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BMC Psychiatry Mar 2017Electrodermal reactivity has been successfully used as indicator of interest, curiosity as well as depressive states. The measured reactivity depends on the quantity of...
BACKGROUND
Electrodermal reactivity has been successfully used as indicator of interest, curiosity as well as depressive states. The measured reactivity depends on the quantity of sweat secreted by those eccrine sweat glands that are located in the hypodermis of palmar and plantar regions. Electrodermal hyporeactive individuals are those who show an unusual rapid habituation to identical non-significant stimuli. Previous findings suggested that electrodermal hyporeactivity has a high sensitivity and a high specificity for suicide. The aims of the present study are to test the effectiveness and the usefulness of the EDOR (ElectroDermal Orienting Reactivity) Test as a support in the suicide risk assessment of depressed patients and to assess the predictive value of electrodermal hyporeactivity, measured through the EDOR Test, for suicide and suicide attempt in adult patients with a primary diagnosis of depression.
METHODS AND DESIGN
1573 patients with a primary diagnosis of depression, whether currently depressed or in remission, have been recruited at 15 centres in 9 different European countries. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated through the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale. Previous suicide attempts were registered and the suicide intent of the worst attempt was rated according to the first eight items of the Beck Suicide Intent Scale. The suicide risk was also assessed according to rules and traditions at the centre. The EDOR Test was finally performed. During the EDOR Test, two fingers are put on gold electrodes and direct current of 0.5 V is passed through the epidermis of the fingers according to standards. A moderately strong tone is presented through headphones now and then during the test. The electrodermal responses to the stimuli represent an increase in the conductance due to the increased number of filled sweat ducts that act as conductors through the electrically highly resistant epidermis. Each patient is followed up for one year in order to assess the occurrence of intentional self-harm.
DISCUSSION
Based on previous studies, expected results would be that patients realizing a suicide attempt with a strong intent or committing suicide should be electrodermally hyporeactive in most cases and non-hyporeactive patients should show only few indications of death intent or suicides.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00010082 . Registered May 31, 2016. Retrospectively registered.
Topics: Adult; Arousal; Bipolar Disorder; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Europe; Female; Galvanic Skin Response; Habituation, Psychophysiologic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mood Disorders; Predictive Value of Tests; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 28330446
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1246-x -
Experimental Neurology Aug 2024Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the main motor disorder in childhood resulting from damage to the developing brain. Treatment perspectives are required to reverse the primary...
Neonatal resveratrol treatment in cerebral palsy model recovers neurodevelopment impairments by restoring the skeletal muscle morphology and decreases microglial activation in the cerebellum.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the main motor disorder in childhood resulting from damage to the developing brain. Treatment perspectives are required to reverse the primary damage caused by the early insult and consequently to recover motor skills. Resveratrol has been shown to act as neuroprotection with benefits to skeletal muscle. This study aimed to investigate the effects of neonatal resveratrol treatment on neurodevelopment, skeletal muscle morphology, and cerebellar damage in CP model. Wistar rat pups were allocated to four experimental groups (n = 15/group) according CP model and treatment: Control+Saline (CS), Control+Resveratrol (CR), CP + Saline (CPS), and CP + Resveratrol (CPR). CP model associated anoxia and sensorimotor restriction. CP group showed delay in the disappearance of the palmar grasp reflex (p < 0.0001) and delay in the appearance of reflexes of negative geotaxis (p = 0.01), and free-fall righting (p < 0.0001), reduced locomotor activity and motor coordination (p < 0.05) than CS group. These motor skills impairments were associated with a reduction in muscle weight (p < 0.001) and area and perimeter of soleus end extensor digitorum longus muscle fibers (p < 0.0001), changes in muscle fibers typing pattern (p < 0.05), and the cerebellum showed signs of neuroinflammation due to elevated density and percentage of activated microglia in the CPS group compared to CS group (p < 0.05). CP animals treated with resveratrol showed anticipation of the appearance of negative geotaxis and free-fall righting reflexes (p < 0.01), increased locomotor activity (p < 0.05), recovery muscle fiber types pattern (p < 0.05), and reversal of the increase in density and the percentage of activated microglia in the cerebellum (p < 0.01). Thus, we conclude that neonatal treatment with resveratrol can contribute to the recovery of the delay neurodevelopment resulting from experimental CP due to its action in restoring the skeletal muscle morphology and reducing neuroinflammation from cerebellum.
Topics: Resveratrol; Animals; Rats, Wistar; Cerebellum; Rats; Animals, Newborn; Microglia; Cerebral Palsy; Muscle, Skeletal; Disease Models, Animal; Stilbenes; Male; Recovery of Function; Female
PubMed: 38789024
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114835 -
Spinal Cord Series and Cases Jun 2021Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can enhance motor learning of hand fine motor skills in neurological diseases with upper motoneuron lesions. Nevertheless, FES is...
OBJECTIVE
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can enhance motor learning of hand fine motor skills in neurological diseases with upper motoneuron lesions. Nevertheless, FES is rarely applied in patients with chronic Guillan-Barré syndrome (GBS) with preserved deep tendon reflexes allowing for stimulation via nerve. This single case report documents the results of an FES-supported, task-oriented grasp training to regain hand closure and pinch grip.
