Electroencephalogram Parameters Research Articles

Trends in Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography in the Smallest Preterm Neonates.

Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography is increasingly used for the neuromonitoring of premature infants. However, it is still not clear how bioelectrical activity changes in the smallest gestational age newborns. The aim of our study was to evaluate the bioelectrical activity of amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms in premature newborns of different gestational age to assess how gestational age and postnatal age influence patterns of amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms and to test the hypothesis of whether the bioelectrical activity of the brain matures faster after the birth of premature newborns than in utero. We prospectively included infants born before 32 weeks of gestational age between June 2020 and July 2022. Serial recordings of amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms were performed at three time points of age (days 1-3, 13-15, and 27-29). Recordings were analyzed for background patterns, the onset and appearance of cyclicity, and lower amplitude border and bandwidth, which were used to derive a composite Burdjalov score. In total, 140 premature neonates were included in the study, and 112 of them completed the study. The median gestational age of the newborns enrolled in the study was 29 (27-30) weeks, and the mean weight was 1206 (350) g. Burdjalov scores increased with increasing gestational age. Higher scores were observed in every dimension of the amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms for newborns of lower gestational age when compared to newborns of higher gestational age of the same postmenstrual age. There was a significant correlation between gestational age and parameters of amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms at all time points. A higher gestational age has a positive effect on the bioelectrical activity of amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms. Increasing postnatal age affected amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms more than gestational age. Our hypothesis that the bioelectrical activity of the brain matures faster for premature newborns after birth than in the womb was confirmed.

Pharmacological screening of a new valproic acid derivative using the pharmacoencephalography method in rats

Introduction. The naïve Bayes classifier combined with principal component analysis allows to distinguish the effects of antipsychotic agents effectively as well as evaluate their dose-dependency based on their impact on electroencephalogram parameters in rats. Further development of this method requires its validation as an instrument for the screening of new understudied molecules. Valproic acid derivatives appear to be a promising neuropharmacological group as they exhibit not only antiepileptic activity but also mood-stabilizing, antimigraine, neuroprotective and analgesic effects.Aim. This work was carried out to perform the pharmacological screening of a valproic acid aminoester (AVA) that exhibits antidote properties in case of poisoning with anticholinesterase agents.Materials and methods. The experiments were conducted in white outbred rats with chronically implanted electrocorticographic electrodes. AVA was administered at doses of 0,5, 5 and 30 mg/kg. The training set, used as a reference to determine the pharmacological effects of each dose of the investigated substance, included matrixes of effects of 7 drugs: the antiepileptic agent sodium valproate, the D2-dopamine receptor blocker haloperidol, the M-cholinergic receptor blocker tropicamide, the H1-histamine receptor blocker chloropyramine, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine, the sedative dexmedetomidine, and the anxiolytic phenazepam.Results and discussion. AVA at the dose of 0,5 mg/kg showed effects similar to those of sodium valproate, while a tenfold dose increase led to the predominance of an atropine-like effect. When administered at the dose of 30 mg/kg, the compound exhibited dexmedetomidine-like action. The central M-anticholinergic effect of AVA was confirmed by an arecoline test in mice, in which the substance at a dose of 88 mg/kg completely abolished the onset of tremor. Dexmedetomidine-like action was cancelled by the administration of atipamezole in equimolar quantities, which may indicate the potential сapability of AVA to activate α2-adrenergic receptors at a high dose. The results of molecular docking suggest that this effect is related specifically to the original aminoester molecule and not to its presumable active metabolites.Сonclusion. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of the naïve Bayes classifier as an instrument for the prediction of the pharmacological activity of compounds based on their impact on electroencephalogram parameters in rats. Identification of new pharmacological effects of understudied compounds may widen the potential range of their clinical application as well as reveal probable adverse effects.

