A classification-based generative approach to selective targeting of global slow oscillations during sleep.

Background: Given sleep's crucial role in health and cognition, numerous sleep-based brain interventions are being developed, aiming to enhance cognitive function, particularly memory consolidation, by improving sleep. Research has shown that Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) during sleep can enhance memory performance, especially when used in a closed-loop (cl-tACS) mode that coordinates with sleep slow oscillations (SOs, 0.5-1.5Hz). However, sleep tACS research is characterized by mixed results across individuals, which are often attributed to individual variability. Objective/Hypothesis: This study targets a specific type of SOs, widespread on the electrode manifold in a short delay ("global SOs"), due to their close relationship with long-term memory consolidation. We propose a model-based approach to optimize cl-tACS paradigms, targeting global SOs not only by considering their temporal properties but also their spatial profile. Methods: We introduce selective targeting of global SOs using a classification-based approach. We first estimate the current elicited by various stimulation paradigms, and optimize parameters to match currents found in natural sleep during a global SO. Then, we employ an ensemble classifier trained on sleep data to identify effective paradigms. Finally, the best stimulation protocol is determined based on classification performance. Results: Our study introduces a model-driven cl-tACS approach that specifically targets global SOs, with the potential to extend to other brain dynamics. This method establishes a connection between brain dynamics and stimulation optimization. Conclusion: Our research presents a novel approach to optimize cl-tACS during sleep, with a focus on targeting global SOs. This approach holds promise for improving cl-tACS not only for global SOs but also for other physiological events, benefiting both research and clinical applications in sleep and cognition.

The Effect of a Midwife-Based Group Discussion Education on Sexual Dysfunction Beliefs in Rural Postmenopausal Women.

INTRODUCTION: Correcting sexual beliefs can affect women's sexual function. There are very limited interventional studies on correcting the sexual dysfunction beliefs in postmenopausal women living in rural areas. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of a midwife-based group education on sexual dysfunction beliefs in one group of rural postmenopausal women. METHODS: The present study was a quasi-experimental pre-post design without a control group. The study population included rural menopausal women who referred to rural health centers. The study sample consisted of 50 participants who have all received education program. The education was held in six group discussion sessions. The data gathering tool used in this study was the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire which was completed before and after the education. This questionnaire consists of 33 items and includes 6 subscales. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 53.26 years. Approximately half of the participants (48%) had primary education. The mean scores of sexual dysfunction beliefs before and after education were 114.58 and 58.56, respectively (p-value<0.001). The mean scores of sexual conersations, affection primacy, motherhood-related beliefs, sexual desire and pleasure as sin beliefs, age-related beliefs, and body image beliefs before intervention were 14.38, 21.38, 13.9, 23.64, 20.74, 17.04, respectively, and after intervention were 6.9, 11.80, 8.64, 12.48, 7.7, 9.40, respectively. CONCLUSION: Rural postmenopausal women had problems with sexual dysfunction beliefs. A midwife-based group discussion education on this matter had significantly improved the sexual dysfunction beliefs in them. Further studies are needed in this regard.

Lemon balm: A promising herbal therapy for patients with borderline hyperlipidemia-A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Melissa officinalis is a perennial herb from the Lamiaceae family which has shown to have modulating effects on serum lipid profile. The aim of the current study is to explore the effects of M. officinalis supplementation on serum biochemical parameters of patients with borderline hyperlipidemia. METHODS: 58 hyperlipidemic patients were allocated randomly to 2 groups: first group received capsules containing 1000mg M. officinalis leaf powder (MO group), and the second group received placebo capsules (P group) 3 times per day for 2 months. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HDL, LDL, Triglyceride, Creatinine and liver function enzymes including AST and ALT were evaluated before and after study. RESULTS: The mean of LDL in MO group significantly decreased compared with P group after the supplementation (P=0.02). Although the level of Cholesterol, FBG, HDL, Triglyceride, Creatinine and ALT did not show significant difference between two groups after 2 months (P≥0.05), the level of AST exhibited a significant difference between two groups (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that M. officinalis supplementation as a rich source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds can be effective in remission of LDL and AST levels in patients with borderline hyperlipidemia.