STUDY DESIGN
Single-subject repeated measures study.
SETTING
International FES Centre®, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil.
METHODS
Three individually defined goals were formulated and scored by using the goal attainment scale. With a focus on these goals, FES was applied bilaterally to improve hand closure and pinch grip. Based on principles of motor learning FES was executed together with task-oriented movements. The hand closure distance (cm) between the tip of the middle finger and the palmar side of the hand was measured and the achievement of personal, predefined goals evaluated.
RESULTS
After 16 weeks of daily stimulation, hand closure could be voluntarily performed. Regained opposition of the thumb to the index finger enabled improved individually defined fine motor control. Restored function remained unchanged in the follow-up at 6 months without stimulation.
CONCLUSION
Improving fine motor skills in chronic GBS with intact deep tendon reflexes was possible utilizing FES combined with task-oriented grasp training. These improvements were maintained over time indicating the combination was effective in promoting functionally meaningful motor gains.
Topics: Electric Stimulation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Hand; Hand Strength; Humans
PubMed: 34183649
DOI: 10.1038/s41394-021-00419-0 -
Gait & Posture Feb 2018Walking adaptability tasks are challenging for people with motor impairments. The construct of perceived challenge is typically measured by self-report assessments,...
BACKGROUND
Walking adaptability tasks are challenging for people with motor impairments. The construct of perceived challenge is typically measured by self-report assessments, which are susceptible to subjective measurement error. The development of an objective physiologically-based measure of challenge may help to improve the ability to assess this important aspect of mobility function. The objective of this study to investigate the use of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity measured by skin conductance to gauge the physiological stress response to challenging walking adaptability tasks in people post-stroke.
METHODS
Thirty adults with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis performed a battery of seventeen walking adaptability tasks. SNS activity was measured by skin conductance from the palmar surface of each hand. The primary outcome variable was the percent change in skin conductance level (ΔSCL) between the baseline resting and walking phases of each task. Task difficulty was measured by performance speed and by physical therapist scoring of performance. Walking function and balance confidence were measured by preferred walking speed and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, respectively.
RESULTS
There was a statistically significant negative association between ΔSCL and task performance speed and between ΔSCL and clinical score, indicating that tasks with greater SNS activity had slower performance speed and poorer clinical scores. ΔSCL was significantly greater for low functioning participants versus high functioning participants, particularly during the most challenging walking adaptability tasks.
CONCLUSION
This study supports the use of SNS activity measured by skin conductance as a valuable approach for objectively quantifying the perceived challenge of walking adaptability tasks in people post-stroke.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adult; Aged; Female; Galvanic Skin Response; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paresis; Stress, Physiological; Stroke; Sympathetic Nervous System; Task Performance and Analysis; Walking
PubMed: 29216598
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.11.025 -
International Journal of Radiation... Oct 2018The present study aimed to determine the effect of acute exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by a mobile phone on electrodermal activity (EDA) in response... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
PURPOSE
The present study aimed to determine the effect of acute exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by a mobile phone on electrodermal activity (EDA) in response to an auditory stimulus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The EDA of 28 young volunteers was recorded following 26 min of exposure to a GSM mobile phone (900 MHz). Palmar sensors enabled repeat recording of 2 min 45 s in the pre-exposure, exposure and post-exposure phases in response to sound stimuli.
RESULTS
The latency, amplitude of skin conductance responses (SCRs), integral of skin conductance response and number of SCRs in response to the auditory stimuli were not modified by exposure. Skin conductance and tonic activity decomposition of the recorded signal were significantly different between the two sessions (p < .0001), but the changes could not be attributed to EMF exposure. There was also a tendency toward a fast reduction in the amplitude and number of electrodermal responses after placement of the mobile phone. In response to successive stimuli, there was a significant difference between the first response and subsequent responses for all variables except latency.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed a decrease in the number of responses and their amplitude as a result of placement of the mobile device and whether it was turned 'on' or 'off', but there were no changes associated with exposure to GSM radiofrequency waves in this group of volunteers.
Topics: Adult; Cell Phone; Electromagnetic Fields; Electrophysiological Phenomena; Female; Galvanic Skin Response; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Radio Waves; Skin; Time Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 30028653
DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1503431 -
Acupuncture & Electro-therapeutics... 2016It was postulated in our previous publications that the meridian channels as conceived in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are various standing waves arising from...
Evaluation of Reflexology by "BIOCERAMIC Resonance" Operation producing Weak Force Field during Simultaneous Acupoint Stimulation of Urinary Bladder Point on Subject's Ear Resulting in Electric Current Change on Urinary Bladder reflex Point on Subject's Hands, and Related New Research Finding.
