visual stimuli. In the analysis of spontaneous EEG, the ANOVA on alpha responses revealed significant results for groups (F(1,34) = 8.703; P < 0.007). Post-hoc comparisons showed that spontaneous EEG alpha power of healthy subjects was significantly higher than the spontaneous EEG alpha power of euthymic patients. Furthermore, visual evoked alpha power of healthy subjects was significantly higher than visual evoked alpha power of euthymic patients (F(1,34) = 4.981; P < 0.04). Decreased alpha activity in spontaneous EEG is an important pathological EEG finding in euthymic bipolar patients. Together with an evident decrease in evoked alpha responses, the findings may lead to a new pathway in search of biological correlates of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder.     

In vitro separation of a rose chimera

“Fairmount 1 thorny” (“FM1 thorny”) (a Rosa multiflora Thunb ex. J. Murr.) and a thornless sport of “FM1 thorny” (“Fairmount 1” (“FM1”)) were established in vitro to investigate chimeral segregation under various levels of BA and to obtain a pure thornless rose. While the chimeral thornless sport was expected to segregate in vitro and yield both thorny and thornless plantlets, “FM1 thorny” was to yield only thorny plants. “FM1” segregated in vitro into its constituent genotypes and yielded thorny and thornless plantlets, suggesting that “FM1” is chimeral. “FM1 thorny” produced only thorny plants in vitro. These results indicate that the “FM1 thorny” clone was not chimeral (pure thorny) and that the thornless regenerates of “FM1” did not develop via somaclonal variation. There was a significant linear relationship between increasing BA concentration and the percentage of thorny plants. Among a population of 690 tissue culture derived plants from all the BA experiments, 6 plants were classified as pure thornless plants 1 year later.     

Effects of unstructured video exposure on EEG power in situations of forced attention and rest

Group 1 (N = 30) and Group 2 (N = 22) of healthy volunteers participated in the experiment. In both groups, the EEG was recorded in the state of rest with the eyes closed (REC); at rest with eyes open (REO); and during passively watching TV channel noises (white noise). EEG was also recorded in the state of forced visual attention: when counting colored symbols appearing on the screen (group 1) and when searching for an image of a real object in the noise (group 2). The averaged values of EEG power in each derivation were calculated for every subject and for each state in the Δ, θ, α₁, α₂, β₁, β₂, and γ frequency bands. The results demonstrate that the exposure to unstructured noninformative video noise may lead to significant changes in the EEG power in various frequency bands, with the most prominent changes taking place in the α₂ band. These changes are topically wide, reflecting systemic changes in the corresponding brain mechanisms, but are much less intense compared to the difference between the states of rest with the eyes open and closed.     

Seaweed meal as a protein source for the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The rhodophytes Hypnea cervicornis and Cryptonemia crenulata are abundant along the Brazilian coastline and are rich in nutrients. They may therefore be used as a source of protein in shrimp diets. The aim of the present study was to test this hypothesis. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory, where 10-day-old post-larvae aged underwent 7 days of acclimation in a 1,000 L tank. They were then kept in plastic aquariums, each containing 10 L, and 20 larvae were fed daily (10% of biomass) in four equal portions with one of four diets (five repetitions of each) for a period of 45 days. All diets contained 30% crude protein (isoprotein) and 300 kcal 100 g⁻¹ (isocaloric), with different percentages of seaweed powder: Diet “A” 39%; Diet “B” 26%, Diet “C” 13%, and Diet “D” without seaweed (control diet). Algae were collected, rinsed, dried and ground up for the feed formulations. Weight of the animals was measured at the beginning of the experiment and at 15-day intervals to assess their growth. The physico-chemical variables of the water were measured every 2 days. Final biomass, biomass gain and specific growth rate (SGR) exhibited no significant differences between treatments (P > 0.05). Survival rate was equal under the four experimental conditions, being consistent within four decimal places 95.2% to 97.00% (P > 0.05). Diets “A” and “B”, with a greater content of algae, exhibited better feed conversion (1.79:1 and 1.82:1) than Diets “C” and “D” (2.04:1 and 2.08:1) (P < 0.05). The physical-chemical variables of the water showed no significant variation and remained within the standards necessary for the wellbeing of the animals. If sufficient biomass of beached algae can be practically and economically collected, it may be used as a component in the making of shrimp feed.     

Women’s fertility across the cycle increases the short-term attractiveness of creative intelligence

Male provisioning ability may have evolved as a “good dad” indicator through sexual selection, whereas male creativity may have evolved partly as a “good genes” indicator. If so, women near peak fertility (midcycle) should prefer creativity over wealth, especially in short-term mating. Forty-one normally cycling women read vignettes describing creative but poor men vs. uncreative but rich men. Women’s estimated fertility predicted their short-term (but not long-term) preference for creativity over wealth, in both their desirability ratings of individual men (r=.40, p<.01) and their forced-choice decisions between men (r=.46, p<.01). These preliminary results are consistent with the view that creativity evolved at least partly as a good genes indicator through mate choice.     

