Background Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health problems affecting university students and are associated with impaired academic performance, emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based intervention that has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety; however, intervention-based studies among Indian university students remain limited. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among university students from medical, paramedical and non-medical academic streams. Methods A total of 600 university students were screened using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Of these, 180 students meeting the inclusion criteria and exhibiting mild to moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety were selected for the study. Participants were randomly assigned to a CBT intervention group ( n = 90) or a control group ( n = 90). The intervention group received an eight-session structured CBT programme, while the control group continued routine academic activities. Depression and anxiety levels were assessed before and after the intervention using the DASS-21. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). Results The CBT group demonstrated significant reductions in both depression and anxiety scores from pre-test to post-test, whereas the control group showed minimal change. RM-ANOVA revealed significant main effects of time and significant time × group interaction effects for both depression and anxiety ( p < .001), indicating that improvements were significantly greater among participants who received CBT. Conclusion The findings provide empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of CBT in reducing depression and anxiety among university students. The results highlight the potential value of integrating structured CBT-based mental health interventions within higher education institutions to promote psychological well-being and academic functioning.
Background Heartfulness meditation (HM) is a heart-based meditation practice that features a unique yogic transmission that involves transfer of subtle energy from a certified, experienced meditator to an aspirant. Purpose This study was conducted on HM practice to assess the state (momentary changes during meditation result in temporary physiological and neurological shifts) and trait (long-term personality changes developed with experience) effects on the brain using electroencephalogram (EEG) signal analysis. Methods Thirty-four participants were recruited into three groups (long-term meditators [LTM], short-term meditators [STM] and non-meditators). EEG signals from the prefrontal cortex were recorded across four states: baseline, meditation, transmission and post-transmission. Functional connectivity and graph theory measures were calculated for each frequency band (delta, theta, alpha and beta). Within-group and between-group analyses were performed to quantify HM-induced state and trait effects. Significance level was tested through statistical analysis. Results The results show improved coordination among brain networks, increased global and local efficiency, representing a positive state effect. While performing between-group analysis, significant trait changes were observed in the LTM group over frequency bands (delta, theta and alpha) of the EEG signal. These findings suggest that the altered EEG resulting from meditation reflects neurophysiological changes and functional integration of the brain network. Conclusion The positive state and trait effects were observed for HM practice in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity in EEG frequency bands may lead to significant neuroplastic changes. This finding provides insights into employing functional connectivity parameters as measures for quantifying meditation quality.
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has an immense impact on families, particularly spouses, who face significant challenges such as changes in roles and responsibilities, relational dynamics and financial instability. The study aims to explore the psychosocial needs and concerns of couples coping with TBI from experts across various fields. Purpose The study purpose was to explore the psychosocial needs and concerns of couples coping with TBI from experts across various fields. Methods The current study adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, involving in-depth, face-to-face interviews with experts. Nine experts from six professional backgrounds were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligibility criteria included a minimum of 5 years of expertise in TBI-related fields, proficiency in English and willingness to provide informed consent. The interviews were audio-recorded with the participants’ consent. Results Experts included neuropsychologists, psychiatric social workers, neurosurgeons, neuro-rehabilitation experts, physiotherapists and clinical nurses. A total of five themes have been identified, namely education needs, emotional needs, family needs, financial needs and support needs. Conclusion The study on the psychosocial needs of couples from experts’ perspectives in India is unique in nature. The results of this study will support the development and implementation of tailored psychosocial interventions specifically designed for couples in India. Various stakeholders engaged in the management of TBIs emphasised the critical importance of addressing the needs of these couples and ensuring the timely provision of personalised psychosocial support.