The Relationship between Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) and Cognitive Function with The Performance of qEEG Examination in First Year Medical Students

Introductions: Medical students are required to lifelong learning. Electroencephalog-raphy is a neuroscience tool that can be used to record brain wave activity related to a person’s cognitive function. Objective: This study was conducted to see the relationship between self-regulated learning and cognitive function with quantitative electroencepha-logram (qEEG) parameters. Methods: This study used an observa-tional analytic approach to assess self-regulated learning and cog-nitive function using the MSLQ and MoCA-INA questionnaires. qEEG recording to see brain wave activity was done when the eyes were open and closed and seen in alpha and beta waves. The sam-ple of this study amounted to 32 respondents who were willing to carry out each research procedure. Results: The study findings reveal a significant correlation between SRL and qEEG parameters. In the open-eye condition, such a correla-tion exists in the frontal and central regions with regard to alpha waves (P = 0.046 and P = 0.047). In contrast, in the closed-eye condition, it exists in the occipital, central, and parietal regions with alpha waves (P = 0.005, P = 0.021, and P = 0.049) and the central region with beta waves (P = 0.030). There is a significant correla-tion between cognitive function and qEEG parameters observed in both open and closed-eye conditions within the frontal region beta waves (P = 0.024, P = 0.044, and P = 0.021). Conclusions: There is a relationship between SRL and cognitive function with alpha and beta wave activity on qEEG recording.

Electrophysiological features of bioelectrical activity of the horse brain

Purpose: to study the bioelectrical activity of the brain and determine the parameters of electroencephalograms in sports and untrained horses.Materials and methods. The object of the study were horses aged from 2 to 20 years in the amount of 150 heads. The animals were in active training and were also used for rental training in horse riding; their average weight was 550.78 kg; the breeds were Oryol Trotter, Russian Trotter, American Trotter and Hanoverian. During EEG recording, horses were restrained using a halter at the junctions. Experiments were carried out in the morning or afternoon, 1 hour before feeding/training or 1 hour after. EEG registration was carried out with patch electrodes in 6 unipolar leads using a special patented Ippolitova / Gauss helmet for recording EEG in animals, the electrodes on which are located along the projections of different lobes of the brain, which allows non-invasively, without the use of sedatives and shaving hair, to record the electrical activity of the brain . EEG recording continued for 10-15 minutes. We assessed brain rhythms using the following indicators: Rhythm severity index (RSI) – the degree of manifestation of the rhythm, the percentage of time during which a given rhythm is recorded (%). Frequency – the number of complete oscillations performed per unit of time, sec. (Hz). Amplitude is the largest deviation (from the average) value of a quantity, the range of oscillations.Results. As a result of the research and analysis of the obtained EEG data, waves of bioelectrical activity of the brain in horses were established in the following ranges: alpha rhythm (α-rhythm) – 7.1 – 13 Hz, amplitude up to 100 µV; beta-1 rhythm (low-frequency β-1 rhythm) – 13.1 – 25 Hz, amplitude – 3-5 µV; beta-2 rhythm (high-frequency β-2 rhythm) – 25.1 – 40 Hz, amplitude – 3-5 µV; delta rhythm (δ rhythm) – 0.3 – 4 Hz, amplitude up to 40 µV; theta rhythm (Ѳ-rhythm) – 4.1 – 7 Hz, amplitude about 30 µV; gamma rhythm (γ rhythm) – above 40.1 µV. When analyzing EEG rhythms in animals, the most pronounced spontaneous brain activity at rest in the horses studied is the delta rhythm in all leads and hemispheres. We observe oscillations with a frequency of 0.3–4 Hz and an amplitude of up to 40 μV. The waveform is regular, sinus. Such oscillations represent the delta rhythm.

Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Electroencephalogram Parameters for Monitoring the Depth of Sedation During Remimazolam Target-Controlled Infusion.

