JNBS
Üsküdar Üniversitesi

ARTICLES

Original Article

Turkish Title : Low-frequency Prefrontal Cortex Magnetic Stimulation Improves Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms: A Pilot Study

Tarhan Nevzat,Aydoğdu Muammer,İbadi Yelda,Gökten Emel Sarı,Metin Barış
JNBS, 2023, 11(1), p:3-7

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_24_22

Aim: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting
multiple levels of social and cognitive skills and causing a significant health‑care burden.
Currently, there is no approved treatment for ASD. Methods: In this study, 10 children with
ASD between the ages 6 and 19 years (M = 12.3, standard deviation = 3.94) were recruited.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was applied and symptom severity was
measured before and after treatment using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and
Autistic Behavior Checklist (ABC). All children received sessions of low‑frequency rTMS to the
bilateral prefrontal cortices. Results: The results showed that the children improved according
to both symptom ratings. Specifically, both the relating (z = −2.02, P < 0.05), body and object
use (z = −2.03, P < 0.05) and language (z = −2.21, P < 0.05) subscale scores and the total
score of ABC (z = −2.37, P < 0.05) decreased. Regarding CARS, visual response (z = −2.06,
P < 0.05), verbal communication (z = −2.12, P < 0.05) subscale scores, and the total score (z
= −2.52, P = 0.01) decreased significantly after TMS therapy. Conclusion: Our study was open
label and in terms of sample size should be considered a pilot study. Although the results should
be evaluated cautiously, the findings suggest that rTMS might be a safe and useful tool for
improving deficits related to ASD in children.


Original Article

Turkish Title : Effect of Coronavirus Vaccine on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms of Health-care Professionals Developed through the Pandemic

Avınca Öner,Şen Abdullah,Taş Mahmut,Güleken Mehmet Diyaddin,Çetinkaya Remzi,Arı Baran,Yeşil Ahmet
JNBS, 2023, 11(1), p:8-12

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_3_23

Aim: COVID‑19 pandemic response measures adversely affected the psychological effects of health‑care professionals due to disruption of daily life, sense of uncertainty, fear of getting sick, and the perception of working in a dangerous environment. In this study, we assessed the level of depression and anxiety symptoms in health‑care professionals who had interaction with COVID‑19 patients both before and after vaccination. Materials and Methods: The participants in this prospective cohort study, which took place between July 24, 2020 and April 30, 2021, were 233 health‑care workers who were employed in the hospital’s COVID area. Participants were divided into two groups as pre‑COVID‑19 vaccine group (Group 1; n = 98) and postvaccine group (Group 2; n = 135), both groups received the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: The mean score of the Group 1 anxiety subscale was 15.64 ± 2.112, and the mean score of the depression subscale was 15.19 ± 1.762. The same scores were 9.65 ± 5.535 and 9.13 ± 4.984, respectively, in Group 2. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: In our research, we have seen that the application of the vaccine has positive effects on the psychological state of health workers who are directly exposed to COVID‑19 patients. We think that the therapies or preventive measures that are developed during the pandemic phase will lessen the possibility of sadness and anxiety in health‑care personnel and boost the effectiveness of the effort to combat the disease.


Original Article

Turkish Title : Evaluation of Ethanol Extract of Curcuma longa in Lead-induced Hippocampal Neurotoxicity

Elisha Rimamnde Usman,Tanko Murdakai,Sadeeq Abubakar Adamu
JNBS, 2023, 11(1), p:13-21

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_36_22

Background: Heavy metals such as lead are ubiquitous elements at exposure causing deleterious
effects on the brain and leading to neurodegenerative diseases. Aim: In this investigation, the
neurotherapeutic effects of ethanol extract of Curcuma longa (EECl) against lead‑induced hippocampal
neurotoxicity in rats were examined. Biochemical examination for antioxidant enzyme activity and
lipid peroxide level (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and glutathione [GSH])
was evaluated, the Barnes maze for learning and memory, and histological analysis (H and E stain)
for general histoarchitectural features to investigate the neurotherapeutic characteristics of EECl.
Materials and Methods: Six groups totalling 36 rats were created (n = 6). In the first group, rats
received distilled water (2 mg/kg), in the second, lead acetate (LA) (120 mg/kg), in the third, ascorbic
acid (100 mg/kg), and the 4th, 5th, and 6th groups, rats received LA (120 mg/kg) and EECl (375 mg/kg,
750 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg, respectively) for 14 days. Results: A significant learning and memory
deficit was seen in the LA‑treated group’s results, but a significant improvement was seen in the
EECl‑treated group. Increased oxidative stress was seen in the LA‑treated group, as evidenced by
an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH). A decline in
MDA levels and an increase in SOD and GSH activity was the evidence of the ameliorative effects of
EECl treatment. Cytoarchitectural distortions relative to the control were observed with the LA‑treated
group. Mild distortion was however detected with EECl treatment. Conclusion: EECl has possible
neurotherapeutic properties against LA‑induced pathological changes in the hippocampus of Wistar
rats. EECl may have neuroprotective effects against degenerative alterations brought on by LA.