Background:COVID-19 has subacute as well as long-term effects defined as long COVID on multiple organ systems. Emerging literature suggests long-term effects of COVID-19 on the autonomic nervous system in survivors, the mechanistic basis of which is currently not delineated. Purpose:The study aimed to assess the cardiovascular autonomic functions in mild COVID-19 survivors and compare them with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods:We recruited 34 young adult mild COVID-19 survivors. Autonomic function was assessed by cardiovascular autonomic reactivity tests at least 1 month after clinical recovery from acute COVID-19 infection. The responses were compared with those of 34 age- and sex-matched pre-COVID era healthy controls. Results:Mild COVID-19 survivors had significantly lower Valsalva ratio (1.578 ± 0.2747 vs 1.773 ± 0.3459; p = .0156) and displayed a greater fall in systolic blood pressure during head-up tilt test (-9.206 ± 7.121 vs 1.147 ± 8.457; p < .0001) in comparison to the healthy controls. Haemodynamic cardiovascular autonomic abnormalities were seen in 47% of COVID-19 survivors. Haemodynamic criteria of orthostatic hypotension were met in 12% of COVID-19 survivors, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome haemodynamic criteria were met in 35% of COVID-19 survivors. Autonomic reflex responses to deep breathing, handgrip test and cold pressor test were found to be comparable between the two groups. Conclusion:Young adult mild COVID-19 survivors show lower cardiovagal and cardiovascular adrenergic responses to baroreflex-dependent autonomic reactivity as medium- to long-term autonomic sequelae. They have an intact non-baroreflex-dependent autonomic reactivity.
Background:Probiotic supplementation may influence mental health through the gut-brain axis, with potential effects on depression, anxiety, sleep, cognition, stress hormones, and gut microbial composition. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on psychological, physiological, and gut microbiome-related outcomes across diverse populations. Summary:A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect identified randomized controlled trials evaluating probiotic supplementation. Twenty RCTs were included, of which 15 were assessed as having a low risk of bias and five as having a high risk of bias. Commonly assessed outcomes included depression (n = 17), anxiety (n = 10), sleep quality (n = 9), stress (n = 6), cortisol (n = 7), cognitive function (n = 5), quality of life (n = 5), gut microbial composition (n = 11), and other neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers. Overall, probiotics were associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, sleep quality, mood, cognition, quality of life, and beneficial gut microbial populations, although findings for cortisol and stress-related outcomes were inconsistent. Key Message:Probiotic supplementation may provide beneficial effects on psychological well-being and gut microbial composition. However, heterogeneity among interventions, populations, outcome measures, and study quality warrants further well-designed RCTs.
Background:Internet addiction is increasingly conceptualised as a disturbance in affective and cognitive self-regulation rather than excessive use. Alexithymia, characterised by impaired emotional awareness, may heighten vulnerability by reducing the ability to identify and regulate emotions, thereby increasing the chances of indulging in maladaptive coping behaviours such as internet addiction. Purpose:The study aimed to examine the mechanism underlying alexithymia and internet addiction by investigating the mediating roles of psychological distress (affective dysregulation) and mindfulness (cognitive-regulatory capacity) in college students. Methods:A cross-sectional, quantitative research study was carried out among college students (n = 316) recruited from universities in the Gandhinagar district, Gujarat. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee for the study. Convenience sampling was employed to select the participants. College students between 18 and 25 years of age were included in the study. Data were collected using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). SPSS, Version 22, and Hayes' PROCESS macro (Model 4) were used to carry out descriptive statistics, correlation and mediation analyses. Results:Alexithymia was positively associated with internet addiction (r = 0.35, p < .05), and negatively associated with mindfulness (r = -0.63, p < .01). Psychological distress was positively associated with internet addiction (r = 0.64, p < .05). The indirect effects of alexithymia on internet addiction were significant via psychological distress (B = 0.130, 95% CI [0.059, 0.204]) and mindfulness (B = 0.108, 95% CI [0.027, 0.186]). The mediation model accounted for 50% of the variance in internet addiction. The direct effect remained significant, indicating partial mediation. Conclusion:The findings supported parallel dual-regulatory pathways in which alexithymia was linked to internet addiction, with psychological distress and mindfulness serving as significant statistical pathways. These results indicated the relevance of integrated self-regulation frameworks in understanding behavioural addictions.