The changes in hypnotic indicators in remimazolam sedation remain unclear. We investigated the correlation of the electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters with the effect-site remimazolam concentration and the depth of sedation in patients receiving a target-controlled infusion of remimazolam. This prospective observational study enrolled 35 patients (32 analyzed) who underwent lower extremity varicose vein surgery or lower extremity orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia. We administered remimazolam by target-controlled infusion using the pharmacokinetic model introduced by Schüttler et al. The EEG data were continuously recorded, including the bispectral index (BIS), patient state index (PSI), spectral edge frequency (SEF), and raw EEG signals. The relative beta ratio (RBR), defined as log (spectral power [30-47 Hz]/spectral power [11-20 Hz]), was obtained by analyzing raw EEG. The level of sedation corresponding to each effect-site remimazolam concentration was assessed using the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S). The prediction probability (Pk) and Spearman's correlation coefficients (R) were calculated between effect-site remimazolam concentration, MOAA/S, and EEG parameters. BIS and PSI showed significantly higher Pk for effect-site remimazolam concentration (Pk = 0.76 [0.72-0.79], P < .001 for BIS; Pk = 0.76 [0.73-0.79], P < .001 for PSI) compared to RBR (Pk = 0.71 [0.68-0.74], P < .001) and SEF (Pk = 0.58 [0.53-0.63], P = .002). BIS, PSI, and RBR showed significantly higher correlation coefficients for effect-site remimazolam concentration (R = -0.70 [-0.78 to -0.63], P < .001 for BIS; R = -0.72 [-0.79 to -0.66], P < .001 for PSI; R = -0.61 [-0.69 to -0.54], P < .001 for RBR) compared to SEF (R = -0.22 [-0.36 to -0.08], P = .002). BIS and PSI also had significantly higher Pk and correlation coefficients for MOAA/S (Pk = 0.81 [0.79-0.83], P < .001; R = 0.84 [0.81-0.88], P < .001 for BIS) (Pk = 0.80 [0.78-0.83], P < .001; R = 0.82 [0.78-0.87], P < .001 for PSI) compared to RBR (Pk = 0.74 [0.72-0.77], P < .001; R = 0.72 [0.65-0.78], P < .001) and SEF (Pk = 0.55 [0.50-0.59], P = .041; R = 0.13 [-0.01 to 0.27], P = .067). BIS, PSI, and RBR showed an acceptable correlation with the effect-site remimazolam concentration and depth of sedation in this study, suggesting that these EEG-derived parameters are potentially reliable hypnotic indicators during remimazolam sedation. BIS and PSI showed superior performance as hypnotic indicators to RBR and SEF in patients receiving target-controlled infusion of remimazolam.

Implementation of an electroencephalogram-guided propofol anesthesia practice in a large academic pediatric hospital: Aquality improvement project.

Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia is gaining popularity in pediatric anesthesia. Electroencephalogram can be used to guide propofol dosing to the individual patient to mitigate against overdosing and adverse events. However, electroencephalogram interpretation and propofol pharmacokinetics are not sufficiently taught in training programs to confidently deploy electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia. We conducted a quality improvement project with the smart aim of increasing the percentage of electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia cases in our main operating room from 0% to 80% over 18 months. Balancing measures were number of total intravenous anesthesia cases, emergence times, and perioperative emergency activations. The project key drivers were education, equipment, and electronic health record modifications. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles included: (1) providing journal articles, didactic lectures, intraoperative training, and teaching documents; (2) scheduling electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia teachers to train faculty, staff, and fellows for specific cases and to assess case-based knowledge; (3) adding age-based propofol dosing tables and electroencephalogram parameters to the electronic health record (EPIC co, Verona, WI); (4) procuring electroencephalogram monitors (Sedline, Masimo Inc). Electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia cases and balancing measures were identified from the electronic health record. The smart aim was evaluated by statistical process control chart. After the four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia increased from 5% to 75% and was sustained at 72% 9 months after project completion. Total intravenous anesthesia cases/mo and number of perioperative emergency activations did not change significantly from start to end of the project, while emergence time for electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia was greater statistically but not clinically (total intravenous anesthesia without electroencephalogram [16 ± 10 min], total intravenous anesthesia with electroencephalogram [18 ± 9 min], sevoflurane [17 ± 9 min] p < .001). Quality improvement methods may be deployed to adopt electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia in a large academic pediatric anesthesia practice. Keys to success include education, in operating room case training, scheduling teachers with learners, electronic health record modifications, and electroencephalogram devices and supplies.

Quantitative EEG as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in hemispheric stroke patients undergoing type A aortic dissection surgery.

The diagnostic and prognostic value of quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) parameters, specifically the symmetry of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and relative band power (RBP), in the postoperative stroke of the cerebral hemisphere following type A aortic dissection, remains an area of inquiry. We analyzed and processed 56 patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent bedside qEEG monitoring and analyzed the qEEG indices, brain CT, and clinical data of these patients. qEEG (symmetry of aEEG and RBP, and affected/unaffected hemisphere) indices were analyzed at discharge and 60 days after discharge. A total of 56 patients were studied. The 60-day mortality rate was 12.5%. The affected hemisphere's diagnosis and mortality after 1-year follow-up were evaluated, and RBP beta demonstrated the highest area under the curve values with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of .849 (95% CI: .771-.928) and .91 (95% CI: .834-.986), respectively. According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, we have identified the strongest predictors for cerebral hemisphere stroke and 1-year mortality in stroke patients. Specifically, aEEGmin exhibited the highest predictive power with an odds ratio (OR) of .735 for cerebral hemisphere stroke, whereas DTABR was confirmed as one of the strongest predictors with an OR of 1.619 for 1-year mortality in stroke patients, indicating a high level of reliability. Spearman correlation coefficients showed that aEEGmax and aEEGmin were positively correlated with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (aEEGmax: rho=.50, p<.001; aEEGmin: rho=.44, p<.001). QEEG has been proven to be a sensitive indicator for monitoring brain function and can be monitored continuously. It can help clinicians detect and treat these patients early and improve long-term prognosis.