Original Article

Turkish Title : In silico Evaluation of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in CHRNA7 and GRIN1 Genes Related to Alzheimer’s Disease

Rezaeirad Arash,Karasakal Ömer Faruk,Oktay Ebru Özkan,Karahan Mesut
JNBS, 2023, 11(1), p:22-28

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_31_22


Editorial

Turkish Title : The Pervasiveness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Calibrated Interventions

Wilson Jemima,Srikanth Pallerla
JNBS, 2023, 10(3), p:65-67

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_12_23

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term
comprising a group of neurological conditions marked by
severe difficulties with social interaction and communication.
According to the World Health Organization,[1] in 100
children worldwide suffer from ASD, and 1 in 500 Indian
children receive an autistic diagnosis. With four men
diagnosed for every female, boys are more likely than
females to be impacted by autism. Compared to Down
syndrome, which affects one in 800 newborns, autism occurs
more often. Children may exhibit a spectrum of symptoms,
varying in intensity, from recurring patterns of limited
interests and unusual behaviors to challenges in transitioning
between activities or events, as well as unexpected reactions
to sensory cues in their surroundings. While a cure for
autism is not currently evident, interventions play a crucial
role in assisting children to effectively manage their
symptoms. By tailoring treatment plans to individual needs,
these interventions contribute to an improved quality of life.


Review Article

Turkish Title : The Neurological and Psychological Effects of Breastfeeding on Women

Tapırdamaz Şeyda Nur,Esencan Tuğba Yılmaz
JNBS, 2023, 10(3), p:68-73

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_7_23

Breastfeeding is the key element of infant feeding and has played a vital role in promoting infant
health throughout history. It provides all the necessary nutrients for infants to grow and develop.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends initiating breastfeeding right after birth and
continuing with exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by complementary feeding
up to 24 months of age. The WHO has also set targets to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates by
2025. As scientific research has advanced, the benefits of breastfeeding for infant health have become
increasingly apparent, not only for metabolic diseases but also for cognitive health. As a result,
researchers have started examining whether breastfeeding has any neurological or psychological
effects on lactating mothers. In this review, we examined current research on the neurological and
psychological effects of breastfeeding on women.


Original Article

Turkish Title : Neuromorphological and Biochemical Effects of Co-exposure to Bisphenol A and Cadmium in Insulin-resistant Rats

Lawal Abdulwasiu Taiwo,Sharafadeen Ahmed Olamilekan,Akinola Oluwole Busayo
JNBS, 2023, 10(3), p:74-81

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_14_23

Background: Cadmium (Cd) and bisphenol A (BPA) are known industrial additives and
environmental toxicants that have been extensively reported for their various deleterious effects
on biological systems, particularly endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity. In high‑fat diet‑induced
insulin‑resistant model rats, we studied the neurotoxicity and oxidative stress effects of co‑exposure to
Cd and BPA. Aims: This study aims to look at prefrontal microarchitecture and antioxidant profiles in
insulin‑resistant rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty‑five adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned
into five groups (A– E; n = 5). With A receiving normal saline; B: 40 mg/kg. bw CdCl2 + high‑fat
diet (HFD) + Suc; C: 40 mg/kg. bw BPA + HFD + Suc; D: 40 mg/kg. bw BPA + 40 mg/kg. bw
CdCl2 + HFD + Suc; and E: HFD + Suc orally for 56 days. Finally, brains were excised from each
group and the medial prefrontal cortex was dissected from both hemispheres with right hemisphere
samples processed for hematoxylin and eosin histology and left hemisphere samples homogenized
for biochemical evaluation of oxidative stress markers. One‑way analysis of variance and Tukey’s
post hoc test were used for data analysis with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: From our findings, prefrontal glutathione levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the
insulin‑resistant rats (Cd + BPA + HFD + Suc: 120.9 ± 21.89, HFD + Suc: 93.27 ± 17.29) compared
with control rats (244.0 ± 11.57), while prefrontal glutathione reductase activity was significantly
elevated (Cd + BPA + HFD + Suc: 41.02 ± 5.5, HFD + Suc: 41.09 ± 1.68, P < 0.05) compared
to the control rats (20.17 ± 3.27). Prefrontal neurons showed nuclear condensation, cytoplasmic
vacuolations, and clumping of cells. Conclusion: Morphological and biochemical evidence from
the present study suggests that environmental and metabolic factors do combine to induce profound
adverse effects on prefrontal microanatomy and antioxidant system.