Background:Depression is a common mental health condition that is often misunderstood, leading to delays in early intervention. It can impair working memory, reduce hope, and negatively affect psychological well-being. Although Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an effective first-line treatment, its structured and cognitively demanding approach may reduce treatment adherence in the Indian context. Therefore, there is a need for brief and accessible early interventions. The present study examined the effectiveness of a single-session Solution-Focused Circle Technique, derived from Solution-Focused Therapy, for the preliminary management of depression. Purpose:The present study investigated the effectiveness of single session Solution-Focused Circle Technique on working memory, hope, and psychological well-being among individuals with depression. Method:The study adopted a controlled pretest-posttest design with 40 participants aged 25-45 years, diagnosed with mild to moderate depression as per ICD-10 DCR criteria, selected through purposive sampling. Participants were systematically allocated equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a 30-minute single session of Solution-Focused Circle Technique, while the control group underwent a 30-minute waiting period. BDI-II, Digit Span Test, Adult Hope Scale, and Psychological Wellbeing Scale were used, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent and paired-sample t-tests. Results:The experimental group showed significant improvement in working memory, hope, and psychological well-being compared with the control group. Findings suggest that the Solution- Focused Circle Technique may help enhance working memory and reduce cognitive difficulties associated with depression. Conclusion:The findings indicated the use of solution focused circle technique to enhance cognitive function, boost hope, and improve overall well-being in individuals with depression. Thus, SFCT may serve as a brief and feasible preliminary intervention to support psychological health in this population.
Background Employee engagement is a critical determinant of productivity and performance in media organisations, which operate under unique pressures of round-the-clock functioning and rapid digitalisation. Optimism, as a psychological resource, has been shown to foster resilience, coping and proactive behaviour, yet its relationship with engagement in the Indian media sector remains underexplored. Purpose This study—which was based in media organisations in Delhi-National Capital Region—investigated whether optimism predicts employee engagement in media organisations and identified the contribution of each dimension of PEROMA (positive emotions, engagement, relationship network, meaningfulness, achievement) to engagement outcomes. Methods Data were collected from 350 media professionals using two standardised instruments: the Optimism Index (OI), consisting of positive emotions, engagement, relationship network, meaningfulness and achievement; this was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The other instrument used was the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, assessing vigour, dedication and absorption, which was measured on a 7-point scale. Data were analysed through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to establish factor structure, followed by structural equation modelling to test the hypothesised relationships. Results Optimism was significantly associated with employee engagement, with a standardised regression weight of 0.911, indicating that 91% of the variance in employee engagement is explained by optimism. Engagement was significantly predicted by all five components of PEROMA, of which achievement had the greatest impact or influence (84.9%), followed by engagement (60.4%), positive emotions (67.6%), relationship network (72.1%) and meaningfulness (65.8%). Internal consistency reliability was confirmed by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.953. Conclusion In the Indian media sector, optimism is a significant predictor of employee engagement. Given the cross-sectional design, causal direction cannot be established, and longitudinal research is needed to confirm these pathways. Media organisations should design targeted interventions to strengthen optimism as a diagnostic and developmental tool. The OI scale has validated diagnostic reliability in this context. This relationship can be tested in other sectors and in different regions.
Background:Depression is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder involving interconnected neuroinflammatory, neuroendocrine, metabolic and gut-brain mechanisms rather than isolated neurotransmitter abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of cytokine activity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and gut microbiota collectively contribute to depressive pathophysiology. This review aimed to synthesise current evidence on these biological interactions and evaluate the potential role of nutritional modulation in influencing these pathways. Summary:A PRISMA-informed systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO and Google Scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Thirty-five eligible studies were included. The evidence demonstrates a self-reinforcing biological network in which chronic stress activates the HPA axis, leading to glucocorticoid receptor resistance, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and gut microbiota dysbiosis. These interconnected mechanisms contribute to depressive symptoms and may perpetuate disease progression. Nutritional interventions, including Mediterranean dietary patterns, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, probiotics, polyphenols and selected micronutrients, consistently showed potential to reduce inflammation, regulate HPA axis activity, improve gut microbial balance and mitigate oxidative stress. Key Message:Depression should be conceptualised as a complex multisystem disorder driven by dynamic interactions among immune, endocrine, metabolic and microbiota-related pathways. Nutritional modulation represents a promising adjunctive strategy capable of targeting these interconnected biological mechanisms. Future longitudinal and interventional studies integrating multi-omics approaches are needed to validate causal pathways and develop personalised nutrition-based interventions for depression.