A Retrospective Study of the Patient State Index During General Anesthesia in Infants and Young Children.

This study described electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters in children under general anesthesia, which could monitor patient-specific brain responses to anesthetics and assess the effects of anesthesia. The objective was to detect the patient state index (PSI) and associated factors. We analyzed EEG parameters in patients in the age range 1 to 36 months. Patients were stratified into 2 groups as those aged 1 to 12 months and 13 to 36 months. Sixty-two patients were involved. Spectral edge frequency (SEF), PSI, and blood pressure were lower, and burst suppression rate (BSR) and heart rate were higher in the 1 to 12 months group. The SEF was associated with PSI in both groups. Age and blood pressure were positively associated with PSI, and BSR was negatively related to PSI in children under 1 year of age. Blood pressure was not associated with PSI in the 13 to 36 months age group. We found that the PSI levels did not accurately assess the depth of anesthesia in children under 1 year of age.

Relationships between the parameters of uric acid exchange and electroencephalograms in humans

Background. During the implementation of the project "Physiological activity of uric acid", our group discovered four variants of the combination of levels of uricemia and uricosuria both in healthy rats and in people with chronic pyelonephritis and cholecystitis in the remission phase, which are accompanied by characteristic constellations of parameters of the autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, as well as the exchange of nitrogenous metabolites and electrolytes, the levels of which correlate with uricemia and/or uricosuria. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between parameters of uric acid metabolism and electroencephalogram (EEG) in humans. Materials and methods. Under an observations were 34 males and 10 females by age 24-76 years with chronic pyelonephritis and cholecystitis in the phase of remission. The object of the study was serum and urine levels of uric acid (uricase method) as well as EEG. Results. It was identified 12 parameters as characteristic of uric acid metabolism clusters. Another 42 EEG parameters were found to be out of the discriminant model, despite the clear recognition ability. A strong canonical correlation between EEG parameters and uricemia (R=0,729) and a moderate correlation with uricosuria (R=0,553) were revealed. Even stronger connections were found between changes in parameters of uric acid metabolism and EEG under the influence of balneotherapy: R=0,901 and 0,681 respectively. Conclusion. Uric acid has both activating and inhibitory effects on EEG parameters. The neurotropic effect of uric acid as a structural analogue of methylxanthines and adenosine is realized, apparently, through various adenosine receptors.

Similarity of adaptogenic effects of bioactive naftussya water and phytocomposition “Balm Truskavets’”

Background. From previous studies, it is known about the adaptogenic properties of Naftussya bioactive water and the Ukrainian phytocomposition "Balm Truskavets’". Both adaptogens have a common component of the composition - polyphenols, which suggests the existence of similar effects on the parameters of the body responsible for adaptation. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis. Material and methods. The object of clinical-physiological observation were 30 practically healthy individuals of both sexes with dysfunction of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex as a manifestation of maladaptation. Before and after a one-week course of using Balm (10 people) or Naftussya water (20 people), plasma levels of the main adaptation hormones, parameters of electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), phagocytosis, leukocytogram, as well as acupuncture and bioelectrophotonics were recorded. Results. 39 parameters (18 EEGs, 8 HRVs, 5 biophysical, 4 phagocytosis, as well as the Popovych’s leukocytary adaptation index, triiodothyronine, testosterone and cortisol) were identified, the physiologically favorable changes of which are common to both adaptogenic means. Conclusion. The influence of adaptogens of various nature on the state of adaptation of the body is non-specific and is implemented through the neuro-endocrine-immune complex.