Review Article

Turkish Title : Neuroesthetics and its Excitatory Sensitization of the Cerebral Cortex

Torlak Esra
JNBS, 2023, 10(3), p:82-85

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_13_23

The human mind receives, perceives, and processes visual and auditory input daily from the everyday
world of art and culture as an esthetic neural experience involving several regions of the cerebrum.
It is important to comprehend how this process of neuroesthetics works and how it affects each
individual’s emotions and behavior. This article will incorporate various clinical scanning techniques
and methods to examine the anatomical cerebral structures where the effects of external neuroesthetic
stimuli can be correlated with its resultant neural cognitive response. The effects of neuroesthetic
stimuli on the clinical improvement in patients experiencing depression, cognitive decline, and
other forms of behavioral manifestations will be reviewed. The results of these studies (including
international examples, along with various comparative analyses) demonstrate the beneficial effects
of art on the pleasure centers of the brain and its consequent positive effects on patients’ behavior and
emotions, thus exemplifying the short‑ and long‑term importance of incorporation of neuroesthetics
in not only the clinical setting but also in our global society.


Review Article

Turkish Title : Impact of Nutrition on Depression: A Review of Some Dietary Components with Antidepressant Effects and Their Mechanism of Action

Ekpo Ubong Udeme,Umana Uduak Emmanuel,Sadeeq Abubakar Adamu
JNBS, 2023, 10(3), p:86-96

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_5_23

Recent years have seen a surge in psychiatric diseases, which has resulted in considerable disease
distress and considerably decreased living conditions. Many considerable synthetic medications have
been used to treat these illnesses throughout the years, but they have been found to have limited
effects and substantial recurrence risks in many individuals. Mental illnesses such as depression
and anxiety are persistently on the rise around the world, posing serious challenges to the affected
person’s and their family members’ personal lives. There is mounting evidence that suggests the gut–
brain axis (GBA) contributes to the genesis and development of psychiatric diseases. This review
focuses on contemporary dietary therapies such as Mediterranean diets and dietary supplements
and emphasizes nutrition’s critical role in psychiatric care through the GBA. Several research have
indicated that dietary quality affects mental health because it controls metabolic processes, has
anti‑inflammatory and antiapoptotic characteristics, and promotes neurogenesis and synaptogenesis.
This study demonstrates many dietary components, their relationships to depression, and how they
work. The use of dietary recommendations to support mental health appears to be a novel, affordable,
useful, nonpharmacological intervention for people with mental problems.


Original Article

Turkish Title : Zingiber officinale Ameliorates Tramadol-induced Histopathological Distortions in CA1 and CA3 of the Hippocampus of Adult Wistar Rats

Ekpo Ubong Udeme,Umana Uduak Emmanuel,Sadeeq Abubakar Adamu
JNBS, 2023, 10(2), p:29-40

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_6_23

Background: Tramadol has a high potential for misuse resulting in cognitive impairment.
Zingiber officinale, however, possesses neuroprotective qualities. Objective: Microscopically
assessed hippocampal CA1 and CA3 following Z. officinale and tramadol treatment.
Materials and Methods: Two milliliters/kilogram of distilled water was given to Group 1,
Groups 2–5 were administered 50 mg/kg of tramadol while Group 3 was also administered 12.5 mg/
kg of naltrexone, and Groups 4 and 5 were also administered 500, and 1000 mg/kg ethanol extract of
Z. officinale (EEZO), respectively, orally for 21 days. The rats were euthanized and their brains were
collected, fixed in 10% formal saline, and processed routinely using crystal fast violet (CFV) stain for
the demonstration of Nissl substance, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for the demonstration of
astrocytes, and Hematoxylin and Eosin for general histoarchitecture and estimation of cell number and
volume using physical dissector and Cavalieri estimator, respectively. Results: CFV stain revealed
alterations in regions of CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus presenting as indistinct staining intensity
and peripheral Nissl substance accumulation in the tramadol‑treated group. GFAP revealed numerous
reactive astrocyte processes. The area of reactive astrocytes remarkably increased (P < 0.05) and
the intensity of the Nissl substance remarkably reduced in the tramadol-exposed group. When
compared to the control, the tramadol-exposed group’s hippocampal volume considerably (P < 0.05)
decreased (coefficient of error [CE] =0.050). The tramadol treatment group (CE = 0.090) relative to
the control group (CE = 0.060) showed a striking decrease (P < 0.05) in the number of pyramidal
cells in the CA3 region. The tramadol treatment group (CE = 0.090) compared to the control
group (CE = 0.060) showed a striking decrease (P < 0.05) in the number of pyramidal cells in the
CA3 region. Tramadol toxicity was attenuated in the groups treated with EEZO in a dose-dependent
manner. Conclusion: Z. officinale possesses a potential neuroprotective effect against tramadol‑induced
neurotoxicity.


ISSN (Print) 2149-1909
ISSN (Online) 2148-4325

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