Background:Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain a major global health challenge with high relapse rates. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a non-invasive, portable modality enabling real-time monitoring of cortical haemodynamic changes, is well suited to studying addiction neurobiology in ecologically valid settings. This review examines fNIRS principles and applications in addiction research and de-addiction therapy. Summary:PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched (2000-2025) using terms including fNIRS, addiction, substance use disorder, prefrontal cortex, neurofeedback and de-addiction. fNIRS reliably detects altered prefrontal cortex (PFC) haemodynamic responses during cue-reactivity and cognitive tasks in addiction. Findings include reduced dorsolateral PFC activation with prolonged abstinence, differential orbitofrontal cortex activation across substances, and use as a treatment-response biomarker. Emerging applications include neurofeedback and machine-learning-based classification. fNIRS offers portability and ecological validity over conventional neuroimaging. Future research should standardise protocols, validate biomarkers in multicentre trials, and integrate fNIRS with EEG and fMRI. Key Message:fNIRS is a portable, non-invasive tool that reliably detects altered prefrontal cortex activation in substance use disorders. Cue-reactivity and cognitive paradigms identify biomarkers of craving, executive dysfunction and relapse risk. fNIRS-based neurofeedback shows early promise for improving self-regulation and reducing relapse. Wearable fNIRS with machine learning and multimodal integration enables personalised addiction monitoring.
Background:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with metabolic, vascular and cognitive complications. Although mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is increasingly recognised in T2DM, its relationship with inflammatory and vascular markers remains underexplored in India. Purpose:This study investigated the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and cognitive status in individuals with T2DM. Methods:This cross-sectional study included 117 adults aged 40-65 years with T2DM of at least 5 years' duration, recruited from a tertiary care hospital in Mysuru. Cognitive function was assessed using the Saint Louis University Mental Status Scale. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and vascular parameters, including hs-CRP and CIMT, were measured. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted. Results:MCI was present in 47.9% of participants. Education level was significantly associated with cognitive status (p = .001). Participants with MCI exhibited higher hs-CRP levels (p = .007) and greater CIMT (p = .001) compared to those with normal cognition. Correlation analyses demonstrated negative associations between SLUMS scores, hs-CRP and CIMT. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated fair predictive value for hs-CRP (AUC = 0.64) and CIMT (AUC = 0.70). Conclusion:Lower educational attainment, higher hs-CRP levels and greater CIMT were associated with MCI among individuals with T2DM. These findings suggest that inflammatory and vascular markers may be useful in identifying individuals at greater risk of cognitive impairment. However, longitudinal studies are required to determine temporal and causal relationships.
Background:Chess is a cognitively demanding activity requiring sustained attention, working memory, rapid decision-making, and higher-order reasoning. Conventional chess training enhances knowledge but does not directly strengthen the neural mechanisms underlying cognition. Neurofeedback training (NFT) has emerged as a promising neuroscience-based approach for cognitive enhancement. Summary:This narrative review synthesizes evidence from approximately 50 peer-reviewed studies examining the effects of NFT on cognitive domains relevant to chess performance, including attention, memory, reaction time, decision-making, and reasoning. Literature was identified from PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and related databases. Findings indicate that NFT improves attentional control, working memory, executive functioning, cognitive flexibility, and reasoning, although direct empirical studies involving chess players remain limited. Key Message:NFT represents a promising adjunct to conventional chess training by enhancing the neural mechanisms underlying expert performance. While current evidence supports its potential for improving chess-related cognitive abilities, well-designed chess-specific experimental studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and confirm long-term effectiveness.