Возможности и перспективы использования музыкально-компьютерных технологий в терапии психогенных расстройств

The beneficial effect of music on the human body has been known since ancient times and has been actively used in the methods of music therapy. The article analyzes in the manner of a survey the advantages, possibilities and limitations of the traditional methods of music therapy, wherein the patient is presented with a set of musical compositions empirically selected. A radically different and innovative method of music therapy is based on musical or music-like stimulation that is generated by a computer on the basis of feedback signals from the patient’s own physiological characteristic features. The advantages and prospects of this innovative method are examined here and an evaluation is given of the effectiveness of computer-aided transformations of the patient’s brain biopotentials into musical or music-like effects, which are used in the adaptive neuro-stimulation technology developed by the authors with feedback from the current electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters. By means of the examples from our own research with the use of EEG-guided adaptive neurostimulation, we have outlined the prospects for the development of music computer technologies in the treatment of psychogenic disorders and the cognitive rehabilitation of human beings.

Possible changes in the electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram after the introduction of peripheral muscle relaxants

To evaluate the changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters in time, coinciding with the changes recorded by the electrocardiogram (ECG) channel in patients after the introduction of peripheral muscle relaxants. Twenty-four patients were examined in intensive care units on artificial lung ventilation (ALV). During the study, myographic artifacts were recorded in all patients in the EEG, the elimination of which was impossible without the use of pharmacological agents leading to relaxation of muscles - muscle relaxants of peripheral action. Complete suppression of myographic artifacts on the EEG was noted in all patients after the introduction of peripheral muscle relaxants. However, in 4 of them, EEG changes were noted in the period 2 to 3 minutes after the introduction of muscle relaxants and the disappearance of myographic artifacts on the EEG. These changes coincided in time with the changes recorded by the ECG channel. The EEG changes in time, coinciding with the changes in ECG indicators, suggest the presence of short-term disturbances of the functional state of the basic brain systems, probably due to changes in hemodynamics due to cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances. It is advisable to record the EEG with the inclusion of an ECG channel in the wiring diagram for synchronous recording.

Two-handed facemask technique effectively causes hyperventilation in electroconvulsive therapy: an observational study

BackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the mainstay treatment option for patients with psychiatric diseases, such as severe depression. Although various anesthetic techniques provide adequate therapeutic seizures, hyperventilation is a useful adjunct to augment seizure duration and improve seizure quality. We investigated how to efficiently use a facemask to accomplish protocolized hyperventilation and evaluate its effect on ECT seizure.MethodsWe studied 60 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent ECT. The patients were divided into two groups according to the technique of facemask ventilation used: the one-handed (n = 30) and two-handed (n = 30) groups. Following anesthesia induction under preoxygenation conditions, hyperventilation induced hypocapnia in the one-handed facemask group with manual bag ventilation was compared to that in the two-handed facemask group with assisted pressure-controlled ventilation. Ictal and peri-ictal electroencephalogram parameters and cardiovascular responses were monitored and compared between the one-handed and two-handed groups.ResultsThe two-handed technique demonstrated better electroencephalogram regularity and minimized cardiovascular stress compared to the one-handed technique. These conclusions come from the fact that the one-handed technique induced a substantial volume of leaks around the facemask (201.7 ± 98.6 mL/breath), whereas minimal leaks (25.8 ± 44.6 mL/breath) with stabler and higher ventilation rate led to greater inhaled minute ventilation in the two-handed group (the one-handed group, 9.52 ± 3.94 L/min; the two-handed group, 11.95 ± 2.29 L/min; p < 0.005). At the end of ECT treatment, all parameters of blood pressure and heart rate increased significantly in both groups equally, with lower SpO2 and more ST-segment depression on the electrocardiogram in the one-handed group. Comparing baseline values before anesthesia, ECT treatment significantly depressed ST-segment in both groups, while the degree of depression in ST-segment increased significantly in the one-handed group compared to that in the two-handed group.ConclusionsEnd-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring for hyperventilation can reliably ensure hypocapnia only in the two-handed group. In ECT, the two-handed technique assisted by pressure-controlled ventilation is an effective and practical method for hyperventilation to induce adequate therapeutic seizures. While, the two-handed group with sufficient preoxygenation did not cause more cardiovascular stress than the one-handed group.Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry 000046544, Date of registration 05/01/2022.