OBJECTIVE
It was postulated in our previous publications that the meridian channels as conceived in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are various standing waves arising from harmonic rhythmic sound frequencies originating from the human heart beat. BIOCERAMIC is an artificial material able to produce a weak force field causing different biophysical and systemic health benefits, with the key characteristics of hydrogen bonds weakening and microcirculation enhancement. Since discovering that the effects of a BIOCERAMIC field can be transmitted via sound waves propagation, we then also developed a BIOCERAMIC Resonance device to produce weak force field throughout the body, and achieve resonance with the body's meridian channels to reinforce microcirculation.
METHODS
Since our previous research proved BIOCERAMIC can produces changes in ectodermal current levels, the present evaluation on reflexology is done by the application of Electric Current Detection (ECD) to the palmar surface of the hands matching correlative organs and glands loci to reflex points according to standard reflexology. The procedure will compare changes in the electrical current observed before and after a session of BIOCERAMIC Resonance treatment on the soles of the subjects' feet. We also conducted a procedure using corona discharge (Kirlian) photography of the hands to examine whether the coronal intensities could be affected by application of the BIOCERAMIC patch. Intensities are shown on the screen of a computer using special software that categorizes intensities into five zones.
RESULTS
Under the continuous treatment of BIOCERAMIC Resonance on soles of the feet and simultaneous stimulation on the specific point on the surface of the ear representing the urinary bladder. The electrical current (Aji ampere) on the areas in the hands are decreased from the beginning of the experiment, but only the specific area on the surface of the ear representing the urinary bladder was exhibited increased of the electrical current (Aji ampere), with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). To the other study we evaluated the validity of reflexology and corona discharge (Kirlian) photography by applying BIOCERAMIC Resonance and small adhesive patches made from the BIOCERAMIC material. Significant differences were evident on four out of five different zones of the computerized images.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest the existence of presupposed virtual channels or reflex points on the skin surface of the feet, hands, and ears that connect or somehow reflect back to specific internal organs, as mapped out on standard charts found in reflexology. Furthermore, the depicted corona intensities from five zones shown on a computer screen of corona discharge photography seem to indicate that the volunteer subjects are affected by the BIOCERAMIC patches. This study demonstrates the operation of the BIOCERAMIC Resonance device is able to produce weak force field through the body, which is objectively measurable and thereby scientifically integrating the concepts of reflexology, meridian channels and biofield therapy.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Adult; Ear; Female; Foot; Hand; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Massage; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians; Urinary Bladder
PubMed: 29873994
DOI: 10.3727/036012917x14831065080096 -
Autonomic & Autacoid Pharmacology Jul 2016Objective assessment of the effect of botulinum toxin A (BT) treatment in primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is attempted by different methods. We decided to use for this...
Objective assessment of the effect of botulinum toxin A (BT) treatment in primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is attempted by different methods. We decided to use for this purpose sympathetic skin responses evoked by train of stimuli (TSSR). Twenty patients with severe PH (five female, median age 24, range 18-36) were examined regularly over 3 months after receiving 50 UI BT in each palm. TSSR were recorded from the palms after sensory stimulation by a train of three supramaximal electric pulses 3 millisecond apart. Results were compared to longitudinally studied TSSR of 20 healthy sex- and age-matched control subjects. All hyperhidrosis patients reported excellent improvement. TSSR amplitudes decreased at week 1 (mean 54% range 48%-67%) and over the following months in a clinically significant trend (slope R=-.82, P<.0001). TSSR in controls changed insignificantly (±13% from the baseline). The difference between patients and controls was highly significant at any time point (P<.001). This study suggests that TSSR may help in assessment of treatments in PH. It confirms objectively the efficacy of BT in PH.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Electromyography; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Female; Galvanic Skin Response; Humans; Hyperhidrosis; Injections, Intradermal; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Neuromuscular Agents; Sympathetic Nervous System; Young Adult
PubMed: 27878939
DOI: 10.1111/aap.12050 -
Neuroscience Letters Feb 2017The current study was aimed at investigating the relationships of excitatory and inhibitory circuits of the left vs. right primary motor cortex with peripheral...
The current study was aimed at investigating the relationships of excitatory and inhibitory circuits of the left vs. right primary motor cortex with peripheral electrodermal activity (EDA). Ten healthy subjects participated in two experimental sessions. In each session, EDA was recorded for 10min from the palmar surface of the left hand. Immediately after EDA recording, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was used to probe excitatory and inhibitory circuits of the left or right primary motor cortex using two protocols of stimulation: the input-output curve for recording of motor evoked potentials, for testing excitatory circuits; the long-interval cortical inhibition (LICI) protocol, for testing inhibitory circuits. In both cases, motor evoked potentials were recorded with surface electrodes from a contralateral hand muscle. The main results showed that in the right motor cortex, excitatory circuits directly correlate and inhibitory circuits inversely correlate with sympathetic activation. In the left motor cortex, both excitatory and inhibitory circuits are inversely correlated with sympathetic activation. These findings may suggest a bi-hemispheric mode of control of vegetative system by motor cortices, with the right hemisphere mainly involved in sympathetic control.
Topics: Adult; Functional Laterality; Galvanic Skin Response; Humans; Motor Cortex; Skin; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
PubMed: 28104432
DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.027