Background:The brainstem nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) is a rod-shaped, cylindrical, deeply pigmented neuromelanin (NM)-rich cluster of noradrenergic cells placed bilaterally in the dorsolateral tegmentum of the pons. The main neurotransmitter synthesised by these neurons is norepinephrine (NE), which polymerises to NM. Collectively, it regulates a plethora of activities, including vigilance, synaptic plasticity, memory processing, pain, stress responses, selective attention, cognition, sleep, emotion, capillary wall permeability and cerebral blood flow, thereby holding a 'master key' to several processes. Despite being small in dimensions, it is of enormous significance in diverse functions. Degeneration of the LC occurs early and progressively in both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), with diverse impacts, and is linked to neuropsychiatric entities such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia and rapid eye movement sleep disorders, thereby raising considerable interest in normal physiology as well as in disease. Summary:This review is to better understand the neuroanatomical connections of human LC (master regulator of the central nervous system), pigmentation, cellular types, neurotransmitters/co-transmitters, and its role in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent and relevant classical research and review articles were referred to from PubMed to prepare a short review of the structure of LC, its projections, NM pigment and neuroprotection. We further examined the details of its cell types, neurotransmitters, co-transmitter functions and its effects in ageing, AD and PD, with emphasis on human studies. Key Message:LC is a vital region that offers neuroprotection, assists in the maintenance of cognitive reserve and enhances resilience and neuronal survival, despite the presence of AD and PD pathology for several decades. Further, it synthesises NE and co-transmitters that regulate attention, sleep-wake cycle, mood, cognition and so on. Maintaining its integrity and function promises potential scope to promote its health with normal ageing and improve clinical strategies in patients with neurodegeneration.
Background:Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality and is frequently associated with cognitive impairment. Diabetes mellitus is a common comorbidity in ischaemic stroke and is linked with poor neurological outcomes. However, longitudinal evidence comparing the burden of post-stroke cognitive impairment and cognitive recovery trajectories between patients with and without diabetes remains limited. Purpose:The present study compared the prevalence and severity of cognitive impairment in ischaemic stroke patients with and without diabetes mellitus at baseline and on day 90 post-stroke, and evaluated whether diabetes mellitus influences the trajectory of cognitive recovery over 90 days. Methods:In this longitudinal follow-up study, 401 ischaemic stroke patients (167 with diabetes mellitus and 234 without) underwent cognitive assessment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale at baseline and at 90 days post-stroke. Between group comparisons (diabetes vs non-diabetes) were performed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests. Cognitive recovery trajectories were analysed using a linear mixed-effects model. Results:Patients with diabetes mellitus were significantly older (p = .011) and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p < .001) and atrial fibrillation (p = .035) than those without diabetes.In the linear mixed-effects model, MoCA scores improved significantly from baseline to day 90 (β = 6.13, SE = 0.36, p < .001), indicating overall cognitive recovery. Diabetes mellitus was associated with lower MoCA scores (β = -1.36, SE = 0.74, p = .065), but the interaction between time and diabetes was not significant (p = .931), suggesting comparable cognitive recovery over time in both groups. Cognitive outcomes demonstrated significant improvement from baseline to 90 days post-stroke in both groups. Conclusion:Patients with diabetes demonstrated a greater burden of cognitive impairment at baseline and on day 90; however, cognitive improvement over 90 days was comparable regardless of diabetes status.
Background:The adversities and inheritance patterns of left-handedness have been associated with gender-related distress. Such driving factors predispose individuals to multiple mental health outcomes, shifting attention to the role of ruminative thinking. Purpose:The study seeks to examine the effects of handedness patterns on gender dysphoria and rumination among young adults, observing the intricate relationships among these variables and postulating a substantial influence of handedness on both gender-related distress and rumination in this population. Methods:A cross-sectional design with purposive sampling was used to recruit 180 young adults aged 18-25 years. Study parameters were quantified using three self-report measures: the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory-Short Form, the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale-Gender Spectrum, and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire. Data were analysed through moderation tests, correlation tests, and descriptive statistics. Results:The results reveal that the links between rumination and gender dysphoria appear to be stronger in left-handed than in right-handed participants. Furthermore, variations in rumination and handedness patterns in the sample contributed to a significant interaction effect (19.1%) in gender dysphoria, moderated by rumination. Conclusion:The study presents a comprehensive perspective for considering and structuring interventions for individuals with gender-related distress, covering major concepts of hormonal and genetic mechanisms, also underscoring the relevance of handedness and rumination in clinical and research settings.