Short term Heart Rate Variability in Rats

Objective: A sustainable animal model is needed to detect Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunctions, which can be assessed by recording electrocardiogram and analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Therefore, the present study tried to find out the duration for HRV analysis for reliable results.Material and methods: Recording of Electroencephalogram (ECG) is reported in many articles. However, there is no information regarding the duration of ECG to be considered for the HRV analysis. Adult Wistar rat were used for a recording of ECG and HRV analysis. A combination of Ketamine 50 mg/kg and Xylazine 10 mg/kg was used for anesthésia in all the recordings. We analyzed the HRV parameters for all the records with 10 different durations starting from 1 minute to 10 minutes and compared.Results and Discussion: It was observed that, ECG parameters were within normal range while the data from HRV analysis from different duration showed wide discrepancies depending on the duration of ECG recording used for HRV analysis.Conclusion: The minimum duration of eight minutes of recording is likely to produce acceptable data for HRV parameters.

Impact of methodological variability on EEG responses evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the existing literature on how different parameters of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalogram (EEG) modulate the amplitudes of TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs). MethodsA comprehensive search was run in PubMed and completed by Google Scholar to find articles studying healthy participants who underwent single pulse TMS-EEG sessions over their left primary motor cortex (M1) or dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The amplitudes of the most commonly investigated TEP peaks for DLPFC stimulation (positives: 25, 60, 185 ms, negatives: 40, 100 ms) and M1 stimulation (positives: 30, 55,180 ms and negatives: 15, 45, 100, 280 ms) were extracted from studies. ResultsCohen’s d effect sizes were obtained in five independent categories that were stratified based on the stimulation, recording, and analyzing parameters. The overall effect sizes and equivalent means and standard deviations were computed within every category. ConclusionsThis meta-analysis spotlights the need to rigorously and systematically control for the critical parameters in recording and analyzing TMS-EEG data to make the outcomes of further studies more comparable to the current body of literature. SignificanceThe study demonstrates the possibility of reliably measuring TEPs by offering approximate ranges for every TEP peak in the most commonly targeted areas of DLPFC and M1.

Implementation of an electroencephalogram-guided propofol anesthesia education program in an academic pediatric anesthesia practice.

Propofol total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is increasingly popular in pediatric anesthesia, but education on its use is variable and over-dosage adverse events are not uncommon. Recent work suggests that electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters can guide propofol dosing in the pediatric population. This education quality improvement project aimed to implement a standardized EEG TIVA training program over 12 months in a large pediatric anesthesia division. The division consisted of 63 faculty, 11 clinical fellows, 32 residents, and 28 nurse anesthetists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The program was assessed for effectiveness (a significant improvement in EEG knowledge scores), scalability (training 50% of fellows and staff), and sustainability (recurring EEG lectures for 80% of rotating residents and 100% of new fellows and staff). The key drivers included educational content development (lectures, articles, and hand-outs), training a cohort of EEG TIVA trainers, intraoperative teaching (teaching points and dosing tables), decision support tools (algorithms and anesthesia electronic record pop-ups), and knowledge tests (written exam and verbal quiz during cases). Over 12 months, 78.5% of the division (62/79) completed EEG training and test scores improved (mean score 38% before training vs 59% after training, p < .001). Didactic lectures were given to 100% of the fellows, 100% (11/11) of new staff, and 80% (4/5 blocks) of rotating residents. This quality improvement education project successfully trained pediatric anesthesia faculty, staff, residents, and fellows in EEG-guided TIVA. The training program was effective, scalable, and sustainable over time for newly hired faculty staff and rotating fellows and residents.

EEG microstate temporal Dynamics Predict depressive symptoms in College Students

Previous studies on resting-state electroencephalographic responses in patients with depressive disorders have identified electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters as potential biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of depressive disorders. However, these studies did not investigate the relationship between resting-state EEG microstates and the early detection of depressive symptoms in preclinical individuals. To explore the possible association between resting-state EEG microstate temporal dynamics and depressive symptoms among college students, EEG microstate analysis was performed on eyes-closed resting-state EEG data for approximately 5min from 34 undergraduates with high intensity of depressive symptoms and 34 age- and sex-matched controls with low intensity of depressive symptoms. Five microstate classes (A-E) were identified to best explain the datasets of both groups. Compared to controls, the mean duration, occurrence, and coverage of microstate class B increased significantly, whereas the occurrence and coverage of microstate classes D and E decreased significantly in individuals with high intensity of depressive symptoms. Additionally, the presence of microstate class B was positively correlated with participants' Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores, and the presence of microstate classes D and E were negatively correlated with their BDI-II scores. Further, individuals with high intensity of depressive symptoms had higher transition probabilities of A→B, B→A, B→C, B→D, and C→B, with lower transition probabilities of A→D, A→E, D→A, D→E, E→A, E→C, and E→D than controls. These results highlight resting-state EEG microstate temporal dynamics as potential biomarkers for the early detection and timely treatment of depression in college students.