Molecular-genetics analysis of natural and stimulated ovulation impairment

The influence of FMR1, INHα1, NAT2, GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes mutations on ovarian function and their association with POF and “poor response” to exogenous GT after ovulation stimulation were investigated. The carriers of Ala257Thr transition predominated in the studied “poor responders” group. In 1.6% POF patients and 2.5% persons from “poor responders” group, but nobody from control group this transition combined with intermediate alleles of FMR1 gene was observed. The frequency of deletion in GSTM1 gene in “poor responders” group was significantly higher (p = 0.01) than in normal ovulatory control group. The frequency of Ser680Ser-Ala307Ala polymorphic genotype (22.2%) in “poor responders” group was significantly higher (p = 0.028) than in normal-ovulatory control group (7.7%). The daily dosage of GT in intermediate alleles of FMR1 gene carriers as well in patients with “slow acetylation” NAT2 genotype was significantly higher in comparison to patients without intermediate alleles and patients with “quick acetylation” NAT2 genotype. Quantity of oocytes after stimulation ovulation in women with INHα1 gene Ala257Thr transition were significantly decreased in comparison to patients without such mutation. Further investigations of these genes can play a major role in POF studying and modulation of ovarian response to exogenous GT. Published in Ukrainian in Tsitologiya i Genetika, 2008, Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 63–69. The text was translated by the authors.     

Phase change-related variations of dome shape in Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis shoot apical meristems

Shoot apical meristem (SAM) domes derived from five different outdoor and in vitro sources of juvenile and mature Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis akin genotypes were compared. Overall measurements of SAM dome height H and diameter D ranged from 2 to 35 μm and 20 to 80 μm, with significant differences according to the various physiological origins of plant material investigated. SAM domes from the mature trees “Mat” were taller than those from the rejuvenated ministock plants “Rej”; from the in vitro microcuttings “IVM” of the same clone and also from the in vitro juvenile seedlings “IVJ”, whereas outdoor seedlings “Juv” exhibited intermediate SAM dome height. SAM domes from the rejuvenated material “Rej”, from the in vitro mature “IVM” and juvenile “IVJ” origins were also narrower than those from the outdoor seedlings “Juv” and to lesser extent than those from the mature trees “Mat”. Overall, the mature source “Mat” displayed bigger and somehow sharper hemispherical domes than those from “Rej” and “Juv”, physiologically more juvenile, or those from the in vitro origins “IVM” and “IVJ” which looked flatter and smaller. SAM dome height, diameter D and H/D values varied also significantly according to the plastochron. More specifically, H, D, and H/D SAM differences between the five origins were not significant during the early plastochron phase corresponding to leaf initiation, to become more salient as leaf structures started to elongate and to differentiate. This was particularly obvious for mature tree “Mat” SAM dome shapes which showed at this stage much higher H/D values than the other SAM sources. A shape index S used for characterizing more accurately dome shape confirmed these trends. These observations provide additional arguments to the view that juvenility in trees becomes more and more time- and shoot-tip restricted as ageing increases in the course of time during the ontogenetical process and could be ultimately confined to the most organogenic phase of SAM, from which shoot characteristics derive.     

An Assessment of the Impact of Chromium-Amended Sediment on a Marine Nematode Assemblage Using Microcosm Bioassays

Microcosms were used to assess the impact of chromium on free-living marine nematodes. Nematodes were exposed to three chromium concentrations (500 ppm (dm, dry mass), 800 ppm (dm) and 1,300 ppm (dm)), and effects were examined after 4 weeks. Results showed significant differences between univariate measures of control nematodes and those from medium- and high-chromium microcosms. Most, decreased significantly with increasing level of chromium contamination. The medium-chromium treatment seems to be the minimal concentration that could has a negative effect on nematodes. Results from multivariate analyses demonstrated that responses of nematode species to chromium treatments were varied: Leptonemella aphanothecae was eliminated at all doses tested and seemed to be intolerant species to chromium; Daptonema normandicum and Sabatieria longisetosa which significantly increased at 500 ppm chromium (dm) appeared to be “opportunistic” species at this dose whereas the two Bathylaimus species (Bathylaimus capacosus and Bathylaimus tenuicaudatus) which increased at all the doses tested seemed to be “chromium resistant”. As we think such “opportunistic” and “resistant” species could be used as sensitive indicators of unsafe marine food. The use of microcosms has allowed the effects of the chromium on nematodes to be assessed individually, which was not possible in the field.     