Abstract Background Depression is a pervasive mental health disorder that has been extensively studied, but effective treatment remains elusive. This is due to the lack of understanding regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms. Antidepressants usually target the monoaminergic system, but studies show that other neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine (ACh), may be involved. Many clinical and preclinical studies show that increased ACh levels are associated with depression. Particularly, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is shown to decrease in depression and antidepressants are known to increase it. However, it is not known whether this effect is direct or downstream. Purpose To check whether antidepressants can directly modulate AChE activity, we evaluated the effect of various classes of antidepressants on ex vivo AChE activity in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum of male and female rats. Methods Briefly, sertraline (SER), escitalopram (ESC), amitriptyline (AT), duloxetine (DUL), bupropion (BUP) and ketamine (KET) were incubated with the brain tissue homogenates in a 96-well plate for 30 min, following which AChE activity was evaluated by modified Ellman’s method. Results SER and ESC increased AChE activity in the frontal cortex, while AT, DUL, BUP and KET did not affect it. Conclusion This points to a novel mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and a potential target for developing new therapeutics with better efficacy and lower side effect profiles.
Background:Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of foot ulcers and amputations. Vibrasense + T is a handheld quantitative sensory testing device that integrates vibration, warm and cold perception threshold testing into a single probe. Purpose:This study aimed to establish normative reference values for Vibrasense + T device in a healthy adult Indian population. Methods:In this prospective cross-sectional study, 345 healthy adults aged 18-93 years were recruited. Individuals with diabetes, neuropathy or other conditions affecting sensory function were excluded. Vibration perception threshold (VPT), warm perception threshold (WPT) and cold perception threshold (CPT) were assessed bilaterally at standard hand and foot sites using the method of limits. Normative reference values for VPT, WPT and CPT were derived using non-parametric percentile distributions, and the influence of age, sex and anthropometric variables on sensory thresholds was evaluated. Results:All participants completed testing without adverse events. Sensory thresholds were consistently higher at the foot compared to the hand across all modalities (p < .001). Age demonstrated a moderate association with VPT and a weaker but significant association with WPT, with thresholds increasing progressively across age groups (all p < .001). In contrast, CPT showed minimal and inconsistent age-related changes. Females exhibited greater sensitivity than males across most modalities. Side-to-side differences were small and not clinically meaningful. Height, weight and BMI did not meaningfully influence sensory thresholds. Conclusion:This study establishes normative reference values for vibration, warm and cold perception thresholds using the Vibrasense + T device in an Indian population. These age- and sex-stratified values can assist interpretation of sensory thresholds measured with this device in clinical and research settings.
Background:Deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate as surrogate factors attributed to cognitive deterioration among older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased homocysteine levels >15 µmol/L (hyperhomocysteinaemia) due to insufficiency of vitamin B12 contribute to damage to the small blood vessels in the brain and aggravate the white matter lesion. Purpose:The study aimed to determine the impact of B12, folic acid and homocysteine in modulating cognitive functions and white matter hyperintensity in AD. Methods:A case-control study of a total number of 82 patients (41 AD patients and 41 controls) was recruited. The cognitive functions were assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and white matter hyperintensity was marked by magnetic resonance imaging studies. The levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine in serum were also assessed. Results:The noticeable changes were observed in the cognitive scores and levels of B12, folic acid and homocysteine in AD and controls and found statistically significant (p < .001). Spearman's rank correlations revealed that cognitive functions (MoCA score) showed a direct correlation with B12 (ρ = 0.513, p < .001). Conversely, MoCA was moderately negatively correlated with homocysteine (ρ = -0.422, p < .001). Participants with B12 deficiency showed a significantly higher frequency of white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) (χ² = 4.654, p = .031; Fisher's exact p = .048). Conclusion:Nutrient deficiencies, especially B12, have a disruptive impact on cognitive domains and WMH in AD, which could be considered as key indicators to identify the disease severity among older adults. Recommendations of vitamin B12 plus supplements might be connected to clinical and public health initiatives to halt the rate of progression of cognitive decline in AD.