An Exploratory Evaluation of a Low Dose Theanine Consumption on Improving Sleep in Middle-Aged and Older Males

L-theanine (theanine), one of the ingredients of green tea, had been proven to have anti-anxiety, anti-stress, memory, cognitive, and sleep improvement effects in most clinical trials. However, these effects have shown efficacy at a dose of 200–400 mg of theanine a day. In this study, we explored the sleep-improving effects of a lower dose (100 mg/day) of theanine. A double-blind, randomized crossover study was conducted on 25 middle-aged and older males. Participants were randomly assigned to Groups A and B. Group A took theanine first, and Group B took theanine later in the intervention period. The participants took theanine/placebo for one week. Electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters were measured with a monitoring device during sleep, and subjective sleep quality after waking up was evaluated using a questionnaire. Following the statistical analysis between interventions, subgroup analyses according to the participants’ background information were conducted on the representative sleep parameters of non-REM sleep, REM sleep, and wakefulness. Of the 25 participants, three withdrew from this study. In the sleep analysis, there was no significant difference in all sleep parameters between the theanine and placebo periods. In particular, the difference in the percentage of nonREM sleep in stage 2 per sleep duration was not significant (p = 0.053). However, subgroup analysis of the results showed that the percentage of non-REM sleep in stage 2 in groups aged &lt;50 years was higher in theanine than that of the placebo, and in groups with green tea consumption habit of &lt;3 to 4 days per week (p = 0.018, 0.048). The intake of 100 mg/day of theanine does not have an effect on sleep improvement. However, subgroup analyses showed that theanine had an improved effect in stage 2 non-REM sleep according to age and green tea consumption habit.

The methodology and dataset of the coscience eeg-personality project – a large-scale, multi-laboratory project grounded in cooperative forking paths analysis

Despite a plethora of research, associations between individual differences in personality and electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters remain poorly understood due to concerns of low replicability and insufficiently powered data analyses due to relatively small effect sizes. The present article describes how a multi-laboratory team of EEG-personality researchers aims to alleviate this unsatisfactory status quo. In particular, the present article outlines the design and methodology of the project, provides a detailed overview of the resulting large-scale dataset that is available for use by future collaborators, and forms the basis for consistency and depth to the methodology of all resulting empirical articles. Through this article, we aim to inform researchers in the field of Personality Neuroscience of the freely available dataset. Furthermore, we assume that researchers will generally benefit from this detailed example of the implementation of cooperative forking paths analysis.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation with the device “VEB” ® on the human body

Background. In 2015, a generator for electrotherapy and stimulation oh human nerve centers was created, called “VEB-1”®. Preliminary observation of volunteers revealed a modulating effect of a four-day course of electrical stimulation on the parameters of electroencephalogram, metabolism, as well as gas-discharge visualization (GDV). In this message, we present the results of the approbation of the device on an expanded contingent of volunteers with the use of additional research methods and a new modification of the device. Material and research methods. The object of observation were employees of the sanatorium “Moldova”, patients with chronic cholecystitis: 19 women 30-62 y and 19 men 25-63 y. In the morning registered HRV (“CardioLab+HRV”, “KhAI-Medica”, Kharkiv, UA), EEG (“NeuroCom Standard”, “KhAI-Medica”, Kharkiv, UA), kirlianogram by the method of GDV (“GDV Chamber”, “Biotechprogress”, SPb, RF), electroconductivity of skin in three pairs of points of acupuncture (“Medissa”), electrokinetic index of buccal epithelium ("Biotest", Kharkiv State University), as well as some endocrine, immune and metabolic parameters. After the initial testing, an transcutaneous electrical stimulation session was performed with a “VEB-1”® or a “VEB-2” devices. The next morning after completing the four-day course, retesting was performed. Results. Electrical stimulation causes a sympathotonic shift in the sympatho-vagal balance and an increase in PSD of delta-rhythm generating neurons combined with a decrease in PSD of beta- and theta-rhythm generating neurons. This is accompanied by increase in phagocytosis and favorable changes in immune, biochemical and biophysical parameters as well as increase in testosterone level in men only. The integral effects on the constellation of registered body parameters of both device modifications do not differ significantly. Conclusion. The "VEB" device exerts an adaptogenic effect on the body through transcutaneous electrical stimulation of neurons.