Use of sugarcane molasses “B” as an alternative for ethanol production with wild-type yeast <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis> ITV-01 at high sugar concentrations

Molasses “B” is a rich co-product of the sugarcane process. It is obtained from the second step of crystallization and is richer in fermentable sugars (50–65%) than the final molasses, with a lower non-sugar solid content (18–33%); this co-product also contains good vitamin and mineral levels. The use of molasses “B” for ethanol production could be a good option for the sugarcane industry when cane sugar prices diminish in the market. In a complex medium like molasses, osmotolerance is a desirable characteristic for ethanol producing strains. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of molasses “B” for ethanol production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae ITV-01 (a wild-type yeast isolated from sugarcane molasses) using different initial sugar concentrations (70–291 g L⁻¹), two inoculum sizes and the addition of nutrients such as yeast extract, urea, and ammonium sulphate to the culture medium. The results obtained showed that the strain was able to grow at 291 g L⁻¹ total sugars in molasses “B” medium; the addition of nutrients to the culture medium did not produce a statistically significant difference. This yeast exhibits high osmotolerance in this medium, producing high ethanol yields (0.41 g g⁻¹). The best conditions for ethanol production were 220 g L⁻¹ initial total sugars in molasses “B” medium, pH 5.5, using an inoculum size of 6 × 10⁶ cell mL⁻¹; ethanol production was 85 g L⁻¹, productivity 3.8 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹ with 90% preserved cell viability.     

Two-scale modelling of Saponaria bellidifolia Sm. (Caryophyllaceae) abundance on limestone outcrops from its northern range periphery (Southeastern Carpathians)

We modelled the effect of habitat heterogeneity on the abundance of the submediterranean Saponaria bellidifolia, a red list species in Romania. The study was designed at two scales: 100 and 0.5 m². At larger scale, generalized additive models and canonical correspondence analysis were used to model the density of ramets, whereas at microscale, binomial logistic regression was employed to model the species’ occurrence. S. bellidifolia abundance responded sensitively to habitat type (classified as “grassy”, “rocky” and “scree”), rather than to microclimatic variables. At both scales, habitat type was the best predictor of ramet abundance, followed by slope and vegetation cover. At 0.5 m², soil depth was also a good predictor of species occurrence. The data revealed that screes are the most suitable habitats for hosting relatively large populations of this rare species, because of occasional natural disturbances and presumably lower interspecific competition.     

A resonance Raman band assignable to the O–O stretching mode in the resting oxidized state of bovine heart cytochrome <Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis> oxidase

In the resting oxidized state (the fully oxidized “as-isolated” state) of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) preparation, a resonance Raman band is observed at 755 cm^-1 upon 647.1 nm excitation in resonance with an absorption band at 655 nm. Addition of cyanide eliminates the Raman band concomitant with loss of the absorption band at 655 nm. These results strongly suggest that the Raman band at 755 cm^-1 originates from the O−O stretching mode of the bridging peroxide (Fe−O^-−O^-−Cu) in the O₂ reduction site of the fully oxidized “as-isolated” CcO. Although the peroxide bridged structure has been proposed on the basis of X-ray crystallography and reductive titration experiments, the present vibrational spectroscopic analyses reveal conclusively the chemical nature of the bridging ligand at the O₂ reduction site of the fully oxidized “as-isolated” bovine heart CcO.     

Use of microsatellite DNA and otolith Sr:Ca ratios to infer genetic relationships and migration history of four morphotypes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhinogobius</Emphasis> sp. OR

The genetic diversity and relationship among four morphotypes of Rhinogobius sp. OR, Gobiidae (“Tōshoku,” “Shinjiko,” “Gi-tōshoku,” and “Shimahire”) were investigated with seven microsatellite DNA loci, and amphidromy of these morphotypes was verified by strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) deposition in the otolith. Samples of “Tōshoku,” “Shinjiko,” “Gi-tōshoku,” and “Shimahire” were collected from, respectively, three, three, two, and four locations in Japan. Microsatellite analysis detected high genetic diversity (based on the number of alleles, allelic richness, and average observed heterozygosity) in the “Tōshoku” and “Shinjiko” morphotypes relative to the “Shimahire” morphotype; the “Gi-tōshoku” morphotype had an intermediate level of variation. Almost all pairwise F _ST values were significantly different from zero (P < 0.001), except between two populations of “Tōshoku.” Clear genetic independence was observed between the “Shinjiko” and “Shimahire” morphotypes in the Maruyama River. A principle component analysis based on microsatellite data indicated that the “Tōshoku,” “Shinjiko,” and “Gi-tōshoku” morphotypes were genetically similar. Furthermore, the three populations of “Tōshoku” were closely related each other, and two of those collected from the Lake Biwa system were a single population. There was, however, a high degree of genetic differentiation between “Shimahire” and the other morphotypes; moreover, there was high genetic divergence among four populations of the “Shimahire” morphotype. Amphidromous migratory histories were indicated by Sr:Ca ratios in two of three populations of the “Shinjiko” morphotype and in one of two “Gi-tōshoku” morphotypes, whereas all populations of the “Shimahire” morphotype were freshwater residents. The large genetic divergence and low genetic diversity in “Shimahire” are likely related to migration history.     