Background:Underprivileged children from low socio-economic backgrounds lack access to the resources that promote cognitive, emotional and social development. Cognitive stimulation and psychological support enhance the neurobehavioural responses in underprivileged children. Interventions like Mindfulness-based Dance Movement Therapy (MBDMT) are inter-modal psychotherapy, enhancing mind and body integration, improving emotional regulation and alleviating mental health problems like loneliness and aggression. Purpose:The study aims to evaluate the effect of MBDMT on loneliness and aggression among underprivileged children of an NGO in Delhi-NCR, India. Methods:A quasi-experimental pre-post design was adopted, with 100 participants (aged 10-16 years) divided into treatment and control groups. The intervention consisted of 15 sessions (60 min each, for 15 weeks). UCLA Loneliness Scale and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire were administered pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up (3 months). Data was analysed through a paired samples t-test using SPSS. Results:The t value of the treatment group was 17.890 at p < .01, indicating a significant reduction in loneliness post-MBDMT. The aggression score of the treatment group has a t value of 20.290, indicating a significant decrease in aggression post-intervention. The post-test scores of both treatment and control groups were analysed for loneliness and aggression; the t values were -3.322 and -6.723, indicating a significant decrease in loneliness and aggression in the treatment group. The comparison of post-test and follow-up of loneliness had a t value of -2.760. And the follow-up scores of aggression showed a significant t value of 8.053. Conclusion:MBDMT is an effective community-based neurobehavioural intervention for reducing loneliness and aggression among underprivileged children. The results highlight the therapeutic value of mindfulness and movement-based expressive interventions in promoting emotional regulation and social connectedness in community settings. Although Indians have been known for practising classical dance forms, yoga and meditation for ages, schools should inculcate mindfulness and movement with the usual curriculum.
Background Ontogeny refers to the gradual changes in behaviour and physiological processes that occur across the lifespan of an organism, which are associated with significant changes in sensory, emotional and social systems. Purpose In this study, the changes that occur in object recognition memory, exploratory activity and anxiety-like behaviour were studied in 6-, 12- and 24-month-old rats as a result of their normal developmental and/or ageing process, with the help of two behavioural testing paradigms, such as the novel object recognition test (NORT) and open field test (OFT). Methods Animals were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: Group 1: 6-month-old—representing early adulthood, a stage characterised by peak physiological and cognitive function. Group 2: 12-month-old—representing middle-aged, a transitional phase with potential early signs of age-related changes. Group 3: 24-month-old—representing late adulthood and early ageing, a period associated with progressive neurobiological and behavioural alterations. The NORT and OFT were carried out using the Panlab-SMART automated behavioural video tracking system. Results Results demonstrate that recognition memory was only mildly decreased in middle-aged animals, and remained mostly intact throughout adulthood and in aged animals. Anxiety-like behaviour did not show significant differences across age groups. In contrast, rearing and exploratory activity declined with age, suggesting the behavioural changes are more reflective of exploratory and locomotor behaviours. Stretching and other risk-assessment behaviours did not change as the age progressed. Conclusion When combined, these results imply that exploratory and locomotor behaviours are more susceptible to ageing, compared to recognition memory and anxiety-like behaviours. The results also highlight the importance of using multiple behavioural assays to holistically unravel emotionality changes across various age groups in rats. Further research is needed to understand better the molecular, cellular and neurobiological mechanisms driving these behavioural trajectories in rats.