Neuropsychophysiological correlates of reactive depression

To justify neurophysiological correlates of depressive disorders, the spetral parameters of EEG, peak latencies of the “late” components of auditory cognitive evoked potentials, and latencies of sensorimotor reactions in middle age and elderly patients (aged 53–72 years) during therapy of prolonged psychogenic depressive reaction (F43.21 according to ICD-10) have been studied. Initial depression severity was associated to the EEG signs of decreased functional state of the anterior areas of the left hemisphere and increased activation of the right hemisphere (especially, its temporal areas). Pronounced improvement of clinical state under the affect of psychopharmacotherapy was accompanied by acceleration of the sensorimotor reactions, a decrease in peak latencies of the “late” components (P2, N2, and P3) of auditory cognitive evoked potentials and associated with the EEG signs of improvement of functional state of the posterior areas of the brain, an enforcement of inhibitory processes in the right hemisphere (especially, in its frontal, central, and temporal areas) and more pronounced activation of frontal areas of the left hemisphere. The data are in good agreement with the concept on the systemic character of impairments of brain functioning in depression, as well as on the preferential role of the left hemisphere in control of positive emotions and the right one, of negative emotions.     

Evaluation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">ERα</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">VDR</Emphasis> gene polymorphisms in relation to bone mineral density in Turkish postmenopausal women

It has been suggested that the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes as possibly implicated in reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporosis. The present study investigated the relation of ERα PvuII/XbaI polymorphisms and VDR FokI/TaqI polymorphisms with BMD in Turkish postmenopausal women. Eighty-one osteoporotic and 122 osteopenic postmenopausal women were recruited. For detection of the polymorphisms, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment lenght polymorphism techniques have been used. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Distributions of ERα (PvuII dbSNP: rs2234693, XbaI dbSNP: rs9340799) and VDR genotypes (FokI dbSNP rs10735810, TaqI dbSNP: rs731236) were similar in study population. Although overall prevalence of osteoporosis had no association with these genotypes, the prevalence of decreased femoral neck BMD values were higher in the subjects with ERα PvuII “PP” and ERα XbaI “XX” genotypes than in those with “Pp/pp” genotypes and “xx” genotype, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, subjects with VDR FokI “FF” genotype had lower BMD values of femoral neck and total hip compared to those with “Ff” genotype (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, we confirmed the presence of relationships between the VDR FokI “FF” genotypes, BMI ≤ 27.5, age ≥ 55 and the increased risk of femoral neck BMD below 0.8 value in postmenopausal women. The present data suggests that the ERα PvuII/XbaI and VDR FokI polymorphisms may contribute to the determination of bone mineral density in Turkish postmenopausal women.     

The pattern of sensory discharge can determine the motor response in young Xenopus tadpoles

Young Xenopus tadpoles were used to test whether the pattern of discharge in specific sensory neurons can determine the motor response of a whole animal. Young Xenopus tadpoles show two main rhythmic behaviours: swimming and struggling. Touch-sensitive skin sensory neurons in the spinal cord of immobilised tadpoles were penetrated singly or in pairs using microelectrodes to allow precise control of their firing patterns. A single impulse in one Rohon-Beard neuron (= light touch) could sometimes trigger “fictive” swimming. Two to six impulses at 30–50 Hz (= a light stroke) reliably triggered fictive swimming. Neither stimulus evoked fictive struggling. Twenty-five or more impulses at 30–50 Hz (= pressure) could evoke a pattern of rhythmic bursts, distinct from swimming and suitable to drive slower, stronger movements. This pattern showed some or all the characteristics of “fictive” struggling. These results demonstrate clearly that sensory neurons can determine the pattern of motor output simply by their pattern of discharge. This provides a simple form of behavioural selection according to stimulus. Accepted: 28 November 1996     

Purification and characterization of a thermostable laccase with unique oxidative characteristics from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trametes hirsuta</Emphasis>

A laccase was purified from Trametes hirsuta. This laccase was classified as a “white” or “yellow” laccase. pH 2.4 was optimal for the oxidation of ABTS and pH 2.5 for DMP. DMP oxidation was optimal at 85°C. The half-life of this laccase was 70 min at 75°C, and 5 h at 65°C. Non-phenolic dyes, such as Methyl Red, were oxidized by purified laccase without mediators. The enzyme was not inhibited by Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, or EDTA. These are atypical laccase characteristics that make it a good candidate for theoretical and applied research.